INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('1','17','<p>This calculator is used to compute your monthly mortgage payments. It displays principal and interest charges, property taxes, hazard insurance and PMI. Straightforward and easy to use; just enter your basic mortgage information. </p>\r\n<p>The default entries provided in the calculator show a $300,000 house with a $250,000 mortgage at 4.75% interest for 30 years. The total monthly payment would be $1,783.29 -- comprised of monthly principal and interest of $1,304.12, monthly real estate taxes of $250, and monthly insurance of $125, with a loan-to-value ratio of 83.33%. PMI premiums of $104.17 would last for 30 months. </p>\r\n<p><em>To use the calculator, enter the following information:</em> </p>\r\n<p>Loan Information: Amount (of mortgage), Interest Rate and Length (in years).<br />Property Information: Home Value.<br />Taxes and Insurance Information (choose dollars or percentage): Annual Taxes, Annual Insurance and Annual PMI. </p>\r\n<p><em>The calculator will compute the following information:</em> </p>\r\n<p>Monthly Principal and Interest<br />Monthly Real Estate Taxes<br />Monthly Insurance<br />Loan-to-Value Ratio<br />Months with PMI<br />Monthly PMI<br />Total Monthly Payments </p>\r\n<p>The calculator can also produce a PDF output file for download, and you can click the check box to view the Schedule Table for the time frame selected. The Schedule Table fields include: Number (of payment month), Interest, Principal, PMI and Balance. It also shows totals for every field after each year of the mortgage.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('2','17','<p>Use this calculator to determine the future balance of your existing mortgage after a specified period of time. </p>\r\n<p>The default entries provided in the calculator show a mortgage of $250,000 at a 4.75% rate of interest for 30 years. After 60 monthly payments (5 years) the remaining balance is $228,745.59; the total interest paid is $56,992.69; and the amount applied to principal is $21,254.41. </p>\r\n<p><em>To use the calculator, enter the following information:</em> </p>\r\n<p>Loan information: Amount (of mortgage), Interest Rate and Length (in years).<br />Months Already Paid: number of Monthly Payments made. </p>\r\n<p><em>The calculator will compute the following information:</em> </p>\r\n<p>Total Interest Paid<br />Principal Applied<br />Balance </p>\r\n<p>The calculator can also produce a PDF output file for download, and you can click the check box to view the Schedule Table for the time frame selected. The Schedule Table fields include: Number (of payment month), Interest, Principal, and Balance. It also shows totals for every field after each year of the mortgage.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('3','17','<p>The American dream remains to own your own home; however, with real estate values growing ever higher you must exercise financial care when house- and mortgage-hunting. This calculator will help you to determine how much money you must make in order to qualify for and purchase your dream home. </p>\r\n<p><em>To use the calculator, enter the following information:</em> </p>\r\n<p>Property Information: Home Value.<br />Mortgage Information: Amount (of mortgage), Interest Rate, Length (in years), Down Payment (choose dollars or percentage), Estimated Front Ratio and Estimated Back Ratio.<br />Taxes and Insurance Information (choose dollars or percentage): Annual Taxes, Annual Insurance and Annual PMI. </p>\r\n<p><em>The calculator will compute the following information:</em> </p>\r\n<p>Monthly Principal and Interest<br />Monthly Real Estate Taxes<br />Monthly Insurance<br />Loan-to-Value Ratio<br />Months with PMI<br />Monthly PMI<br />Total Monthly Payments<br />Allowable Debt Payments<br />Required Income </p>\r\n<p>The calculator can also produce a PDF output file for download, and you can click the check box to view the Schedule Table for the time frame selected. The Schedule Table fields include: Number (of payment month), Interest, Principal, and Balance. It also shows totals for every field after each year of the mortgage.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('4','17','<p>Similar to the <em>Interest-Only Calculator</em>, this calculator can be used to determine the monthly payments of an interest-only mortgage loan. In addition, it will compute the effects that an additional monthly payment amount will have on interest savings and home equity over the life of the loan. </p>\r\n<p><em>To use the calculator, enter the following information:</em> </p>\r\n<p>Mortgage information: Amount (of mortgage), Interest Rate, Length (in years) and Additional Payment. </p>\r\n<p><em>Some information that the calculator will compute:</em> </p>\r\n<p>Average Monthly Payment<br />Months Paid<br />Interest Savings<br />Equity Appreciation </p>\r\n<p>The calculator can also produce a PDF output file for download, and you can click the check box to view the Schedule Table for the time frame selected. The Schedule Table fields include: Number (of payment month), Interest, Principal, and Balance. It also shows totals for every field after each year of the mortgage.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('5','17','<p>Use this calculator to weigh the advantages and options of taking a second mortgage and lowering your PMI all the way down to zero. </p>\r\n<p>The default entries provided in the calculator show a home value of $300,000 with a down payment of 10% and an annual PMI of 0.5 %. The Financial Analysis results show total payments of $515,473.16 for the Standard loan and $465,556.26 for the 80%/Second package, which is substantially lower. </p>\r\n<p><em>To use the calculator, enter the following information:</em> </p>\r\n<p>Property Information: Home Value.<br />Additional Information: Annual PMI (choose dollars or percentage) and Down Payment (choose 5%, 10% or 15%).<br />Standard, 80% loan and 2nd loan values for the following fields: Interest Rate, Length (in years), Points (percentage) and Closing Costs. </p>\r\n<p><em>The calculator will compute the following information:</em> </p>\r\n<table width=\"80%\">\r\n    <tbody>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td>Points Value</td>\r\n            <td>Months with PMI</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td>Closing Costs</td>\r\n            <td>Monthly PMI</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td>Total Closing Costs</td>\r\n            <td>Monthly Payment</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td>Down Payment</td>\r\n            <td>Totally Interest Paid</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td>Upfront Cost</td>\r\n            <td>Total PMI</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td>Amount Financed</td>\r\n            <td>Total Payments</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td>Monthly P&amp;I</td>\r\n            <td>&nbsp;</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n    </tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n<p>The calculator can also produce a PDF output file for download, and you can click the check box to view the Schedule Table for the time frame selected. The Schedule Table fields include: Number (of payment month), Interest, Principal, PMI and Balance. It also shows totals for every field after each year of the mortgage.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('6','17','<p>So what is a mortgage calculator? You hear the term all the time and lots of sites offer the use of such a tool. But what is it really? Does it really help you calculate figures related to your mortgage? Do you even need a mortgage calculator at all? Can you not figure out the amount using specific formulas and an ordinary calculator?</p>\r\n<p>Speed It Up</p>\r\n<p>A mortgage calculator can be used to help property owners calculate how much they can money they can borrow or use to purchase some real estate. It is often used to compare costs or interest rates between various loans. This helps to determine how the length of a mortgage loan affects added principal payments or different timings of those payments. Mortgage calculators automate tasks. This speeds up the evaluation of different financial variables as relates to a mortgage arrangement. These variables can include loan principal balances, interest rates, payment frequency, payment amounts, etc.</p>\r\n<p>More Uses?</p>\r\n<p>Most buyers who are purchasing property usually finance a portion of the purchase by using a mortgage. Before these calculators were widely available, these buyers had to use interest rate tables to determine the impact of the five major variables in a mortgage transaction. The use of tables required knowledge of compound interest mathematics which is not something most people have. These calculators make it easier for most people to answer these types of questions.</p>\r\n<p>You can use widely available online calculators to see how much real estate you can actually afford to mortgage. The lender will compare your income and your debt payment scheme. The calculator can aggregate all your income sources and contrast this with all your regular debt payments. It can also include potential mortgage payments and miscellaneous housing costs. You can experiment with different loan amounts and interest rates. In general, most lenders dislike seeing your debt payments exceed 40% of your income.</p>\r\n<p>You can easily search for these calculators online. Any of the major search engines will probably yield hundreds of results. Look at the sites these calculators are on. The more reputable the site, the better the calculator probably will be. A lot of the calculators are also coded on Java so they can be used in cross-platform situations. Make sure you look at the features and flexibility of the calculator when it comes to considering variables and different scenarios.</p>\r\n<p>If you are thinking about grabbing some real estate, you should utilize a mortgage calculator. It is certainly an invaluable tool to have. It is also very convenient. No longer will you have to slave away, poring over interest rate tables. You can even experiment with different figures to determine the optimum numbers for your situation. You want as much knowledge as you can get whenever you enter an investment. Such calculators give you that knowledge and then some. They speed up all the calculations and processes you normally would take a lot of time to go through when considering all the different scenarios of a mortgage arrangement.</p>\r\n<p>What is a mortgage calculator? It\'s the best tool to calculate the latest home mortgage rates for your refinance home loan. Visit WhatAboutLoans.com to use one today.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('7','17','<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Commercial mortgage calculators permit you to calculate complicated commercial mortgage loans. Commercial mortgage calculators feature amortization tables to help you understand loan mechanisms, have a template-driven design with multi-language support, customizable interest compounding and initial value setting to match your market and currency symbol. There are plenty of commercial mortgage calculators on the web which you can use free of charge. All you need to know is your mortgage amount, the down payment, interest rate, and the number of years. You will get your monthly payment calculated for you by simply putting those numbers into the commercial mortgage calculator.</p>\r\n<p>If you are thinking of refinancing your current commercial mortgage loan, a commercial mortgage calculator can be a great tool for you. For this, you need to know what your existing commercial mortgage loan balance is, the current commercial mortgage interest rate, and number of years you wish to refinance your commercial mortgage loan.</p>\r\n<p>Most of the commercial mortgage calculators feature a PDF calculation sheet, which permits the customers to print calculation results. Some commercial mortgage calculators support multi-language; this means you can translate the interface language into your country language. You can set any initial value, to match your market, whether you are operating in the lower or higher segments. Some commercial mortgage calculators feature customizable currency symbols which mean that you can set virtually any currency symbol you want. Some have customizable thousand and decimal delimiters, so that you can match your country number formatting easily. Adjustable compounding periods that can be used in any country, where compounded factors do not matter, is another feature seen in some commercial mortgage calculators.</p>\r\n<p>There are commercial mortgage payment calculators with which you can calculate mortgage monthly payment with applicable financial charges including insurance and property taxes. There are commercial mortgage principal calculators which allow you to peek into the future. With these you can determine the remaining balance of your commercial mortgage after several years of payments. Commercial mortgage length calculators will help you to find out your savings in case of bigger monthly payments.</p>\r\n<p>Commercial Mortgages provides detailed information on Commercial Mortgages, Commercial Second Mortgages, Commercial Mortgage Lenders, Commercial Mortgage Brokers and more. Commercial Mortgages is affiliated with Commercial Mortgage Brokers Online.<br /></p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('8','17','<p>A mortgage is simply a type of loan. More specifically, it\'s a loan used for the purchase of a home, in which the home itself serves as security, or collateral, for the loan.</p>\r\n<p>There are two types of mortgage loans: fixed mortgage loans, and adjustable rate mortgage loans. Out of the two, a fixed mortgage loan is simpler and is generally preferred by borrowers.</p>\r\n<p>A fixed mortgage loan is a scheme where the monthly principal amount and interest payments remain steady throughout the life of the loan. This type of Mortgage is called a Fixed Rate Mortgage (FRM). Depending upon the term of the loan, which is the time span of the mortgage loan (the number of years given to repay the loan) - the interest is calculated. For example if the fixed rate mortgage is calculated for 30 years, it is called a 30 year fixed mortgage rate (FRM). If it is for 20 years, it is called a 20 year fixed mortgage rate (FRM) and if it is for 10 years, it is called a 10 year fixed mortgage rate (FRM) calculation.</p>\r\n<p>The great advantage of a fixed rate mortgage is that it enables a person to buy a home or office and keep paying a steady amount irrespective of inflation or rising interest rates. Changes in interest rates do not impact your monthly mortgage payments if you opt for a fixed rate mortgage scheme.</p>\r\n<p>Advantage of a Fixed Rate Mortgage: Predictability</p>\r\n<p>The fixed rate mortgage has been a favorite among Americans for the last two generations. The major advantage of a fixed rate mortgage is you can predict what you are going to pay and prepare yourself for it. There are no shocks with changes occurring at the most unexpected time.</p>\r\n<p>You know what you earn and what you need to pay. So it\'s wise to cut your shirt according to your size, so to speak. In other words, don\'t assume a loan with a monthly payment greater than you can bear. A good rule of thumb is not to assume a mortgage that would have you paying more than 25% of your monthly income.</p>\r\n<p>This type of mortgage loan is useful for those who can plan their repayment well in advance. For example, salaried employees. The salaries of many people steadily increase with time. This means a planned mortgage loan scheme is best suited for them.</p>\r\n<p>On the other hand entrepreneurs and small business people are not really sure about their income streams. For these people, a fixed mortgage loan may not be the best choice. However the choice of any mortgage loan scheme changes from person to person. Since repayment of a mortgage varies according to the amount of loan and the term (number of years), it is always a good idea to calculate various permutations and combinations. To make these calculations, you would use a mortgage loan calculator.</p>\r\n<p>How Are Fixed Mortgage Loan Calculators Useful?</p>\r\n<p>A fixed mortgage calculator is one of the easier financial tools to use. Just enter your loan amount and the prevailing rate of interest. The loan calculator will do the math and tell you exactly how much your monthly installment will be over a given period of time, whether it is a 15 year loan or a 30 year loan. You can see all the options available and choose what is best suited for you. Many good simple loan calculators are available free online and you don\'t have to deal with the hassle of approaching a lender or finance consultant and then fielding telephone solicitations for the next ten years.#p#ҳ#e#</p>\r\n<p>SuperLoanCalculators.com often reviews websites with online loan calculators and even rates them according to criteria such as whether the website requires registration, whether special software or plugins are required, and the quality of the loan calculator itself.</p>\r\n<p>Some of the online calculators you may find useful include: </p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>BankRate.com - I almost always find myself recommending Bankrate.com. They have many excellent tools, and I\'ll be writing a complete review of their site in the future. Among other things, they have a very nice suite of loan calculators of all kinds, including of course a simple mortgage calculator, and also a fixed rate versus adjustable rate mortgage calculator. Bankrate.com\'s fixed rate mortgage calculator, which they simply call a &quot;Mortgage payment calculator,&quot; lets you plug in your mortgage amount, the term (the number of years of the loan), and the start date of the mortgage. You click the calculate button, and it tells you the amount of the payment. Very simple. As I mentioned, the fixed rate mortgage is a very simple type of loan to calculate. The calculator also has an &quot;extra payments&quot; section that lets you calculate how much sooner you could pay off the loan if you added a fixed extra amount every month, or if you added an extra yearly payment, or even if you added a one-time extra payment on a particular date. It\'s a nice tool.</p>\r\n<p><br />CNNMoney.com has a good mortgage calculator. From the home page, mouse over the Real Estate tab at the top of the page, and select Home Finance Calculator from the pulldown menu. The calculator has certain &quot;assumptions&quot; built in. CNNMoney says about this: &quot;We\'ve assumed a 30-year mortgage term, annual property tax of $3,500 and homeowners insurance of $481 -- the national average. And we do not factor in private mortgage insurance, which you\'ll owe if your down payment is less than 20 percent of the purchase price. It averages from $50 to $80 per month. Plug in your own numbers for more tailor-made results.&quot;</p>\r\n<p><br />EasyCalculation.com is not a loan calculation site in particular, but it\'s got a ton of calculators of all kinds, with the links to the calculators conveniently placed right on the front page. In the Mortgage Calculator section, they\'ve got all the following types of calculators: Simple Mortgage (that would be the fixed rate mortgage calculator that this page discusses), Amortization, Loan Comparison, Adjustable Mortgage Payment, Down Payment, Interest Only Mortgage, Mortgage Prepayment, Pre-Payment Penalty, Mortgage Refinancing. You can\'t fault them for thoroughness! Be aware, though, that the calculators are pretty basic and don\'t offer all the bells and whistles like the sites listed above. <br />This is not an exhaustive list of websites with good mortgage calculators, as there are many others available on the net and I haven\'t attempted to review them all. But the ones mentioned are among the best and should more than meet your needs.</p>\r\n<p>Frank Herbert is an experienced freelance writer specializing in financial topics, and is founder several blogs dealing with subjects such as online bill pay, money transfer services, and mortgage loans.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('9','17','<p>Mortgage calculators are tools that allow you to estimate your monthly payments on a fixed rate mortgage, calculate your total cost of borrowing and even give you an approximation of the size of mortgage that you can afford.</p>\r\n<p>A basic mortgage calculator will take the sale price of the home, the size of the down payment, the length or term of the mortgage and the annual interest rate to come up with an estimation of your monthly payments.</p>\r\n<p>Private Mortgage Insurance Calculator</p>\r\n<p>A good mortgage calculator will also include the cost of private mortgage insurance (PMI) for down payments that are less than 20% of the sale cost.</p>\r\n<p>For example, a basic mortgage calculator may calculate a $200,000 mortgage with $20,000 down and an interest rate of 6.5% amortized over 30 years as having a monthly payment of $1137. However, a mortgage calculator that includes the estimated $100 per month for private mortgage insurance (payable until the 20% down on the total capital is reached) will give you a better approximation of your monthly payments.</p>\r\n<p>Property Tax Calculator</p>\r\n<p>An even better mortgage payment calculator will ask about property taxes in your area. Typically, the mortgage calculator will ask you for the property\'s prior tax rate. From there, it\'ll calculate an estimated basic increase in property tax values and give you an approximation of your expected monthly payments. Remember, a $200,000 home can expect to pay around $2000 a year in property taxes; that\'s an extra $166 a month.</p>\r\n<p>Extra Payment Calculator</p>\r\n<p>An extra payment calculator lets you input your expected mortgage payments along with an estimated additional monthly or yearly payment. In turn, it\'ll tell you how that amount affects the final date your mortgage is paid off.</p>\r\n<p>For example, as stated earlier, a $180,000 30-year mortgage with a 6.5% interest rate will have monthly payments of approximately $1137. If the mortgage starts on Jan 01, 2009, the estimated pay-off date is Jan 01, 2039.</p>\r\n<p>An extra payment calculator will show you that adding just $50 per month to your payments will push your mortgage end date up to 2035 (that\'s 4 years earlier), and adding $100 each month will bring it up to 2032 (that\'s 7 years earlier).#p##e#</p>\r\n<p>The Problem with Mortgage Calculators</p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, mortgage calculators don\'t always reflect the truth of sometimes fluctuating interest rates, early payment penalties, and the longer terms on refinancing mortgages.