Internet Payday Loans

Internet Payday Loans
If you're short of cash, should you get a payday loan? Are
they really that helpful?

They can be, if you know how to use them. You can get cash
fast with them if you need to, but you need to be careful,
because they're expensive. It's a law that payday loan
businesses have to post interest rates prominently, so take
careful note of the interest rate you're actually paying
and make sure you know what you're getting into before you
sign the contract.

Here are some things you should know before you decide to
take out a payday loan:

Payday loans are expensive. Their annual percentage rates
run from 200% to upwards of 800% or even more. Some
approach 1000%. That's a lot of money. Even a cash advance
off your credit card isn't going to cost you as much,
usually. That's not to say that cash advances from credit
cards are good, because that's not responsible behavior
either. But if you must have money and you're in a pinch,
even a credit card advance is better than a payday loan,
usually. If you can borrow money from somewhere else, such
as your bank, boss, a friend, family member, or any other
source, it's likely that you'll get a better deal than you
would from a payday lender.

If you decide after considering all your options that you
still have to take a payday loan, shop around. You want the
lowest annual percentage rate you can find, also known as
an APR. One of the best ways to do this is to go online and
check out payday lenders there, to see which of them has
the best rates. Online competition is usually very intense,
so it's likely that you'll get a better rate if you do some
careful research here than if you simply walk into your
neighborhood payday lender and take out a payday loan right
then. The figures you compare should match in terms of
their characteristics, for best comparison. For example,
let's say a company tells you that you'll need to pay them
$10 a week for every hundred dollars you borrow from them.
You'll end up paying $521.43 in interest a year on a $100
cash advance with that setup, though. That's a lot more
than the "$10 a week" sounds like at first not. In
addition, make sure you know what other costs or fees will
be charged you besides when you take out your cash advance.

Make sure you know every single penny you are going to pay
before you sign. This way, you'll know how much are
actually facing in terms of paying back when the time
comes. You should also know what's going to happen if you
have to roll over your loan, which will happen in the event
you can't pay the balance all at once when the loan comes
due.

Finally, read contract very carefully and ask questions if
you're not sure of anything. Do this before you sign. Walk
out of the lender's store with every single question
answered, or don't sign. You should know that some lenders
will try to rush you through the signing process so that
the fine print gets by you, but don't let them. Take your
time and read everything. If you have to, take an unsigned
contract with you and show it to someone else who knows
more about financial matters than you do if you need to. If
the lender balks at any of this, walk away. There are many
payday lenders vying for your business, so if you don't get
every single question answered, you don't have to take it.
You also don't want to sign something that you're going to
be sorry for later.

Next, you need to know what's going to happen to you if you
have to do what's called a "loan rollover." This happens if
you don't have enough to pay back the loan in full on your
next payday, and it's very expensive. Not only will your
annual percentage rate shoot very high, but you continue to
accrue fees and interest. If you have to keep rolling over
your payday loan, you're going to continue to accrue
interest and charges, and this will likely get you in deep
trouble. Because of this, make sure you borrow only as much
as you can repay on the due date and nothing more. If you
don't think this is possible, don't even start.

The longer your cash advances are outstanding, the higher
your APR is going to go. Therefore, you need to borrow not
just the minimum cash possible to get you through a rough
spot, but you need to keep the repayment date as close as
possible, too. Know what the duration of the loan is before
you sign, and note what the due date is.

If you haven't worked with this particular lender before,
go to the Better Business Bureau's website before you
decide to sign on with them and check out the business and
its reputation. You can also check the lender out at your
local Chamber of Commerce. Again, you have rights here and
you need to make sure the lender is reputable.

If you decide that the payday lender you're going to use
will be an online one, make sure the site is secure. There
will usually be a "lock" symbol visible in the browser
window to the right if the site is secure, and the URL
itself will start with "https" instead of "http." The "S"
signifies that the site is secure. Most online providers
use secure sites, but check to make sure, because your
information is in danger if it's not. You need to use a
lender whose site is secure.

If you use an online lender, the procedure is the same as
with a local payday lender. You should be able to read
contract and all the fine print in full before you sign
anything, and lender contact information should be clearly
visible, including a phone number. It's a good idea to call
their phone number and check other customer service before
you sign anything, too, so that you know you're safe. You
can also clarify their policies with them. You should know
all charges and fees you'll be required to pay before you
provide any personal data. Print out the relevant details
and read them carefully; printing out and keeping a hard
copy is a good idea, too, so that if there are any
discrepancies later, you'll have something in print to
verify everything.

Payday loans can be very helpful in the short-term,
providing you absolutely need to use them. However, make
sure you can pay them back right away so they don't get
locked into an endless cycle of debt. You should also know
that many other sources are much better choices if you have
them available, including credit card advances. If you do
decide to take out a payday loan, make sure you can pay it
back right away and that you know everything you're
responsible for before you do so. If you're at all unsure,
walk away. It's not worth a small amount of money up front
if you're going to be locked into a cycle of endless debt
you can't get out of.

----------------------------------------------------
For more information please visit
http://www.paydayloans-online.co.uk/

Financial Goals Checklist

Financial Goals Checklist
Probably because it is time for New Year's resolutions, a
lot of us focus on our finances around this time of year.
Everyone I know has the same resolutions. They want to make
more money, find their soul mate, lose weight, exercise
more and get healthy. I am terrible at keeping resolutions,
so this year I am focusing on my goals. That way I won't
fail in the first month of the year!

So, what kind of financial goals should we work on this
year? I was reading an article in one of my magazines
called "10 Rules For Building Wealth". As I read it, I
realized that it was a pretty negative article. Some
aspects were good, but most point to the fact that we
really are not choosing our investments correctly. It
suggests that we need more education in the area of wealth
accumulation. Our net worth needs to increase and be
protected. Risk is really not an option when it comes down
to it. I work with clients daily who need to know what
there portfolio really says. I find it true that most of us
receive our quarterly statements, see if there was an
increase or decrease, than file it away. Never looking deep
enough to decide whether a change is needed.

Maybe it is time to set a goal to really read your
statement! You might need to make some course corrections
or move your money to a risk free product. But, whatever it
is, education is the key to our financial health!

I do not play the stock market any longer after losing half
of my retirement in 2001, and this article made me feel I
made the right choice. But if you are looking into
investing in something new, here is my advice;

1. Whether it is a stock, mutual fund, real estate or any
other investment product, make sure you do your due
diligence before buying the investment. This is a process
that cannot be avoided.

2. Get expert advice to be sure you have all your "ducks"
in a row.

3. Know what fees you will be charged for the investment
you are looking at.

4. Don't take your financial advisor's word for it.

5. Ask yourself, Will this investment work for me? Will it
get me on the road to financial freedom and a secure
retirement?

The main thing here is to "Think Twice" before making any
financial decision. The only one who really cares about
your money is you!

----------------------------------------------------
We teach women how to take control of their financial
futures so they can gain confidence and financial
competence to live a life of financial security. We provide
personal wealth coaching, in an encouraging and stress free
environment that is results-driven and will give you the
financial direction to lead you to a fulfilling,
financially rewarding and prosperous future. Go to
http://www.wealthharvest.com and sign up for my FREE
Newsletter now!

How checking your Free Credit Score regularly will help you save money.

How checking your Free Credit Score regularly will help you save money.
Checking your free credit score regularly will benefit you
because your credit changes every 30 days. You are probably
asking yourself what do you mean your credit changes every
30 days. Well the creditors you have obligations with
re-report your credit status every 30 days usually to all 3
credit bureaus. If you had a credit card with a credit
limit of $4000 and a balance of $2500 and you charged
another $500 on your card your balance would change along
with your credit score as well. Since creditors report any
changes with your credit report every 30 days, you probably
should check you credit report once every 3 months. It
would probably not hurt to pull your credit report every
other month. There is a lot that can happen to your report
within a 30 day period. The point I am trying to make is if
you are managing your credit properly, and want to be aware
of your credit score, you need to check it often. Anything
can happen to your credit within a 30 day window. Let's
assume one of your creditors accidentally reports a late
payment on your credit report, and you actually were not
late. Because of this mistake on your creditors behalf,
they just dropped your credit score 100 to 150 points. You
decide to go apply for a new car, because you need one and
they are advertising low interest rate loans. To your
surprise because of this particular creditor's mistake, you
get denied because your credit score is too low. Believe it
or not this is a very common issue out there. 1 in 4 credit
reports have mistakes that cause low credit risk people to
get denied. I hope I have convinced you to stay on top of
your credit.

Oh, pulling your consumer credit report does not affect
your credit score at all. It is considered a soft pull.
With all that I just discussed, I would assume you are not
independently wealthy. You probably need to save as much
money as possible so you can retire someday. With your
credit being in good standing you will save on interest
rate charges, therefore being able to save more. Stay on
top of your credit and start saving today. There has never
been more of a sense of urgency to make sure you are
getting the grade in this digital age. When I say getting
the grade, I am talking about your creditworthiness. With
everyone wanting to know your score, you might want to get
your free credit score today.

----------------------------------------------------
About the Author: Mike Clover is the owner of
http://www.creditscorequick.com/ . CreditScoreQuick.com is
the one of the most unique on-line resources for free
credit score report, 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.

