Investing in times of uncertainty

Investing in times of uncertainty
Markets move in cycles. Not every market is the same day
after day. Opportunities exist but in small quantities. In
times of uncertainty, opportunities are even less. We all
invest in conditions where uncertainty is the norm.
Probabilities are the only known factors to decide the
likelihood of success of an investment. But real
uncertainties occur when factors outside the technical
aspects causing the markets to behave erratically. This
comes from news, economic or corporate that are
extraordinary, that influences the markets where technical
aspects are greatly affected. News such as 9/11, subprime
cash crunch, or corporate fraud at high profile companies.
Economic and corporate news are drivers of market action,
bombarding constantly causing emotional and psychological
stress in traders and investors. This stress, in effect,
causes them to act unpredictably.

The most uncertain periods in the markets happen when the
cycles are in the midst of changing, namely, expansion to
contraction and contraction to expansion. In the bull
market, investors become more and more euphoric with
incredible gains until their emotions blind their judgment.
Once the market acts up with outside factors such as
fundamental news, the market begins to sway easily from one
side to the other. This is the period where the losses
begin to accumulate. The investor first starts to believe
the bull market cycle is over, he gets out. Then, in a few
short days, the market recovers on good news; he
immediately gets. A few days later, a conflicting bad news
comes out, the investor changes his mind and sells short or
get out. This period can go for months on end, going up and
down in a range. This is probably where the gains are
completely lost and probably more.

What can investor do? In times where news dominates the
market, it's best to stay out. Why? No one knows what news
and what kind of news comes out and, most importantly, how
the market will react to them. Situations such as sub prime
crisis, economic numbers released are inconsistent. One
day, the numbers look good for one economic indicator; a
few days later, another indicator is released with a
negative number. (i.e. mortgage companies file bankruptcy
while the consumer confidence remains high). Investors are
at the mercy of the psychological and not logical effect of
the market. The masses are swaying back and forth in a
manic-depressive behavior. Dealing with a person with
manic-depressive can be a challenging ordeal.

Let the market figure it out until the bombardment of news
subsides. The market will seesaw, move at every little
news, however insignificant. Highly nervous markets create
tremendous volatility. Good news follow by bad news follow
by good news again will get the investor getting more
emotional. He will only join the rest of the mob in the
market: the losing mob. Most of the investors who are in
the market at this time are losing money, not only their
nerves. This is the time when very little opportunities
show themselves. If an investor intends to hold a stock for
a few weeks but continually getting news in between, the
only certainty is he'll get more news but doesn't know
which way the market will go due to the news. Technically,
the market will look very ugly, a zigzag of prices make
neither head nor tail in the charts. To make sense of it
all, it's best to view the monthly chart to figure out if
the overall trend is intact or not. Try not to view lower
timeframes just yet.

Unless the trading strategy the investor employs require
him to enter the market during this period, he should not
be involved at all. Months of September and October are
usually the most volatile because they tend to be the tops
or bottom of market action. Not only that, these periods
every once in a while abrupt drops in markets, such as 1987
and 1989 market crashes. Unless he's experienced in dealing
with this volatility, it's best to hedge his holdings or
pull out completely and put the money in money markets. He
won't lose money or sleep.

----------------------------------------------------
Larry Swing is the President of the popular day and swing
trading site http://www.mrswing.com a place where you can
find free daily articles and videos covering education,
market analysis and picks from Larry and other well known
traders in the industry.

Investment Clubs for Kids: Investing Isn't Just For Grown-ups

Investment Clubs for Kids: Investing Isn't Just For Grown-ups
Investment clubs can be a fantastic opportunity for kids to
learn about investing. As they learn about investments they
will develop a better understanding of money.

How to get started
The first step is to find a kid-friendly investment club.
Browse investment club websites to determine if there are
special sections devoted to teaching children or teens
about investing. Speak with your neighbors, friends and
colleagues to find out if they know of any investment clubs
for kids. If you can't find a suitable club you can start
your own. Consider getting together with other parents to
start an investment club for kids.

Choosing a portfolio
One of the hardest things with any investment club is
deciding on the specific investments to make. Children
have less money to work with than adults so it is important
to stick to stocks that are well within their budget. What
is most fun for kids is to choose stocks from companies
they are familiar with. Think about clothing, food,
computer, game software or other companies they use
products from.

Learning about stocks
Before deciding on what stocks to invest, teach your kids
to learn more about the companies they are considering.
Children can learn more about a company from its website,
by reading its annual report or by looking at its daily
stock reports and trends.

Finding money to invest in stocks
Children can start by saving their allowance to invest in
stocks. Open a savings account at a local bank so they can
easily make periodic deposits. Teach children to save part
of the money they receive as birthday or Christmas gifts.
Older children can be paid extra for completing additional
chores around the house. When children are old enough to
work outside the home encourage them to take on a part-time
job. Parents can help children by setting up a matching
program where parents will match the investment amount the
child has.

Keeping track of investments
Choose an investment club that offers interactive charts
and reports. This will allow you and your child to record
and keep track of their investments. Set aside a certain
day of the week to spend an hour looking at how the stocks
are doing. Make sure to stay on top of the investments and
sell stocks when necessary. Follow the market trends using
the newspaper or Internet to determine how you think the
chosen stocks will perform. Teach children to make a
connection between current events and stock trends.

----------------------------------------------------
Investing just isn't for grown-ups only. Even young
children can learn about investing through an investment
club for kids. Learn more about joining or starting an
investment club at
http://www.aboutinvestmentclub.com/art-kids

The 5 Laws of Highly Successful Traders

The 5 Laws of Highly Successful Traders
When we follow the laws of the road and decide to drive
within the speed limit we stand a better chance at avoiding
mortal danger; effectively you are increasing the odds of
an increased longevity. Similarly, there are beneficial
laws in the world of trading. Few would argue following the
laws of a successful trader is a bother when the end result
may directly effect the balance in your account. I invite
you to take a look at what these laws are, and how they
might make a positive impact in your life as a trader.

Law #1: Know Yourself

To understand your strengths and weaknesses, taking a
chance each day to look at yourself with complete honesty.
To know yourself is to take a step away from the vast world
of inner turmoil so many traders both expert and novice
experience. To know practice knowing yourself will bring
realization that regardless of what happens in the markets,
you are still the same person. Often times one will
experience confidence when winning, and a deflated sense of
self worth when losing. This is the general result of not
knowing ones self. When you know yourself you will be well
aware that the person you are remains the same regardless
of the wins and losses you may experience on a daily basis.
To know yourself is to be free from the emotional turmoil
often associated with day trading.

Law #2: Don't Rush In

If you've ever been in a rush you'll notice in hindsight
that your powers of observation decrease. Without a moments
notice the world goes passing by you. Most times when
trading you may find that you're in a rush to catch the
next big trade. More often then not rushing into a trade is
the wrong course of action, for many reasons. The need to
rush is an indicator that you are not well prepared, your
disposition when trading should be like that of a Tiger
laying in wait for its pray. However many people emulate
the nature of a Rat scrambling desperately to capture its
fair share of the cheese. When you feel comfortable and
confident that you're strategy is well prepared then you
may lay in wait. Opportunity will always come your way, but
when you rush in there is a greater chance it will pass you
by without a moments notice.

Law #3: Know The Future

Are we expecting too much of ourselves by demanding that we
know the future? Some may say yes, however as a trader this
should be one of your aspirations. Our goal is to bring
future events to fruition. When we take on the task of
knowing the future, as contrary as it may seem it's easiest
to think big. For instance, setting a goal 1 year into the
future and making it your prime objective to bring this
goal to realization would be a good start. Making this goal
reasonably difficult yet not necessarily an unrealistic
task would be an even better start. Dedicate your efforts
to achieving this one goal and put aside the trivial day to
day goals that often distract so many traders from their
primary objective. Accomplishing in the evening that which
you've set out to do in the morning is knowing the present;
accomplishing in 1-year that which you've set out to do
today, is knowing the future.

Law #4: Find a Mentor

Be aware that you are not the only student of these laws,
that there are others who may have already achieved
excellence in the laws which you are presently attempting
to master. Being aware of these individuals will afford you
the opportunity to receive invaluable tips. The principles
of these laws are exercised in many fields outside of
trading, become a student of those who have come before you
may cut a substantial lot of time from the learning curve
of your professional career as a trader.

Law #5: The Market Is Your Friend

To imagining that you are waging war with the market day in
and day out in order to achieve some level of financial
gain may leave you feeling torn and tattered on certain
days. The metaphor of war with the markets leaves you in a
zone where you are surrounded by enemies with superior
intelligence in a battle-field where the odds are always
stacked against you. If you can learn to befriend the
market then you'll find you've gained a valued friend and a
great teacher. When you free yourself from the concept so
many have of "war with the markets" you simultaneously free
yourself from the feeling of "Winning" days and "Losing"
days. In effect, you gain immunity from the feeling of
being a loser. In it's place you've gained a friend that
will always tell you where there might be room for
improvement.

These 5 Laws should rather be labeled suggestions. Remember
that success is an option, it is not a requirement. The
most useful of tips will often be applicable to multiple
areas of your life, it's popular often days to look at the
markets as a reflection of the world we live in. Achieving
proficiency as a trader will issue forth a ripple effect
often effecting other areas of your life. My hope is that
you enjoy these tips and the benefits they will render
within and around your professional life.

