Immediate Approval for instant cash eases your financial tension!

Seeking extra cash in times of emergency has been daunting? Needs cropped up causing financial crunch. The immediate Approval Personal Loan carry low rate of interest and due to fierce competition they fluctuate from one lender to another. If you are interested in cheap interest rates then the best way is to compare the loan quotes. Loan calculator is another strong tool that helps you to find reasonable rates.
Applicants can apply for the cash regardless of their credit tags like defaults, arrears, late-payments and bankruptcy. The cash is transferred the same day if required details are enclosed accurately. Guaranteed approval quick loan borrower should ensure that an instant approval cash loan should be sort of measure of the last resort. The need for such kind of loans often arises if you have been given a pink slip and you are left with no money for rations and paying your rent. There could be other situations when one has to bear unavoidable extra expenses exceeding earnings.


The bad credit instant approval loan will improve your financial situation either directly or in a roundabout way, you need no doubt it. Otherwise, make sure that the loan is necessary or that you can afford it without sacrifices. A key to considering a loan application is to analyze whether you would be able to afford the monthly payments on your loan if you would see your income reduced by at least 20%. If you could still afford it, though you should take all the precautions possible, you probably have nothing to worry about either.


There is an undisputed evidence of justification when the loan is used to produce rather than to consume. If your loan is meant to reduce debt and thus free money that you spend on interests, if the loan is used to purchase machinery or appliances that will help you earn or save money, then the loan is being put to good use and there is no doubt that it is advisable to apply for one.


Cash advance loans with bad credit are a short-term answer to your unexpected financial problem. Whatever you call it, bad credit cash advance or cash advance loans with bad credit, and they need to be repaid by your next payday. Failing this, the penalties and the interest you pay are quite high, leading you into a further financial mess than you were in, to begin with. Seek help for all your financial queries online.

How Buying Invoices Works

If you have a problem with cash flow, you might consider finding a company that engages in buying invoices to get you on the right track again. Often, through no fault of their own, small and large companies find themselves in a bind because they don't have enough cash to meet debt payments, to pay employees, or to invest in needed materials and manpower in order to bid on lucrative, time-sensitive contracts. In these cases and some others, companies buying invoices from you may be able to help.


Buying invoices is also called factoring. A company, or factor, engages in buying invoices from another company at a discount, taking on the responsibility of collecting payments due. Through this process, the company selling the invoice gets immediate cash flow, and the company buying invoices stands to make a profit.


Most invoices are factored at fees starting at around 1.67% of the total principle for each ten days left in the payment due terms. For instance, if you have invoices that come due in thirty days, the factoring company would buy them from you at a 5% discount, and thus make a 5% profit for a thirty-day investment. Fees are predicated on the creditworthiness of your debtor, not you; thus, a company with a very good record of paying its debts on time and otherwise appearing sound would get you the best terms. If you have a company without strong credit that owes you money, you may find their invoices factored at rates of more like 8% to 10%. Generally, companies that buy invoices will limit the total amount of invoices the hold from you to no more than $100,000, but have no minimum amount.


If you have an invoice in the amount of $200,000, this does not mean you will not be able to find a factoring company that can help you. Instead, the company buying invoices may advance your company a hundred thousand dollars, but when they collect the debt, the will then pay to you the entire advanced amount you qualify for. In other words, you can factor a portion of an invoice if you don't need to factor the whole thing.


When companies are buying invoices, you can count on at least three parties being involved. The first is the seller of the invoice which is your company. The second is the payor of the invoice which is the company you have done business with that owes you money. The third is the broker/funder buying invoices. This third party may be a separate broker and funder, or it may be one company or individual acting as both. The broker would arrange the transaction, and facilitate your receipt of the funds advanced in a timely manner. The funder is the party actually buying invoices; they would use a broker to find appropriate invoices to buy. Brokers who arrange the transaction but who don't fund the transaction generally earn a commission on the transaction.


Typically, the funder buying invoices is the chief risk taker in the transaction, and receives the largest share of your factoring fee. The broker arranging the transaction would receive around ten percent of the fee charged for buying invoices. 


When you've found a company buying invoices to work with, it's generally a good idea to maintain the relationship with them. If you find yourself needing cash flow in the future, these companies are much more willing to work with those they've funded successfully in the past, and may even offer you more favorable terms.


Companies buying invoices are generally those with large cash on hand totals, like insurance companies and federally-insured banks. You may also be able to find companies buying invoices overseas, particularly in resource-rich companies like those in the Middle East.

Helping Your Money Last... After Your Last Paycheck

A look at different ways to afford retirement


Today's seniors can expect a longer retirement than their parents. That means more years to finally do what you want to do, including travel and hobbies (not to mention spoiling the grandkids). But a longer retirement also means more years of money going out and no paycheck (or only a small one) coming in. That's why seniors need to be smart about how they pay for their retirement years.


"You really need to have a strategy to make sure your savings last," said Lee Bowman, National Coordinator of Community Affairs at the FDIC.


To help you set or adjust your own plans for affording retirement, FDIC Consumer News offers this look at some different sources of money, including some potential pitfalls to avoid. But first, remember that this is general guidance only. Your own need for retirement money will depend on factors such as your health-care costs or whether you plan to earn part-time income. As with any major financial decision, be sure to consult with financial advisors and loved ones to decide what strategies are best for you.


Social Security and Pension Benefits: Your first order of business: Determine when the best time is to start tapping this money. For example, if you start receiving your Social Security benefits before your "full" retirement age (which could be anywhere from 65 to 67 under current laws), your benefits will be reduced permanently, and perhaps significantly, from what they would be at your full retirement age. And if you receive Social Security benefits early, but you continue to work and your earnings exceed certain limits, your benefits will be reduced even more until you reach full retirement age. On the other hand, if you delay collecting Social Security until after your full retirement age, you can continue to work and still get your full retirement benefits, or even higher benefits, no matter how much you earn.


