How Does Jewelry Appraisal Work?

Whether you just walked down the aisles and have your wedding rings or got a beautiful new bracelet for your anniversary, it is important to make sure that any jewelry is safe and accounted for. That's why while you are soaking in the beauty of that new diamond necklace or pearl necklace, you should remember to get it appraised.

What is a Jewelry Appraisal?

Whatever jewels you have come into possession of, be they a necklace or earrings, a jewelry appraisal is a must. An appraisal is a document that describes the jewelry, assesses its relative quality, and assigns a value to it. Descriptions of those jewels will include visible and measurable facts about the item, like the weight and the materials.

Most appraisals assess gemstone quality, rarity, and overall manufacturing. This is often done for insurance replacement purposes. This is to return the value of the item if it is lost. Insurance appraisals should reflect the realistic cost of replacing that jewelry. 

In some cases, jewelers may be qualified to write insurance replacement appraisals on their stores' new arrivals. However, some appraisals can require more advanced training to assess a proper value.

Types of Appraisals

Appraisals can vary across the United States and very much fall on the type of appraisal you experience. Most appraisals are retail replacements determined by how much a jeweler would charge for a pendant necklace, earrings, or brooch.

According to the American Society of Appraisers, the process should:

• Stating the fair market value, replacement value, or liquidation value of the jewelry
• Description of the property being assessed
• Detail the procedures used to arrive at an estimate
• Specify the appraiser's qualifications
• Getting the appraiser's signature

Fair market value appraisals will reflect the actual selling price of a piece of jewelry to a willing buyer and seller when neither is looking to buy or sell the item. This represents the item's value in its current condition, generally required for estate appraisals upon passing a loved one or for a donation to charity. 

Fair market values may run lower than the retail replacement value. That's because those values often reflect the cost to replace a used jewelry item with a new equivalent.

Immediate liquidation value appraisals usually reflect low values because of the situations that create their needs. This sprouts of if a necklace or pendants are caught in the crossfire of a divorce settlement or in estate liquidations. There are also less common types of appraisals, including probate and loan collateral appraisals.

Finding the Right Appraiser

There are no federal or state licensing requirements for jewelry appraisers like there are for real estate appraisers. That makes the process a little bit more difficult for the average person in the United States, as the research really falls on your shoulders.

When searching for the right appraiser, it's on you to determine whether the appraiser is equipped to evaluate your inherited jewelry. It's more than just heading to the nearest jeweler, as a worker in the industry does not qualify for appraisal. 

Most jewelers don't have the instruments required to examine a stone properly. However, several industry groups require members to meet certain qualifications, including:

• American Gem Society
• International Society of Appraisers
• National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
• Appraisers Association of America
• Accredited Gemologists Association
• American Society of Appraisers

At the end of the day, your jewelry is important to you. Sentimental value is paramount, but knowing that if something were to happen to that favorite bracelet or ring or necklace is why an appraisal is necessary to recognize it for its monetary value.

How to Make Use of an International Debt Collection Agency For Your Unpaid Debts

When you talk about an international debt collection agency, it implies that the entire debt is beyond the place of ordinary business and jurisdiction of your original creditor. 

It is a perilous situation as collecting such debts could have severe legal repercussions for the defaulter. Every agency engaged in this service aims to ensure the recovery of any outstanding debt against you.

Benefits of hiring a debt collection agency:

• Professional approach: As there are many different rules implemented in international debt collection, the approach must differ. The professionals involved in collecting information regarding the debts in your name approach the creditors on your behalf to negotiate the repayment of the debts. This makes use of all the available resources like the internet, phone calls, and personal interviews. These resources are essential to make the collection process swift and effective.
• Experienced: Another benefit of using a debt collector for debt recovery is their knowledge and experience in their field. As a business owner, you may not have any experience or prior knowledge or even know where to start handling a due payment. Debt collection agents do. They know what to do and how to do it.
• Ability to negotiate: There are many advantages of contacting the original creditor as there may be provisions for debt recovery in different laws prevailing in different countries. This helps the international debt collection agency to take the right steps at the right time to negotiate with the creditor and get the best possible deal. Different professional bodies help in maintaining the coordination of the process.

