Childcare Finances - Some Money Basics

Monday, August 4, 2008

Sole proprietor, Inc, LLC, - What does it all Mean? Your childcare is a business. While you may not need to formally create a legal business, there are options to consider if you have an especially large operation, or employ more than one person. From a legal standpoint, different types of entities provide limited liability. This is something you would want to discuss with a lawyer. Different entities also provide different tax advantages and disadvantages. The type of entity really depends on the business and how many people own the business. An accountant should be able to advise you on the best entity for your situation. What can you deduct on your taxes? Any why would you want to? Each time you claim something as a deduction on your taxes, you reduce the amount of money the government can tax. By reducing that amount, you can reduce how much tax you pay, letting you keep more of your money.

A simple rule of thumb to remember is any ordinary and necessary business expense is deductible. Keep in close contact with your accountant, and find one if you don't have one. Regular meetings or discussions with the accountant will help in working through what is considered ordinary and necessary for your business. Be sure to keep in mind all the expenses you incur when doing business - ie., don't forget things such as mileage on your vehicle. Trips to the bank to deposit your weekly daycare income, for instance, is an ordinary and necessary business expense that is deductible.

Who has time to file receipts after a day with the kids? Even though resting from your busy day sounds better than filing you receipts for groceries that week, stay on top of your paperwork and make sure you keep records of all the money you spend on your business. From the IRS point of view, the more records and documents to substantiate your position, the better. Invoices, receipts, credit card statements, bank statements and cancelled checks are all good evidence of the expenditures incurred. There are also several accounting programs - available at any store that sells computer software - that are inexpensive and work great for tracking expenses and providing useful financial reports. Several online companies sell software specifically for childcare providers. Be sure to set up a filing system for your records. It doesn't need to be fancy, as long as it makes sense to you and you can find your records once tax time comes around. Keep work and personal expenses separate Having a separate checking and savings account for your business will make keeping track of your finances a lot easier. Sure, you have to balance another checkbook, but you'll know that all money in and out of those accounts has to do with your business. Also, consider getting separate credit cards for the business. When you use all of these accounts exclusively for business, it is much easier to put all your records together, rather than trying to separate out what is business and what is personal. Ahh, taxes. Where do we start? Tax laws are so specific to your state and city, that it's hard to give even general guidelines. You may want to check with a local accountant or state and local tax authority to find out if there are any special rules, permits or taxes that you may need to run your business. Paying your taxes quarterly might be an option, so you can spread the payment out over the year instead of paying it all at one time.
About the Author

Melissa Newby is the cofounder of www.daycarematch.com

Bob Sawicki is a CPA practicing Tax and Financial Planning in Madison WI. He can be reached at sawicki@tds.net.

Written by: Melissa Newby, MS, Bob Sawicki, CPA

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Cash-out refinance: Turning lemons into lemonade

The oft given, rarely followed adage, "Turn Lemons into Lemonade" seems out of place in the world of refinance. But in fact, it is quite appropriate when considering entering into a Cash Out refinance loan. A Cash Out Refinance loan is simply a loan typically on the equity in a home, which is for greater than the amount actually owed on the home. The difference between the actual amount owed and the amount of the new loan, is returned to the buyer in the form of a "cash out". For example, lets imagine a couple has spent the last 10 years making monthly payments on their $100,000 home loan. By now they have paid $50,000 on their mortgage and owe another $50,000 when the house's title shifts to them and the house officially becomes theirs. At that 10 year mark, however, something happens. Someone gets sick and suddenly the couple needs to come up with $20,000 to pay the medical bills. So, they look to Cash Out Refinancing.

Cash Out Refinace: The Negatives As you can likely imagine, those who avail themselves of cash-out refinancing are usually financial trouble. Because this trait is pretty common among individuals who seek out a Cash Out Refinance, there are higher default rates associated with those that take out the loans. This higher default rate allows banks to charge higher finance and interest rates on these loans. So, under the above example, what would typically happen, is that the Cash Out Refinance Lender would pay off the old loan of $50,000 and write up a new loan for somewhere in the vicinity of $80,000. They would then write a check to the couple for $20,000, allowing them to pay off the medical bills. Meanwhile, they would pocket $10,000 for conducting the transaction. The lending agency will then set the couple up with a variable interest rate which on average is significantly higher than the rate they had under their original mortgage. Ultimately, the couple will end up paying an extra $35,000 to $45,000 over the life of the loan for the opportunity to cash out $20,000 of their own money. As should be clear by now, this is not usually a good deal for the borrower.

Cash Out Refinance: The Positives But the reality is, incidents occur in which families need a lot of money in a very short period of time. Cash Out Refinancing is one way to get that money. If you find yourself in such a situation, you should know that there are a few steps you can take to minimize the damage. The first is that you must look at the total amount being refinanced. If, like the couple above, you owe $50,000, and you are getting $20,000 in cash out, any refinancing above $70,000 (50,000 + 20,000) is money that the lender is sticking in his pocket. Seek out multiple bids to find the lowest number. But keep in mind that you will have to go over the contract with a fine toothed comb to find this number as lenders typically try to hide and/or muddle it inside the contract. The next, and potentially most important step, is to seek out a similarly formatted interest rate.

The Refinancers Pitch What refinancing companies often try to do is entice you by telling you that your monthly payment will actually go down after the Cash Out Refinancing. This is always too good to be true. What lenders do, is backload your payments, so that for the first year or so your payments may actually be lower. But look at years 5 - 10 of your loan and you will find that you are paying much more than you anticipated. They do this knowing full well that you will not be able to make the big payments later on down the mortgage, and that you will be left with just one option, return to them and refinance again. Instead what you want is to opt for a flat fixed rate mortgage. If you owed another 15 years at 8% fixed flat interest before the Cash Out, leaving with 20 years with 8% fixed flat isn't bad. The key to remember is that in Cash Out Refinancing, you are not getting the Cash Out for nothing. You are losing equity in your home, and you will have to pay for that. The key to making Lemonade is being aware of how you are paying for it, and making the repayment accountable and sustainable.
About the Author

Dan Johnson enjoys writing about cash out refinancing.

Written by: Dan Johnson

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Cash Out Refinance - Things To Know About Refinancing Your Mortgage To Get Cash Out

A cash-out mortgage allows you to refinance your mortgage and pull out part of your equity. Before deciding how much to cash to use, be aware of the impact of PMI and equity amounts. However, you may find the benefits of refinancing outweigh the costs.

Cash-Out Mortgage Basics

With a cash-out mortgage, you can refinance for lower rates or to just get part of your equity out. Once the refinancing process is completed, you will end up with a check. You can decide to take up to 90% of your home's equity in some cases. However, cashing-out a large percent of your home's value will impact your refinancing rate and might require you to carry private mortgage insurance (PMI).

The Cost Of PMI

Just like with a regular mortgage, you will be required to carry PMI if you take out more than 80% of the home's value. PMI protects the mortgage lender since there is a higher risk of default with such loans. You will pay premiums when the loan closes and with each month's mortgage payment. PMI can easily add up to hundreds a year.

You can also drop PMI once you build up your principal to 20% or the home appreciates so that your equity is over 20%. With home appreciation, you will have to pay for an appraiser's inspection. You will also have to make an official request to the mortgage lender to drop PMI.

Higher Rates

You may also find yourself paying higher interest rates, at least a quarter percent, for cashing out over 75% of your home's value. Lenders charge higher rates because there is an increased risk level. Your credit history will also be a factor in the type of financial package you qualify for.

Benefits Of Cashing-Out

While there are costs associated with a cash-out mortgage, you should also remember the benefits. You can write off the interest on your taxes and you qualify for lower rates than with other types of credit. You can also spread out your payments over a longer period, lessening the monthly financial burden.

Taking out more than 75% of your home's equity is not necessarily a bad decision. You just need to weigh the financial costs. You may find that in the long-run, tapping into your home equity is better than the other types of credit available to you. You may also discover that the tax benefits offset the slightly higher costs.

About the author:

View our recommended mortgage Refi lenders. Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide, an informational website about various types of loans.

