Friday, May 21, 2010

THE TALES OF THE 0% APR CREDIT CARD

People used to think that they had enough on their benefits with their credit cards. They thought that the rewards they get and the low interest they have is already enough to last a lifetime.

However, there are instances when they get to have the chance of seeing promotions like 0% APR. Now, this is really something. But the question is, is it true? Is there a great probability that credit card companies can actually offer a 0% APR?

For most financial experts, they contend that it is, indeed, possible. In fact, credit card companies would definitely go for this kind of scheme just to get the consumers on their hook.

That sounds too good to be true, indeed. But the question is how come they can offer something so good just like that?

Normally, 0% annual percentage rate or APR lasts only for 6 months. The countdown starts from the day the credit card is claimed.

In most instances, 0% APR are attractive to people who would want to have a balance transfer. This is because they would want to consolidate all of their debts into one payment only. And because they have a huge pile of debt, they would rather go to a credit company that can offer them lower interest rates.

With things like 0% APR credit card, who can resist them?

Moreover, with the 6-month timeframe, people will get to have the chance of paying their standing debts for a whole six month-period only. That would be a lot of savings.

But then again, 0% APR credit cards are not at all beneficial to everybody. As they say, there is always an exception to the rule. This refers to those who do not accumulate interest charges simply because they have outstanding balance. So, they wouldn’t feel the necessity of getting a 0% APR credit card.

The best credit cards for these types of people are those that offer rewards and cash backs instead of lower rates.

All of these boil down to one point, that people must be aware on how these wonderful offers can provide them the benefit that they want.

Indeed, there are lots of rewards and 0% APR credit card out there. But if it will not work for those who do not really them because of the mentioned situations, then it’s best not to have them at all. Besides, the best 0% reward is not to have a credit card at all.

Advantages to Managed Care Plans

There are many different types of Health insurance plans out there. Picking the right one for yourself can be troublesome in the beginning, especially if you don't know what you are looking for. You might have trouble deciding which one would be better for you.

Health insurance is divided into two large categories-indemnity and managed care plans. Indemnity plans, also commonly called reimbursement plans, will reimburse your medical expenses up to a certain limit. Under the Reimbursement plan, the insurer pays a percentage of the total charges, regardless of how much the charges are. With the indemnity plan, the insurer will pay a specified amount every day for a specified number of days. The amount reimbursed does not rely on the cost of medical care, but what you are reimbursed will never exceed your expenses.

The other popular type of health insurance plans is managed care plans. The three types of policies categorized as managed care plans are HMOs, POSs, and PPOs. This type of insurance is more popular than the indemnity plan, as they offer more flexibility. With these types of options you either pay a monthly fee no matter how many times you see a doctor, or pay a co-payment but no monthly fee. With managed care plans, you are given options of care. The plan you choose and the amount of money you wish to pay determines how big of a network of doctors and specialists you can see and still be covered under the plan. Some managed car plans (most often PPOs) offer sponsorship programs from a network of hospitals and medical services. You can often get this kind of plan through your employer.

Managed healthcare plans are better for the average person due to the fact that they are more cost effective. While indemnity plans may give you a lot more freedom in cost, you will have to use the healthcare provider that the insurer chooses. If you have a specific disability, this can present itself as a problem. In the long run, a managed care plan will save you money, especially if emergencies arise when you are out of town. These types of plans also are more flexible in policy. Before you purchase any kind of health insurance, be sure to research the many options available for you and your family to ensure you receive the best coverage possible for the lowest monthly premium or deductible.

Personal Loan Research

Taking the time to research the area of personal loans can be exciting for those interested in finding the best rates and lenders to work with. While this can be time consuming, it also levels the playing field. It can often give you the leverage to negotiate the personal loan types you want from a reputable lender. This is also a great way to prevent yourself from being taken advantage of by a few scrupulous lenders.

