Fix Your Bad Credit in 8 Simple Steps

How to Repair Bad Credit in 8 Simple Steps

By: Garret Belisle

Here is STEP 1: Read your credit report to discover what things are listed on the report that have led to your bad credit rating in the first place.



STEP 2: If you note inaccuracies on your credit report, you'll need to dispute those with the individual creditors reporting them. You can't dispute accurate information even if it does reflect poorly on your credit report, but you can make repairs and improve your credit.



STEP 3: Contact individual creditors and ask if they're willing to work with you to create a repayment plan you can afford, but also assures the creditor of your intent to repay the debt owed them.



STEP 4: Contact your credit card companies and ask for a reduction in the interest rate applied to your credit cards. Some may not be willing, but many credit card companies are willing to do so for cardholders. Use the reduction of interest applied to a credit card account to pay the debt you have on it down faster.



STEP 5: Gather pay stubs and statements for monthly, quarterly, and annual bills (utilities, phone, mortgage, home insurance, retirement account contributions) and create a budget to keep from spending beyond what you actually bring in. You'll also find ways to spend less and use those savings to pay on the debts causing you bad credit



STEP 6: Maxed-out credit cards? Barely able to make the minimum payments on them? Stop using them! Hide them away in a drawer so they won't tempt you to use them and add even more debts to them.



STEP 7: Contact a credit counseling service if your debts are so large that you cannot make regular payments on all of them. A credit counseling service can help you create a plan of action to take care of the debts that are responsible for your bad credit. They can often times speak to your creditors and get you reduced rates and extended payments plans as well.



STEP 8: Apply for a bank sponsored debit or prepaid credit card. As you use this for purchases and make regular payments, you will slowly rebuild bad credit into good credit.



No matter how bad a credit problem may be, it can either get better or worse. In many cases much, much worse. Almost everyone has had credit issues at one time or another in their lifetime. The fact is that our credit rating has a very large effect on our every day lives. Always remember that the better your credit becomes the more money you can and most certainly will save on a variety of things such as; mortgage rates, credit card interest, car payments to name but a few.



Stick to a budget and both you and your credit will be happier for it. Good luck.

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Author Bio

Garret Belisle authors for www.need-to-get-some.blogspot.com, he is also a business consultant for several companies within his community. This is a fun blog that changes daily, not keeping to any particular topic. Check it out, you never know what you'll read (or possibly learn:-)

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

Financial Freedom! Is It For You?

By: Yvonne Finn

Financial Freedom!



What does financial freedom mean to you?

Does it mean buying anything you want regardless of how much it cost?

Does it mean spending your days in ways that enrich and empower you instead of being at the beck and call of an employer?



Is there anyone in the world who wouldn't agree that the dream to be financially free is a universally desired goal?



But how does one create and maintain this sought after state of financial freedom.



Surely, it is not by working hard at a job. We've all heard the grim statistics of people working hard, only to end up old and very poor.



Having a job is not a secure method to achieve your desire to be financially free!

Many employees, from clerks to CEO's have found themselves unceremoniously dumped from jobs they thought were secure.

Even employees who are lucky enough or maybe foolish to hang on into retirement, working for someone else, are finding that the pension that they counted on is insufficient to cover their hoped for and deserved life of ease.



Taking an informed, involved and hands on role in your finances is the only way to be financially free.

No one else can be as passionate about your financial goals, dreams and desires as you are.

Others may or may not share your commitment to achieve your financial independence, however, that does not reduce your responsibility to make every attempt to achieve it.



Very often, when I talk about money and how freeing it is to have enough to live a self-directed life, there is always one person who will say," money is not that important" or "money can't buy happiness".

Of course it's true that money cannot buy happiness, nothing can, for happiness is a state of mind that you choose for yourself, regardless of circumstances or the attitudes of others.

And money IS important for the things that money CAN do, such as good schools for your children, spending your time how you choose, supporting charities and so much more.



So, how do you achieve financial freedom?

Acknowledge and accept that whatever financial state you are in presently is a result of the actions you have taken up to that point in your life.

Then decide that you want to create a brighter, more secure financial future for yourself and those who depend on you.



Do an in-depth financial analysis beginning with your credit rating.

If your rating is not a good one or you don't yet have a credit history, begin the process of restoring or establish one.

Excellent or even just good credit will be your solid foundation on which you will build your financial freedom.

After addressing your credit score the next step will be to learn about wealth creation tools and strategies.

Get help with this step by leveraging the knowledge of a trusted team of financial planners.

Enjoying a life of financial freedom need not remain just a distant dream.