----------------------------------------------------
Ranked in the Top 10 by Google as an International Forex
Money Manager Aaron Stokes is a professional in the field
of managed Forex accounts with an average of 10% growth per
month on managed accounts. For details visit:
http://www.forex-cipher.com

Investment Clubs: 5 Things You Must Know Before Joining An Investment Club

Investment Clubs: 5 Things You Must Know Before Joining An Investment Club
Investment clubs are a great way to learn how to invest in
stock or real estate. They are becoming increasingly
popular. It is wise, however, to follow some simple
guidelines before joining an investment club to be sure
that you know what you're getting into.

1 Local vs. online investment clubs
If you enjoy socializing or face-to-face interactions, then
joining a local investment club may be the best option for
you. Members typically meet once a month. Local investment
clubs often invite investing professionals or experts to
speak at meetings. These talks are excellent opportunity
for members to learn from others' investing experience and
to ask questions.

You can easily find local investment clubs through word of
mouth. Ask colleagues, neighbors, friends and relatives for
recommendation. Chances are they may belong to a local club
or know of someone who is a member of a local club.

Online investment clubs offer convenience. They usually
have virtual chat rooms or forums where people can post
questions and answers. If you don't have as much time to
mingle with others or attend local meetings, then you may
be suited to joining an online investment club.

2 Investment capital
Determine how much you can afford to invest. Some clubs
have set minimums that must be met for investments. The
beauty of investment clubs is that members pool their money
to invest jointly. So, you don't need to have massive
capital to begin investing.

3 Investment period
Make sure that you find out how long your money will be
tied up before making any investments. Some clubs have set
rules on the minimum length of time for an investment.
Don't get stuck paying a penalty that will negate any
potential profits from your investment.

4 Beware of scams
Get rich quick schemes are abound, especially on the
Internet. If something looks too good to be true it
probably is. Most legitimate clubs don't charge joining
fees. Before joining an online investment club, check out
its reviews by other members. Determine how long the club
has been running and its investment performance.

5 Read the fine print
Before signing anything, read everything over thoroughly.
Be sure that you understand your commitment and are
comfortable with the terms and conditions of the investment
club. Check for any hidden fees or penalties for early
withdrawals.

Investment clubs can be an interesting and fun way to learn
and invest. As long as you make wise decisions and keep a
diverse portfolio you will likely be able to make some
decent profits through your investment club.

----------------------------------------------------
Investment clubs have been growing tremendously in recent
years. Many people who feared about investing on their own
have reaped the rewards by joining or starting an
investment club. Learn more about investment clubs and at
http://www.aboutinvestmentclub.com/art-join

Free Online Auto Insurance Quotes

Free Online Auto Insurance Quotes
Are you looking for better auto insurance rates? Are you
tired of feeling as though you are overpaying despite your
spotless driving record? If so, it's time to start
shopping around for the best auto insurance rate from a new
auto insurance company. Thanks to the world wide web,
motorists are no longer restricted to dealing exclusively
with a local agent and hoping for the best. Instead, the
internet has opened a new door for those who are looking to
compare auto insurance rates and get the best value for
their hard earned dollar.

When shopping online, the process of choosing an auto
insurance company is a bit more involved than simply asking
your neighbor which local agent he/she deals with. When
you shop online, you may be required to do a bit more
footwork on researching the auto insurance company, but the
end results can pay off in a very big way. The best way to
find a respectable auto insurance company is to research
their history, learn about their policies and how long they
have been in business, check their reputation with the
Better Business Bureau and request a free auto insurance
quote.

What is the most common way that an auto insurance company
could compete for your business? By offering the lowest
auto insurance rates, correct? If you said yes, then online
auto insurance may be the way to go. Because there is so
much competition online, companies have to work harder to
earn your business. In most cases, you can complete a
request for a free auto insurance quote online in a matter
of minutes. Depending on the auto insurance company, the
number of requests and day of the week, it may take hours
or several days to receive a response. The best part,
however, is that you can shop from a nation of auto
insurance companies with the click of a button and never
even have to step out your front door.

Free online auto insurance quotes are valuable for a number
of reasons, including the obvious fact that they are, well,
free. Not to mention, the option is very convenient for
someone who lives in a rural location and perhaps isn't
close enough to visit several auto insurance companies or
doesn't have the access to a great number of companies
because of the fact that they reside in a small town.
Where there is less competition, the prices are greater.
But the internet has changed the face of competition by
bringing a variety of options to those who either enjoy the
convenience that the world wide web can offer or those who
need the competitive pricing that simply isn't available in
their area. Whether you are shopping for Pennsylvania auto
insurance, New York auto insurance, Florida auto insurance,
Arizona auto insurance, California auto insurance or
anywhere in between, you can search for discount auto
insurance rates from the comfort of your favorite recliner.

The information in this article is designed to be used for
reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in
place of or in conjunction with professional financial or
insurance advice relating to auto insurance quotes,
discount auto insurance or auto insurance rates. For
additional information or to receive an auto insurance
quote, contact a local auto insurance company.

----------------------------------------------------
Andrew Daigle is the owner, creator and author of many
successful websites including
http://www.auto-insurance-quotes-cheap.com , an auto
insurance company research site and

http://www.personal-payday-student-loans.com , a site for
finding the best loan for your needs.

The 10 Keys to Successful Stock Options Trading - Key #2

The 10 Keys to Successful Stock Options Trading - Key #2
Welcome to the second installment on how to learn to trade
stock options successfully. In this article I will cover
the next key, namely obtaining and using good information.
Most people have heard the expression "garbage in, garbage
out". Well that phrase applies to options trading as well.
You will only successfully trade options if you have good
market and stock information. Luckily one of the great
benefits of trading stock options is the fact that good
information is not only easy to find it is also mostly
free. The internet is an extremely powerful tool and most
people these days have a fast internet connection that is
easily accessible. The trouble is interpreting and
discerning the useful information.
I have compiled a list of sites that I visit daily along
with an explanation of just some of the information you can
find on them.

www.finance.yahoo.com
Yahoo! Finance is a great source for all financial news.
Each morning, before the market opens, I check the In Play®
report. This report tells you all of the financial and
company news that has occurred during the night and before
the market opens. It is a great way to find out if there
will be any unexpected market moves, or perhaps big moves
in individual stocks that you can capitalize on. The report
is continually updated throughout the day as is the Market
Overview which gives a running commentary on the
performance of the major indices.
When you enter the name of a stock or ticker symbol, Yahoo!
Finance has an excellent company overview, with current
news and charts, a full profile, key statistics, financial
reports and analyst coverage.
Additionally there is a splits calendar that details the
stock splits that are currently announced and an economic
calendar that not only details upcoming economic
announcements but ranks them according to their importance
or impact they have on the stock market.

www.msnmoney.com
Again, this website is a good source for all investment
news. In particular MSN has a great earnings page that
details earnings estimates, past performance, trends and
growth rates. It also has a very easy to use Research
Wizard that explains and identifies fundamental analysis of
individual companies. The MSN StockScouter report rates
individual stocks according to a proprietary method of
analyzing a stock's potential risk and return.

www.rttnews.com
This website has financial news from around the globe. I
particularly like the breaking news feature that can be
downloaded and placed on your desktop. A desk alert then
pops up with any breaking news as it happens. It can also
be customized so that only the information you want gets
through.

www.tradingday.com
This is a very rudimentary website that has excellent links
to such information as stock gainers and losers, most
actively traded stocks, market statistics, after hours
trades and analyst and broker rankings. All of which is
very useful information when trading short term.

www.prophet.net
Like most sites this has a paid membership service but
there is a lot of great information if you sign up for a
free basic membership. I especially pay attention to the
industry rankings, this is a good indication of where
institutional investors are putting their money and as they
have millions, if not billions, to invest it is often a
good indication of what sectors will either be increasing
or decreasing in value. The historical trends show the
change in ranking over a certain time period, another good
indication of which way money is flowing. For the more
technically minded they have a very complete "Prophet
Signals" and "Prophet Scan" system for analyzing stocks.

As I mentioned in the beginning of this article good
information is key to good trading, remember though, you
must learn how to use this information correctly in order
for it to benefit you. Spend some time familiarizing
yourself with these websites, make sure you know what all
of the terms mean and how to use the indicators and if you
find any other good websites out there please let me know!
If I may paraphrase Benjamin Franklin I will finish by
saying "The best return anyone ever gets on their money is
when they invest in knowledge." Stay tuned for Key #3
coming soon.

US Government required disclaimer: Options involve risk and
are not suitable for all investors. Prior to buying or
selling an option, a person must receive a copy of the
Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options. Copies
of this document may be obtained from your broker, from any
exchange on which options are traded or by contacting The
Options Clearing Corporation, One North Wacker Dr., Suite
500 Chicago, IL 60606 (1-800-678-4667).

----------------------------------------------------
Roger Cox, born in New Zealand, was President of a large
international freight company in Los Angeles before
starting his own consulting firm. Roger has been
successfully trading stock options for 4 years and teaches
others how to do the same at
http://www.prosperitywithoptions.com

The 5 Different Kinds of Bankruptcy

The 5 Different Kinds of Bankruptcy
Understandably, the government made provisions on
different bankruptcy proceedings that a person or a group
can acquire to protect himself from his creditors. This
way, lawsuits that creditor are bound to file against the
borrower would be avoided. He will also have a chance to
protect his properties of retain possession of his assets.