One of the best places to start for your personal loan research is the going rates of the industry at the time you are looking to secure such a loan. This will give you a solid comparison when you start looking at the rates individual lenders are offering. There are several things to take into consideration regarding the loan rate.

First, make sure you do an updated search in this area if a period of time lapses between your initial research and when you start looking into a personal loan as rates change often. Next, make sure you are aware of your credit history and credit score. You can expect an interest rate very similar to the industry rate if you have good to excellent credit. However, if your credit has some damage be prepared for that rate to increase on your particular personal loan.

Personal loans may have fees associated with them. It is important for you to understand that it is against the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission for lenders to take any money upfront for a personal loan application or processing fee. Any such fees must be included in the loan. The Federal Trade Commission is an excellent resource for you to look at. Here you will find all the possible personal loan fees that are allowed to be assessed. Make sure you ask any potential lender for a disclosure of all fees, allowing you to find out the entire cost of a personal loan. You have the right to report any violations of these regulations to the Federal Trade Commission in writing, over the phone, or online.

There are many lenders out there offering personal loans. This includes banks, investment brokers, and other financial institutions. Over the years, internet lends have cropped up on every search engine. It is important that you research the lender you anticipate working with. To start, make sure the lender doesn’t have ongoing issues with customers.

You can check this information at no charge. Simply review online postings from other consumers as well as checking with the Better Business Bureau. You will also want to find out how long the business has been established. Further research can help you find out information pertaining to lenders including interest rates for personal loans, terms and conditions, maximum loan amounts, and repayment terms.

Personal loans offer financial relief and aid to many individuals. The funds can be used for a variety of needs. People often apply for them when they need money in a hurry. However, it is in your best interest to conduct research on the personal loan industry before applying for such a loan. There is wonderful information available regarding the going personal loan interest rate as well as individual lender information. Taking the time to conduct research of personal loans can help ensure you get the right loan for your needs at an awesome interest rate.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Personal Loan Collection Officer

Personal loans are a great way to obtain the funds you need to pay for many different financial endeavors including vehicles, home repairs, vacation, and education. It is important to pay back such personal loans as outlined in the terms of your loan. If you fail to do so, you will likely be hearing from a personal loan collection officer.

The job of a personal loan collection officer is not an easy one. They are human, so they will feel bad for the position many borrowers are in. However, it is their job to work hard to ensure the lending institution is repaid the money that was borrowed. It is in a borrower’s best interest to work with a personal loan collection officer from the very beginning. They are willing to help you find a solution that will work for both parties. However, if you refuse to answer their questions or return calls to discuss the reason for non-payment, they can’t help you.

If the personal loan officer and the borrower can work out the issues with the payments, then both will go their separate ways. This may include the borrower catching up on the payments or the loan being re-written with lower payment amounts. Some lending institutions will waive late fees if the borrow agrees to discuss their finances with a financial counselor. This is to help prevent the situation from appearing again down the road. Generally, the financial counseling involves taking a look at your budget and finding ways to reduce spending. These are classes held at no charge through the lending institution.

In situations where the personal loan office can’t negotiate acceptable terms with the borrower collateral on the account will be seized. There will only be collateral associated with the loan if the loan is secured. After the collateral is seized, it will be sold to repay towards the loan. If there is still an outstanding balance, then the personal loan office may move forward with turning the account over to a collection agency or take the borrower to court.

In the event there is no collateral on the loan because it is an unsecured personal loan, the personal loan officer will follow the same procedures above. The account will either be turned over to collections or taken to a court of law. If the borrower had a co-signer on the account, they will be contacted prior to the account being processed further. If the co-signer does not accept the responsibility for the loan then they too will be turned over to collections or taken to court.

Defaulting on a personal loan is a serious issue. It can have grave affects on your credit, affecting your ability to obtain loans in the future. A personal loan collection officer will try to work with those who loans are in default to come up with a logical solution. If one can not be found, further action will have to be taken. To prevent this from happening to you only borrow money when you have to. Budget your personal loan payment each month and stick to it. If you can’t make a payment, contact the lender immediately. They are more likely to work with you if they are kept aware of the situation as it unfolds.