Written by: Carrie Reeder

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Cash Out Refinance Mortgage Loans – Home Equity, 2nd Mortgage Or Cash Out Refinance Loan

There are some definite benefits to doing a cash out refinance. Just make sure that overall you are not going to be spending more money in fees and interest doing a cash out refinance as opposed to a home equity loan. When you do a cash out refinance, you are refinancing your entire loan. Let's say you owe $300,000 on your home and you want to get $10,000 in cash out. If in refinancing your rate will be the same or higher, then you will be losing an extraordinary amount of money in fees just to get a $10,000 loan. In a case like that, you would definitely want to go with a home equity loan.

Home equity loans are better if:

1. You have a large home loan yet only need to cash out of a small amount of equity

2. You need to borrow up to 100% of the equity in your home

3. You want a revolving credit line

4. You want a payoff sooner, or longer than the term of the rest of your mortgage loan

On the other hand if you are:

1. Going to refinance anyway

2. Wanting to borrow a large percentage of your home’s equity

3. Refinancing for a much lower rate

Then, a cash out refinance loan may be best for you. Of course, the best way to tell is to actually sit down and do the math. These are just guidelines; the real test is in the math. You can consult a refinance calculator and a home equity loan calculator and figure out which one will save you the most money in the long run. Compare the total amounts you will spend in interest and fees. If you are planning on a cash out refinance, make sure that you are refinancing with a low enough rate to justify the fees to refinance. Your loan specialist should be able to help you figure out which one is best for your needs.

About the Author

To see a list of recommended mortgage loan companies who can offer cash out options online, visit this page: www.abcloanguide.com/mortgageloans.shtml - Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide. It is an informational loan website, with informative articles and the latest finance news.

Written by: Carrie Reeder

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Cash Out Refinance – Home Equity Mortgage Loan or Cash Out Refinance

There are some definite benefits to doing a cash out refinance. Just make sure that overall you are not going to be spending more money in fees and interest doing a cash out refinance as opposed to a home equity loan. When you do a cash out refinance, you are refinancing your entire loan. Let's say you owe $300,000 on your home and you want to get $10,000 in cash out. If in refinancing your rate will be the same or higher, then you will be losing an extraordinary amount of money in fees just to get a $10,000 loan. In a case like that, you would definitely want to go with a home equity loan.

Home equity loans are better if:

1. You have a large home loan yet only need to cash out of a small amount of equity 2. You need to borrow up to 100% of the equity in your home 3. You want a revolving credit line 4. You want a payoff sooner, or longer than the term of the rest of your mortgage loan

On the other hand if you are:

1. Going to refinance anyway 2. Wanting to borrow a large percentage of your home’s equity 3. Refinancing for a much lower rate

Then, a cash out refinance loan may be best for you. Of course, the best way to tell is to actually sit down and do the math. These are just guidelines; the real test is in the math. You can consult a refinance calculator and a home equity loan calculator and figure out which one will save you the most money in the long run. Compare the total amounts you will spend in interest and fees. If you are planning on a cash out refinance, make sure that you are refinancing with a low enough rate to justify the fees to refinance. Your loan specialist should be able to help you figure out which one is best for your needs.

For a list of recommended Refinance Lenders or if you would like to use a mortgage calculator to help you compare a home equity or refinance loan for your cash needs, click here: www.abcloanguide.com/refinance.shtml

About the Author

Carrie Reeder is the owner of www.abcloanguide.com. ABC Loan Guide is an informational loan website with informative articles and suggested mortgage lenders. ABC loan guide has listed recommended refinance lenders to help you with your needs.

Written by: Carrie Reeder

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Cash Out Refinance

Sunday, July 27, 2008

If you have owned your home for a period of time long enough to obtain some equity through your monthly mortgage payments and appreciation, you may be considering borrowing off the equity you have established in your home.

This can be known as cash out refinancing, where you basically refinance your home and get some cash back in the way of a lump sum at the closing table.

Borrowing off of the equity in your home is done by many people and used for many different things.

Such as, home improvement projects, new cars, college expenses, family vacations, etc.

Of course, just like everything else in life, the process isn't one of the easiest of things to do in the world. But if you take your time, do your homework, and find the right lender and loan officer, the task in front of you will be a lot less painful.

The mortgage industry is a very competitive one, so be sure to shop around and look for the deal that is best for you.

If you are not interested in doing the shopping around yourself, consider finding a mortgage broker to do the shopping for you.

A mortgage broker is a person who works as a liaison between the customer and the lender. It is the job of the mortgage broker to shop lenders for the consumer to find the mortgage program that best fits their needs and budget.

Allow for a few brokers to assess your situation, than base your decision on the one that best fits your needs and budget.

Keep in mind, most cash out refinances are tax deductible, so be sure to run it by your accountant at tax time.



About the author:

Jennifer Hershey has more than twenty years of experience in the Mortgage Industry as a loan officer. She is the owner of http://www.explainingmortgages.com/, a mortgage resource site devoted to making mortgage terms and products easy to understand.

Written by: Jennifer Hershey

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Car Loan Refinancing - When To Refinance Your Car Loan

Want to save money? Lower your monthly payment? Then refinance your old car loan. Trade in your high interest rate loan for a lower rate, especially if your credit score has improved. You can also lower your payments by extending your loan terms, helping your cash flow.

Trading In High Rates

When rates drop, refinancing makes sense for both mortgage and car loans. Factor in the length of the car loan though when deciding whether to refinance. If you only have a year left on loan payments, then it won't save you money to refinance since you have paid most of the interest up front.

You can also reduce your interest costs by refinancing for a shorter term. Reducing your loan by two years can easily shave over a thousands dollars off your interest charges, even with the same rate. Once again, you need to look at how long you have left on your original car loan to be sure you can save money.

Better Score, Better Rates

If you have improved your credit score since you first secured your car loan, you may find savings in better rates. So even if rates haven't dropped for the general market, you may still qualify for better rates.

Besides making regular, on-time payments, you can improve your score by reducing your debt ratio. Your score also improves when none of your accounts are maxed out.

Lower Payment, Longer Term

Reduced rates aren't the only reason to refinance. By rolling over to a longer term, you can reduce your monthly payment. Just remember that in the long run, you will be paying more for your car loan. However, when finances are tight, this option can keep you from defaulting on your loan or other bills.

Before jumping into a refinancing deal, be sure to investigate financing companies. Compare their APR, ask for free quotes, and read the fine print. Also check with your original lender to be sure there are no early payment fees. The best refinanced car loans are the ones where you save money. Taking the time to research financing offers will ensure that you find just such a deal.

About the author:

View our recommended Car Loan Refinance lenders.

Written by: Carrie Reeder

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Car Finance Places You On The Top Gear While Buying a Car

Fast car on open roads. It is a perfect picture for any car enthusiast. But you have to go to your work and also drop your kids to school. This is the real picture for most of us. We need to save time when we don’t have any. A typical individual has so many odd jobs to complete that a car can, without doubt, facilitate their accomplishment. Financing your car doesn’t fit your idea of the way of buying your car; then probably you are still stuck with traditional car buying methods. Shed your inhibitions with regard for car financing because it undoubtedly keeps in mind your financial caliber before furnishing you with a car finance loan.

Car financing has taken a new spin with regard to providing investment for buying a car. So, how do you finance a car? If this question leaves you baffled, then you have to go a long way in the process of buying a car. The term ‘financing’ in relation to buying a car connotes either rendering loan to buy the car or lease the car to you. You are probably concentrating on the former meaning. Many people are in favour of talking car finance from dealership for it seems like a convenient option. It seems easy; you select a car, fill out a credit application, and drive away with your car - all in a day’s work. Car finance through dealership will give you car finance on weekends and even at nights when other banks and credit unions are closed.

Seems convenient, isn’t it? But there is a catch. The dealer will be certainly charging you more for your car finance. Usually car buyers are overcharged by 3% on their car finance. A great number of complaints about car financing are related to dealers. 0% APR is not only attractive but lures the buyers to acquire up car finance not meditating if it is feasible for them. There are very few people who can actually get a 0% APR. Thus car finance deals usually fall midway thereby making car finance experience an extremely distressing one. You are buying a new car and probably for the first time, you certainly want it to compliment your enthusiasm. There are few elementary things that need to be kept in mind before taking that crucial primeval step in car buying.

