Value Investing: Selecting From The Bargain Bin

Picking a beaten-down stock requires a different kind of selection process. Normally, most companies beaten down this far have no earnings to speak of. Of course, if the company continues to earn money, one can apply normal valuation techniques. By that measure, many of these stocks appear outrageously undervalued: an indication of great buys. But this may also be a red flag that things are oo good to be true.

Another criteria we look at focuses on the breakup value of the company and/or the ability of the company to keep operating in troubled times. For example, debt ratios are important because we want to be sure the company will not be swallowed up in its debt payments. Book Value tells us the value of each share based upon the accountants valuations of assets and liabilities. Sometimes, we also look at cash-on-hand to determine if the company is able to continue as a going concern.

A glance at the high and low price that the shares have sold for in the past may indicate no more than how crazy the market was only a few short years ago. Still, if investors were willing to pay $200 per share for a stock two years ago, it is difficult to believe that it's worth less than a dollar today. Maybe the reality is somewhere in between.

Openwave Systems (OPWV $1.12, High $208; Buy Aggressively), is the top supplier of software that mobile service providers use to offer text and instant messaging to customers. It also provides mobile Web browsing software. The company, which resulted from the merger of Phone.com and Software.com, develops products providing wireless data transfer and messaging, mobile e-mail, and directory services. A recent acquisition of SignalSoft adds a new product line, software that assists cellular users to locate destinations or other users. The company has a loyal subscriber base, and outstanding growth prospects. Openwave, however, is typical of today's bargains. Formerly selling as high as $208 per share (no, that's not a misprint), shares today cost only a little over a dollar. With a book value more than 4 times that amount, virtually no debt, and cash on hand in excess of the stock price per share, there can be no doubt that the shares are now selling at outrageously low prices. We believe these shares represent an outstanding high-risk buy at current prices.

To send comments or to learn more about Scott Pearson's Investment Advisor Services, visit http://www.valueview.net

Scott Pearson is an investment advisor, writer, editor, instructor, and business leader. As President and Chief Investment Officer of Value View Financial Corp., he offers investment management services to a wide variety of clients. His own newsletter, Investor's Value View, is distributed worldwide and provides general money tips and investment advice to readers both internationally, and in the U.S.

Loans Are Not Just For Christmas. Surviving The Holiday Debt Hangover.

Christmas is coming - A time for decorations, songs, over-eating, gift giving, visiting the family, consumer spending and the increasing of personal debts. Bah humbug.



While most people see Christmas as a joyful period there are many who see it as a time of financial worry as they cannot afford to buy presents for everyone. For these people it is often the doorstep lenders who will be getting fatter rather than them and their family. The temptation is to simply put the expenses on the credit card or take out a loan to be paid back on the never-never. Unfortunately this can lead to disastrous results in the long-term, as the recent increase in the number of repossession order applications are testimony.



There are a few simple rules can help to prevent a post festive period financial hangover though.



Firstly, don't ignore the problem. The longer you leave a debt problem, the worse it will become.



If things seem desperate then contacting a free organisation such as National Debtline (0808 808 4000) can help by giving debt advice over the phone, or by providing booklets and fact sheets, as well as helping to set up personalised debt management plans.



Next, maximise incomings and minimise outgoing expenditures. Look out for anywhere costs can be reduced. Online retailers don't have to pay for expensive premises, and so buying presents online rather than in the shops is often a great money saver. Be alert for shop sales and make the most of them.



If you already have debts, then you need to be wary of borrowing more money without some serious consideration and qualified professional independent financial advice.



Taking out a low rate secured loan to cover previously unsecured debt may seem like a sensible idea, however, should you fail to meet the payments you could lose your house. If you have unsecured loans, your home may not be safe either. Debt counselling charities have recently become increasingly alarmed regarding a growing trend by some of the high street lenders to issue charging orders on borrowers' homes in order to recover bad debts. This means that by going through the courts, the lender can change an unsecured loan agreement converting the debt to be secured on the borrower's house, whilst still charging unsecured interest rates. A consolidation loan may seem sensible; however this will mean borrowing more money, over a longer period this will mean more interest to pay in the long run.



If you decide to take out a loan, then you need to ensure that you are getting the best rate that is available. The big banks like Barclays ( http://www.barclays.co.uk/loans-index/ ) have online facilities showing their current rates , and other online finance companies such as Moneynet ( http://www.moneynet.co.uk/loans/index.shtml ) provide free facilities to compare rates for hundreds of secured loans, unsecured loans and even adverse loans.

Never use a doorstep lender no matter how desperate things seem. Radio 4's Money Box recently highlighted the plight of people in Southampton where the typical doorstep lender's APR was a massive 177%. For people on low incomes trying to regain control of their finances, this will lead to further problems and cause existing debt to spiral out of all control. Recent initiatives for people who have had problems getting affordable credit, known as Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs), have started springing up around the country. These are funded by a collaboration of public and private money including some of the major banks, and specialise in providing personal adverse loans and small business loans to people who have previously been turned down by the banks. CDFIs usually charge an annual interest rate of up 24%, which is higher than many standard non-adverse high street loans due to the increased levels of risk and additional advice involved with this kind of lending but it is also much lower than the unregulated alternatives.



When you look at paying off existing debts, you need to decide which are the most important and deal with your priority debts first. Ensure mortgage and rent bills are covered first, next pay off essential utility bills and council tax, before trying to pay off any unsecured loans.



As well as reducing any monetary outgoings, it is also important to ensure that you are getting all the incoming money that you are due. Checking with the local Citizens Advice can be useful for help on debt, benefit, housing, legal, discrimination, employment, immigration and consumer issues. They will be able to advise you on most areas of concern, including whether there are any government payments to which you could be entitled.



Debt problems can seem insurmountable at the best of times, but over the Christmas period it can become completely overwhelming. Start by maximising your incomings, minimising your outgoings, and careful budgeting and purchasing. Ensure you are getting the best loan rates through free online information comparison at sites like Moneynet, and speak to free independent advice services like National Debtline and Citizens Advice; it is possible to retake control of your finances and have a happy Christmas.



Disclaimer:

All information contained in this article, is for general information purposes only and should not be construed as advice under the Financial Services Act 1986.



You are strongly advised to take appropriate professional and legal advice before entering into any binding contracts.



Useful resources:

Moneynet loan comparisons ( http://www.moneynet.co.uk/loans/index.shtml )

Barclays loans ( http://www.barclays.co.uk/loans-index/ )

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Richard lives in Edinburgh, occasionally writing for the personal finance blog Cashzilla ( cashzilla.blogspot.com/ ), and listens to music no one else likes.

Offshore Asset Protection

Offshore asset protection means the transferal of assets or legal title to assets to a foreign land under different jurisdiction to protect it from creditors. Offshore asset protections are for those who wish to escape their country\'s legal and tax system. In most cases, offshore asset protection strategy does not offer much legal protection against determined creditors. But, it does discourage creditors to proceed with a lawsuit because of the extra expense and judgment risk. A well-drafted domestic asset protection strategy will also provide the same benefits and it is less expensive.

Few countries are in favor of offshore asset protection, and for a number of good reasons. Their laws are intentionally drafted to protect debtors by overruling settle trust laws. Some offshore jurisdictions provide short periods of statutory limitation, while others have packaged asset protection vehicles. It changes the character of the assets that cannot be legally seized and sold by the creditors. You should be sure about the requirement and obligations for offshore asset protection. Before deciding on overseas protection, you should seek advice from your attorney.

It is necessary to have a complete plan in order to make offshore asset protection financially effective, tax-complaint and judicious. There are countries that will challenge the offshore jurisdiction, and obscure laws that could put the debtor in prison. Some people feel offshore asset protection is safer and more secure than any other protection. The fact is most countries have laws to nullify the transfer of assets to any foreign jurisdiction.

Asset Protection provides detailed information on Asset Protection, Asset Protection Trusts, Offshore Asset Protection, Asset Protection Strategies and more. Asset Protection is affiliated with Asset Management System.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=PeterEmerson

Payroll Ohio Unique Aspects of Ohio Payroll Law and Practice

The Ohio State Agency that oversees the collection and reporting of State income taxes deducted from payroll checks is:

Department of Taxation P.O. Box 2476 Columbus, OH 43266-0076 (614) 433-7887 (888) 405-4039 www.state.oh.us/tax

Ohio requires that you use Ohio form \IT-4, Employee\'s Withholding Exemption Certificate\ instead of a Federal W-4 Form for Ohio State Income Tax Withholding.

Not all states allow salary reductions made under Section 125 cafeteria plans or 401(k) to be treated in the same manner as the IRS code allows. In Ohio cafeteria plans are not taxable for income tax calculation; not taxable for unemployment insurance purposes. 401(k) plan deferrals are not taxable for income taxes; taxable for unemployment purposes.

In Ohio supplemental wages are taxed at a 3.5% flat rate.

You may file your Ohio State W-2s by magnetic media if you choose to.

The Ohio State Unemployment Insurance Agency is:

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Unemployment Compensation Division 52 Robinwood Ave. Columbus, OH 43213 (614) 466-2100 www.state.oh.us/odjfs

The State of Ohio taxable wage base for unemployment purposes is wages up to $9,000.00.

