Showing posts with label Financial Services. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Financial Services. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Secure Your Car with Car Insurance and Enjoy the Driving

Day 209 - West Midlands Police - Uninsured veh...
 (Photo credit: West Midlands Police)
You never know how and when perils come to you and destroy your possession within a moment. Your car is one of the most costly possessions. Many types of problems may happen with it such as road accidents, scratch or even theft. As it is very costly, so buying a new one is not always possible. Most of the time people take the car loans, so buying is entirely impossible. If you have the car insurance, you may not need to worry. The insurance company will cover any kind of damage of your car. You just need to give the premium of the insurance properly and on time. 

How to Choose the Right car insurance?


Every day there is lots of car insurance policy comes on the front page of the advertisement. But all of them are not true. There could be various types of hidden charges and limitations following which when you need the reimbursement, you will possibly not paid or partially paid. So you are advised to do some market search. There are many social networking sites or blogs where people often keep talking about various types of insurances related to the car. If you wish you can be a part of them. In this way you will be able to place the best deal with minimum premium charges. 

Few Necessity Of The car insurance


For securing your car from any kind of damage, fire, lightning, self-ignition, terrorist attack and so on. This type of car insurance can also recuperate your car from the damage caused by the natural calamity or from social riots. How much you will be reimbursed depends upon how much deal you made with the insurance company. You can get up to full reimbursement fees. But for that you have made the deal in a good amount so that your car could be secured from any kind of damage. There is various policies start from the low range to the high. You have to choose according to your financial strength. 

Benefits Of The car insurance


Having car insurance is an added advantage because the possibilities of car accident, theft and scratch are nothing new and each time you have to repair by yourself spending a lot of money if you don’t have insurance. It is like a ventilation support of your car. There are so many insurance companies in the global market that vary upon the state to state or country to country. But the policy should be always user friendly. In every way it should facilitate the benefits of the car. Sometimes if you search, you may find some companies offering some discounts with the same policy. You can inquire about these and can think of opting one for your car. 

Few Tips for You


You have to renew the insurance after certain time interval so that you do not need to do it afresh again. If you opt insurance from the popular and well established insurance company you may access the online payment option and usually their customer service cares are very good and supportive. You may find their help on 24x7 hours. so if you have any trouble regarding your car, you can directly call them up and the next procedures could be very smooth with the good companies.


Thursday, March 14, 2013

Home Loans Possible With the Right Company

Heritage Home Loans has been one of the most successful and reputable home loans companies in the wake of the housing and banking crises of the past few years. With the continued volatility that the federal spending cuts are sure to bring, getting a home loan will continue to be difficult for people without the right connections. 

However, Heritage Home Loans has built up a reputation for helping people precisely when they need it most. With programs for all would be homebuyers in all kinds of financial situations, Heritage Home Loans can easily create financial leverage for a first time homebuyer without much credit or an underwater homeowner who needs to refinance. 

The customer service of the company is also without compare within the industry. Customers of Heritage Home Loans tend to remain loyal because of the human connection that they receive from the company, which has a policy to help any customer who is in need of assistance before simply delegating their account to the foreclosure pile. 

If you are looking for a home loan company that has your best interests at heart, then you owe it to yourself to try the experts at Heritage Home Loan. They will be sure to have both the financing and the answers that you need in order to progress forward in your endeavors.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Seek Investment Advice and Have a Good Plan Ready for Your Retirement

retirement
retirement (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)
Maybe you have just recently entered into the workforce, and retirement seems like it's so far away. Despite this feeling of yours, it's important to seek out investment advice and start to plan for retirement. Why is this necessary so early in the game?

Knowing Your Options


One of the reasons why you should start looking into some advice is because you do may not really know what all of your options are. For example, let's say that one of the options in which you are interested requires that you start early on in your career to have a sizable amount of money for when you retire. However, if you do not look into such a plan early on, then you might not be able to get all of the benefits from it.

Backup Funds


Sometimes, situations arise in life that we really have no control over, and the only way to deal with them is to have a large sum of money. Some types of retirement funds, 401ks, for example, allow you to start working toward these types of goals right now. For example, let's say that you really needed some money a few years down the road, and you have a decent amount saved up in your 401k. You are usually able to take a loan out against yourself to get you through the situation.

Reaping the Benefits


At some point, you are probably going to retire. Even if you really love the job you have, a time may very well come when you are simply unable to do the job to the best of your ability anymore. While this time may seem to be so very far away, it is wise to start planning for it now. You do not want to reach retirement only to feel regret about the way you have handled your financial affairs. Yes, it might be a difficult way to think about the future, but at least you are being smart and being prepared.

Professional Advice


The other part of this equation is to look for professional advice as opposed to using only what is being presented in front of you. So many different possibilities exist, and it's hard to learn about all of them by yourself unless you are a professional in the field. Therefore, you really need to make this conscious effort to learn about the different possibilities that stand before you and to choose a plan that works for your situation. Certified financial planners and accountants are the people who can really help you out when it comes to sorting through all of this information and picking the best programs.

As you can clearly tell, the time to get started on a plan for your future is right now. The longer you wait, the less time you have to save up money and make an exciting and appealing retirement situation for yourself. No matter how young you are, it's never too early to start planning for the future in a smart and logical way.