</p>\r\n<p>While a mortgage calculator can give you useful estimates, it\'s always best to speak directly with a lender or mortgage professional to gain a clear and accurate idea of your exact monthly mortgage costs.</p>\r\n<p>For information on practical home mortgage recommendations, please visit <a href=\"http://www.home-mortgage-preparation.com\">http://www.home-mortgage-preparation.com</a>, a popular site with great insights about home loan considerations, such as private money lenders, FHA loan limits, and many more!</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('10','17','<p>In your grandparent\'s day, loan applications were simpler. Yhey did not have the convenience of the Internet to compare rates and packages, or the online mortgage calculator to crosscheck the numbers the accountant did. But at least, they didn\'t have the credit card mess that\'s plaguing millions of Americans even in their sleep.</p>\r\n<p>Those little Widgets on the Computer Screen</p>\r\n<p>Have you come across the online calculator in different sites? These widgets are real smart. Take for example the free mortgage calculator. You just enter the numbers, including the sale price of the home, percentage of deposit, term, annual interest rate, and your state. The moment you click calculate, the results appear faster than the genie in the bottle.</p>\r\n<p>The result shows a detailed calculation from month one of year one to the last month of the last year of the mortgage. There is also a precise explanation for every detail, explained better than a loan agent or an accountant can muster. You can vary your numbers to find out which amount suits your needs. Right there you can show your mate the results and discuss the possibilities of a mortgage. That\'s how brilliant this feature is.</p>\r\n<p>The mortgage calculator gives you a blow-by-blow detail of how your money works and why your rate is that high or low. The flexibility of the calculator\'s features helps you adjust figures so you can immediately see the results if you choose to increase or decrease your downpayment, or shorten the loan term to 15 or 20 years from the traditional 30-year term. You can reset the interest rates from 7% to a low of 5% just to satisfy your curiosity.</p>\r\n<p>This expedient tool would have saved your grandparents the time going over the calculations of the accountant or the loan\'s processing officer to understand how their payments worked towards a payoff. The availability of the Internet and online calculators enhanced government, private, and non-government organizations\' transparency, which benefited them and the consumers in many ways. Mortgage companies became visible and available to all interested consumers. To make their online business work, they put up a calculate feature in their websites.</p>\r\n<p>Never Doubt</p>\r\n<p>If you\'re thinking of getting a refinance, visit one of the websites available. You\'ll be blasted with lots of information and you can use the mortgage calculator to check if you can afford a big loan. In some sites, the use of the feature does not require any registration or ask any personal information for the use of the feature, making shopping for better loan rates easier.</p>\r\n<p>The results are accurate and are according to the company\'s current policies. You have no reason to doubt the results generated. Since the statistical information is detailed and complete, your next step is to review company offers and perks if you get a loan from them.</p>\r\n<p>If you\'ve already talked to a representative of the mortgage company, you can discuss the details of your mortgage - numbers wise - confidently and bargain for a better contract. Using the information they provided online can be your leverage; perhaps as indicated, they can give you points off from the margin.#p#ҳ#e#</p>\r\n<p>Bargaining for discounts was an advantage your grandparents did not always have then. Or perhaps, at that time, people had the money for a big deposit. Remember, life was simpler then and the dollar was king.</p>\r\n<p>But despite the modern credit card mess you might be in, you still have the advantage over your grandparents. You have the convenience of the computer, Internet shopping, and the indispensable mortgage calculator. Now let that calculator work for you when you\'re in doubt.</p>\r\n<p>Use the online mortgage calculator for your California refinance and refinance home loan. For more information, visit WhatAboutLoans.com today.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('11','17','<p>Mortgage calculators can provide you with valuable loan mortgage calculations. A good loan calculator will enable you to make educated decisions about your mortgage loan whether you plan on buying a new home, considering refinancing an existing mortgage loan or just need to know what your mortgage loan options are.</p>\r\n<p>It is very important to base important mortgage loan decisions on sound calculations. Most loan calculators will enable you to do that. There are many different mortgage loan programs and products available &ndash; some you may know of and some you may not!</p>\r\n<p>Mortgage and loan calculators are tools to use when you want to know how much a loan will cost you. To use a mortgage calculator is one of the first steps in the mortgage process. First, find out what kind of mortgage works best for you. There are many choices for you. You can chose a fixed rate mortgage or an adjustable rate mortgage. Then use these mortgage calculators to determine the amount of mortgage you can afford. You can also chose to determine your new monthly mortgage payments. </p>\r\n<p>Mortgage calculators can also be used to calculate payments on debt consolidation mortgage loans and see your monthly savings. You can use the the calculator to check how you can refinance the loans you have. With a calculator it is simple to work out how much you can afford to borrow and exactly what your repayments will be using time scales and interest rates.</p>\r\n<p>There are multiple financial factors that go into determining the right mortgage for you. By using a loan comparison calculator you can account for all of relevant factors and get an accurate monthly payment figure. These tools allows you to find a payment plan that enables you to reduce your debt gradually through monthly payments of principal.</p>\r\n<p>In short the mortgage calculator can help you to &ndash; Determine affordable mortgage and produce other valuable information about your loan. &ndash; Decide how much house you can afford based on the income and debt information you supply. &ndash; You can calculate your monthly mortgage payments based on loan amount, interest rates and other loan terms. &ndash; You can calculate extra payments on your monthly mortgage to pay off the loan faster. &ndash; Make comparisons with often several mortgage products, both fixed and adjustable. &ndash; Make amortizations schedules and tables based on the amount and interest. &ndash; Calculate when it makes sense to refinance your home.</p>\r\n<p>When you decide to use a mortgage calculator you will most certainly get accurate and good information about the actual loan. Just to make sure, enter the same figures in another company&acute;s calculator to check that the result is right. The figures are right of course but as an add on you can find that there are other options for a loan with that company. Do several searches to find the best possible. There can be a big difference and you can save very much if you do your calculations carefully.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('12','17','<p>APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate. Basically, it means the true cost of borrowing. This includes the interest rate plus all additional cost. Additional Cost usually includes points, pre-paid interest rate, loan processing fee, underwriting fee, document preparation fee, mortgage insurance, loan application fee, closing fee, and title fee.</p>\r\n<p>APR remains controversial as each mortgage lender calculates differently. Lenders, bankers, mortgage brokers, and borrowers easily get confuse on calculation. By law, the mortgage lender must provide or disclose the APR to the borrower or mortgagor.</p>\r\n<p>Steps to calculate annual percentage rate (APR)</p>\r\n<p>- Sum up all the additional cost.</p>\r\n<p>- Calculate the monthly mortgage payment.</p>\r\n<p>- Calculate the APR using the total additional cost and monthly mortgage payment.</p>\r\n<p>Monthly mortgage payments</p>\r\n<p>Suppose the mortgage lender lends $250,000 with 6.5% interest rate, 2 discount points, and $1,200 additional cost on 30 year mortgage, the regular monthly mortgage payment equals $1,580.17. Payment equals [P(1 + r)nr]/[(1 + r)n - 1] where P means principal, r means interest rate, and n means number of period. With discount points and additional cost included, your effective monthly mortgage payment equals $1619.36. Effective Payment equals [(P + a + (P * d))(1 + r)nr]/[(1 + r)n - 1] where P means principal, a means additional cost, d means discount points, r means interest rate, and n means number of period.</p>\r\n<p>Annual Percentage Rate (APR)</p>\r\n<p>Now, the Annual Percentage Rate calculations equals to 6.75%. APR equals [(a + (P * d)) / (P - a - (P * d))] * 10 + r where P means principal, a means additional cost, d means discount points, and r means interest rate.</p>\r\n<p>Dennis Estrada is a webmaster of mortgage calculators website which calculate the monthly payment, bi-weekly payment, affordability, refinance, annual percentage rate, discount points, and more.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('13','17','<p>If you are researching mortgages online, it is likely that you will come across a thing known as a mortgage calculator. Mortgage calculators can be found on a number of websites. Many of these websites are run by mortgage lenders and others are run by those who just wish to supply internet users with valuable information. If you have never used a mortgage calculator before, you may be wondering exactly what one can do for you.</p>\r\n<p>Mortgage calculators are calculators that are used to help you determine how much you will have to pay to own a home. Mortgage calculators vary, but many are designed to tell you what your monthly mortgage payments will be. The same information can be obtained by speaking to a mortgage lender or another financial lender. However, many prefer estimating the cost of owning a home from the comfort of their computer.</p>\r\n<p>To determine the cost of your monthly payments, you will need to provide a little bit of information. Since mortgage calculators do vary, you may find calculators that require different information. The information most often needed is the amount of your loan, the term of your loan, and the interest rate.</p>\r\n<p>If you have yet to obtain a mortgage, the information you supply will need to be a close estimate. Loan terms are usually in five year increments, up to thirty. The loan amount will often be the dollar amount of the home that you are interested in purchasing. Interest rates can be as low as four percent, but as high as ten. Since mortgage calculators are easy to use, if you are unable to come up with an estimate, you can try a combination of choices to give you a monthly range.</p>\r\n<p>As previously mentioned, mortgage calculators can be obtained from a wide variety of different places. Mortgage lenders tend to update their sites more often than individuals that just have a website with free information on it. For an up-to-date and accurate mortgage calculator, you may want to consider visiting the website of a mortgage lender. Even if you do not plan on obtaining your mortgage through that lender, you should still be able to use their mortgage calculator.</p>\r\n<p>When searching for a mortgage calculator, you will find that most calculators are free to use. In your search, it is likely that you will come across a number of websites that want you to pay a small fee to use their calculator. If you want to pay the fee, you can do so. However, it is important to remember that you do not have to. The information obtained from a free mortgage calculator should be the same as the information obtained from a mortgage calculator that costs you money. Since the information is the same, you are advised to save your money.</p>\r\n<p>With most mortgage calculators, you are often only required to answer three simple questions. Since they are easy and quick to use, why not at least give them a shot? You may be surprised to learn that the house you thought was out of your reach really isn&rsquo;t any longer.</p>\r\n<p>Joseph Kenny writes for the Personal Loans Store, offering tips on loans and read the article on best mortgage lengths.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('14','17','<p>This calculator helps to determine the tax advantages of owning a home. The Financial Analysis results show side-by-side breakdowns of first year and total tax savings. </p>\r\n<p><em>To use the calculator, enter the following information:</em> </p>\r\n<p>Property Information: Home Value and Years Before Sell.<br />Loan Information: Amount (of mortgage), Interest Rate and Length (in years), Points and Closing Costs.<br />Tax and Insurance Information (choose dollars or percentage): Annual Taxes, Annual Insurance and Annual PMI.<br />Your Tax Rates and Deductions: Tax Rate, State Tax Rate and Deductions. </p>\r\n<p><em>The calculator will compute the following information:</em> </p>\r\n<p>\r\n<table width=\"80%\">\r\n    <tbody>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td>Amount Financed</td>\r\n            <td>Total Monthly Payments</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td>Monthly Principal and Interest</td>\r\n            <td>Interests and Points</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td>Monthly Real Estate Taxes</td>\r\n            <td>Total Property Taxes</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td>Monthly Insurance</td>\r\n            <td>Total Deductions</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td>Loan-to-Value Ratio</td>\r\n            <td>Tax Savings</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td>Months with PMI</td>\r\n            <td>Average Payment After Taxes</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td>Monthly PMI</td>\r\n            <td>&nbsp;</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n    </tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n</p>\r\n<p>The calculator can also produce a PDF output file for download, and you can click the check box to view the Schedule Table for the time frame selected. The Schedule Table fields include: Number (of payment month), Interest, Principal, Tax Savings, PMI and Balance. It also shows totals for every field after each year of the mortgage.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('15','17','<p>Use this calculator to compute how much purchased points will affect your monthly mortgage payment and how quickly they will pay for themselves. </p>\r\n<p>The default entries provided in the calculator show a $250,000 mortgage with 4.75% interest (4.15% with points) and a length of 30 years. The Financial Analysis results show a monthly savings of $88.86, a break-even period (when the points that you purchased have completely paid for themselves) of 2 years and 8 months, as well as monthly principal and interest payments of $1304.12 before points and $1215.26 after points. </p>\r\n<p><em>To use the calculator, enter the following information:</em> </p>\r\n<p>Mortgage information: Amount (of mortgage), Interest Rate, Interest Rate with Points and Length (in years).<br />Additional Information: Points and Your Savings Rate. </p>\r\n<p><em>The calculator will compute the following information:</em> </p>\r\n<p>Amount Financed (with and without points)<br />Monthly Principal and Interest (with and without points) <br />Monthly Payment Savings<br />Points Value<br />Monthly Investment Savings<br />True Monthly Savings<br />Time to Break Even </p>\r\n<p>The calculator can also produce a PDF output file for download, and you can click the check box to view the Schedule Table for the time frame selected. The Schedule Table fields include: Number (of payment month), Interest, Principal, and Balance. It also shows totals for every field after each year of the mortgage.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('16','17','<p>Use this calculator to estimate the advantages or disadvantages of refinancing. </p>\r\n<p><em>To use the calculator, enter the following information:</em> </p>\r\n<p>Input Information: Amount (of mortgage), Interest Rate (before and after refinancing), Length of mortgage (in years), number of Months paid, and number of Years Before You Sell.<br />Fees and Points: Points, Originations Fees and Closing Costs.<br />Your Tax Rates: Income Tax Rate and State Tax Rate. </p>\r\n<p><em>Some information that the calculator will compute:</em> </p>\r\n<p>Total Benefit (Savings - Losses - Closing)<br />Tax Savings Losses<br />Total Interest Paid<br />Monthly Payment Savings </p>\r\n<p>The calculator can also produce a PDF output file for download, and you can click the check box to view the Schedule Table for the time frame selected. The Schedule Table fields include: Number (of payment month), Interest, Principal, and Balance. It also shows totals for every field after each year of the mortgage.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('17','17','<p>This calculator produces a detailed breakdown of the interest paid per $1000 of a mortgage. Straightforward and easy to use; just enter your appropriate loan information. </p>\r\n<p>The default entries provided in the calculator show a $250,000 mortgage at 4.75% interest for 30 years. Additionally, there is a 1.000% percentage point charge, no origination fees and closing costs of $1,200. The Financial Analysis results show total closing costs of $3,700.00; total monthly payments of $469,482.60; total loan cost of $473,182.60; a monthly payment per thousand of $5.26; annual payment per thousand of $63.09; and lifetime payment per thousand of $1,892.73. </p>\r\n<p><em>To use the calculator, enter the following information:</em> </p>\r\n<p>Loan information: Amount (of mortgage), Interest Rate and Length (in years).<br />Additional information: Points, Origination Fees and Closing Costs. </p>\r\n<p><em>The calculator will compute the following information:</em> </p>\r\n<p>Total Closing Costs<br />Total of Monthly Payments<br />Total Cost of Loan<br />Monthly Payment Per Thousand<br />Annual Payment Per Thousand<br />Lifetime Payment Per Thousand </p>\r\n<p>The calculator can also produce a PDF output file for download to your computer.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('18','18','<p>If you’re like many other people and you find yourself having too much month left at the end of your money, then you’re in the right place. All is not lost; there are ways in which you can turn your situation around. The purpose of this article is to give you some insight into the things you need to do and the options that you have. </p>\r\n<p>Yes, options. There are a number of ways to tackle virtually any problem. Realizing that actually leads us to the first and most basic debt reduction strategy: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li><strong>Develop a budget!</strong> What you’re actually doing here is tracking your money, both incoming and outgoing. You’re studying the problem, looking for the most troublesome areas. You may not even need any further debt reduction action than this. Developing a budget helps you to change your <em>mindset</em> about money; it forces you to live below your means instead of beyond them, and that translates into to saving money. By all means, regardless of the debt reduction strategies that you choose to employ, <em>implement this one first!</em> </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Sell some assets to pay down your debt.</strong> Do you know how much money is made on eBay yearly? Billions! You may have a closet full of things that could bring you some extra capital to help get those debts under control. Who knows, you may even wind up starting a part-time business. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Pay more than the monthly minimum on your credit cards.</strong> If you can pay more than the minimum monthly payments, do it, continuously. As a matter of fact, do it with all of your debt that you can afford to. Pay more toward your higher-interest cards first. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Restructure your mortgage payments.</strong> By using a simple Bi-Weekly mortgage system to make your mortgage payments you can drastically reduce the total amount of interest that you pay while significantly reducing the time that it takes to pay off your mortgage. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Refinance.</strong> If you own your own home the lowest interest rates are obtainable by refinancing for an amount to pay off your existing mortgage (if there is one) and your other debts. If you want to keep your current mortgage because you can’t get a lower rate or it has a prepayment penalty, then opt for a home equity loan or line of credit to pay off your other debts. These are the classic <em>debt consolidation loans.</em> </li>\r\n    <li><strong>A loan secured on other personal property.</strong> If you have an expensive car or boat that you have equity in, consider a loan secured by that asset to get the funds you need to pay down your debts. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>An unsecured loan.</strong> If you don’t have any other property or assets, an unsecured loan may be an alternative. An unsecured loan usually has a shorter term, normally with a maximum of 7- to 10 years. The monthly payments will therefore be higher, but the debt principal will also reduce more quickly. Because there is no security you should expect to pay a higher interest rate. Unsecured personal loans generally require good credit in order to obtain. #p#ҳ#e#</li>\r\n    <li><strong>If all else fails, there’s still the credit card option.</strong> This one is last on the list for a reason. If your debts are relatively low and you still have pretty good credit, apply for another card with a 0% or low-interest balance transfer feature. Try to get a 0% balance transfer card if you can realistically pay off all or most of the debt within the balance transfer period. If you think that there will still be a substantial amount of debt at the end of the transfer period, then opt for a card with a permanently low interest rate. And to ensure that you don\'t slip back into the same debt trap, cut up all those credit cards and close their accounts.