Advice about bankruptcy

Deciding to file for bankruptcy is never an easy choice to make. You must first weigh the pros and cons, and determine what type of bankruptcy you can file.

There are two major ways to file bankruptcy and you should know that it is not an easy process. You can do it on your own if you understand the laws and the two different types of bankruptcy you can file. First there is chapter 7; chapter 7 bankruptcy is the conversion of assets into money. This allows you to payoff debts quickly. With chapter 7 bankruptcy you sell your assets to pay your creditors and within a few months you have charge offs on your credit. Chapter 13 is the next method used to file bankruptcy in the United States. Chapter 13 is the repayment plan with little or no interest. This means that you file chapter 13 with the courts, then all of your debts are compiled and you are set up on a repayment of those debts to take place each month until it is paid off. This is the advised way to go if you have a steady job but just cannot make all your monthly payments.

When considering both of these options you may be overwhelmed by what is best for you and your situation. The best advice is to seek out legal council that can assist you in determining which type of bankruptcy you should file as well as help you with filing the papers with the courts.

When it comes to choosing an attorney to represent you in your bankruptcy case you want to ask some important questions to aid you in your decision. Do not consider fees and payment prices alone, as you should focus on other factors that are just as important if not more important.

Important Questions To Ask

Ask each attorney you speak with how long they have been in practice and what level is their experience as an attorney. Ask for the attorney’s qualifications and what areas they specialize in. Asking about fees and payments is also needed for your choice in choosing your bankruptcy attorney. Also ask yourself some questions. Questions such as does the attorney seem competent? Is his office staff organized and punctual? If you are able ask some questions about the attorneys client relationships. Law does prohibit an attorney from speaking about clients unless he has been given the permission from the client. These questions can allow you to make a solid choice on who will represent you.

Comfort And Confidence

When meeting with your attorney does he or she seem to be considerate of your concerns? Do you feel comfortable speaking to your attorney about all aspects of your bankruptcy decision? Do you personally feel confident that your attorney will be able to perform all his or her duties in your bankruptcy case? If you feel discomfort of any kind you may want to continue reviewing possible attorneys for your case. You have to feel safe enough to put your financial concerns in the hands of your attorney. This will allow the process of bankruptcy to be much less uncomfortable and to proceed much more fluidly for a positive experience.

I didn t buy that

Have you ever opened your credit card statement only to find a charge for a purchase that you did not make? It does not happen very often but it happens and you need to know what to do. The first thing that I recommend is that you do is call the merchant if the number for the merchant is not listed on the statement call your credit card company they will give the contact number for the merchant. As a merchant that sells coat racks online we receive calls from time to time from people questioning a charge from us they ask “What do you sell” when we respond coat racks they in veritably say oh that’s right and that is the end of the problem.

If you can not get a good answer from the merchant call your credit card company and explain the situation all credit card purchases are covered by the Federal Truth in Lending Act and are covered under the Fair Credit Card Purchasing Act or commonly known as the Consumer Protection Act. This is handled by the FDIC you can get more detailed information from their web site at fdic. gov. Credit card disputes are supposed to be resolved within 90 days after you call your credit card company send them a registered letter explaining the same thing you went over on the phone send copies of any supporting documents. It is a good idea if possible to go ahead and pay the disputed amount rather than to carrie it over non payment can cause higher interest rates and incur late charges that may not be taken off when the charges are removed. When the charges are reversed a credit will show up on your card in the next month so you will get it back with out receiving any extra charges.

If your credit card company decides that you are still responsible this will require a copy of your purchase receipt and a copy of your signature. If the merchant has a copy of your receipt with your signature. It can be a tough road to get your money back but if the merchant does not have your signature or the signature does not match then usually the credit card company will reverse the charges.

You are allowed to get a copy of your credit report once a year for free, it is a god idea to take advantage of this and actually set a date every year and request a copy on that date. Your credit report can possibly show you any fraudulent activity. Many ID thefts are done so to get a new credit card issued to the thief with their signature and address. The request for a new credit card will show up on your credit report if you see any new cards or loans issued in your name that you did not in fact open contact the lender who issued the loan and get it cancelled and any charges taken care of.

Your credit can be your life

Your credit report can make or break you. It is one of the most important financial aspects of who you are. A credit report contains your home and work addresses, all the purchases and credit cards that you have made payments on and also your identity. This report is considered when you apply for a job, set up a business relationship or are applying for a loan. A bad report can keep you from getting any of these items.

You credit report is detailed information about you. Credit reports are used by creditors to determine if they want to extend credit to you. These reports are compiled by credit reporting agencies and contain your past debt paying information. These agencies give out the credit information to companies and individual consumers. A debtor also has the right to request their credit information at any time. Some credit reporting agencies charge a small fee to get a copy of the information that is in your file, but usually you can get one free report each year from each credit reporting agency

Like most businesses, law regulates credit-reporting agencies. That law is called the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Several things are dependent on this act including consumer privacy, creditor decisions and credit worthiness of a debtor. This law keeps credit agencies from withholding debtor information from those who request it. A written statement that has been signed by the debtor must accompany this request. The primary purpose of the act is to show accuracy and fairness of the agencies credit reporting and maintain that certain procedures are being followed.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act ensures that derogatory information that is outdated cannot be reported. It also states that no information including medical history and other items can be released to employers with the debtor’s consent. You also have the right to have the name and address of any credit agency that gives out information, which causes you to be denied employment, credit or insurance. You also can seek damages from any credit agency that violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It is advisable to check your credit report on a regular basis for items that are incorrect or might not belong to you. One of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act is if you are denied credit, insurance or employment due to your credit report; you can request the information of the reporting agency. You have sixty days to request a free copy of your credit report from the reporting credit agency. These reporting agencies are not allowed to give out any information without your written consent, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Another one of your rights under this act is that you can dispute the accuracy of the information in your report.

