Credit Sesame Review: A Better Way

I like to check my credit score on line several times during the year. I usually go through the free website AnnualCreditReport.Com. The three main credit reporting companies Experion, Equifax and Transunion are accessible from the web site. Every 4 months I stop by and get my credit report, using a different company. This is great for getting your credit report but not getting your credit score. These companies will give you your credit score but it's not free, there is an additional charge.
I have been reading about a new website that can give you your credit score for free it's a site called CreditSesame.com. I went over and I signed up. Signing up is not hard at all. You enter some simple personal information and also your social security number. They access your credit file and ask some basic questions to verify you and your information.

After you sign up you will get your free credit score from Experian. It's not your FICO score, it's Experian's own "National Equivalency Score". It' is usually within a few points of your actual FICO score.

What Else Can Credit Sesame Do For You?

By using your credit score they can match you up with loans you can qualify for. Using other services will also give a list of loans you can apply for, but Credit Sesame will only offer you loans you will qualify for according to your credit profile. The idea being that a lower interest loan will help you pay off debt faster. Even over time, if you want, Credit Sesame will monitor your credit score and send you more information about loans when it becomes available. If you own a home it keeps tabs on its appraisal value to better match you up with refinance offers.



In the goals section your profile is used to help you minimalize your costs for your debts. If your goal is to save money Credit Sesame will offer alternate ways to pay your debt or refinance it.

In the Advice section, Credit Sesame will give you a range of scenarios on how paying your debts and loans will shorten the duration and costs of repayment. All to save you money.

How does Credit Sesame make any money if they are not charging me a fee?

In the About Section, they say that they are paid a fee if I use their site to apply for a loan and that they will not offer me any loans I can not qualify for.

What I like About Credit Sesame.

I like to stay on top of my finances and at Credit Sesame you can see all your loans, credit and debt in one place. Plus you get your credit score for free. It may not be my FICO score but it is better than paying a monthly fee for it. It's a good tool and it gives you a snapshot of your credit rating and debt. Even if you don’t end up getting a new loan, it’s a good overview and a free credit score, so check it out.

Click Here To Sign Up For Your Free Credit Sesame Account Today

TV Watching Choices Are Changing

Image via CrunchBaseIf you can remember the days of 3 networks and black & white TV you are old. Before the days of the remote control, TV viewing choices were few. I remember those were the days where you watch one channel all night. There wasn't anything like channel surfing like we have today. If you were like me, you were to lazy to get up to change the channel. That's all over today.

Today our TV watching choices are throught he roof. We have DVR's, DVD's, Blue-Ray, HBO, TNT, ESPN, OnDemand, Pay-Per-View, HULU, and YouTube. We have more channels and more content to keep us busy. The delivery systems for all this content are also changing to. We can record TV for watching at a more convient time. We have web services that allow us to watch new network programing on demand whenever we want. We aren't forced to show up at a certain time to catch our favorite show.

As time goes by, everyones love for TV continues to grow. They love it. It's their companion, advisor, time killer, necessity, educator, social life enabler, child-minder, boredom-buster, stress-fighter, lullaby, and low-maintenance friend, among other things. It is little wonder that even in the era of the PC and the cell phone, the TV is one of the first pieces of technology most consumers purchase. Each year 1.3 billion households (source: Euromonitor) around the world watch an estimated 2,464 hours of television (source: Nielsen). This equates to a total of 3.9 trillion hours of television viewing each year! Significantly, the total time spent watching TV is still 25-times greater than the 156 billion hours people spent using the Internet in 2007 (source: Comscore 2007).

In the near future, traditional video and broadcast TV programming will begin to share screen space with a spectrum of personalized information, entertainment and social networking services, in addition to original content such as family videos and photos. The arrival of Internet-based programming and interactive IP-based services on TV will challenge the industry to find new ways to blend novel Internet-based usages into a seamless whole with traditional TV. Moreover, models of interaction must be transparent, with push-button ease-of-use.


With all these TV choices 2 candidates stand out. Hulu Plus and Netflix. First Netflix.


Netflix

Netflix completely revolutionized the DVD rental space when it debuted more than a decade ago. Over the last few years, the company has exerted more of its energies and resources into becoming the most visible subscription streaming service.

Featuring one of the largest streaming content libraries and capturing subscribers by the millions, Netflix is one of the big players in the streaming media space.