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Debt consolidation loans are only one way to get out of debt. Depending on your personal circumstances, you may not have to go that far. But you won’t really know until you sit down and take stock of your situation. A good, realistic budget will help you do that. Remember, the best way to get out of and stay out of debt is to change your habits.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('19','18','<p>Developing a solid, workable debt reduction plan is crucial is to anyone who has set a goal of being debt-free. Once you have the desire to go forward, you’ll have to decide if you feel capable and confident enough to put together and implement a plan yourself, or if you want the help of a professional <strong>debt consolidation company</strong>. </p>\r\n<p>Basically, a debt consolidation company negotiates with your creditors in order to reduce the interest rates that you’re paying, and working out extended payment terms which allow you to meet your financial obligations. Then, they work with you to devise a financial plan that will help you to meet the negotiated terms, making one payment that the consolidation company disperses to all of your creditors. The debt consolidation company is compensated from the fees that you pay, and, in some cases, from the fees that they receive from creditors as well. </p>\r\n<p>Some debt consolidation companies will actually lend you the funds to pay off your credit accounts, allowing you to make the one monthly payment to them to retire the debt. If, however, the services you that you receive from the debt consolidation company go no farther than negotiating with your creditors on your behalf, then you can certainly perform the same services for yourself and save the fees that you would pay. </p>\r\n<p>For example, you can call your creditors yourself to negotiate an interest rate reduction and work out a manageable repayment plan. Many creditors are actually very happy to do this. They will see you as being proactive and much more responsible toward your obligations, and will quite readily work with you. You can also create a <em>budget</em> for yourself, which will help you to take control of your finances by showing you where your money goes and where any problem areas may lie. </p>\r\n<p>If, however, you are unable to successfully negotiate with your creditors, either because you simply don’t feel competent to do so or you failed to meet the obligations of a previous settlement plan, then using the services of a debt consolidation company may be the most prudent way to handle the your situation. There are times when it’s worth the fees incurred to gain the expertise of professional assistance. </p>\r\n<p>There are many unscrupulous and just plain worthless debt consolidation companies out there. There are also some very good ones that perform a worthwhile service and care about their clients. If you do decide to work with a debt consolidation company, be very careful and use due diligence when making your selection. Do in-depth research and comparisons on any companies that you are considering. Never sign anything without checking the company first, and without being absolutely sure that you understand all terms, rates and fees involved. Check for any complaints that may have been lodged with the <strong>Better Business Bureau</strong>. This will help you to weed out and avoid any predatory companies. </p>\r\n<p>It must be stressed that there is nothing which a debt consolidation company can do for you (short of lending you money) that you cannot do for yourself. There are advantages to using a professional company, and there are advantages to doing it on your own. A thorough assessment of your financial situation and your own abilities will help you to make the best decision.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('20','18','<p>Just as consumers sometimes find themselves buried in debt, so too do businesses. Excessive business debt can be incurred for many different reasons including expansion, unexpected large expenses, or even poor management. When revenue no longer covers expenses, managers and business owners must look to other means to find the debt relief that they need. Unfortunately, many managers and owners refrain from seeking help for far longer than they should, possibly due to feelings of failure, embarrassment or of appearing week to their competition. However, just as with personal debt, unmanageable and unchecked business debt will invariably lead to intense pressure from debt collectors and also to possible lawsuits, so it\'s important for those responsible for the business to take necessary action as soon as is practical. Two of the most common options often chosen for business debt relief are commercial debt counseling and debt consolidation loans. </p>\r\n<p><em>Commercial debt counseling</em> accomplishes for businesses what <em>consumer credit counseling</em> does for individuals ?as well as a great deal more. It combines business debt support with debt settlement, so that professional counselors assist in both detecting financial problems and educating managers. The counselor’s goal is to increase revenue by determining the problem areas that are adding to a business’s debt and ?if necessary ?by re-allocating funds to the business\'s various departments more efficiently. </p>\r\n<p>The debt counselor will make suggestions to the managers about how finances can be handled differently to improve the situation, perhaps through the incorporation of external investors or debt consolidation loans. This part of the process is usually completed within the first few weeks of consultation. The counselor will then negotiate with individual creditors in an attempt to settle the company’s debts for a reasonable amount and in a manner that the business can live with. </p>\r\n<p>A <em>business debt consolidation loan</em> is a single loan that\'s used to pay off all other business debts. Rather than having to manage payments to many different creditors each month, the business need only make one monthly payment. In addition, the business can often lower its overall debt interest rate by utilizing such a loan. Unfortunately, obtaining a debt consolidation loan for a business is significantly more difficult than getting one for an individual. Because business debt consolidation loans often cover large amounts of debt, lenders tend to view them as very risky transactions. </p>\r\n<p>Generally speaking, businesses exist for the sole purpose of creating revenue, so if revenue is not enough to cover costs, lenders need to know why before they\'ll add their own money to the already failing situation. Although some reasons might be considered understandable (such as a large, unexpected or unavoidable expense), others are not. Poor management, for example, may indicate a situation into which the lender will refuse to become financially involved. </p>\r\n<p>There are both secured and unsecured debt consolidation loans available for businesses. <em>Unsecured loans</em> ?those that do not require any property to be pledged as collateral ?can generally be obtained only for small debts. These loans are typically very difficult to obtain, and always come with high interest rates. <em>Secured loans</em> require that a valuable piece of business property (or perhaps even the business owner\'s home) be used as collateral against the debt. In the event that the business fails to repay the loan, the property will be seized for payment.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('21','18','<p>Consolidation loans are here to help you with managing your different debts and loans. We can understand that you can have a problem with getting the money together for all your debts and an unsecured bad credit consolidation debt loan is the solution for you.</p>\r\n<p>The problems that are going to be solved with an unsecured bad credit consolidation debt loan are: different debts that are just too big for you to pay every month, raising interest rates because you pay interest rates for every debt that you have, problems with the overview of your debts and most importantly, you will get the loan, and that is different from the &quot;denied&quot; answers that you are probably getting from all the banks because of your bad credit.</p>\r\n<p>An unsecured bad credit consolidation debt loan means that you do not have to have anything as a collateral. You sign that you will repay the loan and that is what the loan is based on. You can use this loan to repay your medical bills, your other debts and credits, maybe a remodeling of your house or similar. All these debts that you have accumulated in the past can be repaid and converted into one debt loan. And you will, in most cases, also get an expert to help you with your money problems, so that such problem will not happen again in the future.</p>\r\n<p>You will gain a lot from such an unsecured bad credit consolidation debt loan. You will save money because you will have to pay the interest rates for only one debt and even if these interest rates are a bit bigger than the individual interest rates that you are paying now, they are smaller than the sum of all interest rates that you are paying now. The second thing that you gain is that you won\'t receive any harassing calls anymore; because the monthly payment will be lower any you will actually be able to pay the monthly rate. So you can finally have a good night sleep. All there benefits show that you should consider this kind of consolidation debt loan.</p>\r\n<p>For more information about Unsecured Consolidation Bad Credit Debt Loan, feel free to visit us at: <a href=\"http://www.bad-credit-loans-zone.com/article-6-Unsecured-Consolidation-Bad-Credit-.html\">http://www.bad-credit-loans-zone.com/article-6-Unsecured-Consolidation-Bad-Credit-.html</a>.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('22','18','<p>Debts which are left unpaid can invite many problems for a borrower. It is very important for him to manage those unpaid debts as soon as possible. He can do this with the help of online debt consolidation loan. This makes him trouble free and he gets complete satisfaction of a hassle free life.</p>\r\n<p>With the help of debt consolidation loan, a borrower can clear more than few debts. This loan comes up with many benefits. A few of these benefits are mentioned below:</p>\r\n<p>&Iuml; Researching through online method helps a borrower to conduct comprehensive study of various loan lenders. One can make comparison of the rates, features of loans and take the best pick for him. &Iuml; Technological advancements make it clear that any loan will be approved faster. Any one from any corner of the world can opt for these loans at the comfort of their own home. &Iuml; Online method of opting for debt consolidation loan is helpful for a borrower as he gets a chance to save his precious time. From research to understanding, filling up details to application; everything can be done within a few minutes.</p>\r\n<p>A borrower can apply for online debt consolidation loan in two ways. He can either apply for a secured loan or an unsecured loan. For debt consolidation loan which is secured in nature, a borrower should place any collateral like house, car, jewellery etc. Good news is that a borrower who is suffering from bad credit history can also opt for this loan through online method. Featured with many important benefits, this loan is indeed beneficial for a borrower in many ways.</p>\r\n<p>Debt help is a non-profit national debt help organization and helped countless numbers of people. Our debt consolidation plans will lower your interest rates and fees.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('23','18','<p>A debt consolidation program is a great way to consolidate all your existing loans that you have taken over a period of time. Debt consolidation is especially good for those who have multiple debts at high rate of interests. The service lets you repay all your debts within stipulated time and saves your money as interest and your credit score in the market also increases over the time.</p>\r\n<p>Before finalizing your debt consolidation program, make sure you discuss all available options for you with your debt management counselor.</p>\r\n<p>A consumer debt consolidation program can be a good way to reduce monthly payments and can also free up some additional cash. The interest rates may also end up being higher in the long run if you stretch your repayments over an extended period.<br />What a debt consolidation program does is, it manages your existing loans very efficiently in case you are overwhelmed by debts. Range of interest rate is 9% APR to 12% APR in contrary to 15% APR for unsecured one.</p>\r\n<p>Added advantage with debt consolidation program is that it can manage loan amount almost enough to repay your existing debts and concise them with a single monthly installment. The ultimate motto of the Debt consolidation program is to rebuild the economic strength of the customer. Debt consolidation program is the whole package designed for an individual, who is willing to consolidate his debts. Other than consolidating debts, the person can go for IVA\'s or bankruptcy also.</p>\r\n<p>This program helps the borrower in taking care of his multiple debts by unifying his multiple debts into one single monthly installment that he is supposed to pay.</p>\r\n<p>Following are some of the advantages of this program</p>\r\n<p>&bull; Debt and burden free life </p>\r\n<p>&bull; Saves money </p>\r\n<p>&bull; Improves credit score </p>\r\n<p>&bull; No harassing calls </p>\r\n<p>Avail debt consolidation program and manage your debts with hassle free process.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('24','18','<p>People are taking an increasing amount of time to service their debts, it has been revealed.</p>\r\n<p>According to Unbiased, today (March 10th) is Debt Freedom Day - the time of the year when consumers will have earned enough money to allow them to complete interest repayments on the debts accrued on personal loans and credit cards. Starting from the beginning of the year, it was stated that Britons have needed to work for 70 days to generate enough income to service such indebtedness.</p>\r\n<p>Now it was claimed that people should be in a position to take steps to make actual reimbursements on their debts. However, in 2007, the day when people have finished servicing the amount they owe was revealed to stand at February 1st.</p>\r\n<p>Meanwhile, research from the financial advice site revealed that the amount of personal debt has surged by more than ten per cent over the course of last year. During the same period of time the typical level of interest payable on such debts has increased by six per cent.</p>\r\n<p>Commenting on the figures, David Elms, chief executive at Unbiased said: &quot;This year\'s Debt Freedom Day is a real warning for UK consumers - as it marks the day we start paying off the actual debt levels rather than merely servicing the interest accrued. Compared to last year we spend almost two months longer this year to pay off the interest of our borrowings and this doesn\'t even take into account mortgage costs.&quot;</p>\r\n<p>Unbiased also revealed that personal loan debt in Britain currently stands at 9.8 billion pounds, an increase from the 2.6 billion pounds recorded in 2007. However the amount owed on credit cards has dropped to 54.9 billion pounds, in comparison to 55.6 billion pounds last year.</p>\r\n<p>Mr Elms added that although Debt Freedom Day &quot;is of course a hypothetical point in the financial calendar&quot; it is a date that many consumers should be aware about. He stated: &quot;In the current economic climate it is has never been more important for people to realise just how much it costs to service their debts and to ensure they have adequate funds available to do so.&quot;</p>\r\n<p>The executive went on to report that getting monetary guidance from an independent financial adviser could help people get back on their fiscal feet. In getting such help, it was stated that consumers should be able to take stock of their current financial standing and identify areas where they can reduce expenditure and increase the amount of money they can save.</p>\r\n<p>For those looking to get to grips with their finances, applying for a consolidation loan could prove to be of assistance. By taking out such a loan it is possible that consumers could merge monies owed on existing debts into a single low-cost amount. Last month, Rachel Lacey, editor of Moneywise, reported that a debt consolidation loan can be &quot;great&quot; for Britons wanting to improve their money management. However, she stated that after getting a cheap consolidation loan it is crucial that consumers do not go on to borrow more money through overdrafts and credit cards.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('25','18','<p>With nearly $10,000 of unsecured credit card debt, the average American family is usually stretched to its paycheck-to-paycheck limit and beyond. Many households are only able to make the minimum monthly payment on this debt; still others are unable to do even that. At two percent of the unpaid balance, making the minimum $200 monthly payment (without any further charges added) would literally take decades to pay off. And with the advent of new legislation which makes it even tougher to file for bankruptcy, people are finding themselves caught even more tightly between the proverbial &ldquo;rock and a hard place&rdquo;. What can they do? </p>\r\n<p>Well, if <em>debt consolidation</em> is out of the question (either because of credit problems or not owning a home in the first place), informed debtors might try to negotiate with their creditors for better terms. Is this really possible? It might be, depending on your credit history, interest rate, and your current balance. Simply call your credit card company and ask them if they will lower your interest rate. They may say; they may say no. You can always suggest to them that you&rsquo;ve found another company with better terms. If your track record is still good with them, this may be all that&rsquo;s necessary to convince them to negotiate with you so that you&rsquo;ll stay a loyal, and paying, customer. If you have a history of paying late, however, they probably will not be willing to lower your rate. That&rsquo;s unfortunate, since paying late was probably the catalyst which prompted them to raise your interest rate in the first place. Still, it&rsquo;s worth a phone call; it certainly doesn&rsquo;t hurt to ask. </p>\r\n<p>If you&rsquo;ve been paying your bills on time, asking for a lower interest rate may be the only option that you have. The credit card companies may not necessarily see you in such dire straits if they continue to receive your payments on time. On the other hand, if you&rsquo;re late in paying, especially if you&rsquo;re more than three months behind, oddly enough you may have more negotiating leverage. That leverage comes with a few strings attached, however. You may be able to negotiate a lump-sum settlement for your outstanding balance, in which the credit card company accepts a portion of your debt and writes off the rest. The settlement amount can vary, anywhere from ten- to fifty percent of the outstanding balance, depending on your interest rate, balance and payment history. This option comes with a couple of problems of its own, though. Settlement offers generally must be acted on within a matter of days or weeks, and if the lump-sum payment is not received the offer is withdrawn. It stands to reason that if you&rsquo;re having trouble making the minimum payment, it&rsquo;s not likely that you&rsquo;ll have the cash available to settle. Additionally, the amount of your debt that gets written off is usually reported to the credit bureaus as bad debt, and that stays there for seven years. </p>\r\n<p>In summary, credit card companies may or may not be willing to work out a payment plan with you, but it costs you nothing to ask them. Negotiating a settlement that&rsquo;s acceptable to both parties may be cheaper and more attractive for you than consulting with a debt consolidation firm, which comes with its own set of caveats. If your credit card debt is substantial and you just can&rsquo;t make the payments anymore, it&rsquo;s definitely worth a try.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('26','18','<p>Second mortgage debt consolidation is a popular method of dealing with increasing liabilities. It is also called as a home equity loan that can help pay off your debts. You are taking a loan against the equity of your home. Equity refers to the amount you get after deducting the total mortgage payments made from the current value of the home. Such loans are ideal for homeowners who own homes of considerable worth with lot of equity. You can also opt for a home equity line of credit. With this option you borrow only as much as you need at any given time and pay interest only for that amount.</p>\r\n<p>Dealing With Debt With A Home Equity Loan</p>\r\n<p>Second mortgage debt consolidation is definitely better than having to deal with irate creditors who rightly demand to be repaid. Life can become insidious when you realize you have no way of making payments on time, it can be harrowing for you and your entire family when the creditors come calling.</p>\r\n<p>Any of us can end in bad debt situation due to various reasons and some of them are beyond our control such as medical emergencies, accidents, loss of job or loss of income due to the unexpected death of a family member. At such times it can be tough to find a solution unless you are lucky to have a home with equity that you can use to borrow funds to consolidate your debts.</p>\r\n<p>Consolidating your debts into one single loan can be beneficial as you end up with a single loan which most definitely has a lower interest rate. Instead of dealing with many creditors you just have to work out a budget and make sure you make payments on your first and second mortgage loans. The crucial part is to select a reliable creditor who has experience in the field and can offer you a customized loan to resolve debts. Do some research and find out details by logging online. In fact you may also apply for such a loan online without having to leave the comfort of your home.</p>\r\n<p>Select a few firms and choose from amongst them. Be sure to select a creditor who is registered with the BBB and negotiate a loan that gets you lower EMIs at lower interest rates. When you are securing second mortgage debt consolidation loan, remember it is being offered against your home and that if you are irresponsible and fail to make payments on time, you may lose your home. If you make payments on time you stand to gain a lot as not only have you paid off your debts but have improved your credit score too!