Bank Secured Credit Cards

Even though there are many types of credit cards out there for consumers, there are few for those with bad credit. Those who are looking to repair their credit have a few options available, one of which is the bank secured credit card. This credit card can help you to repair your credit, as it works in conjunction with your savings or checking account.

Bank secured credit cards look and work just like traditional credit cards, although they use your bank account as collateral. Anytime you aren’t able to pay your credit card bill at the due date, the bank will take the money out of your account. This way, there is always money there for the bank, in the event that you are unable to make your payment.

Bank secured credit cards are also ideal for those who have a bankruptcy or simply don’t qualify for a line of credit due to bad credit or no credit history. These credit cards show your bank that you are able to pay your monthly dues, and that you are taking the necessary steps in rebuilding or building your credit. Over time, if you remain responsible and pay your bill on time, your bank may give you an unsecured line of credit - known as a standard credit card with no collateral.

Due to the fact that bank secured credit cards only allow you to spend what have in your account, you don’t need to worry about debt. When you can’t make a payment, the bank simply takes the money out of your account. Although this is a great back up plan, you should always pay your bill and never let this happen.

Just like other credit cards, bank secured credit cards do have disadvantages that can hit you like a ton of bricks should you use the card irresponsibly. Anytime you don’t pay your bill on time, the bank can hit you with high interest charges and late charges. These charges and fees can get higher and higher if you don’t start paying your bill, which can eventually cause you to drain your account that you set aside. If you pay your bill on time though, you won’t have to worry about being hit with these types of charges.

For those who have bad credit or need to start building credit, a bank secured credit card is a great place to start. These cards can lead you to an unsecured credit card, providing you pay your bill on time. Almost all banks offer these credit cards, all you have to do is ask. Once you have kept your credit card in good standing for a period of time - you’ll have the satisfaction in knowing that you are taking the right steps in rebuilding your credit.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Budget Like Mom

Budgeting is truly the turf of most mothers. Aside from the traditional role imposed on mothers as the one who budgets the family finances, mothers have the instincts and foresights on what might happen in the future.

But how do moms really stretch the budget? She neither uses complicated formulas nor magic tricks but simple ingenuity and common sense. Peek in through moms’ secrets in budgeting and learn. Role modeling is a good way to encourage attitude, especially towards money.

1. She clearly knows where all the money goes. Usually it goes to child care apart from the housing, health insurance, food and clothing. It is unlikely for her to cut cost on her children.

2. She studies all options given to her in terms of child care. Before she decides, she examines all aspects like safety, health and education.

3. To understand more, she talks to local child-care specialists and works out schedules with her employer for bonding time with kids.

4. For working moms, it is double the effort. They take care of the house and the children and at the same time work. She incorporates practical ways to accomplish both roles.

• Wearing professional clothes than trendy ones.
• Stays elegant but simple through a combination of basic colors.
• Dry cleaning costs a hefty amount, so, she dons on wash-and-wear clothes.
• Tone down on accessories.
• She engages in a lot of do-it-yourself habits like in cleaning spots and ironing wrinkles in her personal wardrobes.

5. Moms always shop with a list in her hand to keep track of her budget and expenses. She makes sure she does not exceed. Also, she has no time for checking out tempting stuff at the shopping mall.

IMPORTANCE OF SAVING: SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST

The value of money cannot be underestimated. In a recent national survey, more than 96% Americans agreed that early monetary savings would help one achieve a fruitful and stable life.

Saving is a way of insulating oneself from the many symptoms of health and natural adversity. While an average youth of yesteryears thinks more about short-term financial goals such as purchasing a new pair of signature shoes, owning a new jet ski or a brand new car, statistics show that more and more are starting to realize the importance of keeping a personal savings.

Long terms goals are described as goals that have a lasting effect should a person’s present actions be religiously maintained.