6 Credit Repair Steps to Close More Mortgage and Mortgage Refinancing Deals for Your Clients

6 Credit Repair Steps to Close More Mortgage and Mortgage Refinancing Deals for Your Clients
While the subprime debacle is responsible to a great degree
for the current downturn in the economy, the ongoing
malaise in the housing market is not completely due to
people not wanting or fearing to buy homes; it is due to a
large part by poor credit scores keeping people from
getting a mortgage or a mortgage refinancing deal.

To make matters worse, with the horrifying increase in
foreclosures across the country, the mortgage, and mortgage
refinancing problem for mortgage brokers is just going to
grow.

When an individual's credit score goes down, so does their
choices for mortgages and mortgage refinancing options. To
compound the matter, hundreds of "credit repair" services
are popping up that are quite often at best undependable.

Good credit is an absolute must for a loan originator to be
able to put through most reasonable mortgage and mortgage
refinancing deals, and with the problem not going away
anytime soon, it behooves the loan originator the help
their clients with ideas for the credit repair process of
improving their credit scores.

This type of credit repair advice is the way that a
mortgage broker can turn a potential client into the "real
deal" and close their mortgage or mortgage refinancing
deal. Also, if done properly, more often than not, the
process can take place in a relatively short time span.

Step 1

Realize that rebuilding an individual's credit score is an
ongoing process and requires thoughtful preparation to
successfully rebuild his or her credit to an acceptable
level to obtain a well structured mortgage or mortgage
refinancing product.

For this reason be sure that as your client starts a credit
rebuilding program, that whatever your client decides that
they can budget and implement, they need to make sure that
it is something that they can stick with and that their
payment structure is such that they never fail to pay their
obligations on or before the dates that they are due. Being
late on payments from being too ambitious when planning
their program will compound the problem and may "put the
final nail in the coffin" of their plans to obtain a new
mortgage or do any mortgage refinancing.

If there are extenuating circumstances such as divorce,
insist that they review their credit program with their
attorney before agreeing to anything.

Step 2

If your client's credit card companies have not reported or
have understated their credit limits on their credit cards,
it can hurt their credit score. For this reason, have your
client determine if their credit card companies are
understating their credit limits on their cards. Often
credit limits are reported as lower than they actually are
and frequently may not be reported whatsoever.

While we are on the subject of credit cards, make sure that
your client has a minimum of three credit cards or other
sort of revolving credit. Many people mistakenly believe
that if they have credit cards it actually hurts their
credit score and because of this, they cancel some or all
of their cards. This can actually damage their credits
score and hurt their chances of getting a new mortgage or
doing any type of mortgage refinancing program.

Furthermore, if they do not have any credit cards, have
them obtain at least three. If they have trouble with
getting typical cards like Visa, Master Card, Amex etc,
tell them to try a local department store, or a Home Depot
or Lowes. Quite often these types of stores are more
lenient in granting revolving charge accounts.

Step 3

Make sure that your client reduces any outstanding credit
card balances to under 30% of their credit limit on each of
the individual cards. Some people mistakenly think that the
30% figure is based on their overall revolving credit card
balance, but this is false. A single card over the 30%
balance can nullify the benefit of the effort of having the
revolving credit cards in the first place.

If your client has one card over the limit and several
others under the limit, if they are limited on cash and
cannot pay down the high card, have them see it they can
transfer some of the higher card's balance to the lower
cards. Have them check first before doing this to see if
this type of transfer creates a higher interest rate or any
other adverse effects on their credit.

Thus, if an individual has 3 credit cards with a total of
$12,000 credit, but two of them have a $2,000 limit and the
other has an $8,000 limit, make sure that they keep the
$2,000 limit cards under $600 each and the $8,000 card to
under $2,400.

Implementing this simple process will cause credit scores
to rise, along with the possibility of obtaining that
desired mortgage or mortgage refinancing program.

Step 4

When helping your client to raise their credit scores, make
it a point to frequently pull their credit reports for them
to determine their status as well as any errors on their
reports.

Errors are so common on credit reports that over 75% of all
credit reports have a minimum of one or more mistakes on
them. Just by their being diligent and carefully insuring
that any incorrect reporting information is removed, their
credit score will quite often go up incredibly. This is
certainly one of the easiest and most effective things that
your client can do immediately to improve their score
dramatically along with the possibility of them obtaining a
new mortgage or mortgage refinancing of their existing
mortgage.

Step 5

If your client's credit has been damaged to the point of
having been sent to a collection agency, they probably will
not want to immediately pay off the credit card debt.
Amazingly, this can actually hurt your client's credit more
than it already is with the collection issue on their
record.

When one of your clients have been sent to a credit
collection agency, the effect on their credit is low after
about two years and is virtually wiped out after four years.

Thus, if your client does determine to pay off a debt that
has been sent to a collection agency, be sure that they
receive a letter from the collection agency stating that
the collection agency will send what is called a "letter of
deletion" to the credit bureaus immediately after the bill
is satisfied to insure that the disparaging credit problem
is completely removed from their credit report. Stress to
your client that they should not pay anything on the bill
until they receive in writing the agreement for the letter
of deletion from the collection agency.

Most people trying to improve their credit to obtain a
mortgage or mortgage refinancing on their home think that
they need to pay off everything as quickly as possible, but
this is one case that paying before you obtain the proper
documents protecting your situation can actually seriously
hurt your credit. People have in reality completely paid
off a debt or negotiated a settlement to learn to their
dismay that they now have no leverage to get the collection
agency to send the letter of deletion.

Step 6

Finally, if your client does not make paid installments on
a car or a boat, have them take out some sort of
installment loan with someone like Best Buy or Sears on
some needed appliance or with Staples or Office Depot for
some business equipment. Credit bureaus look carefully not
only at the fact that you have credit, but also the blend
of the types of credit that you have. Having just credit
cards only is not as advantageous as having credit cards
and some sort of installment payment loan.

The only thing that I will caution you with here is to be
careful of the interest rates on any new installment loan
that you may obtain. Some of these rates can be "out of the
roof" and create undo stress on the monthly budget.

Also, unlike the credit cards which you should keep in
perpetuity, obviously, revolving credit comes to some point
at which the loan is satisfied and the monthly payment
ceases. Your client should not buy just for the sake of
buying, but if they are trying to improve their credit
scores, planning a purchase that they might have paid in
full with cash, would be better if they put a substantial
amount down in cash and then financed the balance on an
installment loan. This type of arrangement can frequently
reduce the interest on the loan as well.

----------------------------------------------------
Phillip P Gilliam is 58, and currently lives in Florida
with his wife and youngest daughter, and is a native of
Ohio. He went to Wright State University and has over 37
years experience in marketing, software development,
business management, and finance. You can contact Phil at
http://www.home-mortgage-refinancing-mortgage-company.com

Does FHA/HUD Owe You A Refund?

Does FHA/HUD Owe You A Refund?
Remember the first mortgage you signed for, ... sitting at
the table and looking at all the fees you were charged by
so many different people, just to get your mortgage. It
seems overwhelming. Have you ever noticed that they are
always quick to take your money but v-e-r-y slow when it
comes to providing a refund?

Well here is another example of the slow process, but
worse, it could have slipped through the cracks altogether,
and there are plenty of cracks. This information may seem
confusing and contradicting but it is not intended to be
so. It is the "system". If you are owed a refund it
certainly won't make you rich. It's about the principle
isn't it?

If you had an FHA-insured mortgage, you may be eligible for
a refund from HUD/FHA. Review your settlement papers or
check with your mortgage company to determine if you paid
an up-front premium. You may be eligible for a refund of a
portion of the insurance premium if you: acquired your loan
after September 1, 1983, paid an up-front mortgage
insurance premium at closing and did not default on your
mortgage payments.

There are some common sense Exceptions:

When an FHA-insured loan is assumed, the insurance remains
in force (the seller receives no refund). The owner(s) of
the property at the time the insurance is terminated is
entitled to any refund.

FHA-to-FHA Refinances: When an FHA loan is refinanced, the
refund from the old premium may be applied toward the
up-front premium required for the new loan.

Claims: When a mortgage company submits a claim to HUD for
insurance benefits, no refund is due the homeowner.

Refunds are based on the number of months the loan is
insured. For any FHA-insured loans with a closing date
prior to January 1, 2001, and endorsed before December 8,
2004, no refund is due the homeowner after the end of the
seventh year of insurance. For any FHA-insured loans
closed on or after January 1, 2001 and endorsed before
December 8, 2004, no refund is due the homeowner after the
fifth year of insurance. For FHA-insured loans endorsed on
or after December 8, 2004, no refund is due the homeowner
unless they refinanced to a new FHA-insured loan, and no
refund is due these homeowners after the third year of
insurance.

Mortgagee Letter 2005-03 provides additional information on
recent policy changes regarding refunds of up-front
mortgage insurance premiums. Simply stated all loans
endorsed after December 8th, 2005 are no entitled to a
refund of UFMIP unless it is an FHA to FHA refinance in
which case the refund is applied towards the new UFMIP.
Cool, Huh?

How are refunds processed?

Your mortgage company notifies HUD of the termination of
the FHA mortgage insurance for your loan. If you are
eligible for a refund, HUD will either request that the
Department of the Treasury issue a check directly to you or
send you an Application for Premium Refund so that you can
provide HUD with additional information about your case.