</p>\r\n<p>Second mortgage debt consolidation can be welcome when you have multiple outstanding debts, each with varying interest rate, that you are having trouble making payments on. Now you just have to make one payment monthly at a lower interest rate and can forget about dealing with the creditors. For more information on second mortgage debt consolidation loan, please click on the following debt consolidation mortgage loan.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('27','18','<p>Credit card debt has become a serious problem for people across the world, with over 1.3 billion credit cards in use in the United States alone. That\'s equal to about 4 cards for every man, woman, and child living in the USA. It\'s no wonder why more and more people are turning to professional help to escape from the perils of excessive high interest debt.</p>\r\n<p>What is Debt Consolidation?</p>\r\n<p>You\'ve probably been hearing a lot about debt consolidation loans in the media lately, as it is quickly becoming the most popular service for those who want to reduce their monthly payments and simplify their financial situation. The process works by eliminating all of your high interest bills, and replaces them with one lower interest loan, with one easy to manage monthly payment.</p>\r\n<p>This service is only one of several available, so it is important to learn about all of your options before signing up with any financial companies. Another popular option is to hire a debt specialist, who will work with your credit card companies to lower your interest, or even reduce your balance. The easiest way to find the option that will work best for your own financial needs, is to request and compare several free quotes online. Follow the links below to find out how to request free quotes.</p>\r\n<p>Finding the Best Financial Program</p>\r\n<p>Along with several different types of services to choose from, you must also choose which of the several different companies currently offering those services will work best for you. This once again bring up the importance of comparing several different companies and services. Do your homework, compare quotes, and you will be confident that the credit card debt elimination program you choose is the best.</p>\r\n<p>Where Can I Request Free Online Quotes?</p>\r\n<p>There are hundreds of websites offering a free online debt consolidation quote to you. These sites will allow you to compare several major lenders side-by-side. Be sure to compare all aspects of your free online quotes, such as, the company\'s reputation, success rate, loan terms, and interest rate.</p>\r\n<p>Now that you are more familiar with how debt consolidation works and the importance of requesting free quotes, you probably want to see just how much you can save with a debt consolidation loan. A great place to learn more about debt consolidation, and get free quotes, is http://debtconsolidationsource.googlepages.com/, an excellent online resource with lots of valuable information on debt consolidation.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('28','18','<p>Today, the average American household is carrying an average of $10,000 in credit card debt. This debt is more often than not spread among numerous credit cards, each with its own payment dates and requirements. And with most credit card companies having recently doubled their minimum monthly requirements to approximately 4% of the unpaid balance of the account, paying off several credit cards at once may have just gotten considerably more difficult. The sum of those minimum payments could be more than many families can afford to pay. So, what can be done to ease this situation? </p>\r\n<p>Of course, the debts can all be incorporated into one. A <strong>debt consolidation loan</strong> accomplishes this by using the proceeds from one loan to pay off a number of other loans. The borrower then only needs to make one monthly payment. Depending on the source of the consolidation funds, that single payment is often smaller than the sum total of the debts that were paid off, thus freeing more spendable cash for the borrower. </p>\r\n<p>While there are many companies that specialize in providing such loans, there may be other sources of funding at your disposal. The interest rates and terms of these sources can vary greatly. Depending on your own personal financial circumstances, some of the choices may be better sources for you than others. </p>\r\n<p>If you own a home you could use a <em>home equity loan</em> or <em>line of credit (HELOC)</em> to borrow against the equity that’s been accrued. Home equity loans are available from many lenders at affordable interest rates. The interest is also virtually always tax deductible on loans of up to $100,000. This is a major advantage when consolidating credit card and personal debt. Be aware, however, that home equity loans and lines of credit use your home as security for repayment of the debt. That means that if you default, your home could be at risk of being taken. </p>\r\n<p>If you have a <em>retirement plan</em> or a 401(K) plan at your place of employment, you may be able to borrow from it. The interest rates can be quite favorable, because you’re basically borrowing your own funds. The downside here is that your money is not earning interest and growing for your retirement during the time that you have it borrowed, and this lost earning potential is gone forever. </p>\r\n<p>If you have a <em>life insurance policy that accumulates cash value</em>, you may be able to borrow against that policy. This also can have financial implications down the road. Be sure to consult your insurance agent for details. </p>\r\n<p>Family and friends may not always be the best choices for a loan, but they’re there nonetheless. Just keep in mind that many valuable relationships have been ruined because of money. If you do borrow from friends or relatives, make sure that you draw up a contract (for the protection of both parties) and that you treat them with the same respect that you would another lender. Pay them back in a timely manner and then thank them for their favor toward you.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('29','18','<p>Bad credit tenant loans are advanced to the people who are tenants and are having bad credit records. People get bad credit ratings because of unpaid loans or debts or due to irregularities in the repayment of any money taken. In these loans, you will not be asked to put any collateral and the money you can take irrespective of your bad credit to fulfill your various requirements.</p>\r\n<p>Generally, you can take the money of Bad Credit Tenant Loans for a term ranging from 1 year to 10 years while the loan amount will range between &pound;1000 and &pound;25000. However, both the repayment term and the interest rates will be decided as per your financial status and repayment capacity so that the repayment becomes convenient for you.</p>\r\n<p>Filling in the application form of loans for bad credit tenants is very easy and simple. It consists of simple columns asking you for desired information like name, contact information, mobile numbers, email id&rsquo;s, loan amount you are looking for, employment status and a basic idea about your credit score. Some loan lenders may ask you to define the purpose of the loan.</p>\r\n<p>These loans can be used for almost anything you wish .To quote a few, for meeting educational expenses, weddings, health expenses, for buying property or any other thing you like to use it for. Most importantly it can be used to overcome one&rsquo;s financial crisis and for debt consolidation.</p>\r\n<p>One advantage of loans for tenant with bad credit is that as the installments of the loan are paid back gradually, it is recorded in tenant&rsquo;s credit report. As a result, tenant&rsquo;s credit score gets improved. This in turn enables in brightening prospects of an easier loan in future.</p>\r\n<p>For quick approval you can apply for these loans through online process. <br />Going for a loan for tenants with bad credit will give you the right path to get financial support for getting your wishes fulfilled.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('30','19','<p><strong>Hard money lenders</strong> are individuals or small companies that have funds available for investment. They have the advantages of being flexible and able to move quickly. This is especially useful for people whose circumstances may preclude them from borrowing money from standard institutional lenders. For example, someone whose house is facing foreclosure or an investor that has come across a great deal but must act speedily to get it, generally could not depend upon a bank or mortgage company to meet their needs. This is where hard money, or <strong>non-conforming</strong>, lenders come in. They are not restricted to the rigid loan criteria of institutional lenders. </p>\r\n<p>To fully understand what a hard money lender is, we must first understand the concept of hard money as opposed to soft money . With regard to finances, hard money refers to funds that come with much stricter loan terms. These terms almost always include higher interest rates and points (often <em>much</em> higher), shorter repayment periods or balloon payments, and much lower <em>loans-to-value (LTVs)</em>. Repayment schedules are also very inflexible. In contrast, soft money generally comes with easier terms than those described above, along with more flexible payment schedules. For instance, in the case of a real estate investor, debt repayment may be structured to be subject to the available cash flow of the property. </p>\r\n<p>Notwithstanding the definitions of hard and soft money, hard money can be considerably easier to obtain than soft money. This is because soft money comes from institutional lenders and the criteria which they must use to approve or decline funding (especially for purposes involving real estate) is much more stringent than that of hard money lenders. Generally speaking, hard money lenders are people individuals that you can talk to, get to know and become comfortable with. They, like other people, have the capacity to be very flexible in their decision-making. Whereas institutional lenders are concerned first and foremost with a potential borrower s creditworthiness and ability to repay, hard money lenders tend to put more emphasis on the subject property than on the prospective borrower. In other words, if they see the property as a viable investment project, the borrower becomes secondary because they have their security in the property itself. </p>\r\n<p>They have this security because they will rarely make a loan which is above 60- to 70% of the renovated value of the property. So, if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender can feel quite secure that his or her investment can be recouped. Also, with terms so favorable to the lender, a respectable profit is virtually built-in to any deal that is funded. </p>\r\n<p>Hard money lenders can be a tremendous resource for those who, for one reason or another, can t or don t want to use traditional funding. They can be true deal-savers for investors, especially beginners, who may be short of capital and/or credit. Because of their flexibility in approving loans and the speed with which they can supply funding, hard money lenders fill a very definite void and provide a much needed service. Without them the real estate market, particularly investment real estate, could not function with the efficiency with which it does today. </p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('31','19','<em>October 2006</em> There&rsquo;s been a lot of talk and debate over the last few years regarding mortgage Exit Fees. An Exit Fee is a charge levied should you wish to dump your present mortgage and go with another provider who perhaps is offering a better overall deal or lower interest rate. The main problem with these exit fees is that when current mortgage holders signed for their mortgage the fees were perhaps advertised as &pound;50 or less. But the small print in a mortgage contract allows the lender to raise them at their will, and this is exactly what&rsquo;s happened in many cases. Consumers are rightly up in arms as they not only see this as another example of profiteering from the banks but also unfair as the goalposts are being moved once the game is under way. For example, one of the reasons you may have signed up to mortgage A instead of mortgage B was the lower exit fees with the A mortgage.\r\n<h3>High Exit Fees &ndash; Good Fees?</h3>\r\nMortgage experts however feel that high exit penalties for some plans are not really a problem as the mortgage deals themselves are very good. So if you do your research on a certain mortgage and all the aspects of it are great, really suiting your financial situation why worry about a high exit penalty if the chances of you dumping the mortgage are slim? The only trouble we&rsquo;d have with that argument is that a mortgage is normally always a long term proposition and a lot can change in both the market and your own personal financial situation over 5, 10 or 15 years therefore flexibility with money matters is so important.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('32','19','Offset mortgages are set to become hugely popular, especially amongst higher tax payers. How do they work, what&rsquo;s the benefit and is there a catch? This article investigates.\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Offset mortgages represent one of the biggest mortgage innovations seen in recent years </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Six years ago there was hardly an offset mortgage to be seen </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Now they and the current account mortgage, to which they are closely related, account for &pound;10 out of every &pound;100 of new lending. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhat&rsquo;s more, one of the UK&rsquo;s large lenders believes that 25% of existing mortgage holders would be better off with an offset mortgage. So if you&rsquo;re in the market for a mortgage you need to know what they&rsquo;re all about. Otherwise you could be missing out.\r\n<h3><font color=\"#000080\"><strong>Firstly, how does an offset mortgage work?</strong></font></h3>\r\nThe basic idea is that besides borrowing money from the mortgage lender, you also run savings or deposit accounts with them. Then you are charged interest not simply on what you have borrowed but on what you have borrowed _less_ the balance in your savings and deposit accounts. So, if you had an offset mortgage of &pound;100,000 and had &pound;20,000 in their savings account you would only be charged interest on the difference, &pound;80,000. In these circumstances, no interest is paid on your savings &ndash; the interest is offset.\r\n<h3><font color=\"#000080\"><strong>It doesn&rsquo;t sound like a ground breaking idea - where&rsquo;s the benefit?</strong></font></h3>\r\nQuite simple. Whilst the full benefit of your savings is reflected in a lower interest charge on your mortgage account, legally you have not received any interest. If you have not received interest you can&rsquo;t be charged tax on the interest. Step away Mr Taxman! This means that offset mortgages are especially attractive for higher rate taxpayers who would otherwise pay-away 40% of the interest they receive in tax. Consider some figures -\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">If you had a &pound;100,000 mortgage paying a competitive rate of 4.69% plus &pound;20,000 on deposit, how would the figures work out? </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Well over a typical 25 year mortgage, without offset you would pay &pound;85,351 in interest but with offset you would pay just &pound;41,998 &ndash; that&rsquo;s a saving of &pound;43,353 </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">What&rsquo;s more you would repay the mortgage five years and eight months early </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">That&rsquo;s because the monthly repayments are based on the full mortgage debt before offsetting is taken into account so borrowers are effectively overpaying their debt each month </li>\r\n</ul>\r\nAnd doesn&rsquo;t Mr Taxman look sorry! In theory, a standard tax payer saved &pound;9,538 in tax and a higher rate taxpayer a whopping &pound;17,341 in tax. #p##e#\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Flexibility can also be a major advantage </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">You can typically pay off capital without penalty, underpay and take payment holidays so long as you&rsquo;ve made sufficient overpayments throughout the years. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3><font color=\"#000080\"><strong>Too good to be true &ndash; where&rsquo;s the catch?</strong></font></h3>\r\nHistorically borrowers have had to pay a higher interest rate for the benefit of an offset mortgage. But the good news is that with banks and building societies fighting for a bigger share of the offset market, offset interest rates are falling. This means that you need to look carefully to ensure that the apparent tax savings you could make are not eliminated by the slightly higher interest charge. Quite honestly this is not an easy calculation so it&rsquo;s best left to your professional mortgage adviser. But as a guide, a standard taxpayer needs around &pound;20,000 in savings behind a &pound;100,000 mortgage to make the offset deal better value than a traditional mortgage. For a higher rate taxpayer the savings requirement drops to around &pound;10,000. (These figures are based on a typical 4.69% fixed offset rate, compared with a typical 4.49% rate for a tracker.) These figures will change as interest rates vary and, in all probability, as the cost differential between an offset and a traditional mortgage closes.\r\n<h3><font color=\"#000080\"><strong>Not all Offset Mortgages are the same!</strong></font></h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">As you would expect, with the offset lenders fighting for your business lots have added bell and whistles to the basic concept </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Free property valuations and free legal work are relatively common </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Then some banks will include your current account in the offset calculation, some lenders enable two nominated savings accounts to be offset, some will even agree an additional borrowing facility with a cheque book that can be used at any time </li>\r\n</ul>\r\nOn the interest rate front you&rsquo;re bound to be offered a low starting rate fixed for six or twelve months. You might also be offered a tracker which is below the Bank of England base rate for six months and which only rises above after six months or a tracker which exactly tracks base rate plus a tiny premium for a few years. There are lots of variations. The interest rate can also depend on what percentage of the house valuation you want to borrow. For example, one lender is currently offering 5.6% if you are borrowing less than 50% rising to 6.45% for up to 99%.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('33','19','<p>A hard money commercial loan is an advance for a commercial venture for which conventional funding is not available. In other words, it is money that is difficult to get elsewhere. The purposes for which such loans can be obtained include investments, property acquisitions, construction, business and industry, refinancing and a lot of others.</p>\r\n<p>Suitable collateral is required for obtaining a hard money commercial loan. Third party appraisal on the collateral may not be necessary because the financiers</p>\r\n<p>are experienced enough to assess the value. The loan to value (LTV) ratios are normally up to 75% but some lenders do exceed this. Even second liens are possible if sufficient equity is still available.</p>\r\n<p>Most financiers consider applications for a minimum amount only. The process of application is simple and the lending decision and funds disbursement are quick. There are several instances of the loan being through in one day!</p>\r\n<p>There are short term (six months to three years) loans and loans for longer terms, and also unsecured business loans. The interest rates vary. Currently, a hard money commercial loan could be possible in an interest band of 10% to18%. It could be a floating rate or a fixed rate. Some lenders offer the option of \'interest lock\' for short periods. This can be beneficially used if there is the expectation of rates going up. Sometimes the funds are utilized as a bridging loan while waiting for a traditional loan. Certain lenders impose a pre-payment penalty if the loan is repaid ahead of the agreed schedule.</p>\r\n<p>The lenders can be approached directly online or through brokers. In either case, shopping around and comparing the rates and term would be prudent. The main consideration in taking a hard money commercial loan is whether it would generate enough money to comfortably service the borrowing.</p>\r\n<p>Money Loans provides detailed information on Money Loans, Hard Money Loans, No Money Down Home Loans, Hard Money Commercial Loans and more. Money Loans is affiliated with Student Loans.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('34','19','<p>Money became an important aspect in every individual life. During any emergency when cash is required urgently, fast cash payday loan can be of great help. In situations where there is sudden monetary need like for paying medical bills or car repair etc., you can opt for these short-term loans. These involve small amount ranging from &pound;50 to &pound;750. These loans are disbursed for a period of maximum 30 days. The interest is quite high, normally &pound;5 to &pound;15 is charged for every &pound;50.</p>\r\n<p>Eligibility</p>\r\n<p>Applying for fast cash advance payday loan is very easy. To be eligible:</p>\r\n<p>1. You need to be over 18 years of age.</p>\r\n<p>2. You need to have a secure job. The loan amount will depend on your paycheck. The higher your salaries the more cash advance you get.</p>\r\n<p>3. You need to have a valid bank account.</p>\r\n<p>You are eligible for a loan if you fulfill the above mentioned criteria.