First and foremost in car buying and financing is checking your credit score before you apply for a car loan. Many people are unaware of the fact that they even have a credit score. You can expediently check your credit score online. So, if you have bad credit history then probably you will be paying more interest rate for your car finance. If your credit score drops below 550, then probably apply for new car finance is not such a good idea. First repair you credit score. Repairing credit score requires little effort, helps you repay your debt and retain your credit report. Online car finance companies can get you car finance loan even if your credit score is lower than required. Your car finance loan can get approved in minutes. Online car finance companies have revolutionized car finance procedure. With lowest online car finance rates, no application fees, or down payments car finance companies provide a formidable competition to car dealers. Car finance companies have set a standard for providing car finance that is worth opting for.

70% of cars are obtained by some kind of financing. You can even finance a used car. The process is as effortless and undemanding as financing a new car. The essence to finding the right car finance is doing to research about your kind of car. Knowledge is power; you must be awake to this age old logic. When so much information frequently exists, then why not make use of it. Find out how much your car costs by comparing rates with local dealers. Very decisive, is cognizing how much, you can afford. Calculate, you monthly income and deduct your usual monthly expenditure to find out how much you can afford on a monthly basis. Compute carefully, otherwise you will find difficulty in repaying your car finance loan. And you definitely don’t want to fool around with your repayment plan because a lot is at stake. You can seek free advice for your own car finance online through credit unions and loan institutions.

You are a car enthusiast, a car consumer, a just a person who needs a car you ought to drive the best car. And why not drive the best car, when you have access to the best car finance plans. Car financing is a transparent route that leads you to become a car owner. Car finance loans are usually short term loans ranging from 36 to 72 months. Shorter loan term imply, lower interest rates and will prove to be cheaper. You have been working hard to select the car you want; there is a fairly good chance that you would not have to work so hard for car finance. So, sit back relax and enjoy the ride.

Car buying has grown simpler by the time due to growth of car finance schemes. Financing your car appropriately takes into account your financial conditions and repayment capacity before giving you a car finance loan. Car financing is practical method to buy a car. Your can become a car owner in less time and own your kind of car at your kind of interest rates. With so many car finance options, there is one for every one.

About The Author

After having herself gone through the ordeal of loan borrowing, Natasha Anderson understands the need for good quality loan advice. Her articles endeavor to provide you the wise counsel in the most elementary way for the benefit of the readers. She hopes that this will help them to locate the loan that beseems their expectations. She works for the UK secured loan web site www.ukfinanceworld.co.uk. To find a Secured or unsecured loan that best suits your needs visit www.ukfinanceworld.co.uk.

natasha@ukfinanceworld.co.uk

Written by: Natasha Anderson

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Car Finance Loan: When you can't just wait to buy a car

After buying your own home, one of the most expensive purchases you will decide on is buying a car. Along with the car, car-related expenses, like fuel, maintenance and insurance, even accessories, can get a big chunk from your budget.

Sure, you will be kicking a few tires but that will only be half of the battle. Know your limitations even before looking for that new car. If you would be paying for all car-related expenses, don't forget to spend no more than 10% of your total earnings.

When negotiating for the price of your car, decide first on a price range and how much your down payment will be. Should you choose a long arrangement under a car finance loan, your down payment would be at the minimum. If you decide to trade the car within the first year, you will realize that you actually owe more than your car is worth. As a general rule, never apply for a car finance loan that is more than 80% of the price of the car, as indicated in the dealer's invoice. Try to pay in cash or have equity for the car which is about 20% of the car's true cost.

Usually, your car dealer will send you to their in-house financing department for a car finance loan. Dealers may have less-restrictive requirements than banks, however, they could insist on cut-rate car financing loans for you to apply for. Such car finance loans have 3% interest rates that could be attractive for the unsuspecting customer. Unfortunately, these low interest rates only apply only to certain models or short term car finance loans of 12 months tops. You'll be surprised at how dealers make a lot of money on car finance loans, even when it's done through the manufacturer.

As a good rule of thumb, always negotiate the price before you reveal that you are thinking about applying for a car finance loan. If they know ahead of time that you plan on wrapping up the deal with a car finance loan, they will frequently try to create a dilemma for you by giving you a lower rate on a higher price or a lower price at a higher finance rate. If you do decide on a car finance loan through the dealer, you can negotiate the interest rate. Dealerships usually have several loan sources, including local banks and the manufacturer's credit company. Each source sets their rates to the dealer.

It is important to investigate other sources for a car finance loan, such as your bank or credit union, before you sign your name. Choose from several sources for car finance loan options. Find out from banks or credit unions if they have any special deals on car finance loans right now. Use a Car Finance Loan Worksheet to compare various sources.

With so many choices for a car finance loan, you need to learn so much. Always consider your financing carefully. Open your door to several possibilities while weighing your choices with caution. Come up with a shopping list of what you are looking for in a car finance loan deal. When you become well-informed, chances are, you will be saving more money and get the right car for your budget.

About the author:

Simon Gelfand writes for www.ArticlesBase.com, read more about Auto Loan on the website. Submit your Articles and find articles.

Written by: Simon Gelfand

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Car Finance Company Basics

Purchasing a new vehicle requires more than just deciding what type of car to buy and how much to pay. Unless you have a lot of cash saved and can buy the car upfront, you will have to decide upon some type of financing.

Before choosing a car finance company, you will want to compare prices and rates. While it is convenient to have the car dealership set up your loan and payment plan, in most cases this is not the best option. A dealer will submit your credit information to several lenders but this does not mean you are getting the best deal. A car dealerships first priority is to make money and they will pick the lender that offers them the best commission. However, their commission is based on the interest rate that you are charged.

Car dealerships have business relationships with banks, credit unions, and other types of finance companies. The finance company allows the dealership to increase the amount of your interest rate. The extra amount you are charged in interest goes to the dealership in exchange for your business. The dealership makes a profit, the lender gets their original asking interest rate, and the customer ends up paying too much in interest charges.

Online Lenders Offer Low Interest Rates

Applying for a car loan online is one of the best ways to lower your interest rate. Besides having a good credit record, which all lenders will check when applying for a loan, an online loan is your best bet in obtaining a low interest rate. By applying for a loan online, you are saving the lender time and money. The savings from the cost of doing business are passed on to the customer.

Usually if you apply for your loan online, the lender will want you to sign up for an automatic payment plan. After filling out a form, your car payments will be automatically deducted from your account. This prevents the lender from having to process as much paperwork and the loan payment is always made on a specified date.

Don't Be Pressured By Salespeople

Even if you have already been pre-approved for a car loan, don't let an eager salesperson force you into making a decision. Many will use excuses to lure you into purchasing the vehicle that same day.

If they are willing to offer you a deal on a car today, chances are they will offer you a deal of equal value next week. Before you decide on a car and sign the loan papers, make sure you are happy with both the vehicle and your financing terms.

About the author:

View our recommended lenders for Car Finance Loans

Written by: Carrie Reeder

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Car Finance

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

These days having a reliable and safe vehicle to drive is more important than ever. With public transport packed to the hilt and often unreliable, many people have learned to rely on their vehicles to get to college or work, pick up the kids, do the shopping and even to perform their jobs. That’s why things can get really tough when you find yourself with an unsafe or unreliable car. When it comes to affordable car finance loan companies in the UK offer some great deals to suit all budgets and needs.

Whatever type of car and price you are looking at, a loan company should be able to help you by providing low cost finance. Of course, the amount that you will be eligible to borrow for your car will depend upon your income and employment status amongst other things. If you really want to keep costs down when buying a new car, try and go for a basic model – however nice the thought of driving the latest sports model might be, the insurance costs along can end up being financially crippling.

Getting a basic car coupled with finding low cost car finance from a loan company means that you can enjoy the benefits of safer, more reliable driving at a really affordable cost, rather than having to pay a fortune for the privilege of getting an improved car, or worse still, being left to struggle with an old banger that is on its last legs.

You may reprint this article on your website providing all of the links remain intact.

This article is courtesy of http://www.4a-loan.co.uk

About the Author

Paul Heath is the author and owner of http://www.4a-loan.co.uk
For loans & finance please visit us http://www.4a-loan.co.uk

Written by: Paul Heath

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Can you afford Not to look After your Personal Finances?

