Saturday, August 30, 2008

By Negotiating With Your Creditors, They Ll Also Drastically Lower Your Interest Rates And Monthly Payments

Category: Finance, Credit.

The burden of debt is becoming more and more common in the United States than ever before, and many people simply can t find a way out. Thankfully, bill consolidation is a solution that is available from many companies, and is becoming popular with people trying to conquer their financial troubles.



The reason for this is that credit cards provide a stream of money that is so convenient, yet extremely damaging at the same time if used improperly. Some people would say we simply have to get rid of credit cards, as they are obviously the biggest contributors to the epidemic of being in debt. but the truth is, some people simply can t pay all of their expenses with cold, hard cash. Either way, with the high costs of mortgages, student loans, car payments, and other costs, credit cards are here to stay. But others may spend excessively on things they don t need, while putting themselves further and further into debt. Eventually, your debts may add up to catastrophic amounts until you simply can t make the minimum payments anymore. Also add into the equation the fact that your interest rates could also be drastically increasing. It can become difficult to even remember when each payment is due.


Bill consolidation provides a very convenient solution to this financial nightmare. They ll combine everything into one convenient payment, and even deal with all of the annoying creditor calls! With a bill consolidation company that effectively does its job, you ll no longer have to worry about multiple payments at all. By negotiating with your creditors, they ll also drastically lower your interest rates and monthly payments. The goal is to get you entirely financially free in the shortest amount of time possible. They will be your representative and sit down with the respective lenders in order to get the lowest rates possible.


Also provided by the bill consolidation company is a manageable payment plan. You will then be on your way to conquering your debt and achieving financial freedom. It will lay out exactly how much you need to pay per month, and create a simple budget that you can apply to your daily expenditures.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Debt Consolidation Loans Have Become Very Popular Over The Last Number Of Years

Category: Finance, Credit.

Debt consolidation loans have become very popular over the last number of years. The interest on these can leave it very difficult for individuals to meet their monthly payments.



Many people have found themselves in financial difficulties in recent years with high interest credit cards and store cards. Things can start to get out of control as people find they cannot meet even the minimum payments on their cards and so they face extra penalties. This gives people better control over their finances and they can go form having a lot of high interest bills to pay to having one smaller bill to pay every month, and because you can spread you debt consolidation loan over 25 years means the monthly payment can be half or even quarter what you use to pay. The reason a lot of people choose to consolidate their debt is because they can use the loan to pay off all their existing bills and replace it with one smaller payment. It must be noted however that the longer you spread the payments over the more you will end up paying in the long term. If people use them properly then they can be a very helpful financial product and help to repair bad credit. This is the reason debt consolidation loans have received some bad press, but you have to remember that these loans can save you from financial ruin and in some cases bankruptcy.


It is easier for people to budget every month when they have only one fixed payment instead of having six or seven different payments. One important thing to remember about debt consolidation loans is that you should treat them as a second chance. Also if you pay the amount on time every month this will help give you a better credit rating. It can be easy to find yourself in debt and suddenly you find it hard to make all your payments. So you will be in financial difficulty and have no way out. So by consolidating your debt you give your finances a second chance so it s important not to get back in financial trouble again because you might not have enough equity left in your properties to get another loan.


It is very important not to fall into this trap. The main reason this type of borrowing has become so popular over the last few years is that house prices have risen so sharply throughout the UK. A debt consolidation loan is usually a secured loan where the lender will use the equity in your property as security which usually means you will get a lower APR than an unsecured loan. A lot of people in the UK have taken advantage of this fact and taken out a loan to consolidate all their bills. It will probably mean you will pay a higher interest rate because of your bad credit history but at least you will be able to begin repairing this with your loan. If you have bad credit you can still apply for this type of loan as the value of you property will be taken into account. When considering a debt consolidation loan one should always go to a company that has a large variety of lenders.


However, if you go to a site than gets your full details and then compares the whole of the market then you will get the best deals. If you go to one individual lender or bank they can only offer a product from their limited selection. So not only will you drastically reduce your monthly bills but you will also be getting a great deal. If any of the information is incorrect it can alter the offer that the lending company give you later in the loan process. One final point to remember is to always give your proper details when filling out an application form as these speeds up the loan process and also means that the lender or broker can give you an accurate quote.