However, it is important to remember that declaring
bankruptcy will not prohibit criminal prosecution or cancel
tax obligations. Also, a person may not use bankruptcy as
a reason to excuse himself of his financial obligations for
his children or alimony.

Let's see some basic points about each kind of bankruptcy
that are available to the public.

Chapter 7. Among the 5 types of bankruptcies, this one is
the most uncomplicated. An individual, a married couple or
business partners can apply for this proceeding. Before
filing for an application, the individual or the group will
be interviewed by a representative from a Credit Counseling
Agency. He will be required to make an appearance on
court. It usually takes about three and a half months
before the proceedings are done. Afterwards the individual
will be declared free from past unsecured debts. He will
then be assigned a trustee who will be in charge of
identifying which of his assets will be exempted from
bankruptcy. The rest of his assets will then be sold and
distributed among his creditors.

Chapter 9. This type of bankruptcy proceeding particularly
deals with municipalities. Under the bankruptcy code, a
municipality could be a political subdivision or a public
agency. Since it involves a larger group, this type is a
lot more complex than the other bankruptcies.

Chapter 11. This type of bankruptcy proceeding generally
applies for business corporations. There wouldn't be any
designated trustee for a corporation; instead the
corporation itself will come up with its own reformation
plans. This may include actions to try to recover the
productivity of the business, debt consolidation, and
repayment strategies such as selling some assets, merging,
and other possible options to generate some funds.

Chapter 12. This type of bankruptcy is exclusively for
family farmers and fishermen. In this case, he will not
lose any of his assets but will be required to pay of his
debts out of his future earnings.

Chapter 13. Similar with chapter 12, here an individual is
allowed to retain his property and pay off his credits out
of his future salary. He may allot at least 10% or more
out of his income to make up for his debts. Provisions
could be made on his behalf to give some assistance with
his payment plans.

----------------------------------------------------
Liz Roberts is a loan consultant with NewHorizon Finance
and has been providing consumers and business owners with
financing since 1989. Bad Credit? Join our mailing list for
tips on building and repairing credit yourself, without
hiring a credit repair service or view our list of credit
cards for bad credit at
http://www.newhorizon.org/Info/unsecured.htm
Copyright 2007

Good News About the Sub-prime Mortgage Crisis

Good News About the Sub-prime Mortgage Crisis
Hey, wait a minute! In recent months, the national media
has dwelled on the collapse of the subprime mortgage market
and the surge of foreclosures. But there is another side
to this story that should also be considered.

The Mortgage Bankers Association recently released its
National Delinquency Survey and the numbers are not what
you may think. True, the rate of loans falling into
foreclosure last quarter was the highest in the survey's
54-year history. 8.4% of subprime loans were more than 90
days late or already in the foreclosure process. That
statistic is sobering, but it misses the point. If 8.4%
are seriously delinquent or in foreclosure, 91.6% of the
sub-prime borrowers are current with their loans and making
their mortgage payments on time. They are enjoying the
benefits of home ownership. Those borrowers were given the
opportunity to own (rather than rent) because of the
availability of sub-prime loans and have successfully taken
advantage of that opportunity. For them, the "American
Dream" has become a reality.

Of course, 8.4% default rate is high, but unanticipated
financial problems happen. After all, people don't buy
homes, take out loans, and then intentionally default.
Usually something serious happens to disrupt the natural
process. Commonly, it is loss of job, divorce, medical
catastrophe, or some other unanticipated financial
emergency that causes people to default. Keep in mind,
though, you don't have to a sub-prime borrower to have
financial problems. Prime borrowers also default on their
loans and lose their homes in foreclosure (no one is immune
in this market). Sure, the percentages are higher for
sub-prime borrowers, but they are typically in a more
vulnerable financial situation. Of course, they have a
higher interest rate and pay a larger mortgage payments
every month, so cut them some slack. Regardless, the
solution is not to cut-off subprime lending, but rather to
embrace these borrowers' unique needs. Particularly now,
lenders need to offer delinquent homeowners programs to
restructure their loans and avoid foreclosure. Let' look
at why.

Delving deeper into the MBA survey, we discover several
surprising facts. For example, the surge in sub-prime
foreclosures last quarter was driven by four large states,
California, Arizona, Nevada, and Florida. If it were not
for the avalanche of foreclosures in those four states,
there would have been an overall drop in the rate of
foreclosure filings nationwide. Thirty-four states
actually reported a decrease in the rate of new foreclosure
foreclosures in the last quarter, and the remaining states
(other than those four) reported only a modest increase.

There is also a wide divergence between fixed-rate and
adjustable-rate loans. The delinquency rate for prime
fixed-rate loans was essentially unchanged from the
previous quarter and the rate for sub-prime fixed rate
loans actually fell! In contrast, the rate of delinquency
for prime adjustable-rate mortgages increased 36% and
sub-prime adjustable-rate mortgages increased 227%.

Clearly, adjustable-rate mortgages ("ARMs") are the culprit
and present a unique problem. But there is nothing wrong
with ARMS, provided they are utilized responsibly. They
have benefits you can't find with fixed-rate loans. They
have lower interest rates and correspondingly lower monthly
payments. They allow borrowers to qualify for loans they
would not otherwise receive (of which the vast majority
successfully pay each month). Plus, it just doesn't make
sense to obtain a 30-year fixed rate loan, when in reality
most people sell or refinance their homes every 5-7 years.

Nationwide, California leads the way with over 17% of all
sub-prime adjustable rate mortgages. Similarly, California
has over 19% of the foreclosures for sub-prime ARM loans.
In fact, the same four culprits; California, Nevada,
Arizona and Florida, have more than one-third of the
nation's sub-prime ARMs, more than one-third of the
foreclosures started on sub-prime ARMs, and most of the
nationwide increase in foreclosures.

Another factor to consider is the distinction between
owner-occupied and investor (non-owner occupied) borrowers.
A majority of the delinquencies and foreclosure starts can
be attributed directly to non-owner occupied loans. This
is because investors are notorious for defaulting on
mortgages when the market dips and they see the value of
their properties evaporating. Further exacerbating the
problem, investors' share of defaulted loans was 32% in
Nevada, 25% in Florida, 26% in Arizona, and 21% in
California. Yep, those same four states. Those rates are
high compared with a rate of only 13% for the remainder of
the country. And those percentages will certainly increase
as property values continue to decline.

One more thing. The media has been quick to blame mortgage
brokers for "forcing" borrowers into sub-prime
adjustable-rate loans. I laugh every time I hear that.
Anyone who has ever been a mortgage broker knows that you
can't force a loan on borrowers, prime or sub-prime. It
doesn't work like that anymore. Homeowners are more
sophisticated than ever before. They have access to the
internet, television and the mass media, and analyze
available loan programs. They understand the difference
between fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans, between
amortized and interest-only payments, and between "stated"
and full documentation. They shop and explore
alternatives. Ultimately, they select the loan they want,
not their mortgage broker. Regardless of what the media
says, that process works successfully for the vast majority
of American homeowners.

All tolled, the sub-prime mortgage crisis is bad, but not
nearly as bad as the media would have you believe. If you
dig deeper into the survey, and segregate the four problem
states, subprime ARMs, and investor loans, you will
discover that with the vast majority of American
homeowners, default and foreclosure are not issues. At
least not yet.

----------------------------------------------------
This article was written by Lloyd Segal, mortgage banker,
attorney, author, public speaker, and amateur economist.
As an eternal optimist, Lloyd can find "good news" in
almost anything. Lloyd is also the author of "Stop
Foreclosure Now" and puts on monthly foreclosure workshops
for investors and realtors.
http://www.ForeclosureWorkshop.net

Secured Credit Cards - Easy Way To Establish or Re-establish Credit

Secured Credit Cards - Easy Way To Establish or Re-establish Credit
Typically, secured credit cards are issued when the holder
is able to offer a type of "security" deposit to the lender
by depositing a pre-arranged amount of money into a savings
account, money market or certificate of deposit. This is
how it works: Usually, for a small fee, the lender will
allow the cardholder to utilize the credit card within the
specified parameters. Unlike using the cash for any
purchases, the secured card creates a credit history for
the holder, thus contributing to their overall credit
rating.

With a secured credit card, it is imperative that you make
full payments each and every month; otherwise interest is
charged on the outstanding balance. If you default, the
lender will use the amount in the security account to pay
off the debt and this can result in more damage to your
credit rating.

Don't Fall Prey To Credit Card Scams

As with any other financial undertaking, it is important
that you read the fine print so you are totally aware of
exactly what you are paying for. There are some pretty
unscrupulous predators out there whose primary goal is
separating you, the consumer, from your money. For this
reason, you should pay particular attention to the fee
schedule prior to accepting any offers for credit cards. Of
course, no-fee credit cards are best, but most often the
lender will require a small one-time activation fee, which
can typically range from $25 to $60.

The user must be vigilant when obtaining credit, so it is
your responsibility to make sure there are no hidden fees.
Special care must be taken when the contract contains
clauses outlining registration charges and/or set-up fees.
In some cases, the cost of the card can quickly exceed your
credit limit, thus only adding to your credit woes.

Do Your Research On Secured Credit Cards Before You Apply

With a secured credit card, you may have to pay a higher
than average interest rate, however, this does not mean
that the interest charge is outlandish. Many secured cards
offer competitive rates under 19% and again, this is where
diligent research on the part of the user becomes
paramount. You should be cognizant of all grace periods,
the penalty for late payments and the fees charged should
full payment not be made within the proscribed time frame.