Ohio has optional reporting of quarterly wages on magnetic media.

Unemployment records must be retained in Ohio for a minimum period of five years. This information generally includes: name; social security number; dates of hire, rehire and termination; wages by period; payroll pay periods and pay dates; date and circumstances of termination.

The Ohio State Agency charged with enforcing the state wage and hour laws is:

Department of Commerce Division of Labor and Worker Safety Wage and Hour Bureau 50 West Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 644-2239 www.state.oh.us/Business/Employer/ProtectingYourBusiness/Wages.htm

The minimum wage in Ohio is $5.15 per hour (large employers), $3.35 (medium employers), and $2.80 (small employers).

The general provision in Ohio concerning paying overtime in a non-FLSA covered employer is one and one half times regular rate after 40-hour week.

Ohio State new hire reporting requirements are that every employer must report every new hire and rehire. The employer must report the federally required elements of:

• Employee\'s name
• Employee\'s address
• Employee\'s date of birth
• date of hire
• Employee\'s social security number
• Employer\'s name
• Employers address
• Employer\'s Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

This information must be reported within 20 days of the hiring or rehiring. The information can be sent as a W4 or equivalent by mail, fax or electronically. There is a $25.00 penalty for a late report and $500 for conspiracy in Ohio.

The Ohio new hire-reporting agency can be reached at 888-872-1490 or 614-221-5330 or on the web at www.oh-newhire.com

Ohio does allow compulsory direct deposit but the employee\'s choice of financial institution must meet federal Regulation E regarding choice of financial institutions.

Ohio has no State Wage and Hour Law provisions concerning pay stub information.

Ohio requires that employee be paid no less often than semimonthly; monthly if allowed by custom of contract and wages paid by first of next month.

Ohio requires that the lag time between the end of the pay period and the payment of wages earned 1st half of month, pay by 1st of next month; wages earned 2nd half of month, pay by 15th of next month.

Ohio has no general provision on when terminated employees must be paid their final wages.

Deceased employee\'s wages of $2, 500 must be paid to the surviving spouse, adult children, or parent (in that order).

Escheat laws in Ohio require that unclaimed wages be paid over to the state after one year.

The employer is further required in Ohio to keep a record of the wages abandoned and turned over to the state for a period of 5 years.

Ohio payroll law mandates no more than $3.02 (less for small and medium employers) may be used as a tip credit.

In Ohio the payroll laws covering mandatory rest or meal breaks are only that minors under 16 must have 30 minutes rest after five hours of work.

Ohio statute requires that wage and hour records be kept for a period of not less than three years. These records will normally consist of at least the information required under FLSA.

The Ohio agency charged with enforcing Child Support Orders and laws is:

Office of Child Support Ohio Department of Human Services State Office Tower 30 E. Broad St., 31st Fl. Columbus, OH 43266-0423 (614) 752-6561 www.ohio.gov/odhs/Ocs/index.htm

Ohio has the following provisions for child support deductions:

• When to start Withholding? 14 working days after the withholding order is mailed to the employer.
• When to send Payment? Within 7 days of Payday.
• When to send Termination Notice? Within 10 days of termination.
• Maximum Administrative Fee? greater of $2 or 1% of payment
• Withholding Limits? Federal Rules under CCPA.

Please note that this article is not updated for changes that can and will happen from time to time.

Charles J. Read, CPA has been in the payroll, accounting and tax business for 30 years, the last fifteen in private practice. Mr. Read is the author of \How to Start a New Business\.

For Professional Payroll services at a Budget Price go to http://www.PayrollonaBudget.com a Paperless Payroll Company.

Go to http://www.CustomPayroll.com For a full service payroll service bureau with CPA\'s on staff.

See an excerpt of Mr. Read\'s interviews from William Shatners \Heartbeat of America\ television show on the websites linked above.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CharlesRead

ApresSki

European tax haven Andorra enjoys the same fiscal benefits as better known Monaco, adding to property demand from those looking for residency in a tax shelter as well as traditional ski chalet buyers who flock to the country between December and April each year.

With the end of the ski season last month many ski resorts in Europe have closed up shop until early December with overseas property owners having little prospect of rental income in the summer months.

But tiny Andorra, nestled between France and Spain in the Pyrenees and the sixteenth smallest country in the world, is increasingly attracting out of season tourists and property owners are seeing a rise in overall occupancy levels and return on their investment.

Cycling, pony trekking and hillwalking are some of the pursuits attracting tourists and potential property owners heading for the mountains outside of Andorra's ski season. Andorra's capital la Vella is full of duty free shops, restaurants, clubs and bars. Coupled with the mountain scenery and lakes Andorra has seen a rise in the number of out of season tourists in recent years, and the letting season extend from just the winter months to include the spring and summer.

For a country with a population of 77,000 Andorra attracted a surprising 9 million tourists last year, and with more visitors in the summer months predictions are that this will rise to ten million this year.

Ryanair and easyJet are two of the low cost carriers flying to Barcelona and Girona airports from major European cities, the onward journey time to Andorra's capital la Vella is two and a half hours by coach or car.

Andorra Property News at http://www.propertyandorra.com offer a free 28 page guide covering banking, applying for residency and the towns and villages of Andorra to those considering moving there plus details of apartments and chalets for sale, with prices starting from 157,000 Euros for a furnished one bedroom apartment in Els Cortals ten minutes from the ski slopes.

Andorra Property News is able upon request to e-mail details of over 40 properties for sale in Andorra by visiting http://www.propertyandorra.com

Should I Use Online Banking?

Before, if you still remember, I have talked about online saving account. Today, I will discuss about a quite similar thing which is online banking. Actually, it is quite a common trend nowadays to do banking activities online but for some countries like Malaysia (my home country), online banking is not been used widely. Maybe, the banking system there is not strongly developed yet. But, I expect online banking to be widely used in Malaysia in maybe 5 years time.

Okay, enough with some background of online banking in Malaysia. Let us talk about why we should or should not use online banking.

Advantages

From online banking, almost every transaction can be done from home. This is good as it saves a lot of our time. Now, we do not have to go down to a bank to do a transaction like transferring money from current to saving account. Before, this transaction only can be done at the bank since ATM machine cannot handle this.

By having online banking, we can monitor our account balance easily. This gives us more control over our budgeting plan (see this post about controlling main expenses). For example, I can now how many should I spend for the rest of the month by looking at the online statement. So, I don\'t have to wait for monthly bank statement which sometimes will not be posted at all (I am currently using National Bank as my primary bank and have not received my bank statements for the last 2 months).

Disadvantages

Some banks charge online banking under service charge. For my National Bank online banking, they charge me about $1.00 a month although they said that I will not be charged as I am an international student (Damn! I hate National Bank).

And the biggest issue about online banking is security of your account. Since you are doing your transactions online, you information may be traced by other unwanted people. And by using your information like your online banking username and password, your money can be transferred away from your account in just a few seconds!

So, what am I trying to say here?

Basically, online banking is really useful in many ways but at the same time, the risk is sometimes quite high. So, do some research about your bank. You must know the level of security they offer for online banking. Ask your friends about their experience with the particular bank. And consider looking for other\'s review online. For the New Zealand online banking system, I would say that Raboplus (operates under the Rabobank) and ASB are still the best. So, after all, the choice is yours. Make it wisely.

The author is the owner of the Millionaire blog- http://i-want-to-be-a-millionaire.blogspot.com His blog covers from personal financial matters, how to earn money from blogging and much more. Check it out!

Rebate Credit Cards

Cash rebate credit card allows its customer to get a cash rebate every time it is used. Many companies have adopted this method to keep their customers happy. Such offers make sure that customers get back something back every time they make a purchase.

A cash rebate Credit Card is an ideal choice for those who prefer real cash rewards rather than other offers like air miles or other items. So if you are really like good amount of cash coming back to you on the purchases you make. These cash rebate cards have a higher APR and fees.

If you tend to carry an outstanding, this credit card would be very costly. However, if you pay off your balances than the higher APR will not affect you that much and you can take full advantage of some great cash rebates. A cash rebate facility varies from card to card but it is usually 1%. The rebate may also rise up to 5% on certain purchases.

Let perceive this with an example. Imagine that you get a gasoline card; you may be able to earn a high percentage rebate on all your purchases. If there are more items, which qualify under the cash, rebate program, you would be able to earn a high rebate amount every month. Some purchases for big ticket items can get you a great deal of cash rebate, but there might be a cap on the maximum about of rebates you can get.

But do not shop blindly. Always try to review whether your rebate card supports rewards on such items.

To avail maximum benefits from a cash rebate credit card, you should know very well about how to get your reward from your cash rebate credit card. Once you reach bank for a check. Some banks allow their customers to receive the reward on their credit card account or even deposit into their bank account.

Try to pay attention to other features of the credit card, like the account credit limits annual percentage rate, transfer fees etc. Once you are through with your research you can decide on which rebate credit card to apply for.

A rebate credit card is a very good choice if you can try to manage to get one but never forget to understand the features offered by such credit cards to avoid any misunderstandings.