Here's basic guidance from the Social Security Administration (SSA): "As a general rule, early retirement will give you about the same total Social Security benefits over your lifetime, but in smaller amounts to take into account the longer period you will receive them. There are advantages and disadvantages to taking your benefit before your full retirement age. The advantage is that you collect benefits for a longer period of time. The disadvantage is your benefit is permanently reduced."


Employer pension plans usually have options somewhat similar to those of Social Security. Contact your employer's personnel department for guidance.


No matter when you decide to start receiving your benefits, remember that it could take several weeks to receive your first payment. Also consider having your payments deposited directly into your bank account so you don't have to worry about a check getting lost or stolen in the mail.


IRAs, 401(k)s and Other Retirement Savings Plans: As with your Social Security and pension benefits, you may want to delay tapping into your retirement accounts as long as possible so they can continue to grow to cover unexpected medical costs in the future or to protect the inheritance for your heirs. However, if you need to supplement your income, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and other retirement savings can be a good source.


Before you start withdrawing money from your retirement accounts, most financial planners suggest setting a target annual withdrawal rate. Make it low enough to avoid depleting these funds too quickly. You can fine tune your withdrawal strategy each year, preferably with the guidance of your financial or tax advisor. For example, if your personal situation changes, you can adjust how much you should withdraw.


Also review your retirement portfolio — your mix among stocks, stock mutual funds, CDs (certificates of deposit), bonds and so on — to be sure it's well-diversified. 


Another caveat: If you have retired, every year after age 70 ½ be sure to take out at least the minimum required distribution from your tax-deferred retirement savings plans (except Roth IRAs) to avoid large IRS tax penalties. (If you are still working at 70 ½ or later, you do not need to start taking minimum distributions from your employer's plan until April 1 of the year following the year you finally retire.)


"Remember, you only have to withdraw the money, you don't have to spend it," said Heather Gratton, an FDIC Senior Financial Analyst. "If you don't need the money you can reinvest it somewhere else, such as in a bank savings account." She added that, because each person's situation is different, it's best to discuss your strategy with your tax or other advisor.

The Tips, Skills, and Tools you Need to Negotiate Effectively

Negotiating skills are a nonnegotiable requirement for success, but few people understand the structures, techniques and approaches available to them in an attempt to gain successful results.  Effective negotiation means more than just getting what you want. It means arriving at a solution that satisfies all parties and creates future opportunities.   Fine tune your communication style.  Listening is a key part of effective communication. What is and is not said is key during negotiations and in building professional relationship.  Establish an assertive approach, communicate in a clear fashion, remain professional, be patient, try to avoid aggressive behaviors.  Neutralize objectives presented by the counterpart and negotiate with confidence.


Being aggressive means standing up for yourself in ways that violate the rights of others.
Aggressive behavior is typically punishing, hostile, blaming, and demanding. It can involve threats, name-calling, and even actual physical contact. It can also involve sarcasm, catty comments, gossip and "slips of the tongue."  Negotiation training will give you the crucial negotiation skill, strategies, tools and techniques you must have to effectively handle negotiations ranging from sales, contract, labor and business negotiations, to international negotiations involving business and political conflict to all varieties of personal negotiations.


Negotiation Tips and Goals


1. Improve personal and professional profitability.


2. Achieve desired outcomes and create synergy while fostering relationships.


3. Maximize financial returns and value in negotiations.


4. Avoid being cheated.


5. Neutralize difficult negotiators and their tactics.


6. Enter into and conduct negotiations with confidence.


7. Know when and how to walk away from a negotiation.


8. Improve personal relationships with colleagues, clients and loved ones.


9.  Build leadership and team building skills.


10. Turn cultural differences into assets rather than liabilities.


Strategic thinking and planning is pivotal to your success in this business climate.

Inflation: Public Enemy Number 1

When our grandparents were working they could earn a decent living, pay for a house, a car, seven children, and still have money to put in the bank. But today, the cost of living has outstripped rises in pay so that things cost more but we’re not making more. We have to make due with the money we have.


What’s the implication? Sometimes that means getting a payday loan to bridge us to the next paycheck. Other times that means using our credit cards to consolidate our monthly expenditures and paying it back once at the end of the month. And still other times it means getting a loan to help us buy the things we need.


There are two types of loans. An unsecured loan is money that a lending agency gives to you based on their assessment of your risk. Your credit rating is one of the ways they make that decision. And since they lose their money if you default on your payment, the risk is higher so the interest rate is higher.

However, if you need to borrow more money or you want a loan at a more attractive interest rate, or you want some flexibility with the repayment terms, then borrowing against your assets is the way to go. 


Some examples of assets, or equity, that you may be able to use include your home your car, your stock certificates, or some other kind of valuable possession. Borrowing against these assets assures the lending institute that they can recoup their losses if you fail to make your payments since there is an alternate form of payment.


Lending agencies like this because it minimizes the risk they take. And you’ll love it because it increases the amount of money you can potentially borrow, it lowers the interest rate you’ll have to pay, and it lengthens the amount of time you’re expected to pay the loan back! What could be better than that?


Some excellent uses for secured loans include such things as debt consolidation or home improvement loans. In both cases, you’ll find that a secured loan gives you a good amount of money at an attractive rate so you can reduce your debt payments or increase the value of your home affordably!


We live in a world that expects us to borrow now and then. Don’t you think that a secured loan is the way to go the next time you need to borrow?

Mutual Funds as a Long Term Investment

Mutual Funds are a long term investment. Period.  Nothing short-term about them, no day trading.  They are meant for the serious investor that is willing to take the time needed to grow their wealth over a long period of time.  Why are mutual funds like that?


Well, a mutual fund is a collection of stocks, bonds or money market securities, which have been bundled together in one offering based on not only the goal, but the past performance of the individual components.  They are taken as a whole, and as such, when some of the holdings in a fund rise, others may be falling, so the growth potential is not as extreme as, say, just one stock or bond.  Over time though, mutual funds, can grow up to 8-9% a year, while the stock markets can gain anywhere from 10-11%.