Once you show due diligence over the specified time frame
(most lenders like to see a history of six months to one
year of responsible credit card use), the creditor may
offer to double the amount of credit available to you, with
a portion of this fixed amount being unsecured. Should you
choose to close out the account, however, the unsecured
funds must be returned to the lender.

The cardholder should ensure that the creditor regularly
informs credit-reporting agencies of their payment history.
Once it can be established that you are using credit
reliably and sensibly, your credit score will increase and
you will then be eligible to apply for an unsecured credit
card.

----------------------------------------------------
Liz Roberts is a loan consultant with NewHorizon Finance
and has been providing consumers and business owners with
financing since 1989. Bad Credit? Get our free credit
repair ebook ( on building and repairing credit yourself) ,
without hiring a credit repair service. You may also
compare a list of secured credit cards at
http://www.newhorizon.org/Info/securedcc.htm
Copyright 2007

How To Find The Property Bargains in Spain?

How To Find The Property Bargains in Spain?
Have you ever heard of the expression "To look but not
see"? This expression sums up the market fairly well at the
moment, particularly with reference to property bargains in
Spain.

As both an investor and a homeowner, you think you want to
know how to find the property bargains in Spain, but you
don't. What you really want to know is in which of the
property bargains in Spain should you invest.

You see currently there are so many property bargains in
Spain from which to choose, however Spanish real estate
agents still maintain that there are not. Phrases such as
"Hurry, it's the last one!" or "You'll have to be quick as
this won't be available for long!" are used in their sales
pitches to entice unknowing buyers who haven't taken the
time or initiative to discover that the opposite is
actually true.

And with all the talk in Spain about the "slump" in the
property market, it's no wonder some people are getting the
wrong idea. I mean, really, there can't be a lull with
property bargains in Spain for both buyers and sellers, can
there? Feasibly, whilst one of them has the upper hand, the
other suffers. So which is it?

Well, there's a lot of choice out there. It seems that a
couple of years ago, investors - assuming the market would
continue to boom - bought up big, particularly with
2-bed/2-bath apartments hoping to sell them in today's
market at a profit.

Unfortunately, since then, these are no longer in hot
demand. The result: an over-saturation of the property
market with regards to unfinished developments.

Action: buy these property bargains in Spain now, and wait,
because what seems expensive today will be the going rate
tomorrow.

Of course you do have to watch out for the underhanded
greedy merchants whose illegal actions unfortunately ruin
the reputation of all Spanish real estate agents, however
if you check the area carefully comparing those that you
believe to be property bargains in Spain with those that
you would like to buy with similar ones in the same area to
see if they are the same price, then you are already half
way there!

The other point to check is whether or not the land that is
being built upon is actually approved. Many property
bargains in Spain are only bargains because they don't have
the proper paperwork in place.

Property bargains in Spain such as these can sometimes be
the cause of an investor's woes and usually lead to the
buyer losing their deposit, which can in certain cases, be
substantial.

Luckily, this is not the trend. Approximately
three-quarters of investors and home- owners are pleased
with their purchase and feel that they got a good deal, if
not a bargain. And they're happy to tell all their friends
so!

This reputation of developers of off-plan projects classed
as property bargains in Spain is very important as most
people in the UK know someone who has purchased a property
there and word-of-mouth travels fast!

Really though, a "bargain" is subjective. What one person
believes to be a bargain may be a rip-off to someone else.
It depends on your perspective.

At the end of the day, if you've done your research and are
happy with the price you paid, then you've surely succeeded
in finding one of the many property bargains in Spain.

----------------------------------------------------
Get in touch with the industry experts at
http://www.buyspain.co.uk for more details. Steve Magill
has written several articles with regard to the Spanish
property business. As a Fellow in the British Association
of Entrepreneurs (FBAE) he is considered an expert
consultant when it comes to real estate in Spain.

Before You Apply For A Bad Credit Loan...

Before You Apply For A Bad Credit Loan...
Once you've viewed your credit history report, and you know
your credit score, you're more aware of the specific
problems you might have trying to get a bad credit loan.
If your credit score is quite low, you may still be able to
get a loan, but you'll end up paying much higher interest
rates for the privilege. Often, the amount of money you can
borrow will be significantly lower than if your credit were
good. You probably will not be able to borrow tens of
thousands of dollars; more likely, only several thousand
dollars, depending on a number of factors including your
credit score and income level.

You can sometimes increase your chances of getting a loan
with bad credit if you're willing to do a little bit of
work. When you got a copy of your credit report, you were
able to see all of the problems listed on the report that
negatively affect your credit score. Chances are that you
can have some of those items removed or changed, thereby
increasing your FICO score.

Legally, if you dispute an item listed on your credit
report, the lender must verify the entry within thirty
days, or they are required to remove that item from your
credit report. Likewise, if you have items on your credit
report which are several years old, you may be able get
them automatically removed. Say you have a listing on your
credit report which is four years old. It's a revolving
store charge account, but that store is no longer in
business. If you file a dispute, and no one is around to
look up the old records, the lender who owns the debt may
be unable to respond to your dispute, so it will
automatically be removed. The more negative items you can
get removed, the higher your credit score will climb.

Beware, this strategy can also backfire on you. If you
dispute something and the company has people available to
verify the credit report item, your credit report could be
updated with the current date. And sometimes when this
happens, it shows as a new credit problem on your credit
report. Choose your battles wisely!

Once you've verified that your credit report is accurate,
and your credit score is as high as you can get it, then
it's time to start looking for banks or finance companies
that provide loans for people with bad credit. Keep in
mind that you can't always get the full amount that you
want. Sometimes you must begin with a smaller loan,
perhaps $500. When you demonstrate financial
responsibility to the lender, your amount of available
credit will increase.

Most lenders who specialize in bad credit loans will allow
you to explain your credit history problems. If some of
your credit problems are due to circumstances beyond your
control- for instance, an emergency medical bill, but all
other accounts and bills are paid on time, this information
will be considered when reviewing your loan application.

Almost universally, finance companies who provide loans for
people with bad credit will charge higher interest rates
than traditional lenders. Be prepared to answer some
questions about your credit history, and be prepared to pay
more in interest and/or loan processing fees. Most people
with damaged credit will be able to get a loan, but many of
them shouldn't. Make sure you have a legitimate reason for
applying for the loan, and take advantage of the
opportunity to improve your credit in the process.

----------------------------------------------------
Gregg Pennington writes articles on a number of topics
including loans, debt and credit. For more information
about finding a loan with bad credit visit:
http://www.onlinemoneysources.net/bad-credit-personal-loans.
html

Ask Your Financial Adviser: How Much Insider Information Do Others Get?

Ask Your Financial Adviser: How Much Insider Information Do Others Get?
Here is something important you should be aware of,
especially when making your own market or portfolio
management decisions, or when relying on the advice of your
financial adviser.

Do you know whether or not you have open and complete
access to all the pertinent information you might need to
make those investing or share trading decisions?

In a perfect world, as an independent investor in stocks,
you should be able to access and analyze the same
information available to takeover experts and corporate
acquirers, such as investment bankers, private equity
investors, public accountants, and so on.

This, regrettably, is not the case. Investors and traders
in public market securities and securities analysts have
access only to publicly available information. As a
result, they have less than complete information available
to them when they invest, trade, or in the case of
securities analysts, prepare their reports and
recommendations.

The information they don't have is often just as important
in the development of comprehensive, meaningful valuation
determinations. This is not a criticism of public market
participants (the financial advisers and analysts), who do
not have access to this vital and relevant information.
This is a result of securities laws that are outside their
control. Still, that does not change the fact that these
investment professionals need to do much the same analysis
as do those corporate acquirers, who seek to purchase 100%
of a company.

As opposed to public market participants, corporate
acquirers and their advisers, (pursuant to the appropriate
legal documents), have direct access to the directors and
executives of the target company. These persons provide
detailed responses to all requests for information made by
the corporate acquirer, hence providing information that is
both in the public domain and not in the public domain.
Furthermore, they get access to all documentation in the
target company's possession related to its assets,
liabilities and historic/prospective operating revenues,
expenses and cash flows.

But imagine if you did have much more information...almost
the very same as the corporate acquirers. I know of one
independent investor who decided to do something about
this. He conducted extensive investor and market research,
and then used that knowledge - and his own industry
experience - to assist those who want to manage their own
portfolios, the financial advisors who assist them; and
others who need unbiased, independent help. He used
innovative thinking and the web.

In the investment world, the Internet is helping to change
things and level the playing field. Every week someone
comes up with a great idea to harness the capabilities and
distributive power the Internet provides.

© Roy MacNaughton, 2007

----------------------------------------------------
To learn what was revealed by the research mentioned in the
story above, go to:

http://www.stockresearchddblog.com
Roy MacNaughton is a "niche" marketing adviser. He's a
seasoned marketer, with more than 25 years of international
experience, including eight years online. Read his blog
at: http://www.UmarketingU.com

Does a Chase Secured Credit Card Make Sense For You?

Does a Chase Secured Credit Card Make Sense For You?
If you don't yet have a credit card, a Chase secured credit
card may be the answer to your plastic woes. After all,
there are many valid reasons why an unsecured credit card
may not be in your immediate future. A Chase secured card
can be the perfect alternative. Wondering if a Chase
secured credit card is right for you? These tips will help
you figure it out.

Don't Qualify For a Secured Card?

