Credit cards answers to the approval process

Instant Approval, what does this mean? This is where companies have already looked at your credit history before they have offered you a credit card. This means that you are in a position to accept their offer without having to go through the process. Does this alter from an Instant Feedback Decision? The fundamental difference between this and instant approval is that with instant approval they have already enquired about your credit history. With an instant decision this means they will get a decision out to you quickly. How does instant credit relate to Instant Approval? Instant credit means that you are able to go away and start making purchases straight away because the credit card has provided you with temporary account details. This is no longer a popular choice and the main reason for this is that it puts banks and credit card companies in a position where by they are vulnerable to credit card theft. Are instant approvals safe? Instant Approvals are safe because if you are visiting the website of a company that you have heard of, and the data being sent is encrypted then the risks are similar or less to using a postal service, however it is worthy of note that they are fundamentally different. To check if data is encrypted look in the address bar, and should this read https:// rather than then your data will get to the intended recipient. After instant approval, how long will it take to get my credit card? On average this will be around one week or even less in some cases. We recommend that you visit the concerned website for more specific information from the provider that you have chosen to work with. How should I use my credit card? You should use your credit card as you deem appropriate, however we recommend that you follow a few basic ground rules. Firstly, never use your credit card for a purchase if you are not able to envisage where the money is going to come from to finance it. If for example, you are not able to increase your income or decrease your expenditure then you should probably consider alternative means of financing a purchase. Should I use my credit card online? Shopping with a credit card is probably the safest way to shop online. The reason for this is that when you shop with a debit card your bank will not cover any losses that you incur as a result of fraud or a lack of integrity on the part of the merchant. This is why you should always ensure that should you intend to complete a large scale online purchase or offline purchase for that matter, use a credit card rather than a debit card.

Credit consolidation is one way to reduce payments

Having a credit card seems like a necessity in today's soceity. With a credit card, we can buy things even though we do not immediately have the funds to pay for them, with the idea that we will have the money at a future date. Unfortunately, many of us are not careful enough when it comes to using that credit card, and when the bill comes in are shocked to realize how much is owed. Some of us simply cannot seem to get a handle on our credit spending and need some help in order to get that spending under control. If you are experiencing trouble in controlling your spending and the overuse of your credit card, there are services that offer help. In order to reduce your payments and your interest rates, many credit cards provide customer service lines that you may call. Operators on these lines can be asked if you can apply for a lower interest rates. Often, your query will be anwered within minutes, informing you of whether or not you qualify for the lower rates. In this way, you need only use your phone line in order to control your rates. There are also hundreds of websites avaialable that offer helpful tips on controlling your spending and getting your credit back in line. Through these sites, you can find the most succesful route of credit consolidation by pinpointing lower interest rates either on other credit cards or through financial institutions. Some websites will also offer access to people whose job it is to assist others in getting their credit ratings back on track. Many sites will allow users to purchase products such as books or tapes that offer ways to manage your finances. Another way to get your spending habits back on track is to use a credit counseling service. Credit counselors are professionally trained people who can help you to control your spending and reduce your debt through careful management and action plans. Counselors work with your creditors in order to lower pyaments and interest and help you get your credit score back up. Many credit counseling services are free to the public as non-profit organizations, operating through the support of credit extending companies. If you choose to use such a service, be aware that you will need to disclose your financial informaiton to them in an organized and honest manner.

Reliable life insurance company how to find the best companies

A life insurance policy is a huge purchase. Think about it – your life insurance policy can help you and your family in times of financial stress while you’re still alive, and they can help your beneficiaries, who are usually your family members, in times of financial stress after you’ve passed away. Naturally you want to purchase your life insurance policy from a reliable life insurance company; but, which companies are the best? Those which are financially strong and customer-focused. To ease your worries, most life insurance companies don’t suddenly disappear due to financial struggles and/or bankruptcies. This is because the business of selling life insurance is heavily mediated, and in order for a life insurance company to be approved to do business in a state, it must prove itself to be financially secure and reliable. So, you shouldn’t feel too hesitant about purchasing a life insurance policy from a life insurance company that hasn’t been around very long if that life insurance company offers you a great package; however, if you feel more comfortable choosing a reliable life insurance company that’s been around for decades, you can find the top rated life insurance companies by checking out the different ratings given by independent research companies. Once you have decided on a few life insurance companies that seem reliable, reputable, and worthy of your business, it’s time to do your own research. You definitely want to choose a life insurance company that offers friendly and accurate customer service, whether you decide to complete the transaction face-to-face with an agent from the life insurance company, or make the purchase online and by telephone. Schedule an appointment with an agent or call a customer service representative with any questions you have about their life insurance policies. Their patience and the thoroughness of their answers will give you a pretty good idea as to whether or not you want to do business with them.

