Abandoned Properties: a New Opportunity - Part I

Abandoned Properties: a New Opportunity - Part I
The collapsing real estate market is creating some exciting
new opportunities in real estate for savvy investors not
afraid to capitalize on a new opportunity. When real
estate was hot and the market was rising, and interest
rates were stable, millions of Americans opted to roll the
dice on adjustable-rate mortgages. Now the market has
tanked, and so many have lost their bet, rates are
resetting and hundreds of thousands of mortgages are in
jeopardy. A lot of these property owners have become
subprime risks, and as a result are unable to refinance.
Facing payments they can't make, some are simply walking
away from their properties. This is bad for the homeowner,
but for investors it's an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

When I mention the phrase "walking away from their
property", I literally mean homeowners are abandoning their
property. When abandoned property is mentioned, the mental
image that comes to mind is typically a dump somewhere in
the ghetto, with boarded up windows, and junk strewn about
the yard. This is a classic example of an abandoned
property, but it's also somewhat antiquated.

In 2007, an abandoned property can be a half million dollar
home in a very good neighborhood. If the owners can't make
payments, rather than face the indignity or the
embarrassment of foreclosure, many of them pack their
belongings into a U-Haul truck and drive away hoping to
avoid the problem altogether. The home owner then mails
the keys to the bank. Banks call this "Jingle Mail".

As a savvy real estate investor, you can cash in on this
opportunity by locating a well-qualified abandoned
property, tracking down the owner, and convincing them to
sell to you.

It's not as difficult as it seems.

The best place to locate abandoned property that might fit
your investment criteria is in middle or upper middle class
neighborhoods. Good signs of abandonment are properties
that are obviously vacant, as well as overgrown with weeds
or covered with unshoveled snow. These properties may have
newspapers piled up on the porch, and may be showing some
signs of distress.

If you simply drive your target neighborhoods you'll locate
possible abandoned properties. You won't know for sure
it's been abandoned until you investigate the property a
little more closely. A good place to start is with the
next-door neighbor.

When you approach the neighbor, be certain to point out
that you're a real estate investor and that you're possibly
interested in purchasing the property. A little
questioning at this point will tell you whether the
property might be worth your time, as well as your effort,
in tracking down the owner and trying to purchase it.

While there are a rising number of abandoned properties, it
can sometimes be a bit of a challenge locating the owner.
These properties lend themselves very well toward creative
financing techniques because the owners are extremely
distressed from a financial standpoint. In situations
where the owner has simply walked away from the property,
monthly mortgage payments are coming due like clockwork on
the first of every month, and whether they're aware of it
or not, the owner is still on the hook. In addition,
property taxes and insurance premiums still have to be
paid. Long story short, this property is a major headache
for the owner.

If the owners aren't making their payments, eventually the
bank is going to foreclose on the property, and take it
back as an REO. If this happens, a major headache for the
property owner becomes an Excedrin headache for the bank.
Your greatest potential for large profits is before the
bank forecloses, so you want to reach the owner before the
bank does.

Next month in Part II, I'm going to explain to you how to
go about locating the owners of these abandoned properties,
so you can take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity
to explode your net worth.

----------------------------------------------------
Mike Lautensack is a real estate entrepreneur and creator
of the Private Lender PowerPoint Presentation Kit. This kit
is loaded with tools and techniques to attract a consistent
stream of private investors. To learn more about this
powerful step-by-step kit go to
http://realestatewealthtoday.com/page2.html

4 Revealing Questions Your Mortgage Broker Should Be Able To Answer!

4 Revealing Questions Your Mortgage Broker Should Be Able To Answer!
Okay, so you've decided to refinance your house and save
some cash. Before you get too carried away, there are four
important questions you need to know the answer to before
committing to any mortgage broker:

· How long have you been in business?
· How will you get paid?
· Do you have good references?
· How do you handle rate locks?

Let's take a closer look at these, shall we?

How long have you been in business?

You want and deserve a hassle-free loan process, and a good
way to guarantee this is to ensure that your mortgage
broker has been around the block a few times. Not only do
you want your loan to go through without a hitch, you
deserve great results and even better service. If your
mortgage broker has been doing refinance loans for awhile,
he has a leg up on the competition. That way, if there are
any surprises you can rest assured that you'll be in good
hands.

How will you get paid?

It's always a great idea to find out how your mortgage
broker is going to get paid. As much as you'd like to
think he wants to help you because of your rosy
disposition, without some cash from somewhere he probably
won't be able to do much for you. Some brokers will
generate cash in one of two ways: fees or yield spread
premiums. Fees are usually paid by you and yield spread
premiums are paid by... you.

Here's how that works: pretend for a second that you
qualify for a loan with a 6% interest rate. Instead, your
lender puts you in a 7 1/2 percent loan. He keeps the
difference, you pay it, everybody's happy - right?

You have good references?

Ask your mortgage broker for the names and telephone
numbers of the last three refinance mortgage loans he's
pushed through. If you can try to get recent names, you
can give them a call to see if they were happy with the
service your broker provided. It's always nice to check
with others your mortgage broker has worked with to ensure
that calls are returned, promises are kept, and that your
broker is as golden as you think he is.

How do you handle rate locks?

Ask your mortgage broker for a loan commitment letter
because it could be golden to you. That letter spells out
exactly what interest rate you're facing with your
refinance home loan. Here's a general example of what you
could expect to find in a commitment letter.

By getting it in writing you eliminate any confusion over
your interest rate right before closing. In addition, once
in awhile a mortgage broker will try to squeeze a few extra
dollars out of a loan by gambling with your rate lock.

If it's not locked, and interest rates drop before closing
he can wait to lock your rate until they go down. However,
if he gambles and loses you would wind up paying the
difference. A loan commitment letter keeps your broker on
the straight and narrow and keeps your refinance loan on
track at the interest rate you're expecting.

----------------------------------------------------
Darrin Roseborsky is a Refinance Specialist with OMAC
Mortgages, seminar speaker and president of
HomeRefinanceCoach.com. Darrin shows people how to MAXIMIZE
their equity PROPERLY and how to choose options that make
the MOST SENSE for their situation! An example of exactly
how this works, is at: http://www.homerefinancecoach.com

ID Theft Basics - How to Protect yourself

ID Theft Basics - How to Protect yourself
Current studies show that ID Theft is at epidemic
proportions. The Federal Trade Commission surveys estimated
that there are close to 9.9 million victims and growing by
2 to 3 million a year.

For individuals that are not victims of identity theft, the
best thing you can do is check your credit report
regularly, focusing on two categories.

* Inquiries from unfamiliar companies. Here we are talking
about someone applying for something in your name in a
state that you don't live in. Remember inquiries are the
result of you applying for credit.
* Unfamiliar Accounts (tradelines). Are there debts or new
credit listed on your credit report that you are not
familiar with?

There are 3 major Bureaus that provide services to monitor
your credit report. These services give e-mails to you
promptly if there are any changes to your report.

What to Do if ID Theft happens to you.

You want to keep a detailed log of events as you start the
dispute process. You do this in case you run into problems
with a creditor. The first step obviously is contact the 3
credit bureaus, local police, creditors, etc...... You keep
detailed conversations logs with any of these entities you
communicate with. Also keeps receipts, bills, or out of
pocket expenses you incur during the process of disputing.
I would also make note of the emotional stress and how it
is affecting your work performance and personal
relationships. In addition your expenses and time could be
tax-deductible in certain circumstance.

Contact Law enforcement
Here is the properties procedure for contacting the
authorities so you can file a formal report. You should
include all fraudulent accounts in the report. As the
Credit Bureaus say they are able to remove disputes,
remember to keep a copy of the report number and contact
info.
Who to contact:
* FTC.gov/bcp/coline/pubs/credit/affidavit.pdf
* Local Police Department
* FTC 800-438-4338 or 800—ID THEFT

Credit Bureaus - Steps to take with the CRAs

* Notify one of the credit bureaus fraud units that you are
victim of Identity Theft. This Bureau will be responsible
for telling the other 2 Bureaus. (Equifax: 800-525-6285;
Experian: 888-397-3742; Trans Union: 800-680-7289)
* Tell Bureaus to flag you credit report with fraud alert
* Get a copy of your credit report with scores
* Once you have read your report, send a dispute letter,
accompanied with police report along with the FTC fraud
affidavit specifying which accounts are fraudulent.
* Subscribe to the Bureaus monitoring services of your
credit report
* Consider signing up for Trusted ID services which will
block your credit report so only you can use it.
* Ask the Bureaus to contact the creditors that fraudulent
activities have taken place.

Debt Collectors- You will be getting calls from debt
collectors more than likely. If they call you:

* Get the debt collectors companies name, address and there
phone number. Let him or her know you are noting the time
and date of the conversation in your log activity book
* Inform the collection agency you are a victim of Identity
Theft
* Provide the FTC uniform fraud affidavit
* Ask for number and name of credit issuer.
* Send the debt collector a letter, stating that you do not
owe this debt and that the account has been close.
* Request in writing that the account is being flagged as
fraudulent, and is being closed. You also should request in
writing that the fraudulent account is being removed from
your credit report.

New accounts opened in your name: the Identity Thief has
opened new accounts in your good name: what to do. The
credit report you pulled should list all creditors that
have accounts in your name with contact numbers.