There are a variety of mutual funds that an investor can hold.  Some examples are Bond Mutual Funds, which are mutual funds that are comprised of bonds that are offered by a company, State or Federal Government, or Mortgage and Asset-backed bonds.


Another type of mutual fund is the Stock Mutual Fund, or Equity Fund, as some have coined it.  These funds are comprised of holdings in various stock companies, and as such, can be a bit riskier due to the volatility of the stock market.


You can even invest in a Precious Metals Funds that invest in Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium, and even Rhodium.  When an investor contributes to a Precious Metal Funds, they will receive a certificate that represents the holding.


There are some terms associated with Mutual Funds that the investor should be aware of.  The first is the Net Asset Value, or NAV, for short.  The NAV is a calculation that takes the Funds total assets and minuses the total liabilities.  This calculation is done daily, at the end of trading, to reflect the true value of the Fund.

Another term is liquidity, which is used to describe the amount of time it takes to convert the investment to its cash equivalent with the minimal amount of fees or price discount.  Mutual Funds are not known for being liquid, that’s why we started out saying that they are a long term investment.


One of the most important factors in dealing with Mutual Funds is the Prospectus.  The prospectus is a legal document that contains information about the Mutual Fund, such as what holdings are invested in, what the goal of the fund is, what the past performance of the fund, listing of fees, the manager of the fund, the risks of the fund, and the strategy to achieve the optimal investing balance.  Anytime you have a question about a Mutual Fund, you can always refer to the Prospectus, and you can always have one mailed to you, or made available to you through download, when searching for a Mutual Fund to invest in.

A Structured Settlement Annuity: Comparatively Speaking

In earlier articles, we've seen the benefits of structured settlement annuities over lump sum payments.  For some, this protects them from the temptation of spending the bulk of their payment on unsound or unwise investments.  Protection and incoming cash flow over the long haul are what structured settlement annuities provide.  However, not every person faced with a lump sum payment necessarily will be tempted to spend the money rashly.  Obviously, there are people who are savvy investors and think that given the opportunity with a lump sum payment over a structured settlement annuity, they will be able to make more money investing on their own.  


With that in mind, let's take a look how a structured settlement annuity compares with one of the most popular investment vehicles, the equity income mutual fund.  


First, let's look at who issues the annuity and the mutual fund.  
A structured settlement annuity is issued by a life insurance company.  An equity mutual fund is issued by and investment company that pools the assets of multiple investors in equity securities.  


Next, let's look at the long term capabilities of each to provide a lifetime income.  
An annuity payment plan is created up front and is a predictable and dependable source of income that can not be outlived.  A mutual fund can be a high paying investment.  However it can also be highly volatile and unpredictable based on market conditions and can actually lose money and stop your earnings if the fund performs poorly.  


What about guaranteeing the payouts?  
An annuity is guaranteed by the issuer of the annuity based on the terms of the structured settlement.  A mutual fund is solely dependent on market activity and thus can not be guaranteed.  


What about costs?  
The annuity has no cost associated with it.  A mutual fund can be subject to a number of fees, like a sales load, yearly management fee, and marketing expenses.  Even the lowest cost index funds have some costs associated with them.  


What about keeping up with inflation?  
A structured settlement annuity can have a cost of living adjustment incorporated into the annuity at the time it is designed.  An equity mutual fund can outperform inflation based on how the underlying securities perform.  However it is difficult to predict what the return will be and remember "past performance is not and indicator of future results."  


But what about the dreaded T-word....Taxes?? 
A structured settlement annuity is tax free as long as the money received is the result of personal physical injury or physical illness.  As income is earned from an equity mutual fund taxes, capital gains, income etc, must be paid.  


What about flexibility?  
A structured settlement annuity payment amount and schedule may not be altered at any time.  Conversely, money can be moved in and out of mutual funds.  However, taxes, sales loads etc may be applicable with each transaction.

A Debt Consolidation Program To Relieve Debt

Debt consolidation programs are good if you are paying on several different loans. They can make your life easier by giving you one monthly payment. Your monthly debt decreases if the program you use for debt consolidation stretches your payments over a long period of time.  Paying less every month will free up some extra cash.  
A successful strategy sometimes is to use a debt consolidation program. With these programs you can manage various high-rate revolving debts with one payment. Let’s say you have several high credit card balances with high interest rates. With the debt consolidation program, you will be able to lower the interest rate you’re paying and manage the debt better. 


Debt Consolidation Programs Reminders
 A debt consolidation program doesn’t eliminate your debt. All these programs do is move your debt to make it easier to make the payments.  You will have to pay the money back sooner or later since you do owe it. 


One problem with a debt consolidation program is you will feel like you owe less.  Your credit cards will again have large amounts of available credit for you to use. Beware of digging yourself into a deeper hole by continuing to add to these balances. 


With a debt consolidation loan you may end up paying more in total interest. By stretching your payments over a longer period of time, your total interest cost could possibly be higher. Of course, it may help you more easily manage your current cash flow. 


There are risks by using debt consolidation programs. If you’re using a home equity loan or line of credit to consolidate your debt, the consequences of falling behind on the payments can be disastrous. You could lose your home if it is pledged as collateral against your loan. 
How to Choose the Best Debt Consolidation Programs 
You should shop around to find a program that fits your needs. Local credit unions and banks you already deal with are a good place to start. They are a reliable source and will most likely give you a fair deal. You might also try a bank you aren’t currently working with. Be careful of scams though, when searching the Internet for debt consolidation. 


When searching for a debt management company, look for experience, how professional the company is, their assistance and budgeting services. Try to find a local company you can communicate with without having to drive for hours to talk to your counselor.


The debt management industry is unregulated. Scam artist are out there waiting to charge your outrageous fees without informing you of the best solution for your situation. Try to find out some of their customers and talk to them. Get recommendations and research online if possible. 
When you team up with a debt management company who is less than above board, you may be left feeling insecure. You should relate well with your counselor and understand what they suggest. That peace of mind should help you pursue your goals and your financial future more comfortably. 