Get passionate about your desire to build wealth, make a new plan and take well-advised actions.



Create a new plan and achieve your goals.

You provide the dreams and the desire and we will provide the sound, customized advice and planning that will help you build wealth and achieve financial independence.

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Author Bio

Committed to life-long learning and helping others achieve their financial goals of independence and security, Yvonne is known as the "go to" person to her friends, clients and business associates. Go To Her Here!

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

Chosing The Right Name for your Business

Choosing a Company Name

By: Michael Harris

When forming a limited company the name of the company can be an important decision. Some people may choose the first name that they think of and others may select a ready made company for speed or because they like a particular name. However, many businesses may prefer to select a company name that either clearly distinguishes itself from its competitors or contains something unique or personal. Company names can be chosen for different reasons.



One of the most common ways of selecting a company name is to use something personal. A quick look through your local newspaper will probably introduce you to many personalised business names. Johnson Consulting Limited, T Smith & Son Limited, Stephens & Barley Limited are some fictional examples of what may be found. This may instantly make a company recognisable locally, it can be deemed as more personal by its customers, and often works well within geographical areas. However, it does little to tell new customers what your company does.



A popular choice for a small business is to choose a name that is 'descriptive'. This tells prospective clients exactly what your company does. Examples of this may be to call your business The Window Company Limited, City IT Consultants Limited or The Advertising Agency Limited. Whilst this does serve to reinforce your primary business it offers little differentiation and may easily be adapted by competitors.



A less personal option is to use a company name that is 'associative'. This type of company name helps to create an image or connection to your business activity. It is less direct than using a descriptive name but helps to position your company's name within the market through peoples understanding of what words mean. For example a flick through the Yellow Pages will offer plenty of examples of this. A hairdresser called Classic Cuts or a printer called Selectaprint Limited are examples of what may be found. These names offer some differentiation but may not ultimately set your company aside from its competitors.



An alternative is to choose a company name that is 'freestanding'. These names are completely abstract and not related to the companies business activities. A fictional example may be to call your catering company Zedoc Limited. There are many popular brand names that illustrate this point. Consider, Kodak, Gillette, or Mars, these names will probably be instantly recognisable to you and conjure up a particular product or business. This is a good way of setting your company aside from the competition but it is important to consider the market that you operate in. Will your prospective clients know what your business is offering?



Choosing a company name may be a simple process, but it is not uncommon for people to deliberate over names for quite some time. Whilst company names can, and often are, changed during the life of the company most people like to choose a name that they like from the outset. Therefore consider your market, how much you want to differentiate from your competitors and what your company name should say about your organisation. Once the decision is made focus on the important business of making your company a success.

Author Bio

Michael Harris is a university graduate who has worked within the company formation and business advice industry for many years. Simple Formations is part of the SFS Group of Companies providing Company Formation the same day with your own company name.

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

All About Business Cards

By: Briana Liebmann

Business cards are a great way for your business to get it's name out into the world. Small, and convenient, these little cards provide your customers with your name and all your contact information, and because they're portable, your customers will be able to take your name with them wherever they go (an advantage over online advertising).



Many companies provide fully customizable cards, allowing you to choose from font size and color to a unique logo. A good business card company will even let you choose the paper thickness and finish



For those of you who do not wish to customize, many providers come with pre-designed templates where you only have to insert your information for a quick and easy card ready to be shipped.



For those of you who wish to exercise your creative muscle, here are a few tips to follow:



1. Less is More:
It is pretty easy to get carried away with all the bells and whistles offered, but it usually doesn't take much for that little wallet sized card to get filled up with unnecessary decorations. Try to keep the main point in focus. Stick to the basics, this will also help get your message across quicker and easier for your customers.



2. Make Reading Easy:
Business cards are meant for quick reference. Contrasting colors are recommended as well as a simple sans font such as Arial. This will not only help the customer read your business card easier, but will also allow them to receive your information quickly and conveniently.



3. Keep the Important Material Larger:
Your name should be the largest font on the card. All your other information should be smaller and toward the bottom.



Choosing a high quality business card composer will make all the difference in the finished result. It is recommended that you choose a well known company who will guarantee their products. Even if they are a bit more expensive than their competitors, the extra expense will be well worth the quality product and service you will receive.

Author Bio

Briana is an original content writer for www.youseekit.com which features original articles on a variety of topics.
To see the original article, go to www.youseekit.com/business-cards.htm.