* Notify each creditor of the identity theft that has taken
place to you. You will be asked to send a fraud affidavit.
(Be sure to put all of this in your log)
* Ask the creditors to send you any application or
fraudulent activity that has happened in your good name.
* Add passwords to all accounts
* If the thief has got a hold of your checking account,
credit cards, get replacements with new numbers. Call and
request these accounts to be closed as well.
* Fill out FTC uniform fraud affidavit.

Your Checking account- If the thief has written checks in
your name here is what you do.

* Call your local police, and file a report
* Call your bank and close the account immediately
* Remember to keep good logs
* Typically your bank will refund you your money, and ask
for a copy of police report filed.

This stuff is serious business; I hope this will help you
resolve issues involving identity theft to you.

----------------------------------------------------
About the Author: Mike Clover is the owner of
http://www.my720fico.com . My720fico.com is one of the most
unique on-line resources for free credit score reports,
Internet identity theft software, secure credit cards, and
a BlOG with a wealth of personal credit information. The
information within this website is written by professionals
that know about credit, and what determines ones credit
worthiness.

How To Safe Guard Yourself Against Financial Trouble

How To Safe Guard Yourself Against Financial Trouble
If you suffer from bad credit, it is most likely that
you've had or you still have unpaid debts in your account.
When was the last time you checked your credit report? Are
you 100% sure that your credit report is accurate and that
there are no unauthorized charges in it?

Your Credit Report and Bad Credit

Why should you take an interest in what your credit report
says about you? Most people do not realize that their low
credit score is actually a result of inaccurate information
on their account. By obtaining a copy of your credit
report, you can examine and file a dispute with the three
big credit bureaus and the creditors themselves. This is a
very important to do BEFORE you apply for any new credit
cards or loans.

What if all the charges in your credit report are correct?
Then examining your report will help you see exactly how
much you owe each of your creditors. You can also review
all the payments you already submitted as well as your
existing balances and unpaid dues. Being aware of these
details will help you create your repayment plan more
effectively.

Working on Your Repayment Plan

If your present repayment terms are too difficult for you,
it's best to talk with your creditors and try to negotiate
with them for a lower interest payment or a settlement
amount. Don't be afraid to explain your present financial
situation so your creditor can see why you're having
difficulty in repaying your debts. Ask for a new repayment
plan that will better suit your current financial capacity.

If you're having a hard time creating a budget, consulting
a legitimate credit counseling agency is advisable. A
government accredited credit counseling organization should
be able to help you create a budget plan and a repayment
plan that works.

Guaranteed Approval Credit Cards and Loans

What about guaranteed approval credit cards and loans?
Should you apply for them? If you're in need of a credit
card or loan now, and can not wait to improve your credit,
then there are still options available for you. A bad
credit credit card can be a tool to help you rebuild your
credit. The key is to find a credit card with a reasonable
interest rate. Find one that reports to the three major
credit bureaus so that your credit report can be updated as
you submit your payments.

Finally, be vigilant in keeping up with your payments ,
avoid charging more than you can afford, and always pay on
time.

----------------------------------------------------
Liz Roberts is a loan consultant with NewHorizon Finance
and has been providing consumers and business owners with
financing since 1989. Join our mailing list for FREE tips
on building and repairing your credit . We also have a list
of recommended bad credit credit cards.
http://www.newhorizon.org/Info/unsecured.htm
Copyright 2007

Things You Need To Know Before The Vat Inspection

Things You Need To Know Before The Vat Inspection
The first step to keeping out of trouble is to understand
the basics of the paperwork required. The second step is to
ensure accurate financial records are maintained and many
types of accounting software and bookkeeping software can
assist by at the very least producing a required audit
trail to support the financial figures entered on the
quarterly vat tax return.

To determine the need for accuracy and compliance it is
worth first summarising the work a vat inspector might
carry out when the business is visited to carry out an
inspection of the business financial accounts.

While each customs and excise inspector might tend to
conduct the audit in their own way typically the totals for
several quarterly tax returns will be compared with the
total sales turnover and total expenditure to indicate if
the returns are likely to be accurate. In addition cash and
bank accounts may be examined to determine if the volume of
payments and receipts also reflects the scale of financial
transactions.

Having put the overall financial position into perspective
the vat inspection will involve selecting several previous
quarters which will be audited in more detail. The number
of quarters and the choice of quarters are likely to be
dependent upon the quality of accounting records being
maintained and the overall view of accuracy.

It is quite normal for the inspector to select the most
recent vat return to audit plus a second quarterly return
submitted in the previous 12 months and potentially a third
quarter from a period in the previous 2 years. Any unusual
figures shown up from the audit overview are more likely to
determine which quarters will be examined in detail.

In examining each quarter the vat inspector will establish
the audit trail and verify the totals making up the
financial figures declared on the value added tax return.
Individual amounts making up the audit totals would then be
checked by individually checking sales and purchase
invoices in addition to most major amounts.

Some items selected for audit during the inspection will be
checked through to the cash and bank accounting records.
Many items of major financial significance and items of a
repetitive nature will also be audited through to final
receipt of money from the debtor receipts and creditor
payments.

Several sales invoices and purchase invoices will be
selected by the inspector for tracing through the debtor
and creditors accounts to ensure that customer or supplier
has also entered the same transaction into their financial
accounts.

This cross checking with third parties is also likely to be
carried out as the inspector is likely to have details of
transactions from third parties which he expects to find
recorded in the business vat accounts being inspected.

Maintaining records of the value added tax is an essential
accounting function required from the accounting or
bookkeeping software employed. Getting the basics right can
help considerably to avoid the minefields that lay in wait
for those businesses that fail to address the subject with
sufficient importance.

A first step should be to ensure sales invoices are issued
for each sale and a copy of that sales invoice is retained
and accurately entered in the financial accounting records.
The design and information contained in the sales invoice
should comply with the value added tax rules.

The details to be shown on a sales invoice are a sequential
number to uniquely identify the invoice and the date issued
which is the tax point, business name and address, customer
name and address, vat registration number, a description of
the goods and quantity supplied, the percentage charged and
the amount of output vat.

The accounting software employed and used to record the
sales invoices should produce an audit trail for both
output tax and input tax on purchase invoices received.

Should errors be discovered after the quarterly return has
been submitted which total less than 2,000 the correction
can be made on the next available quarterly tax return. If
an error exceeding 2,000 pounds is discovered the customs
and excise office must be informed in writing

There are a multitude of errors made in the accounting
records supporting the quarterly vat return. Using a
proprietary brand of bookkeeping or accounting software can
eliminate many of these errors and produce an audit trail
which at the very least gains the respect of the vat
inspector.

The vat inspector will find checking easier and having been
presented with an audit trail has greater confidence the
value added tax liability declared is more likely to be
accurate.

Common areas where errors occur in recording sales vat
output include charging value added tax on sales of
business assets, supplies and gifts to employees at reduced
prices, not accounting for the full sales price when an
item is taken in part exchange, including vat on credit
notes.

Errors reclaiming vat inputs on purchases occur because
businesses claim value added tax when a proper vat receipt
has not been obtained, claiming input tax on entertainment
expenses which is not allowed and also claiming input on
vehicle purchases. Businesses may not claim vat on imported
goods until the vat certificate has been received.

Finally an area which confuses many small business owners
is the correct recording and treatment of under and over
assessments of the tax. These items should be accounted for
as receipts or payments into or out of the value added tax
due account and not entered in the sales and purchase
records.

If these assessments are entered into the sales ledger or
purchase ledgers the items will appear in the figures
produced for the quarterly return which is wrong. It is
wrong because the value of the under or over assessment
will effectively be doubled up.

The quarterly vat return should be signed and dated by the
business owner or a designated responsible official who
verifies that the tax return is correct and is legally
responsible for the accuracy when signing the return.

----------------------------------------------------
Terry Cartwright at DIY Accounting provides Accounting
Software that automates the vat return at
http://www.diyaccounting.co.uk/ for self employed business
at http://www.diyaccounting.co.uk/Selfemployed/vat.htm and
small limited companies.

Airline Frequent Flyer Credit Card or Generic Miles Rewards Credit Card - Which is for You?

Airline Frequent Flyer Credit Card or Generic Miles Rewards Credit Card - Which is for You?
When posed with the question on which credit card rewards
you should pick, there really is no standard answer. Reward
credit cards offer different options that may work
differently depending on the lifestyle of the card holder.
Therefore, whether you should get an airline frequent flyer
credit card or a card with generic rewards is really up to
your personal spending habits and travel needs. In this
article, let's consider pointers for both:

Frequent Flyer Credit Card

When it comes to choosing a frequent flyer credit card, one
thing you'll want to consider is your traveling options. Do
you have a particular airline that you prefer to fly with?
In which destinations do you frequently most travel to?
Naturally, it's practical to choose a credit card that has
affiliations with your own chosen airline and one that
gives miles rewards to the places you frequently travel to.
Usually, every brand of credit card has a partnership with
one specific airline. Choosing a frequent flyer program
that best fits your needs will enable you to make the most
out of your rewards. Remember, when you choose a specific
Flyer Miles Program, you are bounded to one particular
airline or carrier including the travel privileges it
offers.

Generic Miles Rewards Credit Card

Blue Sky® from American Express. Some people don't have one
particular carrier or airline in mind. Instead, they prefer
to fly with an airline that offers the best rates. If
you're the type of person who prefers to shop around first
for the cheapest travel fare for your travel, then you
should definitely pick a credit card with Generic Miles
Reward program.