If you receive a form HUD-27050-B, read and complete the
application carefully, sign it, have it notarized, and
return it to HUD along with proof that you were the owner
of the property at the time that the insurance was
terminated.

After HUD receives your completed form HUD-27050-B and the
necessary supporting documentation, this information will
be carefully reviewed. Upon completion of this review, HUD
will either request that Treasury issue a check directly to
you or request additional information from you.

How to follow-up:

If you do not receive a check or an application within 45
days after you have paid off your loan, check with your
mortgage company to confirm that they have sent HUD a
request to terminate the mortgage insurance on your loan.
If they confirm that the correct termination information
was sent, contact your local HUD office or contact them
through their website. All inquiries should include your
name, your FHA case number, the date that the mortgage was
paid-in-full, the property address, and your daytime phone
number. Remember this too, the rules governing eligibility
for premium refunds are based on the financial status of
the FHA insurance fund and are subject to change.

There you go. Simple isn't it. Like I said it won't make
you rich and probably isn't worth the bother if yours did
slip through the system. A word of comfort, it probably
did not although some do. The reason I have this
information here is so you realize how important it is that
you understand your loan and it's fees. You must ask
questions about anything you are not sure of. Most
important, make sure you are working with a reputable
Mortgage Broker that has the experience and knowledge to
assure that your interests are taken care of.

----------------------------------------------------
Connie Sanders is available to answer any mortgage
questions you have and can be reached from her information
only web sites at http://www.fha-guidelines.com or
http://www.fha-mortgageunderwriters.com

Three (3) Secrets to a Successful Tax Return!

Three (3) Secrets to a Successful Tax Return!
Having the right team of advisors is critical to achieving
your financial goals faster than you ever thought possible.
For most people, taxes are the single biggest expense.
This makes finding the right tax preparer for your team
extremely important.

HOW DO YOU FIND A TAX PREPARER THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

First, not all tax preparers are the same. I previously
wrote an article about this last year titled: "Tax Returns
- Are they really all created equal", and you may be as
surprised as other readers about just how much tax return
preparation can vary.

In fact, I calculated the average savings I typically find
from annual tax savings, reducing professional fees and
audit assessments. In total, the average savings are:

- $23,750 Annual tax savings
- $5,000 Audit defense savings
- $10,000 Reduced audit assessment savings
- $50,000 Reduced legal fees
- $3,000 Reduced tax return preparation fees

This is a total average potential savings of $91,750! Your
tax preparer does make a difference! How much more could
you do with these savings?

Second, the right tax preparer for you depends on what is
important to you. Take a minute to answer this question:

WHAT MAKES YOUR TAX RETURN SUCCESSFUL?

How you answer this question will impact what type of tax
preparer you need on your team. I've asked this questions
to clients, prospects and colleagues. I have compiled the
most popular answers and what it means to you as you find
the tax preparer for your team.

ANSWER #1: Paying the least amount of tax legally

Your tax preparer needs to:

- Know the tax law very well and know how to be creative
legally.
- Ask you a lot of questions about your situation in order
to understand your situation and goals.
- Have a review process where at least one other person
reviews your return solely for the purpose of how to reduce
your taxes legally.

HERE ARE SEVEN (7) QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK YOUR TAX
PREPARER TO DETERMINE IF IT'S A GOOD FIT:

Q1: Can you tell me about the other ___________ (your
industry) you service?
A: Your tax preparer needs to know how the tax law applies
to your situation. Having other clients in your industry
or with similar investments indicates that the tax preparer
is likely to be familiar with the tax laws that impact you.

Q2: Who will be working on my tax return?
A: It's very common (and a good business practice) for tax
preparers to have staff prepare your tax return. You want
to make sure the other people working on your return have
the same level of expertise.

Q3: What is your tax return review process?
A: Tax preparers who are focused on reducing your taxes
will have this built into their review process. Usually it
involves having another experienced tax preparer review the
return solely for the purpose of finding ways to reduce
your taxes.

Q4: What would you have done differently on my past tax
return?
A: Show the tax preparer you are interviewing your prior
year tax return. Creative tax preparers will be able to
give you at least one idea of what you can do to reduce
your taxes by looking at your tax return for just a few
minutes. If it's creativity you are after, this is a great
question to ask! But don't expect the tax preparer to give
you all the details right then and there - that's why you
pay them!

Q5: How much can you save me in taxes?
A: While it's difficult for any tax preparer to answer this
in just a few minutes of looking at your past tax return,
it is possible for them to know if they can save you taxes
after spending 30 minutes with you.

Q6: What deadlines do you impose on clients?
A: This may seem like an odd question for minimizing your
taxes but it has a direct impact. If your tax preparer
allows you to provide your information a week before the
tax return is due, it's very unlikely that the tax preparer
will have the time to focus on your return to truly
minimize your taxes. Tax preparers that want to reduce
your taxes want your tax return information early and will
communicate that to you.

Q7: What recent tax law changes should I be aware of? A: To
minimize your taxes, your tax preparer needs to know the
tax law inside and out, which includes the latest changes.
Your tax preparer needs to be able to answer this question
without hesitation.

ANSWER #2: Minimizing tax return preparation fees Your tax
preparer needs to:

- Focus on the tax work and recommend someone else for the
non-tax work (such as bookkeeping).
- Request tax information in a certain format.
- Require you to input your information online.

HERE ARE TWO (2) QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK YOUR TAX PREPARER
REGARDING MINIMIZING RETURN PREPARATION FEES TO DETERMINE
IF IT'S A GOOD FIT:

Q1: What can I do to reduce my tax return preparation fees?
A: To minimize your tax return preparation fees, your tax
preparer always needs to have your fees in mind. Ask your
tax preparer what you can do to reduce your fees. If you
don't get at least 2 suggestions, your tax preparer
probably isn't thinking about how to keep your fees low.

Common suggestions include:

- Have someone other than the tax preparer do your
bookkeeping. I am always skeptical when a tax preparer does
the bookkeeping. First, they either charge an arm and leg
or if they reduce their rates to accommodate you, it means
they don't spend their time entirely on tax issues, which
could indicate their tax skills aren't up to par.

- Organize your information. Don't bring your tax preparer
a shoebox! A tax preparer that is really focused on keeping
your fees down will have forms, spreadsheets and other
tools available for you to use to organize your tax return
information.

- Enter your information online. Many tax preparers now
require clients to input their information online.
Accurately entered information can help reduce fees.
Caution: Information that is entered inaccurately can
increase your fees!

Q2: What is your fee structure?
A: Your tax preparer needs to be able to answer this
question with confidence. Any wavering could indicate that
the tax preparer knows the fees are too high for you but
just doesn't want to tell you. Unfortunately in these
situations, you find out too late!

ANSWER #3: Reducing audit risk Your tax preparer needs to:

- Know the tax law very well and how to properly report
your activity.
- Understand the IRS's current "hot buttons" or "red flags."
- Offer an audit defense plan.

HERE ARE FOUR (4) QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK YOUR TAX
PREPARER IN REGARDS TO REDUCING AUDIT RISK TO DETERMINE IF
IT'S A GOOD FIT:

Q1: How many audits have you been through and what
triggered the audit?
A: The most important part of this question is what
triggered the audit. If it was triggered by how something
was reported, then that may be something the tax preparer
had control over (and may be a bad sign for you).

Q2: What was the outcome of the audits you have been
through?
A: A return can be randomly selected for audit or selected
because of a certain activity (even though it was reported
correctly). So it's important to understand the outcome of
the audits. Was additional tax assessed or were there no
changes? Additional tax may indicate that something was
not reported properly.

Q3: Do you offer an audit defense plan?
A: Tax preparers that are confident in their work will
offer an "insurance" program that covers their professional
fees to handle your audit if your return is selected for
audit.

Q4: What is your tax return review process?
A: Although tax returns can be selected randomly for audit,
many are selected due to how items are reported on the tax
return. Tax preparers who are focused on reducing audit
risk will have a review process that includes another tax
preparer reviewing your return solely for accuracy of
reporting.

Be selective with the tax preparer you put on your team.
The average savings I find for my clients is over $90,000!
Your tax preparer makes a difference!

----------------------------------------------------
Tom Wheelwright is not only the founder and CEO of
Provision, but he is the creative force behind Provision
Wealth Strategists. In addition to his management
responsibilities, Tom likes to coach clients on wealth,
business, and tax strategies. Along with his frequent
seminars on such strategies, Tom is an adjunct professor in
the Masters of Tax program at Arizona State University. For
more information, please visit
http://www.provisionwealth.com

Payday Loans

Payday Loans
Benefits of Payday Loans

There are many benefits to taking a payday loan versus
applying for a loan from the bank. Many people find that
at times they struggle from week to week to make ends meet.
Most often the financial struggle that they have, does not
warrant taking a loan out from the bank. Sometimes people
just need a little bit to get by. That makes payday loans
the perfect solution for a short-term problem.

Payday loans are very simple and easy to do. Some require
proof of employment as well as a copy of an electric or
utility bill while others are completely paperless. You
can choose which type of payday loan to do based on the
type of credit you have. If your credit is less than
perfect, then you may want to go with the paperless option.
Keep in mind, as payday loans are for short-term purposes,
they are generally capped out at a certain amount.
Generally you will see payday loans up to $500 or even
$1000.