Let a specialist insurance broker get several house insurance quotes on your behalf

If you want to take out house insurance to protect your home then of course you are going to want to do this as cheaply as possible while getting the best deal possible. Going online is usually the best way of securing the cheapest premiums while getting the best quality product for your peace of mind, but going with a specialist broker can ensure that you get the very cheapest quotes as a specialist can get several on your behalf quickly and easily. House insurance normally consists of home contents insurance and buildings insurance and they can be bought together which is usually the cheapest way of obtaining them or be bought in two separate policies. By going with a specialist provider in home insurance you will be able to get the cheapest quotes for both separate insurance policies and when taken out together. Home contents insurance will protect your belongings and you will need to determine how much these are worth before you can get quotes for the cover. You should never just take a guess as to how much the contents of your home are worth but rather take the time and go around your home from room to room taking a full inventory as it is surprising how much even the smallest of items can add up to when all combined together. If you have anything of particular value such as any collections, jewellery or electronic equipment then be sure to mention these and ask if they would be included in a standard policy or if you need extra cover for them. Never just take it for granted that because they are in your home that they would be covered, there are exclusions. When it comes to the outside of your home then take into account any garden or patio furniture and also garden sheds if they have tools or bikes in them. While insurance cannot bring back memories it can help you to rebuild your home and possessions if the worst should happen and you were to lose everything, so let a specialist broker shop around on your behalf and get you several house insurance quotes for protection and peace of mind.

Get your motor car finance the easy way

When it comes to taking out motor car finance the easiest and quickest way to search the whole of the marketplace for the cheapest deals is with a specialist car loans website. A website such as this will not only know where to look to get the most suitable loan for your circumstances but they will also offer advice, hints and tips on knowing which is the right car finance deal for your particular needs. There are many different types of motor car finance and your circumstances will dictate which type will be most suitable for you needs. The number one factor which goes a long way to you deciding which type of loan you need is your credit rating, this is the first thing that is taken into account when you apply for a loan and not only will it depend on the type of loan you get but also the rate of interest you will pay. For those with a very poor credit rating the best choice and perhaps only choice when it comes to motor car finance will be a bad credit car loan. A bad credit car loan will mean that you have to pay a higher rate of interest for your loan but it will at least be a way of getting approved for credit to buy your car. By going with a specialist website and allowing them to get quotes on your behalf you will get the cheapest rates and best deals available for your circumstances. If your credit rating is excellent then you will have access to a wider range of choices for motor car finance along with the lowest interest rates. If you are buying a brand new model and want to spread the cost of borrowing a large amount of money over several years, then a secured loan might be the best way to go. However the biggest disadvantage of taking out a secured loan is that you will have to put something of substantial value against the loan and this is usually the roof over your head. Another downside to taking out a loan over many years is the amount of interest that will be added onto the cost of the loan, you also have to remember that a cars value will depreciate and take this into account when deciding how long to take the loan over. When getting the cheapest motor car finance deal there is more to take into consideration than just the rate of interest that is advertised. You also have to be sure that the rates you are comparing are the same, some lenders will advertise low interest rates but when you look at them they are quoted on weekly or monthly terms not the year. This is another advantage of going with a specialist website, the quotes should all show yearly APR rates which makes comparing easier. The quotes should also come with the key facts attached and this is where you are able to find such things as any hidden costs, the total amount of the loan and the amount of interest that you will pay over the term of the loan. A specialist car finance website should also be able to give you help and advice freely and information so when it comes to comparing and choosing motor car finance you have knowledge regarding what you are looking for. Loans are not the easiest thing to tackle on your own so it is imperative that you go into it with as much information as possible before signing on the dotted line.

Bad credit credit card offers

Having less than perfect credit does not cancel out your credit card options. In fact, just the opposite is true. These days, credit card lenders issue plastic for every need under the sun. This includes cards designed specifically for those with poor credit. By taking advantage of a bad credit credit card, you can get back on your financial feet in no time. Read on to learn more about bad credit credit card offers. Prepaid Debit Cards If you have trouble getting approved for a traditional credit card, a prepaid debit card is a smart alternative. With this option, you first deposit money into your account. You can then use your card to make purchases. To help you stay on track, your line of credit is limited to the amount you have deposited. By putting money into your account and making purchases, you will rebuild your credit. For two great prepaid options, check out the All-Access Visa Prepaid Card and the Wired Plastic Prepaid Visa Card. Secured Credit Cards Another option for those with bad credit is a secured credit card. This type of card requires you to open a savings account. The account serves as security for the line of credit. The credit available to you is a percentage of your deposit. This usually ranges from 50 to 100 percent. If you pay off your balance consistently, over time your line of credit will increase. A secured credit card usually includes an annual fee and high interest rate. First Premier and Orchard Perhaps you plan to occasionally carry a balance on your card. If this is the case, there are various bad credit credit card offers available. First Premier Bank issues cards designed for those with poor credit. First Premier Bank credit cards offer low interest rates and the chance to improve your credit rating. You can be approved instantly for one of their cards. Check out the First Premier Bank Gold MasterCard/Visa to get you started. Orchard Bank also caters to those with a poor credit history. The Orchard Bank Platinum MasterCard offers a low interest rate on purchases. It also regularly reports to credit bureaus. This gives you a chance to use your card, pay off balances, and have creditors take notice. Both First Premier and Orchard Bank cards include a number of fees. First Premier Bank charges initial fees of $29 and $95, as well as a monthly participation fee and annual fee. Orchard Bank requires a high annual fee. These expenses may seem high. However, it is important to remember that these companies are offering cards to those with poor credit. Most bad credit credit card offers include extra fees due to the risks involved. Yet these cards are designed to help you improve your credit rating. Once you show that you can handle these cards wisely, you can apply for other offers. Don’t let poor credit get you down. There are many bad credit credit card offers available. Choose the option that’s best for you and then apply online. With careful planning, you can improve your credit score. Soon you’ll be in good standings once again with lenders. This can open many more financial doors in your future.