The following statements are outlined to provide information and tips on how you can start up your money-saving gimmicks and ensure a happy and financially stable future and list the reasons as to why saving money should occupy a greater place in our list of priorities in life.

Reasons for Saving:

1. Saving for your Future and Present Needs – Saving today will provide you with flexible financial resources in the future.

Keeping at least 20% of your monthly earnings while using the other for your household, personal and unexpected expenses will surely play a big part in your pursuit for a stable future.

2. Saving for an Investment Need – Savings can also be a source of your future capital for engaging in business enterprises.

It will provide you more opportunity for venturing on your unexplored talents and earn you a huge potential in increasing your money exponentially.

3. Saving for your Retirement – More than 23% of today’s elderly were shown to have failed in one instance in their lives, to save and strategically used their money for preparing their way to retirement. As a result, these folks extend their entire retirement career working on an equally satisfying job that pays them enough to cover their basic expenses.

Keys to Fulfilling your Saving Goals:

No matter how good our intentions and objectives for saving are, we should also take note that goals can fall and touched the following baselines or characteristics.

1. Attainability – Goals should be something attainable and one which can be achieved without you doing something extraordinary or illegal. A little amount of patience and hard work are key.

2. Consistency – Changing your goals from time to time due to incidents that may arise in the near future are sure ways to deterring your intention to save.

While we need to focus on the present incidents, we also need to take hold of our original intention and continue until you have gained enough leads to get it.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Consolidation Service Debt Settlement Versus Debt Consolidation

Consolidation services for debt settlement are often a better solution than debt consolidation. These services help you to free your life of stress by ending the harassing phone calls and letters. In some instances, consolidation services have helped people by reducing their bills to less than half the amount owed. The families and individuals were able to avoid bankruptcy courts, and their debts were eliminated in as little as three years.

Many of the services for debt consolidation claim the process is simple and free of stress. However, it is frustrating since you must be organized to get the help you need. If you have problems with organizing, then you may feel a sense of stress. On the other hand, the counselors are qualified to negotiate on your behalf, requesting lower payments and lower debts, sometimes even up to 70%. This will provide you with lower monthly installments. Instead of dealing with the creditors individually, the counselor for debt management will handle this for you; this, too, will eliminate stress.

The balances you pay toward eliminating your debts are based on your income, and are often determined by 75% living costs. In other words, some companies determine how much money you can afford to pay the creditor after they figure the price of living. However, if you have mortgage payments, then this will reduce the percentage of living costs, since the mortgage is a source of living and a source of debt. Legally, it is against the law for any company to take more than you s make. In other words, any service that offers debt relief or other types of service must factor in your cost of living. Of course, the counselors will help you to cutback on your spending during the settlement process, thus helping you to increase your source of income.

How to Best Achieve Debt Consolidation and Payment Reduction

Few online debt consolidation lenders will help debtors reduce their debts. Homeowners who are in over their heads in debt can use their homes as collateral to payoff their debts. The loans offered are given to the debtor to repay the debts; and then the debtor must payoff the loan in monthly installments. In other words, your bills are calculated and rolled into one monthly installment. If you have credit cards, then the interest rates will roll into the monthly installment, as well if you have personal or home loans or other types of loans, then the interest rates are rolled in to one balance per month.

Some debt consolidations make it easy and offer short applications, which will link you to an expert who will search for a solution to reduce your debts by assessing your information. Money Management International (MMI) is one of the many online "Consumer Credit Counseling Services" (CCCS) that is a non-profit organization that offers support to debtors. The non-profit organizations are sometimes safer to use than the organized services. Since MMI is a member of the Better Business Bureau, I will refer to this debt consolidation reduction organization to help you get an idea of what is available to you.

Once you sign up at an online debt consolidation reduction organization and are approved, then the professional financial guides will work with your creditors, asking for leniency. This means that the experts will work hard to get a reduction on your debts. For example, if you are paying $1000 per month in bills, some debt counselors will work to get your debts reduced to $500 give or take a couple hundred. This figure is half the amount you were paying in the first place. What a bargain!