The amount you are allowed to borrow depends on what your
income is. For instance if you only earn $300 every two
weeks you will not be allowed to take a $500 loan out.
They base their loan amount on the amount of money you
earn, which tells them how much you'll be able to pay back
on your next payday. Think of it as an advance on your
pay, this way when you get your paycheck you immediately
pay back the money and nothing is missed. There is a small
fee of the finance charge that is tacked onto the amount
you have to pay back. This covers the cost of the payday
loan.

People get payday loans for many different reasons such as
to help pay the bills, medical emergency or even to help
fix the car in the event that it breaks down. No matter
what your reason is for getting a payday loan, you need to
be sure you go with a legitimate company so you are not
stuck with outrageous finance charges.

Most payday loan offers are done on the same day basis.
Some let you cash the check right there at their facility,
while others will directly wire money to your account.
When it comes time to pay the loan back you may either be
required to come in person and pay it off or it can be
directly be taken out of your bank account on a certain
day. Either way, be sure you know exactly what you're
getting into so you know what to expect and when to expect
it.

These short term payday loans generally need to be repaid
anywhere from one week to one month from the date the loan
was taken. Some do offer the possibility of extending the
loan but keep in mind, that you'll have to pay extra
finance charges. The longer you take to pay the loan, the
more you end up paying for it.

There are many types of payday loans that allow you to
apply right online at their website. You have an answer
within minutes and money within 24 hours. You can also
check your area to see what local payday loans are offered,
were you can go and apply in person taking the money with
you when you leave.

With the way the economy is today, many people are finding
it hard to keep up with their bills on a monthly basis.
People find that they fall behind and have a hard time
catching up. Applying for a loan at the bank can prove to
be difficult if you have bad credit. This is why more and
more people are turning to the payday loans, as it offers a
quick solution to the problem.

Sometimes just a little bit of money can be all it takes to
get you back on track were you need to be. With payday
loans, your in it short-term, at the most, a month tops. A
loan from the bank can take years to repay. Before you go
to apply for the payday loan, be sure to know exactly how
much you need to get you where you want to be. You don't
want to go in and request too little money, making it so
you don't have enough to pay the bills still. That can
leave you in a bind when it comes time to pay back the
payday loan. So be sure to know what you want before you
apply for a payday loan.

----------------------------------------------------
For more information please visit
http://www.paydayloans-online.co.uk/

Make Changing Your Accountant As Simple As Changing A Lightbulb

Make Changing Your Accountant As Simple As Changing A Lightbulb
Many businesses may not be completely happy with their
current accountant, but fear changing because it seems like
a lot of work, extra expense and irritation. However, if
your accountants are not doing the job you are paying them
for, then changing is your only realistic option.

Here are our top tips that are sure to make changing your
accountants as simple as it can possibly be:

1) Only Use Chartered or Otherwise Qualified Accountants

If your new accountant and your existing one are both
chartered and members of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants or another professional body such as the ACCA,
then they are bound by the rules of those organisations to
act in a particular way.

This means your existing accountant will have to hand over
your case and any papers belonging to you within a
reasonable time.

2) Changeover or Handover Fees

Members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and ACCA
are required to provide these documents without charge, so
there should be no handover fees charged by your existing
accountant.

3) Your New Accountant Should Take Care of Requesting The
Right Information

Through an initial discussion with your new accountancy
firm, they should be in a position to request all the
relevant information from your existing accountant. They
will write directly to your existing accountant to collect
the documents. This is NOT something you need to do
yourself.

The types of information requested may include your latest
accounts, bank reconciliation statements, copies of the
last P35 and P11D, copies of VAT returns, payroll
documents, copies of the last annual return and so on.

4) Your Responsibilities

If your new accountants are providing services that your
previous accountant did not, then there may be information
within your own office that you need to pass on to your
accountants.

Your new accountants will be able to provide you with a
checklist of information you need to provide them to make
this step as straightforward as possible.

5) Resolving Or Dealing With Disputes

One of the reasons you may be changing accountants is
because you have a dispute with them over fees.

A dispute of this nature alone should not be a sufficient
reason for your existing accountant to refuse to hand over
information to your new accountant. They may, however,
advise your new accountant of the dispute.

In the normal course of things, such disputes should not
affect the transfer of information from one accountant to
another. If, however, problems do occur, then filing a
complaint - or threatening to file a complaint - with their
professional body usually helps to resolve matters.

6) What To Do If Your Existing Accountant Is No Longer
Trading or Out of Business

If your existing accountant has gone out of business, it
may still be possible to obtain the necessary paperwork and
information from them. However, in circumstances where this
is impossible, then your new accountant should still be
able to take over the account without any problems.

----------------------------------------------------
Jim Haines works for Just Accountants. UK businesses can
receive up to 4 quotes from qualified accountants just by
filling in one form. Visit http://www.justaccountants.co.uk
for details.

Understanding Investment Grade Insurance Contracts

Understanding Investment Grade Insurance Contracts
I am not sure but I think it was the best selling author
and successful financial strategist Douglas R. Andrew who
first coined the term, "Investment Grade Insurance
Contract". But what exactly is an investment grade
insurance contract and why should you care?

Insurance contracts in general are some of the most often
misunderstood financial vehicles on the planet and yet they
offer some opportunities that can not be found in any other
financial products. Why should you care? Because not
knowing about the unique advantages of an investment grade
insurance contract could cost you literally thousands of
dollars in missed opportunities. Let's take a look at some
of these opportunities and then we can break down for you
just what an investment grade insurance contract really is.

There are many financial vehicles that allow your money to
grow tax-deferred while you are trying to grow your nest
egg. And any financial advisor will tell you that
tax-deferred growth is an advantageous pursuit. Making
interest on your interest without having to split that
growth with Uncle Sam means that you will end up with a
much larger account than if you had to pay taxes along the
way. Even if you have to pay tax at the end when you pull
the money out you still end up way ahead of an investment
vehicle that offers no tax shelter. But what if you could
grow your money in a vehicle that was not only tax-deferred
but where you could pull your money out tax-free when ever
you need it. How much better off would you be? Well an IGIC
(Investment Grade Insurance Contract) can help you do
exactly that if you know how. But before we get into what
it is and how to set one up lets talk about another unique
advantage.

Recently, I met with a client of mine who is about to
retire and he expressed to me that he has been sheltering
his money in tax-deferred accounts like IRA's and 401(k)'s
his whole life and now that he is about to retire he was
worried about what happens to all of that money when he
passes away? After all he didn't squirrel all of that money
away just to leave it to his silent partner (The U.S.
Government). Well had he been saving that money in an IGIC
instead of in his government regulated retirement vehicles
he could have left the entire account to his children, his
grandchildren or whomever he chooses with no income taxes
due.

So far we talked about this IGIC offering tax-deferred
growth during the accumulation stage of your life and then
tax-free distributions during the distribution stage of
your life and then lastly we talked about how this plan can
be passed on to your children income tax-free in the wealth
transfer stage of your life but are these the only
benefits? Actually no. There are at least 3 other
advantages that I can think of.

The first other advantage in addition to the tax break is
that your money can grow without any stock market risk.
This makes for a very nice supplement to most government
regulated retirement plans like 401 (k)'s that are often
subject to sharp stock market losses. Yet even with this
protection in place the return on your money can also be
very competitive.

Another advantage of the IGIC is that the when set up
properly you have very liberal access to your money. If you
are currently using IRA's or 401(k)'s your money is
generally tied up until you are 591/2 except for certain
rare circumstances. And if you borrow out your funds
beware, stiff penalties apply if you don't pay the money
back on their terms and in their time frame. Often you are
forced to garnish your wages just to pay back a loan of
what is supposed to be your own money. None of these harsh
requirements are involved with an IGIC. Access to your
money is much more easily accomplished because the plan is
not a government regulated retirement vehicle.

The last advantage that I have room for in this article is
that if you were to pass away prematurely before retirement
the IGIC would provide an insurance benefit to your loved
ones that would always be much more valuable than the sum
of all your contributions. This last benefit helps you
begin to see just what an investment grade insurance
contract really is.

You now know most of the benefits of an IGIC but what is it
exactly and how do you set one up? An Investment Grade
Insurance Contract is simply a permanent life insurance
policy that has been set up in exactly the "opposite" way
that most insurance agents tend to set them up. The most
common way the typical life insurance agent goes about
setting up your plan is to first determine how much life
insurance you need. Then he or she tries to calculate, what
is the largest amount of insurance they can give you for
the smallest amount of money out of your pocket?

When a life insurance policy is structured using that
method a good portion of your premium dollars ends up going
back to the life insurance company in fees and insurance
charges. (See my article on life insurance fees and charges
to learn more) You will most likely be disappointed in the
growth of your cash value.

On the other hand there is an alternative way to structure
a life insurance plan that tends to go against the
conventional wisdom of trying to get as much death benefit
"bang for your buck" as possible. In this alternative
scenario the agent or advisor structures the plan to give
you the least amount of death benefit that the IRS requires
so that you can stuff your plan with the highest allowable
amount of cash that the law permits. Why would anyone want
less death benefit you ask? Because the lower the death
benefit in relation to your premium the less you pay in
insurance charges and the more cost effective your plan
becomes.

