High Interest Savings Accounts - Top 10 tips to grow your money faster

High Interest Savings Accounts - Top 10 tips to grow your money faster
You might think that savings accounts don't really help
save much, even though their name suggests so. However,
this is misleading. While they may not compare to other
high yield options like mutual funds or stocks and shares,
they can provide a safe, effective and risk free way of
growing your money fast.

Here are the top 10 tips to making high interest savings
accounts work for you!

1. Deposit credit amounts

If you have obtained some money due from another person, no
matter how small the amount, deposit it into your savings
account. Or if you have obtained a bonus or incentive from
your company, deposit this too into your savings account.
Even though these maybe small your high interest savings
accounts will multiply soon and earn you dividends.

2. Shop on a budget

If you love frugal things including your shopping
experience, make sure to deposit this saved money into the
high interest savings accounts. You can set aside this
amount on a regular basis.

3. Make a goal

You can also make a goal that you will deposit a minimum
amount each week into your savings account. This way you
can resist the urge to spend this extra amount and instead
multiply it in your high interest savings accounts!

4. Money gifts

If you have received some special holiday money gifts or
some refunds then make sure to deposit these into your
savings account too. This is extra money which can be very
useful in multiplying your high interest savings accounts!

5. The company you keep

You might have friends who love spending large amounts and
don't think twice about it. However, you need to exercise
control in not getting swayed by such persons. Ensure you
stick to your plan of depositing money every month.

6. Shop for the highest rate

When looking for a savings account be sure to check for the
best interest rate. Only go for the one which is giving you
the highest returns as otherwise you won't be earning much
in the process.

7. Keep a cap

It always helps to resist the urge to spend more. If you
find yourself able to get by for 35 dollars in a day, try
and stretch that dollar a little more. If you can save an
extra 2-3 dollars good for you! You can deposit it into
your high interest savings accounts instead!

8. Keep a tab on balances

In order to know if you are on track as far as multiplying
your savings goes, make sure to keep a close watch on your
outstanding balances in your high interest savings
accounts. This will help you monitor your progress with
time.

9. The savings strategy

You might have outlined a particular strategy to implement
your savings multiplication process. If you have decided
deposit money whenever any extra money comes in, make sure
to follow this strategy consistently. It's the only proven
way to multiply your high interest savings accounts.

10. Look for new methods

A little creativity goes a long way in multiplying your
high interest savings accounts. Find out a new way to
deposit more money in your savings account. Then practice
it for a month. Then look for another way and so on.

----------------------------------------------------
Richard Greenwood is founder of
http://www.high-interest-saving-account.com.au . The site
allows users to compare high interest online saving
accounts reviewing features such as interest rates, minimum
deposit and fees.

The Fast Track to Your Financial Freedom (Part 2) - Adding Velocity to Your Investments

The Fast Track to Your Financial Freedom (Part 2) - Adding Velocity to Your Investments
First, I would like to thank everyone for their interest in
the first part of this article - "The Fast Track to Your
Financial Freedom (Part 1) - Leveraging your Money".

Now, you may now be thinking that this whole idea of
leverage is great and earning $81,000 on a $20,000
investment over seven years would be terrific. The problem
with this is "IT'S STILL TOO SLOW." We can still do much
better. Besides leverage, we need to add the principle of
VELOCITY. Here's how it works:

In the first year, the investor takes the $20,000 and buys
the same $200,000 home as previously illustrated in The
Fast Track to Financial Freedom (Part 1) - Leveraging your
Money. The home still appreciates at 5% each year and the
rents on the home cover the expenses of owning the homes,
including the mortgage payment.

After two years, this home will be worth approximately
$220,000. Instead of letting that appreciation sit and
accumulate, the investor borrows it out and buys another
$200,000 home. How is this possible? Quite simply, the
investor puts a second mortgage on the home in an amount
equal to the appreciation. The rent is raised just enough
to cover the interest on this additional loan. (Most
landlords raise the rent at least every two years.)

The second home also is rented out and appreciates at 5%
per year. Every two years, the appreciation for each home
the investor owns is borrowed out and used to buy new homes.

By doing this, at the end of seven years the investor will
own eight homes with a total value of $2,020,000 and equity
of $273,000. This is compared to equity of only $101,000
if the investor only bought the first home and compared to
equity of $39,000 if the investor had relied on the
compound interest from mutual funds. This is what we call
VELOCITY. Velocity of money is simply the process of
continually moving money into new and better investments.

At a net equity of $273,000 the investor has more than
thirteen times their original investment in seven years.
This is so much better than compound interest that most
people have a difficult time believing it.

When I do this demonstration in a seminar, there is always
at least one person who will not believe it is possible.
At that point, I ask the audience if anyone has ever put
the concepts of leverage and velocity into practice.
Invariably, someone raises their hand and explains that in
actual practice, it has worked much faster than what I have
demonstrated, because of the very conservative nature of
this demonstration.

