How to Learn Real Estate Marketing?

By Jackie Silver

Real estate knowledge may be the most important aspect of creating a fulfilling real estate career. It doesn't matter what type of real estate business you want to partake in, you need to have knowledge to prevent you from making mistakes.

Those who liquidated and took the loss shortly after the bubble broke were the ones who took the minimal loss. Those who held on too long, have to wait awhile to bounce back. And bounce back the market will. Despite a down market, educated and motivated investors continue to invest.

Those who don't have the educated knowledge in real estate need to stick with their real jobs of working for "the man" or whatever you may be doing as a means of income.

The good times will be back again... there really is no denying history. The true question is where will you be when it does bounce back? You can be the individual who looks back in 5 years and say "I should have invested when real estate was at its lowest" or you can say "I'm so thankful I purchased in that down market."... it's your decision. As the clich goes... you can lead a horse to water... but you can't force the horse to drink!

If you have already decided that real estate is your dream career you may be ready to take an online course. This will help you prepare for the licensing exam in your area and give you the guidance you need to get started.

This is where a good business plan can go a long way. You will not be running around in circles wondering what you are going to do next, you will have a clearly defined plan.

Learning about real estate can also be obtained by finding a person you admire and finding out about their career path and the challenges they have faced.

Learning real estate can help you to determine if this type of career is right for you. You need to understand the hard work and knowledge it takes to make it in the real estate business.

When you are looking to take a real estate course you will want to find out what the opinions of other people who have taken the same course. This will help you decide if a course will provide you with what you need and what other people think about it.

Ask around with your friends and family. If you know someone, even a friend of a friend of a friend, who has sold a house recently, pick their brains. This is the best way to find a good, reliable real estate agent. You don't have to deal with a total stranger.

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Unsecured Credit Card

By Amanda Somrekli

Speaking of paper, tear up the pre-approved card offers receive in the mail; otherwise, they can be stolen and sent back in with a change of address request. Good record keeping will also help keep the wolves from your door.

Keep a list of all credit cards and their appropriate contact numbers handy in case of theft or loss. Also, be vigilant in checking monthly statements to make sure all purchases on a card are valid. Finally, though it may seem obvious, make sure you get your card back after making a purchase.

After getting their instructions you can do some small payments and then ask them to provide you a balance statement, which you will give to the mortgage originator so he can run a credit repair through Rapid Rescore. This can restore your credit score within 3-4 days, or in worse case a week.

Of course you want to do everything in your power to keep your rating up and as high as possible. But getting rid of or closing a credit card account will only cause a possible drop in your rating or credit score. Make sure you get your copy of your personal free annual credit report online to check the status of your accounts.

Credit cards are a necessary must have to establish any kind of credit. Many people unwillingly just sign up for as many credit cards as possible with the hopes that it will build up their credit. For others, the lure of being able to purchase a huge ticket item is too hard to resist signing up.

It may be time now to re-do your budget and spend only what you can afford. If you have to get rid of credit cards, by all means do it. The nice thing about secured cards is that you're able to control your spending since there is a cap on what you can spend.

Learn how you use a credit card - A credit card isn't hard to use but if you've had trouble in the past, try and use some of these steps in order to use a card the proper way. Learn how to pay your balance off in full each month as well as know what you're putting on your card.

The best way to do this is simply by either writing it down or marking down somewhere where you can remember. This way, when you go to your bills at the end of the month, you won't be surprised with the total.

Many gas station groups have their own credit cards. There are Conoco, SuperAmerica and Texaco. Some of these cards are able to be used at other stations, but usually it is stations that are affiliated with the company that issues the card.

Of course, this does not mean much when, as in most cases, the merchant does not bother to check it, but it certainly does not hurt. In addition, though many transactions occur online and over the phone, there is still a massive amount of paper out there that will have vital credit card information on it. Make sure you keep all receipts, and shred those you do dispose of.

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Can I Qualify For An Unsecured Debt Consolidation Loan

By Frank Froggatt

Nobody wants to hear or even entertain the word bankruptcy, but for many people who are drowning under a weight of debt, they may believe that it is their sole option. The truth of the subject is that there are alternatives to this drastic step. Options that can free you from the burdens and help you to find a little more comfy in your state of affairs.

One of these choices for relief is loan consolidation. This form of refinancing assists you to gain back control of your finances and your life. You may reckon that refinancing is simply for those who own a house but the truth is that you don't have to own a house to qualify for refinancing. Even if you do own a house it isn't always required to put it up for collateral. This is where what is referred to as an unsecured debt consolidation loan drops into place.

These brands of loans don't call for you to have any collateral. They give you the ability to pay back all of your financial debt without having to put your house, or want thereof into any peril. In most cases the interest rates are a bit higher because of the chance the financial institutions are making, but the comfort of not having your holding at peril is most times worth the additional cost.

But this can still interpret into lower monthly payments for you, particularly if your credit cards carry steep rates of interest to begin with and you've settled into the trap of paying late and accruing late requital fees. Those vanish when you pay back that debt with the moneys from the consolidation loan. It avails to have a working unsecured debt consolidation loan. And don't forget, shopping around always compensates; this shows you are aggressive and you may be able to negotiate a nicer interest rate.