Also the debt management company your choose should be a be advise you on how to deal with angry creditors, whether bankruptcy is an option or how to consolidate debt or simply reorganize your bill payment schedule. 


Remember, your main goal is to work towards a better understanding of your financial debts. You will want to learn how to take care of your own debts, assets, and financial goals through your counselor’s advice. The debt management and debt consolidation is only stepping stone towards your own financial self-reliance.

A Case Of Coin Telemarketing Fraud: Here's What I Shoulda Done

One day back in 1985, I received an unexpected phone call at my office from a man named Gordon Carl (not his real name – but whose real name I’ll never forget). The thing that initially struck me the most about the polished Mr. Carl was his heavy New York accent, like something you might hear in a gangster movie. The purpose of his call: to offer me a “great deal” in rare coins. As a result of that conversation, I agreed to purchase five 1943 Walking Liberty half dollars Mr. Carl described as MS-65 specimens. Furthermore, he guaranteed that his firm would buy the coins back from me at any time of my choosing, paying 5% less than the “Grey Sheet” bid price. As an unmarried “yuppie” (now there’s a word you don’t hear much anymore), I calculated that I could afford the $1375 required to make the purchase. Perhaps more than anything, greed clouded my judgment, and like a fool, I trusted Mr. Carl and dropped a check in the mail the next day.


Later in 1985, Mr. Carl’s company changed names. Rather than interpreting this as a flashing red warning signal, I eagerly sought to add more coins to my portfolio. Being a gregarious sort of fellow, I attempted to establish a friendly rapport with Mr. Carl and his associates. Looking back after all these years, what has irritated me perhaps more than anything is how this shyster must have smirked every time he heard my voice, for what a gullible, willing dupe I was.


In 1989, I decided it was time to cash in my coins, so I called Mr. Carl. Not surprisingly, the company was operating under yet another name. I couldn’t get through to Mr. Carl, but ended up talking to his brother, Maurice, with whom I had never spoken. I informed him that I wanted to liquidate my Walking Liberty half dollars in accordance with the buy-back policy under which I had purchased them. Much to my disgust, he coldly declined, indicating his organization was not affiliated with those earlier companies, and was under no obligation whatsoever. In fact, he insinuated that he had never even heard of these outfits before, despite the fact that his brother, Gordon, factored prominently in these businesses. At that moment, the fog was finally lifted from my eyes: I had been scammed! Not knowing what else to do, I politely said goodbye, and hung up. I sat there, staring at the phone for what seemed like an eternity, in stunned disbelief.


Several days later, I took my 1943 Walkers to a local coin dealer, the first step in submitting them to a third party grading service. I didn’t expect them to grade out as MS-65, but if they came back as MS-60 or MS-63, I could at least begin there to cut my losses. The dealer studied a couple of the coins closely under magnification, and then sadly declared the coins were damaged due to improper cleaning. He advised me not to have them professionally graded, because the cost of grading probably exceeded the value of the coins. With few options left, I put the tainted Walkers in storage, vowing never to repeat this experience.


Let’s now flash forward to the present time. Normally, I don’t like antagonizing myself, so it was with some reluctance that I fired up the computer to play the game “What If?” That is, what if I had spent my $1375 with a reputable dealer in 1985 to purchase Walking Liberty half dollars? What kind of value increases would I be enjoying today had I been smarter back then? To answer this question, I first retrieved the historic value trend tables I researched in late 2005 for Walking Liberty half dollars. For each date, mintmark, and condition, I noted their values in 1985, and placed them next to their corresponding values in 2005, for a “before and after” comparison. In all, there were about 450 such comparisons. Next, I calculated an annual compounded percentage return rate for each data pair, and sorted them from highest to lowest. I then listed the top 20 for closer examination:


Date...........Condition……..1985 Value……..2005 Value……..Annual ROR


1917-D Obv….MS-65……….…..$3000……………..$27500………….…..11.13%
1921-S………...F-12……….…....$30.00……..…….…..$250………….…..10.62%
1919-D…….…..MS-65………...$15000……….....$115000……….…....10.19%
1917-S Obv….MS-65…………...$5250……….…....$35000………………..9.45%
1918-S………...MS-65…………...$3000………..…...$17500………………..8.76%
1916-S…….…..VG-8………..…..$30.00………….……..$150…………….…..7.97%
1917-S Rev…. MS-65……….…..$3500……………..$17500………………..7.97%
1921-S…….…..VF-20………….…..$200…………..…..$1000…………..…..7.97%
1921-S…….…..XF-40…………....$1000…………..…..$5000………….…..7.97%
1921-S…….…..MS-65……..…..$22500…………..$110000…………..…..7.85%
1918-D…….…..F-12………………..$8.50……………..$40.00…………..…..7.65%
1918-D…….…..MS-65…………...$5500…………....$25000…………..…..7.48%
1921-S………...VG-8…………....$17.50………….…..$75.00…………..…..7.18%
1921-D…….…..MS-65……….…..$6500………..…..$27500…………..…..7.11%
1916-D…….…..VG-8………..…..$12.50……………...$50.00…………..…..6.82%
1938-D…….…..F-12……………..$25.00………………....$100…………..…..6.82%
1938-D………...VG-8………..…..$20.00………….…..$80.00…………..…..6.82%
1920-S………...MS-65……….…..$3750……………..$15000………………..6.82%
1917-D Rev….VF-20……….…..$45.00…………….…..$175…………..…..6.68%
1938-D………...VF-20……….…..$32.50…………….…..$125………..……..6.62%


The Walker with the best return since 1985 is the 1917-D (MM on Obverse) in MS-65 condition. At $3000, it was well beyond the $1375 available to me to spend on numismatics in 1985, as were all nine MS-65 coins appearing on the above Top 20 list. However, the remainder of the Top 20 represented coins in circulated grades, and all were within my price range. Had I directed my hard-earned cash toward the purchase of a legitimate example of each of these coins, I would have spent $1421, just barely above what I forked over to Mr. Carl. Today, those same Walking Liberty halves are cumulatively worth more than $7000. In pure financial terms, this increase computes to an annual compounded return rate of nearly 8.00%. If only I had known then…


Take note that all 11 of the Walkers that I wish I had added to my collection in 1985 are recognized as key and semi-key dates in the Walking Liberty half dollar series. The fact that they are for well-circulated specimens (typically not the object of affection for promoters and speculators) suggests that what has propelled these coins to ever-increasing heights over the years is fueled by consistent collector demand. We can expect to see similar patterns in the future. If I were to conduct this same study in the year 2025, comparing retail values then to what they were in the year 2005, the Top 20 would probably strongly resemble the Top 20 in 2005.