One of the surest signs that a Chase secured card is right
for you is if you don't qualify for unsecured credit.
Whether it's unpaid medical bills or a case of mistaken
identity, it can take months (or even years) to repair your
credit. Why go cardless in the meantime? A chase secured
card can get you over the hurdles to come.

Want to Rebuild Credit?

If you don't have credit or need to rebuild it, a Chase
secured credit card can be the perfect answer. Unlike
prepaid credit cards, a Chase secured credit card is
reported to the credit bureaus. This means that your Chase
secured card activity can help you qualify for an unsecured
credit card in the future.

Need To Get Into The Credit Card Swing?

If you need to get into the credit card swing of things, a
Chase secured credit card is perfect for you. It works just
like an unsecured card. You make purchases (up to your
credit limit) and pay the bill when it comes in.

The only difference between a Chase secured credit card and
traditional unsecured credit cards is that a secured card
is secured by a savings account whereas unsecured cards
aren't. That makes this card perfect for learning the
credit card ropes.

Do You Have The Credit Card Blues?

Perhaps the most important factor in determining whether or
not you need a Chase secured credit card is if you have the
credit card blues. What are the credit card blues? Do you
find yourself facing frustration every time you have to
rent a car or book a hotel room? Is it due to a lack of a
credit card? If so, you need a Chase secured credit card.

If you find yourself in need of a credit card and an
unsecured card just isn't an option right now, a Chase
secured credit card could be just what the doctor ordered.
Get the credit you need now and build the credit rating you
want for the future. In less than a year, a Chase secured
credit card could open the doors to a world of unsecured
credit.

----------------------------------------------------
For more tips on secured credit cards, saving money and
avoiding getting taken, check out CreditCardTipsEtc.com, a
website that specializes in providing credit card tips,
advice and resources.
http://www.creditcardtipsetc.com/secured_credit_cards/

Why Use A Property Finder In Spain?

Why Use A Property Finder In Spain?
Why use a property finder in Spain? Off the top of my head
I would say, if you're not Spanish, why wouldn't you use a
property finder in Spain?

For starters, a property finder in Spain either understands
Spanish or works with a professional Spanish-English
translator. This is very helpful because most people
working with property in Spain only speak Spanish. It goes
without saying that you are at a great disadvantage if you
not know what is being said during the negotiations for
something, which you will end up paying for!

A property finder in Spain will know the area, the
different developments - resales, off-plan, and
urbanizations - and will be able to inform you of the
advantages and disadvantages of each one.

Undoubtedly, if there is an extremely good deal available,
a property finder in Spain will be much more likely to know
about it than an inexperienced individual visiting for the
first time.

Your property finder in Spain will have comparative
knowledge between the UK and Spanish property markets and
will be able to highlight the benefits, some of which you
may be unaware.

The same property finder in Spain will also know the ins
and outs of additional costs (taxes, stamp duty, legal
fees, mortgage fees, public notary levies, communal
expenses and so forth). He/she will be able to recommend
reliable and trustworthy people working in these areas
including legal representation.

Another aspect a property finder in Spain can help you with
is banking, fund transfers, and mortgage applications, as
he/she will have people they regularly work with. These
people will be well-versed in the procedures of purchasing
Spanish property, so have all relevant paperwork and
information on hand. In doing so, they save you precious
time (and sometimes money) with the proceedings.

Your property finder in Spain will also know about schools,
shops, transport, and facilities in the vicinity, which is
of added importance if you have children. More often than
not, many a property finder in Spain will actually live -
for some or all of the year - in Spain, which is handy for
"after sales service", once you've moved there.

For something as important as purchasing a property abroad
- which is a personal and expensive matter, it's hard to
understand why anyone wouldn't make the most of the
services of a property finder in Spain!

This is particularly the case with older people considering
retiring to Spain, where it is sometimes physically
impossible for them to "check out" the market. The services
of a property finder in Spain become invaluable as things
like transport from their holiday accommodation to view the
properties, is also included.

Finally, a property finder in Spain will be experienced
enough to answer your questions that are not necessarily
specifically about property such as how to claim pensions
and how to arrange payments of utilities.

Although you could purchase property without a property
finder in Spain, the question remains, why would you? I
mean, there's an easy and a hard way to do everything…this
just happens to be the easy way.

----------------------------------------------------
Get in touch with the industry experts at
http://www.buyspain.co.uk for more details. Steve Magill
has written several articles with regard to the Spanish
property business. As a Fellow in the British Association
of Entrepreneurs (FBAE) he is considered an expert
consultant when it comes to real estate in Spain.

Payday Loans - Scams or Simply Misunderstood

Payday Loans - Scams or Simply Misunderstood
Payday Loan Fees

For a fee of between $15 and $50, the borrower can get
money for an emergency or money shortage to tide them
through until their payday. If borrowers decide to roll
what they owe over for another fortnight, they are
responsible for another fee at the same rate.

Who Needs A Payday Loan?

The need for this type of service has arisen since banks
and other lending institutions generally don't lend small
amounts of money on these terms. The trouble with a payday
loan is the interest rates they offer is extremely high,
the amount of interest is calculated at around 300% per
annum.

Often borrowers fall into the trap of borrowing money from
a payday loan provider every fortnight, in order to stretch
their income further, in this case a payday loan is a very
dangerous choice. People who get caught up in the trap of
borrowing money from these companies, and rolling the money
over more than once run the risk of getting further in to
debt.

The RIGHT Way To Use A Payday Loan

The only way to borrow money from a payday loan company is
to understand the associated costs, and only do it in an
emergency, where the option of borrowing money from
friends, colleagues or family, and giving them a forward
dated check is not available.

Care should be taken to make sure that the company is
legitimate; one of the leading causes of fraud is from
companies posing as payday loan companies. Find out where
the company is situated, ask for their company phone number
before signing up, and try ringing it. Look over the
Internet for reports or information on the company, and
from other people who have lent money from them.

Be very wary of payday loan companies that ask for a fee
before forwarding money to the borrower, and avoid giving
out bank account numbers. Borrowers should opt for wire
transfers from western union rather than give out bank
account numbers and details as they run the risk of a
fraudulent company accessing their accounts and creating
further money problems. Some payday loan companies are
scams, and the borrower lends money at their own risk, so
care does need to be taken to choose legitimate companies.

The best way to deal with a payday loan company is to
understand how their fees and charges work. Know exactly
how much it is going to cost you to borrow the money, and
what will happen if you can't pay it back after payday. Be
very choosy with payday loan companies, some offer you a
better deal than others.

----------------------------------------------------
Liz Roberts is a loan consultant with NewHorizon Finance
and has been providing consumers and business owners with
financing since 1989. Bad Credit? Join our mailing list for
tips on building and repairing credit yourself, without
hiring a credit repair service or view our list of credit
cards for bad credit at
http://www.newhorizon.org/Info/unsecured.htm
Copyright 2007

Difference between In-the-money (ITM), out-of-the-money (OTM), or at-the-money (ATM) Options

Difference between In-the-money (ITM), out-of-the-money (OTM), or at-the-money (ATM) Options
An option can be described by its strike price's proximity
to the stock's price. An option can either be in-the-money
(ITM), out-of-the-money (OTM), or at-the-money (ATM).

An at-the-money option is described as an option whose
exercise or strike price is approximately equal to the
present price of the underlying stock.

For instance, if Microsoft (MSFT) was trading at $65.00,
then the January $65.00 call would an example of an
at-the-money call option. Similarly, the January $65.00 put
would be an example of an at-the-money put option.

Please view charts below for at-the-money option examples.

An in-the-money call option is described as a call whose
strike (exercise) price is lower than the present price of
the underlying. An in-the-money put is a put whose strike
(exercise) price is higher than the present price of the
underlying, i.e. an option which could be exercised
immediately for a cash credit should the option buyer wish
to exercise the option.

In our Microsoft example above, an in-the-money call option
would be any listed call option with a strike price below
$65.00 (the price of the stock). So, the MSFT January 60
call option would be an example of an in-the-money call.

The reason is that at any time prior to the expiration
date, you could exercise the option and profit from the
difference in value: in this case $5.00 ($65.00 stock price
- $60.00 call option strike price = $5.00 of intrinsic
value). In other words, the option is $5.00 "in-the-money."

Using our Microsoft example, an in-the-money put option
would be any listed put option with a strike price above
$65.00 (the price of the stock). The MSFT January 70 put
option would be an example of an in-the-money put.

It is in-the-money because at any time prior to the
expiration date, you could exercise the option and profit
from the difference in value: in this case $5.00 ($70.00
put option strike price - $65.00 stock price = $5.00 of
intrinsic value. In other words, the option is $5.00
"in-the-money."

Please view charts below for more in-the-money option
examples.

An out-of-the-money call is described as a call whose
exercise price (strike price) is higher than the present
price of the underlying. Thus, an out-of-the-money call
option's entire premium consists of only extrinsic value.

There is no intrinsic value in an out-of-the-money call
because the option's strike price is higher than the
current stock price. For example, if you chose to exercise
the MSFT January 70 call while the stock was trading at
$65.00, you would essentially be choosing to buy the stock
for $70.00 when the stock is trading at $65.00 in the open
market. This action would result in a $5.00 loss.
Obviously, you wouldn't do that.

An out-of-the-money put has an exercise price that is lower
than the present price of the underlying. Thus, an
out-of-the-money put option's entire premium consists of
only extrinsic value.