Andy Eaton is the owner of http://www.credit-cards-4us.com a site decdicated to helping consumers find the right credit cards, helping them get out of debt.

Finding a Car Loan in Oakland California

Most Californians already know that the state of CA has some of the strictest emissions requirements in the nation. These requirements show up in the sticker price when it comes time to purchasing a new or used car. By being a smart consumer you can be an expert negotiator when it comes time to talk about the price of the vehicle. In addition, you can use your research and car knowledge to help you find the best car loan in the Oakland, California area. Remember, knowledge is power and knowing the ropes of the car business before walking into the finance office can help you shave percentage points off your finance agreement!



Consumers are finding that used vehicles sometimes offer the best bang for the buck when it comes time to purchase a car or truck. The depreciation has been absorbed by the first owner and you can often purchase a much better vehicle in terms of features used than you might be able to afford new. Many dealerships that sell used cars participate in certified pre-owned programs which means the cars have passed a comprehensive inspection program mandated by the car manufacturer and may very well come with a warranty for at least the first full year of ownership.



When it comes time to finance the vehicle purchase don\'t be afraid to go outside the dealership. Banks, credit unions and specialized auto finance companies in CA can sometimes offer you better interest rates than the dealers cannot match. When shopping for financing remember that the short the loan term and the more money you can put down on the vehicle in the beginning will mean a lot less out of pocket money you will owe in the long run.



Purchasing a car or truck can be a stressful experience for some, but arming yourself with knowledge before walking in the door will prepare you for cutting past the fluff and getting down to business when you find the perfect vehicle for your needs.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Terry Bolton is an auto enthusiast and internet publisher who likes to give people auto information. Check out his comprehensive automotive information portal cheap-used-cars.w-eland.com.

Debt Consolidation Solutions

Millions of Americans are finding it hard to pay their bills and dig themselves out of debt. Many are turning to debt consolidation for help. While the biggest problem seems to be credit card debt, other debts such as; tax debts, medical bills, student loans and personal loans can all be included in a debt consolidation plan.

Debt consolidation is a simple process that can be done over the Internet. A person needs to search for a lender that is listed in the Better Business Bureau. It is also recommended to find a lender that is part of a non-profit organization. After a lender is picked, an application is filled out with personal information as well as debt amounts, account numbers and present monthly payment amounts. A debt specialist will then give you feedback on what your 1, new monthly payment would be and how long until your debts are paid. If both parties accept the debt consolidation plan, a signature will be required to get started.

The lender will deal with the creditors. In most cases the lender will get the creditors to lower the interest rate and in some cases even lower the amount owed.

The creditor will benefit from debt consolidation because they know they will be receiving money from this lender. From their standpoint, they would rather get some money than have the debtor file for bankruptcy and get nothing.

The lender is also benefiting from the donations that the non-profit organization receives for their services.

The debtor receives the greatest benefits from debt consolidation. They now have one monthly payment, which is smaller than their combined payments were before. They will get their debt paid faster due to the fact that (A) they cannot use their credit cards at this point. The creditors have closed their accounts, but left them in good standing. (B) The interest rates have been lowered; therefore the debt will be paid off faster. Another benefit from debt consolidation is that you can reestablish your credit without having blemishes on your credit report.

Timothy Gorman is a successful webmaster and publisher of Debt-Relief-Solutions.com. He provides more debt relief, consolidation and free debt consolidation information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Interest Only Loans For The Real Esate Investor

The real estate investor and the interest only loan are a
perfect pairing. The real estate investor looking to retain an
investment for the short term can really benefit from the
lowered investment of the principal payment. Especially in
situation where the investor is improving the property and the
value is certain to increase.

This particular borrower fully understands the risks involved in
an interest only loan, and has spent the time needed to
determine if the product is right for his investment needs. The
real estate investor is a business person, not a consumer
borrowing to pay for a place to live. The short-term real
estate investor or developer wants to keep his or her
expenditures at a minimum during this investment period, saving
as much of the expendable cash as possible for the actual
renovation or preparation for sale of the property itself. The
less money spent on mortgage payments, or in the investor's
eyes, investment expense, the more money there is to actively
and aggressively pursue potential buyers and increase the value
of the property. This is good business, and good business is
based on sound business decisions. It is here that every
consumer needs to stop and reevaluate their borrowing situation
against that of the investor. A real estate investor is a
business person. Their livelihood depends on their knowledge of
the product they market, in this case real estate. Normally, a
business person is not going to take a risk with their personal
investments that the will take with a business investment. Why?
Because the home they share with their family is much more
important than a business deal, most are not willing to risk
losing their home. A risky investment for the consumer when
speaking in terms of their home is not a good move. Taking the
safe bet is a much smarter move on the part of the consumer,
even if the interest rate is a little more, and the house is a
little smaller.

Chapter One FSBO the Russ Miles Thriller/Mystery Novel

Chapter One

She reached the phone on its second ring. This is Tami! She confidently answered. She knew who she was.

Honey, guess what? I sold them! I've got the job!\In Phoenix, Aaron?\Yes! It's beautiful here! Ninety degrees in November. Blue sky. This place is booming. We'll sell our house, there!I don't want to sell my home! Tami's mind screamed in silent protest. While she didn't utter a sound, her reality whirled as her husband continued to talk.

The company wants me on my job next Wednesday. I'll be on the plane back, tomorrow. Pick me up, SeaTac at 4:35. I'll be on Southwest flight 722. I booked before calling you. Don't try to come inside. Be at the departures terminal, you know, where you dropped me off!\But, this is Wednesday! How...\Don't you worry about anything! We've got a week, Tami. We can do it. I love you.

Aaron, wait! Please don't hang up. Tell me all about it. Just a moment, I need to get something to write this down... Now, how do you know that we will be able to move there? We've got this house. Trevor's in first grade. We...

We agreed before I came here, Tami. Remember?\Yes, but...\I've got to report to Human Resources, now. They're waiting for me. I'll get all of the information. We'll make sense out of it when I get back. You got 4:35 down?\Yes, Aaron. But, call me tonight! Okay?\I will, if I get a chance. Got all this information on the company I've got to read too. They want to see me here at 7:00 AM, before I fly back. I love you.

I love you, Aaron! Please promise you'll call me back tonight!\Got to go, now! Bye.

Dazed, Tami stared at the receiver. She knew he'd be too busy to call. That's why he didn't promise. She loved Aaron, but she loved her house, too. All of her friends were envious of it. It was an extension of herself. This was her home. She'd made Aaron buy it even though there was talk of a lay-off at Boeing. She was tired of the small apartment they'd rented since Trevor was born. They'd looked at dozens of houses before they'd found this home, almost ready. The builder had it finished to her buyer's specifications. He'd even said he admired her good taste. Her home had everything her friends had always wanted.

The emerald carpeting didn't stain when six-year-old Trevor spilled his food eating in front of the TV. Green was her favorite color. A stay-at-home mom, Tami Tanner spent her days primping in the mirror, supervising the soaps, and charging on the card her orders from the two channels that offered exclusive articles of fine jewelry. She'd never had to work. Aaron didn't want his wife to work. He'd said so before she'd married him. That was just fine with Tami. But, since Aaron has been laid off, Tami has resented the fact that she has had to curb her spending. Tami eyes embraced her kitchen, its tile countertops reflecting forest hues of the perfect curtains she'd found. The built-in microwave was the best. Aaron said that she deserved the bestso long as he got his three-car garage. The oversized refrigeratoricemaker in the doorwas the envy of her best friend, Heather, who said she'd trade her boyfriend for an icebox like that. Tami's builder couldn't order the frig. They were behind on their credit card payments for it and she couldn't even charge jewelry. Tami knew she was supposed to be happy Aaron got the job. But, why did it have to be in Phoenix? What about her home here? She decided to call Heather. As she waited for Heather's voice mail message to conclude, Tami played with the ruby anklet which matched her toenails. Aaron would never have approved her little indulgence.

Heather? This is Tami. Please call me back. Pick up, if you're there! Aaron's got a job. Please, call when you get this message! I'm home. All right? Bye.

Wait, Tami! Don't hang up. I'm on.\Heather! Aaron took a job in Phoenix. What am I going to do?\You're going to move. That's what.\I don't want to move, Heather. I want to stay here! In my house.\We don't always get everything we want, Tami.\I know, but

But nothing! Grow up, Tami! Quit playing dumb! It's me, remember? You've a husband and a son to think about. God, you don't know how good you've had it!

I know. You're right, Heather. I really do have it good, don't I? Do you think you could come over? I'm bored blind. Aaron's been gone since Sunday night. Could you, please?\ My officer 167 Ted Rasmussen will be here for dinner. He likes to eat when he arrives. I haven't even thawed out the chicken. Please, Heather!

Alright, Tami! Quit whining! I'll see you, tonight when Ted's away. He'll have two beers with his dinner, want sex, and to take off with his off-duty cop buddies until around midnight. I'll come after he leaves.\Thank you, Heather! I'll put Trevor to bed by 8:00. I'll see if I can get a sitter. We can go dancing! Okay?No way, Tami! Your husband's out of town, but my Ted could find out. I'm not risking my relationship just so you can get your jollies teasing some horny hound dogs. I'll come over and we can just talk. I'm not getting high either! You got that, Tami?