If you shop around, negotiate, and still discover that the rate of interest is not going to make enough of a difference in your monthly requital to make life comfy again, look at opting for a long-term loan. While you will by and large end up paying out a greater total sum by the finish of the loan, lengthening the time span of your unsecured debt consolidation loan will lower your average monthly payment. That right there could make a huge difference for you.

Chances are that, if you are in this place, the late payments are already working mayhem on your credit score so the probabilities of gaining this unsecured loan are remote right? Well yes and no. With the current economy and the fiscal crisis banking companies are getting more tight on whom they will lend to but there are still organizations out there who will lend you money to consolidate, particularly if you have a solid employment history. Having this history isn't always necessary either though it certainly helps, there are organizations who will lend out to anyone you can merely reckon on paying a loftier interest rate.

If your bills are getting you down to the place that you're really studying bankruptcy, stop. Gather up those credit card bills, utility bills, department store card bills, doctor's bills and any other bill that's costing you sleep at night. Check Out an unsecured debt consolidation loan and learn how easy it can be to spare your credit and peace of mind.

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If you would like to learn more on the topic of Unsecured Debt Consolidation Loansthen visit mydebtconsolidationsite.us.

Avoid Paying the Credit Cards Late

By Paul J. Easton

A credit card debt is a form of unsecured debt accessed with plastics or credit cards. When a client of a certain credit card company purchases an item or service through the card system, credit card debt is incurred.

Usually, however, it is not the purchase of the item or service which gives clients the problem. Debt can accumulate with credit card interests when the client does not pay the company for the amount due. The result of not paying this debt on time is in the form of a late payment penalty. In addition, the credit card company will report the late payment to credit rating agencies for a note in your credit score.

Being late on a credit card payment is referred to as being in default. Moreover, this penalty increases the amount of debt too. The sad thing with the credit card systems is that when a consumer defaults on a payment from one card, it is possible that other creditors can increase their interest rates charged against you. This applies even with credit card companies you pay promptly. This situation is a way for credit card companies to tell one another and to show you their lack of interest to you and is referred to as universal default.

As much as possible, have the responsibility to pay even the minimum payments to avoid late payments. But this does not recommend you to continually pay the minimum only since this will affect you in the long run. If you have only been paying your minimum payments on your cards, analyze your budget to pay at least twice without having late payments too. This plan will at least bring those balances down and reduce the finance charges too.

It is always easy to get yourself in debt but hard to keep up in paying it back. Have the items or services you wish but have the responsibility to pay for them alter. That's what credit cards wanted to tell you. Until your credit scores are at its very bottom, protect your credit and get rid of debt as fast as possible. Pay promptly and you will just be in good financial shape.

For more information on financial directory, get FREE Articles Tips at DollarGuides.com. Get debt-free today with tips on how to get rid of debt here. Start improving your personal finance today.

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How to get Rid of Credit Card Debt Fast with FREE Articles Tips at DollarGuides.com. Help tips and more plus Credit Card Debt Information

Living Beyond Your Means ??" A Very Common Trend

By William Blake

It is a very common practice for people to buy things that they don't have the money to pay for. They may charge it and then find themselves in debt for months or years trying to pay for it. Or they may play the game of beat the check to the bank. This is the common trend of living beyond ones means.

We all know how much money we are going to earn each week, each month and each year. Our paychecks are not a surprise to us when we receive them. Nevertheless, people continue to spend more money than they make.

Marketing and commercialism add fuel to the fire. We already have the tendency to want more than we can afford and to want it right now. Commerce makes that all too easy with offers of 12 months same as cash or no payments for 2 years. These kinds of offers make it so tempting to spend money we do not have. When the payments come due they are often impossible to handle.

Another danger is the misuse of credit cards. It is so easy to buy everything we want just by swiping that little card. However, we never factor into our monthly budget how we are going to pay for that purchase. We didn't have to give any cash away to get it and we don't even think about the expense again until the statement is due.

Often we are able to pay the full balance of the credit card when the statement is due so we pay only the required amount. That begins a horrible snowball effect that would stay with you for years to come. You may end up paying 10 times the amount for the item you purchased after the credit card interest grows over time.

Most people are not interested in learning how to better their finances. They find themselves faced with filing bankruptcy which is a terrible blow to their credit. There are financial advisors available to help people learn to better manage their money. However, very few people avail themselves of these services.

Credit cards have become the trend. It is acceptable for most people to have more debt than they could possibly pay. They are content to make the minimum payment amount each month and watch interest and continue to mound with no hope of paying the entire balance in the near future. This attitude leads to serious financial problems.

This vicious cycle will continue until we decide to make a change. If we continue to mishandle our money our children will learn to do the same thing. And credit card companies are happy for the trend to continue as they rake in huge interest charges and fatten their pockets.

About the Author:

Tire of barely keeping up with your credit card debt? Learn some simple credit card tips on the Debtopedia website. Get a free copy of my report "Secrets Of Credit Card Debt" at http://www.debtopedia.com

Use These 5 Tips to Help Prevent Identity Theft

By Harvey Warmuth

As you live your daily life, you need to be aware of the steps that you can take to not become identity thefts next victim. There are several common sense steps that you can take to minimize the risk to your identity. Only you truly care about the security of your personal information, so make sure you do what you can to ensure its safety.

Because it is up to you to make sure your identity is safe, you should consider following the below suggestions.