If you have tried to buy a car or a house you know how important your credit report is. There are a lot of people who don’t know what a credit report is or how it affects them. If you have a bad credit rating you will not be able to buy items or they may come with an enormous interest rate.

How do fha loans work

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is a government organization that will offer insurance protection against the principle balance of a mortgage loan for those borrowers who would otherwise be unable to obtain residential real estate financing. Understanding that home ownership is a positive and powerful thing, and also considering that many people have less than perfect credit but could otherwise handle a mortgage payment, the FHA will work on the borrower’s behalf and provide insurance to calm the concerned lender. This insurance stipulates that if the borrower defaults on the loan then the policy will repay the lender.

Acknowledging insurance coverage of this type, lenders are more open to offering loans to individuals who would otherwise be declined a loan based on standard criteria and requirements. There is very little risk to the lender since the government is guaranteeing their principle, leaving only the interest (profit) to be risked and lost. Mortgage lenders working with FHA loans have slightly different criteria for approval, yet there still exists the possibility that a borrower will be declined funding. Simply having FHA insurance does not guarantee that just anybody can get a loan.

Similarly, the FHA itself has internal requirements regarding the types of loans and the total amount of funding that they will insure. Loan types made available to borrowers in this situation are often restricted to those that are pre-approved by FHA, and the lenders themselves must meet FHA requirements to be included in the list of organizations with whom FHA will work.

There is no definitive or detailed list of all the available loan types or lenders working with FHA loans, so a borrower or mortgage broker may have to conduct some additional research to locate such lenders. Either way, a borrower must become familiar with exactly what it means to have a mortgage that is insured by the FHA, and what additional requirements will need to be met prior to receiving approval.

The advantages of debt consolidation

If you’re going through a financial crisis and do not know how to clear your debts, then debt consolidation is your safest bet. Debt consolidation can free you from the anxiety of dealing with unpaid bills, debt collectors and even bankruptcy. It can radically transform your credit rating, enabling you to lead a stress-free life. It involves consolidating all your debts and paying them through one single monthly payment. Even the interest charged is calculated on the single consolidated amount. Multiple debt payments increase the chances of missing a payment, which in turn can adversely affect your credit score. There are no quick fix solutions to debt problems.

What Debt Consolidation can do for you?

Debt consolidation can prove to be a blessing when your finances start going haywire. Managing debts can be a tedious task, but with debt consolidation this task gets simplified. Debt consolidation makes it easier for you to pay several debts, by eliminating the steep interest rates. Mortgage companies, banks and creditors prefer to help you to hold on to your property and gradually get back what is owed to them. This enables you to maintain an unscathed credit rating in the bargain. Improving your credit will take time, but it will surely be worth the effort.

Managing and staying within a budget is quite often an ordeal. However, debt consolidation provides you with the option to create a budget that helps you to manage your finances better. Debt consolidation lowers the interest rates and helps to extend the term of loan.

How a Debt Consolidation company will benefit you?

Attempting debt consolidation on your own can be a daunting task, depending on the amount of debt incurred. Fortunately, there are a number of debt consolidation companies eager to help. These companies design a payment plan based on your credit report. Debt consolidation companies analyze your financial status and then contact the creditors or the indebted companies to negotiate and try to lessen the rate of interest. In this way, you end up making just one payment, with one interest rate.

All your debts are combined into a single payment and then on the basis of your income and basic monthly expenses, they design a budget. Most often, the different charges connected with the debts, like late fees and increased interest rates are either reduced or totally omitted. This helps in diminishing the debt amount considerably. Most debt consolidation companies provide free consultancy. However, if you enroll in any one of their programs, the charges are reasonable. Nevertheless, it is advisable to conduct a thorough research on the company, before signing up for a program.

If you adhere to the designed plan and make your regular monthly payments, debt consolidation will definitely make your credit report look better. You could begin by opening up your local phone directory or logging on to the net, to identify a good debt consolidation company. Dealing with debt, with the help of a debt consolidation program, leads to financial freedom sooner. It enables you to pay back your debts, as your income permits and by a single payment.

How credit card processing benefits a small business

Credit cards being the latest in payment mode have generated a whole new tradition in the business world. Today, both the customers and traders are making sure that they cash on the credit card processing. Fact that credit card processing makes a great impact in business also implies on small business or trades. Even a small business owner or a trader can enjoy the luxury and benefits offered by this new tool of business.

Credit card processing comes up with large number of benefits for trader and specially the small business traders. While a big business utilizes credit card processing to add to its reputation and status, a small business can also do the same.