But you are probably wondering why go through all of that
trouble to calculate the correct proportions? How does that
benefit you? Well if you set this up correctly you get all
of the benefits mentioned above and a competitive return on
your money over the long haul.

Are there any disadvantages to IGIC's? Like any financial
vehicle there are always pros and cons. Some things to
consider are that you are not able to write off your
premium dollars like you do in an IRA or 401(k) plan.
Another problem is that if you are not in at least somewhat
decent health you may not qualify for this type of plan.
Also these plans are designed to work best over the long
term as they offer advantages in multiple stages of your
life. To get the full benefit from an IGIC you should be
looking to invest your money for the long term even though
you will have short term access. If you are looking for
high short term speculative gains this is not the program
for you.

Lastly there are lots of ways to set up these plans. You
can use many different types of life insurance as your
chasse. You can use Whole Life, Universal Life, Variable
Life, or Equity Indexed Life. But often times it is not the
product that is the biggest concern, it is instead finding
someone who truly understands how to structure these plans
correctly so as not to violate the current tax-code. Make
sure your advisor has been fully trained in understanding
IGIC's and has helped other people to set them up. For a
listing of quality financial advisors you might try doing a
Google search under "International Association of
Registered Financial Consultants" or "Found Money
Management". Advisors on both of these sites have been
through extensive training and should understand these
concepts in detail.

----------------------------------------------------
Antonio Filippone is a respected speaker on a wide range of
subjects. He has been published in the official journal of
the IARFC as well as interviewed on the Radio about his out
side the box financial strategies. Readers who are
interested in gaining more information on how to live debt
free and truly wealthy can request a complimentary copy of
Mr. Filippone's booklet by visiting his website at
http://www.tonyfilippone.com

Payday Loans

Payday Loans
A Guide to Payday Loans

Most all of us, regardless of how careful we may be with
our money, have found ourselves short on funds before our
next paycheck arrives. Often times, one medical emergency,
forgotten bill, or unexpected financial situation is all it
will take to completely drain any available savings,
leaving us vulnerable, unable to meet the rest of our
obligations, and quickly falling deeper into debt.

Fortunately for many, there is the option of payday loans,
which bridges the gap between paychecks, enabling one to
essentially borrow their own money before they normally
would have received it on their next payday. Most payday
loan lenders also do not check a person's credit report or
history during the approval process, which is beneficial
for those of us with either little or less than perfect
credit.

What Exactly is a Payday Loan?

Payday loans are short-term loans that, unlike those issued
by a traditional lender such as a bank, do not require
collateral, but instead use your next paycheck as a
guarantee for repayment. There are also those cash
advances, payday, or paycheck loans as they are sometimes
called, that are geared toward people with either no or bad
credit, making it possible to be approved for a small loan
that a bank, credit union, or other similar lender would
have otherwise denied.

The terms and conditions of payday loans will vary by
lender, but generally speaking, there are several different
criteria, such as meeting the minimum income requirements
or having a steady job, that must be met in order to be
approved. Borrowers must be at least 18, have a verifiable
form of steady employment, a valid bank account, and Social
Security number in the U.S. Most lenders will also require
that potential borrowers must have had the same job and
place of residence for a period of the past three months,
although others stipulate six months or more.

Of course, much like any type of loan, there are fees for
taking out a payday loan that should be fully understood
before you apply for approval to avoid any unpleasant
surprises. Interest and finance charges can often be
substantial, and are usually anywhere from 15 to 30 percent
on every hundred dollars borrowed.

Other important facts to know are the date the loan is due
to be completely repaid, and the amount and number of
payments. Although funds are usually debited
electronically, borrowers are usually required to write a
check, dated in advance for the full amount of the loan,
which will be cashed by the lender on the agreed upon
repayment date.

What are the Benefits of Payday Loans?

Some of the most attractive benefits of payday loans are
the ease of the application process and the time it takes
to actually receive the money. Thanks to advanced
technology, most all companies allow one to apply either
using the internet or the telephone, and learn if they've
been approved or denied in as little as 24 hours, most
usually within minutes. Notice can be sent through the
mail, email, or via the fax machine, which is helpful as
you'll want to keep a paper copy of the details of the loan
for your records.

Many lenders feature electronic transactions where the
funds are automatically transferred into the bank by the
end of the following business day. In fact, many companies
require that the borrower's bank account be capable of
electronic transactions in order for approval, as several
payday lenders require electronic repayment, which does
allow you to easily repay your loan without the need for
writing out another bill and sending a payment in twice a
month.

Extensions are another benefit of payday loans, which allow
you more time to repay the loan, although there may be
additional fees for the privilege. Extensions are usually
granted for two weeks, also the most common length of a pay
period, but some loans are for four weeks to begin with,
without the need for an extension, or the added fees.

If your credit history is less than desirable, another
bonus of payday loans is that there are no embarrassing
financial or personal questions to answer, as well as no
involved forms to complete. But, by making timely payments
and keeping your account in good standing, you'll
eventually be able to improve your credit in general, and
be able to borrow more money as you continue prove your
credit worthiness to lenders.

Using payday loans wisely and responsibly for paying bills,
taking care of emergencies, avoiding steep late fees, or
for keeping an important account in arrears will allow you
to protect your credit rating, and meet your financial
obligations should the need ever arise.

----------------------------------------------------
For more information please visit
http://www.paydayloans-online.co.uk/

The Fine Print on Long-Term Care Insurance

The Fine Print on Long-Term Care Insurance
The good news is - we're all living longer! The bad news is
- we're all living longer! As the price of everything goes
up, so does growing old. Fortunately we now have some
financial tools to help make the golden years more
comfortable emotionally, physically and financially. One
possible solution may be long-term care insurance (LTCI).
But don't jump on this premium bandwagon until you
understand what you're committing to. Like most insurance,
we don't really know how well it works until we really need
it. Here is some of the fine print to examine if you're
considering a long-term care insurance policy.

Long-term care is often considered an issue exclusively for
elders. Not so. Anyone who needs ongoing care because they
cannot independently perform the basic daily living
activities such as dressing, bathing, or eating due to an
injury, illness or even cognitive disorders may be a
candidate for long-term care. Affording long-term care is
something that concerns many of us and one way to deal with
the unpredictable long-term care costs may be long-term
care insurance (LTCI).

Hopefully you'll live a long and prosperous life and health
or money issues won't cloud your golden years. But, if you
want to be prepared, consider how to make long-term care
insurance work to your advantage. Don't count on Medicaid.
It does cover a bit of your long-term care expenses but
you've got to be dang near death or flat broke or a
combination of the two to qualify. Then there's your
friendly neighborhood HMOs, Medicare, and Medigap but guess
what. Right. They don't help much either.

Here are three things you can do to get over your anxiety
about this whole not-so-fun question of "How long will I
live and can I afford it if I do?"

1. Eat your dang vegetables! Your mother was right. They
are good for you and they keep you healthy. In other words,
clean up your lifestyle a bit and add a few more healthy
years to your life.

2. Make a ton of money. Yeah, yeah, yeah, your mother told
you to start saving early. If you did so and you've got
some financial plans in place, good for you. If not, it's
never too late to start with some basic planning and
investing.

3. Buy some long-term care insurance. We all hate paying
those premiums but the right kind of long-term care
insurance can be a lifesaver when the going gets tough.

Eat your veggies, make some money, and buy some long-term
care insurance. The first two are relatively easy; the last
one has a few complexities to be aware of. First of all,
get with an insurance agent you know and trust or ask a
friend or your accountant or lawyer for a referral. Here is
some of the even finer print to watch for when it gets down
to the nitty gritty of policy comparison:

1. Elimination Complication... Or, in the insurance
industry words, Elimination Period: This is the period of
time before your insurance policy will actually begin
paying out benefits. The typical options range between 20
and 100 days. This is also referred to as a waiting period.
Make sure and ask your agent to clarify what your
elimination period is and have him explain the cost/benefit
considerations of making it longer or shorter.

2. Time Crunch... Or, as the insurance industry puts it,
Duration of Benefits: The ceiling or limits placed on the
benefits a policy holder will receive. This may be limits
such as a set amount of money or a time limit of two years,
etc. Again, compare these benefits to your other financial
resources.

3. Daily Bread... Or, as the insurance industry feeds it to
you: Daily Benefit: This is the amount of coverage you
choose as your benefit on a daily basis. This typically
ranges from $50 to $350 per day. Another consideration may
be the cost of living in your specific locale. Health care
in a small town in Wisconsin may be less costly than
downtown San Diego. Your agent should be able to give you
some guidance on this.

4. Easy Rider... Or as our insurance friends call it,
Optional Inflation Rider: The term used to describe the
method of protection against inflation.

5. Done-Got-That-Bug Before Or, affectionately known as
Pre-existing Conditions and
we-aint-gonna-cover-your-tail-for-that-one-for-a-while
rule. The insurance provider will require a waiting period
(in some cases 6 or months or more) before full coverage
goes into effect on treatment for pre-existing conditions.
This varies from carrier to carrier.

6. Home on the Range... Or, our insurance folks refer to
this as Range of Care: In other words, coverage may vary
for different levels of care. Some care may be at a skilled
level, intermediate level, or a custodial level. The
facility itself has a range of care definition that your
agent will explain. The nursing home, assisted living
facility, and/or at home care are all levels of care that
come with a different price tag. Ask for clarification on
this.