Author Jason Harter is an accountant who also works in the finance department of his firm. He deals with the payout of the retirement funds, and is an expert on how to use those funds most efficiently. Jason obtained his BS in Accounting Online degree.


Sunday, March 10, 2013

Of the People for the People: When Banking Goes Social

Social media has come a long way, baby, over the past decade. Analyzing the already (in) famous case of Facebook alone will reveal a spectacular tale of a brainchild born out of the enthusiasm of three Harvard dropouts. What started out as a basement dream evolved into a social network especially devised for students and alumni of Ivy League colleges, which then expanded across colleges in the United States and eventually took over the whole world. Nowadays, there is little people don’t do on Facebook. They chat, keep friends, family, and acquaintances updated of their personal status quo and whereabouts – and, more recently, they’ve also started taking their banking to new social level. 

Of course, this latest revolution is inextricably tied in with the mobile revolution, in which both technology and IT savvy have a lot to say for themselves. Over the past year, the US market reach and share of smartphones has increased to great extents and the latest polls in the field indicate that it will only continue along the same lines in 2013. Not only are more and more people online, but the range of actions they perform on their mobile, online-ready devices is also becoming more and more diverse. Supremacy belongs to game playing, which has surpassed, in terms of time spent at play, the time people spend playing video games on their desktop devices. Online and social banking, however, is also undergoing a quiet revolution of its own. 

Two of Australia’s Leading Banks Go Social


Bankwest is one Australian bank that realized the catchphrase according to which ‘you don’t exist if you’re not on Facebook’ is truer than they may have initially thought. At http://www.facebook.com/bankwest they’re keeping clients informed, both current and prospective ones, of all the bank’s activities outside the main institution’s premises. Their strategy is personal and their approach light, as their profile is peppered with pictures from recent social events, organized in support of the bank’s many social initiatives. Bankwest is one Australian bank which has been focusing on online presence more so than others in recent times – their online savings, credit card, and personal loan deals often come with better terms than their offline counterparts.

Bankwest is not the only online Aussie bank either. Another major competitor on the market has recently launched a marketing campaign aimed at informing clients of the many services they offer online. These range from enabling payments via mobile, to dedicated smartphone apps for people seeking to purchase a new home. According to the bank’s representatives, their latest campaign is about improving the bank – customer relationship, and not about “technology for technology’s sake”. The decision to go online and implicitly social was marked by the bank’s desire to stay on top of its game, to improve the way banking was viewed and to provide a higher-value experience for the end-user. 

What’s in it for the Banks?


As the latter example goes to show, taking a banking enterprise online and helping it stay connected with its clients through multiple channels is not about being ‘trendy’. It’s the next logical step in an approach that is firmly rooted in the traditions of the banking industry. Back before the global financial crisis, and even further back in time, during the fifties, sixties, and seventies, banks were perceived as more ‘humane’ and implicitly human than they are now. The GFC changed all that, as many institutions across the world tumbled toward their inevitable end, fueled, it seems, by a lot of inhumane amassing of capital. Current attempts at socializing via the newest means available are, by the looks of it, an attempt of making amends for the past decade. Time alone will tell if the general consumer public chooses to validate this attempt or dismiss it.


Sunday, March 3, 2013

Making it Through Your Financial Crisis

Payday Loans Neon Sign
Payday Loans Neon Sign (Photo credit: rinkjustice)
Some people are saying they are seeing some positive economic signs, but many are still suffering from the economic downturn. The problems usually are an unexpected bill coming due or a medical expense. The most common one is the family car needing an unexpected repair. You don't have enough money in the bank to cover the bill and you have nowhere to turn. Your next payday is two weeks away and you need the money now. What can you do?

There is a way out and it’s payday loans. Payday loans are a financial product which helps people in need, by advancing them cash in a quick and easy way. Payday loans provide a solution to your need of short term cash by not giving you credit but by advancing cash for a short term and charging a fee.

Many people are apprehensive about using a payday loan service because of some bad press. But there are many companies that have served their customers well and built a reputation of excellent customer service. Companies today value their customers and they use cutting edge technology to provide great customer service. They offer valuable services that are very useful for those people who use them responsibly.  After all, where else can you look for a dependable source for immediate cash in any kind of emergency?

An online payday lender provides a process for a quick application. Most obtain fast approval and their money in a timely fashion. From the comfort of your home you enter your details online and you should receive approval within only a short time. It takes less than 2 minutes to apply and customer service will get in touch with you and inform you when you have qualified for the cash advance.

Payday loans are there when you need them. Their purpose is to help you out in any situation that you need quick cash and it is your responsibly to use them wisely and only when in need.

The only requirements you need to apply for a short term loan is a bank account. You must have a job or a way to prove income and be at least 18 years old. Go to cheapest pay day loans uk.


Monday, February 25, 2013

Financial Advisors: Do You Need One?

Finance
Finance (Photo credit: Tax Credits)

The global economic turmoil has, in one way or another, affected every single one of us. And many of us have found themselves in completely different financial situations and are now trying to find someone who could help them with their new issues and difficulties. Thankfully, it seems that it is ridiculously easy to find free relevant help on various websites these days. But is it really that easy? Aren't things a little bit more complicated?

The Issue of Relevance


Well, the truth is that free advice often comes with plenty of strings attached. Let's start with the most important issue – the relevance of the advice. What you are often going to find when browsing through the various websites is general help for general issues.

