Friday, August 29, 2008

But It Said There Is Evidence To Show That Many People Do Not Have The" Right Provision In Place" To Cater For Their Financial Needs- And This May Involve Taking Out A Debt Consolidation Loan

Category: Finance, Credit.

Brits are being urged to prepare for the future at a time when many economists are predicting a rough ride for the UK and global economy this year following last year s US subprime mortgage crisis and the ensuing liquidity shortages. But the findings indicate there are some Brits who will be out of work for 12 months or more and the ABI is warning that families could be in real trouble if they do not sort out their finances as soon as possible.



The Association of British Insurers( ABI) has released a study that suggests that almost a quarter of people in the UK will become unemployed at some point during their working life, if only for a short time. The prospect of being jobless and the likelihood of an economic downturn this year should prompt people to address their money situation and this may involve taking out a debt consolidation loan to cover numerous outstanding bills. Recovering from an accident or illness can also put a breadwinner out of action for some time and this may be another reason why people need to think ahead and consolidate their finances now, the ABI said. However, unemployment is not the only problem facing householders. Nick Starling, the ABI s director of general insurance and health, said: "It is important when people are taking out a loan or a mortgage that they think about how they would meet repayments should they fall ill or become unemployed. " Cheshire Building Society has also urged Brits to sort out their personal finances, especially after Christmas left many people with less money than they are used to. Cancelling unnecessary subscriptions and direct debits, which may be a drain on an individual s bank account, is also recommended.


Keeping a diary of expenditure helps people to see where their money is going and where it is being wasted, according to the building society, which said that by recording outgoings people may find they end up spending less, thereby freeing up funds to pay off credit card bills or existing loans. Cheshire Building Society s advice is echoed by the Co- operative Insurance Society, which recently said that life- changing events like getting married, buying a house or having a baby can have a major impact on somebody s finances. Charles McKeown, CIS insurance sales director, said that people are often" ill equipped" to cope financially when changes in their life occur. "By then it is often too late to put the necessary provision in place, " he stated, before adding that while financial planning may be a daunting prospect, it is nonetheless essential. But it said there is evidence to show that many people do not have the" right provision in place" to cater for their financial needs- and this may involve taking out a debt consolidation loan. Meanwhile, it is not only the risk of illness or unemployment that might prompt homeowners to get their financial affairs in order. Those worried about their current outgoings could consider debt consolidation loans as a means of addressing budgetary constraints. Recent commentary on the state of household finances by SimplySwitch suggested that the cost of living was set to rise over the coming year, with the likes of fuel costs expected to increase as monetary conditions remain tight.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

So, Free Debt Advice Is A Kind Of Investment For Them

Category: Finance, Credit.

The world has become so much materialistic and people have grown so much profit oriented that there is hardly anything that one can expect free of cost.



When such is the case, some debt help agencies have come forward to offer free debt advice to people burdened with unmanageable debts. Barring the emotional feelings like love, etc, sympathy. a very few near and dear ones, everything have a cost, directly and indirectly. It may sound strange or incredible as to how agencies can offer debt advice free of cost. Moreover, these agencies are commercial venture and their giving free debt advice appears to be fishy. That they do it out of charity can be easily passed up as there are only a very few agencies or organisations that are dedicated to charitable works. So, one may easily conclude that either the advice they offer are valueless or they have some other profit making plans. But on average, the agencies that offer free debt advice are good and effective.


Well, to speak the truth, all the agencies engaged in offering debt advice may not be highly effective or fully honest. By approaching any debt help agency, you can come to know where does he stand and what all plans are there to sort out his debt problem. But the end result will be the same: you can get an assessment of your debt and an idea of how to go about resolving it. There may be difference between the methods suggested by different agencies. Apart from this, many debt help agencies have financial products to sell. So, if they offer free debt advice, they have nothing to lose. These include programmes for dealing with debts easily.


May be by giving advice they will be able to sell a programme. So, free debt advice is a kind of investment for them. This, will bring revenue, in turn for them.

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The use of bank cards are not only restricted to the income- earning population of any country. They can enter into this amazing world of credits and get real training.

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Everyone loves a good bonus.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

So What Is Debt Consolidation Really

Category: Finance, Credit.

Has debt consolidation become a major concern for you yet?