Okay! But, come over. We'll just talk. Okay?\I said I'd be there, Tami. See you around 7:30.

Tami carried the receiver with her up the oak staircase to the second floorpausing near the top--to admire her beautiful living room with its bayed windows and gas-log fireplace. The custom carved mantle was just like the one in Home Beautiful magazine. It was perfect. Plush emerald carpeting extended from the green slate entry, through the open dining room to the breakfast bar where Trevor had his Super-Hero's Cereal every morning. The thick Seattle phone directory, atop his stool, made it the perfect height for her six-year-old son. Home from school, Trevor was watching TV, eating lime wiggly, in the family room.

Last night's dishes and Trevor's breakfast bowl were in the dishwasher, frozen lasagna in the oven for another hour and ten minutes. Tami had time to bubble bathe. Glass pipe in hand, she could relax, smoke a little dope, and consider how she would tell Trevor the news: 'Daddy has a new job; we have to move to a new home in Phoenix; you'll get to go to a new school.' Immersed in a euphoric high, she indulged the sodden moments her jetted bathtub offered, amid awful thoughts of losing her ideal home, her connection, and her elegant identity.

[End Chapter One

To continue reading, please click the link below which will take you to Chapter Two.

http://books.iuniverse.com/viewbooks.asp?isbn=0595287034&page=4

Russ Miles is author of the novel, For Sale By Owners:FSBO. A Seasoned Real Estate NAR Broker, disabled by Multiple Sclerosis, he writes books & articles on varied subjects. Google russ miles. FOR SALE BY OWNERS:FSBO ISBN 0-595-28703-4,in trade paperback, is available by phone or Internet:1-800-Authors to order direct! Adobe e-book & hard cover editions also available FSBO at Amazon.com at Barnes and Noble and other fine booksellers. Comments: MilesRuss@Gmail.com. [Please include the word FSBO in your subject line

Interest Only Loan How Does It Work

Interest only loan is the one that gives you the possibility of paying only interest as your monthly payment. In that way you will pay a very reduced amount of money as your monthly payment; compared to the amount of money you would be paying if you add the principal to your monthly payments. Interest only loans can be 30-year fixed-rate mortgages or adjustable rate mortgages. You may find interest only loans on the market, for the first three, five, seven or even ten years. Home prices are continuously raising, so many buyers are choosing the interest-only loans option to reduce their mortgage payments and gain more financial freedom.

The biggest advantage of an Interest only mortgage is that you will have a reduced monthly payment; in that way you will count with extra money for other purposes. But, on the other hand, the disadvantage of it is the fact that you will not be paying anything towards the principal balance of your loan. It\'s important to fully understand the risks, when you decide to buy a property with an Interest only Loan. For the lender, the big advantage is that all the lender\'s money will be busy earning interest and none will be unprofitable return of principal, which the lender then has to lend to another borrower to keep earning interest.

During the interest only term your monthly payments are as low as they could possibly be, and you may qualify for a bigger property as well as for a bigger loan amount at the same time; and your whole monthly payment qualifies as tax deductible interest during the interest only period. If you are like most first-time home buyers, you will probably keep your property for a few years only, and then you will be moving up to a better home. Mortgage principal reduction then isn\'t important to you. An interest-only mortgage could be ideal for you.

It\'s important to understand that during the period of time you are holding an interest only loan, your property is building equity just as if you would be holding a fix rate mortgage. The type of loan you choose to buy your property will not affect the equity of your home.

You may find an excellent source of information about Interest Only Loans at: www.findhomeloansonline.com

My name is Robert Moore, and on my over 10 years of experience working on the mortgage industry I have learned that the biggest mistake a borrower may make is to get a loan without getting enough knowledge of what is the best program on the market.

New Year's Resolutions For Stock Market Investors

It is at this time each year when we make New Year's
resolutions, to help reduce the gap between where we are today
and where we want to be in the future. Having been able to speak
to thousands of investors over the last five years, I have
compiled a list of my favorite New Year's resolutions that will
help stock market investors, no matter which way the market goes
this year.

1 Reduce Costs

While most investors are focused on how to make more money in
the stock market, it is just as important to try to reduce your
costs of investing. Like any good CEO, you must focus on getting
the best value possible for every dollar you spend. While it
would be exciting to find an area in which you could save a
large sum of money, it is often the little expenses that fly
just under our mental radar that end up costing us the most.
Keep an eye on commissions, service fees and transaction fees.
Whether you spend $49, $29, $19, or even $9.99, to make a trade,
in the end, you'll get exactly the same result.

2 Think Small

Concentrate on hitting singles, not home runs. Everyone has
dreams of making it big in the stock market. But the quest to
hit a big home run often comes at the expense of taking
advantage of the markets' internal ability to rise over the
long-term. If you can just increase the value of your portfolio
by just an extra 1% per year, it could end up netting you
hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra profits over the
long-term. A $500,000 portfolio, earning 4%, will be worth
$1,095,561 in 20 years. Add an additional 1%, and you will
increase your returns by an additional $231,000.

3 Fire Your Mutual Fund Company

According to the last count, there are over 10,000 mutual funds
in North America, which means that there are more mutual funds
than stocks. Why are there so many? A mutual fund company is one
of the most profitable businesses to start, with little or no
risk. That is why every bank, insurance company, brokerage
company and financial institution in the world, also sells
mutual funds. And as history tells us, lack of performance does
not hinder a mutual fund company's ability to succeed, as it
would in say a business like a drug company, or an energy
company. Remember the basis of the mutual fund company is to
invest with other people's money, and charge them for doing so.
And they do so, while rarely ever beating the stock market
indexes.

In the previous resolution, we looked at how a 1% increase, in
your return, could earn you an extra $231,000. This is the same
1% return that the mutual fund companies are hoping to skim off
your portfolio over the next 20 years.

Can you tell yourself, in the next 60 seconds, why you are
dealing with your current mutual fund company? Is it because of
the above average returns? Is it because of the lower than
average fees? If not, then you may be stuck with its $231,000
gorilla sitting on your shoulders for the next 20 years.

If you do not want to fire your mutual fund company, then, you
might be able to get by just being more selective in the funds
that you choose from their fund family. Most mutual fund
companies today now offer Index funds at a lower expense ratio
than their normal Managed funds. Historically, Index funds,
will outperform Managed funds over the long run. In many cases,
you should be able to save, at least, 1% in your annual
fees.

The more extreme solution, but increasingly popular, would be to
move from mutual funds to exchange traded funds.

Exchange traded funds, or ETF's, are very similar to mutual
funds, but trade, just like stocks. In fact, some of the major
exchange traded funds are now some of the most popular stocks
traded on the major indexes.

4 Invest In A Mutual Fund Company

The best way to make money in mutual funds, is to invest in a
mutual fund company.

5 Avoid The Crowd

Many people save for their retirement by making regular monthly
contributions. This is probably the best way to save for the
long-term. Unfortunately, most people make this contribution at
the end of the month. With so much new money entering the market
at the end of each month, stocks will often trade higher for a
couple of days before, and a couple of days after month end,
meaning that you may end up paying higher prices. Try moving
your contribution date to the middle of the month and avoid the
month end price squeeze.

6 Never Wait For The Why

Have you ever tried to tell a three-year-old to do something?
Inevitably, their reply will be a one-word answer, Why?. Well,
it seems like we never lose that childish curiosity which causes
us to reply to an instruction, by asking the question why.

Unfortunately, the stock market is not in the habit of telling
us why we need to do something at the time we need to do it.

If you have been waiting to take action in the market, and the
opportunity presents itself, do not stop and look around for the
answer to the question why. Take action first, and the answer to
the question why will come later.

Why sell Enron? Why sell Taser? Why sell Krispy Kreme? Why sell
General Motors?

7 Learn The Skill Of Selling

We live in a society where we are born and bred to be shoppers.
>From the time we wake up in the morning, until we go to sleep at
night, we are bombarded with messages that tell us to buy, buy,
buy. So it's no wonder that investors find it very easy to buy
stocks, but feel uncomfortable when it comes time to sell them.
Selling should be about taking profits, or avoiding loss. It
should not be about being right or wrong. Some of the greatest
investors in the world are wrong more than they are right. But
when they're wrong, they sell quickly and reduce their loss, and
risks. And when they're right, they hold on as long as possible,
until the market tells them to sell.

When the stock market fell in 2000, investors did not lose money
because they did not know what stocks to buy, they lost money
because they did not know when to sell.

8 The First One Now Will Later Be Last

It was nearly 40 years ago when the famous singer/songwriter,
Bob Dylan, wrote those famous words The first one now will
later be last. Obviously, Mr. Dylan was not referring to the
stock market, but he could've been. As a society, we love
success. We love to follow and idolize winners in just about any
sector of society, including winners in the stock market.
Unfortunately, it is very rare that you see a winner repeat its
performance, year after year.

What was the best-performing stock, mutual fund or sector last
year, will not be the best-performing stock, mutual fund or
sector this year.