Investing is a subject a lot of people don’t want to think about. And there is good reason for that. Investing seems scary. It either sounds like something only the rich do or something that only a skilled professional can do. But the truth is that investing is something that everyone can and should do—as soon as possible.

Why should you start now?

Think about this. There are two ways to make money. You can exchange your time for money or you can make your money work for you. Most of us work 40 hours a week. In this case, you are trading your time for money. But wouldn’t you rather earn more than you are making? If you are making $1,000, wouldn’t you rather be earning $5,000? Most people think the only way to earn more is to work more. Work overtime is their motto! But there is more to life than working. Investing gives you the chance to let your money work for you—saving you time and earning you money.

But is the purpose of investing to get rich?

Some people don’t invest because they think that investing is something you do to get rich. They figure they’ll never earn enough to get rich, so why bother. But that’s not what investing is for. Investing is a way for you to be able to maintain your current lifestyle.

Think about this: what if the company you worked for suddenly closed down? What are you going to do when you get to retirement? Sometimes working more is not a viable option. Investing gives you another source of savings and earning income. You don’t invest to become a multi-millionaire (of course no one would stop you if that happens); you invest so that you can provide for yourself in the way you are accustomed to both before and after retirement.

Many people are convinced that investing is the right thing to do at this point, but, there are some misconceptions people have about investing that prevents them from actually doing it. These misconceptions are that:

Investing is too hard

Investing is too risky

You need a lot of money to invest

Let’s look at each one of these misconceptions.

Investing is too hard
You may think that investing is just too hard. But a lot of that has to do with the terminology of the investment industry. I mean who knows what Fed Fund rates, mutual funds, indexes, or blue chip stocks are? But you don’t need to be scared off by a bunch of words—in the end they are just words. Just like you probably didn’t know what PMI was before you bought your first house or what APR was before you got your first credit card, you can learn what these things are. And you will find that they aren’t so hard to learn. And if you seek the advice of a professional, they can explain it to you.

Investing is too risky.

Some people have the idea that investing is risky. Movies such as “Wall Street”, no doubt, lead people to think that. But the fact is that investing is only as risky as you want it to be. Do you want to take huge risks? You can invest in international stocks. Want to play it safe? Go with bonds. The risk level is up to you and only you.

I can’t afford to invest.

Many people think they can’t afford to invest. But when you look at the alternatives (social security may not be there, job security is not 100%), you really have to ask yourself how can you afford not to invest. And the earlier you start, the more money you will earn. Even if it’s only a small amount, the money you invest today will earn you big in the future.


About the Author

Mika Hamilton is editor and founder of the Global Investment Institute. http:www.global-investment-institute.com

Written by: Mika Hamilton

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California Refinance - Refinancing in California

The real estate market in California is booming. Home values continue to appreciate almost on a daily basis. Refinancing your home is an excellent way to take advantage of the low interest rates currently being offered by California lenders. The beautiful scenery and warm climate make California and ideal place for families and businesses alike. If you currently live in California and are considering refinancing your mortgage, there are both online lenders and traditional mortgage companies who can give you excellent rates and lower your monthly mortgage payments.

Refinancing your home basically replaces your existing mortgage with a new loan. You can choose either a variable or fixed interest rate and the length of your new loan can be up to 30 years. Varying terms and fast approvals make refinancing your California home a smart decision. Refinancing can give you extra money each month due to the potential decrease in your monthly mortgage payments. If you are paying a high rate of interest on your mortgage, then now is the best time to refinance your home in California.

California is a great place to own a home. The business community is thriving and the sun swept landscape is breathtaking. Mortgage lenders can generally provide home loans in all states, so choosing a lender that will refinance your California home is easy. Online lenders can give you quotes from multiple mortgage companies with one simple application. By completing a short application, you could be contacted by lenders who are anxious to approve your California refinance loan in just hours. Many lenders are offering zero point loans and low cost refinancing. Even with bad credit, you can refinance your California home.

Compare your current interest rate with the low rates being offered by lenders and see if you could save money by refinancing. Some lenders will even finance the points you pay on your loan to reduce the amount of cash you need upfront. If you want to refinance your home and lower your payments, contact a lender who can approve your loan in California or in any other state you may own a home. Refinancing is a great way to take advantage of the great loans being offered by online lenders and traditional mortgage companies. You can get free quotes from several lenders and compare the rates offered by each. You can lower your monthly payments and have extra cash each and every month.

To view our list of recommended online nationwide mortgage lenders who service
California visit this page:
Recommended California
& Nationwide Online Mortgage Lenders
.

About the Author

Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan
Guide
, an information website with articles and the latest news about
various types of loans.

Written by: Carrie Reeder

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Buying a Spanish Property - How Do You Finance It?

Once you have decided on the home you wish to buy you need to know how to finance it. There are several ways in which you can do this. If you are lucky enough to have the cash in the bank then you don't need to worry about the actual financing of it - however take a look at the section on exchanging your money as this could save you a lot of money. If you don't have the finances readily available how do you finance the property?

The main ways are * Arranging a Spanish Mortgage * Arranging a mortgage with a UK lender * Re-mortgaging your existing property * Builders finance

Arranging a Spanish Mortgage Most Spanish banks will lend to foreigners providing they can prove an ability to repay. Prior to applying you will need a bank account and, although banks don't insist you have an account with them- they would obviously prefer it if you did.

The requirements are similar to the UK. Banks will lend upto 70% of the property value to foreigners (80% in some cases though this is now harder with a tightening market). However, this depends on the bank, the director and the property. It is easier to get a high mortgage on a new or nearly new property than it is to get a small mortgage on a ruined Finca needing a lot of work - banks don't appreciate the potential value of the property - only the current value.

The bank will require proof of income and in some cases your outgoings. Therefore you will need your pay slips for the previous 3 months and proof of outgoings. If self-employed you'll need to show accounts for the previous 2-3 years.

Most banks insist on life insurance and most mortgages are repaid over 10-15 years but they can extend to 30 years in exceptional circumstances, however most banks will insist on repayment before the age of 70. It is also possible you may need a guarantor - I for example had to guarantee my parents mortgage as they are both retired (although their pensions were more than I earned).

Spanish banks charge from 0.5% - 3% of the mortgage value for taking a mortgage with them (it isn't enough that you're paying interest as well). It's possible to reduce this if you persist - so ask your bank - you may get a discount on this fee. (If you don't speak Spanish ask your agent to do so- but beware he may be getting a commission from the bank and may be reluctant to.)

You will need to think about the monthly cost when transferring money to Spain for the mortgage. If you have bought to let then the rental should cover the monthly repayments. If not then you may be as well looking into transferring money through a specialist- such as http://www.currencyuk.co.uk - who have provided our clients with excellent service in the past.

Currency fluctuations and transfer fees can cost you a fortune and your bank is not the best to deal with - they have little experience in the currency market. For example a friend bought a house here and her Euros cost her £500 more (on £14,000) by using her bank than if she has used a currency broker.

Obviously it's your money but a broker is able to buy currency at a commercial rate as they deal in currency every day. They can even secure a fixed exchange rate for up to 12 months - so you know in advance the cost of buying your home. If you are using this sort of service for your monthly mortgage payments, you may be better transferring 6 months at a time because they generally don't deal in amounts less than £5,000.

The process of applying for a Spanish Mortgage.

Applying for a Spanish mortgage is usually a case of visiting the bank and speaking to the director. They will fill in the forms for you so you just need to sign. Once he has established your credentials he will give you a preliminary yes or no. Once a yes is given it is dependent upon a satisfactory survey. Although the final decision is taken by the banks head office, seldom the decision given by the director overturned.

Arranging a UK Mortgage

There are many UK lenders who will lend against a Spanish property but these are more expensive than a Spanish Mortgage. However, it is always wise to check every avenue before committing yourself.

The approval process is similar to getting a buy to let mortgage in the UK in that you would have to prove around about 125% of the potential mortgage payments in rental income.

The amount you can borrow for a property in Spain also depends on the property valuation. Obviously, the higher the valuation, the more you can borrow. For UK mortgages (or offshore mortgages) the Loan to Value is generally a lot lower than getting a mortgage in Spain.