It will then be left to your skills and intelligence to figure out how exactly do those hints apply to your specific situations. There is no doubt that you will be able to put some of those things to good use, but there will surely be more questions on your mind – and what are you going to do then?

Trustworthiness


You also have to remember that financial matters are often rather sensitive, so you certainly do not want to share them with someone you cannot trust. Well, would you really trust someone you know only from a website to give you good advice? And, if asked to (and it's really hard to see how someone could give you more than just general tips without getting more information from you), would you want to share your private information with that person? The answer to both of these questions surely has to be negative, doesn't it?

The Hidden Costs


Furthermore, you have to be aware of the fact that those who are offering free help on-line are not really doing it out of goodwill. You will soon find out that only one particular company will be suggested as the ideal choice and that other alternatives are going to get no mention at all. That is not to say that you are not going to find genuine and objective advice from time to time, but can you really take the risk of being led astray and having to spend more time and resources later on?

Conclusion


At the end of the day, it is easy to see that paying for an actual financial advisor might be worth it in most situations. Of course, there is no need for doing so if you are looking only for a few small hints and tips that could point you in the right direction, but you should undoubtedly get a professional to help you out with some of the more complicated and sensitive issues.

Professional financial advisors will give you trustworthy advice that will be relevant to your specific situation with no strings attached whatsoever. They will help you compare all the various options objectively and without any hidden advertising. That help comes with a price tag – but its always more than worth it.

Hugh Tyzack is the founder of GBP Loans Limited, which specializes in no fee guarantor loans and which is now one of the UK's biggest providers. You can find more details about 12 month loans  from www.loansforbad-credit.co.uk by visiting his site. You can also follow Hugh on Twitter @GBPLoans and on Google+.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Managing your Bill Payments

Finance
Finance (Photo credit: Tax Credits)
Obtaining any loan is not a bad thing at all as long as you are aware of the rules and deadlines. The tricky side of the loans is that people usually take them and they are too careless to consider the loans to be a serious obstacle for being on the top of the financial aspect of the life.

Let us begin with the personal finances


Set up a budget and try to follow every step of it. The budget will show you where you spend your money and the amount of money itself that you may spend for this month. You will be able to save more funds for something bigger and more pleasant than just a simple pair of shoes or any new car tool. Compare the expenses with your salary. Are they the same or do you even waste more than earn?

Check your statement of account every month before posting your payment. The mistakes may occur everywhere. The payment bills are not an exception. That is why it is so important to check all your bills and figure out the exact sum of money you owe. It may happen that you will pay for something you did not buy. If you found a mistake, contact your issues at once for figuring out the situation.

The managing of your finances does take a bit of time but it is better to spend a little time checking everything, than to fall behind with all the payments later. At least you will be calm about your credit score.

Home loans: how to cope with them


Do not miss any of your loan payment as it may get you into a trouble. If you do not pay for all your bills and loans during several months, the debt collection notice may arrive and then you will find yourself in a big trouble. 

If an unforeseen situation has occurred to you, do not wait till your debt collector or a bank employee will contact you and remind that you have not paid back yet. Let them know about your difficulties and maybe they will give you some more time for coping with all the issues you have got.

In such situation there is an easy way-out - Canada payday loans for bad credit. They have become very popular among the consumers as they do not require a lot of efforts and time for sending a request for a loan. You will be able to get the required funds within 24 hours just sitting with your lap-top at home.

Do not forget about credit card debt


If you have got more then one credit card, focus on every card bill. You can save much money if you pay back the full balance, and will not keep a revolving one.

While buying something, ask yourself whether you will be able to pay the full price for this purchase and if you are not quite sure, then just pay with cash.




Monday, February 18, 2013

The Do-It-Yourself Debt Management Plan

English: First 4 digits of a credit card
English: First 4 digits of a credit card (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Establishing your own debt management plan requires some time and energy, but it can be an effective and inexpensive solution to getting your finances under control. The following are some guidelines to help you get your plan up and running.

1) Figure out exactly how much your debt costs. To do this, you'll need to gather all the information you have about your debt and monthly finances, including your the total debt, interest rates, payments, living expenses, bills, and income, in one place, such as an Excel spreadsheet or other data management program. One of the easiest ways to get information about your debts is to check your credit report, which lists your complete credit history, including outstanding debts and those that have been paid. (Everyone is to a free annual credit report from the three major credit reporting bureaus -- TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.) When you review your report, make sure you check for inaccuracies and false information since incorrect information could be hurting your credit score. Once you've determined how much money you're earning in ratio to how much your spending, you can determine a monthly debt payment that fits within your budget.

2) Understand how your credit cards work. To effectively reduce and eventually pay off all your credit card debts, you need to understand how the little pieces of plastic work. This means analyzing the terms of your card, including the annual percentage rate (also known as APR) and late fees, and your monthly billing statement. Once you have a grasp on how your card works and you can call your creditor and ask if they are willing to negotiate your rate. If the company values your business, it will likely try to work with you to establish a rate. If not, take your business to another company that will.

3) Prioritize your bills. Once you understand how your credit cards work, and you've examined your other debts, determine which ones you need to pay off first, such as those with high interest rates. By paying off these debts you will increase you credit score, which in turn will give you more leverage to negotiate the rates on other cards.