Read more...

So, It Is Possible To Apply Online For A Credit Card - Finance and Credit Articles:

With the fast pace of our everyday lives, we don t have time for anything really.

Simply Have Credit Cards - Gwendolyn Fortier's Finance and Credit blog:

Credit scores are based on several different aspects of a person s ability to handle credit. First and Foremost, Pay on Time.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Your Attitude Affects Many Of Your Personal Qualities

Category: Finance, Credit.

When examining the lives of people who have achieved outstanding results in some way, I have observed certain qualities that have enabled them to attain their goals and aspiration. I have found that the" attitude" of an individual play an extremely strong role in the successes achieved during their lifetime.



I am amazed when learning about the lives of ordinary people who have accomplished extraordinary feats. These individuals have not lived their lives without its ups and downs. It is how we react and respond to these events that makes the difference. They have suffered disappointment, personal losses, defeat, and have dealt with similar discouragements that confront us all. Some of the most difficult experiences we endure are the ones that teach us the greatest life lessons. Where this would be the undoing of one individual, another person will learn and grow from the experience. Take the example of losing a business and have to declare bankruptcy.


Your attitude affects many of your personal qualities. Conversely, a negative attitude diminishes these personal attributes. An enthusiastic attitude increases your level of commitment, determination, discipline, and desire. A good example we can relate to is the price of gasoline. We have spent days at home working on projects, making and wrapping Christmas presents, selling items on ebay, playing games and having friends over. My family has made it a game in seeing what we can accomplish after we filled our cars with gas 20 days ago and are trying to see how long it will last. It is completely within your power to condition yourself to be more positive and enthusiastic.


The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to believe bad events will last a long time and undermine everything they do. If you have heavy debt, make that debt your challenge, your opponent that, the monster you are going to win and inch by inch you set out to slaughter him! Optimists tend to focus on and plan for the problem at hand. They just do not give up easily, they are also known for their patience. Optimists preserve. Inching their way a step closer to that goal or elusive dream.


By learning to be an optimist it will improve your personal and financial situation. They see opportunities instead of obstacles. Use humor as much as possible( my very favorite! ), identify role models, have a" can- do- approach" , take time to respond to events, surround yourself with enthusiastic people and if your harbor negative feelings, find a way to let them go.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Why Is My Credit Score So Important

Category: Finance, Credit.

Faqs On Bankruptcy Part2.



Once- delinquent, past- due accounts still show up as severe negatives even if they have subsequently been paid off. Unfortunately the answer is no. It s important to note that credit reports don t just show your current credit situation, but they also show what your credit situation has been in the past. Do negative items remain listed for at least 7 years? Therefore, collection activity or, past delinquency a charged off listing does a great deal of damage to the credit score even if it was paid off. The law states that negative listings can appear on your credit report for no longer than seven years. Why is my credit score so important?


In addition, the credit grantor or the credit bureau itself can choose to delete the negative credit listing as they see fit. An individual s FICO credit score is an extremely important number which is often overlooked and ignored by many consumers. While a FICO credit score is mostly influenced by an individual s credit and payment history, there are other factors that could negatively impact the credit score. A low FICO score will cost you thousands of dollars in extra interest when purchasing a home or buying a car. In many instances a person s FICO score is lower than it should be because of incorrect entries and identity theft.

Read more...

Is Credit Card Processing Easy - Finance and Credit Articles:

Is Credit Card Processing easy? Around each and every business unit, ranging from a small restaurant to a supermarket accepts payments through credit cards.

You Have A Huge Variety Of Subscription Based Websites Available - Monique Turner about Finance and Credit:

Subscription based websites consists of a public area used for the promotion of benefits related to becoming a subscriber, and a password protected area so that the members can access the best content.

This Is One Method Of Credit Card Debt Negotiation - Finance and Credit Blog:

By admitting that you have failed and deciding to look for solutions to your debts, you are already halfway to your goal towards getting relief and living a debt- free life. Credit card debt negotiation starts when you decide to find means like consolidating your debts into one or two credit cards, or when you apply for a loan from a bank or financial institution to help you get back on your feet.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

However, Tackling Difficult Debtors Are An Entirely Different Matter

Category: Finance, Credit.