There is no intrinsic value in an out-of-the-money put
because the option's strike price is lower than the current
stock price. For example, if you chose to exercise the MSFT
January 60 put while the stock was trading at$65.00, you
would be choosing to sell the stock at $60.00 when the
stock is trading at $65.00 in the open market. This action
would result in a $5.00 loss. Obviously, you would not want
to do that.

----------------------------------------------------
Brett Fogle is the founder of Options University, a
training resource partner for traders. For a
comprehensive, free report on the 7 deadliest sins made
when options trading, visit
http://www.OptionsUniversity.com .

The 10 Truths of Financial Success and Happiness

The 10 Truths of Financial Success and Happiness
Most people think financial success and happiness are
connected, in a way they are right however happiness is not
connected to the amount of money you make. How you think
about and manage money contributes to your happiness. There
are three aspects to wealth: Managing Your Finances,
Managing Your Career and Managing Your Attitude

Managing Your Finances

1: Spend Less than You Earn and Save Money
This is the most obvious financial principal of all time;
however, it is ignored with each swipe of the credit card.
Have a budget, know where your money goes, and don't spend
money on fun things until you have paid for your
necessities. Someone once defined materialism as "Buying
Things You Don't Need, With Money You Don't Have, to
Impress People You Don't Like". Buying things never made
anyone happy, and recent research has proven beyond a doubt
that high income and net worth do not lead to
happiness.(Roszkowski, Phd, Michael J., and John Grable,
Phd, Cfp, Rfc. "How are Income and Net Worth Related to
Happiness?" The Journal of Financial Services Professionals
60.1 (2007).
Accumulate money in savings accounts, retirement plans,
investment portfolios, and your home equity. It is
important to be prepared for difficult circumstances, such
as unexpected medical expenses or a job loss. In addition,
you may want to save to help your children attend college,
for your own retirement, or to start a business.

2: Limit Borrowing
As a child in the 60's and 70's, we played Milton Bradley's
"The Game of Life". I noticed then that players who
purchased the smallest homes and who had the least amount
of debt usually won the game. The reason is simple. You are
better off earning interest than paying it. Try not to
borrow to purchase depreciating assets such as cars and
furniture. Practice patience, and learn the joy of delayed
gratification.

3: Plan
Acquire a financial plan, either using software or paying a
fee financial planner to write one for you. Having a plan
gives you the road map to help you figure out your present
location and to plan where you are going. People don't plan
to fail-they fail to plan.

4: Use Advisors
Life is complex, and the only way to sort through the
confusing maze is to utilize experts. Find and use trusted
professional advisors: legal, tax, insurance, investment,
and financial. You are the president of your personal
corporation, and your advisors are on your board of
directors.

Managing Your Career

5: Stay in School
Research proves that those with a higher education achieve
higher incomes than those who are less educated. If you are
in high school, excel and finish. Go to college, get a
bachelor's and any advanced degrees you may need for your
career. Whatever your chosen profession is, white or blue
collar, become an expert by constantly expanding your
knowledge. Every profession has classes you can take, or
books and magazines you can read. Perhaps your employer
will even pay for them. To stop learning is to stagnate.
Our society is evolving and changing faster than you can
blink an eye. You must constantly be learning to in order
to stay current, and perhaps to be on the cutting edge of
innovation. Life of continual learning is much more
interesting and fun.

Learn about financial matters. This will help you make
better decisions and identify when you are being misled.
Professional advisors are often better able to help those
clients who have taken the time to educate themselves.

6: Work Hard and Be Engaged
If your employer has hired you to do a job, you owe them
the hours for which they have hired you. Tragically,
research has concluded that most people don't spend a
majority of the 40-hour work week actually working. Don't
look for ways to get out of work, look for projects you can
take on. Create your own projects-make more work for
yourself. In your spare time, turn off your TV, expand your
knowledge, or possibly start a small business.

Too many people just move through life without caring about
the world around them. Get involved in the things you are
already a part of. You have a lot to offer.

7: Additional Sources of Income
You have heard the adage about not putting all of your eggs
into one basket. Why then do we put all of our financial
hopes into the basket of our employer? Your employer can
and will change. Even though you were the hardest worker,
with the best ideas and attitudes, you may find yourself
unexpectedly filing for unemployment benefits.

Consider having additional sources of income through a
small business out of your home. (Be wary, though, of
home-based business and real estate schemes.) Think about
the things you enjoy doing, and possibly start a small
business or get a part-time job. For example, if you love
to golf, consider caddying, or if you love to shop, think
about a part-time job at your favorite store. You may also
want to consider a second job to pay off debt.

Managing Your Attitude

8: Be Positive
Choose to see the good in everyone, everything and
yourself. You may have to look hard for it. Anyone can find
the things that disappoint and frustrate them. Choose to
like yourself, others around you, and the wonderful
blessings that fill the world. Having a positive attitude
creates a state of mind for success and overall health.

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of
attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than
facts. It is more important than the past, than education,
than money, than circumstances, than failures, than
successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is
more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It
will make or break a company ... a church ... a home. The
remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding
the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change
the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one
string we have, and that is our attitude ... I am convinced
that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to
it. And so it is with you ... we are in charge of our
Attitudes." - Charles Swindoll

9: Give it Away
The happiest wealthy people are those that give money away.
If you don't have money to give away, give away your time.
Be a friend to someone who needs you, or volunteer for your
favorite charity. There are many hurting people that don't
have the advantages you have had, and they need you. You
will discover the biblical mystery that 'it is better to
give than to receive' (Acts 20:35).

10: Focus on Family and Higher Things
Live for good purposes outside and above yourself. Reach
for the highest ideals in life. Contribute to the world
around you. Leave a positive lasting affect on the
world-this is a true legacy. Your family (spouse, children,
parents, siblings) and close friends need you, and you need
them. Make them your priority.

Summary
Being successful with the money you have is not easy or
quick and there are no short cuts. Continue to educate
yourself about financial matters and obtain a financial
plan, Implement that plan using your team of trusted
professional advisors, and monitor your plan regularly to
keep track of your progress towards achievement.

----------------------------------------------------
Kent E. Irwin, ChFC, CLU, CAP, co-founder and CEO of
eFinplan.com. eFinPLAN is the first and only web-based
comprehensive consumer financial planning software designed
for people who are trying to do a lot of their own
financial planning. Find out more about how do-your-self
financial planning and how to reach your goals at: =>
http://www.efinplan.com/

Choosing the Right Mortgage

Choosing the Right Mortgage
Remember you would not buy the first house that was offered
to you, so why go with the only mortgage that is offered to
you. Ask for more than one good faith quotes. See what
options different lenders will give you. Be sure to ask the
lender to not pull your credit report, but to give you a
good faith quote based on the paper credit report you will
have brought to him.

Understand what your credit report says. And don't order
your credit report online. Most people order their credit
report on the internet, sometimes they even get their free
report. What they don't realize is that by doing this, they
worsen their credit history because when your credit score
is pulled more than once, your score will lower. And it
will be pulled more than once if you pull it and then the
mortgage company pulls it again. Instead what you should do
is order your credit report through the credit bureaus by
calling their 1-800 numbers. Be careful, because they will
try to tell you to obtain in on the internet, be patient,
stay on the line and ask for a written copy. This copy will
be your true credit report. This is what will actually be
pulled up by the mortgage company.

Consider using a mortgage broker. Sure you will have to pay
an additional fee, but in many instances that fee will be
worth it when you get the right type of mortgage loan. A
mortgage broker will help find you several loan options to
choose from. You can then choose the option that best suits
your needs.

When you go to a mortgage broker or a bank make sure that
the bank or mortgage broker does not sell you a higher
interest rate than what you qualify for. Many banks will
pay a broker to sell his customer a higher mortgage rate.
This is called Yied Spread Premium or YSP. So if you
qualify for a 6% interest loan but your broker or bank is
selling you a loan with an interest rat of 6.5% then the
bank is making more money. Look for a line on your
documents one that's says YSP. If it is positive that means
that you are not getting the lowest interest rate you
qualify for.

How do You Avoid This?

Be upfront with your broker or banker, and negotiate. If
you negotiated the price of your home, you can definitely
negotiate your mortgage. Every fee on the mortgage is
negotiable. The only thing you cannot negotiate on are the
taxes, the filing and the insurance fees. Before deciding,
get a copy of your good faith estimate, take it home and
start investigating all the fees the bank or broker is
trying to collect. Explain to him, what you have found out.
You will soon learn that he changes things pretty fast.
When you use a broker tell him that you are willing to pay
up to a half point in origination fees, but that you don't
expect to pay an back end fees. He will understand what you
are talking about.

Finally read your closing documents very carefully. In fact
you should ask an attorney to be present. It is always
better to be safer than sorry later. It is better to spend
a few hundred dollars to consult an attorney now, and not
find out later that you are spending thousands of dollars
paying what you should not have to. Many brokers and banks
feel somewhat uncomfortable and too time consuming.
Generally speaking and in most cases the attorney does not
find anything wrong with the closing arrangements. But you
know the principles of Murphy's law. Something may go wrong
if you don't do things the right way.

In this type of arrangement it is not wise to penny pinch.
In fact be sure to always have a home inspection done. If
you don't do things you will regret it. It is always best
to have spent a few hundred dollars up front. But what you
want to avoid is having something BIG go wrong halfway down
the loan.