4) Create a budget. Determine how much money you need for your monthly living expenses and bills, and then track all your expenses to figure out exactly how much you're spending. Make sure to account for each and every transaction so you can get an accurate picture of your spending habits. Often, just seeing how much money you're spending each month can help you figure out where you can save money that can be put towards your debt. For instance, say you get a weekly manicure that costs $30. If you opted to go every other week or do you own nails, you could save up to $120 per month that can be put towards your debts.

5) Pay your bills on time. If you've been making your payments late, getting back on schedule is one of the most important parts of your debt management plan since numerous late payments can lead to a negative mark on your credit report. You should also always try to pay more than the minimum amount due -- otherwise the majority of your payments will likely going towards the interest that's collecting on the debt.

About Zantrio.com
Zantrio was founded in November 2007. Our aim is to inform and educate the world about trading, investing, and personal finance. Whether you're an active day trader, a casual investor, or a college student looking to learn the basics of personal finance, Zantrio was built for you!


Thursday, February 14, 2013

Save Money by Staying on Top of Your Bills

Every month those official looking envelopes keep rolling into your mailbox demanding money for the services and purchases that we have received. Nobody likes to look at them, and we certainly hate to part with our money. But you can really pile on the debt and get into a lot of credit trouble if you don't keep up with your bills.


Who has the time to deal with bills?


It can be a real hassle sitting down and writing a check out each month to pay the car note, the water bill and all the other creditors that keep sniping at us for the money we owe them, but not dealing with it can come with lots of bigger hassles. Try taking out a loan or getting store credit when your credit score shows that you tend not to make payments on time. Sometimes you can even have trouble renting a new house or apartment if the landlord does a credit check. But there are ways that you can stay on top of those bills and turn your situation into a positive one rather than a negative one.


Time for an attitude adjustment!


The first thing to think about is your attitude. When you think about how much you hate paying bills, are you really being fair to the creditor. They just want what they are owed for whatever they have provided. Wouldn't you? Are you enjoying whatever it is that you bought or service your received? That money isn't yours. When you can think about it in the right light, that you are enjoying the benefits of having been extended the credit, it can make it easier to sit and write the check or send the money online.


Start developing good habits now.


Come up with a regular routine for paying your bills. One of the reasons we let bills pile up is that we say we will get to them later. All too often later never comes, at least not until the collection agencies start ringing our phones on a regular basis. Develop a strategy that works best for you for paying bills and stick to it. One way might be to pay every bill as soon as it comes in, whether that is in the mail or in your email inbox. With this strategy, you get into the habit of dropping whatever you are doing and breaking out the credit card or check book and making a payment right then and there. This way you know all your bills got paid.


Do it once, enjoy the rest of the month!


Another strategy is to pay all your bills on the same day. This works for a lot of people because they don't want to have to think about bills every day or week. The one catch with this method is that you have to keep in mind the due dates of your various accounts and make sure you pick a day that won't make you late on some of your payments. This will probably mean that you will have to make some payments before a bill even comes in, so you'll have to have your account information somewhere. This is a great way for getting into a regular routine without letting bills take up all of your time. For example, you know that on the 3rd of the month you always pay your bills. So you don't have to worry about missing a payment, or forgetting, because you'll always have something to remind you.


Try automatic payments!


Another option that many people find convenient, especially those who are busy or who tend to be forgetful, is to have bill payments automatically deducted from your checking account. What's great is that most banks provide this service and some even offer discounts if you sign up for bill pay services. The one drawback to this method is that you want to make sure you always have enough money in your account to cover those bills. You don't want to be surprised that your account is suddenly in the negative and your car note hasn't even been paid yet.

So, you see, there are lots of ways to make sure you can keep those creditors at bay and hold on to your own sanity. Who needs the stress? Find a way to stay on top of your bills, and you will be able to breathe easier every day.


Author Bio: Darren Carter is currently a resident blogger at http://www.ppiclaimco.com covering topics such as budgeting and personal finance as well as commenting on the recent banking scandals.


Tuesday, February 12, 2013

The Logbook Loan: Quick and Convenient Solution to Borrow Money

Loan
Loan (Photo credit: Philip Taylor PT)

What is a Logbook Loan? 


Logbook loan is a mode of obtaining funds. In logbook loans, commoners can borrow funds from logbook loan companies to have instant cash which can be used as business capital, for business use, and for other personal purposes. 

How a Logbook Loan Aids People?


Logbook loan is distinct from other loans because your vehicle will have to serve as collateral. However, logbook loan companies merely rely on the logbook V5 and possession of vehicle documents as security. They do not take possession and ownership of the vehicle until the applicant defaulted in making their payments. Logbook loan companies provide for an easy and expedient process in availing the loan.

Gone are the necessity for background check and credit investigations. It is fairly common for people with bad credit or financial history to find loan application burdensome. Often than not, their loan applications get discarded. If not, they may avail of a loan, but with very high interest. Availing such a loan will only put your financial status at a risk. It’s more of a loss than a winning solution. This is what logbook loan is made for. Logbook loans give all applicants a chance to obtain some funds without asking so much in return. Logbook loans are the cheapest of all loans. Also, logbook loans can be helpful in regaining your financial stability and further attain a good credit standing.