Instead of affiliating with a sole airline company, there
are credit card companies who offer generic miles rewards
for clients. This option enables credit card holders to get
their free ticket or purchase their ticket at a discounted
rate at any airline company they prefer. However, the card
holder must remember that a generic miles reward card
cannot be used together with another frequent flyer miles
program. You can't combine the rewards you earn from both
cards.

Making Your Choice

Yes, a frequent flyer credit card imposes different rules
with a generic miles reward credit card. That is why it is
important to weigh your options carefully before signing up
for the travel reward credit card you want.

Other differences are the fees and costs involved for each
card. For instance, a frequent flyer credit card is usually
accompanied with an annual fee so don't forget to check
whether the annual charge is reasonable or not. Generic
Miles credit cards most often don't require an annual fee
from its holders.

Finally, take the time in examining all the terms and
conditions that will bind you to your chosen travel reward
credit card. Make sure that you'll be able to collect your
travel points easily and that you can receive your miles
rewards while still keeping your spending in control.

----------------------------------------------------
RewardCreditCardSite.com provides consumers with valuable
reviews and information on the best credit card reward
programs. One can get in touch with the team by emailing
them using the online form located at
http://www.rewardcreditcardsite.com/contact/ or you may
email at admin@rewardcreditcardsite.com. For further
information on the features, or offers visit
http://www.rewardcreditcardsite.com

Britons Taking Out 'Secret' Personal Loans

Britons Taking Out 'Secret' Personal Loans
More than one million Britons have taken out a personal
loan without the knowledge of their partners or family
members, new research shows.

In a study carried out by Abbey Loans, it was revealed that
some 1.35 million UK personal loan borrowers have taken out
such a product in private. Overall, it was suggested that
the total value of these loans stands at about 7.7 billion
pounds, an average of 5,720 pounds per person. Although 54
per cent of such debtors have taken out 3,000 pounds or
less, the average loan value was reported to be "skewed
upwards" by the five per cent of respondents who are
applying for amounts of between 20,000 pounds and 50,000
pounds.

More than half (56 per cent) of clandestine borrowers,
around 762,000 people, state that they have taken out a low
cost personal loan to use as a means of debt consolidation,
to help them pay off money owed to a variety of creditors.
Just under 199,000 Britons (seven per cent) look to borrow
to assist them with making home improvements, while 100,000
do so to buy a car. In addition, 65,000 consumers purchase
a holiday with their borrowing. Meanwhile, about 27,000
borrowers use a UK loan to meet the cost of having cosmetic
surgery.

Research from the financial services firm also revealed
that people between the ages of 35 and 44 are the likeliest
to have taken out a secret personal loan. On the other
hand, the over-65s are most probable to not opt to borrow
covertly.

Abbey Loans also pointed out that 56 per cent of people
questioned reported that they had not told their partner or
members of their family that they had applied for a loan
because they are too embarrassed. Some 29 per cent claimed
that the loan is a private matter, with six per cent
reporting it is to help fund a surprise for either a
relation or partner.

Commenting on the figures, Paul Morrish, director of Abbey
Loans, said: "Borrowing in secret - especially large
amounts - is not advisable and we would encourage people to
be open and honest about their finances. Talking about your
financial situation with others can help so that you can be
realistic about what is affordable. However, for those who
are comfortable they can afford repayments, it's worth
doing some research to find the most appropriate deal for
you. There are different types of loans that suit different
circumstances - and our staff can help talk you through the
options."

Although taking a low rate personal loan can provide
valuable help with finance, it may be advisable for
prospective borrowers to ensure they make their loved ones
aware of their intention. In doing this, it is possible
that should they later encounter difficulties with their
money management than they will be able to turn to friends,
family and partners for help.

Additionally, a cheap personal loan could be a
cost-effective way to fund the holiday of a lifetime.
Speaking earlier this year, Richard Al-Dabbagh, personal
loans manager at Alliance & Leicester, reported that a
low-rate loan could be an idea to finance a break as
borrowers will be to make manageable low-cost repayments.

----------------------------------------------------
Abbi Rouse writes for All About Loans. Visist us today to
apply for secured UK loans, low cost personal loans, and
loans for tenants. Visit today
http://www.allaboutloans.co.uk

Tips In Applying For Guaranteed Approval Credit Card

Tips In Applying For Guaranteed Approval Credit Card
When applying for guaranteed approval credit cards for bad
credit, the application process is usually done online. As
the name suggests, these type of credit cards give instant
approval and are especially designed for people who are
suffering from bad credit. Perhaps you've received offers
for instant approval bad credit cards from your e-mail. For
those with bad credit, it is easy to get enticed by these
offers. But before you go and sign up, check out these tips:

1. Don't make decisions hastily.

Don't be tempted with the first guaranteed approval offer
that comes your way. Before you make any decisions to
apply, be sure that you've checked all your options first
and that you've chosen the one that best matches your
needs. Take the time to compare between different
guaranteed approval credit cards in the market. Check out
their application procedures, rates, do they submit to the
credit bureaus, will they give you a better rate after a
period of time with good payment history.

2. Don't submit too many applications.

Don't send out several applications to different guaranteed
approval credit cards at once. This will only damage your
credit further. Too many inquiries on your credit report
will have a negative impact on your rating. Even worse, if
a lender looks at all the inquires and sees that no one
approved you (no new credit lines from the inquiring
lenders) they will deem you an even bigger credit risk.

3. Prepare a repayment plan.

If you do get approved, have you created a definite and
effective repayment plan? Don't go into a situation
unprepared. The important thing to remember as a credit
card holder is to keep up with your bills regardless of the
type of credit card you use. Will your monthly salary allow
you to pay additional expenses or is it more practical to
work on improving your credit first before getting a credit
card?

4. Consider other options.

Aside from getting a bad credit credit card, another tool
that can help you improve your credit score is to get a
department store card or a gas station card. These cards
are easier to obtain and work similar as a credit card. The
difference is that you'll have to pay your balance by the
end of the month and you're not allowed to carry over
balances for the next billing cycle. Nevertheless, this
requirement will help you keep expenses under control and
keep your payments on time.

5. Be determined to pay off your balances completely.

If you're really decided on owning a bad credit credit
card, be determined to keep up with your obligations to
pay. Don't let anything keep you from submitting your
payment on time. Avoid carrying over balances. Be
consistently aware of your payment schedules.

6. Read before signing.

Again, take your time in reading every statement in your
credit card's terms and conditions page. Make sure that you
understand everything clearly. If you have questions, don't
hesitate to call the bank and talk to representative. It is
very important to be sure that there are no vague clauses
or hidden charges in your card.

----------------------------------------------------
Liz Roberts is a loan consultant with NewHorizon Finance
and has been providing consumers and business owners with
financing since 1989. Join our mailing list for FREE tips
on credit repair. We also have a list of recommended bad
credit credit cards and guaranteed approval credit credit
cards.
http://www.newhorizon.org/Info/guaranteedcredit.htm

Toronto Condos - An Attractive Option to Home Ownership

Toronto Condos - An Attractive Option to Home Ownership
The Toronto condo market is a great alternative to home
ownership if you are a first time real estate buyer or
looking to downgrade your current real estate investment
due to changes in your personal finances or other outside
factors. As each year passes, condos are eating up a larger
share of the total Toronto real estate market with no end
in site.

With the Toronto condo market hot, many construction
companies have helped to fuel a condominium construction
boom in the GTA that has been under way for more than 7
years now. The result of all of that construction is a
massive influx of people moving into the downtown core to
live and work.

An interesting fact: Toronto is the top city in North
America for condominium construction and availability.

Clearly the people of Toronto as well as the new home
construction companies working there are telling us that
the people of Toronto are looking for more affordable ways
to live downtown.

The median price for a condominium apartment last year was
$225,000 compared to $210,000 a year prior. While average
condo prices may be rising this number is clearly much
lower than the average cost of a new home in Toronto.

The number of home sales in the downtown core, when you
include new and resale condominiums in the mix, greatly
exceeds those in the other parts of Toronto and also
experiences more competition from buyers helping to drive
up the prices for real estate in the downtown core in
general.

Buying a condo does not have to feel like "settling for
less" as most condos come with first rate amenities such as
a sizable terrace, a great view, a true loft, a location
close to public transit or perhaps even a swimming pool or
gym in the building.

If this is your first foray into real estate ownership or
you are an existing homeowner who would like to reduce
their debt load you can have confidence that investing in
the Toronto condominium market will be a smart investment
decision.

Toronto has certainly earned it's reputation as North
America's top condo market with over 260 projects planned
or already under construction in the city's census area.
"Deteriorating affordability levels in major Canadian
centers have led to the resurrection of the condominium
lifestyle in recent years," said Michael Polzler, executive
VP of Re Max Ontario-Atlantic Canada.

With the cost of homes and shelter skyrocketing in a
seemingly never-ending climb upwards condominiums can play
a vital role in bridging the gap for people who would like
to make a real estate investment in the city but cannot
afford to buy a home. This option is especially attractive
to first time buyers that do not have a large family
already in place with specific needs like ready access to
schooling.

While condo prices may be heading upward, there is still
opportunities for the bargain hunter to find a condominium
in a nice neighborhood for less than $125,000. The advent
of the internet has made finding these bargains easier than
ever with the MLS as well as private sale real estate sites
easy to access.

With record sales in 2007, forecasts for the 2008 Toronto
real estate sales market are lower than 2007 record levels
with average prices expected to rise at a slower pace.