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

Buy a Mobile Home with Bad Credit

Bad Credit Mobile Home Loans
By Jacob Smithston

Do you have bad credit? Are you looking to purchase a home but keep being turned down? You may want to consider a bad credit mobile home loan. This type of loan requires just proof that you
are working and that you have a bank account. It can allow you to get a mobile home and have a
home of your own and allow you to help fix your credit.

You can significantly affect your credit. A mobile home loan works the same as any other home
loan, though usually the terms are much shorter since mobile homes tend to have a shorter life
span than regularly constructed homes. However, if you are on a tight budget and have bad credit
a mobile home can be a great way to be able to own your home and they are usually significantly
cheaper some can go for the price of a down payment on a regular house. This means if you are
budget conscience, you can still get your own home for a price you can afford.

There are a couple of things you will need to bring with you when you go to apply for a loan,
first is the past two years worth of taxes, this shows your financial history anyone who is going
to give a loan is going to want to know you’ll be able to pay it back even with bad credit.
You will also want to bring with you recent pay stubs to show that you are currently employed.
This will give the lenders you are looking at a good idea of your financial situation and they
can make sure to give you a loan that is going to fit in your budget. A bad credit mobile home
loan can help you repair your credit.

Written by Jacob Smithston. Find the latest information on mobile home loans as well as bad credit mobile home loans

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacob_Smithston
http://EzineArticles.com/?Bad-Credit-Mobile-Home-Loans&id=560403

Why Choose A Gas Credit Card?

Why Choose A Gas Credit Card? by Michael D. Strauss

It seems like every gas station in the nation now has applications on the counter for a gas credit card. While many people may think, "Why bother, I already have a credit card," gas cards today also frequently offer member bonus features like regular credit cards, including airline miles, cash rebate systems, discount offers with participating merchants and affordable roadside assistance programs. Often, gas card plans will approve accounts for individuals who don't qualify for a good deal on a regular credit card account, also making them a great option for people who need to build their credit rating.



If you're looking to build credit, your options may be somewhat more limited. But if you use your gas card regularly, and pay it off at the end of every month, you'll soon find that you're able to negotiate a better interest rate with your existing card, or even apply successfully for a card with a better benefits package. However, keep in mind that gas cards often have much higher interest rates than a regular credit card would, so you should always make sure you can afford to pay your balance on a monthly basis, to prevent exorbitant interest charges.



If you have driving-age children living at home, a gas card is a great way to ensure your kids don't end up stranded with an empty tank, while at the same time knowing that a regular credit card won't get taken on a "joy ride" by their friends. A roadside assistance benefit can give you extra peace of mind, knowing they won't have to rely on the assistance of strangers if the car breaks down or gets a flat tire.



If you have a particular gas station you visit regularly, getting a gas card from that company would be a good choice, particularly if it offers an incentive program based on frequency of use, such as airline miles per dollar spent, or a coupon or rebate program. If you travel a lot, choosing a gas card for a major nationwide chain of gas stations may be more useful than one that's branded for your neighborhood station.



A gas card with a roadside assistance option may be an affordable alternative to a premium roadside assistance plan such as AAA. There are as many options in gas cards today as there are reasons to apply for one, so don't hesitate to comparison shop to find the best benefits package for your needs!



Michael writes for Card Sense, where you can read reviews of UK credit cards and compare their features such as rewards programs and balance transfer deals.



Article Source: FreeArticleSubmission.com

Home Based Business - 6 Mind Blowing Tools to Increase Your Productivity

Home Based Business - 6 Mind Blowing Tools to Increase Your Productivity by Adrian Kelly

When promoting a home based business you need to be as efficient as possible and make the best possible use of your time. Whether you are promoting physical products or digital products online, time is your greatest enemy.



A famous marketer once said that you should spend only ten per cent of your time on the technical aspects of your business. That means only spending a fraction of your time on the technical aspects of building a website, designing a logo or anything that could use up a great proportion of your time.



The other ninety per cent of your time should be spent marketing. Marketing your business is THE most important part and having time-saving tools to hand to help with things like research, advertising and monitoring your business’s performance is the key to becoming very successful and time efficient.



Here are some trusted, time saving, and more importantly totally free productivity tools you should never be without.



Productivity Tool #1



Dictionary and Thesaurus - Having an easy to use a single piece of software to hand that can spell check and come up with dozens of word alternatives at the touch of a button, will save lots of time when constructing letters or writing any sort of copy.



*WordWeb is a free English thesaurus and dictionary for Windows, and can be used to look up words from within almost any program in just one click - wordweb.info/free/



Productivity Tool #2



Desktop Notes - Have you ever thought of something that you need to do but got instantly side tracked by a colleague or some other distraction? You need to get notes for your desktop that will instantly remind you of your ongoing 'to-do list'.