Logbook loans are the perfect choice for people who are in need of immediate cash. Companies may grant a loan amounting to several thousand but with very little rate of interest. But it bears stressing that the amount of loan which can be granted depends on the value of your vehicle. Moreover, logbook loan companies do not look into the bad credit or financial history of the applicant. 

Spotting a Reliable Logbook Loan Company


Logbook loan is a novel concept. Hence, people are not yet familiar with logbook loan companies. If interested in applying for a logbook loan, choosing the right company matters. In finding the credible logbook loan company, consider online reviews and customer testimonials. They can be found online or in the company’s message boards. Take more effort looking for suspicious and negative comments. They may be helpful in letting you decide whether to take the loan or not. Another thing to consider is the company reputation. Also shop or inquire for company information, loan grants and payment schemes. 

Advantages of a Logbook Loan


  • A logbook loan is beneficial and convenient because it can be obtained in a definite and short period of time. This is a perfect loan option for commoners who are in need of instant money. 
  • In logbook loan applications, a bad credit or good credit is not the sole basis for granting the loan. In logbook loans, applicants are spared from stringent credit scrutiny. 
  • Logbook loans do not require applicants to place properties as collateral to the loan. Most logbook loan companies merely rely on the V5 document as security. 
  • Logbook loans also promises an easy and fast processing. Moreover, logbook loan companies do not charge unconscionable rates of interest. They provide minimal interest rates which applicants can easily pay off. 
  • Those who were granted with a logbook loan can choose from an array of reasonable payment options. There are installment schemes in monthly basis which is a fitting payment scheme even at financially difficult times. 

So, the next time that you will be in dire need of money and you have a car (but do not want to sell it), you can try availing for the Logbook loan. Who knows? This can be the best mode for you to borrow funds.

Author Bio:

Click 4 Logbook Loans is a leading UK price comparison provider for logbook loans site dedicated to bringing you the best possible deals from the top Log Book Loan providers in the UK. Click 4 log book loan helps you to get log book loan as quick as possible.


Saturday, February 9, 2013

Selling Your Structured Settlement for Maximum Cash - An Illusion or Reality


What a Structured Settlement Is and Why Some Plaintiffs Opt to Sell Their Future Payments?


Senior couple signing financial contract
Senior couple signing financial contract (Photo credit: SalFalko)
As you probably know, people who get injured in various accidents usually receive a structured settlement. This is actually a monetary compensation paid by the insurance company in a stream of fixed installments over time. Such financial agreements typically arise as the result of a lawsuit from various personal injury cases, like traffic accidents, medical malpractice, work related injuries, wrongful death and some others. There may be also cases with no relation to personal injuries, like legal malpractice, worker's compensation, commercial cases, etc. However, in any of these circumstances the entire amount of monetary award assigned to a plaintiff is spread out over some time period and distributed in the form of monthly, quarterly or annual payments, rather than in a single lump sum.

Of course, any structured settlement owned may become an excellent source of substantial additional income. Though many structured settlement holders who face sudden life circumstances change and unforeseen financial burdens, find that they need pretty much more cash than their periodic payments provide. There is also a group of plaintiffs who consider it rather stressful and inconvenient to be tied up to the inflexible schedule of small periodic payments and, therefore, wish to unlock their future payments and get access to their legal money in full now to use it however they need: either to eliminate current financial obligations or meet some short-term or long-term goals.

For both groups of structured settlement recipients turning their future payments into a lump sum of cash is definitely the most deliberate choice. Since 1988, it has become legal to sell structured settlements, annuities, insurance policies and some other related financial agreements in US in return for a lump sum of cash. In such a way, funding companies, also known as settlement funders, have quickly emerged on the asset-backed market. They are dedicated to accomplish such transactions allowing payment recipients to gain absolute control over their finances.

The truth is that many plaintiffs hesitate to sell their structured settlements, even when facing the dire need in cash, mainly influenced by a rather widespread opinion that a settlement sale transaction may dramatically reduce their monetary reward. But what actually happens with your money when you sell your future payments to a funding company? How much is your structured settlement worth in fact? What should you do in order to get most cash for your settlement or is it still wiser to keep to the initial payment schedule with small periodic installments coming over time? Let's clean the air on these rather crucial questions for each and every plaintiff.

Roots of the Misconception


Indeed, there is a strong belief that getting maximum cash after selling a structured settlement is no more than a myth and a plaintiff would get a dramatically reduced amount of his/her money. In fact, settlement sale transactions owe their bad reputation to non-direct funders. Unfortunately, there are some funding companies on the asset-backed market that partner with intermediate brokers and use some third-party assistance.

They typically require certain fees for their services, and it is rather obvious, that every broker in this chain will cut off a piece of your monetary award. As longer this chain is, as less money you may expect to get. And like many other promises and guarantees connected with third-party companies, adequate settlement cash payouts may also turn to be just an illusion.

When Getting Maximum Cash is Real


But the situation may go the whole different way, if you are dealing with a direct funder. Established and reputable funding companies operate typically as direct funders avoiding any intermediate brokers during the whole transaction process. While applying various solid financial and legal instruments, they are able to provide plaintiffs with maximum cash advances for their structured or annuity settlements. When you hand in all related papers, their financial consultants will determine the value of your settlement and tailor a package meeting all your specific needs and goals.