What became of the 1943 Walking Liberty half dollars Mr. Carl suckered me into buying? Well, I still have them, squirreled away in a bank deposit box. I haven’t even looked at them in a decade or so. As I was writing the final words of this article, it finally dawned on me to ask one more question: how would my investment have performed had these been bona-fide MS-65 specimens? Taking the same body of data used to derive the Top 20 above, I started thumbing down the list… going down, down, and down some more. Finally, I came across the 1943 in MS-65 condition, on line 419. The annual rate of return of this coin since 1985 is a dismal -2.13%. That’s a NEGATIVE 2.13%. Ironically, even had Mr. Carl been an honest businessman, it still would have been a lousy investment for me.


There are two lessons to be learned here: (1) If interested in seeing your coins increase substantially in value in the years ahead, purchase coins that have already demonstrated a long record of consistent price advancements, which usually are the key and semi-key dates for a given series, and (2) Deal only with reputable people.


So what ever happened to the slimy Mr. Carl and his band of thieves? Well, perhaps there is some justice in this world, after all. In late 1989, about the time I discovered I was being victimized, the United States Postal Inspection Service began an undercover sting operation of the company. Apparently, I wasn’t the only unhappy customer, but my losses were minimal compared to the sums bilked out of others. In February, 1991, postal agents stormed the “boiler room” outfit, executing a federal search warrant based on a complaint involving the alleged fraudulent selling of coins through the mail. Mr. Carl and others were arrested and led away in handcuffs.


Postal authorities publicized that anyone with grievances against the company was encouraged to contact them, to help bolster their case against the defendants. Since I kept meticulous records, I had no trouble assembling incriminating documents and forwarded everything to the Inspector’s office, tied together by my personal story. I never heard exactly how the case was resolved, but it seems almost certain these crooked telemarketers got what they deserved. As for me, I won a small measure of satisfaction, knowing that I provided evidence to help expose them. Now, if I could just figure out what to do with those defiled 1943 Walkers...

Check That Pre-Approved Credit Card Offer

If you have received a pre-approved credit card offer in the mail make sure you read everything.  There are good and bad offers and you need to know which credit card offer is for you.


Look for:


    * The Annual Percentage Rate (APR). If the interest rate is variable, how is it determined and when can it change?
    * The periodic rate. This is the interest rate used to figure the finance charge on your balance each billing period.
    * The annual fee. While some cards have no annual fee, others expect you to pay an amount each year for being a cardholder.
    * The grace period. This is the number of days you have to pay your bill before finance charges start. Without this period, you may have to pay interest from the date you use your card or when the purchase is posted to your account.
    * The finance charges. Most lenders calculate finance charges using an average daily account balance, which is the average of what you owed each day in the billing cycle. Look for offers that use an adjusted balance, which subtracts your monthly payment from your beginning balance. This method usually has the lowest finance charges. Stay away from offers that use the previous balance in calculating what you owe; this method has the highest finance charge. Also don't forget to check if there is a minimum finance charge.
    * Other fees. Ask about special fees when you get a cash advance, make a late payment, or go over your credit limit. Some companies charge a monthly fee regardless of whether you use your card.


The Fair Credit and Charge Card Disclosure Act require credit and charge card issuers to include this information on credit applications. The Federal Reserve Board provides a free brochure on choosing a credit card and a guide to credit protection laws at their web site.


Comparing Cards


    * Bank Rate web site provides free credit card tips and information.
    * Consumer Action web site has a site that features credit card surveys of interest rates, fees and other terms from dozens of credit cards, as well as free brochures and guides on choosing and using credit cards.
    * Card Web lists credit cards and offers e-mail newsletters, frequently asked questions and online credit card calculators.
    * Card Ratings lists and reviews credit cards, and offers tips and credit card calculators.


Lost and Stolen Credit Cards


Immediately call the card issuer when you suspect a credit or charge card has been lost or stolen. Many companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with such emergencies.


By federal law, once you report the loss or theft of a card, you have no further responsibility for unauthorized charges. In any event, your maximum liability under federal law is $50 per card.


Complaints


To complain about a problem with your credit card company, call the company first and try to resolve the problem. If you fail to resolve the issue, ask for the name, address and phone number of its regulatory agency.


If the word national appears in the name or the letters N.A. appear after the name, the Office of the Comptroller oversees its operations.


To complain about a credit bureau, department store or other FDIC-insured financial institution, write to the Consumer Response Center.

Cheap Credit Card Information for New Users

A credit card assures a seller that the person using it has a satisfactory credit rating and that the issuer will see to it that the seller receives payment for the merchandise delivered. A credit card is usually a card made of plastic issued to a user by a credit card system.


A credit card is different from a debit card in which the issuer lends the consumer money rather than having the money removed from an account.


A credit card system is a system of retail transaction settlement and credit system, established by a credit card provider.


There are numerous credit card providers all over the globe.


In credit card system a user is issued a credit card after an account has been approved by the credit provider, with which they will be able to make purchases from merchants accepting that credit card up to a pre-established credit limit.