1. Security of your mail: You probably receive a lot of mail that contains personal information that can be very useful to someone who want to steal your identity. Consider receiving bank statements online and opting out of receiving credit card applications to make it that much harder to steal your identity.

2. Using a debit card: Every time you use your debit card as a credit card, you are opening yourself up to have your account information stolen. Remember that purchases made with your debit card cause money to almost immediately come out of your bank account, so if your card number is stolen, your money could be gone in a flash. Use a regular credit card instead since the money isn't drawn straight from your bank account.

3. Check writing: Every time you write a check for a purchase, you are putting out your checking account number and routing number for anybody to see. This is sometimes all that a thief needs in order to steal from you. Stop writing checks - pay with a credit card or electronically.

4. Virtual credit cards: A lot of banks and financial institutions are offering virtual credit cards. You are issued a one-time use credit card number that you can use to make purchases online. This keeps your real credit card numbers out of the hands of thieves.

5. Copy personal information: Keep a record of all of your banking account numbers, including credit card numbers. You should also keep copies of important personal documents like your drivers license and social security card. This information will be necessary if you ever lose any of these documents, or if you ever become a victim of identity theft.

The suggestions listed above are a great way to start making changes in your life to ensure that your identity is secure. Another step that you can take to make sure you never become a victim of identity theft is to make use of an identity theft security plan offered by a reputable company. Take the necessary steps to ensure your identity is safe.

About the Author:

Author Harvey Warmuth thinks that you should be doing more to protect your identity. Find out about identity theft protection by visiting his website: LifeLock Reviews

Face your Number Problems Now

By Paul J. Easton

More people are feeling the crunch and already start to wake up in the reality that their financial security is already in the ruins. Now, a lot of people have massive amount of debts and don't know what to do.

If you belong to this group of people, you should get some help. With financial knowledge and awareness, people can find solutions to their financial problems and can start all over again. Financial help will awaken you in the world of financial literacy. Without the awareness, you are lost in the jungle and will just go around in circles. In this article, you might get some tidbits of information, so read a bit more.

Most people are in great fear of numbers. But money is all about numbers and money should be studied well. Like in working towards being debt-free, plans should be created to reach your goals including carefully analyzing your financial situation and other related factors. And all of these require you to face numbers in many ways

Numbers should be used to carefully assess your assets versus your liability. With numbers, you also will have a careful contrast between your debt to be hurdled and a reasonable time frame to finish a certain goal. Without this, you will just simply work without a guide and will most of the time not help you toward achieving your debt-free goals. Eventually, you will just be doomed to failure.

In working out your numbers, you especially need a financial planner or advisor when doing this. If the simple record book filled with statements gives you chills, you better find a professional whom you can trust. By doing so, you will be guided in creating a detailed step by step guide to your financial goals, whether it is being debt free or achieving some form of financial security in your retirement.

Find a way to face your problems in life rather than escape it, by taking the courage, you will be rewarded. For problems will still reach you wherever you go, it's time to stop it from bothering you now. Take the action and just believe in yourself.

For more information on financial directory, get FREE Articles Tips at DollarGuides.com. Get debt-free today with tips on how to get rid of debt here. Start improving your personal finance today.

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How to get Rid of Credit Card Debt Fast with FREE Articles Tips at DollarGuides.com. Help tips and more plus Credit Card Debt Information

Basic Suggestions On Getting Online Debt Consolidation

By Nick Svengali

Here are basic pointers on finding easy unsecured debt consolidation:

- Go for unsecured loans. Some financial institutions can offer unsecured personal loans to people who want to go for online debt consolidations. This is useful for folks who already have a lousy credit rating or those who can't put up any collateral or equity. This is because in unsecured personal loans, you do not have to present anything except perhaps the invoices that you want to be consolidated. This presents a greater risk to the company. There's an increased possibility that you won't be able to pay back back the debt. So, consolidations through this method can attract very high rates and repayment terms are shortened.

- Budget Planning. Budget preparation is a priority for fiscal well being. Managing your finances without a proper plan is hard. It is also hard to plan when your revenue and expenditure are the same. However, it is possible to find out how you can easily pay off your consolidation loan installments.

- Study credit score reports. You have to check the report completely and then try to comprehend your consolidation. Get assistance from others and get the full picture since most areas in a credit score report are critical.

- Your creditors can harass you daily with telephone calls until they get their cash back. There's no point in arguing with them. You are just talking to a telesales operative in a cubicle farm somewhere in India or Indiana. Each time they call you, or you call them, you will be talking to a different person.

- You decide which plan(s) suit your needs. Be careful when selecting the company. Always go for brokers with good reputations in the market and lots of good borrower reviews. The firm should be in business for years and be equal to easily addressing your case.

- Due to a poor fiscal situation most people don't have enough money to pay back all of their debts at once. To overcome this, as a last resort, you can utilize lenders who through negotiation can trim your payments.

- You can get rid of chivvying telephone calls. Debtors receive lots of warning calls from companies. Thankfully, there are also many companies that not only furnish consolidations, but can also work as your spokesperson to settle your debts with other finance brokers. Beware of firms that supply a solution that decreases your combined payment but raises your overall debt.