PC/Mac Access: Yes, using a web browser (requires Microsoft Silverlight), Windows 7 Media Center, Plex, orBoxee.

Mobile Device Support: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Windows Phone 7. Android is coming soon.

Connected Device Support: Roku, TiVo, the new Apple TV, Google TV, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and countless HDTV sets, Blu-ray players and other devices.

Price: Streaming only plans start at $7.99 a month

Selection: Netflix has an ever-expanding selection of TV shows and movies and the company has made it clear it isn’t afraid to open up its wallet to bring more streaming content to its compatible devices.

Our Take: At this point, one has to make an effort to find a new TV, Blu-ray player or set-top box that doesn't support Netflix. This, coupled with the new low-cost streaming only plan and the ever-increasing content library makes Netflix a winner. HD quality isn’t as sharp as on some other services and title availability can change without notice, but for catalog TV titles and a good selection of new and old films, Netflix is a winner.

HULU PLUS

When Hulu first hit the scene back in 2007, many scoffed at the idea that streaming TV shows in a web browser could work. If you ask Hulu’s backers — News Corp., NBC Universal, Disney and Providence Equity Partners — it’s possible Hulu has worked too well.

Hulu Plus was conceived as a way to not only monetize Hulu, but also provide a better selection of catalog content and official support for mobile devices, televisions and set-top boxes.

Hulu Plus only officially launched a few months ago, but already the company says it is having a positive impact on its bottom line.

PC/Mac Access: Yes, via Hulu.com and the Hulu Desktop application.

Mobile Device Support: iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Android support for select Android 2.2 devices is coming soon.

Connected Device Support: Roku, PlayStation 3, TiVo Premiere (soon), Xbox 360 (soon) and select HDTV and Blu-ray players from Vizio, LG, Panasonic, Sony, Haier and Samsung.

Price: $7.99 a month.

Selection: Good selection of current TV shows and some movies. Hulu Plus doesn’t feature every title from the regular Hulu.com, but it does feature more episodes of certain series, full back catalogs for some classic shows and offers users access to 720p streaming content for compatible programming. Many (but not all) Hulu Plus programs are served ad free.

My Take: Hulu Plus is a great choice for users who watch a lot of television, especially current shows. There is a significant amount of overlap between the content offered by Hulu Plus and Netflix, but Hulu wins for current episodes of hit TV shows. The iPad and iPhone apps are great and a growing number of devices are gaining Hulu Plus support. It’s worth checking out on your PC or Mac and is a good feature to look for when buying a connected TV, Blu-ray player or set-top box.

Women and Aging 2011: Policy Implications for an Aging Population

The United States is bracing for a dramatic cultural and economic shift sparked by our rapidly-aging population. Women over 60 make up a rapidly growing percentage of those retired or entering retirement. As this trend continues, the need for a national dialogue on the future of America’s aging women is more urgent than ever before.

Volunteers of America is excited to announce its third-annual discussion on women and aging on May 10, 2011, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Guest panelists include Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post; Debra Ness, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families; Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, Executive Vice President of Multicultural Markets and Engagement for AARP; and Mike King, National President of Volunteers of America. The discussion will focus on public policy surrounding the needs of America’s women as they age into an uncertain economic future where access to health care, income and other vital resources is often elusive. Everyone who can make it is encouraged to attend the event and participate in the discussion.

To illustrate the importance of public policy for aging seniors, consider some important facts and figures:

· Women over 60 make up 80% of the caregivers for chronically ill or aging relatives.

· Women can expect to spend 18 years caring for a parent.

· Women have a longer life expectancy than men on average.

· 66% of baby boomers feel they have not adequately prepared financially for the future.

· Nearly half of women caregivers (48 percent) say the economic situation has made providing care more difficult.

· 39% of current non-caregivers are not confident about their ability to cover the costs of their possible future care responsibilities.

Responsible public policy is crucial to meet the needs of our nation’s women. Women like Jeannette can’t afford to wait and women like her need a certain future in our society. As a community, we must start this discussion today. Please join the conversation, spread awareness and get involved today.

12 Financial Facts About Women

Image via WikipediaFed Governor Elizabeth A. Duke recently gave an interesting speech called "Women and Money: Challenging the Myths". She was nominated to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve by President George W. Bush on May 15, 2007. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve consists of 7 members with Ben Bernanke as its chairman.