Businesses both big and small had risen and fallen because of difficult debtors.



Collection agencies are businesses hired to pursue debt collecting. Bad debts are an eternal source of pain for businesses, and are best left into the hands of the experts- the collection agencies. They are adept at tracking debtors and making sure they pay the amount they owe. However, tackling difficult debtors are an entirely different matter. Of course, there are different types of debtors to consider- each type has different means of persuasion, though the methods remain the same. It is easy to know the difficult debtor- he is the one with the most excuse.


He will craft any excuses he can, and sometimes he will adamantly say that he does not owe anything. He will blame everything from his computer to his boss to his present financial situation. Make sure you are talking to the debtor- don t let the debtor give you the runaround. Adopt a cool, professional attitude. As a professional, practice patience- and have an attitude. You have a contract, you deliver the goods, money must be returned and you have a right to expect payment. Never yell, never raise your voice, and never swear.


You re a professional- never allow things to become personal. Never ever threaten. Do not let the debtor sidetrack you with his various excuses and personal stories- remember that your purpose is to collect money or get a commitment and nothing more. Control the conversation- keep it focused on the business at hand. Ask questions. When difficult debtors lie about their reason for not paying, it is always coupled with a hope that you will accept their words at face value and drop the subject.


The more you ask, the faster you get to the truth of the matter. The more you ask of them, the more uncomfortable they become. When last demand letter went unnoticed, or when the debtor proved to be more difficult, you can impact his credit standing by reporting his account to major credit bureaus. After being subjected to incessant interrogations, sending the collection agent or the creditor a check becomes much, much more appealing than answering all the questions and cooking up one excuse after another. Most of the time, just a warning of reporting the debtor would suffice- sometimes, the debtor is just stubborn. He must clear his debt first. Reporting a debtor s delinquent account will most likely affect his credit in a negative manner for up to 7 years, limiting his ability to obtain credit in the future.


When this too, the only recourse, had failed is litigation. Go through the whole proceedings until the debtor learns to keep his promise, and pays. Follow through with your complaint- when you say that you will file a lawsuit, do it- else credibility is lost and the debtor will realize that all your collection efforts were merely empty threats.

Read more...

Credit Card Is A Usual Tool For Shopping And In General, Most Financial Transactions The World Over - Finance and Credit Articles:

Credit card is a usual tool for shopping and in general, most financial transactions the world over. This refers to the balances on your account.

Many People Like You With Bad Credit History Are Seeking For A Bad Credit Debt Consolidation Loan - Wilda Shunk's Finance and Credit blog:

Many people like you with bad credit history are seeking for a bad credit debt consolidation loan. There are many options available online for people craving to consolidate their credit card or other debt.

Maybe The Current Credit Card Issuer You Are With Is Not Pleasing You - Lenore Rumley's Finance and Credit blog:

The only bad things about credit cards is that they mean debt and they cost you money. But if you qualify you can pay a lot less than you may be paying right now.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Late Payment Charges- Should Your Credit Card Payments Be Later Than Expected Then As Well As The Interest Still Being Due You Will Have To Incur A Late Payment Fee

Category: Finance, Credit.

When it comes to getting equipped with a credit card, many people are aware of the advantages and disadvantages, but few are aware of how to ensure that they are getting the best deal through being careful about the credit card provider they use, and ensuring they have read the terms and conditions, and are therefore aware of all the cost centers that will affect them during their contract.



Keep in mind that different credit card providers will charge in different ways, and being away of the ways you are charged means you get the best deal, and can budget for these expenses. Watch out for: Annual Fees- Not all credit card providers will charge an annual fee, but by the same token not all those who do charge an annual fee will necessarily be the least cost- effective. Late Payment Charges- Should your credit card payments be later than expected then as well as the interest still being due you will have to incur a late payment fee. Late charges should be a consideration when costing a credit card. This is justified by the credit card providers through the consideration that it could cause cash flow problems, and may mean that their financial planning could be off- set or not as projected. A great way to avoid this is to set up a direct debit so your payment is taken directly out of your bank account.


