Is It Easy To Escape The Loopholes Of Short Term Financing?

Loans (Photo credit: zingbot)

Short term financing today has emerged as one of the major means by which borrowers can turn to their immediate cash needs. In spite of the high rates of interests borrowers are found turning to it to meet urgent needs like paying off a car repair fee or else a medical bill. The fact that they are provided without lengthy credit checks has acted in their favor. For instance, if a borrower finds himself in a cash strapped situation while he has to pay off a huge hospital bill he would definitely look for availing alternate resources that would provide him with fast cash. 

Traditional loans would take a certain degree of time to be arranged whereas there is no assurance that friends and relatives will always turn helpful in these cases. Short term loans turn out to be very helpful and perhaps the only recourse during these times. Listed below are some of the advantages of payday loans alternately known as the cash advance, or fast cash or same day loans:

They can be secured very fast and involves very simple documentation process- once approved, he can get the money credited to his account within 24-48 hours.

It is very easy to qualify for these loans. The borrower just needs to fulfill the following requirements in order to qualify:

• He should at least be 18 years of age 
• He should have a savings or checking account in his bank 
• He should be able to prove that he has a good source of income so that he can pay off the debt on time.

The borrower gets a chance to rollover the debt in case he defaults

Most of the lenders conduct business online, so it gets easier for borrowers to browse through multiple lenders and zero in on a choice accordingly.

Being Careful Matters

The high rate of interest might discourage you to secure these loans, but a few measures on your end can ensure that you're avoiding all possible loopholes like debt trap and bogus lenders.

Educating yourself duly about short term loans remains crucial. There might be a number of changes brought about in payday legislation that you should be aware of. Know for a fact that there are a number of bogus lenders in the market who have perfectly authentic-looking websites. Providing sensitive details like your bank account number, monthly earning etc would be dangerous. As a result, take care of the fact that you're checking out the reviews of the site you are consulting properly. Additionally, weigh your needs and ability to repay properly before you're trying to get fast cash loans. There is simply no need to apply for them if you think that the need, for which you're considering the loan, is not that urgent. Make sure that you're duly aware of the repayment terms and conditions. Its not really advisable to opt for a rollover as that would lead to further escalation of rates of interest. Please think carefully whether you would be able to pay such high interest or not. 

5 Ways You Can Lower Your Risk of Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world. With the interconnectedness of countries, people, and information systems, it has become easier for identity thieves to hack into your accounts and steal your personal information, allowing them to assume your identity and wreak havoc on your life. Fortunately, there are ways you can protect yourself against these criminals. While there is never a guarantee that you won't fall victim to an identity theft, by taking some simple, preventative security measures you can help ensure your safety online and restore your peace of mind.

Guard Your Information

Many people have their social security cards with them in their wallets, along with their driver's license and credit cards. Imagine what would happen if your wallet or purse was stolen. The person who stole it would have access not only to your credit card numbers and basic information, but your social security number, as well. Always make sure your social security card, passwords, ATM PIN numbers, and other sensitive information is not stored anywhere that someone could easily find if they stole your wallet or purse.

Be Observant

It is very common to receive your bank statement in the mail or a statement notification online and ignore it. Identity thieves rely on this behavior in order to get away with their scams. Many identity thieves would be caught earlier on if the person whose identity they stole had looked at their credit card and bank statements. Always make sure you scan for any suspicious activity, and report anything that is out of place to your bank immediately.

Make Sure You're Secure

When you shop online or bank, always ensure the website has a security certification so your information is secure. You can tell whether or not a website has this certification and security by checking in the browser box right before the "http". If there's a green icon with a padlock or similar image, the site is protected. But if the icon is not there and the box or icon (or sometimes the text) is not green, you are not on a secure site. Never shop or bank on a website without the green icon indicating that it is secure.

Take Care What You Share

Shared computers can be an open door to identity theft if you're not careful. Any website you visit will result in your web browser leaving a cookie, or tracking device, that shows where you've been online. But if you go to your bank website, shop online, or enter personal information anywhere, the next person might be able to go through your history and find your information. Always clear all cookies before you leave the computer, and completely log out of all account-based sites.

Post Office Only

There are remote mailbox locations all over your city, and they make it extremely convenient for you to deposit mail. But they also make it convenient for thieves to steal your outgoing mail before the mail carrier gets to it. Never deposit bills or anything with personal information in a remote location; take it straight to the post office.

By following these tips and applying them to your daily life, you can help prevent identity theft from happening to you. Always keep your information secure, and never share your passwords with anyone. Don't carry valuable information like your social security number with you, and never print it on your checks. By keeping your information as safe as possible, you can help avoid becoming the victim of an identity thief.

Lewis Brooks researches technology and safety. He often blogs about everyday concerns of virtual safety in the modern world.