Contacting your creditors does wonders for credit repair

Good credit is a necessity today. Credit is essential if you want to own a car, home or to shop on the internet. Miss some minimum payments on your credit card or let your loan go into default -- and you’ll find yourself in trouble. Creditors will report missed payments to credit reporting agencies and this will blemish your credit history which can be difficult to repair. In most cases it will take seven years for negative credit reports to be removed. If you have fallen behind in payments be proactive. One of the best things to do is to contact your creditor. Most people do the exact opposite. Because of feelings of embarrassment, they avoid contacting their creditor. This behavior will result in long-term credit problems. As soon as you run into difficulty with debt make it a point to contact your creditor immediately. The key to credit repair lies with your credit history report which depends on whether or not your creditor reports your nonpayment to credit reporting agencies. In most cases, creditors are open to discussing some alternate payment plan. The creditor wants to work with you, because to push you away means they will not receive a payment at all. After contacting the creditor, suggest a realistic payment plan for both you and your creditor. It is very important that you propose a plan you can stick to. The worst thing you can do is default on these new payment arrangements. It might appear to your creditor that you were simply stalling for time to avoid making the payment. Basically, when you contact your creditor, remember that their decision to report your nonpayment to credit agencies will affect you immensely. It is definitely in your best interest to do everything you can to convince them not to do this. When you contact your creditors early and propose a realistic payment plan, you have taken an important step towards credit repair.

Why the rich get richer and how you can do so too

The Italian once said “There are only three ways to make money – you can steal it, marry it, or inherit it.” Many would argue that they missed one very important method – investment. In fact it is why the rich get richer and how you can do so too. Just ask the young man who invested his last nickel during the Great Depression. He invested in an apple doubled his money the same day and repeated the process slowly building a small fortune. Of course the two million dollars his parents left him certainly allowed him to invest even more seriously. It’s why the rich get richer and how you can do so too. What about Bill Gates who took great personal risks that gave him an industry monopoly. Of course the fact that his grandparents left him a million dollar trust fund and that his mother personally knew the CEO at IBM who would eventually seal the deal doesn’t really make for a fair playing field. So is why the rich get richer and how you can do so too really doable? Let’s have a look at Donald Trump who inherited millions of dollars from his father so no matter what success he’s had over the years he would have been wealthy anyway. It’s why the rich get richer and how you can do so too – that is if you can pick your parents. Since most of us can’t pick our parents we’d better have a look at investing is some common stocks. If you are investing long term stocks are a good start. And it is why the rich get richer and how you can do so too. It doesn’t favor rich or poor as long as you have the money for the stocks. Mutual funds are also a good choice for long term with a lot less risk. Use a funds manager and you’re going to deal with a funds load which is a percentage they take each year. But why not be your own manager and eliminate that cost which can add up. That’s why the rich get richer and how you can do so too. If you haven’t figured out why the rich get richer and how you can do so too you need to do just a little more research and reading. You’ll figure it out in no time and you will have the formula for why the rich get richer and how you can do so too. Copyright © 2007 Joel Teo. All rights reserved. (You may publish this article in its entirety with the following author's information with live links only.)

Credit card offers for people with bad credit history a chance for rebuilding your credit

It is a fact that credit cards are one of the most important tools in today's society. With it, you will be able to purchase the things you need even if you still don’t have the cash for it. The way this works is that the credit card company will let you borrow the cash for the purchase. You will then pay it back monthly with an interest if not paid fully. Just make sure that you pay it back on time and also with the minimum payment required every month in order to avoid outstanding credit card debt that can accumulate a lot of interest. When applying for a credit card, it is important to have a good credit history or a good credit score in order to have a chance to apply for good credit card offers, such as low interest rates, low APR and other great benefits and freebies. However, what if you have a bad credit history because of unpaid debts? Naturally, you will think twice before applying for a credit card since there is a great chance that your application won't get approved. Besides, why should a company approve someone with any kind of credit if they have a history of outstanding debt that wasn’t paid on time? But now, thanks to the different kinds of credit cards designed by the leading credit card companies, even people with bad credit history are now able to apply for and get a credit card. However, you shouldn’t expect a lot from credit cards for people with bad credit history. If you do have a bad credit history, you should expect that a credit card for people with bad credit history is much costlier or more expensive than regular credit cards offered to people with good credit history. But for some people with bad credit history, the price is definitely worth it. You may ask why. This is because credit cards like this can repair your credit history and convert your already bad credit score in to a good credit score. So, if you are looking for a way to repair your credit history or your credit score, your best bet to do this is through credit cards that are specially designed for people with bad credit history. There are two kinds of credit cards for bad credit history. The first kind is the unsecured credit card. This particular credit card means that you don’t have to keep a minimum deposit in your account. Unsecured credit cards may be attractive but the ones designed for bad credit history are very expensive. Usually, there will be high interest rates, application fees, annual fees, high APR, and there are some with monthly fees whether you use the credit card or not. Another option is a secured credit card. This particular credit card will require you to maintain a minimum deposit in an account. The deposit will secure the credit card and the credit card issuer will be sure that you will be able to pay off your purchases plus interest with the money in the account. Your purchases will also be limited to the amount inside the account. Meaning, your purchases will never exceed the amount of money inside the account. Secured credit cards may also have high interest rates and additional fees. This is why it helps to shop around in order to get the best offers for credit cards designed for bad credit history. A secured credit card is also a great way to rebuild your credit history. Just remember to maintain the minimum deposit required and always pay off your bills on time.