Sometimes by as much as 50% or more! If you have much debt, then a debt consolidation loan could help you manage it all easily and reduce your monthly expenses. Interest rates and the cost of living are increasing. It might be confusing to think that another loan could help you reduce your debt. If your bills and credit cards are mounting quickly, then you might be able to take the pressure off by refinancing with secured credit consolidation. So what is debt consolidation really? This provides debt relief because you ll have less payments to make each month, plus a lower amount of interest.


Definition of consolidation debt: Pooling your various debts into one new loan. This is loan consolidation and allows you to manage your debt much more effectively. You earned it! You might not have known the fact that 95% of people retire broke( They were never told about loan consolidation! ) You deserve to spend your money however you like, and debt reduction will help. So be careful not to let the problem of debt get out of control happen to you. So the purpose of debt consolidation is to achieve debt elimination through better managed lower interest loans. Debt consolidation loans have a lower overall interest rate than all the various loans you are paying right now. (So you keep more in your pocket every month) .


You might find that debt consolidation helps you more than any other financial opportunity that you have got. It can be scary to search for loan consolidation options online. Here s Some Tips On Debt Consolidation. There are so many options to find out about debt consolidation online. WARNING: Are you rate shopping for personal debt consolidation online? So where should you look?


Here s what you need to know. But, recent BBC news in the UK showed some main high street banks are giving people loans that they simply can not afford. There are many online debt consolidation loan search sites. Many small online debt consolidation quote providers do not have fully detailed market research capacity and so the quotes they give you will either not be available should you decide to actually try to claim the loan offer promised, or you will end up with a debt consolidation loan not actually well suited to your exact situation or requirements. But the benefits of debt consolidation outweigh the trouble and time it will take to find a good solution because with loan consolidation you could save a lot of money every month and have more to spend on your family. Some search sites can provide you a tailored quote based on your exact circumstances. Amazing what s possible when you do what it takes to make it happen.


Well done for taking the step of looking up articles like this on a loan consolidation program.

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One of the most common misconceptions there is about rebuilding credit is that you have to go back and pay everyone you owe money to every single dime that you owe them. In fact, if your debts are more than four years old, you do not want to pay them off.

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In this day and age, cash is slowly being edged out by the purchasing power of the credit card. After all, credit cards are easy to carry and use.

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0% APR credit cards are screaming at you from advertisements.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Credit Card Holders, Beware

Category: Finance, Credit.

It s festive season and you are probably in the mood to go extravagant. Here are some credit help tools that will keep your debt free while you return home laden with shopping bags.



However, do not let debts play spoilsport to your spirit. Plan a budget. This will keep your expenses in control. A budget determines how many bucks you can spend on shopping and is a great credit help tool. Also, make sure to note down your expenses so that you are not baffled with the vanishing dollars. Stick to only one card, especially the one having the lowest rate of interest.


Credit card holders, beware! Create A List. Spare some time and make a list. How many items do you plan to buy? A list is a smart shopper s credit help tool. It also puts a brake on your shopping spree. It helps you compare rates and bargain.


Find Out Ways To Save. For example, you can avoid eating out while shopping. If you look twice and maybe thrice, you will find that not all expenses are that necessary. A piping hot meal prepared at home is matchless! Then, you can always have a small Christmas tree. It saves dollars, is good for health, and gives you the privacy to eat with your family.


After all, it is the spirit that matters, doesn t it? You can even make your own holiday cards by snapping pictures on your own instead of shelling out dollars in a studio. Try to have fewer fancy lights to cut down on your electricity bill. You may not realize but they are small credit help tools that make a huge difference in keeping your account rich. You will save bundles! While out shopping, do not forget to use your head, and not just your heart.


Credit Card Offers Are A Big NO! A high interest rate is hidden behind such offers. Do not be tempted by the offers of credit card companies that urge you to miss out payments, or provide you an instant discount on your purchase. Also, before purchasing a credit card, always read the fine print and make sure you UNDERSTAND it. Have You Taken Protection Against ID Theft This Festive Season? If you think that any perk is too good to be true, then it probably is. Attention, credit card holders!


However, you need not go anywhere to ask for protection. ID theft is growing at an alarming rate in America. You are your own guard. And don t think that you haven t told your password to anyone means that it s safe. Here are some credit help tools to keep your personal details safe while shopping. The world is full of geniuses gone awry.