A credit card processing in simple words is money transaction via electronic access to a customer’s account. By swiping the credit card on through credit card machine, a customers gets to pay for his or her shopping directly form its account. This whole process makes credit card a necessity for customers and this is where a small business can make benefit easily.

The biggest benefit is as said before is the credibility, as when a customer sees the trader or business owner providing a credit card processing he/she tends to prefer the company and think big of it. Again a customer also tends to think of the business or business owner as safe and reliable to deal with. After all security is what a customer priorities when dealing in a business.

On the other hand, small business has a greater opportunity to cash on the credit card processing in their favor. As many small business companies tend to sale by visiting customers or by trading in fairs, using a credit card processing can always make an impression on customers as well as attract them by using a wireless or mobile credit card processing machine. Many customers do not expect a small store owner to have a credit card processing service and when they see one with it, they tend to keep a note of it in their mind.

Imagine situation when a customer enters your shop or store and realizes that he can only buy one thing because he is short of money, you can always make him shop more by providing him with the credit card facility.

For a trader who wishes to cherish the benefits of credit card processing a merchant account is important, but what’s important are the precautions to be taken while choosing for a merchant account. Never go for a merchant account with a bank without asking questions like, how long the transfer of funds takes place or what’s the term and conditions. Also compare the fee offered by the bank you chose and other banks. You can always search and find a bank that provides reasonable charges for small business owners.

Also, if your business is done out of your office environment, it is advisable to utilize a mobile credit card processing equipment to grow your sales and add to your business development.

Free forex education - mastering the forex market

Investing in the forex, currency market even with small capital is very risky advanture. Before taking on the forex trading market, it's important to be armed with a good understanding of the market itself. This is what makes a good free forex education resource, invaluable to both new and veteran forex traders.

The forex, or Foreign Exchange, market is the largest financial exchange market in the world. Every day, more than 1.8 trillion dollars are traded on the forex market. In the past, it was often difficult for smaller traders to take part in this huge money market, due to a lack of contacts and resources. But that situation has changed. More and more, individuals and smaller banks and companies have the opportunity to invest in the forex market, particularly via the internet, making currency trading an exciting and lucrative enterprise for individual traders as much as for the banking industry.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that currency trading of even small amounts and modest investments can be risky. Before taking on the forex trading market, it’s important to be armed with a good understanding of the market itself, along with an overview of current market trends and risks. This is what makes a good free forex education resource, like free-forex-education dot com, invaluable to both new and veteran forex traders.

At free-forex-education website, established forex traders as well as those with a burgeoning interest in currency trading can learn everything there is to know about the market. Learn what world currencies are making the most money. Know what the risks are, and when and how to make the most money on a trade. Acquire all the knowledge you need in order to make anywhere from a dollar to a million on this highly liquid market, without leaving the comfort of your computer. Along with using resources available at free forex education sites like Free-forex-education dot com, it’s important to as much research as possible before doing any major forex trading. For a free forex ebook and various information on forex trading please visit. This amazing free resource will provide you with all the information you need to get started trading today.

A bad credit homeowner loan could be the answer

If you have a history of bad credit and have been turned down time and time again when it comes to getting a loan then a bad credit homeowner loan could be the answer to your problems.

While there are many ways that you could have got a history of bad credit lenders just take into account that you are a bigger risk when it comes to lending you money. Due to this some lenders wont give you a loan, however if you go online and look around you will find that there are some specialist lenders out there that are willing to offer homeowner loans to those with a history of bad credit.

Going with as specialist in homeowner loans that deals with those who do have a bad credit rating is the best chance you have of getting a loan. The bad credit homeowner loan is just the same as any other type of homeowner loan except that as you are seen as a higher risk the lender will charge you an interest rate that is above the standard.

One of the easiest ways of saving time and the embarrassment of being turned down constantly for a loan or credit is to go with a specialist lender who only deals in bad credit loans. However while the rates of interest will be higher for this type of loan it is important that you do look around, lenders do vary slightly in the rates of interest and also the deals that they provide. If you are lucky then you can get a fixed rate of interest on the loan for a couple of years so you know exactly what you will have to repay every month.

Getting a loan if you have a history of bad credit can be hard and if you have been turned down time and time again then a bad credit homeowner loan could be the answer to your problems.

Forex can you make some quick money

It is a little known fact that the foreign exchange market, trading upwards of $2 trillion daily, is the largest and most liquid in the world. Until recently, small, risk oriented investors were unable to tap into this market because of the size of transactions and stiff financial requirements for entry. That has all changed. Entry requires only a minimal amount of capital, opening the Forex to almost all investors.

Can you, as a smaller investor, make some quick money trading on the Forex? The answer is yes. But, wait a just a minute, not quite so fast!

One of the perceptions among smaller speculators is that the Forex offers an easy way to make money quickly. While that can be true, there are a number of precautions that the neophyte should take before committing to any sizable trades. Forex education is absolutely vital before you jump in feet first.

Even before beginning to develop knowledge of how to trade and what trading strategies to adopt, understanding a few basics is in order,. Unlike other markets (i. e. stock exchanges, etc.) the currency exchange market does not have a central, physical location for conducting trades. Trading is carried on directly between banks, foreign currency dealers and foreign investors using computer terminals, telephones and broker desks. Thus, foreign exchange trading is over the counter.