Don't chase success. Buying last year's best-performing
anything, could be one of the most costly investment mistakes
you ever make.

9 Manage What You Can Manage

When a baseball coach walks out, onto the field, is he managing
the players on his team, or the spectators in the stands?

When you look at the stock market, are you trying to manage all
the stocks in the stock market, or are you trying to manage your
selected group of better than average stocks, ETF's, and mutual
funds?

There is a logical reason why there are only so many players on
a sports team; why there are only so many soldiers in a platoon;
and why there are only so many people working for an accounts
receivable manager.

Your goal should be to keep the list of the things that you're
following as small as possible.

If you're following more stocks than the president has seats of
his cabinet table, you're probably following too many.

Have a Happy New Year and all the best to you and your family in
2006.

Stephen Whiteside

http://theuptrend.com/

Stephen Whiteside is the CEO of the online stock market timing
service TheUp
Trend.com, that provides Investors with daily, weekly and
monthly trend analysis, buy & sell signals, price targets,
support & resistance price levels, and Smart Money Alerts, on
over 1,500 leading North American companies listed on the TSX,
NYSE, and the NASDAQ.

Debt Consolidation Loans without Owning a Home Ways to Become Debt Free

If you own a home, your options for becoming debt free are numerous. In this case, you may obtain a home equity loan, line of credit, or refinance your existing mortgage. All three methods will provide you with the necessary funds to payoff consumer debts, and ultimately reach your goal of becoming debt free. Fortunately, non-homeowners also have options for reducing and eliminating debts. Here are a few tips on ways to consolidate debts without owning a home.

Credit Card Balance Transfers

If you do not own a home, but you have good credit, getting a balance transfer may be an effective way to consolidate debts. With this method, you will transfer the balances from high interest credit cards to a low interest credit card.

In some instances, credit card companies offer balance transfers with six months of zero interest. Thus, every monthly payment for six months will go towards reducing the balance. However, if you have a skipped or late payment, the credit card company will begin charging interest before the introductory period has expired.

Personal Debt Consolidation Loans from Credit Unions and Banks

Individuals with a high credit rating may be able to obtain a personal debt consolidation loan through their bank or credit union. Credit unions are better because they offer lower rates. Each bank has different lending requirements. In some cases, you may be able to obtain a no-collateral loan. This generally requires a high credit score and income.

If you do not have good credit, a credit union or bank may approve your loan request if you have collateral. Collateral includes any piece of property of adequate value. In some instances, applicants offer financial institutions vehicle titles.

Non-Profit Consumer Debt Management Programs

If you have exhausted all options for consolidating your debts, contact a non-profit debt management service. Some consumers attempt to negotiate better rates with their creditors. Unfortunately, many do not receive favorable results. Debt management programs can successfully convince creditors to waive late fees, reduce interest, etc. Because these programs are reputable, and the representatives have clout, creditors are more apt to accept negotiated terms.

View our recommended companies for Debt Consolidation Services.

UK Student Loans Explained

Student loans seem to be the only feasible way out to pursue higher studies for the average student in UK. Things become all the more difficult for those without university funding. The government, in its efforts to make further education affordable, had undertaken quite a few steps to buffer educational finance. A significant step towards this end was the formalising of the Student Loans scheme.

The Student Loans scheme was meant to help students with their costs of living during their period of study. With the credit market in UK specialising and booming with respect to the various economic spheres, student loans from private players are gradually becoming easier to get. Numerous lending agencies are eager to offer you a student loan after taking care of every odd problem a borrower may have.

The student loan or support schemes available in UK for various types of education & training within Britain are numerous. The specifications for student loans differ on the basis of the type of the course for which funding is needed, that is, full, part-time, or distance courses at UK universities and also the nationality, region, merit, and financial capacity of the student.

The student loan specifications and categorisation also change according to the study level

students planning to go to Further Education,

currently in Further Education,

left Further Education,

Gap Year,

students with children,

disabled students,

postgraduate students,

mature students, teachers,

NHS funded students,

students in Scotland,

students in N. Ireland & EU students.

You can get a student loan even if you are aged between 50 to 54 years. However, in this case you will have to confirm that you plan to work after the completion of your course. Usually the student loans are designed to take care of the costs of living, which includes costs made on accommodation, food, clothes, and travel. Just 25% of the loan is evaluated on the basis of your income.

For detailed information about the amount of the student loan and the legal procedure, get in touch with the local student loan award authority. This authority will manage the initial part of your student loan application. You will be tested with respect to your means and eligibility to justify your qualification for the student loan. You can also submit your application online with a reliable lending firm.

Against the loan, you are to pay a monthly interest that is based on the rate of inflation calculated daily from the start date of your student loan. You start repaying after finishing the course and after you reach the income level of over 10,000 a year.

However easy the procedure of getting a loan is, remember that you have to repay them. It is better to plan for the repayments while you are applying for the student loans. This increases your credit rating as well as relieves you of severe financial tension in future.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the loan information sites www.selectloans.co.uk/ and also www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk. At the Personal Loan Store you can find all the different loan types explained.

The Real Estate Market in Scottsdale Arizona

Scottsdale is hot, hot, and hot. Well, at least the temperature is. The real estate market in Scottsdale has been very cool for some time notwithstanding national trends.

The Real Estate Market in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale is located just to the north and east of Phoenix. With the growth explosion in both areas, it is becoming more difficult to tell them apart. Nonetheless, Scottsdale has a population of just less than a quarter of a million people and his home to the famous Phoenician Resort. With massive growth over the last 15 years, the city has a definite new feel to it.

The average selling price of a home for sale in Scottsdale is just over $210,000. This figure is about $30,000 over the national sales price for similar homes. Unfortunately, the market has been suffering a down period with appreciation crawling along at a little over four percent. Despite these numbers, real estate market appears primed for a rebound.

As with any part of the country, a prime indicator for real estate is the local economy. In Scottsdale, the economy is picking up steam. Job growth is at a strong four percent with much stronger growth projected through the foreseeable future. Practically speaking, this means salaries and worker demand should increase. These people are going need places to live and will have money in the bank. This surely represents a solid real estate market project for Scottsdale.

With its close proximity to Phoenix, practical amenities are plentiful in Scottsdale. With the exception of snow skiing, you can find practically anything you need within 20 minutes. From an education standpoint, schools in Scottsdale are of high quality and consistently rank above national averages. Health care costs are also on par with national averages, while violent crime rates are about half of the national average.

As you might imagine, it gets dry and hot in Scottsdale. Recently, the area went four months without any rain in the middle of winter. Historically, it has received about nine inches per year. Average temperatures in the summer are a robust 103 degrees on average, but winter days can cool down into the forties.

While the weather is mostly blazing hot in Scottsdale, the real estate market seems to have missed out on the recent real estate craze. Perhaps it is just a little late in getting to the party.

Raynor James is with the FSBO site - FSBOAmerica.org - homes for sale by owner. Find homes for sale or read about the Scottsdale Home For Sale Real Estate market.

Constantly Planning to Get Out of Debt

Having a constant plan to get out of debt will help you keep your finances in order.

When you keep your focus on your debt and money situation, you are able to better control it.

Most advisors will tell you that you need to be debt free. Yes, that is the ultimate goal, but for many people, it isn\'t exactly reality. There are situations, like buying a home, in which you have to accept debt.

There is good debt and bad debt. Good debt is debt you can afford and bad debt is debt you can\'t afford. That\'s all there is to it. If you can afford your mortgage, car payment and RV payments, then it is alright. If you can\'t, then it isn\'t good debt.

When it comes to credit cards, however, they are bad debt, regardless. You will eventually reach a point where you can\'t afford them. That is almost guaranteed.

The key is to constantly work to paying off yoru debt. Start with your credit cards and high interest loans. Focus on paying off the cards with the highest interest rates to start with. This will save you money in the long run.

Once you have all of your credit cards and personal loans paid off, start working towards your autos and student loans. I like to focus on what has the lowest balance to pay off first. This helps you knock things off rather quickly -- adding to your gratification. If everything is about equal in balance and interest rate, I pick the highest monthly payment.

When you pay off a high monthly payment loan, you free up more money to put towards the next debt.

When you have your cars and student loans paid off, the next thing you have is your mortgage. You can be working on your mortgage throughout the process as well. By adding as little as $100 a month to the average mortgage, you can knock several years and thousands of dollars off the mortgage.

That\'s the overall game plan. But be aware that it can change.

For example, you may find that you are in a situation in which you must have a new, reliable vehicle. You don\'t want to spend your emergency savings. The only debt you have is your mortgage. You are able to afford the monthly payments, yet plan to pay it off as quickly as possible. Then go ahead and finance a reasonably priced vehicle. Transportation is very important for work, school and other obligations.

What you must do is adapt your debt-reduction plan around the new car payment. Although you have added debt, it doesn\'t mean that you still can\'t work to be debt free.

Financial management is built around the idea that you must be flexible and able to adapt to the situation with smart choices. Too many people believe that there is a right way and a wrong way. That isn\'t necessarily true.