*AM-Notebook is a multi-featured tabbed note-taking program that provides an easy way to save notes and formula supported spreadsheets in a light weight tray icon tool - aignes.com/products.htm



Productivity Tool #3



Desktop Search - The amount of data that gets stored away on a daily basis, on even a small business's computer, is growing for most entrepreneurs on a daily basis. It's time to forget the MS search that resides on most Windows based computers as it is painfully slow, and use a performance tool that gets the job done in a fraction of the time.



*Copernic will easily search your entire hard drive in less than a second to pinpoint the right file, email, music or picture -



copernic.com/en/products/desktop-search/index.html



Productivity Tool #4



Hotkey Utility - Most people don’t realise that you can automate almost any keyboard stroke, or series of keyboard strokes, very easily on your computer. Having a utility that can instantly open your favourite file or your favourite software that is usually buried away on your system somewhere, can save you time in many ways.



*Automate almost anything on your desktop. AutoHotkey unleashes the full potential of your keyboard, joystick, and mouse - autohotkey.com



Productivity Tool #5



Multiple Searches Online - Getting quick access to the information you want is of prime importance when conducting research online. The answer is with a tool that can access ten plus search engines and then produce the results in order of importance for you.



*Copernic speeds up your searches with its intelligent web search tool - copernic.com



Productivity Tool #6



System Optimisation - Keeping your system running smoothly and free from errors is a must when using a standalone computer system for your own business. The computer is the heart of most businesses and you can ill afford to have it 'crash' or slow to a halt because of bad maintenance.



*CCleaner is a freeware system optimization and privacy tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space - ccleaner.com/



You need to promote your business at every opportunity and increase your own productivity any way you can. As most businesses, and certainly internet based enterprises, rely on the trusty computer for most of their tasks, having a 'desktop system' will certainly help your workflow.



Adrian Kelly writes for http://www.instantdailyprofits.com/indexart.php. Discover an amazing step by step system that shows you how to make money online fast...visit now for all the facts!




Article Source: FreeArticleSubmission.com

Home Based Business - One Absolute Golden Rule for Success

Home Based Business - One Absolute Golden Rule for Success
by Adrian Kelly

When starting out with a new home based business or perhaps re-evaluating your current marketing efforts, you simply must not lose site of THE most important rule for your business. It is the 'Golden Rule' for future success for any business and will put you on a rock-solid foundation.



You know what the most important rule is for your home based business is don’t you? YES...CUSTOMERS!



Ensuring that you give your customers exactly what they want and to over-deliver whenever possible is the key to success. It sounds obvious doesn't it but ensuring an amazing customer experience will put you ahead of your competition. In fact, your customers won’t even bother looking anywhere else once you start building that loyal business relationship.



You must never lose sight of the fact that the customer should always be the sole focus of your business.



One way to build that solid business relationship is through email. Using email to build rapport, and more importantly using an auto responder to make regular contact, is proven to be the single most effective way to build a profitable company. Statistics show that a prospect hardly ever buys on their first visit to a website, whatever is being sold. It usually takes up to seven more requests to get people to buy.



You must take the opportunity to build your list whenever a prospect visits your website. You shouldn’t focus initially on sales, fancy web designs, building links to your site, or adding thousands of products. The Primary #1 goal of any website is BUILDING AND CONTINUALLY ADDING TO YOUR CUSTOMER LIST - It is as simple as that!



Every single aspect and every single design element needs to be geared towards building a customer list, a 'Red-Hot' database for future profits. Everything else is secondary and the website design of your site will be to encourage visitors to give you their email address.



* How To Glue Customers to Your Website and get Their Email Address in Record Time *



There is one thing a potential buyer is interested in when visiting any website. THE number one thing that is going through their mind is (yes, it may be subconsciously) "What's in It For Me?". Nothing else really matters and if you can focus on their needs, and not telling them how great you are, you are almost there.



This means that you only have a few seconds (usually up to about ten seconds maximum) to grab their attention and show them exactly "WHAT'S IN IT FOR THEM". You need to stop them dead in their tracks and offer them a massive benefit that they can access instantly for visiting your website. That's your primary job as a savvy website owner.



The most attractive words you or I will ever hear are:



# "FREE report reveals 7 ways to cut your costs by 300% when buying insurance..."

# "FREE weight loss plan shows you how to lose 2 stone...in 2 short months...while eating your favourite food..."

# "Yours FREE. Over $300 worth of bonuses when you invest in this incredible marketing course in the next 7 days..."



I'm sure you get the message, give them something for FREE! While ninety per cent of your competitors are discounting their products and shouting SALES! SALE! SALE! You should be quietly collecting email addresses and building on the ‘golden rule’ of customer focus.