</p>\r\n<p>The use of internet has made the payday loan processing faster and easier. Now with just a simple click of your mouse, you can have the required money in your account. There are various loan providing companies online. You need to go through research to check for genuine loan providers. Some fake sites can misguide and cheat if you are not careful. The boom in online payday loan industry has ensured that these companies offer competitive interest rates to their customers. So choose the company that gives you lowest interest rates. Once you finalized the lender, you need to fill up an online loan application. The cash will be in your account within 24 hours once your loan application is approved.</p>\r\n<p>You also need to give a post-dated check against the loan amount. The loan amount and the interest will be deducted from your account on your salary day.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('35','19','<p>A salaried individual is a flat income earner and spends funds by following a rational budget. Life seems to be going in concord till any unexpected and urgent expense befalls on him. For such unpredictable and inescapable end he/she might not be prepared monetarily and seeks some financial aid. To arrange this extra cash he/she starts looking for some support. Thus, for such situation Payday Advance can be a rewarding decision. This scheme allocates cash the same day or the next business day without making any demand of collateral. The cash can be borrowed just by meeting some eligibility terms and conditions. The eligibility criteria are as follows: applicants should be a regular employee of a firm or an organisation; applicants should hold an active bank account. </p>\r\n<p>Like any other loan scheme, this loan policy bestow amount between &pound;100 and &pound;1,200 with 30 days of repayment term. Having a reliable credit profile paves the way to apply for more cash. But it does not signify that bad credit holders are barred from this rider. Bad credit holders can also approve the cash if they furnish required particulars accurately. </p>\r\n<p>This loan plan provides the flexibility of repayment. If applicants encounter any inconvenience while repaying the cash then they can extend the due date. This flexibility carries a fee and can be subscribed by informing lender&rsquo;s office. The interest rate of this fund is slightly higher. Moreover, it differs from one lender to another in the competitive market. So, to spot reasonable rate of interest compare the various loan quotes. </p>\r\n<p>The cash offered in this scheme is transferred without delay and makes it possible to meet urgent demands. The emergency and unexpected expenses like medical bills, school fees, electricity bills, grocery bills, telephone bills, credit card bills can be easily be paid with the help of payday advance.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('36','19','<p>People are taking an increasing amount of time to service their debts, it has been revealed.</p>\r\n<p>According to Unbiased, today (March 10th) is Debt Freedom Day - the time of the year when consumers will have earned enough money to allow them to complete interest repayments on the debts accrued on personal loans and credit cards. Starting from the beginning of the year, it was stated that Britons have needed to work for 70 days to generate enough income to service such indebtedness.</p>\r\n<p>Now it was claimed that people should be in a position to take steps to make actual reimbursements on their debts. However, in 2007, the day when people have finished servicing the amount they owe was revealed to stand at February 1st.</p>\r\n<p>Meanwhile, research from the financial advice site revealed that the amount of personal debt has surged by more than ten per cent over the course of last year. During the same period of time the typical level of interest payable on such debts has increased by six per cent.</p>\r\n<p>Commenting on the figures, David Elms, chief executive at Unbiased said: &quot;This year\'s Debt Freedom Day is a real warning for UK consumers - as it marks the day we start paying off the actual debt levels rather than merely servicing the interest accrued. Compared to last year we spend almost two months longer this year to pay off the interest of our borrowings and this doesn\'t even take into account mortgage costs.&quot;</p>\r\n<p>Unbiased also revealed that personal loan debt in Britain currently stands at 9.8 billion pounds, an increase from the 2.6 billion pounds recorded in 2007. However the amount owed on credit cards has dropped to 54.9 billion pounds, in comparison to 55.6 billion pounds last year.</p>\r\n<p>Mr Elms added that although Debt Freedom Day &quot;is of course a hypothetical point in the financial calendar&quot; it is a date that many consumers should be aware about. He stated: &quot;In the current economic climate it is has never been more important for people to realise just how much it costs to service their debts and to ensure they have adequate funds available to do so.&quot;</p>\r\n<p>The executive went on to report that getting monetary guidance from an independent financial adviser could help people get back on their fiscal feet. In getting such help, it was stated that consumers should be able to take stock of their current financial standing and identify areas where they can reduce expenditure and increase the amount of money they can save.</p>\r\n<p>For those looking to get to grips with their finances, applying for a consolidation loan could prove to be of assistance. By taking out such a loan it is possible that consumers could merge monies owed on existing debts into a single low-cost amount. Last month, Rachel Lacey, editor of Moneywise, reported that a debt consolidation loan can be &quot;great&quot; for Britons wanting to improve their money management. However, she stated that after getting a cheap consolidation loan it is crucial that consumers do not go on to borrow more money through overdrafts and credit cards.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('37','19','<p>If you\'re considering becoming a Hard Money Lender, you would be well served to become a Real Estate Investor beforehand. This article dovetails off of my last one, &quot;When It Comes to Hard Money Lending, Stay Local,&quot; which relates the wisdom of concentrating your Hard Money Lending business in your local market because of the depth of market knowledge you can attain, and the degree of control you can assert over your deals. At the same time, if you\'re considering getting into the Hard Money Lending business and you\'ve never invested in real estate, your learning curve will be far steeper than that of someone who\'s already had previous investing experience. In the Hard Money Lending game, the steeper the learning curve, the more expensive it can turn out to be.</p>\r\n<p>When I say become a Real Estate Investor beforehand, I\'m not saying that you should buy and sell a dozen properties before becoming a lender. Two or three will suffice. What you\'re shooting for is to build a support team for later on when you progress into your lending business. You\'ll need a trustworthy contractor from whom you can learn the costs of various renovations, who will also provide you with renovation quotes on properties when necessary to confirm the repair estimates provided by potential borrowers. You\'ll need an abstract company to perform deed searches, underwrite title insurance and conduct smooth, problem free closings. You\'ll need an appraiser to ascertain the values of properties before you loan money on them. You\'ll need a mortgage broker to aid you in determining the risks of extending loans to potential borrowers. You\'ll need a good real estate attorney in the event that you have to foreclose on a property. And lastly, you\'ll need a Realtor&reg; in the event that you have to liquidate a property which you\'ve taken in foreclosure.</p>\r\n<p>What better way to make these contacts than in the course of buying, renovating and selling a couple of investment properties? Using this approach will insure that when you start making loans, your support team will cater to you based upon the weight of your past business. You\'ll also be free to learn the ins and outs of Real Estate Investing without the added complications of dealing with a borrower in default. When the time comes for you to start making loans, you\'ll be able to judge properties and neighborhoods with an educated eye. You\'ll have a well of knowledge from which to draw when potential borrowers present you with estimates of property values and repair costs. Your experiences in selling properties will help you determine whether or not your borrowers\' estimates of marketing times are accurate. All of this invaluable knowledge can only be obtained through experience.</p>\r\n<p>Book reading and other forms of research will not prepare you for the rigors of Hard Money Lending one tenth as well as actually investing in real estate. An added bonus is that you should make money while you\'re learning. As the old saying goes, &quot;There is no substitute for experience.&quot; In the arena of Hard Money Lending, experience equates to reward - inexperience equates to risk.</p>\r\n<p>Which side of the scales would you rather be on?</p>\r\n<p>Frank Lawson is the author of http://www.profitsafely.com the Online Resource for Real Estate Investors and Hard Money Lenders. With today\'s record numbers of real estate foreclosures, this is the greatest market for investment real estate in the past 15 years. Real Estate Investors need capital in order to take advantage of these incredible opportunities. Hard Money Lenders need borrowers. Both, however, must proceed cautiously. Frank\'s mission is to empower them all with knowledge in order that they might Profit Safely...</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('38','19','<p><strong>Myth: Hard money loans are so-called because the lenders and their terms are <em>hard</em> to be negotiated with or accepted.</strong> </p>\r\n<p><strong>Fact:</strong> The nature of this avenue of investment does indeed require that hard money lenders adopt a rather firm stance with regard to their qualification conditions. However, the “hard?in hard money actually refers to the ease, or rather, the difficulty of the project itself. For example, the property is difficult or the conditions of the transaction may be difficult. The borrower may even be a difficulty. These “difficulties?are referred to as <em>hair</em>. The hair that is routinely encountered is often implausible and sometimes even absurd, such as a hand-written loan request from the state penitentiary, for example. Every proposal is unique and must be evaluated to discover its own merits. Nevertheless, virtually every project proposal that’s received harbors at least one or more of the following circumstances: money is needed quickly, often within a week; the borrower has little or no cash equity, and cannot raise a sufficient amount or is not willing to sacrifice an equity interest in the project to an equity investor; the borrower has a history of bad credit; the borrower has tried for several months without success to obtain financing; the project itself is problematic or has significant questions; there is no exit strategy for the loan. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Myth: Hard money loans are excessively expensive.</strong> </p>\r\n<p><strong>Fact:</strong> If the loan was easy or worthy of less expensive pricing, the borrower would likely not have sought hard money to begin with. The pricing quoted by the lender is usually commensurate with the circumstances and the risk involved. Hard money loans are usually a blend of debt and equity risk; priced higher than conventional debt but less than the cost of equity investment. </p>\r\n<p>Hard money loans are actually priced just like any other loan. If a Fortune 500 lender were offering a quote on the same loan, their pricing would be very similar. The difference is that it would not be referred to as “hard money?simply because of the status of the lender. Therefore, a borrower seeking quotes for comparison on a hard money loan will generally find the competitive proposals to be priced very similarly. The final choice, then, should be based on the lender’s reputation and ability to close, the conditions associated with each proposal, and the chemistry between the two parties. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Myth: Hard money lenders are disreputable loan sharks.</strong> </p>\r\n<p><strong>Fact:</strong> Most heads of hard money lending firms have successful backgrounds as investment bankers, real estate developers, lawyers or accountants. They realize that their bread-and-butter is closing loans, and a bad reputation is extremely counter-productive to that. With time being their most valuable commodity, hard money lenders will usually state facts, quickly and bluntly. Savvy borrowers appreciate this approach and use it to better focus their project searches. </p>\r\n<p>To be successful (read, <em>profitable</em>) hard money lenders must be capable of both assessing risk and closing loans. They are professional business people who understand the way the system works. They can be tough, but they can be fair as well. A prudent borrower, however, should perform his own research of the investor at an early stage in the relationship in order to minimize or avoid any potential problems.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('39','19','One of the main problems with mortgages at present is that there are literally too many of them, at least several thousand. This makes it hard for most people to find the right one for their personal financial circumstances. Fortunately the easiest way to understand and get a better handle on the mortgage maze is to use a mortgage broker. The two main advantages brokers have are &ndash;\r\n<ol>\r\n    <li>Professional advice and guidance </li>\r\n    <li>Mortgage brokers have access to many of the good deals and special offers which are not publicised to the general public </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h3>Types Of Advice</h3>\r\nIt is important to note that there are always three types of financial advisors &ndash;\r\n<ol>\r\n    <li><strong>Tied</strong> &ndash; They can only sell products from the one lender, so normally a &lsquo;tied&rsquo; advisor is a Bank such as Barclays which for obvious reasons will only push mortgages from Barclays </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Multi Tied</strong> &ndash; They sell mortgages offered by a selection of companies, but not the whole market </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Independent</strong> &ndash; Mortgage advisors who offer and can scan the whole mortgage market using all the different lenders </li>\r\n</ol>\r\nWhere possible always try and do business with an Independent Mortgage Advisors because it\'s important to see what\'s available throughout the entire market. Whoever you do business with all providers will give you an initial disclosure document which will provide keyfacts as well as how the advisor will be paid. One excellent idea when looking for a mortgage is to visit a few different advisors in order to see how they operate, what they advise and most importantly what the different costs involved are. The more research you do, the better understanding you&rsquo;ll have which will normally lead to not only the best mortgage for your circumstances but <strong>at the most competitive price</strong>.\r\n<h3>Where To Find An Authorised Broker</h3>\r\n<strong>IFA Promotion</strong>, an organisation that promotes financial advice has a database of 5,000 independent mortgage advisors on this link -\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"square\">www.impartial.co.uk </li>\r\n</ul>\r\nAn advantage of dealing with a mortgage broker from one of these websites is that they are all authorised by the FSA. This means that should a problem arise due to poor advice you&rsquo;ll have some recourse with the advisor. And if this doesn&rsquo;t work you&rsquo;ll be able to take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('40','19','<p>There are times when we need cash instantly and urgently. And here instant payday loans can help you out in need of instant cash. So if a borrower is looking for instant cash to defeat some unplanned or unwanted expenses he can opt for instant payday loans. </p>\r\n<p>Instant payday loans are unsecured, short-term cash advances that are not due until your payday. People use these instant payday loans to make ends meet until their paycheck arrives. The ready cash assist you in overcoming situations like: medical bills, electricity bills, credit card bills, school fees, car bills, booking of tickets, and such can be easily paid without any delay. These are short duration loans and can be paid back when the next paycheck of the borrower arrives.</p>\r\n<p>As Instant Payday Loans are unsecured in nature, so there are certain criteria&rsquo;s that are required to be fulfilled. The following documents are required to be shown before availing the loan:</p>\r\n<p>&bull; Borrower should be a regular salaried individual</p>\r\n<p>&bull; Applicant must have a valid and active bank account</p>\r\n<p>&bull; Applicant must be more than 18 years.</p>\r\n<p>After confirmation of all these documents, lenders approve the loan amount without any delay which gets transferred in to the borrower&rsquo;s bank account.</p>\r\n<p>The repayment duration of instant payday loans ranges from 2 - 4 weeks, that is, 14 to 31 days. It generally coincides with next payday of the borrower. The amount that can be availed with instant payday loans can be anything from &pound;100 - &pound;1500. Instant payday loans carry slightly higher interest rate as they are unsecured in nature.</p>\r\n<p>A person suffering from bad credit history due to arrears, defaults, CCJ, IVA, bankruptcy, late payments can also avail all the benefits of instant payday loans provided they fulfill the above given criteria&rsquo;s.</p>\r\n<p>Many lenders are there who can help you with instant cash. You can also look up to online providers. Moreover, online process is quick and saves lot of time.</p>\r\n<p>Instant payday loans are for emergency financial crisis, so in such a situation you can derive cash without any worry. Whenever you come across some unexpected expense you can rely upon instant payday loans.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('41','19','<p>If you are going to be a serious real estate investor then you need to make friends with a few hard money lenders. Real estate investors must have cash available to buy homes fast. If you have to wait for a loan you might miss a good deal. There are several advantages of using hard money lenders over traditional lenders and your own cash.</p>\r\n<p>Hard money lenders have readily available cash for your deals. If you have cash available to buy homes you will get better prices and more deals. If you can tell a seller that you can close within a few days then you will be able to get their respect and they are more willing to discount the asking price. I know that many banks that sell their REO\'s will sell them at a discount for cash buyers than if you have to get financing. Cash is king in the real estate investment world.</p>\r\n<p>Hard money lenders don\'t require tons of paperwork. Most hard money lenders have a short application and don\'t require anything but a property. I can\'t stand to fill out paperwork for the traditional loans.</p>\r\n<p>Hard money lenders don\'t charge a ton in closing cost. Sure they will charge more interest and some fees but most of the time the money is easy to get and doesn\'t require much of your own money. Don\'t waste your profits on application fees.</p>\r\n<p>Using hard money lenders doesn\'t put your credit rating at risk. Since you are using private lenders they normally will not report you to credit boroughs when you are late or default on the loan. Basically you have little risk.</p>\r\n<p>It is better to use someone else\'s money and not your own when making an investment, so find a few hard money lenders that want your business. Hard money may cost more in interest payments but it\'s not my money.</p>\r\n<p>Get a free online home appraisal; try visiting http://www.propertyhomeappraisal.com, a popular website that offers home appraisal tips, advice and resources to include information on real estate appraisal services and the best online home value sources. Find out how to get real estate agent leads.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('42','20','<p>It’s true that the <strong>adjustable-rate mortgages</strong> of the early 1980’s gave ARMs a very bad name. Inflation and interest rates were running rampant during that time, and many homeowners had to sell or go into foreclosure because they couldn’t keep up with the skyrocketing payments. This was not exactly good news for the lenders, either. </p>\r\n<p>The adjustable-rate mortgages of today have improved dramatically, with maximum limits on adjustments (<em>caps</em>) in place, as well as mandatory rate disclosure regulations to protect and educate borrowers. However, just as with any other loan program, there is the good and the not-so-good. ARMs best serve home buyers with particular needs and/or problems. As is usually the case, the key to finding the right loan is being knowledgeable about your own financial situation as well as about what’s available, and using that information to make the best possible decision for you. With that said, ARMs definitely have a place in the financial market. </p>\r\n<p>An adjustable-rate mortgage does just what the name implies: its?rate adjusts. In contrast to a conventional 30-year fixed-rate loan whose interest rate will be the same in month 360 as it is in month number 1, the ARM will fluctuate up or down according to increases or decreases in the particular <em>index</em> that is used for the loan. This index is generally a gauge of inflation for the economy. Lenders can use a wide variety of indexes, or indices; some of the most common ones are: <em>Treasury Securities (one-, three-, five- or 10-year Indexes)</em>, the <em>six-month Treasury Bills (T-bills) Index</em>, the <em>National Mortgage (NACR) Interest Rate Index</em>, and the <em>Eleventh District Cost of Funds Index</em>. </p>\r\n<p>The rate of an ARM is made up of two parts: the index and the <em>margin</em>. As previously stated, the index is an inflationary indicator. The margin is the lender’s cost of doing business (including profit), and it is added to the index to get the interest rate, or <em>Note Rate</em>. </p>\r\n<p>To better understand how an ARM works, you must become familiar with its components:</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>Index </li>\r\n    <li>Margin </li>\r\n    <li>Note Rate </li>\r\n    <li>Initial interest ?the rate during the initial period of the loan, which could be lower than the Note Rate as an enticement to prospective borrowers. </li>\r\n    <li>Adjustment period ?The interval at which the interest rate is scheduled to change (monthly, semi-annually, annually, etc.). </li>\r\n    <li>Interest rate caps ?Limits placed on the up or down movements of the interest rate. </li>\r\n    <li>Convertibility ?An option to change from an adjustable- to a fixed-rate loan. A <em>Conversion fee</em> is usually charged for this. </li>\r\n    <li>Negative amortization ?This occurs when a payment is insufficient to cover the interest charge. The shortfall amount is added onto the principal of the loan. </li>\r\n    <li>Carryover ?Interest rate increases that are in excess of the amount that a cap would allow. This excess may be applied at the next rate adjustment. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Should you consider an adjustable-rate mortgage? The answer, of course, depends upon your own financial situation and goals. Do you expect with some certainty that your income will increase over the next few years? Do you need a lower initial interest rate to qualify? Do you plan to sell the property within a few years? If you answered yes to any of these questions, an ARM loan <em>may</em> be your best choice. But you must be <em>informed</em> in order to make the proper decision. Fortunately, lenders are required to provide you with written information to help you compare and select mortgage loans. Use the information. Ask questions. Use the <em>Federal Reserve Handbook on Adjustable-Rate Mortgages</em>. As always, educate yourself, and you’ll be able to make the best possible decision for you.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('43','20','<ul>\r\n    <li>First of all, there\'s no need to relocate. You can continue to live in your own home, which means that you don\'t have to learn the streets, routes, and shortcuts of a new area. You also won\'t have to make new friends, find new shopping and dining establishments, or break in new neighbors. You can also continue to use the same doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers that you\'re already accustomed to frequenting. </li>\r\n    <li>You can receive spendable cash to pay your bills, invest, or simply improve your lifestyle. You can buy new clothes, cars, or other things that you desire; you can also buy gifts for your children or grandchildren. You can even take an around-the-world cruise; the money is yours to use in virtually any way you\'d like. You can also diversify your portfolio; for instance, if most of your wealth is in your house, taking some of it and putting it into <em>stocks</em> or other investments might be a wise financial move. </li>\r\n    <li>If you\'re a senior, it\'s very easy to qualify for a reverse mortgage. There are no income levels, no minimum <em>credit score</em> or assets, and no required medical tests. However, you can\'t have a large amount of debt (other than a reasonable mortgage on your home, which you\'ll have to pay off with the loan\'s proceeds). </li>\r\n    <li>You can decide in what form to receive your money. You can choose a lump sum to pay off debts or make all-cash purchases. Or you can opt for a monthly income that will continue for as long as you live in the house. A line of credit is also available so that interest will accrue only on money you actually withdraw. You can even combine these choices; for instance, you could take part of the loan\'s proceeds in a lump sum and have access to the rest by way of a line of credit. </li>\r\n    <li>You don\'t have to make any monthly payments until the home is no longer your principal residence (by selling it or no longer living there for more than twelve consecutive months). </li>\r\n    <li>The money that you receive from a reverse mortgage is tax-free. </li>\r\n    <li>You can get free or low-cost advice from a <strong>U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD)</strong>-approved counselor; as a matter of fact, it\'s a requirement to qualify for the loan. The government wants you to have the necessary information to ensure that a reverse mortgage is right for you. There are other safeguards in place as well, such as interest rates that have lifetime limits, a three business day right-of-rescission if you decide the program isn\'t for you, full advance disclosure of the loan\'s closing costs, and no prepayment penalty. </li>\r\n    <li>The <em>Home Equity Conversion Mortgage</em>, or <em>HECM</em> (the most popular type of reverse mortgage), features a credit line that automatically increases for unused amounts. </li>\r\n    <li>Neither you nor your heirs ever have to sell the house. Other assets may be used to pay off the mortgage. </li>\r\n    <li>A reverse mortgage is a &quot;non-recourse&quot; loan. In other words, even if the value of your home ends up being less than the amount that you borrowed, neither you nor your heirs will owe the bank any money. You\'ll never owe more than the value of the house.</li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('44','20','<p><strong>Discount points</strong> are used to increase the lender\'s financial <em>yield</em> on a mortgage loan. They actually bridge the gap financial between interest rates, allowing the lender to make the loan at a lower rate. For example, any lender that has a choice of making a loan at 7 percent or at 7½ percent interest will obviously choose to lend at the higher rate. This, however, may not allow the lender to remain competitive in the marketplace. Points, therefore, allow lenders to lower rates while maintaining their profit margins. One point is equal to 1 percent of the face value of a loan. So, for a $150,000 mortgage loan, one point would be equal to $1,500. </p>\r\n<p>While the value of points can vary depending on current financial markets, most lenders generally consider that it takes roughly four to six points to lower a loan\'s interest rate by 1 percent. Here\'s a quick example: a lender quotes that it will take two points (or 2 percent) to lower an 8 percent interest rate to 7½ percent on a $100,000 loan. The calculation is straightforward -- $100,000 multiplied by 2 points (or 2%) would come to $2,000 ?which would be payable in cash at closing to bridge the lender\'s financial gap in interest by one-half percent. </p>\r\n<p>So, how does the borrower determine how many points he or she should pay for a mortgage? If the lender offers an option of paying points for a certain rate of interest, the borrower must consider several important factors. One of the main issues to regard is the length of time that the borrower will own the property and keep the mortgage. At some point in time during the loan, the points will have paid for themselves and begin to save the homebuyer money. This is called the &quot;break-even point&quot; and can be calculated as follows: find the difference in the monthly payment amounts of the loan with and without points being paid, then divide the amount paid in points by that monthly payment difference (which is the amount saved every month by using the lower monthly payment). The result is the break-even point for holding the property. Here\'s a simplified example: </p>\r\n<p>Buyer A wants a $90,000 mortgage for thirty years. The lender gives him two options: he can pay 7½ percent interest with zero points for a payment of $629.30 per month, or he can get a 7 percent loan with two points and monthly payments of $598.78. </p>\r\n<p>The difference between the two mortgage payments is $30.52 ($629.30 - $598.78 = $30.52). The amount paid in points is $1,800 ($90,000 x 2% = $1,800). The break-even point is calculated by dividing the amount paid in points ($1,800) by the monthly savings of the lower mortgage payment ($30.52). It would therefore take Buyer A almost fifty-nine months (nearly five years) to break even and begin realizing savings from paying the two points up front. Of course, if he doesn\'t plan to keep the house or the loan for that length of time, it would not make financial sense to pay the points to obtain the lower interest rate. Remember, however, that this example is a relatively simplistic analysis, and other important factors haven\'t been taken into account, such as the time-value of money (including the lost financial opportunity of not investing that money elsewhere), the long-term savings of the lower interest rate, or other tax ramifications. </p>\r\n<p>Lenders determine points primarily based on the price that they have to pay for the funds, the type of loan involved, and other lender competition in the marketplace. Although negotiation of points may be possible with the lender if the borrower is strong and competition keen, negotiation of payment of points between homebuyer and seller is a normal occurrence. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>For residential real estate purchases, discount points are tax deductible in the year in which they\'re paid. However, according to the <strong>IRS</strong>, they must not exceed the amount of points generally charged in the local area in order to be deducted. Points paid for refinancing are handled differently; they must be deducted over the life of the loan. For example, if a borrower paid $1,800 in points when refinancing to obtain a 30-year loan with a lower interest rate, he or she could only deduct $5 for each of the next 360 months, or $60 per tax year. But the IRS does allow refinance points to be deducted in the year that they\'re paid if part of the refinance money is used to pay for improvements to the home and the taxpayer meets other requirements. Under those circumstances the points associated with the improvements may be fully deducted in that same year.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('45','20','<p>If you\'re behind on your monthly house payments or <em>upside down</em> in your mortgage (in other words, you owe more on the loan than the property is currently worth), be careful. You may already have seen ads or even received &quot;offers&quot; of help from companies that claim to be able to solve your mortgage woes. Many of these are scams; don\'t fall victim to them. Here\'s a typical example of how they operate. </p>\r\n<p>The company charges you a percentage of your loan amount or a flat fee to take over your property, perhaps $2,000 to $3,000. Remember, you\'re paying them for the privilege of signing over your property to them. They also tell you that they will take over your loan payments (but they won\'t be legally liable for them, as we\'ll soon see). </p>\r\n<p>The company requires you to sign an agreement stating that they are not responsible for making the mortgage payments and that you will transfer the title of your property over to them by means of a <em>quitclaim deed</em>. The company can then dispose of the property any way that it deems necessary. </p>\r\n<p>Needless to say, the main objective of this company is to collect an up-front fee. Once they have the property they may or may not continue with payments to your mortgage-holder. They may try to find a buyer for the property; it would typically be one who could not qualify for a traditional mortgage due to past financial problems. The buyer would generally pay the company a down payment and pick up the monthly payments on the home. The company would then transfer title to the buyer with another quitclaim deed. And then, of course, the lender accelerates the loan, making it fully due and payable because of the change in property ownership. </p>\r\n<p>The big problem in all of this is that you\'re still financially liable for the original loan. If the company makes the mortgage payments, the lender may not find out for a while. If they stop making payments, however, your problem will have just become a catastrophe. </p>\r\n<p>If a new buyer has the home, he or she will make the payments (hopefully) on the loan to the company. The payment will naturally be higher than the one for the original loan, with a higher interest rate. The company would then make the original payment to your mortgage lender and pocket the difference. This is known as a <em>wraparound loan</em> or <em>all-inclusive deed of trust</em>. If the company doesn\'t find a buyer for the property, it will likely go into foreclosure. This will seriously damage your credit report as well as your chances of getting a new mortgage for many years to come. </p>\r\n<p>Again, if goes perfectly, the mortgage company may not find out, at least for some time. But that\'s no better than a role of the dice; the odds are not very good. The only way that you will be released from your obligation to your lender is if the new buyer refinances the loan in his or her own name. And if that were a possibility, they likely would have gone that route in the first place. </p>\r\n<p>The company that makes you this offer will probably also suggest that you purchase another home prior to signing over your current home. This is especially attractive if you aren\'t late on your mortgage payments, but simply owe more on your mortgage than the appraised value of the property. By doing this you\'ll be secure in your new home because your credit rating is still good. However, if the company doesn\'t continue to make the loan payments on your original home a foreclosure will ensue, putting a huge hole in your financial future. </p>\r\n<p>Don\'t fall victim to these unscrupulous predators. If you\'re in trouble, talk to you mortgage lender immediately. It\'s in their best interest to do all that they can to help you through the difficulty. Don\'t panic by accepting the first &quot;deal&quot; that\'s thrown at you; but don\'t wait until the small problem becomes a hole that is about to swallow you completely.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('46','20','<p>The question of whether <strong>interest-only mortgage loans</strong> are good or bad cannot be answered with a simple “yes?or “no? but with a very definite?it depends? The prospective borrower must take into account numerous personal factors as well as the specifics of the loan itself in order to decide if it is the proper financial vehicle for him or her. </p>\r\n<p>The interest-only loan is generally based on an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). This usually makes the initial interest rate of the loan lower, and thus easier to qualify for. Add to this the option of only paying interest on the money borrowed, and it’s quite effortless to see why these loans have gained tremendously in popularity. The monthly savings over a normally-amortized mortgage loan can quite easily be several hundred dollars. And with home prices continuing to rise, prospective buyers have found it increasingly more difficult to qualify for traditional loans. </p>\r\n<p>The interest-only period of the loan can vary; generally it is five or ten years. After that, the loan payments amortize to pay off the loan during the remaining term. This will mean substantially higher monthly payments, so the borrower must determine whether or not this will constitute a financial difficulty. Also, the homeowner must be aware that during the interest-only payment period, there will be no equity gained in the property unless its?appraised value rises. If values were to fall, refinancing or selling the property could be very challenging. </p>\r\n<p>Statistics show that the average American family relocates every five to seven years. This potentially makes the interest-only mortgage even more attractive to homeowners. They can save hundreds per month while still enjoying a bigger home than they could normally afford. They could also invest this savings in other vehicles that could have higher rates of return. And since they would be selling and moving in five years, they would not have to incur the larger principal-and-interest payments when they became due. As long as home values continued to rise, and the loan did not have a very strict <em>prepayment penalty</em>, they could gain equity on each subsequent home that they purchased interest-only, while putting off any principal payments indefinitely. </p>\r\n<p>However, if home values were to fall, or if a prepayment penalty prohibited the sale of the property or refinancing, the homeowner could find him- or herself in very serious trouble. If they were not ready for the larger amortized payments, foreclosure could be on the horizon. </p>\r\n<p><em>Option ARMs</em> give the homeowner the flexibility to make minimum, interest-only, partly- or fully-amortized monthly payments depending on his or her changing financial condition. Great care must be exercised with these loans, because the possibility of <em>negative amortization</em> can occur. If the monthly payment that is made is not enough to cover at least the interest accrued, the deficiency will be added onto the principal of the loan. The homeowner could end up owing more on the home than was originally borrowed. </p>\r\n<p>If you\'re contemplating an interest-only mortgage loan, educate yourself with all of the information that you can get your hands on. One good source to help you decide if an interest-only mortgage is right for you can be found at the <em>Financial Trend Forcaster</em>. Analyze your own financial situation, as well as your short- and long-range goals. Study the subject of interest-only loans vigorously. Then, and only then, will you be equipped to make the decision that’s best for you. </p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('47','20','<p>The federal government, through the <strong>Community Reinvestment Act</strong>, has mandated that lenders make loan programs available to aid low- and moderate-income families, as well as first-time buyers, in purchasing homes. As a result, many lenders will offer at least one of these types of programs. In this article we\'ll examine the loan program administered by local <strong>mortgage revenue bond authorities</strong>. </p>\r\n<p>The federal government has granted state and local authorities the power to issue tax-free mortgage revenue bonds, the proceeds of which are used to make low-interest mortgages to first-time homebuyers with lower incomes. Because the bonds are tax-free, they carry a lower interest rate, which subsequently allows the issuing authority to offer lower rates on its mortgages. These loans are subject to a multitude of rules, based on the federal laws which govern them. The basic guidelines are these: although there are no mandated maximum loan amounts, the sale price that a buyer can pay for a property is subject to limitation. Also, the borrower cannot earn a gross income over specified limits. The home must be a single-family residence and occupied by the borrower. And, the property cannot be used in any way to earn income, either by rent or by running a business from the property (including a home-based business). The income and sales price limits vary by geographic location, based on the earnings and housing expenses of a <em>Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA</em>). The <strong>IRS</strong> updates this data yearly. </p>\r\n<p>The authority given by Congress to issue these bonds has time limits. Whenever the authorization nears its current expiration, Congress must once again extend it. If it doesn\'t, the revenue bond authorities cannot issue new bonds, thereby taking away one more avenue for low- to moderate-income borrowers to purchase a home. </p>\r\n<p>Each state has its own Authority which administers the loan program. The prospective borrower applies for funding directly to a participating mortgage lender, who processes the application and submits it to the Authority. Typically, the lender will receive a 1% origination fee and the servicing rights to the loan. The Authority is paid the discount points. </p>\r\n<p>As stated previously, the borrower must generally be a first-time homebuyer, or not have owned a residence for the previous three years. There are exceptions to this rule, however, which normally occur within certain targeted areas. The borrower\'s total personal net assets are also restricted, the object of the program being to help those with limited means. In line with that goal, these loans offer liberal qualifying based on several different loan types. The most basic is the conventional loan with a minimum of 5% down and mortgage insurance required, though some packages now offer as little as 3% or even no down payment. Another option is an Authority-issued loan that\'s FHA-insured. With this loan package, the income and sales price limits are still set by the Authority, but the qualifying and cash down requirements are the same as those of a standard FHA loan. </p>\r\n<p>If the borrower has sufficient entitlement, he or she could also get a loan guaranteed by the <em>VA</em>. As with the FHA loan, the qualifying and down payment requirements are according to VA standards, but the Authority\'s income and sales price limits must be met. The loan and financed VA funding fee cannot exceed the maximum sales price mandated for the area. </p>\r\n<p>In Part 2 of this article series we\'ll look at the <strong>Rural Development Guaranteed Housing</strong> program, which also participates in guaranteeing revenue bond mortgages.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('48','20','<p>Often your own resources fail to back up your personal expenses. Since, your personal needs are in number and never finishes with the time, you start searching other options. Out of the several financial products, market has solution too for this situation and is providing personal loans to equip you with appropriate sum for your personal needs. </p>\r\n<p>Personal loans can be obtained to solve any kind of your personal financial problems. You come to feel such requirements usually for the expenses like buying a car, wedding cost, luxury holidays, outstanding bills, and debt consolidation. </p>\r\n<p>These loans are available to you with any kind of profile you have. Generally this loan facility is available in two form i.e. secured and unsecured that gives you freedom to choose either of them. The secured form is backed by collateral and has a lower rate of interest, while the unsecured is collateral free and has somewhat higher rate of interest. </p>\r\n<p>The loan amount here, vary with form you have opted for. With the secured one it depends upon the collateral&rsquo;s value and generally ranges from &pound;5000 to &pound;75000. You can repay the amount here with a longer duration of 25 years. However, with the unsecured one that loan amount depends upon your income profile and generally ranges from &pound;1000 to &pound;25000. Here, you can make your repayment with flexible repayment duration of 10 years. </p>\r\n<p>Personal loans are available with almost all kind of lenders. So, you have the option to get this loan facility either from the traditional lenders or from the online lenders. The online lenders can be a better place, as they process fast and take less time in your approval. </p>\r\n<p>Personal loans are making way for every one of you, as it can be obtained with any kind of profile with the borrowers. It helps you find the loan amount according to your needs and matching your profile. It gives you freedom to invest the received money on any of your personal expenses without any confinement.