Financial Security without Long Term Debt

In the current economy, there are few financial solutions to manage the financial needs of persons over sixty years of age. When medical and other expenses related to age are presented, they may at times pose a serious challenge to finance. Finance should not stand in the way of retirement.

Life settlement products offer an exceptional opportunity to create immediate financial security without the stress of long term debt sale. With life settlement conversion, life insurance policies are sold to a third party in exchange for a lump sum of cash. This is distinct to loans on the value of a life insurance or surrender of the policy for cash disbursement.

Life settlement asset conversion is an instrument that enables insured to pay existing obligations without future liability to debt. Life settlement programs may follow traditional methods of creating value in indemnity policies such as discontinuation of premium payments and enactment of ‘paid up’ options, freeing up existing cash values on life insurance policies.

Such changes may also afford insured a lower death benefit which translates into lower premiums. When the new policy owner and beneficiary of a life settlement takes over premium payments on an insurance plan, death proceeds are part of the scope of benefit.

Access to the future value of current assets can transform a financial situation for a client in need of immediate cash flow. Reasons to consider life settlement over life insurance include a number of retirement related expenses: credit woes, family, finances, health problems, health insurance or uninsured treatments not covered in the United States, illness, income, mental incompetence to manage debt installments or property devaluation or loss.

When a life insurance policy is sold to a third party institutional investment group, the transaction alleviates the original policyholder of any present or future liabilities, as well as establish designated payment amounts for structured settlements and annuities in addition to cash sale. Funds from the sale may also offset retirement account asset losses resultant from market downturn. Unlike secondary or traditional equity market transactions, conversion is covered without delayed terms so clients can get their life back on track.

Learn about how to convert life insurance policies to life settlement. Life settlement companies offer more value to the most vulnerable in their time of need.

Cracking the Best Car Resale Deals Involving Noted Maintenances

Car resale can have many positive impacts on the overall economic situation of an individual. It can help procure good values which in turn can help strengthen the economic conditions largely. The car resale features are mostly associated with the auctions which involve many vehicles allowing the customers to choose from plenty. Better resale values can help gather effective funds which can enable the customers to invest in a newer machine. The concept of car resale has been formulated by several companies which provide the users with an added option to get the effective valuation of their concerned vehicles. This in turn helps them to get prospective clients and the car condition gets evaluated effectively as well.

Gauging the Specifications

Important specifications need to be kept in mind while addressing the issues related to car resale. The customer needs to provide the car to the buyers in the most perfect condition so as to procure the best values associated with the vehicle. The most important attributes which need to be kept in mind are as follows:

• Servicing details need to be carefully checked and noted down for referring to in future. The blue book associated with the car needs to be checked in periodically for keeping a note of the services and associated repairs. This augers well among the clients and proves that the car has been taken great care of. The services associated must be taken complete track of by noting them down thoroughly.
• Car washes are very important in keeping the surface in proper condition. Only mild detergents need be used alongside soft scrubbing agents who do not have adverse effects on the surface of the car surface. Another option being the use of microfibers and the concept of self washing also needs to be incorporated.
• The concept of waxing the car is also a yielding prospect among the prospective clients. This method allows the shine to remain intact for days together and involves removal of small stains and associated dents. It helps protect the surface from the effects of sun by allowing a protective coat on the surface. This also allows the surface to look great attract lot of clients and good money along. Minor scratches on the surface need not be worried about and can be effectively camouflaged.
• The concept of overall car detailing needs to be checked in quite effectively. This can be a costly proposition but makes the car well equipped and thus it fetches high prices quite readily. All the attributes related to the vehicle needs to be fixed to render it in the best of condition. This involves working on the aspects of carpets and even on the interiors allowing the client to get great reviews about the machine.
• Driving needs to be done with care before the concerned auction. Pre auction care needs to be taken for fetching the best market values.

Conclusion

Every car auction must be dealt deftly by keeping the car condition intact thus by fetching the best resale values for the concerned vehicle. This can help gather substantial amounts rendering the customer able to make a new purchase effectively.

Author’s Bio: Alisa Martin is a proficient author writing articles on auction of second hand cars and other similar topics. She contributes regularly for the website G3remarketing.co.uk .

Four Ways to Save Your Business Money on Travel Costs

Looking for ways to save your business money on travel? If you’re self-employed or a small business owner, then paying attention to your operational costs can make all the difference. Travel really is an area where gains can rapidly be made and money saved, so follow our advice for simple ways to shave the pounds off your expenses.

Buy train tickets in advance

If you regularly travel by train, then it makes sense to get to grips with one of the various price comparison and advance booking websites. Buy on the day and you will pay through the nose, particularly if you are traveling during rush hour and on busy routes. However, if you can book your ticket even just a few days in advance, you will save a great deal of money. Look out for extra ways to shave the cost of your train ticket, for example by purchasing two singles where these are cheaper than buying a return – most ticket websites will highlight when this is the case. Try to travel away from commuting hours and be flexible about your route. Consider too buying a travel card for repeat journeys, to save you further money.