You should be aware of what these charges are before you enter into a contract with a credit card provider. Exceeding Your Limit- When you exceed your credit limit the likelihood is that you will be charged, unless you make prior arrangements with your credit card provider. To avoid these costs, many choose to take out another credit card to finance clearing the limit, whilst others may look towards short- term solutions like an overdraft or long- term solutions like a bank loan. Avoid: Small Companies- Avoiding small companies can ensure that you do not come across problems that would not face well- known, reputable house- hold names. Please be careful not to spend money on a credit card unless you can afford it. Should a company be a public limited company/ listed company or be owned by such then the inherent risk of unfair contract terms and a shift away from best- practice are significantly reduced by PR factors and media pressures/ influences.


If you are not in total control of your finances and ultimately earn less than you make then please avoid these at all costs. High APR/ 0% initial APR- Choosing to contract with a credit card company that offers a great introduction rate and a higher rate in the long term is relying on your lack of financial control to make money.

Read more...

The Merchant Involved May, As A Result Of The Dispute, Incur Credit Card Chargebacks - Finance and Credit Blog:

A credit card dispute on transactions made, offers consumers three protections: protection against unauthorized use, and the right, billing error procedures to withhold payment. Keep in mind that at the end of the investigation, these protections may still result in a finding that you are liable to pay for the disputed transaction.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Bankruptcy Can Be Emotional And Embarrassing

Category: Finance, Credit.

Bankruptcy can be emotional and embarrassing. The main thing is to promise yourself to learn from the experience, and try to change your life so that you don t end up back in the same situation again.



You may have a hard time looking your children in the eye, and feel that you have let everyone including yourself down. If you are a low income family, and have little or no actual assets you will probably want to simply file for a chapter 7 bankruptcy and discharge of debts. The remaining debt is discharged, and creditors are no longer allowed to pursue it but must write it off. This requires that your estate be liquidated, and as much funds as possible divided up among your creditors. Liens on your house and/ or vehicle should be examined to see if they are exempt from this process, and if not you will need to consider whether you should have them excluded from your chapter 7 bankruptcy filing. If you have good employment, but have had a tragedy including overwhelming medical bills or some other type of devastating but temporary setback, you may wish to consider a chapter 13 bankruptcy filing.


A house that is mortgaged for more than it is worth and has payments too high for you to realistically afford may have to be relinquished. This type requires a trustee to oversee your finances and work out a re- payment to submit to a judge for approval. Both you and your creditors will be expected to abide by the terms of the agreement. Normally, the chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment plan will call for a set dollar amount to be paid regularly for a specific amount of time, and the remaining balance will be discharged. This ensures that you can continue to live normally, but gives you the chance to catch up on bills and regain your stability. Many people think that this will be impossible, but there are many lenders willing to give second chances in return for your business, and in an odd way the bankruptcy confirms one thing- at least you aren t a risk for filing bankruptcy as you will be disallowed from filing again for several years.


A word on refinancing a home after a bankruptcy. In fact, people who file bankruptcy often see their credit score bump up a little almost immediately. The main thing to take away from a bankruptcy is self forgiveness and the determination to change your life and avoid having to ever take such action again. Strange as it seems, many lenders view filing for bankruptcy as a sign that you are trying to turn your life around, and by bearing that out over a course of a year or two you will probably be viewed as an average loan applicant rather than a high risk one. Learn from your mistakes, instill better financial practices in yourself and your family, and put the bankruptcy behind you. Move forward, and make sensible money decisions and financial choices a part of your everyday life!

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Some Prepaid Card Charge An Annual Fee For Ownership - Bridgett Marron's Finance and Credit blog:

The All Access� Prepaid Visa� Card gives you the simplicity and the convenience you need to manage your finances. With all its good features there are certain fees to be paid when you own and use this excellent prepaid card.

Maybe The Current Credit Card Issuer You Are With Is Not Pleasing You - Finance and Credit Articles:

The only bad things about credit cards is that they mean debt and they cost you money. But if you qualify you can pay a lot less than you may be paying right now.

Another Easy Way To Help Protect From Fraud Is To Always Keep Your Credit Card With You - Faith Viles about Finance and Credit:

Along with increased technological advances it seems there are increased ways for the criminal element of society to find ways to take advantage of it for nefarious purposes. Make sure that you investigate the card you choose carefully and get one that offers exceptional security.