- Take advantage of 0 per-cent interest rates of credit-cards. Your credit-card lender can also assist with the consolidation process by making sure that you don't incur any interest once you transfer your balance. However, you have to be very thorough. You will only be entitled to employ this as long as you can apply for a transfer between six and fifteen months. Otherwise, you will begin incurring interest. You also have to monitor the related fees. You need to reckon if it is worth proceeding with.

I hope these few beginner ideas will be of some use to you in finding simple unsecured debt consolidation.

About the Author:

Nicky Svengali is an author for online debt consolidation and offshore bank account internet sites in London, UK.

Wise Investment in Your Las Vegas Home Insurance

By R. Lee

Many have purchased homes in Las Vegas in the past few years. And in Las Vegas, if you have mortgage, you need homeowners insurance. Even if you have paid off your mortgage, it is wise to continue the coverage until you no longer owned the property. Las Vegas has many wildfires which can destroy your home, so Las Vegas Home Insurance is a wise investment in the safety of your finances.

To make sure you get the lowest price available and the coverage you need, take time to research and look at different coverages available. This can all be done at the comfort of your local agents office or over the phone. You can also use the internet to get quotes and get information regarding Las Vegas Home Insurance policy.

By doing some comparisons shopping you can save hundreds of dollars off you yearly premiums. It is important that you include fire insurance along with your regular home insurance. This will protect your most valuable asset, so you won't lose all your life saving, which usually is your residence.

Just in case something happens, Las Vegas Home Insurance helps you get back on your feet again. To replace the home, so you have roof over your head and to replace all your belongings, so you can continue with your life. It is very difficult to replace all these items that can cost tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Do not let your homeowners policy lapse, it is critical to keep it up to date and coverage sufficient enough to cover the value of the house as well as the possessions. Some people think they might never need a homeowners insurance, but this is a mistake, you want to be safe than sorry.

There would be nothing worse than to watch your home burn and realize that you are going to be left with nothing and no means to replace anything. Do not make the mistake that so many other people in the past have made so go out and get affordable Home Insurance coverage that you can count on.

About the Author:

Providing advice on Las Vegas Home Insurance, please review Las Vegas Home Insurance, and Las Vegas Home Insurance

Bankruptcy and The Means Test

By Janice Kay

One of the more complicated, controversial and frustrating aspects of filing for bankruptcy today is that every person who wishes to file must first take a bankruptcy test. The bankruptcy laws have changed over the years. Known as a bankruptcy means test, it is a mathematical calculation that is used to figure out the kind of bankruptcy that an individual is most suited to file for.

Income and expense information must be entered into the form and then the necessary calculations done. The calculations and the results of your test must be brought with you to bankruptcy court and they then become a part of your schedule of present income and expenditures.

The bankruptcy means test contains two variables. These include the Median State Income Figures which are published by the U.S. Census Bureau, and the IRS National Standards for allowable Living Expenses.

If a debtor takes the test and does not pass it, he or she is unable to file for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy which would see all of his or her debts gone. However the person can still file for a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. In this instance, a debt repayment plan is arranged that takes place over a period of three to five years

If you make too much money you may be turned down for bankruptcy, depending on where you live. If this happens to you, you need to seek an alternative to your situation. One option is to apply for a cash-out refinance loan from your financial institution.

The main purpose of the bankruptcy means test is to weed out the individuals who really see no way out of their debt besides bankruptcy and those who have other options to consider. The court needs to make a ruling on an individuals behalf and the bankruptcy test helps to do this.

If you decided to file for bankruptcy you need a good bankruptcy lawyer as well as a mortgage professional in your corner. The lawyer can provide guidance for the decisions relating to the bankruptcy as well as the means test. On the other hand, the mortgage specialist can help the debtor navigate all of the financial ropes inherent in the bankruptcy.

About the Author:

Janice Kay writes about personal finance. To learn more about the Steps to Bankruptcy The Bankruptcy Means Test visit Florida Bankruptcy Lawyers.

Harassment Debt Collection

By John Cooper

Regrettably debt collectors are often less than ethical. This has caused the government to pass legislation to protect you from unethical debt collection tactics.

If the debt they are contacting you about is legit then you should ask for validation of the debt. This must be done in writing.

Failure to do this and if you ask for validation over the phone, 99% of the time it will be completely ignored. Additionally send your letter certified mail so you have proof that they received it.

If your debt is validated by the creditor and is within the statute of limitations of your state, then you should negotiate payments. Statute of limitations are commonly seven years from the first date of delinquency.

When negotiating a settlement payment you should never pay the full amount. This is because your account has been bought from the original creditor for just pennies on the dollar. We suggest you start your settlement offer at 50% of the balance.

Collection agencies will accept a negotiated payment. This is because the collectors only way to recoup the money they spent on your debt is; by accepting a negotiated payment or selling the debt to another collector for a fraction of what they paid.

When you agree on a settlement payment you should get in writing from them that in exchange for your payment they will not report any derogatory information to the bureaus. If you do not do this you will stop the phone calls, but you will have a whole new set of problems because of a poor credit score.

Also if you just pay the debt it will be reported as a paid collection. This is still a very bad mark on your credit report and will not improve your score.

Again, you must get in writing that negative information is not going to be posted to your report regarding the debt. Occasionally that negative information has already been reported you must get them to agree to remove it from your report.

