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

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

Frequent Flyer Credit Card

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

Generic Miles Rewards Credit Card

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

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

Making Your Choice

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

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

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

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

Britons Taking Out 'Secret' Personal Loans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips In Applying For Guaranteed Approval Credit Card

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

1. Don't make decisions hastily.

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

2. Don't submit too many applications.

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

3. Prepare a repayment plan.

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

4. Consider other options.

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

5. Be determined to pay off your balances completely.

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

6. Read before signing.

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

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

Toronto Condos - An Attractive Option to Home Ownership

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An Introduction To Registration And Accounting For Value Added Tax

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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