7. Jacking Premiums... Or better known as Premium
Increases: Your policy will have terms in it that explain
if, how, and when your premiums will increase. Reality
check here. There is usually no "if" but there is almost
always a "when." Of course your costs will go up, just make
sure you know how much and if you have any options when
they do. Can you reduce the type of coverage you have if
your premiums increase or are you locked in? Ask your agent.

8. To Know me is to Renew me... Or more commonly referred
to as: Guaranteed Renewability: This is a policy agreement
in long-term care insurance policies that allows you to
renew it and maintain coverage even though you may have had
changes in your health.

9. Amazing Grace Period... Or in less poetic terms, Grace
Period for Late Payment: If you slip up and you're a little
late on your payment, this is how much time the company
will allow before they do something nasty like cancel your
policy. It is highly advised that you don't test just how
graceful your insurance carrier can be. They don't always
have the same sense of humor that this writer does.

10. No Debate Rebate... This is a fun one for a change,
Return of Premium: This is the little clause that says you
may get some of your money back if you haven't used your
policy for a certain number of years. Remember, we did say
"may get some of your money back."

11. Bed Pan Ally... Better known as Prior Hospitalization:
This is the clause that indicates whether or not you must
stay in a hospital before you qualify for long-term care
insurance benefits.

There's obviously a lot to know with this insurance game so
do your homework long before you need it. Make sure and
check with a financial planner, attorney or accountant to
get some guidance on this complicated topic. Not everyone
needs or qualifies for long-term care insurance so ask a
lot of questions and don't forget to eat your dang
vegetables!

----------------------------------------------------
Learn more about earning and growing your money with
Prentiss Group's U. R. the Bank program. It can provide
fixed rates of return of 7, 8, 9% interest or more by
utilizing home equity, low-performing CDs, or other
under-utilized assets to provide guaranteed income. Visit
http://www.guaranteemymoney.com or call 888-777-3805 for
info. Steve Dahl is a freelance writer in Carlsbad,
California. He can be reached through the website.

Are Business Credit Cards No Credit Check Applications For Real?

Are Business Credit Cards No Credit Check Applications For Real?
If you're like most business owners, you've probably
received more than one business credit cards no credit
check application. They promise you a high-limit credit
card for your business with no credit check involved. Are
these applications for real? Usually not. Here are some
things you need to watch out for.

First Things First

First and foremost you need to understand that no
legitimate credit card company is going to offer you or
your business a credit card without running a credit check.
The only exception to this rule is in the case of prepaid
or secured credit cards. If you want an unsecured business
credit card, a credit check will be needed regardless of
what the con artists want you to believe.

The Money Factor

One of the first things you need to look into when you
receive those business credit cards no credit check
applications is whether or not the company sending the
application is asking for any up-front money. If a credit
card company asks you to send in money before they issue a
card, it's a scam.

The only exception to this rule is in the case of secured
credit cards, where a deposit is necessary in order to
secure your line of credit. Legitimate credit card
companies will not expect up-front payments for application
or processing fees. If fees are charged, they'll be charged
to the credit card account once the card is issued to you.

Weighing Your Options

If you are looking to establish credit for your business,
don't fall for those business credit cards no credit check
applications. Instead, look into obtaining a secured
business credit card to meet your business's credit needs.
You will have to provide an initial deposit (usually a $300
minimum) but it's a great way to build the credit your
business requires.

The good news is that secured credit cards can lead to
unsecured credit cards. They're the means to an end, not
the end itself. If you pay your secured business credit
card on time each and every month, eventually your business
will be able to qualify for an unsecured credit card and
the credit check won't matter.

Credit cards are basically an unsecured line of credit, and
no lender in their right mind would issue you one without
knowing what your business's credit history or your
personal credit look like. If you're serious about the
financial well-being of your business and building a solid
business credit history, put those business credit cards no
credit check applications where they belong -- in the
garbage.

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

Learn How to Make Your Money Work for You!

Learn How to Make Your Money Work for You!
Do you consider yourself financially fit? Are you able to
manage your finances properly, focus on wealth creation and
enjoy financial freedom? If not, you are certainly not
alone. Statistics reveal that consumer and mortgage debt
has reached record highs. More people are declaring
bankruptcy, sinking into debt and struggling to make ends
meet than ever.

Poorly managed finances and limited investment education
can cause intense stress, strain on personal relationships
and constant struggles. On the other hand, if you discover
the secrets to creating wealth, you can enjoy more
disposable income, reduced stress and a healthy retirement
income. You can purchase that dream car you always wanted,
take a much-needed vacation or spoil your grandchildren.
With the help of a financial coach, you can learn how to
make your money work for you!

* Hire a Financial Coach

One of the first steps to managing your money and building
wealth is to hire a financial coach. Talk to family and
friends, conduct research online or call local resource
centers to find a reliable individual. Don't be ashamed to
ask for help. Seeking financial coaching can be the wisest
decision you ever make; an experienced financial coach can
help you regain control of your finances and achieve
financial independence.

* Create a Budget

If you don't know how to create a financial budget, you
need to start now. One of the secrets to wealth building
is to keep track of all your income and expenses. If you
don't know where your money is going, you can end up in
serious financial trouble in a relatively short period of
time. Many people who begin budgeting are very surprised
to learn just where their hard-earned money is being spent
each week. Those fancy lattes from Starbucks and frequent
restaurant dinners can really add up over time. You will
gain better control of your finances by making minor
adjustments to your budget and controlling exactly where
you are spending your money.

* Organize Your Financial Documents

The way to wealth also involves organizing your financial
documents. Are you guilty of scribbling important
financial notes on the back of scrap paper? Do you toss
your financial statements all over your home? Well, it's
time to stop! If you don't already own a filing cabinet,
purchase one. Create individual folders for your various
financial categories, bills and expenses. Then, make it a
habit to file any financial documents as soon as you
receive them. You will never have to worry about losing or
misplacing an important paper again.

* Learn To Interpret Your Financial Statements

Does your financial statement appear foreign? You may not
even read the document before tossing it aside. Well, it's
very important to learn how to interpret financial
statements. These papers can make the difference between
financial freedom and a life of debt. If you don't
understand the information on your statements, don't be
afraid to seek help. Talk to a financial advisor or your
financial coach so you can learn how to interpret your
statements correctly.

* Discover Your Net Worth Number

Successful wealth creation also involves a very important
number - your net worth number! Surprisingly, most
individuals have never even heard of this. It's essential
that you learn this number so you understand your current
financial situation and can seek suitable financial
investments. Calculating your net worth number
incorporates your cash and cash equivalents, tangible,
fixed principal, debt and equity assets and liabilities.
There are online calculators that will help you determine
your net worth number. However, a financial coach can
simplify the process and help you interpret the results
more efficiently. Once you know your number, you can take
steps to improve your situation that will lead the way to
financial independence.

* Create a Diverse Investment Portfolio

Investing in different areas is one of the keys to
achieving financial success. You need to diversify your
investment portfolio to maximize your wealth creation
opportunities. Talk to your financial coach to see which
investments best suit your situation. Factors such as the
amount of your disposable income, your desired risk levels
and your financial goals all play an important role in
determining the most suitable investment options. Consider
various areas such as real estate investing, RRSPs and
stocks.

If you want to enjoy financial freedom and successful
wealth creation, one of the most important secrets is to
hire a reliable financial coach. An experienced and
knowledgeable individual can help you create an effective
budget, organize your financial documents and interpret
your financial statements. A financial coach can also help
you calculate your net worth number and choose a diverse
investment portfolio that works best for you. With some
assistance, dedication and determination, you can learn how
to make your money work for you!

----------------------------------------------------
We teach women how to take control of their financial
futures so they can gain confidence and financial
competence to live a life of financial security. We provide
personal wealth coaching, in an encouraging and stress free
environment that is results-driven and will give you the
financial direction to lead you to a fulfilling,
financially rewarding and prosperous future. Go to
http://www.wealthharvest.com and sign up for my FREE
Newsletter now!

Heartfelt Message To House Flippers

Heartfelt Message To House Flippers
There literally has never been one single year over the
time that we have flipped houses that I haven't heard the
statement (or some variation, and 90% of them came from
agents), "oh, you can't flip in this market".

And each year, I answer, "Maybe so", or "Hmm, could be", as
I wait for our latest escrow check to arrive.

You will never hear that statement come out of my mouth.

This being said, I will say that flipping in a declining
market does sort of remind me of learning to snowboard on a
black diamond slope. In 2002, 2003, and 2004 if you had
started flipping then it was more like learning to ski or
snowboard on a bunny slope.

The reason is that if you had miscalculated during 2002,
2003, or 2004, the rapid appreciation of the market
combined with the greater fool theory bailed you out every
time. Leased land, floor-plans that resemble a labyrinth,
war zones, glop ons (really bad add ons), overestimating
value, underestimating repair and carrying costs, taking 3
months longer than you thought to make your repairs...all
of these sins were quickly forgiven by the voracity of the
market.

In this market, if you commit these sins, you can and will
be punished, "Thank you sir, may I have another?!"