If you do not do this there is no benefit to paying the collection. Additionally always pay with a paper check and no other form of payment. Just so you know you can actually use the memo line to repeat the agreed upon contract regarding the bureaus reporting, and once the check is cashed you will have a binding contract.

If you are being harassed by an agency you are not alone. Also they only can legally take so many steps to collect.. The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act says that a debt collector can not;

- Threaten legal action (arrest, jail)

- Harass you with calls

- Call your employment (once asked not to)

- Claim to be anyone they are not

- Threaten a lawsuit (unless they are taking legal action)

- Threaten to garnish wages or seize property (each state is specific about what is legal, often a court order is needed)

- Call your family members or neighbors and speak with them about your debt

- Only call between 8am and 9 pm

- Call you if you have notified them that you will not accept calls regarding this debt.

Often these regulations are ignored. If you have been a victim you should report the agency to the FTC and the Attorney General. A majority of collection agencies have been fined because of violation of the FDCPA.

Also you can file a lawsuit against the collection agency and be awarded monetary damages. Make sure to keep all communications in writing in order to prove they are in violation.

About the Author:

For a free credit consultation call 1-866-246-7311. If you want information on how to deal with Midland Credit Management or Palisades Collection two common debt collectors visit us.

Good Tips To Help You Reach A Great Credit Score

By Frank Froggatt

Some U.S. citizens have over the years demolished their credit rating. If you are one of these people there are ways that you can repair your credit report and grade. If you stick to the ensuing points you will be point4ed in the right direction to have better overall credit.

First and foremost, obtain a copy of your credit report and score. Each citizen is eligible for one free credit report yearly. Once you've received your copy, check it in detail to ensure accuracy. They are truly quite uncomplicated, so observing faults or different discrepancies should be reasonably easy. Any errs observed will need to be challenged and resolved since these mistakes will diminish your credit score.

The succeeding affair you must do in order to repair your credit report and score is to pay your accounts on time. Compensating your charges is one of the most principal strides you can take to amend your credit score. Any accounts that you have paid back late or had directed to a collecting bureau will turn up on your credit report for many years.

It could be a beneficial thought to set up an on-line bill pay account. This can ofttimes be concluded instantly through your online banking site and is relatively effortless. This will help pay off your bills on time.

Charge Cards should be paid on on a regular basis and should not hold a balance of over 50% of the available limit. High balances and maxed out accounts will hurt your credit rating.

You need to be conscious that awful credit decisions made recently will have an even more hurtful bear on your credit rating than any past credit problems. To head off making your state of affairs tougher, pay all of your up-to-date charges on time.

You should be conscious that if you have to many companies and loaners viewing your credit report during the like period of time it will negatively strike your credit report and score. These queries will perpetually be accounted and turn up on your credit report.

If you have twelve diverse credit cards in your wallet chances are you are hurting your credit rating. It is beneficial to have a limited collection of credit cards that you give steady requitals to. It is not healthy, however, to have innumerable cards from every department store and company you have ever been through.

Be sure to be on your guard against cons. When trying to fix your credit, be wary- there are people out there simply looking for the chance to take advantage of you in your time of need. Obtain a credit restore book and then merely have a seat and get at it. With knowledge and purpose you will win.

About the Author:

You can get more FREE information on free credit monitoring by browsing to www.creditfixrepairreport.com

The Best Bank Foreclosure Properties

By Charlie Reese

The controversy over bank foreclosure properties just keeps growing

As of the end of September reports, the number of bank foreclosure properties is up a whopping 71% over the previous year. The root cause of these astonishing figures lies with the banks and mortgage lenders. During the period of the well-touted 'ownership society', just a few years back, banks were making loans to many people who were clearly not qualified to assume a home loan which their income could not support.

It was recently revealed, largely through corporate whistle blowers, that mortgage brokers were encouraging applicants to not supply relevant information and even to inflate their income on paper, so that their loan would go through. Many such borrowers could barely make the payments at the lower initial rate. When the higher rates kicked in, the number of bank foreclosure properties began to rise rapidly, as almost none of these home owners were then able to meet mortgage payments.

It's disingenuous to believe that the banks did not see this coming. However, they did receive their money for a while, including interest and whatever late fees might be involved. As borrowers began to default, the banks, on the whole, failed to attempt renegotiate lower rates in order for the borrower to avoid foreclosure.

The result? People lost their homes, their investment and their credit standing. Millions of bank foreclosure properties flooded the market. Often, the values of homes, in entire neighborhoods across the country, plummeted. Therefore, people who owned homes and made their payments are now faced with property values that fall far below what they owe on their mortgages. Perhaps these are future bank foreclosure properties in the making.

This $700 billion bailout of the banks is a thinly veiled payoff, leaving the banks hale and hearty, while saddling the taxpayers with this debt for generations to come.

Following the initial approval of this bank bailout, AIG brazenly threw a $440,000 party to celebrate their largess, while they and other failed banks threw millions in 'golden parachute' packages at the CEOs, who logically and ethically were accountable for making the loans in the first place. At the same time, banks were still refusing to loan, even to other banks. Now they are reportedly moving $2 trillion amongst themselves and won't disclose to whom they are lending!

Other controversial issues arise in this scandal of bank foreclosure properties. Falling values make this buyers market. With the current credit crunch, few can qualify. This invites foreign investment, which doesn't bode well for our economy.