What s in your to do checklist for your refinance home mortgage loan

Would-be borrowers are always bogged down by the requirements that would expedite their loan process. It is practical and convenient to be prepared before you march into a creditor’s office. Read on and find out if you have what it takes to get a loan. First things first Your property information If are using your home as equity for a refinance home mortgage loan, be ready with documents proving your ownership. Lenders will ask for this evidence before taking any further step in the loan process. Give them a certified true copy of the contract or the purchase agreement. Your income and assets Lenders always want to know if the borrower is a good risk for a refinance home mortgage. With this in mind, prepare all your pay stubs for the past 30 days. You’ll get in their good graces if you have your W-2s ready. A neat file of W-2s in chronological sequence is proof of your stability in the income department. Pairing this with a list of your previous employers with their corresponding addresses is an indication that you have a good record. Borrowers will appreciate this because they can contact them for a background check, if that is the case. Get hold of all your banks’ statements, investment accounts and mutual fund for the past three months. Be ready to explain large deposits. If these are gifts, make a copy of the signed gift letter, gift check and copy of the deposit slip. You have to show your corporate or partnership tax returns if you own more than 1/4 of a business interest. If self-employed, ready your tax returns for the last three years. Borrowers who have rental property are asked to present tax returns for the past two years and the current rental contract. If you are a retiree, receiving Social Security, or child support – you have to get the appropriate documents ready – Pension Award Letter, Social Security Award Letter, or copy of the divorce settlement and 12 months of cancelled of checks for child support. Your debts It is always standard requisite to present your record of existing debts. Prepare a list of names and addresses, account numbers and balances, and the payments you have made on a monthly basis to your loans. Be ready to explain late payments, collections, credit inquiries and charge-offs, judgment or liens. If you have for bankruptcy within the previous 7 years, look for your bankruptcy papers. If you are still paying a VA loan, get a copy of DD Form 214, and your Report of Separation plus your original Certificate of Eligibility. The usual requirements for refinance home mortgage After you have readied all the papers, pack in your Photo ID and your Social Security number, your residence addresses for the previous years, usually two years. If you are not citizen, be ready with a copy of your green card and have both front and back photocopied. If you happen to be a divorcee, your divorce decree will also be needed. Before you take out a refinance home mortgage Scouting for the best deal should be second in your to-do list. This means lower interest rates by 2% than your current loan, no hidden fees, and a loan that can raise your equity through the years. Your ticket to financial stability is your capability to pay the monthly bills without sacrificing your family’s well-being. So make a to-do list now and enlist your partner to gather all those documents for a stress-free refinance home mortgage loan application.

Life insurance settlements the details

If you have a life insurance policy there is a good chance that you have heard of “life insurance settlements.” But if you have not, there is no reason that you should worry. The fact of the matter is that life insurance settlements are not right for every policy holder, and even if you know what they are there is a good chance that you will never move forward with the process. But with that being said, you should at least consider the details of life insurance settlements. This way, if you ever decide to make a move you will know exactly what you are getting yourself into. Luckily, you can learn about life insurance settlements in no time at all if you are willing to read into the details. So what is a life insurance settlement? Generally speaking, this is the sale of a life insurance policy to a third party. The sale price of a life insurance settlement is less than the death benefit but more than the cash surrender value. A life insurance settlement usually refers to a transaction made by somebody who is not terminally ill and over the age of 65. If you own a life insurance policy it is easy to see how you can get involved. Simply put, you can sell your policy as a way to make money. The question is why would you want to do this? For some people, there is no need to have a life insurance policy any longer. All of their kids are grown up, and they would rather have money for themselves now than wait for somebody else to use it when they die. So by selling a life insurance policy they can collect this money now. Here are three common reasons for looking into life insurance settlements. 1. The life insurance policy is no longer needed. 2. Premium payments are more than the policy holder can afford. 3. To earn money to pay for health expenses. There are many factors that go into how much money a life insurance policy is worth. If you think that a life insurance settlement may be right for you, make sure that you shop around for the best deal. Some of the details that determine the amount of money that you receive include your medical condition, age, type of policy, and monthly premium. Of course, this will change on a case by case basis. All in all, there are quite a few details to consider if you are interested in selling your life insurance policy. You will want to learn as much as you can about life insurance settlements, and then make a decision on if you should sell.