Right now, it is raining foreclosures. You have to be spot
on...spot on with your rehab, spot on with your repair
estimates, and one of the most important factors,
aggressive in your marketing of the property...in other
words, you better have some idea of what you are doing.

If not, the risk is that in the time it takes to fix up
that property, 3 or 4 new foreclosures go up on your street
that are priced $50,000 below the last lowest priced
property. There is a LOT for a buyer to choose from.

Without espousing all gloom and doom, there is still a
SHORTAGE of freshly remodeled homes out there. Even more
excitiing than that, every month more and more families can
afford a home who could not for the previous 5 years (and
chance are their families are bigger!).

There is a lot to be excited about...but you have got to be
focused, you have to be accurate on your repair costs and
timetable, it has to look GOOD (or why wouldn't a family
save $50k and pick the REO across the street?)...

You need to get creative and put something like a plasma HD
flat screen with an Xbox in the living room, a spa in the
backyard, or something that makes a family emotionally
attached.

You need to make the property enticing to agents and add at
least 2% to the commission of the agent or a free trip to
Catalina Island (not as pricey as you might think) for the
agent who finds you a buyer......AND, you need to factor
these costs in advance!

If you are a beginner and you are saying, "no sweat, I can
do that", then I will always reply, "Go for it!".

Really, no matter how much advice we or anyone else gives
you, the only way to get to consistent success is to get
that pesky falling-flat-on-your-face part out of the
way...unfortunately, there is no way to avoid it that I
know of. It is the only way to get a deep understanding of
the game the same as any other hobby, business, or sport.
You can read hours of books and videos about snowboarding,
it's not going to prevent you from feeling like a complete
jackass the second you click your boots in and try to stand
up!

This doesn't mean you will have an unmitigated disaster, it
does mean that at the end of each project if you don't slap
your forehead at least once and say, "Dohh, I should've",
or "I could've", or "Why did I....?" then you didn't really
learn anything, and there is ALWAYS something you could
have done better.

........hey!....imagine how easy the rest of your
snowboarding or skiing trip will be when you do learn how
to get down a double black diamond!

If you don't like snow up your nose, and you want to take a
more balanced approach, then I have another suggestion for
you: consider wholesaling. The money can still be great
and the risk is considerably less.

Again, CONSIDER WHOLESALING. The money can still be great
and the risk is considerably less.

If you are looking to change careers, get out of your
current line of work so you can have your own hours and be
your own boss, but you aren't crazy about going down a
black diamond right away, don't you dare give up that dream
or tell yourself that you'll do it when the market changes.

Wholesaling means you go on the hunt for amazing deals, but
then you take what amounts to a small finder's fee, pass
the lion share of the profit to another investor, and go on
to the next one.

But do NOT stop there - make it part of the deal that you
can check out what your investor buyer does (or doesn't do)
to the property, how they market it, what it costs, and
learn everything you can from it. Who knows? ...you may
just get hooked on the thrill of the hunt and never even
care about fixing them up.

I'm torn between the two. The feeling you get when you
take a trashed, smelly, abandoned pile of wood and turn it
into a beautiful home....there is no feeling like it. No
matter how many times we've done it, my jaw hits the floor
when I see the work my brilliant and artistic wife pulls
off time and time again..

....BUT, for me, I'm all about the fun of the treasure
hunt. I'm not a fix up guy. I tried to put in a doggy
door once. The box said 15 minutes. It took me two hours
and put me in a really bad mood, and Cindy basically redid
it anyway...sorry, I just suck at it. I admit it. But if
you want a direct mail marketing system to absentee owners
or a screening system to find the best repos fast, stand
back!...Cindy often struggles with email....if we were good
at the exact same thing we'd be in big trouble.

But the number one reason is risk...no repair costs at
stake, no mortgage payments, no agents and picky end user
buyers to deal with...if you are bound and determined to
get out of your job, don't have a lot of money, and not a
lot of contractor experience, give wholesaling a serious
thought to launch your investing career....... just don't
try and add a doggy door, it's impossible.

Be Happy and Prosper,

Kurtis

----------------------------------------------------
Kurtis Squyres and his wife have personally flipped over
280 houses over the past 12 years. Before leaving the
corporate world to pursue real estate, Kurtis managed over
25 million dollars for Merrill Lynch as a financial
advisor. Kurtis continues to invest in and teach real
estate investing full time.

http://www.FarBelowMarket.com

Take Your Deductions For Your Home Business

Take Your Deductions For Your Home Business
You are running a home based business and tax time is
coming up. Are you aware that you may be entitled to tax
deductions in your home? There are many expenses that are
related to running a home business from your office space
to the cost of child care. You may have a room that you
keep samples or inventory in for resale.

There are certain factors that determine whether you are
able to deduct home expenses. First, you will need to
prove that you are self-employed, if customers come into
your home, the nature of your business and activity, how
you utilize the space in your home for your business, if it
is a part of your home, or a separate structure.

The tax rules that govern these deductions need to be
understood in regards to your home and business. You can
find these rules in the IRS code under the dis-allowance
section. Once you have established your qualifications,
you will then determine any exceptions that you get to
claim.

There are going to be some rules that you will need to know
and the limits they may place on your actual deductions.

You need to know the type of expenses that are subject to
the code restrictions, what can be deducted and what must
be satisfied to make it qualify. There are some specific
rules that apply to day care expenses, along with other
restrictions, too many to name.

There are two things you need to determine when you claim a
deduction, one is if you meet the required business use and
what the limitations are concerning them.

Any allowable deduction must relate to the use of your home
for your business. For example, if you are using a portion
of your home for making profit that is not a business, then
you cannot claim a deduction. The space needs to be used
exclusively for business use, not personal use, to qualify.

Once you have established your entitlement for a deduction
for expenses, then you need to deal with the rules that set
limits on how much you can deduct. There will be some
expenses you may claim in full, then there are those that
will based on a percentage, generally 30%.

This is only a basic outline of business home deductions,
you will want to do further research before you make any
deductions on your taxes.

----------------------------------------------------
Joel Nickerson invites you to visit his home based business
idea website for information you can trust. If you are a
home business opportunity seeker he can help you. Find
legitimate home business opportunities and ideas that
really work by visiting here now:===>
http://www.instant-home-biz.com

Tips on Getting More from Your Credit Card Rewards Program

Tips on Getting More from Your Credit Card Rewards Program
Do you own a reward credit card or are you planning on
applying for one? Many people own one or more reward credit
cards on their account but not all of them are reaping the
rewards they deserve. In this article, let's discuss some
tips on how you can get more from your credit card rewards
program and how to make sure that you'll be redeeming those
well-deserved rewards:

Use your discount privileges. Most reward credit cards
include discount privileges that are exclusive only to
their card holders. Are you aware of the discount
privileges your credit card provides? If not, then take the
time to review the terms of your card or check online and
make sure that you are maximizing the full potential of
your credit card. For instance, some credit cards provide
printable coupon codes online that you can use in
purchasing from selected merchants. Usually, all you need
to do is register online in order to access these printable
discount coupons and get big savings.

Pay your balance in full each month. Reward credit cards
usually come with higher interest rates than regular credit
cards so you'll want to make sure that you're not carrying
a balance over to the next billing cycle. Why would you pay
for additional cost on the interest rates when you can
avoid it by paying on time? If you need to pay for the
interest rate each time, you may actually be paying more
than what you earn from your reward credit card.

Stay true to your card's terms and conditions. Did you know
that not paying your bills on time, delaying on your
payments or exceeding your credit limit can disqualify you
from redeeming your rewards? Yes, most reward credit cards
impose this rule on their card holders. If you're not sure,
take out your copy of your credit card's terms and
conditions and review the stipulations on this matter. To
be sure that you'll be eligible to claim your hard-earned
points, always stay true to your credit card's conditions.

Use your reward credit card wisely. To collect points and
earn your rewards quickly, obviously you need to use your
credit card. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean you need to go
out of your way to make unnecessary purchases which can
result to credit card debt. Remember, it is crucial for you
to pay off your monthly balance regularly to avoid the
interest and penalty fees. Exercise caution when using your
reward credit card and don't charge purchases on it just to
collect your rewards.

Pay your utilities using your reward credit card. One way
to rack up those points without making unnecessary
purchases is to use your reward credit card in paying your
monthly utilities. These include your electricity, cable,
telephone, gasoline, and other services you're subscribed
to. You can also work as a family in collecting points on
your reward credit card. If your family members need to
make purchases, tell them to charge on your card and pay
you the cash instead. This way, you can accumulate more
points on your account without breaking your budget.

----------------------------------------------------
Ann Wilson is the head writer of Reward Credit Card Site.
This resource provides consumers with valuable reviews and
information on the best credit card reward programs. Its
main objective is to help people to take advantage of
credit card rewards and start earning reward points. Visit
the site at http://www.rewardcreditcardsite.com

A House for Rent Surprise

A House for Rent Surprise
If you could travel in time, would you have bought the
enormous bread machine that went into the cellar ten years
ago? And do you ever wonder why you are still holding onto
that cat carrier when Muffy has been dead for nine lives
ago? You probably did not think of these things until you
looked at that lovely house for rent by the beach. The new
house for rent is missing a cellar and has no storage space
whatsoever. But the only thing that could stop you from
signing the lease is a herd of elephants. Since that is
unlikely to happen near the beach in America, you sign the
lease to the house for rent.