How about all of the people who already lost their homes, pre-bailout? Why did the government wait until bank foreclosure properties had reached such a crises point?

Moreover, this proposed home owner bailout addresses only home owners who are at least 3 months behind, owe more than the property is worth and who face imminent foreclosure. This represents only 20% of mortgage delinquencies. Will this make a real difference to resolving the crises in the end?

It remains to be seen what the final resolution to the problem of bank foreclosure properties will be. The situation begs the question, how much more quickly might the economy be stimulated if some of this $700 billion were paid to working people, instead of buying up the debt of failed and unscrupulous bankers?

instead of the rescue at the top, give some of this money to working people " this will stimulate economy if no one qualifies, consumers aren't buying, small business will go out of business, job losses

About the Author:

Charlie Reese likes giving bank and psychic advice on his free psychic website daily.

Reverse Mortgage: The Positive and Negative Sides

By Matthew Sanz

Reverse mortgage is getting to be more and more common in most homes these days. Along with its popularity is the soaring of housing prices and the lowering of interest rates at their record lows. Let's take a look at the reasons why despite the bad publicity that reverse mortgages had, they have managed to stay in the industry all these years to become the "in" thing for many borrowers today.

Nicknamed predatory loans, the reverse mortgage took more beating when it was embroiled in scandals. But in the last decade, it has earned more credibility after legislation required more upfront disclosures of costs.

This is a mortgage product designed for homeowners aged 62 and older. Through this product, seniors can receive a loan against their home in the form of a lump sum, regular monthly checks or a line of credit. The loan is typically repaid with interest when the borrower sells the house, permanently moves, or dies.

Here are some of the reasons that borrowers resort to a reverse mortgage.

Pay Traditional Mortgages - Homeowners use a reverse mortgage to pay down their remaining debt on their traditional mortgages and use the remainder to fund other retirement costs.

Home Ownership - When the loan is accepted, the ownership of your house is not affected and you will still retain title to your home.

- Most of the costs are paid for through the reverse mortgage loan.

Later Payment - Compared to a traditional home equity line of credit, a reverse mortgage allows debt payments, including interest and other costs, to be stalled until a later date, typically when the owner dies.

Prices - The debt can never go beyond the value of a home at the time that the loan is already repaid. This means that when soaring housing prices begin to drop, borrowers won't be held responsible for paying back a higher amount.

However, reverse mortgage also has its share of disadvantages.

Rate Variability - A reverse mortgage tends to be a variable rate mortgage loan that entails substantial front-end expenses to compensate for expenditures if ever the borrower exits early.

Higher Prices for Older Borrowers - The loan will be bigger for pricier homes and older borrowers.

Complicated - According to advocates and financial planners, a reverse mortgage can become expensive and complicated. Therefore, seniors who are interested in applying for a reverse mortgage should first learn how it works. Before they look for a lender, they should be ready to receive independent counseling.

High Rates - Borrowers who choose to take the lump sum are slapped with higher interest payments compared to those who settle for installment checks or a line of credit. The reason for this is that, with the two latter choices, interest is only computed on the portion used.

While financial planners recommend that seniors only take a reverse mortgage if they plan to stay longer in their homes, evaluating the product's options may still be confusing. Before you apply for a reverse mortgage loan, make sure that you get impartial counseling first to help you decide if the product is right for you.

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Know more concerning the pros and cons of reverse mortgage. Find an online home loan equity mortgage calculator.

Pay your Full Credit Card Balance

By Paul J. Easton

The convenience and free credit feature of credit cards can be very useful for everyone. The bad news however is that most consumers maintain large balances on their credit card accounts thus making them continually pay for sizable interest payments.

With the society telling us that it is needed to own a new car, your new house, and a complementary entertainment showcases, follow the latest fashions, and normally live beyond what you can afford, you are just simply lured to take out that credit card out to avail these comforts. And with access to these funds, life can be easier. Anyway, credit card issuers make an easy scheme for you to take advantage. By asking you to make only a minimum monthly payment, you think you are paying your debt well in a very opportune manner.

The down side, which some of you might have a hint already, is that the minimum payment can barely cover the finance charge of the previous month. Only a meager percentage of the principal is left paid in the process. Making only the minimum payment is actually a way for credit card companies to ensure you to remain as a long-term client they can profit from. Obviously, this minimum payment scheme will make you take a long time to repay the debt. It only assures the card company a big return in interest payments and finance charges.

Given the cycles of unemployment and under employment today, it can be difficult to avoid falling into debt. But falling into debt has its price. And the price can be your very own freedom.

For now, avoid carrying a balance on your credit cards. If in cases that you have to carry a balance, have the priority to pay it down first unless you want to live your whole life paying the minimum payment of that credit card debt.

For more information on financial directory, get FREE Articles Tips at DollarGuides.com. Get debt-free today with tips on how to get rid of debt here. Start improving your personal finance today.

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How to get Rid of Credit Card Debt Fast with FREE Articles Tips at DollarGuides.com. Help tips and more plus Credit Card Debt Information

How To Make Money From Passions

By Thomas L Russo

In making online many people jump right in before they are properly prepared. You know that to be a rocket scientist, a doctor, a brick layer, a builder, an office worker, a lawyer there are prerequisites, things you must learn, before becoming successful, you don't just jump right in unprepared.