It's also worth to point out that an established settlement funding company imperatively submits every single transfer agreement directly to the local court for review to ensure that the proposed cash payout option is in the best possible interest of a plaintiff and a purchasing company works in the fullest compliance with both state and federal laws.

In such a way, whether getting maximum cash for your structured settlement is an illusion or reality is the matter of your deliberate choice only. If you would like to share your personal experience of cashing out future settlement payouts, feel free to do that in the comments below.

Author's Bio

Derek Wrend is a PR manager at OzarkFunding - a settlement funding company offering the maximum lumpsum of cash for structured settlements.



Friday, February 8, 2013

More Structured Settlement Questions


Have you been awarded a large amount of money from a lawsuit? If so, you might be curious about structured settlements. The court will offer you a choice of how and when you want to receive your cash reward. You may choose to receive it all at once, or you can set up a long term payment plan. This long term payment plan is what is known as a structured settlement. Before you make any decisions regarding your reward money it is a good idea to learn as much as you can about how structured settlements work. Here are some more answers to your structured settlement questions.

Why Would I Want to Create a Structured Settlement?


There are many advantages to receiving your reward money in the form of a structured settlement. It will save you in interest taxes on any investments you make. It will also allow you to set up a steady stream of income so that you can properly plan for your future. Structured payments help ensure that you don’t accidentally spend all of your compensation at one time. Studies clearly show that compensation recipients tend to spend less of their reward if it is provided for them through several payments over a long period of time.

Will My Reward Be Any Less if I Choose a Structured Payout?


No. The amount that the court has awarded you will not change. You will receive the same amount whether you choose a structured payout plan or if you choose to get all of the money at once. However, structured settlement payments can help save you money in the form of taxes.

How Much Will a Structured Settlement Save Me in Taxes?


The amount that a structured settlement could save you in taxes could be substantial. You can expect to save approximately 25% to 35% of your total reward in state and federal taxes on any income your reward will generate. All settlement funds are tax free, but you will be taxed on any interest you accrue if you invest any of your reward. If you invest the single large lump sum you will end up paying more in taxes than if you invest using a structured payment plan.

How Much Flexibility Will I Have to Set Up This Form of Payment?


Structured settlements offer a tremendous amount of flexibility in determining how and when the payments will be made. You can set up equal payments over a set number of years. An example of this would be to receive $1000 a month for 20 years. You can set up payments on a per week basis, or you can set up monthly or bi-monthly payments. The payments do not have to be equal either. You could set up specific periods of time that pay out more than others. For example, if you were injured in an accident and require a new motorized wheelchair every 5 years, you could set up a payment plan that pays out more money every 5 years in addition to the regular monthly payments. This would allow you to pay for what you need when you need it.

What If I Change My Mind?

Once a structured settlement has been created it cannot be changed or altered. So if you currently receive $500 a month from a structured settlement and you need $1000 the next month, you cannot change your agreement. You can sell part of your total monetary reward to a company in exchange for receiving a lump sum of money now, when you need it.  The result of this form of transaction will be that you get all of your money upfront, but you will lose a percentage of it to the company.

Overall, structured settlements are very helpful to plaintiffs, but it is not recommended that you pursue this form of payment until you speak with a lawyer or tax professional. 



Wednesday, February 6, 2013

The Do’s and Don’ts When Applying for Your First Bad Credit Loan

Loans
Loans (Photo credit: zingbot)

While it may be quick and easy to apply for a bad credit loan, you’ll first want to slow down and cover your bases before you rush into this type of cash advance. Bad credit loans are great options for getting you out of a bind, but you need to approach them in a responsible way in order to avoid falling deeper into a financial crisis. Consider these top do’s and don’ts before applying for your first bad credit loan:

Do apply for an easy payday loan only if it’s an emergency situation. You should reserve bad credit loans for dire situations such as an urgent medical bill or a car repair.

Don’t apply for a bad credit loan for a frivolous purchase. Be smart about the loan and don’t use it to pay for a big screen TV or a trip to Las Vegas. Using a bad credit loan is this manner is one way you could end up digging yourself a financial hole.

Do be in reality that you can pay back the bad credit loan in short order.  You want to to make sure that you are able to pay back your loan on time so that you don’t incur any extra fees or interest. Whether you need to cut back on unnecessary spending or borrow money from a family member, consider these options before you take out a loan and make sure to stick to them.

Don’t take out another loan to cover this loan! This can lead to a vicious cycle of never ending loans, debts, fees, and interest. Consider consulting the Center for Responsible Lending for advice on avoiding an spiraling financial situation.

Don’t overlook the terms of the cash advance. Carefully read the terms of any loan agreement to find out the exact payment terms (such as due date) and figure out any fees associated with the loan. By design, you are expected to pay back the loan and any fees by the next pay day. Failure to pay back your loan on time could result in hefty fees, expensive interest, and potential headaches.

Don’t borrow more than you need. Although it may be tempting to borrow more, resist the urge and only apply for the exact amount you need. If you’re already in a desperate money situation, you don’t want to unnecessarily rack up more debt.

Do get a job. In many cases, you need to have a job to qualify for a bad credit loan. Without proof of employment or employment records you could be out of luck. But all hope is not lost, if you don’t have have a job, get one, any one!

A bad credit loan can be a lifesaver in an emergency money situation, but you need to understand the penalties associated with failure to meet payment deadlines. Follow these do’s and don’ts to prevent yourself from creating an even bigger personal monetary issue.