So what are the advantages of a UK based mortgage? Firstly you will be no language problems. Secondly the repayments will be in Sterling so there will be no exchange rate concerns if the rate fluctuates wildly - you will always know what you will be paying.

However, if you are buying a property to rent then it may be advisable to have a Spanish mortgage - especially if the rental income will be paid in Euros. However the final decision to go for a Spanish Mortgage or UK one lies with you.

Re-mortgaging your existing property

The easiest way of raising finance for your property in Spain is to re-mortgage your existing property. This obviously depends on the equity you have in your existing home and your income in respect of the amount you would like to borrow. However the bank already knows you so the process is more straightforward, the amount you can borrow is not dependent on the value of the property you are buying therefore your dream Finca is more realistic) and the process takes less time than obtaining a UK Mortgage.

Builders finance

Many developers of properties can now offer upto 80% mortgages for non residents. This is achievable because of the value new properties generally represent when buying off Plan. However for off plan investments it is very difficult to get a mortgage until the certificate of habitation is issued.

Documentation required

Whatever type of mortgage you decide on there are certain documents you will need. The documentation required will vary from bank to bank. As a guideline it is a good idea to prepare much of these as soon as possible.

If you are employed you will need:

* Last 3 salary slips. * Last income tax declaration (P60 in the UK) or evidence of latest annual tax assessment * Letter from your employer confirming date of employment and proof of income.

If you are self-employed you need

* Latest income tax declaration * Copies of the accounts for the last 2 / 3 years * Company report, confirming personal drawings

Other documents you will need:

A Spanish bank account

NIE number from the local police station

The nota simple from the property registry

Offer letter of sales/purchase contract

Copy of passport / residence permit /NIE

Copies of last 6 months bank statements

Bank reference letter.

About the author:

Vince Barnes - www.SpanishProperty-Direct.co.uk - information about the buying process in Spain. up to date with news affecting the Spanish Property Market. New Book - "The Insiders Secret Guide To Buying A Property In Spain" - at www.spanishproperty-direct.co.uk/book.htm.

Written by: Vince Barnes

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Buying A Car - What Is The Best Finance?

Your car is one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make. Probably the only thing you will buy that costs more than your car is your house. You wouldn't just accept the first mortgage you came across, and likewise you shouldn't just accept the first vehicle financing option that comes your way. You will have a lot of options in how to finance your car.

You can buy the car outright. If you would like to opt for this, you will need to borrow the cash in the form of a bank loan.

This should generally be medium term, over period of about two to five years. It is generally not advised that you secure borrowing over your home but this may be necessary in order to get the loan or in order to get a better rate. Shop around for the best rate, from banks, other lenders and also on the internet. Rates will vary widely so it is a good idea to shop around as much as possible.

Leasing

If buying the car outright in this manner is not an option, you may wish to consider leasing the car. Leasing will never make you the owner of the car. You pay a monthly fee, every month for the period of the lease, and at the end of this period, you give back the car and walk away. Leases have a number of advantages over buying the vehicle. The payments are generally lower as you are not paying for the entire value, just for the price of leasing it.

You also don't have to worry about selling the car when the leasing period is over, as the dealer owns it. Leases may also include a buying option at the end of the period, which will allow you to buy the car if you want to. The one thing to be careful about when leasing is that there may be heavy penalties for early termination.

Some Advantages

The other popular type of vehicle financing is dealership financing. With this option, the car dealer arranges the car financing. They will sometimes offer very attractive rates as they want to encourage people to buy the cars, however, sometimes their rates are extremely bad and you will want to be familiar with what's available from alternative sources before opting for dealership financing. Some advantages of dealership financing will include convenience, multiple options, and special offers on selected models.

About the author:

Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the loan information sites http://www.selectloans.co.uk / and also http://www.ukpersona lloanstore.co.uk. Select Loans have information and links to certain suppliers in the car loans section of the site.

Written by: Joseph Kenny

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Business Start Up Loan - Script Your Own Success Story With the Right Finance Method

If you thought generating ideas for your business was a difficult task, then arranging necessary finance in the form of business start up loans would seem even more difficult. Many entrepreneurs succumb at this stage, only to lead their idea to dumps. Entrepreneurs, who withstand the challenges of the process, continue to shine in the world of business.

Capital has been rightly referred to as the lifeblood of any business. Business starved of capital during the initial stages of its formation, would be similar to malnourished children who were not fed properly during their childhood. The growth of the business will be stunted, often affecting negatively its productivity and efficiency.

Entrepreneurs no longer have to depend solely on their own resources for purposes of capital. Many loan providers are ready to finance promising business ventures. The loan is referred to as business start up loan. Amounts on business start up loan ranges from £30,000 to £250,000. Entrepreneurs can qualify for more loan amount, provided the business plan is very attractive. Loan proceeds will primarily be used for purchasing the necessary machine and equipments, paying for legal documentation, maintaining office and any other expenses that crop up during the initial formative period. Moreover, business start up loan contributes towards the working capital.

Borrowing through business start up loan is fraught with a number of challenges. The very first task in the process will be to generate faith in loan providers that the amount lent on account of business start up loan will be safely returned. Preconceived notions about new entrepreneurs make the task difficult. The negative notions are further strengthened through two factors:

* Firstly, borrowing entrepreneur has zero or very less credibility in the market at the particular point of time. Loan providers fear risking the loan amount on borrowers with low credibility.

* Secondly, the borrowing entrepreneur is still to form business or the business is still to show results. Lending at this stage, without having knowledge about how the business fares in the long run, is perilous for the loan provider.

The borrowing entrepreneur is thrown into a dilemmatic situation wherein they cannot prove their worth till they start business. They cannot start business until they get the necessary finance. And they cannot get the necessary finance till they are able to prove their worth.

However, not all loan providers look at new venturists with suspicion. New venturists are considered a unique group of people who have a unique set of characteristics. A sound and foolproof business plan works well for new entrepreneurs. Bankers study the plan well and then decide if it will be viable to lend.

Guaranteeing payback through collateral is another important method of getting good deals in business start up loans. These are referred to as secured business start up loans. As a part of this method, the borrower will have to offer lien on certain asset/assets to the loan provider. This process is also referred to as hypothecation. Though the asset will continue to be in possession of the borrower, loan provider has every right to claim the asset in case of non-payment of loan.

Loan terms for business start up loan ranges from 5 to 25 years. Given the unique income structure of businesses and self-employed individuals, wherein income is not guaranteed, flexible repayment schedule will be especially helpful. Under a flexible repayment schedule, the borrower gets to repay in the manner that he chooses. Monthly repayments can be increased, reduced and discontinued altogether depending on the entrepreneurs finances. The arrangement will have to be accepted by the loan provider. Sometimes, regular payments for a certain period may be the prerequisite for flexible repayment schedule.

Business start up loans may exceed personal loans in terms of interest rate. The typical APR on a business start up loan will be anywhere between 7-13%. Online comparison and searching loan providers will ease the process, besides improving the quality of deals. Rates may go upwards depending on the presence and value of collateral and the credit status of the borrower.

Business loans will not suit borrowers who want full control over their business. Some loan providers would like to dictate terms and thus curb the control of the entrepreneur over his business. The borrowing decision must be made only after an impartial and impatient study of the pros and cons of the method.

About the author:

Michael T. Brian is the author of this article. He is Masters in Business Administration and expert in finance. He writes about various finance related topics. If you are interested in Michael's financial advice, you can visit www.find-business-loans.co.uk.

Written by: Michael T.Brian

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Business Loans - A Source of Finance for your Business

Friday, July 11, 2008

Have you been planning to start a new business but lack of sufficient funds has been stopping you? You need not worry; Business Loans are here to help you realize your dreams.

Business Loans are the loans granted for the use of a business. Business Loan can be used to start a new business, expand the existing business, to buy a new machine or equipment or for any other business related activity.