----------------------------------------------------
To view Toronto real estate and condo listings please visit
the author's website: http://ontario.propertysold.ca/toronto

An Introduction To Registration And Accounting For Value Added Tax

An Introduction To Registration And Accounting For Value Added Tax
When the sales turnover of a business reaches the vat
threshold, currently 64,000 pounds per annum until reviewed
in April 2008, then registration for vat is compulsory. If
financially beneficial, businesses can register for vat
prior to sales turnover reaching the vat threshold.

When a business registers for vat it becomes responsible
for charging vat at the correct percentage on every sales
invoice and transfer of goods and services and also
maintaining accurate financial accounting records of the
vat charged hat are subject to vat inspections. If the
sales turnover has breached the vat threshold that business
is liable for the vat on sales even if it has not charged
the customer.

The vat charged to customers is called output tax and the
vat on purchases is called input tax. When a business has
registered for vat in addition to maintaining records of
sales and input tax it must also keep accurate financial
records of purchases and input tax in order to calculate
the vat payment to be made. The amount of vat to be paid
each quarter is the difference between the sales output tax
and the purchases input tax and is paid quarterly to HMRC.

Specific types of business transactions are exempt from vat
such as insurance and loans. If the business only supplies
exempt items then the business cannot register for vat to
reclaim the input tax paid on purchases.

Registering voluntarily for vat when the sales turnover is
below the vat threshold is a financial planning decision
that each small business should consider. There are both
advantages and disadvantages to a voluntary registration
and the timing of the registration may also be a feature to
be taken into account.

The advantages include being able to reclaim the vat input
on purchases which is otherwise lost as a financial cost to
the business. However as a consequence of a voluntary vat
registration that business would also have to charge vat on
all its sales invoices.

If the business has mainly vat registered clients then
charging vat would probably not affect sales volume and has
the advantage of enhanced credibility within the business
community in which it operates. Charging vat to non vat
registered clients such as members of the public would
increase the amount being charged and make the small
business less competitive.

When a business moves from being non vat registered to
being vat registered changes may have to be made to the
bookkeeping records being maintained. Not normally a
problem if accounting or bookkeeping software is being used
provided the financial system employed can fulfil the
enhanced requirements being vat registered.

The accounting requirements of being vat registered require
the business to issue vat invoices which show the name and
address of the business, the vat registration number, sales
invoice date and the vat being charged. An accounting
record must be kept of all sales invoices issued in a
format that permits a subsequent audit check when the
customs and excise visit to conduct an audit check of the
vat records.

In relation to purchase invoices and reclaiming the vat
input tax vat may only be reclaimed on those invoices for
which the business has a vat purchase invoice. A valid vat
purchase invoice contains the vat number of the supplier
who issued the invoice. An accounting record must be kept
of all purchase invoices showing the vat output tax being
reclaimed.

Vat returns are normally required to be prepared on a
quarterly basis and submitting to customs and excise before
the end of the following month. If registered for the
online service vat returns can be filed online. There are
benefits to filing the tax return online in that many
businesses may receive up to 7 days longer than normal to
file the vat return if the vat payment is being made
electronically.

There are penalties for failing to submit the vat tax
return on time and interest may be charged on the
outstanding amount. When a vat return is not submitted on
time an assessment may be raised which has to be paid as a
legal debt until such time as the return is submitted and
the amount due corrected.

It is important to submit the vat return on time even if
there is a problem paying the full amount. Failing to
submit on time brings the business to the attention of the
tax authority that is more likely to inspect and
investigate persistent offenders. A business can be
expected to receive an inspection every three years however
in the worst case scenario of a delinquent vat registered
business the customs and excise could inspect every quarter.

----------------------------------------------------
Terry Cartwright at DIY Accounting provides Accounting
Software that automates the vat return at
http://www.diyaccounting.co.uk/ for self employed business
at http://www.diyaccounting.co.uk/Selfemployed/vat.htm and
small limited companies.

Forex Trading - An Introduction to using Signals as Trading Tools

Forex Trading - An Introduction to using Signals as Trading Tools
Prices in Forex trading are the most volatile - violent
even - of any investment type. They change further and
quicker (typically) than shares, bonds and even commodities
(though commodities can be pretty hair raising too!) This
presents non day traders with a problem - As you can't sit
by a screen all day looking for price shifts in real time
you risk (a) Losing bigtime on your open trades and/or (b)
Not getting into new really hot ones. But there is a
solution - You use signals and a signal service.

Forex signals are buy and sell indicators based on
technical analysis. Technical analysis uses historical
price and volume data to statistically analyze trends. The
aim is to zero in, with a explicit probability, the odds of
future price movements.

A signal may be as simple as 'Buy euros now at 1.1901'.
Those signals are presented in any number of ways, by
email, SMS text message to a mobile phone, IM message etc.
Some are simply flashing text and/or icons on trading
software. The software system incorporates built-in
algorithmic rules that use the formulas of technical
analysis, aggregates it with current market data and
produces a signal.

For instance, one generally practiced technical indicator
is something called MACD (Moving Average
Convergence/Divergence). Without getting in particulars
here, it uses the moving average - the change in an average
price over time. A signal can be returned when the value of
MACD crosses above (or below) a pre-determined threshold.
Buy when it moves above the line, sell when it falls below.

Some signal services allow clients to automate the process
of Forex trading even further. You can leave standing
orders that when a certain signal is generated, carry out
the recommendation. You get an email recommending 'Buy
euros now at 1.1901' and the broker automatically enters an
order to do just that.

As with any investment instrument, it has to be used
intelligently in order to avoid disasters. Entirely
automating your buys and sells can amount to automatically
losing money. Using a signal service can make your life
easier, but never abandon your investments entirely to an
automated service.

If you plan to do that, you may as well simply turn your
investments over to a broker with the instruction:
'Maximize my returns, but keep the risk down to a
reasonable level'. Sensible, but not helpful if you want to
control your destiny.

Signal services are definitely useful, however. They can
relieve investors of the need to continually monitor
prices. They can simplify the sometimes bewildering
complexity of charts. They can help the investor make
better decisions about when to buy or sell and at what
price.

All that comes at a price, of course. Signal services range
from $50-$250 per month, though some are cheaper and a few
are more. Only the individual investor can decide whether
the cost is justified. As with any trading service, if you
make more than it costs than you would without it, that's
profitable.

But, buyer beware. There are dozens of firms that will be
happy to take your money. Whether their analysis, and
therefore, their signals, are worth anything is a learning
experience all its own.

At minimum, investors should use order types that help
control risk. Stop-loss orders, limit orders and other
common types are an essential means of limiting losses and
timing buy and sell orders. That technique, commonly
employed in stock trading, is even more critical in the
volatile world of Forex.

----------------------------------------------------
From London, Nick now lives in Stockholm with wife Lena and
Gunnar a Border Terrier. He likes long forest and lakes
walks, is learning Swedish and loves making money from
investments that are as cunning as a fox and go up even
when the markets go down! He runs
http://www.forex-master-trader.info which promotes a system
called Forex Trend Trader and offers a free Forex for
Beginners email course.

Good Investments for Times of Recession

Good Investments for Times of Recession
There has been a lot of news lately that we may be headed
for a recession. While this may or may not be, it is true
that certain types of investments are more prone to take
heavy losses if a recession could occur. You should take a
look at your investment portfolio and see how it might do
if we do enter one. A little preparation could be a lot
better than hindsight. Here are some tips for you to help
you weather the possible storm a little better.

Diversify Your Investments

One of the best strategies to help you get prepared for a
recession is to diversify your portfolio. This means divide
it up into several groups and place that percentage into
different kinds of investments. This means that not all of
it should go into stock, but some should also go into
bonds, mutual funds, and other investments.

You also want to stay away from putting it all into the
same type of investment. In other words, do not put all
your money into telecommunications, or real estate, or
metals, and similar things.

Keep Your Assets As Liquid As Possible

Another safety in the world of investing is to be able to
buy or sell easily. If your money gets tied to a market, it
is possible that you may either lose it altogether, or it
could become unusable for a long time. An example of this,
as many have already learned, would be real estate. People
have their investment (equity) tied up in some property
they cannot sell. Although no one could have really
foreseen this happening, yet it has. Some real estate
properties still sell easily - repeatedly, and other
properties do not. You do not want all of your assets tied
to one or two things where you may not be able to sell it
and get access to your cash.

By diversifying into at least 5 or 6 different markets, at
least half of your investment should remain easily
liquefiable. This should help you maintain value.

Watch Trend Markets

Some markets simply follow trends because a company may be
investing in something that is hot now. Generally, this
only has short-term value. While profit can be gained in
the short term, unless that company comes up with hot items
continually, they cannot maintain that status.

On the other hand, markets like metals or industries that
society depends on over the long haul, these will be more
stable markets in the long run - even in recessions.

Watch for the Long Term

During more difficult economic times, it becomes necessary
to allow your investments to take some dives. You should
expect this. In times of recession, this can occur across
the board and there may not be much that you can do about
it. Instead of moving your stock from one place to another,
however, look for long-term trends that will often
straighten themselves out and, hopefully, turn for the
better.

During recessions it is also possible to get some terrific
deals. Stock values may fall, but if you believe that a
particular product will still be around after the
recession, then you may very well want to go bargain
hunting if a recession comes.