Manage your team’s fuel consumption

If you have a team who work on the road, then fuel cards are well worth the investment. These handy cards allow you to save money on your fleet costs and stay in control of what is being spent on petrol and diesel by your traveling staff. You can manage your account online at any time of day and keep a tight control of your costs – something that will appeal to every business manager!

Promote fuel efficient driving

If you drive regularly to meetings, then driving in a calm and efficient way can help you to save money. This is because erratic driving burns through gas and will cost you more money. Turning off the air conditioning will also help save the pennies, as will braking gently and starting smoothly – as well as providing a more comfortable journey!

Teleconferencing

Some meetings are simply better done in person and remote meetings will never replace the value of a face to face conversation and handshake for important business meetings and for new client relationship building. But some meetings can adequately be carried out remotely and may even be desirable to do so if it means saving costs, time and carbon on avoided travel.

An example of a meeting that could be done remotely would be a weekly operational catch-up or sales call where staff are basically just ‘checking’ in or doing a project update. It may be worth investing in some basic call technology such as Skype, teleconferencing or videoconferencing facilities to make the most of technology and cut down on non-essential travel.

Hopefully these ideas will provide you with some practical inspiration for keeping those costs as low as possible – and running your business as efficiently as you can!



Alisa Martin writes regularly for a range of business publications and start-up websites. A keen user of fuel cards, she knows how vital cost control is for small business start-ups.

Before Retiring, Think of These 4 Essential Investments that Add Value to Your Home

Before you start thinking about retiring to your very own moon-light patio, bohemian wine cellar or romantic porch there are some structural aspects you should take care of. People have started to spend more and more money on home improvements, and it seems only natural because the home is the place where we spend most of our time. We want our living room to be welcoming and relaxing, our bathrooms to look fresh and our kitchens to inspire, but we should not get ahead of ourselves. As tempting as bamboo flooring, granite counter-tops and vintage furniture may sound, there are a few long-term improvements that you should definitely consider.

Whether you are trying to sell your home in the near future and plan your retirement some place elsewhere or simply want to increase its value and enhance it for your children, there are four essential improvements you absolutely have to do. Although certain affordable cosmetic changes might make the house look better in the eyes of a potential buyer, it is the well-thought-out, carefully planned structural improvements that are more promising for the future. The first thing you should do is hire an expert to evaluate your house, and afterward make steps to remedy the problems. Here are four possibilities of improving your home.

1. Indoor Systems

As appealing as cosmetic improvements might be, it is the functional ones that truly increase the value of a house. A client will always appreciate a fully-functioning house with all the required repairs, upgrades and replacements of major systems. They might not stand out the way a purple wall might, but they are reliable and very important. Moreover if you aren't planning to sell the house in the near future, all the more reason to consolidate the structure and apply certain fixes. Indoor systems like plumbing and wiring should be properly done. In addition, you should make sure that your heating and air conditioning systems function accordingly.

2. Replace the roof

Every roof has an expiration date, and it is likely that you will have to improve yours at some point in your life, especially roofs made of asbestos. In terms of asbestos roof replacement, it isn't such a difficult process, as long as it is done correctly, and there are a few valid reasons why you should consider this option. First of all building codes say that you cannot put a second layer of shingles on top of the previous layer, and this means that you will have to strip off the current layer. Shingles which are applied over old ones don't last as long as a single-layered roof. By stripping the roof you will also get a chance to fix small problems like corroded metal, and leakages. You can also add an extra layer of ice and water barriers to better insulate the home.

3. Fix the Kitchen

Everybody knows that a beautiful kitchen is a major selling point for a home. This room is probably the best option if you want to add real value to your home. When it comes to kitchen remodels there are so many options to choose from that you can easily be sidetracked. Most people avoid remodeling the kitchen because they think that it is a huge investment. Nevertheless, if you study the market, manufacturers and trends you will see that there are a lot of affordable solutions to choose from. Replacing counter-tops, purchasing important appliances, refurbishing the cabinet hardware and floors will have a huge impact on the overall aspect of your interior.

4. Replace Windows

You should know that replacing the windows is a win-win investment. The seller will earn valuable tax earning credits, and the potential buyer will lower energy bills. The energy efficiency and Eco-friendly aspects have become very important for people nowadays, especially if you have an old house. It is actually forecasted that by 2030 all new homes will become fully sustainable. Moreover, there are many types of glass used for windows, which have special heating properties.

All in all, you have to make the most of your budget and time. It is impossible to remodel your home over night, but as long as you constantly apply changes and try to improve your home your chances of selling increase. Someone once said that your home is your castle, and a good king deserves a beautiful kingdom. 

6 Hilarious Signs You Need to Do Home Improvements

As your house gets older, it needs improvements to keep it running well and looking good. So, if you've been neglecting to make home improvements over the years, it's probably showing in your home. Take a look at these six signs it's time to make some changes and improvements. 

Your Utility Bill Makes You Cry

Yes, the cost of utilities has gone up, but if your utility bill is nearly as much as your mortgage, you know it's time to make some home improvements. Utility bills are typically higher in old homes because the insulation isn't as thick as it used to be, the windows let heat escape your home, and your appliances might not be energy-efficient models. So, if you cry every time you look at your utility bill, you should make your home more energy efficient to save money each month. Simple changes can make a huge difference.