The main idea between successful management of money is that you are able to have the things you need when you need them. You may need to use your credit to fill some needs. That\'s okay. Simply readjust your sights and continue to work to be debt free. It is possible, it only takes time.

Martin Lukac (http://www.MartinLukac.com), represents http://www.RateEmpire.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate/mortgage market. We specialize in daily updates, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

When to Compare Loan Offers

In general, it\'s usually a good idea to take a little time to compare loan offers before you decide on one loan over another if nothing else, you can ensure that you\'ve got the best interest rate or terms on the loan that you\'ve been looking for. But is it really necessary to stop and compare loan options each and every time you\'re getting ready to borrow money?

Of course it isn\'t. The real problem comes with determining which times it\'s appropriate to compare loan offers from different lenders and when it\'s pretty much just a waste of your time.

In order to help you determine whether or not you should compare loan offers before taking out your next loan, stop to consider some of the following information.

Purpose of the loan

One of the main things that you should consider when deciding whether or not to compare loan offers is the purpose of the loan. If you\'re borrowing money for a major purpose such as buying a new house, and automobile, or paying for travel plans, then you should definitely take the time to compare loans.

On the other hand, if you\'re simply borrowing a little extra money to make it through until you receive your next paycheque, you\'ll likely be able to get a similar loan from a variety of different lenders and you probably don\'t need to spend as much time shopping around for loan quotes to compare.

Amount of the loan

Another major consideration to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to compare loan offeres in order to find the best loan for you is the amount of money that you\'re wanting to borrow with your loan. This often ties in directly with the purpose of the loan most loans for a major purpose will also be for a significant amount and should be carefully considered before deciding on one particular lender.

Loans for smaller amounts generally are for less important purposes, and don\'t require the strict attention that the larger loans do because they\'ll likely be repaid before the interest can build up.

In other words, large loans such as those for home improvements or costly purchases should be compared so that you find the best interest rate, but smaller loans will usually be repaid before the interest rate becomes much of an issue.

Collateral for the loan

The collateral that you\'re using to secure the loan is another important thing to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to compare loan options. If you\'re using high-value or important collateral as security for your loan, you\'re definitely not going to want to lose it if you get a high interest rate and can\'t make your loan payments.

If you\'re taking out a small loan with either insignificant or no collateral, however, it\'s not as important to compare because you\'re not likely to fall behind on such small payments.

Term of the loan

Tying in closely with the other considerations, the term of the loan (or the amount of time that you have to repay the loan) should be kept in mind when choosing whether or not to compare loan quotes from different lenders. Generally, the longer a lender gives you to repay a loan then the larger the loan amount is and the more money you\'ll have to pay in interest while you work to repay it.

The shorter the period of time given is, the smaller the loan amount is and the less interest you\'ll have to pay no matter what the interest rate is. Be sure to compare loan offers for loans with longer terms.

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author\'s biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

Disclosure Credit Cards

Credit card providers are obligated under the law to protect
their clients\' identity and information. Recently, California
courts laid a lawsuit on one of the leading card providers for
negligence in security. According to various reports, more than
millions of people were robbed of their identity, due to
negligence of the card providers. Therefore, understanding
disclosure on credit cards is essential, since your Identity is
at risk. To make matters worse, the company-pending suit
neglected to inform their cardholders that their identity was at
risk. The downside is anyone can tell you that the security
level of their system is bulletproof, but once the curtains
fall, you might find your self in a whirlpool of subpoenas,
courts, lawyer offices and so forth.

>From personal experience, I can tell you that once you loose
your identity you might as well jump off the nearest cliff if
you cannot battle the problems that come along with identity
theft. The problems can last a lifetime, and if you are lucky,
you may restore your life after eight or more years.

Credit Card Tips for Security If you have a major credit card,
store the card in a safe location. Forget that \'never leave home
without it\' crap, rather leave home with your credit card only
if you feel you will need it for an emergency, or if you are
going on a trip. Only use your cards at places that are proven
trustworthy. Stores that ask for your ID before using your
credit card are safer than stores that do not bother to ask for
picture ids. If the stores fingerprint you, do not be offended,
since this is for your best interest. If the stores do not
fingerprint you, then you may be worrying later.

If you use your credit card online, make sure the site offers
secure encryptions. There are a couple of ways to tell if the
site is secured. One way, is to look for a lock and key, usually
found in the lower corner of the web page. If this symbol is
there, then the site has a measure of security. However, if the
sites have https:// in the search engine, then the security is
even better. The\'s\' stands for security.

Credit cards are like gold, if you own one you must treat the
card as if it is a precious piece. If anyone gains control over
your credit card, you are subject to identity theft. Since most
stores will not fingerprint, ask for PIN numbers, or IDs, you
can never tell what your risks are if someone gets your credit
card.

If you notice any activities on your credit card, statements
that do not appear to be your own contact your credit card
provider immediately. The card provider, if you took the time to
research and learn, should have fraud insurance coverage. Some
cards will charge minimal $50 if your card is stolen, while
others claim to offer 100% Fraud protection plans. Regardless,
if your company tries to make you pay for the fees on the credit
card and you have proof the fee is not yours. DO NOT pay the
charge. Your credit card provider should have giving you a
procedure, Terms & Conditions and other material once you were
accepted for your credit card. Pull out that procedures guide
and read it carefully, searching for Fraud protection and
relative details to learn what you can do to protect your self.

There are companies that are defrauding people, and few
companies may tell you that the laws stipulate that it is your
obligation to pay the bill, even if you were not the person that
created the fee. This is not true, and we can all hope it will
never be true. Finally, if you notice any wrongful activities on
your statement, close your accounts immediately to avoid
additional fraud attacks. Some card providers may put up a fight
if you try to close the account, but again read all the
information provided with your credit card, and contact a
qualified attorney if necessary. Last word of advise. Identity
theft predators are claiming the life of millions all over the
world each day.

Hard Money Lenders in Cleveland Ohio Area

What is a Hard Money Lender?

A Hard Money lender is an individual or a small company who lends to individuals with special needs to purchase their homes. These money lenders lend to those individuals who would find it difficult to get a home loan elsewhere. Hard money lenders will normally lend at a significantly higher interest rate and would normally lend money only when they feel that there is enough equity in the house which if the debtor defaults can be sold and recover the loans.

That sounds scary

Hard money lenders in Cleveland Ohio area are not loan sharks so you don\'t need to worry about broken bones if you end up defaulting. These are just shrewd individuals who are filling in a gap which exists currently in the home loan industry. For instance traditional home loan lenders are wary of giving loans in a remote place say building a cabin near the Yosemite National park, this is where the Hard Money lender will step in.

Having said that, the interest rate will be quite steep, most probably in double digits and they would require around 40-50% equity of your own so that if it comes to foreclosure their part of the money is safe and they can recover it.

A few tips on finding the Hard Money Lenders

Hard Money lenders are normally difficult to find and if you use these tips it will help you to locate them:

They look to operate within a given geographic distance so that they can check out the property themselves and make sure. So if you want to look for hard money lenders in cleveland ohio area, you should look up the local classifieds and look for listings like \Trouble Finding a loan? Call us, Private Money Available\

You can call up the mortgage brokers in and around the Ohio area and ask if they have any contacts of private investors who will be willing to put up money.

You can look up the web and you will find links to various sites which will point you towards hard money lenders. For instance loans-only.com or REIclub are websites which purely has listing of Hard money lenders where you can seek out hard money lenders in Cleveland Ohio area.

L2P Network looks like a starting point for anyone looking for hard money lenders in cleveland ohio area and here you can get the contact numbers of various people for this purpose and who can then further lead you to the right people once they understand exactly what it is you are looking for.

Mercury Capital and Kennedy Capital are two other sources if you require funds greater than a million dollars. They have hard money loans which cover the entire country including Ohio.

Spread the word around and look out for middle men. Normally one is advised to avoid middle men but in this case it is better as they are actively seeking people who have money to invest and people who need money to loan out and may be able to help you out albeit a commission.

Is there anything I should be careful about?

One is you should be careful of some guys who will try to trick you into some sort of a deal where in it becomes very difficult for you to pay and you end up in foreclosure. A good idea is to keep in mind that you should have 35% of the property as equity in order to take care of the 12% - 18% that is normally charged on these loans.

Second is you must be careful about the repayment and at the first sign of trouble you should contact your lender and try and sort out a deal to avoid foreclosure.

Author - Bill Darken - There\'s a good student loan area along with more relevant general loans assistance such as home, car, and consolidation loans. There are highly informative eye opening articles and up-to-date loans news as well, see it here at hard money lenders or if the previous link is not working, you can paste this link in your browser - loans-only.com.

Aussie Debt Elimination Tips

Australian Debt Crisis
The Australian economy may be healthier now than it has been for 20 years, perhaps longer. But this doesn\'t mean families or individuals are necessarily doing it easy. Rising housing costs have placed enormous additional mortgage and rent burdens on many people. Personal debt is at record levels.

The ratio of personal debt to income in Australia is one of the highest in the world - higher even than America and the UK. For every $100 we earn, we owe $130. Credit and charge cards account for $26 billion of the debt.