Affordable health insurance in ohio

Seniors on Medicare are undoubtedly interested in an excellent way to get additional information about affordable health insurance in Ohio. The program is called OSHIIP (Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program), and it is designed to offer resources and services to Ohio seniors on Medicare. OSHIIP, which was founded in 1992, is administered by the Ohio Department of Insurance and funded by both a federal grant and Ohio. Trained volunteers help people interested in or already receiving Medicare to better understand their Ohio health insurance not only by handing out publications and working information sites, but also by counseling Ohio residents about their options for affordable health insurance in Ohio. In the past 14 years, Ohio residents have saved over three million dollars on health insurance costs thanks to OSHIIP. OSHIIP provides information about Medicare coverage for seniors, as well as those under the age of 65 with disabilities; health plans with Medicare, such as HMOs; supplemental insurance with Medicare; savings programs to use with Medicare; long-term care insurance and health care insurance when you’re being taken care of at home; and health insurance for retirees. This informational program about affordable health insurance in Ohio is also a member of several organizations, as well as being similar to a network of nationwide state-sponsored health insurance programs. If you are one of the many Ohio residents on Medicare, or are a family member or friend of an Ohio resident on Medicare, check out OSHIIP. You will learn more about this affordable health insurance in Ohio, as well as how to continue saving money on the cost of health insurance in Ohio. Contact the Ohio Department of Insurance for more information about OSHIIP; or, if you live near an Ohio state health department, give them a call or drive down for a visit for informational pamphlets and brochures about OSHIIP as well as to set up an appointment with an OSHIIP volunteer.

Understanding debt negotiation

A relatively new industry, some consumers are mystified by the dynamics of debt negotiation. The purpose of this article is to break down the different factors that determine the effectiveness of a debt settlement program. 1. The importance of program length. In any debtor-credit scenario, a creditor is reserved the right to sue a debtor in court if they are not paying according to the terms stipulated. In the vast majority of cases, legal action is a last resort, and creditors prefer to settle the matter out of court because most statistics show that this is the most profitable way to deal with a past due account anyway. On the flip side, however, once a creditor feels that they’ve exhausted every collection method possible, they’re left with no other choice but to pursue the debt in court. Therefore, the longer you take to settle a debt, the greater the likelihood that you’ll be the target of legal action by your creditors. Since this is the case, all debt settlement candidates should always try to eliminate the debt as quickly as possible. As a rule of thumb, being in a program for longer than 3 years is not advisable, although exceptions can be made depending on your state, type of income, etc. 2. The importance of your creditors. As one should expect, each bank deals with debt settlement in a different manner than the next. While almost every creditor does in fact settle, some creditors are more antagonistic than the rest. Three in particular stick out as difficult creditors: Citibank, Discover, and MBNA. For one, these creditors’ historical settlements tend to be much higher than the rest. Secondly, these creditors are more likely to pursue legal action to collect your debt. All in all, it’s probable that bankruptcy may be a better alternative if these are your only creditors. 3. The importance of your hardship. Believe it or not, creditors are human. If your enrollment in a debt settlement program is the direct result of circumstances that you could not control (divorce, medical issues, job loss) and you can document it, then you’re far more likely to get a favorable settlement versus a person who the creditor feels could have paid the debt back in full. If you’re buried and only able to afford the minimums, but it was more the result of poor budgeting than financial hardship, it’s still likely that you’ll be able to obtain a settlement. Had you just been diagnosed with brain cancer the settlement would probably be a lot more favorable and the negotiations process a whole lot easier. Sympathy still goes far these days. 4. The importance of your recent account activity. This plays into your hardship in a sense because it’s all about whether the creditor feels you’ve been fraudulent in your business with them. For example, if you just bought a plasma TV on your credit card a month ago, I’d think twice about doing debt settlement. If the creditor doubts that you ever had any intention of paying them back, then the negotiations over your debt are most likely going to fail. In the end that means you’ll be stuck in court paying back a debt that’s even larger than original balance because of the late fees and interest charges that were tacked on during the course of your debt settlement program. 5. The importance of your credit history. More specifically, if you’ve filed Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in the past 7 years, you may be out of luck. The main draw of debt negotiation for creditors is that they can recover a substantial portion of a bad debt that otherwise could and/or would be completely wiped out by bankruptcy. Unfortunately, if you’ve filed bankruptcy in the past 2 years, then you can’t file again for another 5 years, so a creditor loses some of the incentive to negotiate a balance. That is, in their mind, they’re saying, “This person can’t file bankruptcy anyway. What do I gain by lowering their balance?” That being said, even if you have filed bankruptcy in the past 7 years, a settlement can still be reached in most cases. Why? There are two reasons: a) a lot of times a creditor won’t be able to collect the debt from you anyway because you don’t have any assets or sufficient income, and b) having 50 percent of the balance in one lump sum is attractive when it means the creditor doesn’t have to waste time and money chasing you down. Finally, the longer it’s been since you’ve filed, the stronger your negotiating position is. In other words, if it’s been 6 years since you’ve last filed, then the time line when you’re eligible for bankruptcy again is too short for most creditors to risk potentially losing everything by refusing a settlement.