Indeed, most currency exchange trading takes place online. This accounts for the recent burgeoning growth of the Forex. Trading may be conducted 24 hours a day from anywhere worldwide. Anyone connected to the internet from their home or office may be a trader, and there has been a rush of investors to this market in search of quick money.

Fortunately, speculators entering this market can take advantage of the many free tutorials available on the internet. Beyond anything else, if you are a beginner, it absolutely critical that you refrain from serious trading until you have gained sufficient confidence by paper trading in a demo account. Making that first trade can be an intimidating proposition if you are a first-timer. Forex brokerages have recognized this, and most have created methods where the novice trader can gain some hands-on experience without having to risk real money. With a demo account, a new investor can practice making trades for a period of time before seriously dipping into the hectic arena of currency trading.

Another cautious way of approaching the Forex market is to avail your self of a mini-account offered by many brokers. Here you can get your feet wet with a smaller initial investment than with a full blown trading account.

One of the characteristics of currency trading is that profits can be realized in a matter of minutes, even seconds, unlike what you may have seen investing in stocks. This is attributable to rapid and random variations taking place in the foreign exchange market. So, it is in this fevered environment that you can make quick money.

Although nothing in the investment world is really easy, there are a considerable number of online signal services which can make earning profits in the Forex easier than you might think. A signal service will monitor the market for you and send any new developments of significance to your computer, cell phone or pager. This way, you can keep abreast of market changes as they occur in real time, offering you greater likelihood of making sound trading decisions.

A word of caution is in order. Numerous scams are showing up where companies offer to do your trading for you. Avoid these like the plague. Craft your own Forex strategies with an expert and trade solely on your own or through a licensed broker. No one should ever do your trading but you.

Yes, you can make money quickly in the Forex market. Trading goes on 24 hours a day in this highly accessible, highly liquid market. Opportunity always lies at your fingertips. Take the cautious approach outlined here. Probe the accumulated knowledge base in much greater depth using online broker services, free tutorials and demo accounts which will provide you the foundation you need to make quick money trading on the Forex.

Chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy

A New Beginning With Bankruptcy - Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

No one ever expects it to happen but everything get out of control and you are in debt far over your income. No one wants to think about filing bankruptcy but sometimes you just don’t have a choice. Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows you to emerge from a difficult experience and start all over. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is when a debtor’s assets are sold and the money is distributed to his creditors. If a debtor has no assets, his fresh start is achieved that much quicker.

Chapter 7 is the most common style of bankruptcy. This type of filing is most common, claiming about 65% of all bankruptcy filings. As long as the creditors have no objections, the debtor can be free of debt within a few months.

A debtor will not lose their house or car if they agree to continue to pay for these items. Many people are unfamiliar with this information and won’t even check into Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The only drawback to Chapter 7 is that you are unable to file bankruptcy within six years after a previous bankruptcy discharge.

How do you file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy claim? The easiest answer to this is to contact a bankruptcy attorney. There are forms to be completed and filed with the court system. An attorney will lead you through this procedure. It is very important to answer all questions truthfully.

No one ever thinks they could possibly have to file bankruptcy. It is comforting to know that if things get bad enough you do have an option. It is also reassuring to know that you don’t have to lose your house or car when trying to make a new beginning.

A Way To Ease The Pain - Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

The debts have been mounting up and you are getting farther and farther behind in paying them. You want to pay them but you are not sure exactly how to get that done. Chapter 13 of the bankruptcy code allows you to do exactly that. You can pay your bills back at a lower interest rate or no interest rate at all. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to keep your assets. This type of bankruptcy is for those who have a regular income and can afford request an adjustment. Chapter 13 bankruptcy gives you five years to repay your debts. During these five years, an attorney will oversee the process for both you and the courts.

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows the debtor to keep their property. The courts will set them up on an interest free plan of repayment. There will be a written plan drawn up to protect both the debtor and those that he owes. Once this plan has been written and approved the repayment process must begin in thirty to four-five days. The repayment plan does not have to involve a trustee, but could if desired. The creditors are bound by law to adhere to this plan and are unable to collect any other claims from the debtor. You will work with your attorney to set up a reasonable repayment plan for you.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy has a full discharge option when the debtor has completed all the required payments. This type of bankruptcy plan also allows for a repayment plan even if the creditors disagree with it. They do have the option to file an objection, but if it has been approved by the court these circumstances don’t allow them a lot of options. If you want to repay your debts but at a slower rate this is probably the way you want to go. You get out of debt and get to keep all your property.

College loan consolidation you solution to student loan payback

For those students wishing to get a college education who do not qualify for scholarships and who cannot work who can’t work enough to cover their college expenses, student loans can provide an answer. While borrowing money is never the ideal way to pay for anything, there are hundreds of thousands of people for whom a college education would have remained out of reach were it not for student loans. Even state colleges and universities can cost state residents upwards of $15,000 per year.

While student loans may clear the path to a college degree for you, you will eventually come to the end of that path and have to start repaying the loans. You’ll also be at the beginning of your career, and probably have the expenses associated with setting up housekeeping on your own, funding your own transportation, and managing all your own finances. Your starting salary may barely get the living essentials covered, and having those student loans hanging over you can keep you struggling for a very long time.