Methods used for the collection of unpaid debts:

• The collection of unpaid debts by international debt collection is done in two ways. Firstly, they contact the original creditor by phone or fax to establish the details of your account. If the amount is still unpaid after the specified period, the recovery agents will write to the creditor and request the payment. Sometimes, you may not receive a formal letter from the creditor as the collection agents follow a pre-truce procedure.
• Secondly, there are several methods used for the collection of unpaid amounts. In the first method, the agency contacts the person directly. You have to fill up an application form with all the necessary details, such as your name, address, and telephone number. You also have to provide information about the financial status. This can be done by contacting the banks or credit unions and requesting their assistance. This method of collection has a higher success rate, as the creditors are very cooperative.
• However, if the international debt collection agency fails to receive any payments on your behalf, they may hire a collection agency with the help of a third party. These third-party collection agencies will take care of other issues, such as the verification of the details. The creditor will be informed immediately of the non-payment so that he can take legal action. Many creditors refuse to accept the collection of unpaid debts by these third party companies as they do not want to get involved in disputes with their customers. There are different collection agencies available for your assistance, depending upon the nature of your debts.

What rules are applicable for the recovery of unpaid debts?

Several rules apply for the recovery of unpaid debts. If you fail to repay your debts, the first thing that you should do is to contact your creditor and seek his help. 

You should keep in mind that different rules apply for the US recovery of debts, and the various rules apply for the UK recovery of debts. Different rules apply to private companies. 

Many companies are available for the international debt collection of debts that use their methods of recovery. Many people have experienced the use of these companies for the recovery of unpaid debts.

Breaking any law could be dangerous:

One of the most important things to remember is to make sure that you are not breaking any international laws. Several laws are applied for the prevention of the exploitation of others' intellectual property. 

You need to take advantage of all the resources available to you. If you are not aware of any laws that apply to your intellectual property's protection, you should get in touch with a professional who can guide you in this regard. 

You should remember that even if you are not taking steps towards getting your debts settled, you should not encourage any more action towards your unpaid debts.

How to Save Money When Buying New Tires for Your Car

New tires can easily cost $1,000 or more, an amount of money many people are not prepared to fork over, even when their car needs them. When it is time to replace your car tires, do not pay more than you should for the purchase. 

Drivers can find tons of easy money-saving strategies that help them keep more money in their pocket without sacrificing wheels for their car. Want to learn how to save money on the cost of your tires? Put the following ideas to work to save your money the next time you need vehicle tires.

Shop Around

One tire brand may pop in your mind before the rest, but that isn’t to say other manufacturers do not offer great tires that might cost a fraction of the price. Keep your options open when shopping for tires. One brand may offer a fantastic sale that saves you hundreds of dollars on your tire purchase, but you will only know if you shop around.

Shop in April or October

Tire dealers put tires on sale through the year, but those sales are not half as awesome as those you find during the months of April and October. Visit your favorite all-weather tire retailer during either month for tire purchases if you want the best prices you will find on tires during the year.

Search for Coupons

Yes, tire coupons are real, and using them can chop a nice amount of money off the final cost of your tires. Search for coupons on the tire manufacture website at the same time you check out the rebates. Look for them in newspapers and on banners as you drive about town.

Look for Rebates

Many tire manufacturers offer rebates. Follow the rebate instructions and get cashback on the purchase of selected tires. Tire manufacturers offer rebate deals throughout the year and on many different models of tires. Take advantage of the opportunity to get sometimes hundreds of dollars back in a rebate. There is always time for this.