You probably would be thrilled with this level of returns.
Our clients at ProVision would be disappointed in a value
of ONLY $2 million at the end of seven years from a $20,000
investment. Why? Because, this return does not factor in
any of the tax benefits from investing. Tax benefits, when
properly taken, CAN DOUBLE YOUR INVESTMENT. Here's how.

Let's go back to our example. Suppose our investor is in a
combined federal and state tax bracket of 35%. Suppose
also that our investor has excellent tax advisors, like
those at ProVision, who understand the MAGIC OF
DEPRECIATION.

Depreciation, quite simply, is a non-cash deduction each
year for a portion of the purchase price of the rental real
estate. This deduction will put a considerable amount of
money back into the pocket of the investor.

Suppose that the investor takes the tax savings from the
depreciation and uses it to purchase additional
single-family homes. And just like the other homes, every
two years, the investor borrows out the appreciation and
buys another homes. At 10% down and 5% annual
appreciation, with just the original $20,000 investment and
the tax savings from depreciation, at the end of seven
years, the investor will own the following:

- 16 homes with a total value of $4,200,000

- Net equity of $540,000, or roughly double the net equity
of $273,000 without the tax benefits

- Annual appreciation after the seven years of $210,000 per
year

- All with a single initial investment of $20,000

So let's recap. If the investor had listened to a typical
financial advisor, the investor would have invested $20,000
in a mutual fund and, with a very good market, would have
$39,000 at the end of seven years. On the other hand, if
the investor had used the concepts of leverage and
velocity, including tax benefits, the investor would have
$540,000 at the end of seven years and a portfolio worth
over $4 million.

What's amazing about the concepts of leverage and velocity
is that they are not limited to real estate. They work
equally well in business and in the stock market. But if
these concepts are so great, why doesn't' the average
investor use them? The answer is simply, KNOWLEDGE AND
EFFORT.

There is one final factor - EFFORT. It is easy to give
your money to an investment advisor and it is easy for the
advisor to put the money in a mutual fund. It is not
nearly as easy to gain the knowledge necessary to put the
concepts of leverage and velocity to work in real estate,
business or the stock market. It takes effort, both from
the investor AND from the investor's advisors.

Warmest Regards,

Tom

----------------------------------------------------
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 these strategies, Tom is an adjunct professor
in the Masters of Tax program at Arizona State University.
For more information, visit http://www.tomwheelwright.com

How to Sell Your Home or Investment Property

How to Sell Your Home or Investment Property
It's off to the market you go. The real estate market that
is, in all its glorious competitiveness.

You want to sell your home or investment property. Are you
ready to sell it?

Are you ready for the finagling, offers and counter-offers?
Can you handle the drama, the lights, cameras and all the
action?

You can if you research before hand what today's real
estate market is like for buying and selling homes.

Today, buyers do their homework. Therefore, you must do
yours. When potential buyers walk through your doors, they
have the knowledge, acquired from doing their homework.
They will know exactly what they want. They will look for
specific upgrades and features. They will know the market
for comparable properties in your area.

You will have to give them a reason to choose yours. This
is where the little things are important when it comes to
selling homes and investment properties.

Right off the bat you have to make sure your product
displays in the best possible light: clean, clean, clean.
Then clean some more. This means top to bottom. Outside is
where it all starts. Your home has to sparkle like a
diamond. The 'wow' factor has to slap the potential buyer
in the face as soon as they step foot in your driveway.

Make sure the driveway's swept and washed; make sure any
potholes and cracks are fixed. Wash the windows from the
outside, and the garage door, and anything else outside
that needs cleaning. Wash the dog if he's going to be
standing around out there.

Mow the lawn...unless you want to hide the dog.

Your garage: unless it's designated a production location
for a remake of Sanford and Son, de-clutter it. Organize
it. Sweep and wash down the floor, if you can find it!
Neatness counts when it comes to selling a house.

Once inside give every room the critical eye. Of course,
make sure any minor repairs get attention before a showing
or open house. The major repairs should not be an issue;
all accomplished well in advance. That dangling ceiling
fan...has it been reattached properly or is ready to propel
itself out the window? Those ceramic tiles in the bathroom;
are they secured back in place? Does their continued
falling play like a scene from the movie Earthquake? You
won't be selling your home if people walk through it
wide-eyed from fear.

Create an easy, unobstructed flow from room to room. Evoke
a sense of freedom and spaciousness. Along with that, allow
as much natural light into the home as is possible. When
selling a house you want to create a positive atmosphere.
You don't want potential buyers to feel they've entered a
Dungeons and Dragons theme park.

Tone down your family's personality in the house. Give it
the 'model home' aura to appeal to a wide range of
personalities who will explore its features.

Consider this too, when selling your house: buyers want the
best price in the best area. If the area you live in is a
high-demand area, are you competitive in your price? Have
you over priced because you feel buyers will pay it because
of the attractiveness of the area? Homes similar to yours
in size, style, upgrades and features may be lower-priced.
They may sell fast, while yours lingers on the market. Of
course, if you feel it deserves a higher price and are
willing to wait it out, see where it takes you.