7 Surprising Ways to Save Money on Medical Bills

There are many unexpected expenses that that can wreak havoc on your budget. Medical bills are certainly at the top of that list. And they always seem to appear when you least likely expect them, or want them for that matter. Fortunately, not all hope is loss. There is light at the end of the financial tunnel. Here are seven ways to save money on medical bills and begin reclaiming your financial freedom!

Call The Medical Billing Company

Before you pay your bill, you should call the medical billing company listed on the bill for information. The company should be able to give you information on your bill and ways to save money on your medical bills.

Check for Errors On The Bill

A surprising amount of medical bills contain errors. In some cases, patients are billed for items that they did not use, or they are billed twice for the same item. Although it may take some time, it is wise to go over each and every bill to check for errors before paying your bill.

Make Sure That Your Insurance Was Billed

Medical billing companies send out bills around the start of each month. However, your insurance check may not have cleared before the bill was sent out. This means that the amount that you owe on the bill is inaccurate. 

Pay The Insurance Rate

One of the leading medical billing companies in Utah advises that If you don't have insurance, ask if you can pay the same amount that the medical insurance companies pay. Hospitals and other medical providers bill self-paying patients differently than they do patients with health insurance. Because of this, it is wise to ask if you might be able to pay this amount instead of the amount that you owe.

Set Up a Payment Plan With Automatic Deductions

If you owe a bit on your medical bill and cannot pay the amount, you should ask to set up a payment arrangement. In some cases, you can save money if you agree to have the fee deducted automatically from your checking account.

Ask About Any Charity Funds That Might Be Available

If you have a modest income, you may qualify for a charity fund that some medical organizations have created. If you do qualify, a portion or your entire bill may be forgiven if you do qualify. It is definitely worth checking into!

Make Sure That The Doctor or Other Health Provider Accepts Your Insurance!

Before making an appointment, make sure to double check. If you go to a doctor outside of you network, your fees may be higher or you may have to pay the entire bill out of pocket.

There is no way to avoid the inevitability of medical bills. We all have to face them at one point or another. While no one is immune to medical bills, following the advice listed above will go a long ways to minimizing medical bill expenses and putting money back in your wallet.

Making a Move after Retirement

Now a day’s most of the retired people move to warm or low taxes areas like California and Belize. There are many people who ask the same questions repeatedly to themselves, should we move or not. Sometimes decision to move makes sense; however, it’s important to prepare for your retirement beforehand and move to somewhere else.

Here I have shared some tips to consider while moving to some other states or country.

Reasons:

If someone has decided to move after their retirement, there will be several reasons to move. The reason can be low taxes on houses, lower cost of living, small houses, less maintenance and more retirement benefits. There are many areas with a lot of benefits for retired people like Belize. They offer a wide range of benefits to people who have moved or are living in Belize after their retirement.

Some of the benefits are:

• Free from all receipts and income taxes
• Free from import duties
• Free from import duties on vehicles such as motor vehicles and boats
• Can start their own business within the Belize or outside the country

Who is eligible?

• You must be a citizen of US, UK , Canada or Belize
• People 45 or above are considered as retired
• Your monthly income should be at least $2000

Other reasons may include moving to an area with a better climate or to be closer to family, and to move to a smaller house -- perhaps a one-level home or one where others maintain the house.

There can be other reasons as well for moving such as being closer to friends and family. The climate can also be an important reason to move. Crime rate is another reason, which attracts many retirees due to the safety of their families.

Save Money:

After moving you can save money by avoiding expenses like yard care, snow removal and moving up and down stairs. Your own self can handle small problems or you can get some help from the internet where you can find everything within few minutes without paying a single penny.

Whenever you decide to move, make sure to get all the required information beforehand. If there are lower taxes, you can save that money as well and increase your deposited income.

If you move to small house then you’ll have less expenses and this will help you increase your income. By saving money, you will be able to start your own venture or invest in some business.

Important Note:

Naturally, taxes should be a consideration. Some states tax only a portion of retirement benefits, and others fully exclude retirement income from tax. Certain states include a portion of Social Security benefits in the calculation of taxable income. Therefore, although the state tax rate may be lower, if a larger amount of income is taxed, then the overall tax liability may be greater in one state than another.

Every state or country has their own policies regarding the taxes. Some states had many taxes which mean you can save too much money their but some states offer no taxes for retiree. If you are earning good then you can pay those taxes without any problem but It cause if you are not earning a good amount. Therefore, you have to be careful when moving to any state or country after your retirement.

As previously mentioned, a state with a lower cost of living will be more attractive to retirees, as long as it is not offset by reduced services, such as health care and safety.

Author Bio:

Stella Fin is a professional writer; currently she is writing for Serenity Paradise Retirement in Belize which is offering Land and Lots for sale in Belize near Corozal. Find Stella Fin on Twitter, Facebook and on Google+.