Risk in the oil drilling game

When considering whether or not to invest a portion of your assets into American oil, you must come to an understanding of risk inherent in this type of endeavor. As i have said before, if you are not a high networth or accredited investor limit your exposure to sector mutual funds and the like. If you are an accredited investor, take a closer look at direct participation oil & gas deals. Typically, there are two types of oil drilling deals, from a broad sense........Wildcats & Developmental Deals. Wildcats are the most aggressive types of drilling programs where oil has not been found within 1 mile of the drilling location, but the geologist might feel based on characteristics of the underlying lease that it is attractive to test for a producing well. Developmental Wells, which are the only kind I have ever invested in, are wells within 1 mile of known oil production. Many times when I have invested in these deals, I would see the adjacent leases' pumpjacks moving up and down just a few thousand feet away. The concept of a tangible investment is very reassuring in the wake of the Dot Com bubble, thus the ability to physically see a producing field adjacent to your prospect is very exciting. The fact that there are wells adjacent to your prospect does not guarantee success, but it is a great comfort. I believe that oil will continue to be in high demand based on the growth of Asia and India. I tend to take a simplistic, common sense approach to the issue of Peak Oil. If most of the "Easy" finds or holes have been poked in the ground the last 100 years, new production will continue to gain in value. Oil will fluctuate in the short run, but the long term value seems clear .......UP! The oil wells we drill, when successful, will typically pay out for 15-20 years. Production will peak in the first few years and steadily decline, but 10 years from now oil should be higher. Know what you own is a common refrain in investing, but it is very important in oil well investing. It is important that you meet the individuals that you are entrusting your hard earned money to. I will never invest in an oil deal without meeting the principals face to face. I want to see their operation in person. Independants vary in the amount of talent, machinery, and know-how, therefore it is important that you assess each company before giving them a dime. I have decided to invest one third of my investable assets into the natural resource arena. The choices are not limited to oil & gas investing, but that is what i feel comfortable with. I have come to accept the fact that we will have many dry holes and unsuccessful wells over the years, but I view my investment process similiar to dollar cost averaging in mutual funds. By consistently investing in wells, I can remove the inevitable hiccups along the way. If I had quit investing in wells because my first well was a failure(true story), how could I now take pleasure every time I fill my tank!

A comparison of emergency loans available to consumers

When discussing emergencies, we are actually referring to the undesired and unpredicted events that occur in our lives. And, when it comes to financial emergencies, we need to discuss emergency loans which are available to almost every customer. We define emergency loans as those fast payday loans offered to customers that need the money to solve certain problems quickly. If you aren't familiar with these kinds of emergency loans, here are few ideas that will provide you information on what this is all about. - there are two types of emergency loans: secured and unsecured loans - you can borrow as much money as you deem necessary, as long as - you can find the right lender - the advantage is that, since it is an emergency loan, you will get it in a short notice - you have less paperwork to do, the information is classified, - and sometimes the lender does little check on it - even if you have a negative or bad credit background, you can still get such a loan - your type of emergency is not something necessary to discuss with the lender; an emergency is an emergency, and no matter what it is, you will still get the loan One type of loan that is suitable for financial emergencies is the payday loan. These loans are great for the times when you need some extra cash for special occasions or for unexpected bills. The lenders usually charge a fee of 25%, so for $500 you borrow, you will give back in two or three weeks $625. If you want to extend the loan over the deadline, all you have to do is to pay the minimum payment owed on the cash advance. There are cheaper lenders out there such as the one offered by getfaxlesspaydayloans that charge much less for a loan. An advantageous type of loan is the faxless cash advance. How can you get one? Well, it is quite easy. These are the conditions: a 90 days old checking account to have a job for at least 60 days a monthly salary of $1,000 minimum The application process is very simple, and as the name says it no fax is needed. Apply for the loan by 5pm and overnight you will have the money. For any emergency you have, credit cards are also recommended. You can use money that in reality is not yours but have three to four weeks to pay it off.