Benefits Of College Loan Consolidation

But there is help. College loan consolidation is one method of reducing the financial burden of those student loans. College loan consolidation will allow you to take out a single large loan with which you can pay off all your student loans, so that instead of having to make several payments each month, you only need to make one. And you may find that the monthly payment on your college loan consolidation is less than the total of those for your student loans.

A college loan consolidation may also benefit you in the form of lower interest payments, so that you pay down the principal more quickly than you would have if you continued paying off your student loans individually. Student loans are notorious for having varying interest rates, and the odds are excellent that some of yours will be costing you more in monthly interest charges than a college loan consolidation will.

The benefits of college loan consolidation are numerous: lower interest rates; lower monthly installments; a lower payoff amount; or possibly all three. Getting a lower APR means that the total amount of money you repay over the life of the college loan consolidation will be less than what you would have paid for your student loans. For more info see schoolloanshelp. com on School Loan.

The Single Payment Advantage

And it will save you the hassle of having to make sure, several times each month, that you have enough in your checking account to cover you upcoming student loan payment. If you only have one monthly payment, you can set aside enough to cover it at the beginning of the month and be done with it. You can even make arrangements for your college loan consolidation payment to be electronically deducted from you bank account each month and forget abut the check writing altogether!

How does satellite tv work

Understanding how satellite TV works is important to make sure that you can handle certain problems with your dish, receiver, satellite TV subscription and other issues. How satellite TV works the same regardless of the type of subscription package you purchased monthly. Generally, the broadcast television sends a signal within a straight line. You can determine the coverage area, because the farther these signals travel from the transmitter, the wider the area it will cover. However, since the earth is round, no broadcast TV provider can guarantee you that signals will be received by your television antenna every time. When satellite television first came onto the market, it became the end of broadcast television. This is because satellites are able to handle worldwide coverage.

Understanding How Satellite TV Providers Work

The major providers of direct broadcast satellite TV (DBS TV) are DISH Network and DirecTV. How these satellite TV providers works is simple – they offer consumers with a way to receive satellite TV into their television or computer. However, you will select the program to include in your subscription package that entails the number of channels you should expect to receive.

You need to understand that DISH Network, DirecTV and other satellite TV providers do not create the shows or programs that are aired on their packaged channels. Instead, they select a variety of programs aired by hundreds of sources, such as ESPN and other international sources. The satellite TV providers ask these sources for broadcasting rights to each program and then the providers are able to transmit these programs to their clients.

How satellite TV works largely depends on two important pieces of equipment – the satellite dish and the receiver. These two pieces of satellite equipment work hand in hand to enable your television or computer to receive signals, making it possible for you to watch different satellite programs on your own television set or personal computer. The dish works by capturing broadcast signals directly from the orbiting satellites, while the receiver converts these encrypted signals into format readable by your television or computer.

The popularity of DirecTV and DISH Network continues to increase dramatically because of how satellite TV works. Due to the high monthly fees that cable services charge, subscribing to a satellite system is a practical choice. With this option, you can receive hundreds of international, national and local programs without extra charge.

What is in affordable homeowner s insurance in louisiana

Since the disasters caused by Hurricane Katrina, many Louisiana homeowners have scurried to purchase Louisiana homeowner’s insurance, or to make changes to their existing Louisiana homeowner’s insurance policies. If you’re one of the Louisiana homeowners who hasn’t yet taken action to better protect your home and possession, there’s no time like the present to get started.

Most Louisiana homeowner’s insurance companies don’t offer flood protection – a coverage you definitely need when hurricanes and other severe storms hit. Luckily, you can purchase Louisiana flood insurance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NPIF). Simply visit their websites, check out the coverage they offer, and give them a call to speak to a live representative.

But Louisiana’s home owner’s insurance shouldn’t focus solely on repairing the water damage your home sustains, should it? There are many factors to consider when you’re purchasing your Louisiana homeowner’s insurance policy – factors that go beyond frame and structure damage, as well as damage to everyday items such as furniture, dishes, clothing, etc.

As you’re determining the kind of Louisiana homeowner’s insurance policy to purchase, keep the following additional coverage options in mind:

• Expensive items such as jewelry and fur

• Electronic items including cameras, computers, printers and scanners

• Passports and travel or event tickets

• Deeds

• Musical instruments

Sure, you can store your valuables in the bank, but do you really want to travel to the bank each time you need your passport? Ask your Louisiana homeowner’s insurance representative, or the representatives of the various Louisiana homeowner’s insurance companies you are considering, about the kinds of coverage options the company offers.

Of course, the additional coverage options will vary from insurance company to insurance company. If you have any of these items, or similar items, and you want to protect them, choose a Louisiana homeowner’s insurance company that offers you the option of purchasing add-ons to your insurance policy.

Should you consider a self directed ira

There are plenty of people who do not take advantage of an IRA, but could. An IRA is a tool used for retirement investing. An IRA could mean two things, it could be an Individual Retirement Account or it could also be an Individual Retirement Annuity. It's great if you have the opportunity to take advantage of an IRA because it can help you retire, but should you have a self-directed system?