The credit card user agrees to pay the card issuer for every single purchase by using a credit card. To accept credit card, a credit card user has to give his/her consent to pay specific amount of money. Originally the consent used to be by signing a receipt with a record of the card details and indicating the amount to be paid, but now many providers demand verbal authorizations via telephone and electronic authorization using the internet.


A cheap credit card is the most frequently searched keyword on internet today. The credit card users all over the globe are always tracking the cheap credit card companies. A cheap credit card company provides card credit service in considerably cheap quotes.

Chase Online Banking

Chase online banking is a small business’s most useful financial resource. Most small businesses start with a great idea. The person behind the idea feels confident that the idea is sound and that there’s a demand. He or she then sets out to turn the idea into the latest must-have craze. What many small business owners don’t know a lot about is how to handle the company’s finances. That’s where Chase online banking can help.


Small business owners who enroll in Chase online banking have access to a number of useful features to help them better manage their businesses. The biggest benefit is the ability to log in to any account that is linked to the business (even personal and investment accounts!) at any time, day or night, seven days a week. While certainly useful, managing account balances is just one of many things small business owners can do while online.


They can also view transactions as far back as 90 days or check to see which checks have cleared and which have not. They can pay bills online which is faster and less expensive than manual methods. Knowing that online checks and deposit slips can be printed anytime they’re needed removes one of the fears that people have about Chase online banking.


Small business owners can request to be notified via email, voice mail and even by text message anytime a change takes place in any of the accounts being monitored. They can order checks, wire money, and transfer funds and so much more.


Chase online banking also enables small business owners to download monthly statements straight into the popular small business accounting software packages, which makes the daunting tasks associated with accounting much easier to handle. They can use Chase online banking to set up direct deposit for themselves and their employees and that’s a nice benefit to offer when trying to attract valuable employees. There’s even more and it’s all explained on the online banking demo so take a look today!

Change Your Thinking And Get Richer

Imagine two situations;
 1) finding £1000, that is yours to keep with no strings attached and
 2) earning £1000 through hard-work. 


I'm curious - is there any difference between the value of them? Do you consider one to be worth more than the other? Is there any difference in how you would spend them? 


Are they different to you in some way? You can do exactly the same thing with them. I wonder if you really would. Well if you do attach a different value to them you could be missing out; read on to learn how to get more for free! 


My point in all this questioning is that if we only value the 'things' that we have to work hard for there is a danger that the 'things' that we can have with ease just pass us by - they are unvalued and do not grab our attention. These 'things' are not just money of course but skills, knowledge, relationships to name a few; they are all valuable assets. 


The secret of success is to consider this all in two parts:


1) the value of it - that is how well it meets your needs, not just monetary value. This applies whether it was easy to come by or not. 


2) the recognition of the achievement in attaining it. Some things can be harder to acquire than others and we should reward ourselves through recognition when we acquire such things. 


You see, it is worth the same whether you had to acquire new skills or resources to get it or rely on the existing (carefully honed) ones that you take for granted. 


How about if, from now on, you recognise what you have for what it is worth and separately for what it took to achieve it. Seeing it as two parts will open your awareness to the things that you can have that are already available to you without effort. 
When you see yourself making these changes and getting different results be sure to thank yourself. Your mind wants to please you and likes gratitude. In return it will do it all the more for you. 


Enjoy getting richer!

Cashflow Problems: How To Get Your Money

One of the most common problems that affects businesses is that their customers owe them money. When you've done the work but people are being slow to pay you, you can get behind with bills and be short of money to invest in your business. This is, understandably, an annoying situation -- you're being chased for debts that other people refuse to pay. There are, though, a few ways to improve your customers' payment speed.


Remember You're a Credit Provider.


When you do work and invoice afterwards you are extending credit to your customers. As such, if the cost is going to be high, you should consider running a credit check on them before you start work. This will show you whether the company you're about to do work for is in trouble, and can help avoid lots of problems later on. You can usually run credit checks onlin for next to nothing.


Give Invoices a Due Date.


A mistake many home businesses make is to send invoices that have a fancy layout and say how much the customer owes, but don't contain any direct instruction to pay now. This results in customers receiving the invoice and putting it on their 'unimportant chores' pile -- you know, the one that doesn't get done for months.


To avoid this, a good strategy is to give your invoices a due date. Set it two or three weeks from when you sent the invoice, and make sure you highlight it. People will see your deadline and realise that you mean business -- they'll think 'oh, I'd better deal with this' and you'll get your payment sooner rather than later. If you don't, a follow-up phone call saying 'I wonder if you realised that your invoice's due date was yesterday...' will usually do the trick. Almost no-one refuses to pay if you confront them directly -- they just do it because they think they can get away with it.


In some places, the practice of putting due dates on your invoices might even entitle you to charge interest on money you are owed, or charge fees. Check your local laws.


You Could Try Debt Factoring.


Some businesses have success with a technique called 'debt factoring'. This is when you sell your invoices to a third party who specialise in administration and collection, and they give you the money for the invoice straightaway instead of you having to wait for the customer. 


If you try this approach, though, you should consider the percentage of your invoices that the company is taking, and whether they're treating your customers the way you would want them to be treated. It might be best to only sell invoices to debt factoring companies when they haven't been paid by the due date, letting them act more like a collections agency.


Collections Agencies.


Of course, your last resort is to sell the debt to a collections agency. This will cost you around 10% of the debt. The collections agency will try to intimidate your customer into paying, ultimately taking them to court if necessary, and they might try seizing the customer's assets. Make sure you check out the agency you plan to use beforehand, though -- you don't want them to be doing anything illegal.


You should always try to talk to the customer before you take this route, as if they're not paying the chances are that there's a reason. You might be about to force them out of business. On the other hand, they might just be forgetful, in which case they won't be too happy about you setting debt collectors on them.


Be Prepared to Settle.


Sooner or later, you might end up being owed money by a business that is in financial trouble -- you're just one in a long list of creditors, as everything falls down around them. In this situation, you need to be prepared to settle with them for less than the original invoice price, or you risk getting nothing. It is a bad situation to be in, but it's better to give someone a break and get some money instead of pushing them further towards bankruptcy and getting nothing.