Five Great Gift Ideas The Grandkids Are Certain To Love

Being a grandparent is great. You get to enjoy spoiling the grandkids to your heart's content and then they get to go home with their parents and give you a break. Whether you're gearing up for a first birthday party or heading home for the holidays, it's always a blast to pick out presents for your grandchildren. Check out these five great gift ideas that will have your favorite little boy or girl grinning from ear to ear.

Educational Toys

From interactive books to miniature laptops, kids these days are itching to get their hands on the latest educational toys. Young girls will enjoy a pink, sparkly laptop that focuses on math and spelling while your grandson will get hours of fun out of a talking train that teaches him the alphabet while he plays.

Ride on Cars

If you're looking for something that will really make your grandchild's eyes light up, consider getting them a ride-on car. These realistic-looking vehicles are battery powered and allow the driver to zoom around at speeds of up to 5 mph. You can even get a custom paint job in your kiddo's favorite color! They can drive it around the backyard for hours upon end.

Quality Time with Grandma and Grandpa

Money isn't everything, and when it comes to making your grandchild's day brighter, sometimes what they want most is to have fun with those they love. Plan out a day at the local zoo or amusement park and let your grandchild go wild. If you're looking for a simpler activity, younger children will have the time of their lives at a playground while older kids might prefer to see that blockbuster movie that just came out. Either way, bonding time is a present for both you and the little ones.

Personalized Puzzles

Toddlers love putting things together, and a personalized puzzle that spells out their own name is sure to be a hit. With these gifts, there's no need for hectic shopping trips at crowded city malls; you can have a personalized puzzle made online and shipped right to your door. Adults like things personalized, too, and you can quickly and conveniently order almost anything you can imagine with any words or image you can think of. For example, you can order personal checks featuring your favorite sports team at www.checks-superstore.com.

Dolls and Trains

Some toys never go out of style. Though they certainly have a different look than they did 50 years ago, dolls are still a huge favorite with little girls and trains are still the preferred toy of thousands of little boys. Check with mom and dad to see if the kiddos are hoping to get a specific one, and if not, just search the toy aisle for the cutest doll or silliest train you can find!

From miniature laptops to talking dolls, there's no shortage of possible gifts for your grandchildren. With a little planning and a lot of love, you're sure to find a toy that will have your favorite little one jumping for joy.

Guide to Choosing your UK Holiday Let Location

A terrace of brick and flint cottages - geograph.org.uk - 969366 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So, you are thinking about investing in a holiday let property?

Are you also a bit unsure about top locations and holiday home mortgages etc.?

Well, here are a few helpful top tips about that perennial subject of location, location, location:

• established holiday resorts and destinations are always a relatively safe bet in terms of location. On the downside though, bargain opportunities might be rather thin on the ground simply because everyone knows it is a great area to buy holiday let property in. So, if your budget is tight, try to think outside the box a little in terms of less well-known holiday destinations;
• there is something romantic about the coast for many people and that means properties in coastal locations might always be a relatively good bet;
• however, remember that the coast won’t appear particularly romantic if your property happens to overlook a major industrial complex in the distance. Whatever the nature of a holiday property, people typically want it to have reasonable outlooks in all directions. That doesn’t necessarily mean stunning views, as cute village rooftops might be fine - but industrial chimneys and cranes are never likely to be;
• tiny and quaint properties may be visually attractive but they might be seen by many families as being totally impractical. Be cautious about such investments unless you happen to be targeting the market for romantic weekend breaks for couples;
• surprisingly, significant numbers of people don’t have a car or do not like using it on holiday. You may keep your options open with properties that are accessible via reasonable public transport services;
• by the same logic, it might be sensible to find somewhere that is at least within realistic driving distances of shops and facilities;
• think about access and parking. Town centre flats in major tourist locations may be fine but if parking locally is virtually impossible or very expensive then you are going to put off a significant number of your potential customers;
• although some people may wish to shut themselves away for the entire duration of their holiday, most will welcome the chance to get out and about in the evenings where possible. Therefore, holiday home lets that are within walking distances of pubs and restaurants may be particularly attractive;
• much as a holiday in the wilderness might appeal in theory, many people after the first day or so will be climbing the walls looking for some sort of entertainment. So, locations that have easy access to things such as fishing, cycling, swimming, sports and so on, will be more attractive than those that do not;
• investigate potential noise pollution in the area carefully before buying. You won’t want to discover after you have purchased that there is a local railway line only a few hundred yards away which is a hive of activity with gravel wagons going up and down at 4am;
• remember that very isolated locations a long way away from major urban centres of population may be difficult for people to reach on long weekend type breaks, as they won’t want to spend the bulk of that time travelling. This might be a major component of your target marketing outside of July and August - so be cautious about excluding yourself from it by virtue of where your property is located. 

A few basic tips but they might help you avoid you doing the equivalent of painting yourself into a corner with your holiday let property!