A simple strategy that many people take for granted when it is time to save money on their tires is to maintain their current set. Following simple tire rules like proper inflation will help you drive longer on the wheels. In turn, you get your money’s worth from the tires and replace them far less often.

4 Household Repairs and Replacements That Will Save You Money Over Time

Part of the responsibility of a homeowner is performing home repairs and replacements from time to time. Performing such projects, of course, requires spending money. However, what if a specific project could actually help you save money over time? In certain cases, the project may eventually pay for itself. Below are just a few examples that can do just that.

Replace Your Thermostat

One thing that will certainly save you money, in the long run, is replacing your thermostat. If you have to get up and walk to your thermostat to change the temperature in your home, you are probably losing a lot of money. 

Instead, invest in a smart thermostat that can be operated remotely and easily programmed via a smartphone app. You’ll save money year-round by only running your heat and air conditioning when it’s actually needed.

Upgrade Your Water Heater

Another home improvement project that could pay dividends for you and your family is upgrading your water heater. A new water heater installation could actually pay for itself over a period of years. 

The reason why is because newer designs for water heaters are far better at retaining heat and require less energy to do so. You could see your utility bills drop significantly as a result.

Switch to LED Light Bulbs

One of the easiest and cheapest replacements you can perform in your home is changing light bulbs. Switching from traditional incandescent light bulbs to LED bulbs can also have significant benefits for your electricity bills over the course of the year. 

LED bulbs use 25 to 80 percent less electricity due to the fact they require less heat to operate. Increasing your savings, even more, they also last a lot longer and will need to be replaced less frequently.

Seal Leaks Around Windows and Doors

Running a home’s heating and air conditioning can result in expensive utility bills. However, those bills don’t actually need to be that high for many homeowners. What they may not be aware of is that there could be significant air leaks around the edges of windows and doors in their home. 

These leaks will force the furnace to work harder during the winter and the air conditioner to work harder during the summer. Sealing such leaks actually isn’t that difficult. In most cases, all that is needed is a tube of calk.

Owning a home is a big responsibility. Part of that responsibility is maintaining the home by performing repairs and replacements when necessary. When the need for such a project arises, consider ways you can use that opportunity to lower costs through energy savings, increased efficiency, and more.

10 Major Benefits of Using a Credit Card

A credit card is one of the most powerful financial tools that we have at our disposal and if used responsibly, it can provide many benefits in the long run. Today, we are going to look at top reasons why everyone should use a credit card for their expenditures

1. One-Time Bonuses

People with good credit scores can get their cards approved with added bonuses. You can avail of these bonuses by spending a certain amount in the first few months when your credit account is open. Other bonuses may include travel points, gift cards, and more.

2. Convert transactions into EMI

This is a great benefit that every credit card comes with. When you make a big purchase using your credit card, you don’t have to make full payment, you can easily convert that transaction into monthly installments, which gives you time to pay off the money over a period of time. This benefit allows you to fulfill your wishes without the burden of paying all the money at the same time.

3. Cash Back

The most significant benefit of using a credit card is cash-back. Whenever you use a credit card for making a purchase, you receive a percentage of total expenditure in the form of cashback. This allows you to save a lot of money in the long-run. 

If you are a platinum member, you might get cash-back offers up to 2% to 3%. So, before applying for a credit card, look at the list of partners that a financial institution is associated with.

4. Rewards Points

Another major benefit of using a credit card is the reward point system. The more you spend using your credit card, the more points you earn. These points can redeem to earn discounts, buy merchandise, groceries, and more. 

For example, if you get Citibank credit card, you can earn reward points when you spend money on fuel, restaurants, movies, and more. Contact your bank to learn more about the reward points.

5. Frequent-Flyer Miles

This point is for those who travel a lot. When you purchase your flight tickets using your credit card, you get flyer miles that can be used for either discounts or purchase tickets (if you have enough points). 

All major airlines have at least one bank that is partnered together and offer this benefit to their customers. So, make sure you check whether your credit card has this benefit or not.