----------------------------------------------------
Learn the investment strategies used by many wealthy people
to ensure their own futures, visit our website and request
your free DVD of a 3 hour seminars with Self Made
Millionaire Jamie McIntyre, visit
http://www.stockmarketaustralia.com.au

Unique Website Captures Trade Show

Unique Website Captures Trade Show
Last week I traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia, to
take in the Resource Investment Conference and Trade Show
of 2008. This is one of the biggest trade shows in Canada
centered on mining, oil and gas, new energy, commodities
and fuel sources. It's the kind of show where you, as an
investor, walk around and meet and talk to up to 400
different companies, most of them with one aim in mind:
they want you to buy their stocks.

As a dyed-in-the-wool marketing guy, I found this most
interesting. There were many companies there who obviously
knew what they were doing. These firms knew how to capture
the attention and hopefully the acceptance of the
individual investor, as s/he walked in a sea of competing
entities and offers.

One such firm that really captured my attention was Stock
Research DD Inc. Khaled Sultan, President of this recently
launched membership website, introduced me to his two
associates, Sara and Jaymie, as well as the founder of the
site, Ian Campbell, one of Canada's leading business
valuation consultants.

This special site focuses on the Canadian small-cap mining
and oil & gas sectors. "We're excited to have launched a
web site that gives users the ability to apply due
diligence to two important sectors in the context of
today's globalization and macro-economic conditions," said
Campbell, who took more than 18 months to develop the site.

The web site's purpose is to enable subscribers to prospect
for financially strong companies in high-growth sectors,
while reducing the associated investment risks by allowing
them to do efficient research & due diligence and putting
strong research to work for them.

Campbell explained that "this site offers one-stop access
to unique data and analysis. It provides consistently
formatted research on more than 250 companies that trade on
the Toronto Stock Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange.
Each of the companies embedded within the site meet
capitalization and balance sheet requirements set by Stock
Research DD Inc."

When I asked him for whom this site was designed, he said
"the web site will be useful for individual retail and
institutional investors who research investment ideas on
the Internet, as well as investment advisors and securities
analysts."

I asked Sultan, why any independent investor should trust
using such a site as this. His direct response, looking me
right in the eye, was " This site is transparent and
fiercely independent. It is subscriber-driven and receives
no income from either the investable companies listed on
the site...or any advertisers. It is a 'pure' source for
research and due diligence data, and does not make stock
recommendations."

I really liked the part about it being transparent,
objective and not making any buy or sell-side
recommendations. It's obviously a very efficient tool that
I can use to do my own research and due diligence and then
make my own personal decisions.

Walking up and down the aisles of the show I was taken by
the number of people I heard talking about this new site.
Several asked me just why any investor should pay any
attention to this new service. I mentioned the
open-transparency of it; I added the complete objectivity
and being non-beholden to anyone, coupled with the fact
that they don't take any money from others except the
members (membership is less than twenty bucks a month, or
$199 for a year).

I finished with my favorite point: they don't push any
stocks on anyone: you make your own decisions. When I said
that's what I had seen and been told, their faces usually
lit up in a smile; they immediately planned to visit that
booth.

While talking with others at the show, one of the most
frequent questions I heard was: "where do these people get
their data and information feeds?" Not knowing for sure,
and now wondering this myself, I re-visited Sultan at his
booth and asked him.

"Subscribers gain access to information that is often
buried or cast afar," he said. "We aggregate licensed,
third-party data and wire feeds that are not offered
together anywhere else: Capital IQ, the institutional data
feed that's part of Standard & Poor's; System for
Electronic Disclosure by Insiders (SEDI); Canada NewsWire
from CNW Group Ltd., and Marketwire Inc.," he added.

That was enough for me. I'm now a member of this most
useful site. I can save untold hours each month; and I
don't have to worry about the data, its objectivity,
accuracy...or where it's coming from.

© Roy MacNaughton, 2008

----------------------------------------------------
Learn more about this special site at:

http://www.stockresearchdd.com
Roy MacNaughton is a niche hospitality-marketing coach and
business writer. He's a seasoned marketer, with more than
30 years of international marketing and franchising
experience, including 10 years online. Learn more at his
blog: http://www.UmarketingU.com

Britons 'Should Invest Time' Into Reducing Financial Pressures

Britons 'Should Invest Time' Into Reducing Financial Pressures
Those consumers struggling with their finances following
the festive period should look to switch to more
competitive deals, it has been suggested.

According to Moneyfacts, now is the ideal time for the
thousands of people who are now facing up to the full
extent of their overspending during the Christmas season to
transfer from expensive credit cards to more cost-effective
products. However, it was suggested that Britons should
look beyond changing their plastic cards, but also attempt
to make savings on the likes of UK personal loans, utility
bills tariffs and insurance premiums which, if carried out
effectively, could save them hundreds of pounds over the
course of a year.

In moving to more competitive offers borrowers may find
that they are able to pay off loans, credit cards and
household bills with greater ease. This could lead them to
have more disposable income each month.

The company reported: "It's easy to get carried away in the
run-up to the festive period, but when reality hits home
and you see the size of your January credit card bill,
rather than doing nothing and paying a fortune in interest
charges, why not see it as a kick up the backside to switch
your credit card to a cheaper deal? Whilst you're sitting
in front of your PC saving money by switching your credit
card, invest a bit more time and see where else you can
save. So rather than just being a rate tart on your
plastic, why not be an energy and insurance tart as well?"

According to the firm those who switch to a more
competitive deal on a personal loan of 10,000 pounds, with
payment protection insurance attached, could discover their
annual repayments fall to 2,468 pounds 88 pence, down from
a previous cost of 3,443 pounds 40 pence. Thus switching to
a cheap UK loan mid-term, it was stated, would save such
borrowers 974 pounds 52 pence. In addition, it was claimed
that moving to cheaper home and car insurance policies
could generate savings of 121 pounds 99 pence and 113
pounds 25 pence respectively over the course of a year.
Meanwhile, switching utility suppliers could leave Britons
more than 230 pounds better off.

Suggesting that many companies rely on their customers
being apathetic and staying with their products and
services, Moneyfacts urged people to become proactive and
to make 2008 a year "to line your own pockets instead". And
despite claiming that it just takes a few hours to change
financial offers and so bring savings worth hundreds of
pounds "it's surprising how many can't be bothered to
switch from uncompetitive banking, insurance and utilities
products".

Those looking to get a stronger grip on their finances,
meanwhile, may wish to consider applying for a
consolidation loan. In taking out this type of low cost
loan, borrowers may be able to merge numerous demands on
their finances into a single low-cost monthly repayment.
Indeed a cheap consolidation loan could be of particular
assistance to those who are concerned about their capacity
to pay bills. A report carried out by MoneyExpert earlier
this year indicated that 6.9 million demands for repayment
have not been met since June 2007, with council tax and
utilities two of the most likely areas where a statement
will either be paid late or missed out altogether.

----------------------------------------------------
Abbi Rouse writes for All About Loans. Our visitors can
apply online for poor credit secured loans. We also
specialise in cheap loans, and the cheapest consolidation
loans online. Visit today http://www.allaboutloans.co.uk/

Are Investments With Dividends Better Than Non Dividend Paying Investments

Are Investments With Dividends Better Than Non Dividend Paying Investments
When you have some kind of investment that pays dividends,
or makes regular payments of some kind, you may wonder if
that is the best way to go. Dividends usually come in more
than one form, but it will usually either be cash sent to
you, or a cash amount that is reinvested into buying more
stock for you. With this in mind, here are some thoughts
about why one may be much better than the other.

Companies that give stock may give you the option of which
method you prefer. You decide whether you want the cash, or
having your money reinvested into more shares of stock.

When you receive a dividend from stock, you will, in most
cases, need to pay taxes on that amount - whether or not
you actually receive any cash. So, this will largely rule
out the tax angle in making your decision about which may
be the better way to go.

Being given cash from stock, however, will have an effect
on your stock. Since stock increases and decreases in value
over time, stock is considered to be a worthwhile long-term
investment. This is especially true when a company is
successful and its stock increases in value.

Getting a percentage of your shares back every so often is
actually a removing of a portion of your investment - if it
comes to you in the form of cash. Unless you take that same
amount and reinvest it into some form of interest bearing
account, you are actually losing money that you could be
consistently earning on.

If that dividend is reinvested into purchasing more stock,
then this is by far the better choice. As your stock
increases, you will actually be earning interest on your
interest. This is compound interest, which is of far more
value than you can earn in many institutions. Over time,
this interest on interest could soon double the amount you
have in that stock.

Do not let getting a dividend fool you, though. Just
because a company pays a dividend does not mean that the
company is actually doing well financially. You should
consider selling that stock if you could find one with
greater profitability somewhere else - and get even greater
dividends for even more reinvestments.

If the stock value is good with that company, however, then
you should stay with it. Consider the amount of your
initial investment, the profit you have now, and if the
stock is increasing in value, why not just stay with it? If
it is good company, the stocks will gain in value if the
economy permits it.

Watch out for the company that allows you to reinvest the
dividends, but at a cost to you. While many companies do
this, you may have the option to change it at any time
simply by filling out a form and submitting it to the
company. It may be easier and cheaper to see if the company
will allow you to automatically reinvest any dividends
because there may not be any charges for this service. This
increases your overall value instead of reducing it with
cash dividends.