One of Elizabeth A. Duke's many interests is financial education. It seems the myth is that men make most of the financial decisions in our families. But this is wrong, women overall are in the drivers seat for family finances.

Even women are under the impression that leaving it to their spouse or significant other is the norm. Elizabeth A. Duke has been integral to setting up financial education for women and encouraging them to seek it.

The following is a list of facts that indicate that most women will someday need the knowledge coming from financial literacy.

• Women are quite likely to be solely responsible for financial decision making at some point in their lives. Indeed, as women age, the probability of living alone increases.
• According to the Social Security Administration, the average life expectancy for women is 81 years, compared to 73 years for men.
• Census information tells us that the average age of widowhood is 55 years old.
• The current divorce rate is estimated at between 36 and 50 percent.
• Statistics indicate that the earlier in life one marries, the higher the probability of divorce.
• Women are more likely than men to be single parents.
• Women have lower average wages, lower lifetime earnings, and are less likely to be covered by a pension plan.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that median earnings for all women are $638 a week, compared to $798 for men–approximately 80 percent of what men earn on average.
• The Department of Labor reported in 2008 that less than half of working women participated in a pension or retirement plan.
• Women are more likely to work in part-time jobs that don’t offer retirement plans.
• The typical woman spends 10 years out of the workforce for care giving, while the typical man spends just 2 years out of the workforce,
• Nearly two-thirds of U.S. women ages 40 to 79 have already dealt with a major financial “life crisis,” such as job loss, divorce, the death of a spouse, or serious illness.

These facts indicate the importance of financial education for women. After all, women are central to our national prosperity as workers, taxpayers, voters, consumers, and financial managers. Today, half the labor force is composed of women, compared to 38 percent in 1970. While the overall civilian unemployment rate is 9.7 percent, the unemployment rate for women 20 years and older is 8.0 percent. And nearly one-third of married women workers now out-earn their husbands.

Reader: What do you think?

Want a No Money Down Home Loan Then Try USDA Rural Loans

Image by Shahram Sharif via FlickrRural Housing Direct Loans are loans that are directly funded by the Government. These loans are available for low- and very low-income households to obtain homeownership. 

Applicants may obtain 100% financing to purchase an existing dwelling, purchase a site and construct a dwelling, or purchase newly constructed dwellings located in rural areas. Mortgage payments are based on the household's adjusted income. These loans are commonly referred to as Section 502 Direct Loans.

How do I know if I am eligible?

As you may assume your income must have to be low. But that's not true. In my county a person can make as much as $68,000 per year. Other areas of the country you can make as much as $97,000. Low income, really! Very low income is defined as below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI); low income is between 50 and 80 percent of AMI; moderate income is 80 to 100 percent of AMI. 

 Families must be without adequate housing, but be able to afford the mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance, which are typically within 22 to 26 percent of an applicant's income. However, payment subsidy is available to applicants to enhance repayment ability. Applicants must be unable to obtain credit elsewhere, yet have reasonable credit histories. .

What are the terms of the loan?

Loans are for up to 33 years (38 for those with incomes below 60 percent of AMI and who cannot afford 33-year terms). The term is 30 years for manufactured homes. The promissory note interest rate is set by HCFP based on the Government’s cost of money. However, that interest rate is modified by payment assistance subsidy.

How long does it take to be approved?

Rural Development officials should make a decision within 30 days of the Rural Development office's receipt of the application.

Does the USDA have guaranteed loans?

Yes. Section 502 loans are primarily used to help low-income individuals or households purchase homes in rural areas. Funds can be used to build, repair, renovate or relocate a home, or to purchase and prepare sites, including providing water and sewage facilities.

Eligibility: Applicants for loans may have an income of up to 115% of the median income for the area. Area income limits for this program are here. Families must be without adequate housing, but be able to afford the mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance. In addition, applicants must have reasonable credit histories.

Approved lenders under the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan program include:

• State housing agency;
• Lenders approved by:
• HUD for submission of applications for Federal Housing Mortgage Insurance or as an issuer of Ginnie Mae mortgage backed securities;
• the U.S. Veterans Administration as a qualified mortgagee;
• Fannie Mae for participation in family mortgage loans;
• Freddie Mac for participation in family mortgage loans;
• Any FCS (Farm Credit System) institution with direct lending authority;
• Any lender participating in other USDA Rural Development and/or Farm Service Agency guaranteed loan programs.