The same thing applies to the Internet marketing world even though there are sharks out there who'd have you believe it's a "Walk in the Park" and requires no more than the belief that you can just do it.

And I'll have to admit, it is a walk in the park compared to what you have to put up with in the working world punching a clock being a subordinate to someone who does not have your interests in mind, but there are still rules you have to follow and pitfalls you must avoid to actually make Internet marketing work for you.

Most people will not make a dime online and yet there are others who will make more in one month than most people make in a whole year. Why is that?

My answer to this begins with the age-old question which is the chicken or egg question, "what comes first the chicken or the egg"? Each argument you or I make comes back to the same old answer - I have no idea and I don't think many of us do either

There's one thing I do have a idea about and know for real is that to make money online you must first have Passion for the service and/or company products of any Internet business from which you put your hope on to make a lot of money.

Passion in this sense basically means that you've researched the company and and like the products or services it provides. It is then that you translate that Passion and like into the education, excitement and work that usually accompanies Passion.

I will have to say that many online entrepreneurs are so good at what they do that they ignore passion because they can sell anything. But I'm concerned about those of you who are not so knowledgeable at working an online business successfully.

While, I'm not trying to make everyone believe that Passion is the only thing that's esential to creating an successful online business. Because to be really successful you must also have a good website, good marketing, widespread advertising, company support, effective keywords, good business relationships and so on. Those attributes are often learned from the company you may join - but take away Passion and you reduce your chances for success greatly

It therefore follows that, if you have no Passion for the company and the products and services provided by that company, again, you won't attempt to do the work you are being taught.

Internet marketing work is typically not all that difficult or time consuming but it does take motivation caused by Passion to get you off and running with a sustained effort so that you won't stumble.

You have a great resource in the Internet search engines to search about the Internet Marketing industry for business opportunities, USE IT!

Your research should uncover a company that you like and have confidence in. It should be solid, founded on great principles, and easy to understand with great products and services that are sell-able for which you can have Passion. If you don't find it move on, You can find the right opportunity containing the attributes identified above.

Comments like, well, that one sounds good and the compensation plan is excellent so I guess I'll start that business - does not sound like a decision based on anything near Passion. And remember when you hear that an Internet "guru" does that, don't be tempted, because as I said earlier they are experienced and can sell just about anything, without being Passionate about the company products and services.

Note: By the way it's your goal to get to the point where you can sell about anything online. That end skill and goal is a worthy one indeed.

Remember, there are other steps you must make before you step into Internet Marketing but if you don't first find the right company products and services to be passionate about, all of those other steps may just cause you a lot of frustration instead of bringing you great success.

Not being Passionate about a company and products and services that has market proof that it will sell is a pitfall you simply must avoid.

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Did you find this article useful? If you did then have a look at the one step at a time video tutorials here

How A Self Certified Remortgage Loan Saves Money

By Chris Channing

Remortgaging is the process of obtaining a new mortgage to pay off an older mortgage- using the same property as collateral against the loan. This is done to snare more competitive rates from other lenders, and for those with self cert loans, the difference in savings can be quite dramatic.

Mortgages that were obtained as a fixed rate mortgage, as many self certified mortgages are, aren't able to take advantage of interest rates that may fall in the future. To still get the benefit of a lower interest rate, home owners can still remortgage with another lender. Knowing when to get the remortgage may be tricky, since the market can be unpredictable at best. Consulting a loan officer usually gives a home owner a better idea of their situation.

Peruse your contract with your current lender to ensure that there are no early redemption charges. Such charges are used to persuade borrowers to stay with the current lender, and increase the current lender's profits in case the borrower still wants to go with a different lending company. Also check with the competitor, as some even offer cash-back bonuses that cover such frivolous charges.

Arrangement fees are another thing to consider. Because the lender must closely research your case, access credit reports, and possibly incur fees in the process, some extra fees may be charged. This fee is variable from one lender to another, and if you're lucky you may find one that doesn't charge such fees. It is possible to pay up to 1% of the total loan amount in arrangement fees.

Unfortunately for the self employed, there will still be a lengthy interview with the new lender to ensure that one's dependability is on par. The fact that a borrower has already gotten the mortgage with another lender usually doesn't help one's case, so be prepared to present your case all over again to each lender you agree to meet with. This may include proof of paying bills on time, proof of good credit, or proof of dependable income.

Consumers are allowed to remortgage a self cert loan as much as they would like- just be sure to watch out for fees associated with them. If possible, try to weed out any fees of a contract before signing anything. Many lenders will be desperate enough for the profits that they will be quite flexible on the specifics of the contract.

In Conclusion

Trends are showing the market to be a favorable one for borrowers- so it's good to act now and see about remortgaging opportunities. Go online to check out a world of lenders to go through, but also look in local areas to be sure that every possibility is being thought of and researched.

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Learn more on Self Certification Remortgage in UK and Self Certification Remortgage.

Hiring a Moving Company? Avoid costly mistakes

By Sydney Welkinson

If moving is in your near future and you're considering hiring a moving company, do your research! Hundreds of moving companies are investigated every year by the U.S. Department of Transportation for violating federal consumer protection and safety regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration fined over 300 moving companies last year alone for violations. Unfortunately, numerous unscrupulous companies still fleece unsuspecting movers out of thousands of dollars. Often, rogue moving companies prey on those who dont do their homework prior to hiring a moving company. To prevent being a victim of a moving scam, there are several steps you can take.