1. IRA Types

There are numerous different types of IRA's you could get. There is a traditional IRA, where this type of retirement is set by taxpayers individually and are allowed to put in one hundred percent of their compensation.

A simple IRA is where the plans for retirement are set up by the employers themselves. Any withdrawal made eventually is then taxed as a form of income, this include capital gains. Of course, since after retirement, ones income decreases, the tax put on a simple IRA is considerably at a lesser rate.

There is also a self-directed IRA. This type of IRA is a retirement account that is put up with the help of a broker and not a bank or a mutual fund. In this type of retirement, one is able to buy as well as sell stocks individually. This therefore makes it a lot easier for anyone to make decisions related to investments conveniently on ones own instead of a mutual fund manager.

So what if you have about twenty thousand dollars in your IRA account, and the money are all invested currently in a type of mutual fund, and you want to manage it on your own and so you think of converting it to a self-directed IRA, just how do you do it?

Some people usually contact their account executives and notify them of their need to cash the account and send the cashed out check to a brokerage and establish a self-directed IRA. Simple, right? Fortunately it is that simple, with a few little details that need to be modified.

2. Fund Transfers

Transferring funds is indeed as easy as a-b-c. All you have to do is to call that broker and tell him that you want to convert your current IRA to a self-directed one. The broker will then have to send to you two different forms. One form is an IRA basic application. The other form is an instruction of sorts relating to your current IRA mutual fund. This basically allows the agency you are dealing with in liquidating your current IRA and then transfer its proceeds to the IRA that is new.

After doing these activities, all you have to do is to simply return the forms once completed and just sit back, relax and wait. In as short as 45 days to as little as 30 days, the time actually depends much on how slow or fast the custodian of the IRA is, the money will then be in your self-directed IRA.

After checking if the money is indeed there, you now have the freedom to simply trade at your own choice and your own will. Via through direct transfer, there are no taxes to worry about as well as IRS hassles.

3. The Self Directed IRA

It is that superbly simple. See how you need not have to go anywhere to make those transfers. All you had to do was pick up the phone and talk to people. The best thing out of this very simple process was that your integrity and dignity is still intact. Observe how there was no need for unnecessary drama or hysterics of having to make up a story with the manager of your mutual fund and think of excuses on why your dear old Uncle Isidore badly need the money for surgery, and the like.

Another good thing to think about when having self-directed IRAs is that, besides the usual bonds, stocks or mutual funds that could be stored in it, stocking up on real estate is also a good investment. IRAs could eventually help you in broadening your own portfolio.

Basically, a self-directed IRA allows you to buy good real estate. It would be best if you avail the services of an independent administrator who could serve as your very own custodian or trustee. All in all, it really depends on how much you are willing to know and learn and do with your self-directed IRA that spells the difference. Ultimately, you know what is best for you, so go with what your heart, mind and real estate custodian is telling you.

Outsmart your broker avoid paying yield spread minimum

If the rule of the jungle is survival of the fittest, the rule of the mortgage industry is success of the sharpest. To get the best value for your money, you have to outsmart, outguess, and outmaneuver your mortgage quoter. However, these three verbs are easier said than done. After all, if your mortgage quoter flourished in his or her chosen industry, then odds are, this person has outsmarted, outguessed, and outmaneuvered clients like you for years. In fact, it's even possible your broker eats fledgling negotiators like you for breakfast.

The best that you could hope for is to level the playing field. How do you do that? By letting your mortgage quoter know you are no babe in the woods. The best way to accomplish this is to let your mortgage quoter know you know all about the Yield Spread Minimum.

What Is Yield Spread Minimum?

Mortgage quoters are retail vendors for wholesale lenders. When you qualify for a loan, the wholesale lender offers your broker a written guarantee of your interest rate. Using this rate as the base, the mortgage quoter then marks it up and provides you with a separate written guarantee. Yield Spread Minimum is your broker's markup. This is where his commission comes from.

Why Do Mortgage Quoters Inflate Your Interest Rate?

The answer is simple. The wholesale lender pays them a bonus when they overcharge. Every time your mortgage quoter gets away with raising your interest rate by .25%, he gets a point from the wholesale lender. Naturally, your mortgage quoter, - in this case, your broker - would do anything to earn those points. After all, one point is equivalent to one percent of the loan amount. Depending upon the amount of your loan, your mortgage quoter stands to earn a sum ranging from respectable to obscenely high!

Can You Avoid Paying the Yield Spread Minimum?

Of course! There is a way to avoid shelling out bucks for the yield spread minimum. Ask to see the originate interest rate guarantee from your mortgage quoter. Then, tell your quoter you agree to pay the origination fee and closing costs, but not the Yield Spread Minimum. You may do this because technically, your mortgage quoter is charging you commission twice - in the origination cost and then, in the Yield Spread Minimum.

Is the Origination Fee Enough Commission?

Yes, it is. When you take out a mortgage, your mortgage quoter gets somewhere between 1 and 3 points. Because one point represents one percent of your loan amount, you bet your downpayment this is a hefty sum! Origination Fee is the commission your broker gets for setting up your loan.

The Yield Spread Minimum is a clever way for mortgage quoters to line their pockets. Unfortunately, it translates to unnecessary expense for the borrower. Protect your hard-earned money by following the rule of the paved jungle of the mortgage industry. You have to outsmart, outguess, and outmaneuver your broker.