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('49','20','<p>You can still buy a home if your credit is bad. There are ways to accomplish it, and many lenders are available to help you. Of course, it\'s more difficult and you will certainly pay more money. But it can be done. Listed here are some tips to keep in mind as you shop for your home mortgage; take heed, they could save you a bundle. </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>First, keep in mind that you do have options. Most lenders today offer bad-credit mortgage programs, and they compete quite aggressively with one another. But if you don\'t know that, you\'ll take the first offer that you get. And that\'s exactly what they want you to do. Lenders count on your lack of knowledge of your own options, as well as your desperation for financing because of your credit. </li>\r\n    <li>Get serious about developing -- and sticking with -- a <em>budget</em>. You have to get and maintain control of your finances. A budget will show you where your money is going, and help you to allocate it more wisely. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Check your credit</em>. Give yourself time to do this before you apply for a home loan. You might not be able to clean up every derogatory mark, but you may be able to correct some errors, and that too could be enough to help your score. </li>\r\n    <li>Pay your bills on time. Enough said; there\'s no better way to boost your score. </li>\r\n    <li>Repay your loans in installment payments. This helps to establish a positive history and is much more valuable to your credit than paying off a loan with just a few big payments or one lump sum. </li>\r\n    <li>Bring any late or missed payments up to date as quickly as possible. Your credit file takes into account not only your late payments, but just how late they are; for instance, whether they\'re 30, 60, or 90 days past due. </li>\r\n    <li>If you plan to apply for a mortgage (or financing for any large purchase), don\'t open any new accounts for three- to six months before that time. Opening or even trying to open new credit accounts (it shows by the inquiries that are left on your file) gives lenders the impression that you may be attempting to run up as much credit as you can, and that always makes them nervous. </li>\r\n    <li>Try to have three to five active trade lines in your credit file. This is the average number that most people with good credit have. In addition, with revolving credit accounts, be sure to keep your balances below 30% of their limits. </li>\r\n    <li>Don\'t close any old accounts that are still being reporting in your credit file, even if they\'re bad. This can actually only hurt your score, because when you close those older accounts your credit history will suddenly look a lot younger than it actually is. </li>\r\n    <li>Assess your potential lender\'s character. The lender is assessing you. You\'ll want to ensure that your lender is fair and honest, as well. Be wary of spoken promises that he or she hesitates to put into writing. </li>\r\n    <li>Explain to the lender, in writing, about past credit problems or other potential trouble areas of your application. If you have a good reason for your credit difficulties, let your lender know. Even with computerized underwriting, a human being is going to examine your file; your explanation may make the difference between denial and approval.</li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('50','20','<p><strong>Familiarize yourself with the process.</strong> Most people don\'t buy a home every week. Needless to say, it can be somewhat complicated. That\'s why it\'s imperative to learn all you can about buying real estate and the mortgage process; know what\'s happening in your local market. The more knowledgeable you are, the harder it will be for anyone to pull the wool over your eyes, and the better deal you\'ll be able to get for yourself. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Get all the facts.</strong> While on the surface <em>mortgages</em> can look virtually identical, there may be large ?or small and subtle ?differences that can systematically remove thousands of extra dollars from your pocket. Know what kind of loan you\'re getting along with its conditions, and be aware of all costs that you\'ll incur (not only for closing but over the full life of the mortgage). </p>\r\n<p><strong>Work with a broker or lender that has more than one investor.</strong> If you\'re seeking a mortgage from your local bank, this tip probably won\'t do you much good. But if you\'re shopping and you want the greatest number of options, talk to a broker who works with numerous lenders. It\'s much more likely you\'ll be able to find just the program that fits your needs, especially if your credit is spotty. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Check your mortgage broker\'s track record.</strong> Industry professionals know that the most common reason that a real estate transaction falls through is because the financing ?the mortgage ?doesn\'t make it. When interviewing brokers, be sure to inquire about their closing performance numbers. Additionally, don\'t sign any forms guaranteeing them an origination fee; after all, why remove their incentive to work to get your loan closed? </p>\r\n<p><strong>Be a straight shooter.</strong> In other words, don\'t hide anything from your lender. Many people have endured financial hardships at one time or another, and as a result have less-than-perfect credit files. If you fall into this category, take heart; you\'re far from alone. Although your situation be embarrassing to talk about, your lender really will try to help if at all possible. But that can only be done if you give him or her a chance to do so. Hidden facts will likely come out later anyway; and you don\'t want them surfacing halfway through the process or at closing, when it\'s much too late to rectify. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Don\'t make any large credit purchases prior to applying for your mortgage.</strong> Your total debt is a key determinant in the loan qualification process, and your total monthly payments must be below a certain percentage of your gross monthly income. Therefore, don\'t take on any additional debt until after you\'ve purchased your home (and <em>then</em> only if you can still afford it). </p>\r\n<p><strong>Know your own financial situation.</strong> Finally, it\'s critically important for you to be acutely aware of how you stand financially and as well as credit-wise. That means <em>reviewing your credit report</em>. If it\'s bad, take steps to improve or correct it. If your credit cards are maxed out, pay them down to 30% or below their limits, and keep them there. And keep all of your monthly payments current. Even one late payment can have a significant effect on your credit score, and consequently the interest rate you\'ll pay on your new mortgage. Be proactive; make sure that you\'ll have what you need <em>before</em> you seek out a lender. It\'ll make your home-buying experience much smoother, and possibly less expensive as well.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('51','20','<p>After buying your home it is now time to find the perfect mortgage financing. Make sure you consult an expert Mortgage Consultant in terms of financing that fits your needs. There are many choices available to you for home loan finance and mortgage refinance. But it is critical that you take your time to understand the various choices before making a final decision. Here are some home financing options:</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Fixed-Rate Mortgages</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Adjustable Rate Mortgage(ARM)</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Interest-Only Mortgage Loans</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Conforming Loans</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Jumbo Loans</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Subprime Mortgages</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Hybrid Mortgage Loans</p>\r\n<p>&middot; 100% Financing</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Conventional Loans</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Government Loans</p>\r\n<p>Refinance for My Current Home </p>\r\n<p>If you presently own your home, refinancing to a lower rate can save you dollars. Help increase your cash flow. Here are some reasons to refinance;</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Consolidate and pay off your debt#p##e#</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Pay for your home improvements</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Start your business</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Pay your major medical bills</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Buy your car</p>\r\n<p>Leverage the Equity in My Home</p>\r\n<p>A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is an alternative to finance major items. The mechanics of a HELOC is analogous to the way a credit card work. The equity in your home is used as collateral for a loan which is a revolving line of credit from which you can draw money. You receive a set checkbooks or a type of credit card you can use to pay for items during times of purchase. HELOCS can be used for:</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Your home improvements</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Consolidating and paying off your debt</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Taking your dream vacation</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Buying your second property</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Paying for your major purchases</p>\r\n<p>&middot; Pay for college tuition</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('52','20','<p>Did you know that all mortgages are not mortgages? The term &quot;mortgage&quot; is often generically used to refer to any type of security instrument used in real estate financing. But in actuality, there are three different primary devices that fulfill this roll: mortgages, trust deeds, and land contracts. Let\'s take a closer look at each one. </p>\r\n<p>A <strong>mortgage</strong> is a two-party instrument in which a borrower (the <em>mortgagor</em>) gives a promissory note and a mortgage to the lender (the <em>mortgagee</em>). While the mortgagee is customarily a lending institution such as a bank, at times the property seller may finance the buyer directly. When this happens, the seller is the mortgagee and receives the mortgage as security for the balance of the property\'s purchase price. </p>\r\n<p>The mortgage is typically recorded in the office of the county recorder. Once recorded, it provides public notice of the mortgagee\'s interest in the property. When the mortgagor pays off the balance of the mortgage, the mortgagee gives the mortgagor a <em>satisfaction of mortgage</em> document, which is also recorded. This document gives notice that the mortgagee\'s interest in the property is terminated. </p>\r\n<p>Should the mortgagor default on the loan payments or fail to pay property taxes or insurance, the mortgagee can <em>foreclose</em> on the mortgage. In some states, the mortgagor is given a <em>redemption period</em> in which to cure the causes of the default and reinstate the loan before the property is liquidated by way of a foreclosure sale. Some states also provide a redemption period after the sale that allows the mortgagor to pay the full balance and reclaim the property. If the foreclosure sale brings less than the amount owed on the mortgage, some states allow a deficiency judgment to be placed against the mortgagor for the balance. In other states, deficiency judgments are unlawful or at least very difficult to obtain. </p>\r\n<p>A <strong>trust deed</strong> is a three-party instrument in which the borrower (the <em>trustor</em>) makes payments on a note to a lender (the <em>beneficiary</em>). In order to provide the beneficiary with a greater measure of security, the trustor actually gives title to the property &ndash; in the form of a <em>trust deed</em> &ndash; to a third person (the <em>trustee</em>) to hold. </p>\r\n<p>More than half of all the states allow trust deeds for real property, although some also use mortgages, as well. Like a mortgage, the trust deed is recorded to show the beneficiary\'s security interest in the property. When the trustor has paid the beneficiary in full, the beneficiary orders the trustee to return title of the property to the trustor. This is accomplished with a <em>deed of reconveyance</em> from the trustee to the trustor. Once this document is recorded, the beneficiary\'s interest is terminated. In the event that the trustor defaults on the loan, foreclosure can be implemented with relative quickness. After a short notice period, usually only a few months, the trustee will hold a sale to liquidate the property. Generally, no redemption period is provided after the sale. </p>\r\n<p>A <strong>land contract</strong> (also known as a <em>contract of sale</em> or <em>contract for deed</em>) is a two-party instrument in which the seller (or <em>vendor</em>) retains title to the sold property and the buyer (the <em>vendee</em>) is merely given possession. The vendee doesn\'t receive a deed to the property until the vendor has been paid in full. </p>\r\n<p>Land contracts are often used when the seller is financing a buyer who\'s making the purchase with a relatively small down payment. Since the seller retains the best possible security (title to the property), foreclosure is generally fairly quick and simple in the event of a default.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('53','20','<p>Are you hoping that you can get your dream home the soonest time possible? That&rsquo;s going to be no problem. All you need to do is to get yourself a home mortgage loan. Nevertheless, before you become too complacent about it and think that it&rsquo;s going to be paying your dues every month, you better know the things that can affect your payment. One of these is your home loan rate. </p>\r\n<p>It&rsquo;s important that you learn how to compare them because if you don&rsquo;t then you might end up with a rate that&rsquo;s very high for you when, in fact, there&rsquo;s one that is more affordable. Here are some tips on how to do that:</p>\r\n<p>1. Check daily quote for home loan rate. A home mortgage loan rate has the ability to change every quickly, depending on the economy of the country and other factors. As a matter of fact, they can go up or down many times in a given day. That&rsquo;s why when you compare interest rates, you must learn to look at a home loan rate quote before you decide to shop for your lender. This way, you have basis in judging whether their quote is too steep for or not for you. </p>\r\n<p>2. Know the difference between fixed-rate and adjustable-rate home loan rate. So you can better judge the rates for your home mortgage loan, you need to know first the different kinds of them. Usually, it can either be a fixed-rate or a variable interest rate. Both have their own pros and cons. The good thing about a fixed-rate interest rate is that it will never be affected with the movement of the economy. This way, you have clear idea on how much your interest payment will be. The problem is your interest rate cannot already be changed, and normally they are quite high. With the adjustable interest rate, you can take advantage of the very small interest rate at the first parts of your loan. As you know, if the interest rate is low, you can actually bring down your monthly expenses in relation to you loan. However, since it&rsquo;s subject to a variety of factors, there&rsquo;s huge possibility that it will increase dramatically in the next few years, also increasing the monthly payment of your loan. </p>\r\n<p>3. Make use of the home mortgage loan calculator. A loan calculator is an invaluable tool that you can use in determining how much you will likely pay in a month given the amount of your loan plus the suggested interest rate of the lender. Though this can only be estimates, it can still give you good information about your future home mortgage loan spending. If the home mortgage loan quote seems to be very high for you, then it&rsquo;s an indication that you have to search for much lower interest rates. </p>\r\n<p>It&rsquo;s always the goal of everyone availing of home loan to find an interest rate that&rsquo;s low. That&rsquo;s why if you want to increase your success rate in finding one, make sure that you have an excellent credit report. A bad credit will surely bring your interest charges up, regardless of the kind of interest rate you&rsquo;ve chosen.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('54','21','<p>When considering refinancing your mortgage, it literally <em>pays</em> to be smart. Clearly, the more information that you can gather concerning your options, the better position you’ll be in to make good financial decisions. Keep these points in mind when shopping for refinancing; they could very easily save you thousands. </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>Remember, the lowest interest rate offered is not necessarily the best deal. Many lenders will offer a very low rate to get you in the door, only to charge you several points on top of the loan. A <em>point</em> is a fee equal to one percent of the loan. A one-point fee on a $150,000 loan would be equal to $1,500; a two-point fee would be $3,000. </li>\r\n    <li>Remember, closing costs can vary with different lenders. Closing costs typically include things such as credit report fees, title company search and insurance fees, loan origination fees, appraisal fees and documentation fees among others. Lenders are bound by law to provide you with a <em>Good Faith Estimate</em> of closing costs within three days of taking your loan application. Your actual costs may vary slightly because the lender does not always know what the exact cost of a certain fee will be from a third-party provider. And different lenders themselves can charge different rates for their loan services. Also keep in mind that some lenders may advertise “no closing costs?on their refinance loans. The lender may pay the closing costs for you, and then recoup those fees (and then some) by charging you a higher interest rate on the loan. </li>\r\n    <li>Remember, there may be other fees involved when you refinance. For example, some lenders may require that you keep an amount equal to 12 months of property tax in escrow. Others may require six months worth of funds to be held; other lenders might not require any escrow money at all. While you’re at it, ask if your homeowners insurance will be paid by you directly or if the lender will require an escrow account for that as well. </li>\r\n    <li>Remember, an online bank might give you your best loan deal. Online banks may have lower overhead costs and more streamlined account and loan processes, and pass those savings on to their customers in the form of more attractive loan and earnings rates. Doing your research online can turn up some very competitive loan rates. But remember; check out any online bank that you are considering with the <strong>Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)</strong>. This is actually a good idea to do for all banks that you have any dealings with. </li>\r\n    <li>Remember, get everything in writing and pay attention to deadlines. For example, if you are quoted a specific interest rate, make sure that it’s given to you in writing. Be aware, however, that interest rates are only guaranteed, or <em>locked in</em>, for a short period of time, usually thirty days. If rates go up during that lock-in period you‘ll still keep your guaranteed rate. If rates go down during that time, most lenders will automatically give you the lower rate, although they are not legally obligated to do so.</li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('55','21','<p>With the emergence of different types of loans, as well as strategies in obtaining funds, there&rsquo;s no question that it becomes quite easier for people to purchase a new home or even lower down expenses associated with their home loans. One of the best methods so far is home refinancing. Though it doesn&rsquo;t really guarantee substantial reduction to your interest rate, it&rsquo;s still beneficial as it can still allow you to save your money and use it to pay other important bills or even speed up the payment of your mortgage. </p>\r\n<p>The Best Ways to Home Refinancing</p>\r\n<p>1. Check your credit report. Your credit report will speak so much of your ability to pay the new loan. Just think of it this way. You cannot expect your home loan lender to give you a better interest rate for your home refinance if you cannot even pay the expenses associated with your old loan in the first place. If your goal is to eventually lower down your interest rate, you can perhaps fix first your credit score. You can perhaps start paying slowly on your immediate dues such as your credit card or loan, just enough to let them know that you are a willing payer. </p>\r\n<p>2. Gather all your documents. You will surely quicken the processing of your home refinancing if you can already present all the necessary documents upon application. Normally, it involves your tax paper, credit report, and income statement, to name a few. You can also call your chosen mortgage refinance lender if there are additional requirements that you need to accomplish. </p>\r\n<p>3. Learn to scour for reduced interest rates in the market. Don&rsquo;t limit yourself to one interest rate alone. Even when you go online, you will realize that there are several companies that are offering fantastic and very low interest rates for your home refinancing. Nevertheless, you need to acquaint yourself on the different kinds of interest rates that you may encounter along the way. You can basically shift to adjustable mortgage rate, as it always pose lower interest rates than fixed interest rates, but the former has the tendency to increase over time, also increasing your monthly payment. That&rsquo;s why normally people go for home refinancing to change their adjustable-rate mortgage to one with a fixed interest rate. </p>\r\n<p>The Common Mistakes People Do</p>\r\n<p>1. Getting enamored by very low interest rates. Though interest rates will be one of the reasons why you will be enticed to apply for a refinance, you shouldn&rsquo;t also put aside other factors, such as the loan term. Usually, mortgage lenders can offer you reduced rates because they have already extended the term of your loan, even longer than your previous one. In the end, you&rsquo;re spending more on your new mortgage. </p>\r\n<p>2. Not checking the credentials of your refinance lender. Before you even commit yourself to any refinancing agreement, more so sign some contracts, make sure that you have confirmed the background of the company. There are already a number of scammers who are basically after your money.