----------------------------------------------------
Jim Donaldson is a writer for the mortgage information site
http://www.mortagesave.com where there is more information
to be found on mortgages. please visit
http://www.mortagesave.com for more information.

College Student Health Care!

College Student Health Care!
A major fallback that all financial institutions, and
government agencies have had, in regards to student aid,
student financing, student loan and even student jobs is
the total lack of attention that has occurred with student
health care. Do you realize that the largest population of
uninsured Americans are people aged 18 to 24.

Today there are more than 48 million Americans that have
little or no health insurance, and those numbers are
expected to go up by 20% in the next 10 years. Of those
people that are uninsured over 10% are college students.

Now, that I have you thinking! Lets think about why this
happens? If we know that this is true, and we also know
that health insurance insurance is our biggest problem,
then why don't we do something to solve the problem of the
largest population of uninsured?

What causes this Age Group to be Uninsured? The main reason
that young college students are not covered by insurance,
is because they are too old for their parents coverage, or
in some cases their parents don't have insurance. Another
reason is because people in this age group are going to
school, and can only afford to work part time, and a part
time job does not cover health insurance needs.

What are the Current Health Insurance Options for This
Population?

There sure are not a lot of options out there. The student
could purchase an independent insurance policy, but with
independent insurance policies costing well into the
thousands of dollars a year, this is not really a viable
option. The other option is for parents to continue
covering the young adult, and many insurance companies
refuse to do that. The parents could also purchase an
independent health insurance policy for their child that is
if they can afford it.

Many Argue that People in that Age Group Don't Really Need
Insurance

Does that truly make sense? So, if a student has an
accident, it is alright if he becomes financially indebted
for many years to come, because he was young. Most students
would probably choose to have health insurance, if the
option were available to them.

Many of these uninsured students have chronic diseases like
asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, and HIV that go
untreated because of a lack of health insurance. Students
need treatment with depression issues, eating disorders and
even drug and alcohol abuse, and in most cases they cant
get it because of a lack of health insurance.

How Can We Solve the Problem of a Lack of Health Care in
Young Adults? It is a subject that is on the politicians
table and should be paid attention to carefully. We could
support candidates that look for a solution to the problem.
It would be great if in some way we as a nation could come
up with some form of universal coverage. Another option
that you as a student can check into is the availability of
a health insurance plan that is carried by the University
or College you attend.

Many of today's colleges offer student health insurance
plans for students that are enrolled in their University.
In fact, this should be something you look at when you are
choosing the college you will attend.

Have Your Parents Ask Their Insurance carrier if they can
keep you on their plan. Some insurance carriers will let
students remain on a plan until they are 22.

In conclusion, this is still somewhat of a difficult
problem to deal with, and there still aren't any easy
answers. But there are some solutions, if you look for them.

----------------------------------------------------
Jim Donaldson is writer for the student loan information
site http://www.studentaides.com where there is more
information to be found on student credit cards. please
visit http://www.studentaides.com for more information.

The 7 Steps of Do-it-Yourself Financial Planning

The 7 Steps of Do-it-Yourself Financial Planning
You are in control

You are already your own financial planner. Regardless of
the extent of help you receive from professionals, you
ultimately are the decision maker and you are responsible
for your own finances. Although the financial world has
become increasingly complex, it is becoming easier today to
do a lot of your own planning. The variety of resources has
expanded such as software for money management and
planning; online tools for banking, financial planning and
investing, and resources, and books and blogs that are easy
to understand. These resources may be good news for you if
the cost of professional fee only financial planners is
out-of-reach to you. Besides the cost of fees, others may
avoid planners because they have heard stories of advisors
trying to sell a product that didn't fit their situation.
Cost savings and avoiding product pitches are excellent
benefits of being your own planner.

Everyone should take a more active role in their financial
affairs. Not only does it help with educated decision
making and fraud avoidance it also helps you better
communicate with your other professional advisors such as
your accountant and attorney. You will also find yourself
spotting opportunities when they cross your path.

Becoming a better manager of your family's finances will
also help you 'dig out' if you are struggling financially.
When you consider the low savings rates and the high
household debt, many more people find themselves in this
category today.

The following are 7 steps to do-it-yourself financial
planning:

Step 1: Commit

The first step to financial planning always begins with
commitment. Whether you are having financial difficulty, or
have just avoided setting goals and mapping out a plan -
commitment is the first step. Commitment provides the
discipline and focus needed to help sustain you on the path
towards your goals.

Step 2: Set Goals

Without specific goals and a plan to achieve them financial
success stays a foggy dream. Therefore the second step is
to list the dreams that will motivate you. Write down all
of the goals you want to achieve in the short and long
term. This will serve as the driver, or the fire in the
engine giving you the motivation to move forward. Everyone
has dreams, but without constant watering and attention
dreams will go dormant. Leave your past mistakes and
inaction behind you, light a new fire and chart a course
forward. You have an enormous amount of potential and
talent, and if you have made mistakes you now have more
experience and wisdom. Dare to imagine what you could
achieve - because your best years are ahead of you.

Step 3: Assemble and Organize Information

Get your stuff together. Planning is easier if you
assemble everything in one central location. Make an
organized filing system either in a cabinet, accordion
file, a box, any way that works for you. Now locate and
file all of your tax returns, receipts, insurance policies,
contracts, wills, mortgages, deeds, titles, pay stubs,
employee benefit statements, banking (loan, savings and
checking), bills, investment and retirement plan statements
and any other important papers.

Step 4: Manage Cash Flow

Your household is a business. You need to know how much you
are earning and spending each month. Balance your checkbook
and establish a budget. There are dozens of books and
software to help with this, and your bank's website may
provide this as well. This will help you know when and
where you are overspending.

Step 5: Self Educate

Establish a sound foundational knowledge base about
financial matters. Start with books about budgeting and
money savings tips, debt, basic insurance and investing. Be
sure to include reading about mutual funds and financial
planning. Avoid get-rich-quick, real estate, gold or
innovative 'secrets' books. Stick to the fundamentals. I
find the "For Dummies, 'For Idiots' and 'D-Mystified' book
series to be very helpful for many people. Lastly, stay
informed about current financial topics by reading
financial magazines, newspapers, the business section of
papers, and blogs.

Step 6: Create a Written Plan

A written plan serves as a road map towards your financial
destination. It helps you understand where you are
presently and the steps that you need to take to move
forward. A financial plan is a process. As your life
changes with income changes or the birth of a child, your
plan should be updated to reflect your new circumstances.
You should revisit your financial plan at least once a year
to make any updates or to include items in your checklist
for completion. If you write your own financial plan, you
will have to obtain financial planning software. Your
other options are to pay to have a written financial plan
completed by a fee financial planner or by an institution
or professional that provides products. Be sure to find
out about how the planner is compensated and what your fees
will be.

Step 7: Engage Professionals

Most people can't entirely do all of their financial
planning by themselves. Assemble a team of trusted
professional advisors that you can rely on to help you
implement different aspects of your plan, answer your
questions and be on the lookout for you. The professionals
that can be the most advantageous are a proactive tax
accountant and financial advisor with extensive planning,
investment and insurance knowledge, an attorney qualified
in estate planning, and a banker that can help with credit
ratings and debt management. Before committing to anyone,
get referrals for trusted professionals from people whose
opinion you respect and don't be afraid to ask challenging
questions.

There you have it, the seven keys to do-it-yourself
financial planning. Start the process today: the sooner you
do, the closer you will be achieving your goals and living
with less financial stress.

----------------------------------------------------
Kent E. Irwin, ChFC, CLU, CAP, co-founder and CEO of
eFinplan.com. eFinPLAN is the first and only web-based
comprehensive consumer financial planning software designed
for people who are trying to do a lot of their own
financial planning. Find out more about how do-your-self
financial planning and how to reach your goals at: =>
http://www.efinplan.com/

Why Is A Great Investment Adviser So Hard To Find?

Why Is A Great Investment Adviser So Hard To Find?
If you're looking for a great doctor, tutor, ad agency or
actor, you'll find they're always busy. You have to wait in
line. The very best at what they do always attract a
following. Word of mouth works exponentially when you do a
superlative job or get more profitable results.

It's just a fact of life, some say. Actually, it's basic
economics: when demand is specifically stimulated in one
area, it highlights the dearth of supply for similar
quality. There are only so many great experts to go around.

Why would it be any different with investment advisers?
Like architects, accountants, or actors, they come in all
shapes and sizes. The problem of finding and keeping a good
one seems to be magnified by how much money one has to
invest. It just makes common sense that if an advisor is
paid solely by commissions, the more money he or she
manages, the more he will earn.

What would you do? 'Follow the money' is the ancient adage.
This is not to say that there aren't investment advisers
who won't work with you because you don't have millions to
invest. Investment advisers come with different sets of
motivation. There are IA's who would rather work only with
women, others who like to specialize with those under 40,
those who focus only on professionals, or independent
business owners; while others hone in on mature adults,
those older than 55.

Each of these respective target groups has its own dynamics
and challenges. There are IA's to fit every single market
segment's needs. However the single driving force in the
vast majority of cases is just how much one has to invest;
or how much time it might take to service that client's
account.

After all, the only two things any IA has to offer are her
'time' and 'expertise'...or access to it. Time is the one
constant. Every expert or investment adviser has only so
much available 'time' to spend on his profession. That
means only so much time can be dedicated to servicing and
managing a client's money.