Consider a business credit card for your small business

Financing is always a consideration for newly established small businesses. During the early, critical years, adequate capital is necessary to nurture and to help the small business overcome its teething pains. The theoretical financial provisions made in the business plan may well not cover everything in practice. There are usually a couple of unforeseen and unplanned circumstances that will demand some additional cash. This is where a business credit card comes in really handy.

If you are asking whether it is absolutely necessary to have a business credit card, then the answer is: No, a business credit card is not an absolute necessity. But who says it cannot be of valuable assistance? The truth is that when a cash flow crisis arises, a business credit card offers you both the confidence and the cash to overcome the hurdle. Whilst financing the business from a credit card may seem a little expensive, it becomes essential if you need to buy a few items or pay for a transaction while your cash is still tied up in product inventory.

As long as you manage the payments on your business credit card properly, in other words, pay all the charges due for that particular period in full, it will actually help to have the business credit card in your wallet. The monthly credit card statements offer a useful way of keeping track of your expenses. Some business credit cards even come with a built-in microchip that downloads your account history when you log on to the website of your business credit card issuer.

As with any other transactions where debt is involved, there are some risks that you need to be aware of. Forewarned is forearmed.

The first risk is that that your personal finances will be inseparably connected with that of you business, especially during the early years of your having the business credit card. When you complete the application form for a business credit card, the terms and conditions of the contract will contain a stipulation whereby which you agree to assume personal liability for the business credit card in the same way that you would for a personal credit card. There is no problem with that if your business does well, and if there is sufficient cash to repay the business credit card debt. However, if the business should ever fail to cover payments that are due, the business credit card issuer will turn to you.

The second risk is related to your credit score. When you initially applied for the business credit card, the lender would have obtained both your personal credit record as well as that of your business. If the business misses its business credit card payments for whatever reason, this default will also be reflected on your personal credit report, thus affecting both your personal credit score and that of the business.

There is also the chance that if you run up too high a balance on the business credit card, lenders may decide that you are carrying too much credit - even if your payments are religiously current.

A business credit card is a valuable financial safety net for any small business; provided that it is managed with the same responsibility and prudence you would afford your own personal credit card.

What is disability insurance

Some people may be surprised to learn that disability insurance is every bit as important as life insurance. Many times it can be even more important than life insurance. This article examines some of the issues concerning disability insurance and how it can help protect your lifestyle in the event of a serious illness or injury.

Disability insurance is used for the protection of your future income. It is the best way to protect yourself in the event that you are unable to earn a living due to poor health or serious injury. As with most types of insurance, disability insurance comes in different forms.

One of the reasons that disability insurance is considered to be just as important as life insurance is the fact that you are still alive when disability insurance takes effect. Life insurance, of course, only takes effect once you are passed on. Life insurance will deliver a sum of money to your beneficiaries that they can use as they see fit. If you are injured or ill to the point that you cannot work and earn a living, where will the money come from to meet your financial obligations?

In a very broad sense, disability insurance can come in three ways. Your employer may have you covered through a group plan at work. The Social Security Administration may be able to provide some relief if you meet their requirements. Lastly, you can purchase private disability insurance from an insurance carrier the same way that your purchase life insurance.

An interesting fact concerning disability comes from the Social Security Administration. Their studies claim that a 20-year old working person has a 3 in 10 chance of being disabled before reaching retirement age. According to their numbers, 30% of the populace is susceptible to needing some form of income protection within their lifetime. That is a staggering number if you think about it.

While disability insurance is important it is also more expensive than life insurance. This only makes sense as it is expected that the insurance company will have to pay out more in disability claims than it will in life insurance claims.

Consumers should understand that disability insurance is not the same as health insurance, which is used to help pay the cost of medical expenses. It is somewhat ironic that medical insurance can save your life and improve your health but you might still find yourself homeless if you are disabled and cannot earn a living. Disability insurance protects you from that unpleasant reality.

Individuals who are single or have no family members often decide to by-pass life insurance because they have no one to benefit from the insurance. In other words, they have no beneficiaries. Those same individuals, however, should not by-pass disability insurance because, in essence, they are the ones who will benefit should they become disabled and unable to work. It only makes sense that even single people who are unable to earn a living will still need some form of financial assistance in order to live.

Anyone who is dependent on their income to pay their bills should seriously consider adding disability insurance to their financial planning portfolio.

Gas credit card working ways for you

With the increasing rise of the prices on gasoline, more and more motorists are opting to avail gas credit cards. Gas credit cards actually let the motorists save some dollar. Who would not think of gas as a prime commodity? How do you expect to drag yourself to work or to attend to any errand if you've got no gas for your wheels?

And how can you pay for gas when you don't have cash? This scenario becomes a little troublesome for automobile owners. This then has given them enough courage to avail of gas credit cards so they can save themselves from worries.

There are two kinds of gas credit cards which a motorist like you may prefer applying for. You can avail of the gas credit cards awarded by the gas companies or you may go for the gas credit cards that are provided by the regular credit card firms.