Few Mortgage Loans Will Include A Debt Consolidation Solution Into The Agreement

Category: Finance, Credit.

Whenever you hear about bad credit the first thought that conjures up is debt consolidation. Whatever the type of your borrowing, be it a mortgage, or a personal, a car loan, i you default in repaying, be prepared to be subpoenaed to court.



If and when you fail to repay your loans, your creditor can take you to court for recovery. Always remember that it is not easy to handle court room matters Most likely none of the parties in such cases will be considered as soft. When you spend your borrowings you are using cash that you don not own. Whoever of the parties is found negligent will be considered as untrustworthy. Some prudent and planned actions on your part will go a long way in avoiding embarrassing and stressful situations. If you stumble on a corner in your life where you get a glimpse of difficulties required to meet these demands, you may want to glimpse into debt consolidation solutions obtainable that can remove you from harm s way. Avoiding court judgments, liens and other, lawsuits penalties is central to meeting repayments on your monthly debt.


If you are repaying credit on your home, you may want to consider selling your home. Few mortgage loans will include a debt consolidation solution into the agreement. Another solution is finding a low cost alternative and lower monthly installment loan combined. On a side note, if you have already run up a bad debt is is time for recovery agencies to take over and you will become even more stressed. It has been observed that some collection agencies use illegal means for recovery. Once you are in the hands of collection agencies, be aware that most of these people could care less how they get their money.


And they get away with such tactics because you the debtor is so overwhelmed about repayment. Finally, it is also illegal for creditors to call you, threatening to take you to court. Be advised that it is illegal for creditors to call you before and after certain hours of the day. Avoid being bullied by your creditors. Educate yourself about your rights before you embark on a mission to consolidate your debt and eliminate bad credit.

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Getting Your Credit Reports - Finance and Credit:

5 step guide to credit repair.

More Than 1, 000 Rewards Items To Choose From - Finance and Credit Blog:

Introducing the Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Card, the credit card with the flexibility to earn the rewards you really want. You earn 5 ThankYou points for every$ 1 spent on purchases at gas stations, drug stores and super markets.

On The Internet, You Can Look Out For Various Kinds Of Credit Card Offers - Finance and Credit Articles:

A credit card is convenient resource and a great substitute for paper cash.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

When It Comes To Using A Credit Card A Lot Of People Have It All Wrong

Category: Finance, Credit.

Sometimes you may not understand exactly how much interest you are paying on current credit cards until you start to record your finances. A lot of people are paying more interest than they need to but don t realize it.



Keeping accurate records all of your financial and credit card statements is very important in personal finance. There are many different kinds of rewards credit cards and one of the down sides to them is that they generally have higher interest rates. Many people do not do their homework and end up using a card with a high interest- when they could be using one with a lower interest. When looking for credit card deals its important to sit down and compare the pros and cons of each card you are interested in. When it comes to using a credit card a lot of people have it all wrong. We rationalize it at the time of purchase but the fact remains the same. Most of us charge items to our card that we simply cannot afford.


Credit cards are good to use if you want to start building credit or if you can afford to use them. This is how people get into debt. If you are buying things you cannot afford than you need to re- evalute your financial situation. In this situation credit cards should only be used in extreme emergencies or for very special occasions. If you think you are paying too much interest on your current card than you should take a moment to go over what you are spending. Since we are living in a bad economy you want to make sure you keep your credit in the best condition as possible and that you stay out of debt.


You should also look up your free credit report online to get an idea of where you currently are. If you don t have records available than you can just come up with some kind of estimate. All you have to do is add up the amount of money you would spend with your credit card in a year. Based off that number you can find out exactly how much in interest you are paying every year. This will tell you if the card you currently use is worth it or not. You can weigh that number against any rewards you are getting with you current card.


If you do decide to go with a new card than make sure you do your homework and compare interest rates. Make sure you also look into the extra fees that come with some credit cards. You really should take the time to do this because it can save you many headaches down the road. If your credit is really good you shouldn t have to worry about theses. All in all just make sure you do your homework before signing up for a credit card. Its important to read the fine print very carefully.


You can avoid many future problems by taking your time to learn all you can about credit cards now.

Read more...