Good resources do exist to check out a prospective moving company. The Better Business Bureau reports complaints to the public via their web site and provides low ratings to moving companies with multiple complaints or patterns of similar bad business practices. Some complaints allege theft, while more common complainants allege predatory bait and switch practices. A newer resource to check out moving company operators is www.movingscam.com - solely dedicated to exposing unethical moving companies.

According to the FMCSA, there are several red flags to be aware when hiring a moving company:

1. The mover doesn't offer or agree to an on-site inspection of your household goods and gives an estimate over the phone or Internet sight-unseen. These estimates often sound too good-to-be-true. They usually are. 2. The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move. 3. The mover doesn't provide you with a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, a booklet movers are required by Federal regulations to supply to their customers in the planning stages of interstate moves. 4. The mover claims all goods are covered by their insurance. 5. The company's website has no local address and no information about licensing or insurance.

According to industry expert, Stanislov Kukoba, long time operator of Los Angeles Professional Movers, part of the key to a successful and low cost move is advance planning. Some moving companies prey on people who are desperate to get moved at the last minute says Kukoba. Most legitimate companies require weeks of advance notice, so when a customer calls at the last minute, many options are limited for movers who dont plan ahead.

Planning at least 7 weeks ahead in any season is beneficial according to Kukoba. If you have time to check out and negotiate with multiple operators, you will more likely avoid unscrupulous moving companies and get a good price. In some cases, you may need the time to work on special arrangements for long distance moves.

Industry experts recommend avoiding summers and weekends when booking your move. Increased demand during those periods result in higher costs and diminished availability of quality moving services. In 2008, most violations, in proportion to the total number of moves, were discovered by the FMCSA. Poor planning blended with a move during a busy season could significantly narrow your moving service alternatives and make you more vulnerable to predatory operators.

Most moving companies charge additional fees for special requests sometimes not totally disclosed, so be sure to be thorough when they arrive at your home to provide a quote. Ask about extra costs, insurance policies, license numbers, and mileage that may or not be included in the move.

When it comes to choosing a moving company, do your homework. Most companies are good at what they do and take a tremendous amount of stress out of an already stressful event. Take the time to do the right screening so you can have a safe and successful move.

About the Author:

Sydney Welkinson is a writer currently investigating Los Angeles Movers and recording his personal moving stories on his blog.

Guide to Canadian Mortgages

By Amy Nutt

If you are going to buy a home in Canada, you are going to need a Canada mortgage, unless you have a store of money lying around to use to pay cash for your home. Before you sign on the dotted line for your mortgage, make sure you know what you are agreeing to. After all, your mortgage is a long-term financial agreement, so you should know as much as you can about it at the outset.

Basic Structure of a Mortgage

Since most people do not have the cash stores necessary to pay for a home in full, they will usually borrow money from a lender for the purchase of the home. The property in question is the collateral for the loan, which means that the bank or lender has the right to take the home if you do not pay the loan according to its terms.

A mortgage is considered an amortized loan. This means that you have a set number of years in which you must pay back the loan and the interest on it. In Canada, most loans are amortized for around 25 years, but this can vary based on the loan structure. The amortization period is separate from the term, which is the period that the interest rate is guaranteed. Sometimes the term and the amortization period are not the same, which means you will need to negotiate a new mortgage term when the first one is over.

Finally, a mortgage has an interest rate applied to it. This is the percent of the total loan amount that you will pay to the bank for the privilege of borrowing the money. Your goal should be to find a loan with the lowest possible interest rate.

Getting Approved

Once you have decided that you wish to buy a house, it is time to get approved for a mortgage. Shop around to find a lender with good rates, and then apply. Your approval will be based on the size of the loan, your credit rating, employment history, and current income, among other factors.

Making a Down Payment

Most lenders require you to make a down payment on the property you wish to buy. This shows them that you are responsible with your money and have a good intention of paying what you owe on the loan. It is generally recommended that you put down a 20 percent down payment. You can put down more if you wish. You can also put down less, but if you do you will have to buy mortgage insurance.

What is mortgage insurance? Under the Canadian Bank Act, federally regulated lending institutions, with a few exceptions, cannot provide loans that exceed 80 percent of the value of the home without purchasing mortgage insurance. This insurance protects the lender against the possibility of default, which statistics have shown is more likely when the borrower does not place at least 20 percent down on the home. The premium on the insurance policy is typically determined based on a percentage of the home's purchase price. You will typically pay this premium as part of your loan payment each month. This allows you to purchase a home with as little as 5 percent down.

Your Monthly Payment

Your monthly mortgage bill is broken down into an interest payment and a principal payment. At the beginning of your loan, more of the payment goes towards interest than principal. This gradually shifts until you are paying mostly principal than interest at the end of the loan. If you wish, you can pay your loan off faster by paying extra towards the principal on the loan. Once you have paid off the entire principal balance on the loan, you will officially own your home.

A good way to start learning about Canadian mortgages is with a mortgage rate guide.

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Canadian mortgage rates comparison site. Listing over 500 rates from Canada's top lenders and brokers. Visitors can compare mortgage rates in Canada with one quick search.