Save early and often

A recently released study by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) cited that one of the highest concerns associated with getting older was the lack of money required to support oneself during retirement. For the past twenty years we have had thousands of financial experts trying to work out how much a retiree could safely spend each year to ensure that they don't run out of money. Yet, while the fear of a “lack of money” remains a major obstacle to retirement planning, most people state that they have no idea what their retirement needs might be, and confess that they have very little knowledge about the entire subject. Great news! The results are in; we now have a much better grasp of all the risks involved. This is what a sensible strategy may look like though the problem here is that for many of us “sensible” just won't cut it. Here's what you do not want to do; reducing your portfolio after retirement is a treacherous mistake made by too many retirees - after all, none of us know how long we are going to live. Taking this uncertainty into account most experts will typically suggest one of these two solutions. First, you could set a limit on your initial portfolio withdrawal rate to somewhere between 3% or 4% per year, that equals $3,000 or $4,000 for every $100,000 you have saved. This would be well below the 5% and 6% withdrawal rates that used to be advocated. William Bernstein, an investment advisor in North Bend, OR said: "If you take out 5% and you live into your 90’s, there's a 50% chance you will run out of money." This all sounds wonderful, but here’s the next problem: the typical household in America today, headed by a 55-64 year old, will have less than $90,000 in savings so a 3% or 4% withdrawal rate is just not enough. The second solution often advocated by financial advisors, for retirees with modest savings, is to buy income annuities. This normally involves handing over your money to an insurer; in return you receive a healthy-sized check every month for the rest of your life. You can of course also receive a very handsome stream of lifetime income by delaying your Social Security until you reach your late 60’s. Many experts will tell you to use savings to pay for your early retirement years. This is very prudent. The real issue here is most of us don't really like the idea of delaying our Social Security or buying income annuities, because we fear we may not live long enough to reap the benefits. No-one is claiming that the two-act retirement plan is ideal, but if you are short on savings the second solution will give you a reasonable source of income. You get to leave your heirs a decent inheritance should you die before you reach the age of 85. If you are lucky enough to live longer than that you should be able to live comfortably enough.

Cheap loan protection insurance could help stop you from getting into debt

Cheap loan protection insurance could help stop you from getting into debt providing that you understand the product and the exclusions that exist in all policies of this nature. The cover can be an expensive addition to a loan but it can also give great peace of mind when purchased correctly and you can get loan protection insurance cheaply if you choose to buy it independently by shopping around. Loan payment protection insurance is also sold under the name of ASU insurance and can give you a tax free income each month with which to continue paying your monthly loan repayments if you should come out of work after suffering an accident, sickness or due to unemployment of no fault of your own. The cover would begin to payout after you had been out of work for a set period of time which can be from the 31st day with some providers but as long as the 90th with others and once the cover has started it would then give you a tax free income each month you were out of work for up to 12 months and with some insurers up to 24 months. Cheap loan protection insurance can be a valuable lifeline as even if you qualify for help from the State, the help you get might not be enough to allow you to continue paying your essential outgoings such as loan or credit card repayments. While it can give peace of mind and security it isn’t suitable for all circumstances and the exclusions in the policies small print determine if it would be suitable for yours. Some common exclusions which can be found in all policies include only working part time, being retired, self-employed or having a pre-existing medical condition. It is essential that you get your quotes from specialists in payment protection not only to get cheap loan protection insurance premiums but also to benefit from the experience that a specialist can give so that you can be sure a policy is suited to your needs.

Bad credit car loans avoiding rip offs

Securing online financing for a new or used car purchase is much easier that most people think. But one thing that people do not consider when looking for a new car is that online car loans can help save the purchaser money overall. Consider this: you don't have any alternative when you are acquiring financing from the same dealership or car lot you intend to purchase your car from. Unless you have auto financing in place when you enter the establishment, you are probably at the mercy of the dealer's finance company. In many cases, dealer financing is much higher than even a bad credit car loan that you could lock in yourself with a little legwork. Also, consider that the loan that you do get is probably not going to be the most attractive of competitive loan that can be found. Dealerships are out to do one thing, and that to sell cars. And, sadly, more than few dealerships are resorting to underhanded tricks and deceptions to sell cars at overinflated prices. Let's take a look at one of the tricks used by dealerships to inflate the amount of money that you have to pay them in the long term of a car loan. It's a scam based on your credit and finance charges that will have to be applied to the loan. It usually works like this: you buy a car from a dealership. You go in, fill out the applications, get approved and drive your new auto home. You think that all is fine, after all, you were approved for the loan, and you've taken possession of the car. But then, a few week later, you receive a call from the dealership, telling you that you will be paying a higher rate on your original car loan than what you agreed on. What happened with that and how did it happen? After all, you signed a contract, they ran your credit, said everything was fine, and they let you take the car home. Here's what the dealer says happened, and here's the scam: even though they took your application, approved the sale, and let you drive the car home, the dealership was “unable” to secure the right financing for the car because of your bad or low credit score. And since there is a "subject to loan approval" clause in every car sales contract, you are now given two choices---either return the car or pay an new, higher amount every month. Most people who find themselves in this situation have few options, and in the end, opt to pay the extra money, by either changing the terms with the dealer or putting more down for the down payment. And remember all of this happened AFTER you came to an agreement of purchase, and signed a contract at the original price. It's a common bait and switch type of scam, but it can be avoided. How? By having your car financing pre-approved by getting a bad credit car loan online, you can avoid dealer financing tricks. It's very simple to get an application started online and in take just minutes to get a answer in most cases. Check out our other information on bad credit car loans at squidoo/car-loan-bad-credit/