ChloeMulliner is the Editor for creditsources.org , an industry leading authority site on credit related consumer services, personal loan options for people with fair, poor and bad credit, payday loans, emergency cash advances, credit cards and more.  

Saturday, February 2, 2013

SWIFT: A Preferred Method of International Currency Transfer

SWIFT Logo
SWIFT Logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It would be great if financial institutions around the globe could communicate with each other and all trade using the same currency. Unfortunately, this is unlikely to ever happen. Enter SWIFT. SWIFT stands for The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. It's a network that enables financial institutions to send and receive information about transactions in a secure and reliable environment.

The SWIFT secure messaging network runs from two redundant data centers. One of those data centers is located within the U.S. The other is in the Netherlands. Each center shares information in near-real-time. If one of the centers fails, the other is able to pick up the slack, handing the traffic for the entire network.

History


The SWIFT system didn't always exist. In fact, it's relatively new in the financial industry. Started in 1973, it was supported by 239 banks in 15 different countries. The major benefit of the organization at that time was that it established common standards for financial transactions and it also shared data processing systems as well as a worldwide communications network.

In 1977, the first message was sent. Just one year later, 10 million messages had been sent. Then, in 1979, the North American operating center opened up. The next year, Hong Kong and Singapore were connected to the system. From there, it grew steadily through the '80s, enhancing stability and security - the system also started turning a profit in 1982.

By 1991, the organization had been noticed by the Smithsonian and received the Computerworld Smithsonian Information technology Award for its standardized financial telecommunication work. Without SWIFT, worldwide financial transactions would be virtually impossible at scale since private networks would be unable to communicate with each other.

Swift Network Organization
In 2003, the system turned 30 and had a lot to show for it. Yearly traffic reached 2 billion FIN messages - nearly double the volume since 1999. In 2010, SWIFT acquired Sunguard's AMH business (Arkelis), thus extending its portfolio of high-end messaging services. In 2011, it's most innovative advancement ever happened. It launched SWIFTRemit - the first global platform for person-to-person payments.

Why It's Good


Financial institutions, by and large, love the SWIFT system. For them, it means a couple of things:

Security - Financial institutions can transmit data in an environment that is guaranteed to be secure, uniform, and reliable. Transactions between financial institutions would otherwise be inherently risky since data transfers on a public network are not secure enough for the kind of data that most financial institutions transfer.

Syntax Standards - Financial institutions need a "central hub" where they can communicate with each other. SWIFT provides that. Since it standardizes communication between all member institutions, it doesn't matter what internal, proprietary, system a company uses.

Integration - SWIFT provides real turn-key solutions for member institutions. These solutions provide members with "Computer-Based Terminals" so that each member can manage delivery and receipt of messages.

Consideration


Financial firms that make use of SWIFT systems often feel very secure using the system. However, after September 11, 2001, the U.S. government was allowed access to SWIFT's system. SWIFT has been criticized for allowing the government access to sensitive data. While the government has only ever accessed data in an attempt to track terrorist activity, some critics believe any access at all compromises the integrity and security of the system.

Dennis Tarver is a business finance consultant. His articles mainly appear on personal finance and business sites around the web. For more information about foreign currency payments, visit the link.


Friday, January 11, 2013

Emergency Preparations - Are you Financially Ready for Emergencies?

Are you prepared for an emergency? You need to be financially prepared for emergencies, or you will end up taking a hard financial hit. 

Here are some things to consider when it comes to financial emergencies:

1. Is your insurance coverage going to be sufficient? Are you a homeowner? If so, do you have adequate coverage for your house and contents? Do you live in a flood-prone area? If so, it’s possible you will need a separate flood policy, as most regular homeowner’s policies don’t cover damage from flooding. If you rent your home privately or from the council, tenants insurance could be a sensible option. While some council housing may come with a certain amount of tenants’ coverage, it can vary, and hardly ever covers the cost of even half your household contents. Your best option would be to use a comparison site to find a tenants insurance policy which you should be able to find for less than twenty pounds per month.

2. Are your financial records in a safe and secure location? The Red Cross recommends you keep at hand a “disaster kit,” a portable, waterproof, fire-resistant box that you keep nearby at all times, it should contain:

  • Home improvement records 
  • A record of all your possessions 
  • Warranties and/or receipts for major purchases 
  • Evaluations of jewellery, collectibles, artwork, and other valuable items 
  • Credit card records or at least your account number and login information 
  • Retirement account records or account number and login information 
  • Recent current, savings, and investment account statements or account number and login information 
  • Tenancy agreement, lease and/or mortgage documents 
  • Recent pay slips and any employee benefits information you may have 
  • Backups of important digital information, such as any accounts etc. 
  • If you have one, Safe deposit box information such as the location, contents, and key 

Also you might want to keep a copy of your will and any solicitors documents you own.

3. Do you own any dispensable cash? It’s a good idea to have some cash hidden in a safe place, because bank card readers and cash machines won’t be working if the power goes out. Maybe if you have a cheque book also keep some blank checks (unsigned) with you.

This article was contributed by Frank Sexton on behalf of BadCreditPersonalLoans.co.uk. They specialize in providing low rate bad credit loans and also love sharing financial advice through different blogs.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Finding a Mortgage Refinance Advisor

Finance
Finance (Photo credit: Tax Credits)

A mortgage refinance advisor is known by several names. In some places, the said profession is also called as mortgage broker or mortgage loan officer. When finding a mortgage refinance advisor, you can use the internet to make the search much easier.