----------------------------------------------------
Learn the investment strategies used by many wealthy people
to ensure their own futures, visit our website and request
your free DVD of a 3 hour seminars with Self Made
Millionaire Jamie McIntyre, visit
http://www.stockmarketaustralia.com.au

6 Tips From Home Disaster Survivors

6 Tips From Home Disaster Survivors
Looking back at 2007, it sure seems like nature had it in
for the suburbs. The whole country was beset by weather
related disasters. We had wildfires in Southern California,
ice storms in the Midwest, and flooding in the Northeast.
It was devastating for those affected, and chilling for
everyone else. The damaged homes on the news were ordinary
suburban homes. It was so easy to imagine it happening to
us or someone we loved. The truth is that our homes are
susceptible to fire and water damage. They are lovely straw
houses, waiting for an accident, a little negligence, or
the perfect storm.

So what should we do to prepare?

If you want to recover financially from a home disaster,
there are two things you need to protect: your digital
information and your physical possessions. Vanessa Wood of
Design to Spec, LLC http://www.DesignToSpec.com/ was one of
those unlucky people whose home was flooded on four
separate occasions in 2007. She gives us three tips for
protecting our digital files and connections:

1. Don't touch that computer! Whether your computer has
been under water, smoke damaged, or hit by debris, it might
not be safe to touch immediately after a disaster. Unplug
your computer so it will not experience a power surge when
downed power is turned back on. Allow a professional PC
consultant to examine the hard drive. A good consultant can
recommend a sterile lab that is expert at the recovery of
valuable data and files.

2. Store hard to replace records and files on a server.
This could even be the same server that hosts your website.
Taking this extra step may entail scanning documents and
choosing to accept bank records in a digital format. Not
only will you have your records in a safe location, but you
will free up space in your filing cabinets and shelves.
Check with your tax advisor to verify which records can be
held as digital records, rather than paper.

3. Stay mobile. Stay flexible. You may not be home for
awhile. You might have to handle your finances or an
insurance claim from a friend's house, library or hotel. Be
sure your laptop has the programs you use everyday. Know
how to forward your phone numbers to your cell phone. If
you use an email address that's derived from your internet
cable service (for example, janedoe@optonline.net) know
your service password so you can read emails as web mail
because a storm, fire or other disaster may knock out your
local cable service connection. Remember, too, that online
banking services can be invaluable when trying to manage
bill payments in a crisis.

What about your physical possessions? You should ask
yourself how much it would cost if you had to replace all
your belongings yourself. Even if you have home insurance,
your initial estimate might be closer to reality than you
thought. A client of mine, Julie, lost all the contents of
her home when her condo complex burnt to the ground. She
offers three tips for protecting and recovering your
physical belongings:

1. Do not be underinsured. If you purchase big ticket
items, or remodel, make sure you update your insurance
policy to cover all your new additions.

2. Keep detailed records of all estimates, transactions and
conversations. Julie had to go over her agent's head to a
supervisor to get the rest of the money that she was owed
for her insurance claim. She was able to do this because
she kept notes and copies of everything she mailed and
faxed.

3. Don't keep your important documents in your home. Keep
your passport and other important documents in a safe
location. Julie's home safe didn't withstand the heat of
the fire and all was lost. If you must keep the originals
at home, keep copies in a separate safe location, like a
safety deposit box at your bank.

My hope is that everyone affected in the disasters of 2007
were well prepared, but I know some are probably still
struggling to recover what they lost. Make sure you're
prepared for disaster by following the tips above.

----------------------------------------------------
Jill Russo Foster provides practical tips for everyday
finance. Learn more about protecting your credit and living
within your means with Jill's popular free report,
bi-monthly ezine, and credit report reminder program,
available here ==>
http://www.themortgagearrangers.com/resources.asp

Planning for the Future

Planning for the Future
There's a lot in the news these days about planning for the
future, everyone being urged to save, save, save for their
retirement. Of course this is easier said than done for
many, what with the cost of living going up all the time,
mortgage and fuel costs being just two of the areas causing
concern.

Even when you do have the money to consider saving, the big
question is how to do it the right way. Do it the wrong way
and Gordon Brown and his chancellor will get their hands on
(more of) your money, something that no one really wants.
But it is a complicated world out there, with lots of
different savings plans and many interesting ways of
reducing tax and increasing returns, but you do have to
know your way around.

Then of course, there are ways of making sure that you are
paying the least possible for your mortgages and loans. The
credit crunch in Dec 2007 has made this much more
difficult, with many lenders simply not being able /
willing to lend money the way they used too. Those with a
poor or adverse credit history have even more problems in
this area, however, there are those that know where to look.

In the end the area of personal finance is yet another
where you really have to turn to the experts, their
knowledge saving you lots of money, even when their fees
are taken into account. The issue then is "knowing which
one to ask to help you", there being almost as many of
these Financial Advisers as there are savings plans and
mortgages.

Unless your financial circumstances are very specialised,
you may well be best to choose a financial adviser that has
offices near by, that way you can get to see them whenever
necessary, rather than being limited to discussing your
important matters on the phone or by post.

These days too you are probably going to get the best deals
by ensuring that you enlist the services of an Independent
Financial Adviser, that way you'll get a wider choice than
if you use an adviser that is "tied" to a particular bank
etc. These IFA's are governed by a strict code, so you can
be sure that you'll be OK.

Even with the narrowed criteria choosing only a local
company, and one that is independent, you're still going to
find quite a bewildering number of potential companies to
choose from, so how do you go about choosing the right one?
Recommendation, by word of mouth is by far the best way of
finding someone you know you can trust, but failing that
method, the next best thing must be the Internet.

Never before has so much information been available to
anyone looking for anything (including financial advice)
than today. With just a few clicks of a mouse, you'll be
able to locate dozens of prospective advisers. The next
step is to shortlist say a dozen, these being the ones
whose listings on the Search Engines has caught your eye.
Then have a brief look at all the sites and pick a few
that seem to be talking your language and be best suited to
your needs. If they have any downloadable material it can
be good idea to request it, you won't be bombarded with
calls or emails, but you will get an insight into the way
that advisor does business and what fields they cover.

Once you've got your shortlist, the next best thing is to
go and see their offices and perhaps ask a few questions to
see how helpful they are, and then finally you'll be able
to plump for one of them, secure in the knowledge that you
have done your research and that if you don't get on with
your first choice, that you have others to which to turn.

Good luck in choosing your financial advisor and good luck
too with your savings plan.

----------------------------------------------------
Choosing someone to help you save for your retirement, that
rainy day or for the kids schools fees is a major task
these days. Graham Baylis provides tips on how to choose
the right advisor, these tips being gleaned from years of
networking with IFA's and Accountants in the Midlands of
the UK. For an example of an IFA local to Graham see
http://www.midlands-financial-mortgage-advisers.co.uk

Debunking 3 Popular PayPal Credit Card Myths

Debunking 3 Popular PayPal Credit Card Myths
If you're a PayPal user (and even if you're not) chances
are you've heard of the PayPal credit card. After all, the
combination of a $0 annual fee, competitive interest rate
and generous rewards program makes the card an enticing
offer. So why don't more people carry one? Because of these
three common myths. And that's why I"m going to debunk them.

Myth 1. The Credit Card is Issued By PayPal

Some people fear that PayPal will have too much control
over their credit (and too much of their personal
information) if they apply for a PayPal credit card. This
isn't true. PayPal doesn't run your credit report and they
aren't the ones who report your credit card activity to the
credit bureaus. GE Money Bank does.

While it's true that this credit card carries the PayPal
logo and you can use it with your PayPal account, the card
is actually issued by GE Money Bank. Getting the PayPal
credit card gives PayPal no more control over your credit
than any other credit card available on the market.

Myth 2. I Can Only Use the PayPal Credit Card for PayPal
Purchases

Wrong again. That statement applies to "PayPal Credit"
which is completely separate from the PayPal credit card.
PayPal Credit is a line of credit associated with your
PayPal account solely for PayPal purchases. The PayPal
credit card, on the other hand, is an actual MasterCard
issued by GE Money Bank. You can use it wherever MasterCard
is accepted.

Myth 3. I Really Don't Need Another Credit Card Linked to
My PayPal Account

Many people assume there's no reason for them to open a
PayPal credit card. If you have two or three credit cards
already linked to your PayPal account, you might feel the
same way. Unfortunately, you're overlooking a few things.

The PayPal credit card is a great way to manage your PayPal
purchases and earn rewards at the same time. If you do more
than your fair share of eBay shopping, those rewards points
can really add up, giving you gift certificates for future
eBay purchases. It can also be a great way to manage your
PayPal payments, keeping your PayPal credit card purchases
separate from all of your other credit card purchases.

No, not everyone is right for the PayPal credit card.
However, there are many people who could really benefit
from the tools and rewards this credit card offers. If you
use PayPal frequently or are an avid eBay shopper, you may
be one of them.

----------------------------------------------------
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

Eight Minute Guide to a Credit Score Increase

Eight Minute Guide to a Credit Score Increase
Follow the simple steps I will outline in this article and
you can massively improve your credit score in 30 days.
Remember this is a brief 8 minute read and I can't cover
everything in detail. I have full explanations in my guide
to credit recovery. Also if you read this and that's all
you do, it will not help! You must take action to see
improvement.

1. Order your credit report from
www.annualcreditreport.com. This is a free report you are
allowed to get every 12 months. It won't have your credit
score but will have all of the information on your
creditors and your payment information. Scour this report
and look at what is on it. Correct any inaccurate
information like birthdays, addresses, employment
information, aliases, and social security numbers.