Some are very efficient and make the best use of this
scarce resource. Others are not so fortunate. Which one you
get depends on how you shop around, how diligent you are in
your choice; what questions you ask during your search.
Research has shown that one of the ways IA's greatly
improve their efficiency and the accuracy of their work is
to use as many digital, automated tools as they can.

These tools help them speed up and improve the accuracy of
their research and calculations of various equity
opportunities, given the prevailing conditions in the
market. This is where the advantages of the Internet come
into play.

It's no secret today that the majority of investors use the
Internet to research, educate themselves and calculate
potential returns on their market moves. I personally know
of one investor who decided to see if he could put
together a multiplicity of information sources - in a much
different format than usual - so that folks like him could
work either by themselves or more closely with their own
IA, in the management of their portfolio.

As part of his overall research, in late January of this
year, he did market research and learned some things that
readers may find very interesting. Because he is
particularly interested in independence and objectivity,
he asked the question: "...How concerned are you that your
Investment Adviser might not be totally objective - i.e.
that he/she might be influenced by other incentives
vis-à-vis the investment advice he/she gives you?"

Some might say that the answers he got were to be expected.
It was also surprising to learn that 80% of investors with
more than $100K in the market spend up to 10 hours per
month online -- some much more -- researching their stocks.
To me, this begs a new question: why are they spending this
much time online if they have an IA?

----------------------------------------------------
To learn what the research mentioned in the story above
revealed, go to: : http://www.stockresearchddblog.com
Roy MacNaughton is a business writer and coach. He's a
seasoned marketer, with more than 25 years of international
experience, including eight years online. Contact him at:
roymacnaughton 'at' gmail.com or his blog at:
http://www.UmarketingU.com

Beach Front Vacation Homes: Should You Buy One?

Beach Front Vacation Homes: Should You Buy One?
The idea of a beach front vacation home is one that many
people find appealing, but the cost of constructing or
buying a beach home makes it prohibitive for most people.
There are many owners who rent out their beach homes,
however, as a way to help offset the costs of ownership.

There are a few issues to consider before buying a beach
front vacation home. One of the major problems you will
encounter with beach front vacation homes is the amount of
maintenance required due to damage by renters or the
environment itself. Do not underestimate the work and
money that might be involved. Bear in mind that many beach
front homes are right on an ocean beach. The result is
that damage from salt water will quickly take its toll on
the structure. There is no amount of protection that can
save a wood building from the ravages of the weather and in
some areas prone to heavy storms, such as hurricanes, the
depreciation of the home can come quicker than you would
expect.

If you own a beach home, and are responsible for looking
after it, then you will need to make sure it is safely
locked up and protected during the winter, and remove any
coverings you put in place once the spring comes, ready for
the home to be used again.

Smaller Homes Are Easier To Maintain

A smaller beach front vacation home is likely to survive
severe weather events better than a bigger home, and any
damage is more likely to be easy to repair. With a little
protection, a small beach front home should be able to
survive wind, rain and storms. Left unprotected, the
weather could damage the home, causing structural damage,
and flooding. If you are buying a large beach front home,
make sure you can afford to, and will take the time to,
take precautions before the winter.

Make sure you take out a good insurance policy, and, if you
are considering renting the home out while it is not in use
then you should either spend time vetting the renters to
make sure that they will not damage the property, or, at
least recruit a property manager that you can trust to make
those decisions for you.

Despite the costs associated with owning a beach front
vacation home there is still a big demand for them. If you
can't afford to purchase one yourself, then you could
consider renting from one of the many new owners of such
properties, and enjoy the benefits of having such a home
without the responsibilities.

----------------------------------------------------
Beach front vacation homes and beach front vacation rentals
are a great way to enjoy the luxuries of home while
vacationing. Visit
http://accommodations.every1loves2travel.com and find a
great "home away from home".

How To Make Sure You're Getting the Best Credit Card Rates

How To Make Sure You're Getting the Best Credit Card Rates
Are you getting the best credit card rates possible? You'd
better hope so. If you're not, you could be throwing
thousands of dollars down the drain without even realizing
it. Want to know how to make sure the best credit card
rates are on your monthly statements? Here are four tips
that will help you do just that.

1. Watch Those Payments

The first and most critical step towards getting the best
credit card rates is making each and every one of your
credit card payments on time. One late payment and it's
like a credit card domino effect. The card you paid late
experiences a rate increase and then your other cards'
interest rates are jacked up too.

How exactly does one credit card payment affect a totally
different credit card? Welcome to the world of the
Universal Default Agreement. When you default on one credit
card, your other credit cards are given license to act as
if you defaulted on those as well. As a result, your rates
begin to jump. At this point, even the best credit card
rates can soar to 20-percent or more.

Do yourself a favor -- if you want the best credit card
rates, make on-time payments priority number one.

2. Don't Be Afraid To Ask

Sometimes getting the best credit card rates is as easy as
asking. Think your credit card company is charging too
much? Tell them you want a rate decrease. If you're a good
customer who makes on-time payments each and every month
(and you're not already enjoying the lowest rate they can
offer) your credit card company may be willing to reduce
your rate to keep you as a customer.

If, at first, the person on the phone balks, tell them you
want to talk to the manager. Explain to the manager that
you can get a lower rate elsewhere (and will) if your needs
are not accommodated. If it's at all possible to lower your
rate, they usually will.

3. Transfer Your Balances

If your current credit card company isn't willing to lower
your rates, don't be afraid to jump ship. There are many
companies out there that offer the best credit card rates
and if your credit is up to par, they'll be happy to
transfer your balance over to a new account.

When transferring balances, just make sure you don't get
sucked in by a "teaser" rate. If the low rate jumps up six
months from now, you'll be back to square one. The best
credit card rates are fixed rates -- not limited-time
offers.

4. Don't Balk at Annual Fees

Sometimes getting the best credit card rates requires
paying an annual fee -- especially if you have
less-than-perfect credit. If your credit situation isn't
exactly ideal, don't balk at paying a low annual fee in
exchange for getting the best credit card rates. If you
have high balances and a lower rate allows you to pay your
debt off for less, the annual fee can pay for itself.

The best credit card rates aren't just a pipe dream.
They're there for the taking if you know how to get them.
Don't overpay for finance charges. Use the above four tips
to make sure you're getting the best credit card rates
possible.

----------------------------------------------------
For more tips on credit cards, saving money and avoiding
getting taken, check out CreditCardTipsEtc.com, a website
that specializes in providing credit card tips, advice and
resources.
http://www.creditcardtipsetc.com/

Profitable Forex Trading Strategies

Profitable Forex Trading Strategies
By far regarded as the largest and the busiest market, the
Forex market has tremendous profit potential. The Forex
currency market is a lot different from the stock market
and you need to have a very good understanding about the
way this market functions. Its not surprising that there's
a lot being said and written about Forex currency trading.
In fact, those who are keen on mastering Forex trading
skills can actually take up a Forex trading course and get
formal Forex education. Before you set out to trade in the
Forex market or the Foreign Currency Exchange Market, you
must make sure that you have done plenty of research,
studied historical trends, analyzed existing trends, and
worked out profitable Forex trading strategies that can
boost your Forex trade.

There is no standard strategy that can be safely applied
when it comes to Forex currency trading. Basically, what
may work for one may not necessarily fit your trading needs
and you must therefore devise your own strategies that can
guarantee success in the long run. You need to first
analyze the market using a technical analysis approach or
the fundamental analysis approach to plan your moves. While
technical analysis refers to forecasting future movement
based on past performance, fundamental analysis refers to
studying current accounts and impact of imports and exports
on currency flow.

Understanding how volatile this market is, every
experienced trader understands that it is not practically
possible to generate profits from every trade. However, as
you study this market closely, you will be able to work out
better strategies that can minimize your risk levels.

Use surplus money for trading

This market is speculative and "timing a trade' is crucial.
Even a slightest mistake can cost you a lot of money. So,
make sure that you use only surplus money in order to save
yourself from financial wreck. One of the biggest mistakes
many traders do is staking all their money in a single
trade. If you are not sure, go for margin trading to enjoy
more leverage.

Do some market research

Consult your financial advisor or a Forex broker who can
tell you the exact status of the Forex market. You need to
understand whether current trend is upwards or downwards,
is it strong or weak, and how long has this trend been
going on or is a new trend in the making. A trade without
prior market research can lead to financial disasters.

Decide the time frame for trading

As a smart Forex trader, you must have a time frame in mind
beyond which you wont like to trade and also decide an
approximate exit price. This gives you a proper perspective
and helps you to plan your Forex trade more efficiently.
You need to therefore decide whether you would like to go
for long term trading or intra-day trading. This will help
you to determine which approach you must adopt for research
and analysis. For instance, for someone trading several
times a day, a daily graph analysis will be useless and the
trader will require thirty minute or hour graphs to plan
his exit. Another important factor that you need to take
into account is the time periods when different financial
companies enter and exit the foreign exchange market in
order to study the market trends.

Choosing the right time to trade Timing is everything when
it comes to Forex trading and once you have understood the
market trends you need to immediately plan an entry. Rely
on technical analysis to time your move and predict market
movements.

If you are not sure about which Forex trading strategy to
use, find a good Forex broker who can handle your financial
portfolio for you

----------------------------------------------------
Andrew Daigle is the owner, creator and author of many
successful websites including ForexBoost at
http://www.ForexBoost.com and CashCurve at
http://www.cashcurve.com , a site for learning about many
online business opportunities.