Options for the Best Credit Card

Consumers who want to maximize their options on a credit card should first find out all the terms and related costs associated with a particular card. For those who feel that the best credit card is one that is low-rate and no-frills, they should determine if the card has annual charges, as no-frills users do not need to pay such fees. Some upscale prestige cards, air-mile credit cards and similar rewards packages collect annual fees in exchange for perks, services and other rewards.

The definition of a best credit card varies depending on personal preference. Individuals currently have many options available in the market, including instant approval cards, cash back credit cards, low-interest credit cards and prepaid debit cards.

The percentage rate (APR) is another crucial element users must weigh before signing up for what they feel is the best credit card in the market, particularly those with balances, as lower interest rates mean lower payments for carriage and substantial savings.

For fixed-rate cards, owners can expect interest rates to be more stable – a credit card on 12.99% interest is likely to remain at that level for a relatively longer period of time compared to a variable card. However, holders decided on securing the best credit card should be aware that even fixed-rate terms could change, although card companies are required by law to issue a written notice for any rate adjustment at least 15 days prior to their affectivity.

Variable-card customers need to know if their plans feature minimum APRs, or ‘floors’ – the lowest-possible levels that interest rates could fall to, inclusive of any adjustment by the US Federal Reserve. A Bankrate.com poll indicated floors for 24% of variable-rate issuers surveyed, with 75% of that group already at minimum APRs through October 2001. This means that the interest rate on these cards will only go up in the future.

How long or short a grace period is for settling balances is another factor that customers seeking the best credit card should consider. Since interest charges kick in when the grace period lapses, a company offering longer grace periods means a more extended time for users to settle outstanding obligations without paying interest before their next card purchases are penalized.

Individuals seeking the best credit card deal should also be aware of all penalty policies covering missed payments, purchases exceeding the limit or balance transfers. First USA and other providers have a $35 ceiling for such transfers, while Citibank has a $50 cap.

Online Credit Card Application: the Easiest Way to a Customer’s Heart

Many credit cards are offered in the market today thus, making companies more aggressive in advertising and marketing their card services. These companies (e.g. banks, department stores, specialty stores, airlines, hotels, etc.) have found a powerful tool in catching the attention of prospective card holders: online credit card application.

What advantage/s does online credit card application offer?

The bottom line of online credit card application is “convenience”. Online application is a dream-come-true to future card holders. Imagine not having to queue in long lines just to have a credit card approved. No travel cost just to get to the card company’s office. Since everything is computerized and automated, processing of the application is faster and more efficient.

What is/are the drawback/s of online credit card application?

The major drawback in applying for a credit card online is internet security: computer hacking makes identity theft possible. Make sure that online application is done through a trusted and secure computer.

Do credit cards applied for online offer additional benefits?

No, basically all the services and benefits are the same. Here are some of the benefits given to card holders and future members:

1. airline miles
2. cash back
3. business
4. retail
5. shopping
6. rewards

How does one apply for a credit card online?

Online credit card application is very straightforward. Just follow the directions as prompted. Credit card companies have their respective web sites which are easy to search in the web. Just type the name of the bank, department store/specialty shop, or airlines and add the key words “online credit card application”, and the computer screen will display the search results as well as the URL.

Here are some other reminders when applying for a credit card online:

1. Determine your need for a credit card: travel, grocery, business.
2. Assess your earning capacity and compare this against your needs.
3. Look around the web for the credit card that matches your needs.
4. Check out the following information about your prospective credit card company through the internet:
5. Application fee. Some companies do not charge for applications.
6. Interest per month. Of course, choose the one with the lowest financial charges.
7. Benefits/Rewards/Advantages. These can sometimes spell the difference between good and best credit cards.
8. Disclaimer. This states additional limitations and/or scope to the credit card; make sure you read this.
9. Application requirements. This is to ensure that all necessary personal data and information are available to you when you do the actual online application.