Business loans can be a secured or an unsecured one. Secured Business Loan is a loan that is provided in exchange of property, machines or plants that serves as collateral such as houses, cars, savings accounts or bonds. Secured Business Loan also provides finance for working capital, which can be used to purchase raw material, paying the labour charges etc. Unsecured Business Loan is granted without keeping a property as a security with the lender. Business Loans can be taken for short, intermediate or for a long term, it depends on you which one do you want to take and for what purpose. Short-term loans are given to businesses that need cash to start operating, this loan is granted for one or less than one year. Intermediate term loan helps businesses to buy equipments and cover initial large expenses, this is granted for a period of one to three years. Long-term loans are used to assist start-up businesses with initial costs and are granted for a period of three to seven years. Now you would say why only, Business Loan, when other loans are available in the market. Business Loans are tailored specially for people who want funds for their business. Business Loan provides the flexibility to preserve your cash and working capital. Business Loan also helps in managing cash effectively by offering flexible repayment options. Capital forms an integral part of every business. If you are planning to apply for the Business Loan you need to look into three key issues: -

* Cost - You need to check the cost and risk involved in taking a loan.

* Loan Size - You need to decide the amount of loan you want that would satisfy your need.

* Payback Program - It is very important to decide at the time of taking a loan that how will you repay the loan amount and the monthly installments, otherwise it may create problems for you in future.

You can get a Business Loan from a bank or a financial institution. But shop around and search for as many lenders as you can, you can also look for online lenders. Collect quotes from various lenders and make a comparison among them to get the best deal. When applying for a loan you need to keep in mind that you must make a loan proposal. Lenders will grant you the loan only if they find your proposal worth because no lender will be interested in taking risk. While writing a loan proposal you should always give industry-specific details so that the lender is able to know in-depth about what business do you want to start or how your present business is run and what market trends affect it.

You should also give details about the existing or proposed business, collateral which you want to keep as a security with the lender, loan repayment plans, personal financial statement and projection of your future operations. The possibility of getting a loan will be higher if you have a good loan proposal and are able to convince the lender about your future business plans. You can get a secured business Loan if you have CCJs, arrears or bankruptcy. Your bad credit history cannot stop you from getting the cash you needed to invest in your business or to start up your own business.

Business Loan provides funds to businessmen who want to expand their business or people who want to start a business of their own. Success has no limits. Business loan provides you with the funds now it depends on you how use this money to climb the ladder of success.

About the author:

A loans borrower/user demands for timely, reliable, accessible, comprehensive, relevant and consistent loan service.Pamella scott is constantly trying to help you find such a loan service online.To find Secured loans,secured personal loans,secured debt consolidation loans in uk that best suits your need visit http://www.easyfinance4u.com< /a>

Written by: Pamella Scott


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Business Finance Expert Series: "What Every Business Owner Needs to Know About Factoring"

Factoring is a promising way to stimulate the cash flow of a company. Its growing popularity can be gauged from the statistics that factor finance approximately amount to $70 billion in United States each year. In United Kingdom it represented a total volume of £104.4 billion in 2002.

However, before leaping on the factoring (http:// www.hjventures.com/factoring/factoring.html ) bandwagon it is important for the business owner to know what makes a business suitable for factoring?

- Before making any decision the owner should have a list of his customers and they should be in sufficient number

- No customer should contribute over third of the turnover

- Customers are needed to accept the standard payment terms of the industry.

- Period of credit given to the customers should be reasonable

Following factors make a business unsuitable for factoring:

- When there are too many small invoices ( http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/invoice-finance.html )

- Factoring is unsuitable when it is sold to the public. It is only available for sales to commercial customers

- There is a provision for the customers to make part payments

- When there are many disputes and queries

- The business is not reliable, credible and sound in its operations

It is very important for the business owners to have a good understanding of these factors as they will be sharing important financial information of their business and will be in direct contact with the customers too. Earlier factoring was not widely used due to the ignorance of business owners regarding the benefits factoring could bring in to the company. Thus it is important for every business owner to be aware of benefits of factoring before using it in their business.

Learn more about factoring / business finance : http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/factoring-glossary.html

About the author:

Howard Schwartz is a partner in several business strategy groups, including HJ Ventures International, Inc. Howard has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs worldwide with a focus on writing Business Plans for companies interested in raising capital from Venture Funds.For more information: http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/factoring-glossary.html

Written by: Howard Schwartz

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Business Finance Expert Series: "The History of Factoring"

In conventional times factoring ( http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/factoring-glossary.html ) is one of the most sought- after method to improve the cash flow ( http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/cash-flow.html ) of a company.

When a firm decides to its account receivables to a financial institution then it is termed as factoring. The factor then bears the credit risk for the accounts and finally receives the sum from the customers. It is among one of the most effective and efficient form of financing used these days. Factoring has been in existence since the beginning of trade and commerce. It can be traced back to the period of a Mesopotamian king Hammurabi.

However, an extensive use of the concept began in American colonies before the revolution started. During those times raw materials like timber, fur and cotton were shipped from the colonies and before they reached the destination merchant bankers in London and other parts of Europe used to advance funds for the raw material. The practice was very beneficial to the colonists, as they didn't have to wait for the money to begin their harvesting again. Basic work of factors of colonial times is similar to factors of conventional times. They have the same job of making advances against the account receivables ( http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/accounts-receivable-financing .html ) in order to help them in continuing with their job even before they are paid for their sale.

With the Industrial Revolution the concept of factoring got narrowed down to credit. In the 60's and 70's with an escalation of interest rates there was a surge in private factors. The trend strengthened in 80's with further increase in interest rates and changes in the banking industry. With various expenses and inflexible rules involved with banking, factoring is a safe and easy method for financial expansion and growth.

Working capital arranged through factoring is an easy means to cover purchasing, operating and other pay roll costs and provides the much-needed freedom from varied book keeping functions like credits and collections. All these attributes have made 'factoring' a buzzword in the financing market. Learn more about http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/factoring-glossary.html

About the author:

Howard Schwartz is a partner in several business strategy groups, including HJ Ventures International, Inc. Howard has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs worldwide with a focus on writing Business Plans for companies interested in raising capital from Venture Funds and Angel Investors. Howard's business plans have secured several million dollars in funding. For more information: http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/factoring-glossary.html

Written by: Howard Schwartz

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Business Finance Expert Series: "Comparing Factoring to Other Financing Options"

There are a number of financial options in the market and you need to analyze each in detail to determine which suits you the best. A business can be financed with help from private investors, lenders and financial institutions depending on your needs and priorities.

Varied Commercial Financial Options

Credit Lines: In this the lender is actually a bank. The bank gives c redit lines to ( h ttp://www.hjventures.com/factoring/credit-analysis.html ) fill the temporary shortages of business like inventories, receivables etc. These shortages are mostly due to the time difference between the payouts and the collections. Unlike factoring, financing through credit line requires a good credibility record along with the collateral. Banks also require business owners to maintain the obligatory balance of funds in their accounts.

Short-term Loans: As the name suggests these are the loans that are sought for term of a year or less and are generally secured. They are taken to meet expenses like insurance or to cash over the discounts offered by the supplier and are mostly paid back in lump sum at the maturity.
Asset-Based Loans: Similar to factoring, asset-based loans are raised on current assets like inventory or accounts receivables ( http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/accounts-receivables.html ) . However its ambit goes wider to include varied current assets while in factoring it is limited to account receivables. The lender has a security in the assets of a company and are mostly sought to meet the working capital needs.

Contract Financing: In this kind of financing funds are advanced in accordance with the work performed till date. Criteria on which finance are provided under contract financing is the credibility of business to complete a contract and its ability to perform. Under this contracts are used as collateral to get short-term loans.

When it is difficult to obtain finance through banks factoring is a promising option. The method also relieves small companies of the expenses involved with collection of receivables. It is not a one-time transaction and is generally provided on a contractual basis.

Learn more about factoring / business finance:

http://www.hjventures.com/factoring/factoring-glossary.html

About the author:

Howard Schwartz is a partner in several business strategy groups, including HJ Ventures International, Inc. Howard has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs worldwide with a focus on writing Business Plans for companies interested in raising capital from Venture Funds and Angel Investors. Howard's business plans have secured several million dollars in funding. For more information:

Technorati Tags: Mistakes, Money Online, Finance, money

Bugs Finance offers phoenix commercial mortgage loan

Monday, July 7, 2008

HI All, With an office in Phoenix, AZ, bugs finance was founded by group of students from Arizona State University. Bugs finance is known as being a leader in the lending industry. Founded in 2002, bugs finance is a subsidiary of D and E financing. Bugs Finance delivers excellent customer service along with the security of being part of one of the best mortgage companies in America. At bugs finance we meet our customer's expectations through our 24 hour/7 days a week full-service organization delivering competitive rates and a hassle-free loan experience.