But moving into a new house for rent can be an adventurous
time with the packing and unpacking. You get to see things
that you had in storage and have not seen in a long time.
Some things you do not remember ever owning. It is like
finding a treasure, however sometimes it is not. When you
start unpacking boxes at your new house for rent you might
come across a storage box that seems very odd. Inside you
find random size paperclips from your former secretarial
job, a missing ring from an old high school sweetheart and
some fuzz of unknown origin. However, while sitting on the
floor of your house for rent unpacking more boxes, you come
across a box with a hidden treasure. Now you can probably
part with the bread machine, the cat carrier, and the odd
box, but this box is a keeper and the adventure continues
with finding storage space.

There are some things we just cannot throw away or part
with, but you have to make a decision about what stays and
what goes to storage. A house for rent by the beach usually
does not come with a lot of storage. But you can find
storage for rent at a self storage facility near your house
for rent. So if you wanted, you can keep the enormous bread
machine by putting it in storage and still make your annual
loaf of banana bread. As for that unidentifiable piece of
fuzz, you are probably better off tossing it into the
garbage bin even though it does not take up much storage
space. It will be practice for tossing out things that are
coming up next.

You can be sure a house for rent near the beach will have
insufficient closet storage space and you will have to make
some decisions regarding your clothes. If you are moving
from a house with walk-in closets, you are in a big dilemma
with small closet space. A rule of thumb is to get rid of
clothes that you have not worn in over a year because there
is a good chance that you will never wear them again. A
house for rent by the beach is probably the size of your
old walk-in closet. Your only choice is to rent a self
storage unit to solve your storage issues. You can use it
for wardrobe storage and shoe storage for out-of-season
items. For example, store your winter clothes in the summer
and summer clothes in the winter. The ideal house for rent
by the beach would be one where the climate is always warm
so you can enjoy the beach year round and not have to store
so many clothes.

----------------------------------------------------
A House for Rent Surprise
http://www.propertymanagementblog.com/

US Tax Law And Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

US Tax Law And Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
As healthcare costs keep rising, the traditional employer
paid healthcare coverage is becoming a thing of the past.
Because of this constant steep increase in healthcare
costs, employers are searching for ways to control costs,
and yet still be able to provide health coverage for their
employees.

As a result, employers are looking to their employees to
take more responsibility for how they use their healthcare.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are being offered as an
affordable solution. HSA's have some very friendly tax
advantages. Qualified contributions are tax deductible and
the qualified withdrawals are tax free. At the same time,
they force the taxpayer to be more responsible about how
they spend their healthcare dollars.

Ok so can everyone own an HSA? The answer is no. The most
important limitation is that individuals must be covered by
a qualifying high deductible health plan, also know as
HDHP. Once a taxpayer opens an HAS and the fund has a
balance, the taxpayer may use it for qualified medical
expenses regardless whether the taxpayer remains qualified
to make contributions.

Not everyone can open an HSA. The most important limitation
is that individuals must be covered under a qualifying
"high-deductible" health insurance plan (HDHP) to open an
HSA and make contributions to it. Once an HSA has a
balance, however, it may be used for qualified medical
expenses regardless of whether the individual participant
remains qualified to make contributions.

In addition to requiring participation in a high-deductible
medical plan, individuals contributing to an HSA also
cannot have any disqualifying coverage. Coverage for this
purpose is determined on the first of each month, month to
month. This feature allows an individual the flexibility
even within a single tax year to be qualified to make
contributions in any or all months.

A taxpayer who is enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B
cannot participate in an HSA because it is a form of
disqualifying coverage. However, if the taxpayer is
eligible for Medicare but has not yet enrolled, he or she
is still eligible to make contributions.

Additionally, the taxpayer cannot have received any medical
benefits from the Veterans Administration for the preceding
three months. Furthermore, active and retired members of
the military cannot make HSA contributions if they receive
benefits under TRICARE, because it does not meet the
minimum annual deductible requirement for an HDHP.

I have very briefly explained here about HAS accounts. I
hope this article has given you some ideas, and I encourage
everyone to further research the advantages and limitations
of HSA accounts. You can realize great savings by properly
managing your healthcare.

----------------------------------------------------
Steve Jackson is a professional income tax preparer with
over twenty years experience, helping clients with their
individual tax situations. Steve offers tax services and if
you file online, he can be here to help you with your tax
situation, and will provide you with free updates during
the year. Contact Steve at http://www.jjackson328.com

Cash Back Credit Cards - Where is the Money?

Cash Back Credit Cards - Where is the Money?
When considering a reward credit card, most people prefer
to get a cash back credit card. This is because, cash back
credit cards provide more options and flexibility for the
card holder. While not everyone frequently travels and not
everyone drives his own car, cash back cards have become
more popular than Frequent Flyer Miles credit cards and Gas
Rewards credit cards.

Cash back credit cards give card holders their incentive in
terms of cash or money points. Each time the card holder
makes a purchase, the purchase amount has a corresponding
cash amount that can be used to make new purchases or pay
other bills. For this reason, anyone can be an ideal
candidate for a cash back card.

Making the Choice

Every credit card issuer offers its own cash back program.
Obviously, each cash back credit card also has its own
terms and conditions to follow. Knowing this, everyone is
advised to take their time in researching about these terms
and comparing each credit card from the other.

Today, you can find review sites that are exclusively
dedicated to providing reliable credit card reviews for
consumers. Usually, these sites are categorized according
to the type of credit card you're looking for. For
instance, if you're looking for a cash back credit card,
you should check out the page that is focused on reviews
about the different cash back cards in the market. Through
these review sites, comparing credit cards become easier.
Once you've narrowed down your choices, based on the
reviews you've read from the site, then you can start
visiting the credit card's official website for further
examination.

Not all about the APR

One of the first things you need to check on is the APR or
in the Annual Percentage Rate. Since most reward credit
cards are accompanied with high interest, you'll want to
search for one with the lowest or most reasonable rate.
Still, the interest rate is not the only cost associated
with your credit card. Don't focus your attention the cash
back card's interest rate alone. Some credit cards may
offer an incredibly low interest rate as part of its
introductory offer but the other costs and charges can take
you by surprise. Always check on the exact cost of all fees
that you'll be paying. For instance, how much is the annual
fee? Is it reasonable enough or would you be paying for an
expensive activation fee every year? How much are the
penalty charges? Don't forget to examine each fee that
comes with your card and make sure that all fees are
reasonable.

Earning and Redemption

Okay, so you've checked on the fees and costs. You've
checked on features. Everything sounds great. But have you
checked on the rules of the rewards? Are you clearly aware
of the procedures on how you can earn points? What about
the steps in claiming the rewards? Is there an expiration
period or blackout date on your card? Remember to take your
time in studying the regulations of the credit card's
reward system before making your decision.

----------------------------------------------------
Ann Wilson is the head writer of Reward Credit Card Site.
This resource provides consumers with valuable reviews and
information on the best credit card reward programs. Its
main objective is to help people to take advantage of
credit card rewards and start earning reward points. Visit
the site at http://www.rewardcreditcardsite.com

Four Tips to a Quick Home Refinance Loan!

Four Tips to a Quick Home Refinance Loan!
Regardless of your credit, it pays to do your part in
helping to guarantee that your refinance loan goes through
without any surprises.

There are four simple steps you can take to make this
happen.

Investigate your credit Estimate your equity Know your
home's value Shop for a good lender

A lot of people don't realize their credit report can hold
some big surprises until it's time to refinance their home.
It's easy to forget to make a payment, and most people
realize one single missed payment can make the difference
between an approval and denial.

Check Your Credit Report...

It's a good idea to check your credit report to guarantee
that what's on there is accurate. If you didn't do what
your credit report says you did, demand that it be
corrected. By the same token, if you were late with a
payment and the credit report doesn't show it, be grateful
for small errors.

Estimate Your Equity...

The amount of equity in your home determines how much
you'll pay for your home refinance loan. If you have almost
no equity it makes zero sense to abuse yourself by
refinancing. It could cost you a bundle. Here's a handy
little tool you can use to get a pretty good idea of how
much equity your working with.

http://moneycentral.msn.com/loan/home_equity_calculator.aspx

Know Your Home's Value...

Knowing your homes value doesn't have to be guesswork, and
it doesn't necessarily have to be a science. Many times
homeowners can find out how much their house is worth by
searching through sites like http://www.Century 21.ca and
http://www.Century21.com.

Since they're the biggest of the
big, you can usually find out relatively easily how much
your home could be worth by using data they collect on
homes they have sold.

http://www.Zillow.com also specializes in pinpointing
specfic home price points, but is currently only offered to
U.S residents.

In real estate, "comps" - or comparative values - tell you
what homes with similar features to your own in your area
have recently sold for, which can give you a rough estimate
of what yours could be worth.

Shop For a Good Lender / Mortgage Broker...

The last step is important, because a good mortgage broker
is sort of like a good steak: really rare.

To make sure you get the best possible lender / mortgage
broker, it's important that you look for the right things.

Hold out for a lender who has a number of different
products for you, to guarantee a smart refinancing
situation. You don't want to be streamlined into a loan
that doesn't fit your plans or it could cost you a bundle.

And if you're planning a big move in the very near future,
it might not make sense at all.

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