When establishing a home based business you need to get into profit as quickly as possible. You don’t have the deep pockets of a corporation and every penny counts. Grab a reader’s attention...offer them something of value for free...then follow up as many times as necessary to get an order.



Adrian Kelly writes for http://www.instantdailyprofits.com/indexart.php. Discover an amazing step by step system that shows you how to make money online with an instant home based business in less than 30 days!



Article Source: FreeArticleSubmission.com

Know what's in your Credit Report!

What Does Your Credit History Look Like?
by Cornie Herring

If you have ever taken out a loan, used a credit card or taken advantage of a "buy now, pay later" offer, you will have a credit history. Whenever a financial institution, such as a bank, a credit card company, or any other business gives you credit, it may send information about whether or not you make your payments on time to a credit-reporting agency.



It is important to get a copy of your credit history. You may think your credit history is perfect because you have never been late or missed any of your loan payment, but recent studies have shown that perhaps as many as 50% of all credit histories have errors in them. And these errors could be a problem for you.



Today, you credit history is used as a measuring tool more than simply applying for a loan. Statistic shows that 92% of insurers are using credit history to predicting potential losses and apply appropriate rate for their customers. A potential employer, especially financial industry may want to review your credit history before they offer you any of their job positions. With tight rental market in many metropolitan areas, landlords want to see prospective tenant's credit histories. Whether you are going to be able to pay the rent of not is foremost on their minds.



Your credit report contains information about your past and present personal and financial situation. Credit cards that never been formally cancelled will appeared on your credit history as an open line of credit. Beside that, credit-related court judgment against you in a lawsuit such as bankruptcy, if any will be recorded in your credit report and follow you as your credit history for many years. If you have any delay or unpaid debts, they will be appeared in your credit report. These can potentially cause problems because, if you are applying for a loan such as a college loan, a home mortgage or job application, they will be entered into the credit formula as debt and affect your credit ratings. Bad credit ratings prevent you from getting the best offer in term of best interest rate, approve with higher loan amount, or getting hire in your job application.



Hence, your pass credit records are important to you and if you have a good record, make sure that they appeared correctly in your credit history as you should be. There are three major reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and Trans-Union, and they do not share information with each other, so you need to check your history from all three agencies. If you find errors, you can write to the agencies explaining the error, and they have 30 days to correct the error. You will want to check your report again after you have sent the corrections to be sure the changes were made.



In summary, it is your responsibility to ensure that your credit report is displaying your actual credit history. Take your initiative to confirm the correctness of you credit report so that you won't face any problem when come to the time you want to use it for any purpose.



Cornie Herring is the Author from http://www.studykiosk.com/CreditBasics/. An informational website on credit basics, debt consolidation & bankruptcy. Learn more about money from our Money Lessons.



Article Source: FreeArticleSubmission.com

Apply for Credit Cards Online

Benefits Of Applying Online For Credit Cards If You Have Bad Credit
By Duran Mueller

A life without credit cards is unimaginable. But, people with bad credit face a
lot of rejections when the apply for credit cards. This humiliating experience
can be quite taxing. It's not that credit card companies don't issue credit
cards to bad credit people, they do. But, finding the right credit card can be a
daunting task if you have to run from bank to bank and hear a big No from a
majority of them. So, how to reduce this burden and get a credit card for bad
credit easily? Apply online is the answer. The benefits listed below will
reinforce this statement.

1. No personal rejections

While applying online you don't have to face anybody. Just fill in a form and
wait for an email or call. No, humiliating rejections to face personally.
Everything is communicated in a way which is more easy to cope with.

2. Hassle free

You don't have to run to every desk in the bank to find out where are people
with bad credit dealt with. There is a special section on each of the websites,
exclusive for people with bad credit. Just login and go to your section. No
personal interaction needed with any nagging staff. Isn't it cool? there are a lot of conveniences with online applications that can be had. Everything that you will ever need for a bad credit credit card application is available online. Every form and declaration that you need can easily be downloaded and printed out. After filling them out, you can then just have them scanned or scan them yourselves and upload it to your computer and send it back.

3. Very less paper work

The application form for credit cards are entirely online and can be filled
on your computer itself. Moreover, if a credit card company requires something
to be faxed, it will most probably be available as a download. Simply download,
print and fax it. You can do it from the convenience of your home or office. No
time wasted.