2. Review the negative credit information that is listed on
the report. You must correct any errors as soon as possible
by disputing them through the credit reporting agencies.
These credit reporting agencies have 30 days to investigate
and respond to your inquiry. If they cannot verify the
negative item your disputing in that time frame they must
remove it from your credit report. By removing these
negative items you will see a dramatic increase.

3. If you have a lot of open balances, look at your total
credit limit versus how much you owe. You want to make sure
that your balance is less than 35% of the total credit
limit available. For every 10,000 in credit available you
want to be using 3,500 as the maximum. Obviously being less
than that is great also. There are many ways to do this by
increasing credit limits, balance transfer portions of
balances, and paying down accounts.

4. Avoid any inquiries into your credit report. If you have
multiple credit pulls this can lower your score by up to 5
points per pull (general rule not applicable for every
pull). Don't open up several credit cards at once because
the newness of the accounts can lower your score as well as
the inquiries.

5. Call your creditors and ask them to lower your interest
rate. If you have been a customer a long time and have paid
well they will do this. Threaten to move over to another
card that has a 0% transfer rate. They want you to stay and
will help you by lowering your current interest. How does
this help to increase your score? Now with the lower
payment you can overpay on the account and get rid of the
balance. By reducing debt load and paying this off quicker
you will bump up your score.

6. If you are in collections or have fallen behind call and
talk to the creditor. If you can pay off the collection or
late card, offer to pay it off if they delete your
collection. They will also lower the payoff if you bargain
with them enough. Many times you can also ask them to
re-age your account to a good standing with a large
payment. Not having the collection or late payment will
help your score a lot.

7. Pay on time. I know it's basic but many people just
don't do it. After a certain period of time the negatives
start to diminish and not affect your score as much. If you
pay on time for a while you can call and ask the creditor
to delete old negative information. Some will do it because
they want to keep you as their customer.

8. Don't close old non used zero balance accounts. One of
the best things for a high credit score is older good payed
accounts. Shows you have a long credit history and have
paid on time. Where this can affect you is when you balance
transfer your balance to get a zero APR and you close the
other account because you transferred from it. Not only do
you have an inquiry but you have taken a seasoned account
and replaced with a new one. Make sure to keep those old
accounts open for credit report purposes.

9. Set up automated payments if at all possible. Look, we
all have good intentions but once and a while are busy
lives get in the way. If you have an automatic payment set
up then the hiccup will be covered. Sometimes you can
bargain with the creditor and get a lower rate for setting
up auto withdrawal.

Keep in mind this was supposed to be a thirteen minute
guide. I can't go into the full explanations of everything
nor give you all of the tips. These simple steps I have
outlined are quick and easy and can easily be implemented
to raise your score. If you follow these I think you will
see a dramatic increase in 30 to 60 days and something can
happen sooner. Remember a little effort can reap a large
reward. On the other side of the coin, no action and this
quick guide becomes useless and you just wasted 8 minutes
learning about something that will have no affect on your
life.

----------------------------------------------------
David Forer is a financial veteran of 15 years. To tap into
his knowledge about credit repair, debt management, and
budgeting go to his blog at
http://www.creditrepairdoneeasy.com and receive a free ten
page report.

4 Reasons Why You Need to Start Investing Today

4 Reasons Why You Need to Start Investing Today
If you have money that is lying around and not making much
in the way of interest, there are other ways that are more
profitable. By investing your money now, you can have much
more later - when you may really need it. Here are 4
reasons why you need to start investing your money today.

Increase Your Profit Now

If you have your money in a savings account only earning 1
or 2 percent, that really is not bringing in much profit
for you. When you consider that other forms of investment
could bring in a much higher percentage, then it is
actually like throwing money away that your money could be
earning now.

Various forms of investments will certainly bring you more
interest. You will need to decide what level of risk you
want to take with your investment money. It will range from
low risk such as with bonds, all the way up to high risk
with certain volatile stocks. By diversifying your
investment portfolio, however, you can set aside portions
of your investment money for different levels of risk, and
keep a rather good balance on the profit - depending on
your risk level.

Save for Retirement

If you are still young enough, you have time to make some
solid investments that would enable you to retire at a
decent age. It does depend, of course, on just how much you
have to invest, and how it is invested.

The sooner you start, though, the more interest and profit
can be gained from investing if you follow wise investment
strategies. If you do not know how to invest, seek the help
of someone who does. Professional financial investors are
readily available and may even be able to manage your
investment portfolio for you.

Do not forget that money earned for retirement could also
get in the way of getting Medicaid when you might need it.
There are ways to handle your assets beforehand but you
will certainly need to know what they are in advance of
actually reaching your retirement years.

Build A Legacy

If you start soon enough, you may be able to take some of
your hard-earned money and pass it on to future generations
in your family. Wealth can make a real difference in the
lives of your heirs and a good investment plan can help you
make that difference. Just do not forget to use some good
estate planning to ensure that the taxman will not get
about half of your estate.

As you start to consider investing, you certainly want to
get started by making wise decisions. A lot of mistakes can
be made in investing resulting in a lot of money being lost
unnecessarily. You need to read up on investment techniques
and how to plan a balanced portfolio. Another choice would
be to go to a financial planner and get good advice from
him or her concerning how to get started. Some of them may
even be able to manage your portfolio for you and ensure
that your money is being put to good investments which
means making a good amount of profit for you.

----------------------------------------------------
Learn the investment strategies used by many wealthy people
to ensure their own futures, visit our website and request
your free DVD of a 3 hour seminars with Self Made
Millionaire Jamie McIntyre, visit
http://www.stockmarketaustralia.com.au

Small Business Accounting Software Is Simple Bookkeeping Spreadsheets

Small Business Accounting Software Is Simple Bookkeeping Spreadsheets
Accounting software is used by accountants to enter many
complex financial transactions into the financial books of
account and is almost invariably based upon double entry
bookkeeping principles. A major advantage to those
companies and the finance staff is the extent to which
financial information contained in the database can be
queried for financial control purposes.

An accountant needs to not only ensure the financial
records are accurate but also retrieve any part of the
accounting records to answer accounting questions on the
accounts, provide a legal basis for the transactions and
report the financial statements at regular periodic
intervals.

The small business has different accounting needs which are
better described as bookkeeping than accounting. For non
limited companies that do not need to produce a balance
sheet then a simple income and expenditure account can be
produced much simpler using single entry bookkeeping
principles.

Less financial control is often required from small
business accounting software as the bookkeeper is often the
owner manager who already has an intimate knowledge of each
transaction. Books are still required for tax purposes and
a solid requirement of preparing a set of financial books
for tax purposes is that each entry is supported by third
party evidence.

Examples of third party evidence would be sales invoices,
purchases invoices and bank statements. Financial
transactions where no receipt exists can still be entered
in the business books although all transactions not
carrying third party evidence could subsequently be
disallowed for tax purposes and certainly would be if the
amounts entered indicated unusual income or expenditure.

Producing an income and expenditure statement using single
entry bookkeeping is little more than making two lists of
financial transactions. Those lists being one of sales
income received from sales invoices or receipts issued to
customers and the other of purchase expenditure being from
purchase invoices received from suppliers.

To record sales income it would not normally be sufficient
to simply add up the total of the invoices as such a
summation does not leave an audit trail of the items which
have been included. A written list of sales invoices does
provide an audit trail.

Sales accounting for a small business accounting purposes
can be either a manual list of the sales invoices or by
using a spreadsheet package a list can be made on a
bookkeeping spreadsheet. Using a spreadsheet for the
bookkeeping has advantages as simple formula can be used to
add up the column totals.

The essential information to enter for a sales invoice
would be the date of the sale, name of the customer, sales
invoice number if applicable and optional a brief
description of the item sold. In the next column would be
the total sales invoice amount. If items like value added
tax are required to be accounted for then an additional
column would be required to accommodate the vat or sales
tax accounting.

A further small complication might be if at the discretion
of the small business owner additional information was
required from the bookkeeping records to indicate the
totals of the different types of products and services then
additional columns could be incorporated to enter the net
sales figures in these columns.

There it is then, a simple list of sales invoices to
satisfy the sales accounting requirements for a small
business where a balance sheet is not required.

On the expenditure side of the business the bookkeeping can
also be a simple list of the purchase invoices and receipts
showing the amount spent. The list should also produce an
audit trail by showing the date of the purchase invoice,
name of the supplier, purchase invoice for identification
purposes and the total amount spent.

Usually tax returns are the main purpose of producing small
business accounts and invariably some analysis is required
to show what the expenses have been spent on. That is not
difficult to achieve and as with the sales accounting the
owner manager can add additional standard columns to the
bookkeeping spreadsheet.

The expenditure analysis columns do not need to be a
different column for each type of expenditure. It is better
to set up and group the analysis columns in general
headings which can accommodate all the expenses.

Such columns may include stock, other direct costs,
premises costs, general administrative costs, transport and
delivery costs, repairs and maintenance, travelling and
hotel costs, motor costs, bank and legal costs and other
expenses. It is better not to enter too many items under a
general heading of other expenses as this is more likely to
be investigated as the type of expense has not been
precisely identified.

One important column to also include is for asset purchases
as fixed assets usually have different tax rules applying
to the claim of the expense against tax and should be
separated from other expenditure.