Selling your home, or any investment property, involves a
commitment from yourself. You want the greatest return. You
have to be willing to devote the time and energy in return,
to ensure a successful sale. Buyers want the best price in
the best location. You want the best price so you can move
out of the location. It's up to you to do the things
necessary to bring both sides together so it can happen.

----------------------------------------------------
Jason Loucks is the Nation's Leading Expert at Selling
Houses and Investment Properties Fast and For Top Dollar.
To Discover more about his "7 Day Sale" Method for selling
properties at retail price in 7 Days, visit
http://www.7DaySaleGuy.Com

Section 179 - 4th Qtr Tax Saving Strategy for Small Business

Section 179 - 4th Qtr Tax Saving Strategy for Small Business
Use the power of available deductions to boost your
business's bottom line in 2007. Purchase new or "new to
you" used business equipment now. Then place it in service
by December 31st to realize exceptional tax savings.

IRC Section 179 - What is it? Under the provision of
Internal Revenue Code Section 179, a business that spends
less than $500,000 this year on qualified tangible property
in 2007 may deduct the total cost of those assets, up to
$125,000. Input the cost of the equipment that you're
considering in the instant Section 179 Allowance Calculator
to find out the potential cash savings.

Designed as an incentive for economic growth for small to
medium sized businesses, Section 179 allows you to expense
the purchase price of your qualified equipment immediately
upon putting it into service. So, you see significant tax
savings now, rather than depreciating your newly acquired
assets over five or more years.

What Tangible Property Qualifies? Most new business
equipment will fall under the rule of Section 179.
Qualified equipment is defined in IRS Publication 946 and
includes such common and movable tangible property as all
kinds of machinery and equipment, as well as office
furniture, computers, printers, software and most vehicles.
Used equipment purchased from another party ' but not from
a company that is also owned by you ' can also qualify.

What if I spend more than $500,000? If your business spends
more than $500,000 on business equipment this year, you can
still leverage a tax savings. Each dollar over $500,000 you
spend, however, reduces the maximum Section 179 deduction
by a dollar. For example, if you spend $550,000, your
maximum deduction for 2007 would be reduced by $50,000.
This still allows you to deduct up to $75,000 of the cost
of your new equipment in the first year.

Note: The allowable deduction amount cannot reduce taxable
income below zero. The remaining value of your business
equipment can still be depreciated over the prescribed
recovery period.

According to the latest Small Business Research Board
study, "Taxes were the leading concern of business owners
during the second quarter of 2007 replacing health care."
And since taxes weigh so heavily, it is logical for
business owners to attempt to ease their tax burden. Which
is where section 179 comes into play.

What's the next step toward tax savings? Action now will
ensure the benefits of this tax opportunity to your 2007
business position. Purchase and place into service needed
equipment before December 31st to maximize your
deductibles. IRC Section 179 deductions can pave the path
to significant tax savings in 2007.

----------------------------------------------------
Sean Marten is a Senior Credit Analyst at Crest Capital
http://www.crestcapital.com providing equipment financing
to small & medium-sized businesses at better rates while
eliminating the hassle often encountered with typical bank
financing

What Influences Your Credit Score

What Influences Your Credit Score
Nearly all of us have heard the term credit score. This
magical number that seems to hold control over most of our
financial decisions. The credit score will decide whether
or not you get financing on a home, car or other types of
loans. They influence the amount of interest paid and even
insurance rates.

Some are even claiming that those with low credit scores
can have difficulty finding employment in certain sectors.
The credit score is vitally important and keeping it as
high as possible can make a big difference in one's
financial life.

There are several features the influence a credit score.
One of the most important factors is past payment history.
Paying your bills on time is important because it helps you
to establish a good track record. It also shows that you
are a reliable person when it comes to meeting your
financial obligations.

Payment history makes up about 35% of the total credit
score. If you always pay your bills on time then this part
of your credit score is sound. However, if you don't then
credit companies will start to ask other questions.

For instance if you have a few late payments that are few
and far between, then this will not effect your overall
score much. However, if this is a frequent occurrence then
things change. They will look at how often you make late
payments and how late the are. A payment that is a few days
late does not carry as much weight as those that are
several months late.

They will also look at all of your accounts. If you have
several and only one shows a few late payments, then again
it isn't going to do a world of damage. However, if several
accounts show frequent late payments then the story changes.

Your credit scores can be highly influenced is any of your
credit accounts have been turned over to collections. If
you owe money on an account, and make no payments in a
certain amount of time, (usually 90-120 days) the company
can turn the account over to a collections agency. Your
credit score is automatically lowered and will remain there
until this account is cleared.

Finally, bankruptcy can have a detrimental effect on your
credit score. It will depend on the type of bankruptcy you
declare but generally those that have been though this
process are barred from getting further credit for several
years.

Several factors influence your credit score. Payment
history is one of the major components. By maintaining a
good payment history and keeping up with all of your
commitments, you will give yourself the best chance of
keeping that higher credit score.

----------------------------------------------------
Jim Moore comes from a background in engineering and
financial services software. Jim has spent the last 20
years as a professional writer working for some of the
world's largest engineering and financial companies.
http://www.improveyourcreditscoring.com