4. Quick turnaround times

If you fill in all the details online correctly most banks will give you an
in principle approval instantly. Others who don't do it instantly will also
reply within few days. Some of the banks, if they find that you are not eligible
for a current offer but qualify for some other offer, will promptly send you the
details.

5. More information on fingertips

Need more help regarding credit cards for bad credit people. There are tons
of resources online. Just google your problem and you are sure to find a
satisfying solution. Want to compare two or more credit cards? It can be done in a jiffy.

In short the benefits of applying online for credit card with bad credit are
enormous. You can find quotes from different credit card companies without
facing the harassment, humiliation and paperwork of offline processes.

Duran Mueller an expert author and credit card consultant, provides great American express credit card tips. Read more credit card articles at his credit card website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duran_Mueller
http://EzineArticles.com/?Benefits-Of-Applying-Online-For-Credit-Cards-If-You-Have-Bad-Credit&id=548867

Personal Finance Tips

5 Key Personal Finance Problems - Which One Do You Want to Overcome? by Bruce Hokin (FCPA)

You can take control of your personal finances by applying the lessons listed below.


Problem #1. Spending Without Knowing Your Limits


As in business, you will not last long financially if you spend without regard to your income. Knowing your spending limits is not hard to do. Just find the answers to these 4 easy questions:


Question #1. What is my take-home income per pay? (that is your total income less taxes)


Question #2. What do I need to spend to live?


Question #3. What is the difference after taking spending from income?


Question #4. Can I save enough for my future from the answer in Question #3?


There are many tools to help you gain answers to these questions. You can find many on the Internet. Helpful Hint: Find one that helps you set your savings targets, checks your ability to meet the targets and then shows your progress towards your goals.


Problem #2. Spending Without Setting Savings Targets


It's OK to spend to the limits of your income but that does not provide you with any buffer for urgent purchases, or protect you from a financial emergency. Urgent purchases could be renewing a broken fridge or stove, calling a plumber to fix a broken pipe or having to spend for major car repairs. Financial emergencies could be temporary loss of income or hospitalization of a family member. How would you survive financially in any of these situations?


You can begin to save today, it's easy. What if you went without your bought lunch each day at work? That saves you $1,000 per year on $5/day. What if you reduced your Starbuck's coffee by 1 each working day? That's another $1,000 per year on $5/day. Just those two amounts alone can mean a holiday for you, the beginnings of a savings plan, or an emergency buffer.


If you set a target of 10% of your take-home pay each payday that would be a good start. If you think creatively, you are sure to come up with ways to achieve this. Think of the peace of mind that would bring.


Problem #3. Spending Without Knowing How to Save


There are many easy ways for you to save money that allow you the freedom to spend when you see something you really want. Some of these are:


1. Don't buy on impulse. Ask yourself 2 or 3 times "Do I really NEED this?" before you buy. If you cannot answer with a resounding "YES " let it go.


2. Don't buy things JUST because they are on sale. Only buy things you need. If you do need them wait a few weeks the price may fall even further.


3. Don't buy the latest fashion items at the height of the season. Just wait a while. The prices usually reduce.


4. Don't compare yourself with others and what they have. They may have purchased making the same finance mistakes as you.


5. Set yourself a savings target. Put this money aside each payday BEFORE spending any of your pay.


Problem #4. Spending Without Feeling Satisfied


Spending can leave you feeling pretty shallow and unrewarded when you purchase on a whim or fancy when you really know you cannot afford the item. What's more you may not even use it. What a waste!


To really FEEL GOOD ABOUT SHOPPING and spending you need to know these 4 things:


1. My budget allows me the freedom to purchase this item


2. I have the cash put away already for this purchase (even though I will use my credit card for the transaction).


3. This purchase is something that I really want and will use.


4. I have purchased this item at the best possible price, saving as much as I can.


Problem #5. Spending Without Caring About Your Future


Unless you are planning for your future and financial security, you cannot be really happy. There are always worries lurking in your mind about how you would survive in a financial emergency if you have no savings. It can be very rewarding to see how quickly your savings multiply over time with only a small investment each payday.


Did you know that by saving just $5 every day this would grow into $1,867 in 12 months at 5% interest and then it grows into a whopping $10,343 in 5 years? Isn't your future worth investing in?


Why not start to overcome your personal finance problems today? Looking back you'll be so glad you did!


If you click on the links below you will be taken to a great budget solution. It helps you set your savings targets, checks your ability to meet the targets and then shows your progress towards your goals.