Bugs Finance offers the consumer a variety of products, including first mortgages, fixed rate second mortgages, variable equity lines of credit and no closing cost option equity seconds. The online capabilities allow the customer to communicate with knowledgeable loan agents from home, work or on the road. arizona mortgage, hipoteca, mortgage phoenix, phoenix arizona home mortgage, arizona home loan, arizona mortgage rate, arizona home equity loan, arizona mortgage broker, home loan phoenix, arizona mortgage lender, mortgage lender phoenix, mortgage broker phoenix, mortgage company phoenix, arizona commercial loan mortgage, phoenix commercial mortgage loan bugsfinance.com

Thanks for your time http://www.bugsfinance.com

http://www.bugsfinance.com

About the author:

Bugs Finance offers the consumer a variety of products, including first mortgages, fixed rate second mortgages, variable equity lines of credit and no closing cost option equity seconds. The online capabilities allow the customer to communicate with knowledgeable loan agents from home, work or on the road.

Written by: srinivas

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Bridging Finance Basics

Bridging finance is a short-term loan that is used as a way to provide funding for the purchase of a new property while the borrower awaits the sale of an existing property. Unless all the stars are in perfect alignment, it’s tricky to coordinate the sale of one property and the purchase of another property so that the transactions occur simultaneously.

Bridging finance or a “bridge loan” as it is more commonly referred to, makes such transactions possible. They keep the borrower from ending up in a dire financial situation as can happen when forced to pay two mortgages at the same time. Bridge loans can be used either for business or for personal reasons.

Primarily short term in nature, the process for obtaining a bridge loan is similar to that of most types of loans. Most importantly, it’s advisable to work with a lender that has experience with this type of loan. Also, since the need for a bridge loan often arises with little advance notice, being pre-approved for such a loan is a good idea.

Bridge loans typically are structured as interest only loans meaning that the borrower pays only the interest on the loan each month. The borrower continues with this repayment plan until the property the loan is being used for is sold. When the sale finally does occur, the proceeds of that sale are used to repay the principal. The principal payment typically is in the form of a one-time, lump-sum payment.

The lender does not need to worry too much about default because the borrower is required to put up collateral to secure the loan. This can be in the form of another piece of property, business machinery or inventory on hand. But rest assured the lender will still thoroughly review the credit history of the applicant, the business and any partners or others with an ownership interest to assess the level of risk it is undertaking.

The interest rate assigned to the bridge loan is based on several factors: the anticipated risk associated with the bridge loan, the prevailing interest rates and a premium added by the lender. Since bridge loans are short-term, generally not longer than two years, the lender has only a short time to make money on the deal. The profit is derived from the interest rate.

Expect to pay a higher rate of interest for a bridge loan. And remember, the monthly payments on a bridge loan generally will be for interest only. Expect to pay off the bridge loan in full, usually as a one time balloon payment, as soon as the property is sold.

In the event that the property is not sold before the bridge loan matures, it can usually be converted to a conventional loan without paying a penalty. But it’s always a good idea to double check this before assuming.

About the Author

Specialists in Commercial Bridging Finance Commercial Lifeline. Independent UK based Commercial Bridging
Finance brokers.

Feel free to reprint and distribute this article as you like. All that we ask is that you do not make any changes, that this resource text is include, and that the link above is intact.


Written by: Darren Yates

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Best Finance Guide

Imagine you need to look great to get all the attention at the biggest party of the year. The cloak has already started ticking and you have got 7 days to fix yourself for the D-Day. If you can take out 15 to 30 minutes in the next few days, you can be ready for action.

Step 1:

Exercise: Start with skipping and jogging and chin-ups by hanging from a rod for warming up.

Two steps of crunches or sit-ups for strengthening and toning your abdominal muscles.

Then go for Flat bench press and dumbbell flyers for the entire chest area, focusing mainly on the inner chest and followed by 2 sets of push-ups.

Work on your trapezium for the collar muscle and shoulder pressing.

For biceps the exercise to be followed is standing barbell curl.

Next you can work out on your Triceps with Single dumbbell or French press and fore forearms.

Skipping will have an effect on your legs, other wise you can go for Squats and back with lat pull down.

Step 2:

Diets are just as important as exercise, because it is the most important part of getting the body you want. You have to eat good to look good. You need protein, and you don't need fat. Stay away from junk and fatty foods. Not all fat is bad; there is a healthy fat. This fat can be found in fish, Nuts and some oils. Have Lots of fibers such as leafy vegetables, salads and daily products.

Step 3: The results though wont come easily and they wont come very fast either, So Stay dedicated, motivated and consistent, and do all 3 steps correctly to get the desired result.

About the Author

Venkata Ramana is a Fitness Enthusiast and a Professional Body Builder. Visit his http://www.awbodybuilding.com/ and http://www.awweightloss.com/ websites and gain maximum Information to stay fit and healthy.

Written by: Venkata Ramana

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Benefits of Personal Finance Software

Sunday, July 6, 2008

In this age of information, keeping track of your finances does not mean an archaic jumble of ledgers, calculators, and papers filled with calculations in chicken scratch. Now everything can be taken care of on your computer through personal finance software.

Personal Finance Software: Organize Your Finances

Your finances are complicated. You have money coming in and money going out. You have bills and investments as well as multiple bank accounts. Personal finance software will keep everything organized for you. Depending on the software you use, it may be able to separate portions of your finances into various categories for you. For example, Quicken 2005 separates your checking accounts from your savings accounts and allows you to track your investments all at the same time.

Organization saves time. Taking a few minutes to input your purchases and paychecks eliminates those hassles associated with staying on top of your finances. Rather than rifling though bank statements and bills for hours, everything is right here in the program. As long as you put each purchase and paycheck into the software, your checkbook will automatically be balanced. Some programs also feature functions that will create a budget for you; yet another time saver.

Personal Finance Software Knows Where Your Money Is

In order to keep more of the money you make, you must know where it is. Personal finance software gives you the power to know where each penny is at a glance. Some will even create reports for you that detail where your money goes each month. This feature will help you locate the leaks in your budget and reduce your expenses every month.

The overview personal finance software gives you is one of its main benefits. It allows you to take off the blinders and truly assess your financial situation. With this new-found view of your finances, you will be able to effect changes like never before. The old adage applies; you have to know where you are before you can get to where you want to be.

About The Author

Jon Martin is the webmaster of Your Personal Money Management, a site established to help you keep more of the money you make.

http://www.manage-your-debts.com

This article comes from the Home Financial Software section of the site. http://www.manage-your-debts.com/home-financial-software.shtml

Written by: Jon Martin

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Become a Certified Success in the World of Business and Finance

By Zach Chouteau

There’s no denying that today’s business and finance sectors have become more competitive than ever. It has become critical for professionals to not only have the necessary skills to succeed, but the certification employers are looking for.

This challenging environment has always posed a potential problem for the busy professional trying to take a step up in the business world, or transition into another career in the sector. A full-time return to school to enhance their knowledge and credentials means leaving their current position behind -- and investing substantial time and money pursuing an additional degree.

For these individuals, Kaplan University’s online Business and Finance Sector programs may be the ultimate solution to reaching their goals. With deep roots in higher education that date back to 1937, and a flexible schedule that lets you study anytime, anyplace, Kaplan University’s certificates in Financial Planning, Risk Management, Project Management and Executive Coaching can be completed in as little as 12 months – without interfering with your job or disrupting your life.

“The fields of financial planning, project management, risk management, and executive coaching are experiencing exponential growth, providing a wealth of opportunities in the evolving business world,” said Kristina Belanger, Dean, Kaplan University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. “These rewarding occupations are leading choices for individuals seeking professional growth and diversity, and Kaplan University’s online, self-paced programs provide busy professionals with a flexible learning environment to gain competitive skills for more rapid career advancement.”