Who should be the beneficiary of your ira

You have a number of choices when it comes to selecting a beneficiary (or beneficiaries) for your IRA. Some are appropriate. Some are mistakes and can lead to delays and expenses in getting the funds to your desired recipients. Some may even exclude some of your desired beneficiaries. In addition, some elections are for estate planning purposes. Let's take a look at your options. No Beneficiary Not recommended. This mandates your IRA be distributed according to your will, if you have one. If you don't, each state has “intestate” rules that divide your estate up in ways you wouldn't ever want. An IRA with no beneficiary must be distributed within five years. By contrast, a named beneficiary can spread the distribution out over the balance of their life expectancy. Your Estate Naming your estate as the beneficiary is the same as not naming one. The rules require a “named” beneficiary. Now your IRA goes through the probate process. This costs money, takes time and subjects your IRA to your creditors. Why should you pay money to be represented by an attorney and have a judge in some probate court decide whom your beneficiary will be? Why should your beneficiaries have to wait around for your estate to be closed? What if your will is challenged? What if you have a big estate with estate taxes due and the IRS is questioning the valuation of your business? I have seen estates open for as long as ten years as the debate goes back and forth between your attorney and the IRS. The worst case I can think of is your IRA completely eaten up by legal fees inasmuch it may be the only liquid asset. Your Spouse This is the most common designation and makes the most sense for a number of reasons. If the spouse is the sole beneficiary, he or she can elect to treat the IRA as his or her own. This opens up the possibility of delaying the start of the required minimum distributions (RMDs). This could be the spouse’s age 70 1/2, or for a Roth IRA, all the way to the death of the spouse. It also allows further “stretching” of the IRA as the spouse can spread the RMDs over their lifetime plus the lifetime of a beneficiary. If the spouse is more than 10 years younger than a non-Roth IRA owner, their life expectancy can be used. Beneficiaries other than the spouse, who are more than ten years younger than the IRA owner, are treated as being no more than ten years younger for RMD purposes. This is another “stretching” advantage for naming the spouse as beneficiary. Children If children are beneficiaries, they can take the RMDs over their life expectancy. Since the RMDs are very low at the younger ages, the account can grow substantially over the years. For example, a $100,000 IRA could distribute literally millions of dollars over the lifetime of a young beneficiary. If there is more than one child named, the youngest age is used for RMD purposes. However, if the children are beneficiaries of a trust, the oldest age is used. Grandchildren Because grandchildren are even younger than children are, the lifetime income potential from RMDs would floor you. I can show you an example of the same $100,000 IRA used above as an example that would pay out 20 million dollars to a grandchild over their lifetime under the right circumstances. Naming a grandchild gets into the generation skipping transfer tax area. But each person has a lifetime generation-skipping transfer tax lifetime exemption of $2,000,000 (in 2006). In any case, I would consult a tax attorney to make sure this beneficiary election coordinates with the balance of your estate plan. A Trust There may be some good reasons to name a trust as the beneficiary of your IRA. Your estate could be large enough so that you do not want your IRA to be subject to taxation twice. You may want to take advantage of the marital deduction, control where the balance of your IRA goes after the death of your spouse or have a spouse that is not a U. S. citizen. These objectives need to weighed against the ability of your spouse to treat your IRA as their own with the attendant advantages. If a trust is the beneficiary, the spouse cannot make this election, even if they are the only beneficiary of the trust. There are other beneficiary options beyond the scope of this article. I hope it is clear that there is no rubber stamp best beneficiary election. Prior to making a beneficiary choice, thought needs to be given to your estate, your family's circumstances, the rules and your wishes. In many cases, you should consult a tax attorney. The examples I have used here are my understanding of the rules and cannot be relied upon as tax advice.

Online car loans can give you the best rates of interest

There are many ways of financing when it comes to buying a new or used car but the best option for getting the cheapest rates of interest along with the best deal is to go with a car loan specialist website. A specialist website will search around and do the hard work on your behalf after taking some information from you and then deliver the best car loans for your circumstances. If you want the cheapest rates of interest and be able to take advantage of any special deals then you have to have an excellent credit rating. Your credit rating is the first thing that all lenders will look at and if yours is anything but perfect then it will have an affect on the amount of interest you will pay. The lowest rate of interest is a reward for those who have no blemish on their credit rating and these people can benefit from being able to take advantage of bonus deals. However there are millions of people who have less than a perfect credit rating for various reasons and while these individuals will not be lucky enough to have the luxury of the lowest rates of interest, they can still get a good deal. A specialist website will help anyone regardless of their credit rating to obtain the best rates of interest and best deal possible. They will use their experience to search the entire UK online car loans market on your behalf and offer them to you so you are able to choose the best for your circumstances. When comparing any online car loans it is essential to not just look for the very cheapest rates of interest, you also need to compare the key facts that should come attached to the loan because this is where you will find the total cost of the loan. These facts will tell you how much you will have to repay monthly, how much interest is added onto the loan and any addition costs attached such as early repayment fees. While the APR might look like it is the cheapest outright, if this has been quoted on weekly terms it could be mis-leading, also if there are any additional costs this will boost up the repayments, so checking the key facts for the full picture is essential. When going to a specialist website to get them to find the cheapest quotes it is essential that you have done your homework beforehand. You should fix a budget in mind as to how much you can afford to borrow for a car, this includes the monthly amount and the total with the interest added. A car loan can be secured on your property if you are borrowing a larger amount of money and this can keep the interest rate down but your home will be at risk. The unsecured will come with a slightly higher rate of interest but you do not need security, whichever type of loan is most suitable a specialist will always be able to get the cheapest rates of interest for online car loans.