10. Apply for a credit card online through a secure, trusted, and private computer, never in a public computer.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Guide To Better Budgeting

A budget is basically a money plan, outlining your financial goals. Having a budget, you can well establish and regulate funds, set and achieve your financial objectives, and make advance decisions as to how you want your finances to function well for you.

The main idea in budgeting is for you to put aside a certain amount of money for expected as well as unexpected costs.

Simply put, budgeting means an estimation of monthly home expenses basing it on previous expenses and bills.

The initial step to take in budgeting is to find out how long will your compensation last. Define fixed expenses like car payments, home rental, insurance, etc. Likewise follow up your expenditures thoroughly for a month so you can discover and understand where your funds are going. Through proper determination of your “spending patterns”, you can immediately identify solutions for effective budgeting.

For instance, when you have a steady monthly income of $4,000, you should subtract all your identified monthly bills from that income.

Other bills can be assessed and then subtracted from the amount of your income. The balance that remained after fixed costs can now be your budget in the household. Rather than allocating money for miscellaneous like gas, clothing, entertainment and groceries, financial planning will allow you instead to use proportions or percentages of it.

The strategic solution in order for budgeting to be successful is inflexibility as well as flexibility; there are fixed expenses so payment must be an inflexible factor.

Budgeting will best work when very scarce omissions are made to greater limits. The idea here is to formulate goals and plans, then abide by it as much as you possibly can.

Here are tips on how to budget:

1. Have good sense of money management. Your attitude is essential. Reach an agreement and compromise and know the significance of reducing expenditures; it all involves a lot of sacrifice.

2. Plan your situation. Make a listing with your earnings to one side and your overheads on the other side.

3. Know the difference between luxuries and necessities. List down what you believe as luxuries, with it, split the list in half, crossing out half the list.

4. Practice frugality but with dignity. You can have fun with little or without spending at all. Rather than going shopping, play with the kids at the beach or at the park.

Budgeting is an effective and fundamental tool that is readily available to everyone. Consider it, and benefit from it.

A Little Goes a Long Way: Smart Secrets to Budgeting

There’s nothing more we want than to be able to efficiently manage our money. After all, the money that we want to manage is money that is oftentimes, hard earned. This is where a budget comes in. A budget executed properly, should help you see where your money is going, get more utility out of every buck, and help you save some extra for future use.

The first smart secret to a budget is to set a goal. What do you want to achieve? Do you want to correctly appropriate your income into bills payments? Do you want to put an amount aside for a big purchase or a huge investment? By having a goal, you will be able to shape your budget to best serve your interests.

Secondly, you would want to take note of where your money usually goes. This includes bills, major but regular purchases (like grocery costs, healthcare costs, and the like), and everyday miscellaneous purchases. Only when you list down where you know your money usually goes will you be able to identify which expenses you can do without. Once you’ve identified these regular expenditures, take into consideration what you can cut back on. How much do you spend on your daily caffeine fix in the morning? How much do you spend on newspaper deliveries to your front door? The measly $2 or $5 of these small purchases cumulatively translates to more than $3600 a year! Instead of buying your expensive latte or reading the newspaper on print, put aside the amount you would usually pay for these small routine purchases in a small container. You will be surprised at how much you’re saving out of your older budget.

Being indebted is a vicious cycle on its own. You’re talking about continuous payments, not to mention huge interest rates. The best way to deal with this is to pay the minimum on all of your debts in order to avoid paying extraneous late fees. Whatever cash excesses you may have, you can opt to add on to the payments you make in your biggest debt. This way, you are concentrated on getting the biggest debts first that cost you the greatest interest rates. Doing this progressively, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll get off your huge debts.

The last and most important step is to jot down the amount you earn the sum you spend. You can make use of computer cash management programs, or make database sheets of your own. Make a system that works for you and will help you keep track of your monthly budgeting progress.