Having set up two bookkeeping spreadsheets the task is then
to produce the income and expenditure account by collecting
the totals of each of the analysis columns. The sales total
is the sales turnover from which is deducted the totals of
each of the expenditure classification totals with the
result being the net profit and loss of the business.

Where stock is bought and sold a further adjustment may be
required to account for the difference between opening and
closing stock. This is done by taking a physical stock
check and valuing the stock at the start and end of the
financial period.

On the income and expenditure account adjust the stock
purchases figure by adding the value of the opening stock
and deducting the value of the closing stock. The result is
not the stock purchases total as shown in the bookkeeping
spreadsheets but the cost of the goods which have been sold
to produce the sales turnover being reported.

Simple bookkeeping for a small business accounting purposes
can be two lists of sales and purchases supported with
sales invoices and purchases invoices.

----------------------------------------------------
Terry Cartwright, an accountant at DIY Accounting designs
UK Accounting Software spreadsheets for companies at
http://www.diyaccounting.co.uk/companyaccounts.htm and self
employed bookkeeping software
http://www.diyaccounting.co.uk/bookkeeping.htm

What Are Necessary Features Of A Solid Investment Portfolio?

What Are Necessary Features Of A Solid Investment Portfolio?
When you seek to create for yourself, or let an institution
create for you an investment portfolio, there are several
factors that need to play a part in it. The key idea with
an investment portfolio is balance, and a very important
second word would be protection. In order to get the best
balance and protection for your assets, it will need to
have the following 5 features.

Asset Management

Someone is going to have to be responsible for the
management of your assets in the portfolio. Whether you do
it yourself, as many people do, or let an institution do it
for you, developing a solid investment portfolio means that
it must be watched. Whoever has the responsibility needs to
be able to check it on a regular basis and must be
reliable. He or she should also be knowledgeable about the
markets in order to make the best decisions.

Along with the watching, however, comes the responsibility
to handle the assets to your best overall profit. Assets
need to be removed occasionally from one stock or mutual
fund and placed into a more productive one. The manager
will need to know when this is necessary, because moving
funds too often can only end up being more costly than it
is worth.

Multiple Instruments

Creating the greatest amount of profit also includes the
need to diversify. All of your assets should not be held in
one stock, or even in one type of stock, such as
communications. When all of your eggs are in one basket, it
is easy to lose them all at the same time. When you
diversify, however, and place some in various types of
stock, and some in bonds and mutual funds, what affects one
market should not affect them all.

Constant Analysis

In order to ensure the greatest amount of profitability in
an investment portfolio, it will need to be carefully
watched. Daily changes need not be observed, however, but
trends. The market overall fluctuates from day to day, but
a long term point of view should indicate general trends of
increasing or decreasing profitability. When the losses are
either too great, or appear to be heading for trouble, it
is time to make the transfer and place those assets into
more profitable instruments.

Performance Objectives

A good investment portfolio should have performance
objectives in place so that the one managing the assets
knows how soon to move the assets. If you want the highest
possible performance on your portfolio, then this will
necessitate a lot of changing instruments or stocks -
especially when the market fluctuates a lot - like it is
now.

Risk Toleration

You will also need to have some way to indicate how much of
a risk you are willing to take. Generally, the greater the
profitability, the greater the risk to your assets. Decide
on a percentage (that you could afford to lose, if
necessary) that you want to invest into high profitability,
and then leave the rest in a lower risk category. The lower
risk assets, a percentage of your portfolio, should
certainly include any money you intend to use for your
retirement.

----------------------------------------------------
Learn the investment strategies used by many wealthy people
to ensure their own futures, visit our website and request
your free DVD of a 3 hour seminars with Self Made
Millionaire Jamie McIntyre, visit
http://www.stockmarketaustralia.com.au

Why On Earth Invest in Thailands Bangkok

Why On Earth Invest in Thailands Bangkok
Thailand investment potential for overseas property buyers
are enormous. Expanding tourism, easy accessibility and low
property prices make for an investors paradise.

Thai culture has always been greatly influenced by China
and India giving an exotic blend for which The Kingdom of
Thailand has become famous. Buyers in Thailand tend to be
mostly investors who are looking to cash in on the booming
tourist industry however with increasing demand this is set
to change

Overseas investors will be pleased that Bangkok recently
opened a new airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), often
called New Bangkok International Airport, which is 25
kilometers east of downtown. This facility has flights from
all over the world on most major airlines. The old
international airport, Don Muang (DMK), is open for limited
domestic flights.

The Bangkok real estate market is one of the best for
international investors who are interested in the Asian
market. Research shows that the property market here is
much more affordable than other south Asian cities such as
Hong Kong and Singapore. Bangkok has a very nice climate
year round and is also close to many recreational
activities, such as beaches and tropical resorts.

Because of low labour costs and relatively inexpensive
housing, many multinational corporations have made Bangkok
one of their overseas homes. This has, in turn, drawn a lot
of international businessmen and expatriates to the city
looking for high quality housing at reasonable prices.
There continues to be a healthy demand for property,
meaning that investments should continue to rise in value
for the foreseeable future.

The city is one of contrasts, with its fast growing urban
skyline and many old temples and historical sights. It is
also growing increasingly cosmopolitan with high end
shopping, entertainment and fine dining. Because of
Thailand's strict foreign ownership laws, apartments and
condominiums are the option of choice for most
international property seekers in Bangkok.

The new property available in Bangkok is attractive to in
the middle and upper-middle income buyers. These properties
are typically one and two bedroom units ranging in size
between 45 square meters to 80 square meters. Moving up
towards the high-end market, new additions were seen in the
Sathorn, Silom and Sukhumvit areas, with the majority of
condo units offered being two and three bedrooms from 90
square meters to 190 square meters.

My other tip for the top in Thailand is the city of Pattaya
which is to be found on the east coast of Tourism in this
area appears to be increasing year on year. According to
the Tourism Authority of Thailand 5.8 million people
visited Pattaya in 2006. The combination of its big, wide
beaches, water sports, interesting attractions,
sightseeing, shopping, makes Pattaya's a great place to buy
property in Thailand.

In summary Thailand offers a host of opportunities for the
international real estate investor

----------------------------------------------------
Buying property in Thailand needs advice and research
author Nicholas Marr has done this working with numerous
real estate agents around the world including agents in
Thailand means that his articles are informative and up to
date
http://thailand.homesgofast.com/

The Secret To Dealing With Aggressive Debt Collectors and Creditors!

The Secret To Dealing With Aggressive Debt Collectors and Creditors!
Terry has several serious problems. Not only is he dealing
with staggering credit card debt, he's unable to make his
payments on time because his job was downsized.

He's back to work now, but he's still playing 'catch-up' -
and he makes much less money than he did before. In the
meantime, he's enduring an endless stream of daily
collection calls from credit card companies demanding
immediate payment.

If this describes you and your situation, keep reading,
because in this issue I'm going to give you some tips about
how to deal with an aggressive collector.

When a credit card company - or any other creditor - calls
about a delinquent account, extracting money is their only
goal. They're trained to use every weapon in their arsenal
to get that money. They don't care what they have to do to
get it. They'll use psychological weapons, threats,
coercion - whatever it takes. The best thing you can do is
to know your rights and keep your cool.

The very best thing you can do when dealing with a creditor
on the phone is take control of the call. Because you're
the debtor you may feel like your options are limited. The
fact of the matter is you have a lot more power than you
realize. They're calling you because you have something
they want: Money. That gives you an amazing power over them
so use it to your advantage.

Use that psychological and financial weapon to your
advantage. Tell the collector - firmly - that you'll talk
to them as long as they remain polite and respectful, but
the minute they blow it and treat you like a stray dog,
you're out of the call. Don't be afraid to follow through.
Trust me; they'll call back another day.

If you don't have the money right now to pay them, tell
them that. Ask them what options are available. Don't be
surprised if the only option they give you is a check by
phone transaction. Whatever you do, don't authorize one. If
you give them electronic access to your checking account,
they could potentially clean your account out. And a judge
is unlikely to be sympathetic to your complaint that they
stole money from you...considering you owe them money.

Instead, tell them what you're willing and able to do - and
then do it. But do it by mail and pay them with a money
order. Don't send a check drawn on your personal checking
account because checks are routinely being converted to
electronic transactions. Do you see the danger?

I'm not trying to needlessly scare you, but I am trying to
educate you on some of the underhanded tactics that some
unscrupulous collectors will use in collecting.

If the collector shows his true colors and begins to make
threats or demands, stay calm. Here's an excellent tactic
that's worth its weight in gold. The louder and more
strident they get, the quieter you should get. Instead of
raising your voice - lower it. Continue talking while you
drop the level of your voice. Whisper if you have to.
They'll have no choice but to shut up, if only long enough
to listen. When they do, drop the hammer. Tell them very
sweetly that Canadian law only requires you to talk to them
if you want to and you no longer want to. This should stop
the problem at least on a temporary basis.

To recap this technique:

Take control of the call and don't relinquish it Offer to
make the payments by mail only DO NOT permit electronic
access to your account If they yell at you or raise their
voice - lower yours to a whisper if necessary Tell them to
discontinue calling you

----------------------------------------------------
Darrin Roseborsky is a Refinance Specialist with OMAC
Mortgages, seminar speaker and president of
HomeRefinanceCoach.com. Darrin shows people how to MAXIMIZE
their equity PROPERLY and how to choose options that make
the MOST SENSE for their situation! An example of exactly
how this works, is at: http://www.homerefinancecoach.com