You Still Have Annual Height Measurements in Your Kitchen

Lots of people mark annual height measurements on their walls, but you know it's time to make some home improvements if your paint is so old that you have height measurements from 20 to 30 years ago. Yes, we understand sentimental value, but you can always cut out that segment of the wall if it means that much to you. If your paint is that old, your home is definitely needs a fresh coat.

Your Home Evokes the 70s

You know you need to do some home improvements if your house takes people back to the 70s. For instance, lots of wood paneling and colorful shag carpet might remind people of their life during the Nixon era in college or growing up in the suburbs. It's easy to get new carpet and most wood paneling can be painted or taken down for a new look.

People Are Afraid to Go Down to Your Dark and Musty Basement

Basements are scary because they don't get as much light as the rest of the house. Making some simple home improvements like new light fixtures and clearing out the space can make a huge difference in your basement. Looking into a security system from Lifeshield.com can also make people feel more secure when they are at your house.

People Never Take Off Their Jacket When They Come Into Your Home

If you don't have adequate insulation or your windows are really old, your home is probably pretty drafty. You're probably used to it, but if people aren't taking off their jackets when they come to your home, it's time to make some improvements to the energy efficiency of your home. Plus, your power bill will probably go down because of it.

People Get a Headache from Going into Your Bathroom

Do you have a really colorful bathroom—floral wallpaper on the walls, a bathtub that is some color other than white? This is a sign you need to make some home improvements to your bathroom, if not a complete makeover. People like to see neutral colors and fixtures in bathrooms that make the space feel clean.

If you can relate to any of the scenarios on this list, it's time to make some home improvements. What other signs can you think of? 

Competitive Running Solutions for Tight Budgets

Running a marathon can be found on most bucket lists out there and since you and me both want to some day run an entire marathon, starting to plan ahead on equipment and training as well as marathon entry fees is something not only reasonable but mandatory. It is true that most of us believe running to be one of the most easily accessible sports because it mandates not fixed prices, no out of the ordinary equipment, no gym entry fees or other such costs, and in this you are right. You can be in your twenties, as well as be passed your 50s, it doesn’t matter: running is great and healthy for anyone. 

The issue with running is that when you decide to do it at a competitive level, meaning you are hell-bent on running an entire marathon, quality must trump quantity in anything you chose as equipment. And when marathon entry fees are as high as they are ( $255 for the New York City Marathon last year and $325 for the Caballo Blanco Ultramarathon) justifying such expenses when there are bills and other expenses to be taken care of surely becomes problematic. There are overwhelming lists of running equipment from shoes to GPS devices, special clothing, energy bars, energy gels, electrolyte tablets, iPods, wireless headsets- everything is available not only to make your run more enjoyable but also to reach even deeper into your purse. 

1. Shoes and clothing

Footwear is indeed the number one thing on your list: they come in different colors, shapes, sizes, thicknesses depending on whether you intend on running on grass or asphalt. And as with everything else, with novelty comes price. This year’s models will always be much more expensive than say last year’s ones: so try and buy in the off-seasons because more often than not you will find ridiculous discounts in the clearance sections.
There are also tons of fitness blogs out there such as http://www.runstopshop.com.au/orca-womens-compression-full-tight where you can find amazing equipment prices, tips and other type of information. The key is to be meticulous, search, search and search again because when you know your shoe model and size you can end up covering race entry fees with the money you save on equipment. Be sure to take care of your gear: many runners recommend that you not use the dryer for running clothing, they wear out significantly faster. Just gang-dry them instead, and you will see that they stay in better shape and wear out slower. 

2. Training and instruction

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For the running novice a few lessons might be needed to get him in the right direction but this can be challenging on a budget. So when a coach is not within your spending limits try to find like-minded people who have some experience and can give you some much needed tips. There are literally hundreds of blogs out there where you can read a lot of useful tips from seasoned professionals and trainers. 

3. Race entry fees

When getting started you might want to consider entering small races which always are more affordable (because organizers want to encourage more people to sign up). Asking for discounts is always a good idea since most of them offer student discounts or discounts for those who are already in retirement.

There are also pre-sign-ups where the fees are usually much lower than right before the race. You also avoid paying extra fees, so get informed and find the “early bird” discounts. And when planning for an expensive race you simply cannot find other discounts for you might find yourself having to pass on some smaller races in order to save up for the more expensive one. Planning is the key. 

4. Non-essentials

GPS devices, protein bars, energy drinks or gels, electrolyte tablets: some racers use them frequently so buying them will prove to be money badly spent. If you are into these items, try to buy them online, in bulk, consider pairing up with a buddy or two and save on shipping expenses.

As you see, with minor modifications here and there, you can surely have the experience of running a marathon and still be able to respect your budget. This does not mean that you cut back on quality, rather you pick the same quality, with no compromise but with a critical eye and some attention. Best of luck to you, be sure to share your times!