Australian Bankruptcy statistics for the March 2006 quarter indicate that the number of bankruptcies is 23.68% up on the March quarter of 2005. Increases were in fact seen in all states with the exception of the ACT. A similar trend was observed for Debt Agreements - with an increase in Debt agreements signed as at the end of March 2006 quarter by 21.49% over the March quarter in 2005.

What Are Debt Agreements
Debt Agreements were introduced into the Australian Bankruptcy Legislation in 1996. They represent a low cost alternative to bankruptcy. People with a low level of income are able to utilise debt agreements as a tool to finalise their outstanding debts without needing to hire and pay for an administrator.

Debt Agreements are legally binding proposals made to your creditors in order to finalise your debts. Creditors are asked to accept a smaller amount of payment to settle the outstanding debt or agree to certain payment terms that are different to those in your original loan agreement. Under these agreements creditors generally receive more of their money than if you declare bankruptcy - hence they have an incentive to meet you half way and agree to your proposal.

To be eligible for a Debt Agreement your total amount of unsecured debts, your income levels and your assets must be within the set levels specified by legislation. To qualify you must also have not declared bankruptcy or signed a Debt Agreement during the previous 10 year period. Debt Agreements in Australia are regulated by ITSA.

Who is ITSA
ITSA is the Insolvency and Trustee Service Australia. It is the government agency responsible for the administration and regulation of the personal insolvency system in Australia. ITSA operates the bankruptcy registry, where debtors petitions are lodged, debt agreement proposals are processed and public records on insolvency are maintained, and acts as a trustee in bankruptcy. Official Receivers exercise powers to assist trustees to obtain information and recover property. ITSA investigates possible offences under the Bankruptcy Act and prepares briefs of evidence for prosecution. ITSA is also the agency which is responsible for providing Australians with information about bankruptcy and it\'s alternatives.

What is Bankruptcy
If your debts are mounting up and you are unable to pay them. If you are receiving daily harassing phone-calls from your creditors - the Bankruptcy option may begin to look attractive. However before you make any irreversible decisions in this direction you really do need to understand all the rules and consequences of bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy is legal status offering protection from further action by creditors whose debts are `provable in bankruptcy\'. A person can become bankrupt by filing a debtors petition, a statement of affairs, and an acknowledgement of having read the Prescribed Information with the Official Receiver. A creditor may also petition for a person\'s bankruptcy in court. Deciding to declare bankruptcy has very serious implications for your credit rating, your ability to borrow money, and places a serious of legal and financial restrictions on the bankrupt.

Before making a decision to declare bankruptcy you most certainly should investigate what other options are available to you. Debt Consolidation Loans may be one such option.

What Are Debt Consolidation Loans
Debt Consolidation Loans allow the borrower to consolidate their existing unsecured loans into either their mortgage or a low rate personal loan. If you have a number of unpaid credit cards and various bills - meeting the scheduled repayment on these may indeed be challenging. Grouping all these loans into a single personal loan may save you money and make the required repayment more affordable.

If you are a homeowner who is experiencing debt problems, consolidation of your outstanding debts into your mortgage may be the answer. No matter if your bills are from a failed business venture, unpaid credit cards, personal loans and the like, you may be able to use the equity in your home to resolve your financial problems and still keep your home. This is a classic case of \having your cake and keeping it too\.

Debt Consolidation Loans for homeowners are available in Australia irrespective of your credit rating and are a great debt resolution tool.

What is Your Best Option
While your best option will depend on your individual circumstances, in general Debt Consolidation Loans do not do any damage to your existing credit history and therefore if you are able to consolidate your outstanding debts into a single loan, that is always your best option. Where Debt Consolidation Loan is not an option, you may wish to consider a Debt Agreement with your creditors. While a signed Debt Agreement is reflected on your credit history it is a better option than Bankruptcy. Declaring Bankruptcy should always be seen as your last option and only explored when all other alternatives have been considered.

If you would like to learn more about the range of debt solutions available to Australians - please visit either www.honeyloans.com.au or www.webdeal.com.au for a wealth of information on this subject.

Maya Pavlovski holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Melbourne University and is a qualified CPA.

Credit Card Bills and Your Finances

Credit card bills are probably the number one cause of financial problems and bankruptcy in the United States, but it does not have to be that way. It is possible to use credit cards wisely, and to use them as free loans instead of letting them become a source of financial distress.

The best way to do that, of course, is to pay the credit card bill off consistently each and every month. The key to doing that is to never charge a purchase you could not afford to make in cash. Those who consistently follow this strategy find themselves in control of their financial future, while those who do not find themselves at the mercy of the credit card companies and banks.

Of course, if you are like most people, you already have some credit card bills lurking in the mailbox each month, and it can be very difficult indeed to get on top of those bills and help get rid of them. When dealing with high levels of credit card debt, the first step, of course, is to stop spending. As they say, the first thing to do when you find yourself in a hole is to stop digging. This means cutting up the cards, or at least storing them outside your wallet. Stop charging additional purchases to the card, and work instead on paying off the current balance.

Paying the current balance should be the goal of every consumer, and all efforts should be focused on getting that balance down to zero as quickly as possible. The interest rate, of course, is one of the most important considerations, since a high interest rate can quickly bring that balance right back up as it is paid down.

It is often possible to negotiate directly with the credit card company for a lower rate, so do not forget to try this strategy first. If that effort should fail, of course, there are plenty of low interest, and even 0% introductory interest rate offers, out there. Chances are at least one of these has landed in your mailbox, so the next time one shows up be sure to take the bank up on the offer and use the money you save to pay down the balance.

After the credit card balances are down to zero, of course, you will have a greater level of control over your finances, and you will be in a better position going forward. The key, of course is to remain debt free for the long term, and that will take a combination of fiscal discipline and good budgeting.

Brooke Sikula is a freelance writer based in Ventura, CA and writes on a wide range of topics from home improvement to credit repair and everything in between. She is a regular contributor to http://www.loan-mortgage-auto.com and http://www.get-home-improvement.com

For more information and advice on credit issues, check out http://www.credit-card-faq.com

Instant Approval Credit Card The New Plastic Cash

Instant approval credit cards are plastic cash resources, which are difficult to resist. The instant approval credit cards are marketed very well by their respective card issuers, yet once the card is in hand, cardholders can sometimes find it difficult to manage their debt. Few people understand how to manage payments. The cardholders will utilize the cards to make payments while meeting the grace period payoff date. Meeting the grace period deadline enables the cardholder to take full advantage of the card, since additional interest and fees are not applicable.



Credit Cards differ from loans, i.e. collateral is unnecessary. Still, if you fail to repay the debts incurred, fees higher interest is the result. Nowadays, we all need credit cards, since many businesses will not accept checks anymore. The advantages are that you can utilize most credit cards almost anywhere in the world. In addition, the cards come with monthly statements, which enable you to keep track of your expenses. If the debts are paid in full before the grace period ends, rates of interest and fees are minimal. Furthermore, the credit cards are convenient, since you are essentially taking out what amounts to a payday loan without going through paperwork.



Associated Charges on Credit Cards



It depends on the credit card, but most have a number of associated charges. The instant approval cards, e.g. may include annual percentage rates (APR), interest rates, late fees, fees on cash advances, and so forth. The annual fees are often waived providing the potential cardholder does not have credit issues. The card providers waive the fees up to fifteen months in some instances. Interest rates vary, however the rates increase if the grace period payoff date is not met, yet some card providers will allow flexibility on payments. The APR on some cards are a fixed rate, while others are variable. Fixed rates differ, therefore read the terms & conditions carefully while considering instant approval credit cards. The grace period is always important, since if you do not pay debts by the grace period\'s end, you will pay higher charges. Therefore, check the grace period on the cards, since some providers will allow 21 days on instant approval credit cards, while others will allow 25 days. Other fees might include charges on cash advances, late fees, etc.



Instant approval credit cards are designed mostly for people with excellent credit. So if you have the required credit score, there\'s a good chance that you\'ll get approved for the card instantly, however if your credit presents a risk, expect a delay. If your credit meets the cards stipulations on particular credit cards, the lender likely will give you a chance, however if your credit is bad, don\'t expect an instant credit card.



Your best chances of understanding and applying for credit cards is to research them thoroughly. Utilize the internet where you can rapidly compare and research offers and to locate card providers, instant approval credit cards and more!

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information regarding instant approval credit cards, Allan Roberts recommends that you visit CreditCardAssist.com.

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Identity theft has become the fastest growing criminal activity
in the 20th Century, replacing illegal drug sales. For the
perpetrators, it offers the highest profit margin with the least
risk. In fact, according to one expert, it is estimated that
fewer than 1-in-700-identity crimes actually result in a
conviction.

In the United States alone, Identity theft has reached $53
billion dollars a year. Consumers are directly shouldering about
$5 billion of that, but the rest, which is paid by businesses
and retailers, is passed on indirectly to consumers who are
paying more for goods and services.

How BIG is this Problem?