Filing Bankruptcy Is Not And Should Not Be An Easy Choice - Gracie Sharlow about Finance and Credit:

Sounds painful, doesn t it? However, you need to be careful about when you file.

S Who Happen To Have Bad Credit - Finance and Credit Blog:

Many people who dont know anything about credit have the feeling that the credit bureau is a government agency that works for Uncle Sam to ruin our lives but the real truth is that government agencies are just private companies that that have monopolized the credit industry. These three giants run the industry but there are more than 2000 smaller. credit bureaus.

Although This May Sound Too Good To Be True, These Credit Card Offers Are Genuine - Finance and Credit Blog:

Like most people, you have probably received offers for credit cards with 0% annual percentage rate( APR) . As long as you do your research and are cautious with your use, just like any other credit card, 0% APR credit cards can be very beneficial. 0% APR credit cards can actually save you money- just be aware that the zero percent interest that is offered probably has a time constraint so make sure you know what the interest rate will be after the introductory rate expires.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Never Pay More Than 40% To Settle An Old Debt

Category: Finance, Credit.

If you have bad credit, the first thing you need to do is go back and start paying off your old debts, right?



While there are some circumstances where it is in your best interest to pay off collection accounts, there are also some circumstances where it is in your best interest NOT to pay. Wrong! First, let us talk about when you should pay off debts that have been passed to a collection agency. Not paying could lead to a lawsuit. Assuming that the debt is yours and has been validated, you should pay off debts that have been placed into collections recently. Worse yet, your past- due account could be sold to collection agency after collection agency resulting in a negative entry on your credit report each time.


But that does not mean that you should pay the full amount. Under these circumstances, you should pay. With the exception of student loans and child support, you can settle your debt for 35 to 65% of the balance owed. Why? If your debt is older than four years old, it is probably in your best interest not to pay. Statutes of limitations run out in most states after four years.


Old debts do not carry as much weight on your credit report as new debts. This means that you can no longer be sued for the debt. You might not be doing yourself a favor by paying off past debts. This is because new collection accounts have more of an impact on your score than old accounts. In fact, paying off an old debt could cause your credit score to go down. When you pay off an old account, the date of last activity is made current which makes the old debt look like a new collection account. Only if you can settle them for substantially less than the balance owed.


Should you ever settle accounts that are more than four years old? Never pay more than 40% to settle an old debt. If you make any type of payment or agreement, no matter how small, the statute of limitations starts over again. Be careful and never agree to any repayment plan unless you are absolutely certain that you will and can follow through with it. Do not get trapped into thinking that you have to pay off your debts entirely to repair your credit. Collection agencies know this.


In many cases, it is not in your best interest to settle. That is why they are so willing to settle your debt for pennies on the dollar. Do not take their first offer at face value. Keep in mind, that they are, though going to try to recoup as much of the debt as they can. If your debt is older than four years, you have the power. But do not give up without a fight. If it is less than four years, they do.


Many collection agencies will settle a new debt at a reasonable price.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Make A List Of All These Loans

Category: Finance, Credit.

If you feel overwhelmed by your debts, then congratulations for taking the first step towards tackling it by reading this. One way to take control is by using loan consolidation to simplify your finances and cut your costs.



Even though it may seem impossible, controlling your debts is achievable and breaking it down into simple steps is one very effective way to approach it. Here are 7 easy, practical and achievable steps that you can take now to regain control of your debts- you ll be glad that you did! Confront your fears and get hold of all the documents and statements relating to your loans. Step 1: Find your loan documents. You remember- the ones you hid under the couch or in the kitchen drawer with the spare keys and the kitchen gadgets you never use! Make a list of all these loans. Step 2: Collect the key data.


You may want to do this on a spreadsheet if you have access to one so that you can do some calculations later. How much your monthly loan payments are( or should be if you are not actually paying them at present) The annual interest rate- this indicates how much you are paying for the privilege of borrowing the money. Then write next to each of them some key information: How long is left on each one. Step 3: Anlayze the data. Work out when you will clear these debts completely- when will you be debt free? Summarise from your list a number of key facts: How much you owe in total( you may want to be sitting down when you do this! ) How much you are( or should be) paying each month to clear the debts in accordance with the terms of the loan. How does that date make you feel?