How? While shopping online, check out whether the web site is secure. Check for" https" in the URL or the" lock" icon. Never carry all the cards with you. Always have copies of the receipts while gift shopping. You probably need only one or two during one shopping trip, don t you?


Be vigilant with the cashiers while shopping. In case your wallet gets stolen or lost, you will only have one or two accounts to worry about. Remember, they should never scan your card through more than a single device to process the transaction. When dining out, pay with cash. Never allow your credit card to go out of your sight. It is a good idea to sign up for credit monitoring services. In case of identity theft, a credit monitoring service will alert you at once and enable you to take action in order to repair the damages, if any.


It helps you to track any alterations in your credit report, along with an increase in your balance, or functioning of new credit lines. So, make your festive season full of happiness minus credit worries.

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The thought of personal bankruptcy is very frightening, however over 4 per 1, 000 people have filed for bankruptcy last year, and this rate has been growing at an average of nearly 7 percent. According to economists surveys, the classic bankruptcy filer is a blue collar, high school graduate who is the head of a household in the lower middle- income class with heavy use of credit.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

The Internet Has Added A Whole New Dimension To Credit Card Use

Category: Finance, Credit.

Most people are aware that a credit card is almost an essential element as far as enhancing spending ability in the modern age.



This history is vital when it comes time for purchases beyond clothes and food at restaurants. Whether by accident or more probably by design, the credit card companies have made it almost a necessity for people to use their products in order to establish a credit history. In order to receive approval for loans for a vehicle purchase or financing, and to get a mortgage for the purchase of a house, people have to have some kind of credit history. The Internet has added a whole new dimension to credit card use. Moreover, for people who travel, credit cards are necessary in order to confirm hotel reservations or airline tickets. Surveys show that people are showing an ever- increasing penchant to purchase all or most of their goods via the Internet, and most sites which sell products or services have only credit card options when it comes to payment.


Many people find themselves overextended and unable to make their monthly payments, and as a result find their credit history in need of repair before they are able to make any further purchases. As the use of credit cards becomes more ubiquitous, the disadvantages of, however credit spending become more apparent. When individuals who are leery of credit cards see these trends, their view of the credit card as a potentially lethal financial bomb are confirmed and they are further committed to not using one for purchases. Fortunately, several companies have created a solution that addresses the problem of the individual opposed to credit spending. These people will find themselves at a disadvantage in the purchasing realities of today s marketplace. Prepaid Credit/ Debit Cards are an example of this solution.


It can be used at all the same places purchases are made, including online. The prepaid card acts as a regular credit card. The main difference is that instead of spending on future money, the individual cardholder is spending money that they already have. People using a Prepaid Credit Card deposit sums of cash onto their card balance, either by paycheck or individual transaction. This is achieved through loading the card. Once this balance is spent, there is no further spending allowed on the card until it has been reloaded. This type of card is also ideal for individuals who have a poor credit score.


This way, individuals are spending only money that they already have, not money that they hope to have at a future date. They can re- establish their history without putting themselves in danger of more debt. After all, what would be the point when it is money already earned by the individual that is being spent? Unlike regular credit cards, generally Prepaid Credit Cards do not have any APRs, or overdraft charges, annual fees. Holders of these cards are also entitled to all the benefits that normal credit cards holders share. Access to millions of businesses and thousands of ATMs worldwide are all part of being a Prepaid credit card user.

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Want a little more financial breathing room than you current budget allows? But with a flexible low cost mortgage loan, the interest you pay should be set at a more competitive level.

Friday, August 22, 2008

You Say To Yourself, What Can I Do To Reduce Or Eliminate My Debt

Category: Finance, Credit.

I m sure your answer is yes to this question.



Did you know that there are a lot of people in the United States who are in more debt today than we ve ever been? Yeah, you may want to loose your debt, but aren t sure exactly how to do this. We re also saving much less! Even though we make more money we re saving a lot less than our grandparents did! That s right. I know you re saying, things cost much more these days.


In fact, the interest rates that are currently being charged on credit cards average eighteen percent and upward. Yes, but we, I know re still spending more, which keeps us from saving the money we should for a rainy day. Ouch! Of course, your credit card company would like you to keep a balance on your credit card so they can collect interest from you! That s a lot of interest to pay for a credit card especially if you don t pay off your balance each month. Remember you re charged interest on your unpaid balance, that s how the credit card companies make lots of money.