Cash Payday Advances – Today’s Answer To A Cash Shortage

Sometimes life gets in the way and when it does you can find yourself steeped in a cash shortage. If you do there is an answer, it’s in the form of cash payday advances. These types of loans can be a lifesaver when all you need is a small amount of cash.


There was a time when cash payday advances were difficult to obtain. You had to go to a “cash payday store” and fill out a lot of paperwork and then you had to write a post dated check for your following payday so the store could cash it. These days the process is much easier. Now you can do it online.


Having a savings or checking account with direct deposit are a requirement when applying for an online loan. This is an easy way to make sure that your paychecks get into the bank. It is safer than having the checks mailed.


Another reason people enjoy using online cash payday advances is because it is private. No one knows you are getting a payday loan except you, your computer and the guy on the other end of the internet, so to speak. Many times people who need immediate cash assistance are embarrassed to go into an actual payday loan store, so being able to obtain a cash payday advance online saves them the feeling of embarrassment all the while allowing them to get the loan they require.


Cash payday advance companies are now making it easier to apply for and get a cash payday advance online. The application is completed online and there is no more paperwork to fax or e-mail and most people will get the money deposited into their account within twenty-four hours of approval. Cash advances are a great way to get over that temporary rough spot once in a while.

Cash Gifting: Which Cash Gifting Program is Right for You?

Cash gifting is a wonderful way to help others as well as to induce benefit into your own life.  Gifting has been a concept embraced by humanity since the beginning of time.  Religious orders across the world hold close the concept of giving wholeheartedly.  To give is good.  Cash gifting is also 100% legal in the United States and Canada just to name a few countries.  There are quite a few legitimate cash gifting programs available to choose from.  How do you know which one is right for you?  Here is a list of some helpful considerations:


1) If your intention is to engage in a cash gifting program online, then you need to make sure that the program allows for online promotion.  Some don’t.
2) You need to make certain that the cash gifting program that you are considering is one of integrity.  There should be program administrators and software packages that track all activity within the plan.  There should be a proven track record of success.
3) Before beginning a cash gifting program, you need to consider how much money you’re willing and/or able to gift.  Commonly, cash gifting programs are based upon the amounts of: $500, $1500 and $3500.  Of course, the benefits are greater when it is your turn to receive if the initial gift is higher.
4) You need disallow yourself from being overly suspicious.  Suspicion is good.  However, when you are overly suspicious to the point that you are afraid to move forward in life, you will miss out on many potentially wonderful opportunities.


When you give the gift of cash to somebody in need, it makes you feel nice.  A warm feeling is generated within yourself by knowing that you have helped somebody less fortunate than you.  Cash gifting benefits thousands of people every year by helping them to get out of debt, purchase a home, send their children to college and start businesses of their own.


There is certainly nothing wrong with receiving either.  When you are part of a group of likeminded individuals that are giving and receiving their cash to one another, it provides you with a sense of security.  When you receive your gifts, there will be no guilt.  You have given first.  People helping people are what cash gifting is all about.  Just assure that you’re dealing with a legitimate and valid program.  Explore the realm of cash gifting today!

Cash For Structured Settlements - The Smart Way

For most people when they buy a house it is considered their life’s largest deal. In some cases of structured settlements the compensation and financial considerations for a persons life duration and the total present value of the settlement can reach few millions of dollars. Therefore it is strongly advised to use professional services like annuity consultant and a lawyer specialized in this field in order for you to avoid painful costly mistakes. Here are some tips:


- Think twice before you make a decision. Do you really need that money or you want to feel rich, secure, powerful etc’


- Take only part of the money not all of it, in case of an injury claim the Court needs to approve your request, the judge will want to know what do you need the money for.


- Some Funds will try to convince you that due to Inflation and rising cost of living your annuity payments have less and less buying power over time. Remember that if the Structured settlement was done properly it has a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) feature build into it in order to offset the effects of inflation over time. So the funds claim on this issue is only partially true as the cost of living index is an artificial and biased measure of the actual inflation over time. Still even 70% protection is reasonable.


- When you get a large sum of money take into account that each bank is F.D.I.C. insured for up to $ 100,000 only! That means that if your sum of money is bigger than that you will need to open additional Account/s in a different bank/s in order to be covered.


In addition take into account that as long as you deposit your money in C.D’s (e.g. Certificate of Deposit) you are covered, but if you invest your money In fixed income, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. These securities are NOT F.D.I.C. insured!


- In case you transform Lottery winnings payments or a large sum of money from structured settlement, keep it as discrete as you can, It is not recommended to go and buy a Rolls-Roys or any other flashy car, that will bring the criminals and the charity people to chase you. That might even cause your children start to ask for money. Try to keep it a secret.


- It is a good Idea to get more than one or two offers from various private funds before making a decision, remember you are a very lucrative customer, the funds should fight over you! Don’t be timid to negotiate and manipulate them to maximize your money.

Cash Blues? Bank On Us!

Admit it-- it's not unusual to run out of cash when you need it the most. Even as prices soar and salaries fail to keep pace with the cost of living, confusion reigns supreme when you have an empty pocket, and the pay day seems like a distant mirage. One may try his/her best to manage finances in a manner that borrowing money could be avoided. But does this really happen? You know the answer.


To save you from the embarrassment of borrowing from friends, and ascertaining that you don't have to go through complicated procedures to procure cash, 200 cash offers a really convenient, no fax cash loan option.


If you have a regular job, it is fairly convenient for you to get a no fax fast cash from us. Forget loads of paperwork and complications, no fax payday advance loan is just a click away. Believe us, if the above minimal formalities are met, it doesn't take long to procure a no fax cash loan. We have had clients who wanted no fax fast cash, and funds were transferred to their account within minutes!


We, at 200 cash, do not just provide easy no fax payday advance loans but also empower you with the option of getting an extension on same day payday loans on your 'no credit check payday loans'. All you have to do is submit a request 3 days before the payment is due. Although you will have to pay some extra fee, but then it's always better than having no cash at all in your bank account!