Bruce Hokin has designed a simple budget tool called "5 Steps to Freedom Personal Budget." It based on his extensive background as a qualified, experienced accountant, manager, consultant and financial adviser. You can download this powerful budget assistant today and be on your way to financial freedom within the hour. It is available at his website www.freedom-personal-budgets.com.

Article Source: FreeArticleSubmission.com

Debt Consolidation Tips

Debt Consolidation Tips: An "All in one" Guide!

By: Marsha Claire

A Debt consolidation loan is a loan used to repay several other loans or other debts. A Debt Consolidation Loan is a low cost loan secured on collateral in the form of any securable property, your home, your vehicle or any valuable asset. Debt consolidation loans consolidate all debts incurred through personal loans, credit cards, overdrafts, or any number of unpaid bills that have built up over time. These loans can give you a fresh start, allowing you to consolidate all of your loans into one - giving you one easy to manage payment, and in most cases, at a lower rate of interest. A debt consolidation loan can reduce both your interest costs and your monthly repayments, putting you back in control of your life.

Debt consolidation solutions are practical means for eliminating credit card and other high interest debts, and getting your financial health and future back on track. Being concerned about debt 24 x 7 is extremely stressful, both on you and your family. So take a few minutes right now and educate yourself about your options.


1. Go with a debt consolidation company that has a good reputation.

Don't assume that every non-profit company is necessarily going to look out for your interests more than for a profit. Shopping around will give you the means to decide on the one that best suits your circumstances and your budget. Spend time researching different lenders and get quotes from a handful before deciding on one.

2. Do the math yourself.

Take the time to work through the expenses yourself and see how much you will be paying, how long it will take to pay off the loan, etc. Look for hidden costs, creditor charges, etc. Many lenders add payment protection insurance to their loans without the borrowers' knowledge, which is often more expensive than those available elsewhere. People keen to consolidate their debts, take the first opportunity available, unaware of lower rates and other available options.


3. Is it cost effective in the long run?

Paying off an existing debt may incur charges for early settlement and there may also be a fee for arranging your consolidation loan. A debt consolidation loan should be cheaper than the individual loans and debts since that's its purpose. Otherwise how is it different from any other secured loan? Also, by taking a new debt consolidation loan, you will be extending the period in which you are paying off debts - and that might mean a greater interest cost in the long run. So read the fine print on your credit agreement statement before signing it.


5. Interest rates:

Make sure you understand the difference between variable and fixed rate loans. If you sign up for a variable rate loan, you may get a lower rate initially, but within a few years it may go up. On the contrary, a fixed rate option does not fluctuate with any changes in rates. However, you do not gain when the interest drops either.


6. Debt Consolidation counselling:

Debt consolidation with debt counselling can provide you with expert debt advice for financial planning. This would help you sort out your present debts as well as prevent you from getting into future debt. Debt counselling services can talk to your creditors about reducing your interest rate, eliminating late fees, altering repayment options and extending your loan term. Look up an agency that is the member of the National Foundation for Credit Counselling (NFCC) or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counselling Agencies (AICCCA).


Secured on your collateral low interest debt consolidation loans can sweep away the pile of repayments to your credit and store cards, loans and replace them with one, low cost, monthly payment - one calculated to be well within your means. Never take a loan that is over the top, take something that suits your needs.


It has been found that a significant number of residents are not aware of the benefits of the debt consolidation options and are suspicious about how it works. There is a need to increase the awareness of the debt consolidation solutions and evolve new varieties and features for debt consolidation loans. There is a great potential to increase the benefits of debt consolidation loans.

Author Bio

Marsha Claire is offering loan advice for quite some time.To find Adverse Credit debt consolidation, UK Debt consolidation Help, Fix Your debt Repayment, Debt consolidation tips visit www.fixyourdebts.co.uk

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Home Equity Loans

Home Equity Loans Make Financial Sense

By: Mike Hamel

The optimum word in "home equity loan" is equity. Start with the fair market value of a home, subtract the mortgages (first and second) and any liens against the property, and what you have left is the equity. This equity can be used as collateral to secure cash in the form of a loan or mortgage.



The amount borrowed is based on a percentage of the appraised value of the home. The percentage rate can vary from 75% to 125%. The length of the financing will also vary. The two main types of home equity loans are fixed rate loans and adjustable rate loans.



Fixed rate loan - provides a fixed amount of money at a fixed rate of interest, repayable in equal payments over the life of the loan. Fixed rate financing costs more in set-up fees and comes at higher interest than adjustable rate loans. But if homeowners stay put and interest rates go up, they will save money over a comparable adjustable rate loan.