The rates charged by an advisor may vary greatly, so it is highly advised that you shop around. Interest fees and closing costs can affect the price that you have to pay for professional services. However, if you’re dealing with head injury claims, or perhaps you want to purchase a new car and repair some areas of your house, you will need all the money you can get. The best refinance advisor can help you get through and solve your problems right away.

Steps to Follow


When finding a mortgage refinance advisor, there are important considerations. You can follow the steps below to find the best in the industry:

  • Use the internet to locate a local refinance advisor that lives within driving distance. By doing so, you can easily schedule for an appointment and meet with the mortgage refinance advisor.
  • You have to pick one whom you’re comfortable with. You can create a list of recommendations and references. From there, you can check their credentials. You can even conduct a background check since that is very easy these days.
  • Make comparisons especially in terms of fees and charges. The lowest or highest rates do not necessarily mean that you’ve found the best deal. You have to make sure that you’re getting the best services at the most reasonable rate.
  • Make sure that you settle all your financial obligations on time to avoid problems. Refinancing should only be considered when there is a dire need for it.


As long as you follow these steps you can never go wrong. You will find a professional you can trust and one that will be able to help you obtain refinancing.

It is best to choose at least four refinance advisors. They will assess your current situation and determine the best solution to your financial problems. Whether you have good or average credit, you can easily obtain refinancing if you have a knowledgeable advisor to help you out.

Some things are better left to professionals especially if it concerns finances. Many people are going through rough times these days. Refinancing with cash is possible or you can also refinance the home or property at a lower rate. Either way, you can address your financial issues.

If this is your first time to consider refinancing and you don’t know the process, a mortgage refinance advisor is all you need to back up your efforts in making the most out of your financial situation.

Why don’t you ask for references from friends or colleagues that may have used the services of a mortgage refinance advisor in the past? These people can help you out. If you are unable to get references, you can always shop around online. Don’t pick the first professional that you find, be sure to look around and compare.

Author Bio:  Barlow Robbins is one of the larger law firms in the South East region with a thriving portfolio of private and commercial clients. We provide a full range of legal services to clients ranging from Commercial Property Contracts, Corporate Tax, Dispute resolution, Insolvency, Mergers & Acquisitions, Notary Public, Family Law, Head injury claim and Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence.



Wednesday, December 19, 2012

How to Make Sure You Hire a Good Financial Planning Consultant

Financial consultants are necessary assets of the company who can help the business decide better ways to improve its financial condition. They are sought by many types of businesses to obtain professional advice on how to properly plan and manage the monetary aspects of the company. Some individuals also require financial consulting services to provide analysis on their needs and guide them in reaching their financial goals.
When hiring a financial consultant for your company it is important to be cautious as choosing the wrong people would end up losing all your investments.

Here are a few tips on how to secure your finances by hiring the right financial consultant or advisor.

  • Understand what specific services you require.
Knowing the specific type of service you want from a financial advisor will help you choose the right professional for your needs. Financial consultants offer services in different forms such as investment consultants for businesses and individual financial advisors. If you are able to determine your specific need, then you proceed to seeking for a company that will provide professionals who can offer these types of services.

financial planning
  • If you chose to hire private consultants, investigate about their skills and educational background.
You must be able to seek services from professionals who are knowledgeable and not just graduates of any financial course. Although educational background is important, the skills of the person must be given the utmost importance. You can’t avoid people who have too much confidence in themselves but when it comes to performance they are not good enough to help you. So, hire someone who has skills in long term financial management.
  • Check online for companies that offer financial management services.
Make a list of those that you think might be able to help you and make appointment with the ones you are interested in. They must be able to present to the clients a license and other credentials that will prove their authenticity. Choose professionals who have more experiences as these are the type of people who have already encountered different types of financial situations from clients.
  • Do not narrow your choices with experienced professionals only.
Although experience is very important when hiring a financial consultant there are also professionals who might have not encountered certain financial situations but are knowledgeable and resourceful enough to help you reach your financial goals.
Financial-Planning1
  • Ask referrals. It is also a good idea to ask referrals from friends who have done his or her financial planning successfully.
Make sure that you will ask them what these professionals have done to help them achieve their goals. You may also ask about their credibility and reliability. Ask about the consultants’ market knowledge. Make sure that they can provide reliable professionals advice on how to make a great deal of your business’ finances to stabilize or improve its financial situation.

Financial advisors or consultants are good communicators. You will know how knowledgeable they are if you start to ask questions and they would present the answers to you professionally without doubts. These kinds of professionals maybe found in companies that are credited by the law, so it is important that you will be able to find these companies and obtain the best financial advice for your business or personal finances.

If you want a financial consultant that would fit your preferences, you can choose someone who specializes in the financial aspect that fits your needs. This is to make sure that he or she can help you how to manage your finances so that you can reap all the benefits in the future. Choosing the right financial consultant will help your business save money and personally keep your investment safe.

Author Bio: Jolie is an expert financial consultant who has served the finance industry for more than a decade already. To give tips to businesses that need financial assistance, she writes financial articles online. Her works on payday loan are among the most read by internet users.


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