200 cash is your financial partner you can always trust to take care of any short term financial crisis. With a view to keep things fairly simple for a no fax payday advance loan, all you have to have is a current, valid bank account with a regular income that speaks about your goodwill in the loan market. If you have the same, a no fax cash loan is just an arm's length away.


You must be wondering what makes us different from banks and other conventional financial institutions. The answer lies in the fact that 200 cash, with loads of experience in dealing with people in need of no fax fast cash, demands minimal formalities. Believe it or not, we don't demand your credit history or employment proof when ever you approach us for a no fax payday advance loan. As you can guess, we don't like to spend hours on exhaustive paperwork! Forget about furnishing any kind of collateral. Since your digital signatures are legally binding, that is all that we need from you. Can acquiring a no fax cash loan get any simpler? 


Just apply for a no fax pay day advance loan and leave everything for us to take care of. We value our relationship with you, so, you can rest assured that any information you provide us with stays safe with us. Whenever you apply for a no fax fast cash, our secure server for commerce transactions, encrypts your personal information, so that it can never be read when information travels on the net. Couldn't ask for anything more, could you?
Apply for secure, no collateral, no fax fast cash today.

Cash Advances In Commerce

There are many kinds of cash advances available in the marketplace. These advances are designed to allow individuals to pay their bills until they receive a paycheck. Payday loans are readily available, as are business loans and other loans, which impose a fee. Many people take advantage of these loans, including restaurant owners. Businesses must be able to take in at least $2000 per month, and a credit vendor must accept the money. This means that credit card receipts must be produced before a loan is considered. Business owners can apply for business cash loans if they have receivables from credit card purchases. If the business is not going well, it may still qualify for a loan, and some lenders will offer as much as $100,000.


One of the major drawbacks for some businesses is the need to transfer cash from one bank account to another. Delays may occur during this process, which results in banking overdraft charges. A bank overdraft can cost more than the fees imposed on payday loans, although business payday loans are different than the common cash advance.


Taking a business loan through banking institutions can be difficult, so some businesses prefer to take out cash advance loans. With these loans, cash is delivered quickly if borrowers meet the lender’s qualifications. Business fast cash loans are optional loans that are typically considered in cases of emergency. These loans are available for making renovations, marketing, expanding, and paying inventory costs as well. Businesses can take payday loans to remodel, expand their business, or to pay marketing expenses.


Repayment agreements on advance cash loans for businesses vary from lender to lender. Once the parties agree to a loan, a percentage of the receipts generated from credit cards will be deducted periodically. When the balance of the receipts reaches zero on the loan, the lender stops debiting the payments electronically, giving business owners the option of making payments on another loan.


In contrast to regular payday loans, commerce loans require as many as ten days for approval. They don’t include any fixed repayment measures and have no fixed payment arrangements. The loan processing is computerized, so once the loan application is accepted, the business owner can take the commission. Commissions are based on fixed percentages.


Some business lenders will offer to take a percentage of the receipts generated from credit cards, while others will offer fast acceptance of applications, no fixed repayment amounts, guarantees on hard assets, and as much as $250,000 toward the business that is owned.


Good applicants for cash business loans are hotel proprietors, bar owners, and restaurant owners, but almost any type of business that has the capacity to take credit card payments may apply for a business loan. Business owners that are considering taking out a loan should review all contracts, fees, and agreements before signing on with any lender.

Cash Advance Service - The Real Story

A cash advance is commonly known as a 'payday loan' because it often secures a person's finances while they're in between paychecks. It is a short-term loan, frequently an advance on a paycheck, that does not require a credit check and rarely succeeds $500. A cash advance is a very convenient loan for people who need money, typically cash, instantly and perhaps have bad credit or no credit. Usually the borrower will immediately write a post-dated check for the amount of the loan and accrued interest, to be held by a cash advance service until the date of maturity (the borrower's next payday). When the loan matures, the cash advance service then processes the check ordinarily or withdraws the payment directly from the borrower's checking account. 


A cash advance service operates much like a credit card service in that if the borrower cannot afford the loan amount and interest at the time of maturity, they have the option of paying a fee to extend the loan (or 'refinance' it). The fee grows exponentially every time the loan is refinanced. 


Payday lenders, as well as larger, more conventional banks, offer various cash advance services. However, much controversy surrounds these services, which critics say exploit the poor, needy, and young, enticing them with loans that merely imprison them in debt via high interest rates and refinancing fees. Although a cash advance may benefit someone who is temporarily unable to pay their bills or buy groceries and would not be able to obtain the necessary funds otherwise, such loans may not be in everyone's best interest. The controversy over cash advance services is so great that payday lending is illegal in twenty-five states in the United States. Thus, many payday lenders must coordinate with banks outside their state to provide cash advances to customers.

Cash Advance Qualifications - Essentials To Be Aware Of

If you are thinking of applying for an online cash advance payment you may be wondering what the cash advance qualification are?  If so, the answer is simple:


- you need to have access to the internet;
- you need to be over 18;
- you need to have a job; and
- you need to have a valid current bank account.


Surprisingly, that is all you need.  You do not need to have a good credit history.  You do not need to have any references.  You don’t even need to provide any security.


Cash advance applications need to be made via the internet, so that’s why you need access to the internet.  You need to be over 18 because that’s the legal requirement.  You need to have a job because the cash advance lender will ask you to provide a copy of your last pay-slip when you make your online application.  You need to have a valid bank account because that is how the lender will make you repay the cash advance loan, directly from your bank account.  This bank account can also be used to deposit the money you borrow.  You can, however, ask the lender to pay the money to you via check or to another bank account.


In fact, with minimal easy to qualify qualifications and a straightforward online cash advance application form, it is not surprising to learn that online cash advance services are the big boom they are.   However, they also offer an ideal service if you need to borrow money quickly with minimal fuss.