Was it for something that you are still getting benefit from( eg a car or your education) or for something that is already in the past( like a vacation) . Take a moment to look again at the list- can you remember what each loan paid for? Think about how this might affect how you use loans in the future! You have already taken some big steps forward towards controlling your debts! If you ve got this far then well done! Step 4: Are there any problems with the current loans?


Are there any other problems- are some lenders demanding immediate repayment? Identify any early settlement costs from the list of loans- ie if you pay them off now will there be a penalty to pay to the lender? How important are the loans to you- does your house or car depend on keeping up payments on the loan? Now make a decision about what you want: Do you want to pay off the debts as fast as possible and will you make that a priority? Step 5: Decide what action you need to take. Or do you have some other target date by which you want to pay them all off?


Or have you worked out a set amount each month that you can allocate to paying off your debts? Or do you have a certain level of monthly payment that you have in mind so that you can free up cash each month for other things? Answering these questions about your goals and intentions will help you to determine the sort of consolidation loan and loan provider that you need for the future. Step 6: Do Some Research. Also you should consider any non- financial conditions of the loan- such as flexibility- might you want to settle the debt early and would there be a penalty? Use a loan calculator to determine the key requirements of the loan that you need and get an idea of how much it might cost.


You will need to know the amount of money you plan to borrow( see step 3) and the length of time over which you want to borrow it( see step 5) . There are plenty of these calculators available for free on the Internet and they are very easy to use and help you to be realistic. You will also need to make some assumptions about the interest rate and for that you need to consider whether it will be a secured or unsecured loan, as these typically have different interest rates. If you are tempted by the lower interest rates of secured loans- be careful- because securing a debt on your house may be putting your home at risk. Some quick research on the internet can give you some rough ideas of what the current rates are- you really want to find one cheaper than your current most expensive loans( see step 2) . The loan calculator should tell you the approximate monthly repayment amounts. Now you can research the actual consolidation loans on offer on the internet that match your key requirements.


Keep playing with the figures until you can decide on the key requirements of the loan that match you goals in step You may of course need to revise your goals to make the loan affordable. Make a list of 3 or 4 companies. When you are fully informed about what the market has to offer, take advice from a financial advisor or contact the relevant consolidation loan companies directly to talk to them about your key requirements. Step 7: Take Action! As with any purchase, being clear and focused about what you want and being well informed will get you a much better result with a product that meets your needs. Just don t go celebrating with a spending spree otherwise you might undo all your hard work!


Finally you can congratulate yourself on a job well done- if you ve followed those 7 steps you have gone from not knowing where you are to being fully in control of your debts with a product that meets your financial goals! Copyright( c) 2006 SimplifyLoans. com

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Clearly Outline The Information You Believe To Be Incorrect Or Inaccurate

Category: Finance, Credit.

Vital personal information such as where you live, your place of employment, your bill paying methods, and whether you ve ever been arrested or declared bankruptcy is all contained within your credit report. Your credit score is used by lenders to determine interest rates for mortgages and other loans.



This information is vital because it can affect som many areas of your life. Employers are allowed to check credit reports before offering employment. Even if you ve never been in an accident or received a ticket, you may still find yourself paying higher rates for insurance. And increasingly, auto insurance companies are checking credit reports before determining policy premiums. There are three major credit reporting agencies that gather your financial information and provide your credit report to lenders, employers and other, insurers businesses that have a legal right to access your report. You should be aware that you are entitled, to one free, under federal law copy of your report from each of these agencies annually.


These three major companies are Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. Consumers should get a one copy from each agency because they all get their information from different sources at different times of the month and each report may differ slightly from the other. Checking your credit reports regularly is clearly very important, given the information they contain. It s recommended to stagger your requests so that you receive the reports separately, one report approximately every four months. When looking over each report, make sure that all the information is accurate and up to date. This can be a sign of identity theft. You should also check for any charges or accounts you don t recognize.


If your personal information, such as your social security number or credit card number is stolen, any fradulent charges or accounts will appear on your credit report. The consumer reporting company should be notified in writing. If any inaccurate information is found on your report, it should be reported immediately. Clearly outline the information you believe to be incorrect or inaccurate. The reporting agency is required to investigate your claims. Provide as much detail as possible to back up your statements.