What are the Terms?

Loans are for 30 years. The promissory note interest rate is set by the lender.

There is no required down payment. The lender must also determine repayment feasibility, using ratios of repayment (gross) income to PITI and to total family debt.

What will they guarantee loans for?

 Under the Section 502 program, housing must be modest in size, design, and cost. Houses constructed, purchased, or rehabilitated must meet the voluntary national model building code adopted by the state and HCFP thermal and site standards. New Manufactured housing must be permanently installed and meet the HUD Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards and HCFP thermal and site standards. Existing manufactured housing will not be guaranteed unless it is already financed with an HCFP direct or guaranteed loan or it is Real Estate Owned (REO) formerly secured by an HCFP direct or guaranteed loan.

It's amazing these kinds of loans still exist. No money down and no PMI. They are meant to serve the low income population, but are upper limits of $97,000 condidered low income? Rural is the the key word here but when you use their eligibility map most cities are eligible, but not your major cities. But some areas are in close proximity to major cities, check the sites map function to see.

To see if you and your property location is eligible go to USDA Income and Property Eligibility Site

Are You Suffering Gold And Silver Investment Envy Syndrome?

Image by hto2008 via FlickrI opened the morning paper to read the headline "Investors Stampede To Silver". What's going on? First it was the rush to gold, now it's silver. The price of silver is definitely going up. Are you participating in this modern day silver rush?

People worried about the U.S. governments soaring debt load, the Federal Reserve's easy money policy and the slumping dollar; investors have run to silver and gold as money refuges. I can't blame them they see the value of their dollar eroding and see this as the only way to keep ahead.

For those of you who have not jumped on the band wagon yet yet; do you think you should have? Are you getting that sick feeling in your stomach that you missed something big? What should you do?

The basics of investing are to buy low and sell high but do they apply in this situation. The people who are buying gold and silver are not buying as investors, they are buying as a hedge against inflation. A way to keep the value of their money. This frenzy is being fueled buy the small time players, the average guy who is afraid of the financial future ahead.

If you are already invested in gold and silver you must be pleased with your good decision. If your not invested do you feel you should be? I for one feel no need to buy gold and silver. If there is one thing that I have learned from years of investing is never buy at the top. Don't chase an investment. Every time I did buy high, I lost money. The volatility of these precious metals makes me to nervous. The general consensus is that the price of these metals still have room to appreciate, but for me I don't have the stomach for it.

I am perfectly happy investing in my index fund portfolio. I don't envy those who are investing in gold and silver. I judge all investments by the "sleep at night factor". If I have an investment and it doesn't worry me and I sleep well owning it, then it passes for me as a good investment. I believe gold and silver investing is too speculative and not an investment. Those who understand the nuances of gold and silver investing, more power to them. If you have a core holding of good investments and you want to play around with gold set aside no more than 5% of your total investment balance and buy some gold or silver.

My investing style is simple. I use stock index funds:

• 20% VTI: Vanguard Total Stock Market 
• 20% IVE: iShares S&P 500 Value Index 
• 20% IWD: iShares S&P 1000 Value Index 
• 15% IWN: iShares Russell 2000 Value Index 
• 15% IWS: iShares Russell Midcap Value Index 
• 10% DIA: DIAMONDS Trust Series 1

Also Bond Index Funds:

• 50% TIP: iShares Barclays TIPS Bond Fund 
• 50% SHY: iShares Barclays 1-3 Year Treasury Bond Fund 

With this group I get a broad spectrum of stocks across the entire market. The bonds are short term and TIPS which are inflation adjusted.

Investing should not be hard. It's made more complicated buy the equity industry. We are always being sold something. Step back from all the noise and check out index funds.

Here are some additional resources for a short course on investing:

Asset Allocation

The rule of 120 in Asset Allocation

Behavioral Biases

Why most investors don’t make money in the stock market–they do it wrong

Index Investing

Active vs. passive management
Issues with active management
Efficiency and indexing, even for small caps

Investments

TIPS, short term bonds, and inflation hedges
Fama and French’s value and small cap findings:

If your new to investing and want index funds and a simple way of implementing a saving and investing plan check out Betterment.com