Financial planning, for starters, has been repeatedly described as among the most prestigious of modern professions – supported by statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor forecasting job increases of more than 34 percent by 2012. The same reliable source states an average annual salary of $79,990 for personal financial advisors in 2003. Not only that, but proven expertise in the field can allow you the option of either working for yourself or a world of high-end firms throughout the country.

To win the trust of potential employers or prospective clients in the business world, however, you’ll need applicable skills and proper certification. That’s where Kaplan University’s Certificate in Financial Planning comes in. The course teaches you all you need to know about analyzing a client’s financial situation – strengths, weaknesses, and how to best achieve their financial goals. From savvy tax management to smart investing to retirement planning, you’ll be steeped in all the crucial information necessary to be a certified financial planner.

Project management is another area where Kaplan University can help open doors to a variety of new career opportunities. Learning how to increase a company’s chances for maximum profits by optimizing time, money, and personnel, is a skill respected by organizations everywhere. From business to information technology to real estate and more, project managers may earn from $60,000 to $100,000 annually on average, with senior project managers holding yearly salaries ranging from $70,000 to $150,000.

As a Project Manager you’ll be respected in your industry as someone capable of leading important initiatives as you advance your career. You’ll be the one CEOs and company presidents turn to as a leader for their organization’s most critical undertakings. Perhaps best of all is the universal applicability of the knowledge and skills that Kaplan University can provide with this program – which can be put to use for the rest of your working life, regardless of the direction your career may take.

If you hold at least an associate’s degree, and have an interest or background in such fields as business, human resources, accounting or finance, Kaplan University’s Certificate in Risk Management can help you earn from $66,000 to $110,000 annually. Risk control, loss prevention, and adhering to today’s stricter compliancy laws have made risk management an essential aspect of doing business in today’s corporate world. A Certificate in Risk Management from Kaplan University will give employers the confidence that you know your stuff inside and out.

Risk managers recognize and review an organization’s loss exposures including property, liability, personnel, and net income in order to promote growth through profit, continuous operation, and stable earnings. Kaplan University will teach you all this, plus other critical skills such as enterprise risk management (ERM) and creating risk management programs. You can then apply your knowledge and skills toward pursuing a top position with a number of companies, or entering the field as an independent consultant. Like Kaplan University’s other certificates, this program can be completed in as little as 12 months, learning at your own convenience.

Executive coaching is now a major growth industry. More and more businesses are employing executive coaches to instill leadership development among managers and executives to bolster an environment of ongoing organizational change. Executive coaches thoughtfully listen -- and ask the right questions -- to assess an individual’s attributes, needs, and coachability. Kaplan University’s Executive Coaching Certificate offers the necessary skills for observing, recognizing, and intervening for full business effectiveness. It can teach you to teach leaders to better comprehend organizational dynamics and to climb up the corporate ladder.

In a recent summary poll of executive coaches, 65 percent of respondents reported yearly compensation of $85,000 or more. Opportunities exist in a number of business environments, including corporations, non-profits, government offices, and independent consulting.

Whether you study financial planning, project management, risk management, or executive coaching, you’ll have the chance to expand your employment and career opportunities. Through developing your professional acumen and abilities you will be able to explore new job prospects with virtually any professional industry where business skills are valued. Should you choose to go into the market on your own, you’ll hold the certification and skills needed to win over prospective clients.

Perhaps best of all, Kaplan University online programs allow you the flexibility and convenience to quickly improve your skills and resume without compromising your current daily life. For the working professional striving to reach their career goals, this might be an ideal option.

For more information about Kaplan University, visit http://kaplan.searchforclasses.com or http://www.searchforclasses.com/ To read more of his articles and to learn more about online education visit http://www.searchforclasses.com/newsletter/ or http://searchforclasses.blogspot.com/

Written by: Matt McAllister


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Basic Tips on Personal Finance

Do you ever wonder where your money goes every month? Does it sometimes seem as though you cannot afford to do things because your financial obligations are holding you back? If you find that you are asking yourself these sorts of questions, perhaps you should take a look at your financial situation and assess whether you are practicing good personal finance management or not. Good personal finance management spends within their income, plan for the future and solve financial problems as they arise. Poor personal finance management pay more, do without and fall behind. If you find yourself in the second category, you can do something about it. You can learn to take charge of your finances by planning your personal finances.

Planning your personal finances doesn't always come naturally, and even if you're just beginning to take your financial matters seriously, then you likely need a few personal finance tips.

Evaluate your current financial situation. One of the most important goals for most people is financial independence. Collect accurate information about your personal financial situation. Calculate your net worth which includes the real estate, saving and retirement accounts, and all other assets. This will help you decide how much money you can set aside for meeting future needs and goals.

A basic personal finance tip is to make a budget. A personal finance budget is information made up of your income and expenses and the more accurate this information is, the more likely you are be able to meet your goals and realize your dreams. A personal finance budget should be made for at most one year at a time and include a list of your monthly expenses.

All expenses must be included. To be sure of that go through all your paid bills, check register and credit card receipts to find expenditures that recur every month and expenditures that happen less frequently. Personal finance budgeting requires some small sacrifices. To be able to make good personal financial decisions and set priorities, you must know where your money is actually going. Start your budget and accomplish your goals.

Get an electronic bill pay. This is a very convenient way to pay your bills. You pay them electronically, by direct withdrawal from your bank account. The transaction is processed immediately. You can even link your bill pay service to your personal finance budget, so that your expenditures are automatically entered in the appropriate category. Personal financial management can be really easy.

Make an investment and finance plan. Now that the fundamental state of your personal financial security has been established, the time has come for the more prosperous part of your personal financial life. You need to make a personal finance plan of what you really want in life that money can buy. Your personal financial plan can be as simple or as detailed as you want it to be. Find out how to finally start to implement this plan and get the money to finance it. This is the long term part of your financial. This journey is the most interesting and exciting part of personal financing you can have toward financial freedom.

You can prepare for a secure personal financial future by following these simple tips. When you take control with your money, you don't have to worry about debt taking control of you.

About the author:

Oyvind Hennum runs the site http://www.financial-freedom-made-simple.com/

A large free resource directory containing book reviews, articles, biographies, motivational quotes, affirmations, practical tips, budgeting advice, success tests and free e-books.

Written by: Oyvind Hennum

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Bad Credit? With Poor Credit You Can Still Refinance Or Get A Home Equity Line Of Credit

Have you decided to refinance your home or apply for a home equity line of credit but worry about your credit rating? Even with poor credit it is possible to refinance your existing mortgage or obtain a home equity line of credit. New practices in the lending industry have made it easier than ever for you to refinance your mortgage or get a home equity line of credit. If you have adverse credit, specialized lenders can help you find the loan package your need with an interest rate you can afford.

Refinancing your home loan can allow you to make improvements to your home or consolidate debts. Some lenders offer loans up to 125% of your home's value even if you have less than perfect credit. Your current mortgage terms and interest rate, the length of time you intend to stay in your home, and the level of debt your currently have are all factors to be considered in making the decision to refinance your mortgage. If you have equity in your home, you will often receive a lower interest rate than those with little or no equity.

Home equity lines of credit are revolving accounts with your home serving as security for the loan. When you get a home equity line of credit you are approved for a certain amount of credit. The maximum amount you can borrow at a given time will depend on your credit limit. Typically, a home equity line of credit will have a variable rate of interest although some lenders may offer a fixed rate as well. You will have an amount you can borrow at any given time and you may not borrow more until a certain amount is repaid. Often you will have specific times as to when you may borrow money from your available credit limit.

Obtaining a home equity line of credit is can be the perfect solution for people with remodeling goals, children to put through college, or the need for access to extra cash in the event of an emergency or unexpected financial situation. You can use the money for any purpose and gain peace of mind in knowing you are prepared for whatever life brings you.

Refinancing your mortgage or getting a home equity line of credit has been the answer for millions of people looking to realize their financial goals. Even if your have bad credit there are loans and lenders who specialize in helping finance people with poor credit. They can help you reach your individual objectives.

To view our list of recommended bad credit or sub-prime mortgage lenders, visit this page: Recommended Bad Credit Mortgage Lenders.

About the Author

Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide. ABC Loan guide is an informational website about various types of loans. The site has informative articles and the latest finance news.

Written by: Carrie Reeder

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