Well, here are some tips to help you begin your path to financial freedom by reducing and eventually eliminating your debt: 1) Review all of your current billing statements to determine how much you owe your creditors. You say to yourself, what can I do to reduce or eliminate my debt? By doing this, you ll know exactly where you stand with your bills and exactly how much you owe. 2) Look at the highest interest rates you are paying and the balances of these particular credit cards. This will assist you in reducing the amount of interest you are paying to your creditors sooner. 3) Pay more than the minimum amount due on your credit cards! Based on those balances, attempt to start paying off the credit cards with the highest interest rates first. You want to get your debt reduced and eventually eliminated by paying over the minimum balance that the credit card company is requiring you to pay.


You definitely don t want to pay your credit card company any more money than you need to! Remember debt elimination is your goal, so this will help you to work towards that! 4) Make sure to pay your bill on time in order to avoid late fees and extra interest charges added to your credit balances. Remember, the more money you keep for yourself, the more you have to save. 5) Don t use your credit cards! Yes, I know you ll need one for emergencies. That s right, you re trying to become debt free, so you ll need to eliminate or reduce your spending on your credit cards. But, that s just it, emergencies only! Your goal is to stay out of debt and to become debt free. 6) You may want to take money from your savings or money market account to pay off your credit cards so you can become debt free or reduce your debt.


So don t use your credit card for anything else other that a true legitimate emergency. If you decide to do this, make sure you keep some money in your savings for an emergency or a rainy day! 7) If you think you need debt counseling, then you may want to seek professional help to assist you with reducing or eliminating your debt. These tips should help you get started on your way to becoming debt free for the future. Just do some research via the internet to locate a company that specializes in this. You ll be glad that you decided to take this crucial step in taking control of your personal finances by losing your debt! Remember, it s important for your future.

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What Exactly Is Credit Score

Category: Finance, Credit.

What exactly is credit score?



This article discusses why you should keep yourself abreast of your ratings with creditors, and how to monitor your credit score. If you have still not paid due attention about your credit score, do not waste any more time and check out now. First up, a brief background knowledge. They account of your loan repayment to the three major credit reporting bureaus. Your credit score is worked out after taking due cognizance of information about you from provided you credit in the past. These organizations then make a numerical score, also referred to as a FICO score( named after the Fair Isaac Corporation) . The higher your score, the better your credit rating.


You can equate your credit score to grades for a test in school. FICO scores move in the range from 300 to a maximum of 85Anything below 700 needs to be improved. A more low- cost mortgage. Then how come should you worry? A better credit score will enable you to get a cheaper rate on your home equity credit. For example if you manage to get a reduction of just 2% in interest rate on a 30 year fixed mortgage on a$ 200, 000 house you will save almost$ 100, 000! !


Especially in these days of tightening credit, banks devote close attention to your FICO score when you request a home equity loan. Less insurance premiums. Statistics suggest a definite relation between FICO score and insurance claims. Your credit score is verified by many auto insurance companies and health insurance companies before they determine the insurance premium for you. So, they reward customers with better credit by providing them a cheaper premium on life, and auto insurance, health. It has bee observed that employers are obtaining your credit reports when you apply for a job. A better job.


Although it is done to cross check your application, there is nothing to prevent them from discovering how you manage your fiscal affairs, as well. One thing for sure is that better score will help you raise your living standard with cheaper interest rates, and a more, a better job affordable lifestyle. It only goes to show that credit score affects our life in many ways. Back to the original question: What is your credit score? As a matter of fact, you are due a complimentary copy every year from the three major credit reporting bureaus. You can obtain your credit score rather easily.


Just log on to annualcreditreport. com This is a web site supported by the credit bureaus. One distinct advantage of obtaining the report simultaneously is a better comparison. You can opt to get a copy from all three at the same time or prefer to get on form each of them at different times of the year. All the same, you will not be eligible for another free credit report for 12 months. It is important to track your credit report, because it is modified over time as your lenders provide fresh data. On the other hand, the advantage of ordering one now and others later for example, one credit report every four months is that you can ascertain whatever modifications or fresh information that may come out on your credit report. Note that your free credit report will not contain your FICO score.


I would caution you not to fall prey to offers for subscription based information supply. The three major credit bureaus( Equifax, and TransUnion, Experian) would rather charge you for that bit of data, like many other web sites.

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