The company that provided the inaccurate information to the reporting agency will receive a copy of your dispute as well. In the event that the investigation does not find that the information is inaccurate, you may ask to have your statement attached to your credit report. If the information is determined to be inaccurate, the provider is required to notify all three reporting agencies of the correction. This will allow anyone who looks over your report to see that you have disputed the item and the reasons for your dispute.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Having A Bad Credit History Is A Lot Like That

Category: Finance, Credit.

If you have ever found yourself reeling under the weight of a poor credit score, you know how left out it makes you feel.



You will find that even after he has recovered, people around him continue to assume that he is ill. Take for instance, the case of a person who is suffering from some highly infectious disease. As a result, they tiptoe around him almost constantly. Lenders assume that a person with bad credit will be permanently unreliable. Having a bad credit history is a lot like that. As a result, the person with bad credit finds that he is not getting too many offers. Most lenders may fail to realize that the person might have had a good credit standing earlier, but became the victim of a changing financial situation.


It is sad, but most definitely true. Instead, lenders will choose to concentrate on the fact that at the given point of time, the loan seeker's credit background is not good enough for him to be able to borrow money. Hence, they have begun extending their services to everyone in need of financial aid. However, companies and banks today are slowly realizing the need to reach out to all kinds of customers. This is great news for people seeking loans nowadays. They can finally assert to the world that financial difficulties need not prevail over infinite periods of time.


Finally, people with adverse credit have a fair opportunity to rebuild their credit histories. Most times, a person with bad credit is looking for financial aid to help him tide over the trouble he is in. There are many kinds of personal loans that can offer financial aid for those who are starting a new business venture or are looking for a turnaround. Timely repayments would be a way of rebuilding one's credit. If a person with bad credit were to opt for a secured loan and place his property as collateral, his bad credit would vanish and he would end up getting the same treatment as other customers. In the case of secured loans, the bank has a hold on the borrower and is assured that the latter is financially stable enough to gather funds to repay the loan.


The only reason why banks are cautious while dealing with people with bad credit records is because such borrowers are believed to be bad paymasters. Personal loans issued to persons with adverse credit generally cost a lot more than other loans. This is because bad credit borrowers are high risk borrowers, and banks have to safeguard their own interests. Such borrowers are asked to adhere to the payment schedules that have been drawn out. Taking the guidance of financial advisors would help people with adverse credit make better decisions in terms of the kinds of loans they should opt for. Some lenders offer loans at very low rates of interest.


Multiple loan options are available these days. So, it is up to the borrower to decide which would suit his needs better. If people who have bad credit records avail of personal loans and make timely repayments, their credit scores would be greatly improved.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Give Them Their Money On Their Allow Card Prepaid MasterCard� And Know Exactly Their Spending Habits

Category: Finance, Credit.

The numerous demands of kids spread over the entire year rise dramatically during festivals and their special occasions.



Wouldn' t it be great if you knew how they spent the money by tracking their allowances? The allowance given to the kids for these things is sufficient sometimes, and there are times when they simply blow it away on other things and stare right in your eyes asking for more. Give them their money on their Allow Card prepaid MasterCard� and know exactly their spending habits. Designed for Students of all ages, the Allow Card prepaid MasterCard� helps them use their allowance to make purchases at school, and local businesses, area malls- wherever MasterCard� debit cards are accepted. Now, parents can take the concept of an allowance into the 21st century with the New Allow Card. Since the Allow Card prepaid MasterCard� is a prepaid card the kids can' t spend more than the amount loaded on prepaid card. Of course, setting the spending limit is one of the features, but the Allow Card prepaid MasterCard� gives your child the power to manage their money.


No, more worrying fees, the Allow Card prepaid MasterCard� doesn' t charge any overdraft fees, late fees etc, interest rates. and the amount you load on the Allow Card prepaid MasterCard� can be used to set the spending limits. More than 35 parental controls that come with the Allow Card prepaid MasterCard� help you keep a tab on where your kids spend their allowance. The skills acquired with the ownership of the Allow Card prepaid MasterCard� will help him become more responsible with his money and this will certainly help him a lot in his life. The kids become more financially wise as they use the interactive online tools for money and account management.