Now what must you know about them all? Getting the gas credit card which is offered by the gas companies only limits you to enjoy the service in the branches of the said firm. In other gas stations, you are unlikely to be able to avail of the service. However, getting the approval for the application to such gas credit card is a lot easy than those of the conventional credit cards used by many individuals.

The gas credit card can do you good. In particular, gas credit cards allow you to control your expenses on gas. If you have insufficient money on your wallet, the gas credit card saves you. The only disadvantage to this is that the bills for the gas credit cards always need to be fully paid at the end of the month.

Much to the convenience of the cardholders, the regular credit card issuers have added up another feature to behold and that is the gas credit card. This comes as a free reward. Because of the hard times, people are in continuous search of ways to be able to save on gas expenditures. The onset of the gas credit cards is one healthy way of saving money for gas purchases. More so, the points that you earn in every gas purchase via the gas credit cards can thus be converted to free gas.

There is no stopping the escalating of the prices of gas but you can always seek for ways of saving money. One ultimate solution is the use of gas credit card. Take note that the gas credit cards are able to aid you in controlling your routinely expenses on gas. This is a twist on the usual case of the high prices of the gas exercising full control over you. In such a way, the gas companies are successful in maneuvering you as they know for a fact that you can never quit buying the commodity.

Just like any other credit card, the gas credit card calls for a responsible and disciplined management. You have to realize that you are enjoying the service for something in return. You cannot deny the fact that it is still a form of credit-a debt which needs to be paid in due time. Although you seem confident that you can purchase gas anytime you want, do not forget that everything in this world comes with a corresponding price!

Managing your money and your student loans

If you have a number of outstanding student loans, you may want to consider student loan debt consolidation. You will eliminate having many bills to pay on your student loans, and the total monthly payments can be significantly reduced as compared to the normal ten year payback option. A special program called FFEL (Federal Family Education Loan Program) allows commercial institutions, such as credit union, banks and other lenders to grant debt consolidation loans for the purpose of consolidating educational debt. In addition, the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program allows for the federal government to grant student debt consolidation loans.

The majority of federal education loans can be included in these programs, whether or not they are loans that have been subsidized by the government. These include the FFEL Stafford loans, Health Education Assistance Loans, Federal Nursing Loans, Federal Perkins Loans and SLS. Note that private education loans are not eligible for the debt consolidation programs.

If you need to find out whether your loan is eligible for a student loan debt consolidation, you should contact the appropriate Direct Loan Origination Center, Loan Consolidation Department. For instance, if you have a FFEL loan, contact a participating FFEL lender if you are interested in consolidating a FFEL loan.

You can apply for an educational debt consolidation loan even while you are still in school, as well as once you have graduated, left school without graduating, or reduced your student hours to half time enrollment or below. If you have all of your student loans with one FFEL lender, you have to obtain your student consolidation loan from that same FFEL lender, except in the cases where the terms of an income sensitive loan are unacceptable. If you want to be considered for the William D. Ford "Direct Student Loan Debt Consolidation Loan", you have to already have a Stafford student loan (subsidized or unsubsidized) that will be included in the loan consolidation, or have at least one FFEL program Stafford loan to be included in it. Again, this can be subsidized or unsubsidized.

How do you go about choosing an unsecured debt consolidation program? The first step to take is to meet with a professional to advise you. He or she may be called a debt relief specialist, settlement specialist or client services representative. This person will answer your questions about the loan. The main thing about a debt consolidation loan is that it is intended to assist you, not make things better for your creditors. The company you are working with will handle the negotiations; they are all finance and debt professionals. This may not be the program for you, but it is worth looking at, and there are many unsecured debt consolidation programs that you can find out about, either by calling or by checking online.

Guide to finding the best auto insurance

Auto insurance policy is the primary need of all automobile owners and/or drivers. In some countries it is compulsory buy auto insurance just after a trial ride.

Finding the best auto insurance involves finding someone who will offer you good price as well as treat you fairly when you need them most “at the time of filing a claim.” Usually, it is easier to collect data and auto insurance quote but the toughest part is to find a counterpart who will treat you fairly when you will be in the need of help – after accident. Best auto insurance policy should be insurer friendly and cheap.

To find best auto insurance policy make a search in local markets, compare the provided quotes and ask them questions as much as you can. Provide them with full and detailed information about you and your vehicle and make them feel that your automobile is accessorized with anti-theft device and car alarm. If the company is fully satisfied they will surely offer you the best auto insurance policy with cheap quotes.

Internet would be helpful for you in both these regards. Information below will help you buying best auto insurance policy:

First of all look at the declaration part of the policy, which includes information about drivers in your house, model number of vehicle, vehicle identification number and policy number. Policy limits, deductibles and coverages purchased will be mentioned there. Thus read this portion and decide yourself, to accept or refuse.

Coverage portion of auto insurance policy comprises coverage limits such as medical, comprehensive and collision. This section mainly outlines what the insurance company will provide in case of accident. Auto insurance policy with strong coverage is the best auto insurance policy.

Conditions - This section includes all about legal bindings. Points included here are steps to filing claim, premium payment obligations and instructions to solve disputes. If you find this section of auto insurance is in your favor, then the policy is insurer friendly and also the best auto insurance for you.

But remember, before you sign, read the policy and clear the older one.