Adjustable rate loan - the interest rate goes up or down according to the index upon which it is based. Adjustable rate loans will have a cap on how high the interest rate can go. Usually called ARMs (Adjustable Rate Mortgages), this type of loan has lower up-front costs and starts at a lower interest rate than fixed rate financing. This means lower initial monthly payments.



Putting home equity to good use

According to the Consumer Banker Association, the top ten reasons for getting a home equity loan are:

10. Vacation

9. Medical expenses

8. Business expenses

7. Household expenditures

6. Investment

5. Major purchase

4. Education expenses

3. Automobile purchase

2. Home improvement

1. Debt consolidation

Debt consolidation, the most popular reason people cash out their home equity, is a smart form of financing because of the money it can save. For example, say you owe $15,000 on a credit card that charges 17% interest. If you get a debt consolidation loan at 9% interest and pay it off in five years, you'll save you over $30,000!



If you're paying more than 15% interest on anything, you should seriously consider a debt consolidation loan. The right terms could drop your monthly payments by 35% - 50%, depending on interest rates, origination costs and tax consequences.



Even for people who have bad credit or who have filed for bankruptcy, a home equity loan is not out of reach. It can be a good way to make a fresh start. Websites like www.easyhomeequitymortgages.com help borrowers with bad credit get the home equity loan that best fits their unique situation.

Author Bio

Mike Hamel is the author of several books and the Senior Writer for AIM Techs (www.salesandmarketingllc.com), an Internet marketing company that specializes in improving visitor-to-sale conversions using proprietary software and advanced SEM techniques.

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

Starting Your Own Business

Tips to get your Entrepreneurship off and running

By: Michael Johnson

One of the best of the small business associations is the University of Central Arkansas Small Business Advancement National Center (SBANC.)



While the ideal way of starting a small business would be to free yourself up from every other venture, problem, time consuming effort and obligation and throw yourself into starting a small business every waking moment, this isn't an ideal world. Few of us can afford the luxury of setting everything else aside to devote all our time and efforts, as well as capital - to starting a small business.



Some of us have the itch to become an entrepreneur but have to "keep our day jobs" while we give this starting a small business idea a go. It may well be, in fact, that starting a small business part time is the most common entrepreneurial process.



Part of succeeding at starting a small business if you have to do so part time is to know your schedule and your time limitations and choose a business concept that you enjoy, have some training or expertise in and can be accomplished around your work schedule. The other alternative is to change your work schedule either with your current employer or choose an alternative employer. Starting a small business takes effort and focus as well as time.



It may be that your current job is not only time consuming but also the type of work that requires a great deal of energy, a great deal of concentration, a very regimented schedule and perhaps the responsibility that tends to have you taking your work home with you either actually or mentally. This sort of work style doesn't lend itself well to starting a small business part time.



Let's look at an example of a journalist who has a successful writing and editing business from her home office. When she decided she was interested in starting a small business she had been working for many years in newspaper management. Her executive responsibilities required 70 and 80 hour workweeks and even then she took work home.



After many years of this she began to think more and more about her dream of starting a small writing business. It called to her more and more urgently. But how was she to even think of starting a small business when she had little time, energy or focus left in her busy work week? Besides, she had to work to keep the roof over her head.



What she did to determine if starting a small business was even possible, was to sit down and write out a budget, deciding where she could eliminate some non-essential expenses in her life, and what she absolutely had to have to live on. She then looked for, and found, a job that not only brought in enough money to live on but freed up a lot of her daytime work week hours as well as her mental focus. She took a customer service job in a call center.



Starting a small business was going to be possible with this job where it had not been with her newspaper career for a number of reasons. It required considerably less mental acumen, it didn't require that she take her work home with her, it was easy, the hours were flexible (she worked 3pm-midnight Thursday through Sunday) and the dress code was highly casual. She could work all day starting her small business and then don her jeans and go into the call center in the evening. Now she's quit that call center job and her dream of starting a small business has been fulfilled. Her business is thriving and she works at it full time.



You will find links to other small business associations from the SBANC site. These small business associations include the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) offering one on one counseling in person or online, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its Small Business Development Centers which provide a ton of small business assistance including mentoring, training, publications, tapes, workshops and financing, Allied Academies - a worldwide research and training group, the Small Business Institute which provides entrepreneurial teaching and training, and the Federation of Business Disciplines, a group of educators devoted to small business teaching conferences.

Author Bio

About the Author:
M. Johnsona operates a variety of small business websites and newsletters. Visit the website for many business start up ideas. www.smallbiztipscenter.com

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