In recent months, there has been a rash of reports about big
thefts, where criminals are stealing identities in mass
quantities. Banks, credit card companies and businesses that
house servers storing passwords or other sensitive, private
information have all reported reak-ins that happened through
the use of Trojan viruses and other online hacking methods -
resulting in the loss of millions of pieces of information being
stolen. There have also been instances of the information just
getting lost, of employees selling it and other lax security
measures resulting in the same thing - thieves having access to
your identity.

What do Thieves Want?

- Your Name - Date of Birth - Home Address - Phone Numbers -
Social Security Number - Driver's License Number - Credit Card
Numbers - CW2 Security Code (the number on the back of your
credit card) - Your Credit Report - ATM Cards - Telephone
Calling Cards - Mortgage Details

Where Are They Getting All Your Information?

High-tech methods include online thefts from:

- Banks - Credit-Reference Agencies - Retailers - Credit Card
Networks - Data-Brokerage Companies - Payment Processing
Companies - Phone Companies - Schools - Your Employer - Doctors,
Clinics and Health Departments - Government Agencies

But there are still low-tech methods that are effective as well:

- Dumpster Diving - Mail Theft - Retail Theft -
Phishing/pretexting/pretending - Purse/Wallet Theft

What are Thieves Using Your Information For?

- Making charges to your existing credit cards - Opening new
credit cards in your name - Having phone or utilities turned on
- Withdrawing money from your existing bank accounts -
Employment purposes - Driver's Licenses - Tax Fraud - Social
Service benefits - Student loans - Business or Personal loans -
Health care - Mortgage loans/leases - Auto loans - Using your ID
when caught committing a crime

How Can You Protect Yourself?

- Keep a photocopy of all your credit cards, bank account
numbers and investment account numbers in a safe place - Keep
your credit card receipts - don't throw them away in a public
place - Put a fraud alert on all your credit reports - If you
apply for credit and the card doesn't arrive on time, call the
card issuer - Choose difficult to guess PIN numbers or
passwords. (Don't use birth dates, your mother's maiden name,
pet's name, etc.) - Never give personal information to anyone
who sends you an email, a letter or calls you asking for it -
Shred any personal information - such as bills, credit card or
bank statements, even pre-approved credit applications before
throwing them away - Don't use the ATM machine if someone is
watching you - Pay attention to what's going on around you -
cell phones often have cameras in them. If someone is standing
close by you with a cell phone while you're entering a PIN
number at the ATM or in line at the grocery store, block their
view - Review your bills each month for unusual or suspicious
charges. If there's something you don't remember or doesn't seem
right, call the creditor right away - Check your credit report
at least once a year - Store your cancelled checks safely, or
better yet, have the bank do it. You can always get a copy if
you need one. - Don't leave your purse in plain sight when
driving - Keep your valuable locked in the trunk or glove box
when driving - Make all personal information on your laptop or
computer password protected - Don't carry information about your
PIN numbers, passwords and account numbers in your purse or
wallet; or at least don't make them easily identifiable as to
which account they belong to

Warning Signs that Your Identity Has Been Stolen:

- Although you have good credit, a loan application is denied,
or you're refused extended credit requests - You are suddenly
contacted by a debt-collection agency - Your purse or wallet has
been stolen, or your house broken into - There is unfamiliar
activity on your credit report

What to do if it Happens to You:

- If your purse or wallet is stolen, call the police
immediately, and file a report. Make sure that you're given a
report number - Contact your bank, credit card and other credit
extending companies and report the theft - Close the accounts -
Contact the credit-reporting companies in your area, and report
the theft. - Review your credit report every 90 days for the
next year for suspicious activity - If there is fraudulent
activity, have it removed immediately and monitor your credit
report every 90 days for the next year - Put everything in
writing, and follow up with your credit card companies, banks,
and credit reporting agencies. Keep copies of all supporting
documents - File a report with the Federal Trade Commission -
Change the passwords on your existing accounts and create new
ones for new accounts

Identity theft is real, and it's a growing problem, and it could
happen to you. Although there are no guarantees that you can
keep your information safe, by paying attention to the risks and
taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can minimize
your chances of someday having an identity crisis. Good luck!

Key Point in Protective Put Strategy.

Key Point - The protective put strategy, when used correctly,
will allow investors to take advantage of some opportunities
that could provide large potential gains without being exposed
to the severe risks that normally accompany such risky
opportunities. With the proper protection in place, the investor
can profit from aggressive upside moves in the stock while
having a fixed, limited loss.

As stated before, this strategy is not going to work all the
time. However, there are some especially favorable opportunities
for implementing the protective put strategy.

One is the case of a stock in the process of a steep decline.
Quite often, stocks experience bad news or break down through a
technical support level and trade down to seek a new, lower
trading range.

Everyone wants to find the bottom to buy and go long, catching
the technical rebound, or to start accumulating the stock at
lower levels for the longer term.

Although this scenario sounds good, these types of trades are
risky. The risk is in identifying the true bottom. A stock that
is in a freefall or rapid decline might give a false indication
of a bottom which could lead to substantial losses. The
protective put will provide protection against this kind of
substantial loss.

A stock that goes through a freefall finally \exhausts\ or works
through the sellers. The stock proceeds down to lower levels
where sellers are no longer interested in selling the stock.

At this level, the stock consolidates and buyers move in.
Because the sellers are now done (exhausted) the pressure is
lifted from the stock and it proceeds up as buyers out-number
sellers.

There are models that are used to calculate where this bottom
may lie, commonly referred to as \exhaustion models.\ The
problem is that the stock, on the way down, may stop and give
the appearance of exhaustion but then continue further down. If
you had bought at the false appearance of exhaustion, you could
be looking at a big loss.

There is a potential for a very big reward if you pick the
\right\ bottom. However, with the big potential gain comes the
big potential loss that is common in these types of risk/reward
scenarios. Here is a perfect opportunity to employ the
protective put strategy!

Remember, the protective put allows for a large potential upside
with a limited, fixed downside risk. If you feel that the stock
has bottomed out and is starting to consolidate, you purchase
the stock and purchase the put.

If you are right, and the stock runs back up, the stock profit
will well exceed the price paid for the put. Once the stock
trades back up, consolidates, and develops its new trading
range, the need for the protective put is over. At this time, if
you still like the stock and want to hold on to the long
position, you could always start selling calls against it.

Use the formula for maximum loss discussed earlier. Calculate
the loss in the stock and the amount you paid for the put and
add them together for your maximum loss in this position. The
protective put has limited your loss.

Maximum Loss = (Stock Price - Strike Price) - Option Price

This protection will save you enough money when you pick a false
(wrong) bottom that you may, if you like, try to pick the bottom
again at a lower point. The exhaustion scenario, as described
here, is a perfect opportunity to apply the protective put
strategy.

As seen with the exhaustion example, the protective put strategy
is best used in situations where the stock has a potential for
an aggressive upside move and the chance of a big downside move.

Another potential opportunity for using the protective put is in
combination with Technical Analysis. Technical Analysis is the
study of charts, indicators oscillators, etc. Charting has
proven to be more than reasonably accurate in forecasting future
stock movements.

Stocks travel in cycles that can and do form repetitious
patterns. These patterns are predictable and detectable by the
use of any number of charts, indicators and oscillators.

Although there are many, many forms and styles of technical
analysis, they all have several similarities. The one we want to
focus on is the technical \break-out.\ A break-out is described
as a movement of the stock where its price trades quickly
through and beyond an obvious \technical resistance\ or
resistance point.

For a bullish breakout, this level is at the very top of its
present trading range. Once through that level, the stock is
considered to have \broken out\ of its trading range and will
now often trade higher, and establish a new higher trading
range.

The \break-out\ is normally a rapid, large upward movement that
usually offers an outstanding potential return if identified
properly and acted upon in a timely fashion. However, if the
break-out fails, the stock could trade back down to the bottom
of the previous trading range.

If this were to happen, you would have incurred a large loss
because you would have bought at the upper end of the previous
trading range. As you can see the \break-out\ scenario is an
opportunity that has large potential rewards but can on
occasion, have a large downside risk.

Therefore, this is an excellent scenario for application of the
protective put strategy.

For example, XYZ is presently at the top of a trading range with
the upper end of the range being $66.00 and the bottom end of
the range being $58.00. When the chart, indicator, or oscillator
you are using identifies the break-out of the stock (when it
trades through $66.00), you would buy the stock immediately.

The risk of the stock not following through with its breakout is
not large but it does happen. The stock could trade back down to
$58.00 which is the bottom of the trading range. If you had
bought the stock naked above $66.00, you would realize a minimum
$8.00 loss.

However, if you were to apply a protective put strategy with the
stock purchase, you can drastically limit your downside
exposure. For instance, say you were to buy the 65 strike put
for $2.00. If the stock trades up to $75.00, you would make
$9.00 if done naked but only make $7.00 if done with the
protective put.

This difference is the cost of the put. This $2.00 investment is
more than worth it should the stock go down. If the break-out
turns out to be a \false\ break-out and the stock reverses and
trades down, your 65 put will allow you to sell your stock out
at $65.00 minus the $2.00 you paid for the put. This limits your
loss to $3.00 instead of a potential $8.00 loss. This is a much
better risk/reward scenario.

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