6. Safety

Paying with your credit card is much safer than your debit card. When you use your debit card, the money is deducted from your account instantly. 

Similarly, if you lose your debit card, you are at major risk of losing your hard-earned money. But when you use a credit card, and you encounter any fraud, the bank will take it immediately. Plus, your money is also secured.

7. Grace Period

When you make a purchase using your debit card, your money is gone instantly. On the other hand, when you spend money using your credit card, your money remains in your account until your due date. 

This time between the end of the billing cycle and the due date is called the grace period. This allows you to repay your credit card while having the luxury of keeping your money in your account as well.

8. Insurance

Credit cards come with a number of customer protections that people are not aware not like insurance. Many banks offer insurance services to their customers who use their credit cards. This benefit is usually available to those who have a high credit limit.

9. Universal Acceptance

This is by far the main benefit of why everyone should have at least one credit card. All credit cards are accepted universally, this means if you are traveling, you can easily make payments in a foreign country using your credit card. 

You can rent a car, spend money on shopping, use to pay your hotel bills and more. You don’t have to worry about carrying the foreign currency with you all the time. Simply swipe your credit card and you are done.

10. Building Credit

A credit card helps you in building your credit score, which shows that you are responsible and can handle your finances. This is great for people who started working and looking to build their credit. When you spend money using your credit card and make timely and full payments, it impacts your credit score positively, which helps you in increasing your credit limit and enables you to apply for loans and more credit cards.

There are many other small benefits to why you should use a credit card, but these above-mentioned points are the main benefits that you get to enjoy when you use your credit card responsibly.

How to Find a Way to Afford the Realistic Home of Your Dreams

When it comes to the home of your dreams, you may be holding back because you think that you can't afford it. While it's true that custom-built homes are more expensive than buying an existing home on the market, that doesn't mean that it's out of your price range. 

Here are four great ways they can help you to achieve living in the realistic home of your dreams.

Identify the Characteristics

One of the biggest problems that people run into with their dream home is they don't put it down on paper. They have so many ideas running around in their head that they automatically translate that to mean the price tag of the home will be tremendous. 

It's not until you actually sit down and put all the characteristics that you want in your realistic dream home down on paper that you actually get to discover just what it's going to cost. Take a few moments and consider the exact characteristics that you want in your dream home.

Talk With a Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent

The next thing that you want to do is talk with a knowledgeable realtor in your area or the area and what you desire to purchase a home in. You may be surprised to find out that there are already multiple homes on the market that have what you want. 

Finding a home on the market will usually be cheaper than building a custom home. You should talk to an agent, like those at The Stockton Team: Keller Williams Showcase and other locations, and let them know the qualities that you're looking for in a home. 

Simply giving them the characteristics that you wrote down above will be enough to have them start searching for the right home for you.

Get Pre-Qualified

It's important that you understand how much your home is going to cost you. After speaking with your realtor, they will likely have a couple of places that you can go to look at and understand what the prices are. 

If these homes are what you're looking for, then you'll have an idea of what you need to pay to get them. At this point, it's a good idea to talk to a lender to discover what the loan payment would be for the price of the home that you want to purchase. 

They should be able to explain to you everything that you need including what the monthly payment will be and what your debt-to-income ratio will need to be approved for the loan.

Be Honest About Expectations

As you continue to go through the home searching process, it will start to become clear what characteristics of a home are actually feasible for you and which aren't. Sometimes characteristics may feel important. 

However, as you walk around a home, you may find out that they're not functional for your day-to-day lifestyle. It's important, to be honest about what your actual expectations are of a home that you're going to be living in. It needs to be both functional and have the qualities that make it a special home for you.

Affording the realistic home of your dreams is much easier than you initially may think. The initial overwhelm from the process of choosing your own home can overshadow many aspects of the actual design at the house. 

When you implement the tips that we went over above, you'll soon find out that affording the home of your dreams is actually within your budget.