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('56','21','<p>When evaluating the <strong>mortgage refinance</strong> process and approval rate of people with bad credit, it becomes clear that one of the most important determining factors is where the borrowers apply for refinancing. For example, many applicants with bad credit who visit conventional banks or credit unions to apply for a mortgage refinance are systematically declined, especially now that the <strong>Federal Reserve</strong> has recently begun tightening the nation\'s credit belt. However, unbeknownst to some, those same people could immediately thereafter apply with a mortgage broker and be approved, with some even qualifying for fairly low interest rates. </p>\r\n<p>The reason for this apparent anomaly is that banks and credit unions generally have home loan- and mortgage refinance programs that employ very specific ?and stringent ?underwriting guidelines. If the borrower doesn\'t happen to match those guidelines or meet the institution\'s requirements because of bad credit, they won\'t qualify for the program being offered. Occasionally the conventional bank or credit union might approve a borrower with marginal credit, but such an individual will invariably pay a substantially higher interest rate for the loan, in addition to elevated closing costs. </p>\r\n<p>Needless to say, this often presents a stumbling block for many seeking new home loans or refinancing of their existing mortgage but also suffering from bad credit. Many people stop trying to get approved after being rejected by the first lender, interpreting the bank or credit union\'s unfavorable decision to mean that they simply do not qualify for a new mortgage or refinancing, period. The disqualification because of sub-par credit causes apprehension to try again, not to mention a distinct feeling of embarrassment. </p>\r\n<p>But, trying again is exactly the course of action that the bad-credit borrower should follow. Of course, this isn\'t to say that the person should apply all over town, hoping that someone will eventually say &quot;yes&quot;. Such action will generally only result in a good deal of wasted time. Instead, the borrower should attempt to simultaneously gain access to multiple loan- and refinance programs by applying with numerous lenders at once through the utilization of a single mortgage broker. Brokers can work with dozens of lenders that offer a variety of programs to meet the needs of borrowers with virtually any type of credit background. There are literally thousands of mortgage refinance programs available for people with good or bad credit, and these programs offer a wide variety of underwriting guidelines for almost any situation as well, including high debt-to-income ratios, low- or no equity, hard-to-document income (such as that of people who are self-employed or paid by commission), slow payment histories, and even recent <em>bankruptcy</em>. </p>\r\n<p>So for those with bad credit that want to refinance their mortgages, take heart. There are mortgage brokers out there who represent dozens of specialized lenders, and many of those lenders offer refinance programs with approval guidelines that can accommodate a person\'s unique financial situation ?including bad credit. If they cannot get a borrower approved, they\'ll generally offer advice on what can be done in the short- and mid-term to improve the individual\'s credit enough to qualify.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('57','21','<ul>\r\n    <li>When loan-shopping, check with your current lender first. If your payment record is good the lender may waive some fees in order to keep your business. </li>\r\n    <li>On the other hand, your current lender could try to fleece you. Most people continue to use their current lender because of convenience. There\'s also a comfort level due to having done business previously. And, sadly, they don\'t want to have to make very many decisions. Be assured that your lender is well aware of all of this, and may therefore only offer you just enough of a perceived benefit to keep you from looking elsewhere, deflecting your attention away from the fact that his or her offer really isn\'t very competitive. Your best bet is to start with your current lender, then shop the market, returning to your lender when you find a good deal to see whether it can be matched or beaten. </li>\r\n    <li>Comparison shopping is especially critical if you have bad credit. Almost all lenders today offer subprime programs of some type. Additionally, nearly all mortgage brokers work with subprime lenders, and some specialize in them. There\'s likely to be a lender out there that will make you a loan regardless of your credit circumstances; you just have to find the right one. </li>\r\n    <li>If you have to <em>refinance</em> at a certain time because your current mortgage has a large balloon payment or the interest rate is going to adjust upward, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time. More than a few people have taken bad refinance deals when the lender changed something at the last minute but they felt so pressed by the upcoming deadline that they felt unable to back out. </li>\r\n    <li>If your current loan has a <em>prepayment penalty</em>, see if you can get your lender to waive it. Some will do this on condition that you stay in-house and refinance with them. If your lender won\'t play ball, you may have to wait the out the prepayment term. But let the lender know that you will assuredly take your business to someone else for this type of treatment. </li>\r\n    <li>Additionally, don\'t take a new loan that has a prepayment penalty. There are scores of lenders and loans in the marketplace that won\'t burden you with it; you needn\'t accept one. </li>\r\n    <li>Don\'t fall for the hype of a &quot;no closing cost&quot; refinance. If a lender pushes this at you, just be aware that the fees have been added into the cost of the loan. There\'s no free lunch. </li>\r\n    <li>When shopping for a <em>home equity loan (HEL)</em>, be sure to thoroughly check for any default penalties. These clauses, like those now included with <em>credit cards</em>, can jack up your interest rate if you miss or are even late with a payment. If you see this penalty, keep shopping. </li>\r\n    <li>If you\'re refinancing and you\'re not sure about the stability of interest rates, consider a <em>rate-lock</em>. Many lenders today normally include 30- to 45-day locks with their quotes. For home equity loans this should be adequate, because they generally don\'t take as long to close. Refinances, however, have been known to take longer, and you don\'t want to defeat the purpose of the transaction by having to pay a higher rate. </li>\r\n    <li>Finally, try to keep a cushion of at least 20% equity in your home. If your combined loan-to-value ratio dips into this amount you could end up paying higher interest rates on the HEL.</li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('58','21','<p>Deciding when or if to <strong>refinance</strong> your home depends primarily on your own unique financial situation. There really is no clear-cut rule for when or when not to do it. There are times when it makes economic sense to refinance. In order to ascertain what&rsquo;s best for you, it&rsquo;s important that you take stock of your own financial circumstances in relation to your financial objectives and goals. </p>\r\n<p>One major consideration that you must be aware of is the length of time that you anticipate living in the home. Another factor to take into account is the direction that market rates are moving, both currently and in the near to intermediate future. Any decisions that you make concerning refinancing should rest largely upon careful deliberation of these and other issues. </p>\r\n<p>One of the main reasons that people refinance their homes is to <em>consolidate their high-interest credit card debt</em>. Converting this taxable debt to tax-exempt mortgage debt can literally save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. And mortgage interest rates are generally significantly lower than credit card and installment loan debt, so refinancing to pay off those high interest-rate loans only adds to your savings. </p>\r\n<p><em>Lowering your monthly payments</em> is another very popular reason for refinancing. For instance, an interest rate drop of only one-half to three-quarters of one percent can lower your monthly payment. However, the cost of obtaining the refinancing may nullify any savings that you could realize. This is when you need to be aware of how long you will continue living in the home. Since most families generally change dwellings every six- to nine years, the length of time you stay in the home after the refinance will determine if you&rsquo;ll be able to recoup the costs of getting the new loan. </p>\r\n<p>Changing the term of your mortgage can also lower your payment. Even with the same interest rate, going from a 15-year to a 30-year mortgage will significantly lower your monthly payments. However, the total amount that you&rsquo;ll pay in additional interest over the life of the loan will be dramatically greater. But again, taking into consideration the length of time you&rsquo;ll live in the house after refinancing, the lower payments may be worth your while. </p>\r\n<p>Since the summer of 2004, the <strong>Federal Reserve</strong> has raised interest rates several times and most experts foresee that trend to continue. If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), your interest rate may eventually adjust to a rate that&rsquo;s higher than a fixed-rate mortgage. It may therefore be prudent to consider refinancing to a fixed-rate before that happens. Again, you&rsquo;ll need to take into account the amount of time you&rsquo;ll remain in the home. If you plan on moving within a few years, for example, it may not be cost-effective to refinance. </p>\r\n<p>You can gain access to the equity in your home by opting for <em>cash-out refinancing</em>. The money can be used for higher education costs, home renovations, or any other financial needs that you may have. </p>\r\n<p>In order to make the best decision for yourself and your family, it&rsquo;s crucial to be aware of your financial situation as well as your short- and long-term financial goals. To get an idea of the potential financial impact of any refinancing, be sure to use our wide array of Mortgage Calculators. They&rsquo;ll help to give you a clearer picture of the monetary implications of your decision before you commit to it. After all, the best decisions are based upon the most thorough information.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('59','21','<p>Your lawyer might have mentioned a home loan mortgage refinance in connection with raising money. Finding a loan is not easy if your home is already mortgaged and you have no other collateral. This is where you should consider the option of a second mortgage.</p>\r\n<p>Some people may need money not for expenses such as college tuition or home renovation, but for repaying other debts such as credit card bills. Chances are that they are already behind schedule in clearing those debts. It has showed up on their credit record, and lenders are probably wary of dealing with them.</p>\r\n<p>A Second Mortgage For Debt Repayment</p>\r\n<p>You can still get a loan, no matter what your credit history, or present debt situation. A home loan mortgage refinance allows you to restructure your old mortgage. A second mortgage refinance works best if you can ensure you can make much savings through it. A well-structured plan for a second loan will make sure that you do not fall deeper into a debt sinkhole.</p>\r\n<p>Finding A Lender</p>\r\n<p>How do you look for a lender to get you started on the debt relief process? First, you need to go online and type in the relevant keywords on your favorite search engine. Next, you will find names of many loan companies. Go to their websites and find out if they deal in home loan mortgage refinance. You can fill an online form and the lender will get in touch with you.</p>\r\n<p>Always compare quotes by different lenders. This will help you choose the plan that is the best for you. Never go for the first loan plan that comes your way. A little patient searching has its rewards in the form of flexible payment scheme and low interest rates.</p>\r\n<p>Lowering Interest Rates</p>\r\n<p>How about lowering your interest rates through a second loan on your property? You can shop around for the lowest interest rates. Of course, you get low interest rates automatically if your credit record is sound. In many cases, your credit record may be poor, but do not lose heart. If you look through many plans, you can find one that is ideal for you. A broker may be of great help here - he can help to match a lender to your needs.</p>\r\n<p>To sum it up, a home loan mortgage refinance is a good option whether you want a second mortgage on your home, or have outstanding bills to clear.<br /></p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('60','21','<p>You may be tied to a house payment for the next few decades, but you don’t have to stick with the same mortgage or mortgage payment forever. Your mortgage can change as your needs do. Here are some reasons you might want to consider for refinancing your mortgage. </p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p><strong>You need a large influx of cash immediately.</strong> There may be a significant household expense looming ?perhaps remodeling your kitchen or replacing the roof. College tuition might be due very soon. Or maybe you’re interested in buying a second property. Assuming that you have enough equity built up in your home, <em>cash-out refinancing</em> can be a viable solution. </p>\r\n<p><strong>You could use a little more cash in your account each month.</strong> Your monthly cash flow is a little anemic, and you\'d like to give your finances more of a &quot;cushion.&quot; By refinancing your home loan to a lower interest rate you could significantly reduce your monthly mortgage payment. Reducing your interest rate by even one-half of a percent could make an appreciable difference. However, because the fees associated with refinancing can reach into the thousands, it’s important to thoroughly run the numbers and make sure you’ll be in your home long enough to recoup the costs of such a transaction. For instance, if your total closing costs for the refinance come to $2,000 and your monthly payment is lowered by $80, it\'ll take 25 months for you to recoup the initial outlay and break even financially. Do you plan to continue to live in the house at least that long? Our <em>Should I Refinance?</em> Calculator can help you decipher the numbers. </p>\r\n<p><strong>You’d like to get rid of your credit card debt.</strong> Another great use for cash-out refinancing is debt consolidation. You can use the funds from a cash-out refinance to pay off <em>high-interest credit cards</em>, essentially transferring the debt into your home financing. And because mortgage rates are generally lower than credit cards (and <em>always</em> lower than high-interest cards), not only will your total monthly debt payment likely be lower, but as an added bonus the interest you pay may also be tax deductible. As always, check with your tax advisor to be sure. </p>\r\n<p><strong>You have an adjustable-rate mortgage, and your monthly payments are rising.</strong> You\'re not alone. If you have an <em>ARM</em>, it\'s likely that you’ve seen your payments increasing recently as interest rates have risen. If this is the case, you may want to refinance into a fixed-rate mortgage to stabilize your monthly payment ?and possibly also your nerves. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Your credit score has risen.</strong> You’ve employed discipline and persistence, and repaired your credit file. Now you can take advantage of that <em>higher score</em> by qualifying for a lower interest rate mortgage and, therefore, a significantly lower monthly payment. </p>\r\n<p><strong>You\'d like to pay off your home sooner.</strong> Perhaps you received a raise or bonus at work, or paid off your car. If you\'re planning to own your home into retirement, refinancing your mortgage from a 30-year term down to 20 or even 15 years might be a sound financial move. Your payments will rise, but you use the extra money to cover the difference. And by paying off your home sooner, the interest savings over the life of the loan will be tremendous, not to mention the fact that you\'ll own your house free-and-clear <em>that much sooner</em>.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('61','21','<p>Although rising, interest rates are still at their lowest levels in decades. Many homeowners continue to contemplate the advantages of refinancing their mortgages. However, potential borrowers must remain aware that, if done incorrectly, refinancing could actually end up costing a substantial amount of money when the idea was to save. To help prevent this risk from materializing, here are some common refinancing mistakes that you should clearly avoid: </p>\r\n<p><em>Failing to choose the best refinance program.</em> There are scores of refinance loans available. The loan that\'s best for you will depend upon your unique circumstances. For example, in some cases a 15-year term may be better than a 30-year term and vice-versa. Be sure to use our <em>Should I Refinance?</em> Calculator to help you decide which loan is right for your situation. </p>\r\n<p><em>Not performing a \'break-even\' analysis.</em> Remember, a refinance is a new 30-year (or whatever the agreed-upon term) loan. In order for refinancing to make sense financially, you need to know how long it will take until you begin to realize any \'net\' savings. A break-even analysis will give you this information. It\'s achieved by means of the following simple calculation: divide the total price of the new loan (all costs associated with the refinance) by the monthly savings (of the new payment in regard to the old payment). This will give you the number of months that you\'ll need to stay in the property in order to break even on your refinancing costs. For example, if your total refinance costs were $2,000 and your new monthly payment is $80 less than your old one, then you\'ll have to continue to reside in the property for another 25 months in order to break even on the costs. Therefore, if you plan to move in, say, two years, refinancing might not be your best financial choice. But if you\'re going to continue to live in the property for three years or longer, then refinancing would make sense. </p>\r\n<p><em>Paying too much for Mortgage Insurance.</em> <em>Private mortgage insurance</em>, or <em>PMI</em>, is protection for the lender should you default on your mortgage, and it can be an expensive addition to your monthly loan payment. But PMI isn\'t required if you have at least a 20% equity stake in your home. If you refinance at less than 80% of your home\'s value, you shouldn\'t be paying for PMI. If at all possible, cap your refinance amount below that amount. </p>\r\n<p><em>Fixed-rate versus ARM.</em> Refinancing is often viewed only in terms of a new fixed-rate loan. But in some cases an <em>adjustable-rate mortgage</em> can actually save you money ?even if interest rates rise. Again, it depends on your particular situation, the rate that you qualify for, how long you\'re going to remain in the house after the transaction, etc. </p>\r\n<p><em>Not shopping around for other refinance lenders.</em> For the sake of convenience, many people simply refinance with their current lender. This can often be a mistake because the current lender may not have the best rates. Your current lender also may not be able to offer you alternative refinancing programs that are be available. Furthermore, your lender may count on you not taking the time to shop around, and therefore offer you whatever program they want to sell at the rate they want you to pay. So do yourself a favor by shopping around. If your current lender indeed offers you the best deal, then by all means, take it.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('62','21','<p>Mortgage loan refinance involves taking a second mortgage on your property. This method has become very popular of late owing to the spiraling cost of living, high interest rates and bad debt situation. This is one of the ways of avoiding financial disaster. A mortgage loan refinance helps even those with a bad credit history.</p>\r\n<p>How Does It Work?</p>\r\n<p>This is how it works: the holder of the first mortgage applies for another credit line. This credit helps repay the first loan as well as other debts. The payment plan for the second mortgage is flexible, ensuring that the property owner does not sink deeper into the debt cesspool.</p>\r\n<p>The next question is: Is it a good option for you? Think of your financial condition right now. You can consolidate outstanding debts into one single amount. If you approach the right lending agency, they may help you plan the consolidation in a way that you find it easier to make a single payment through check each month.</p>\r\n<p>Interest Rates</p>\r\n<p>How about interest rates? While common belief goes that interest rates are higher for a mortgage loan refinance, this is not always the case. The lenders want to recover the money from you. They do not want to get into lengthy legal battles or seize your property. With a little restructuring of the debt, if you are able to repay what you borrowed, they would do all possible for you to repay the amount.</p>\r\n<p>Fees</p>\r\n<p>Apart from interest rates, you need to keep an eye on other expenses. What about the lender\'s fees? What about various payments those need to be made from time to time? If the interest rate is low, you should be able to handle these additional expenses.</p>\r\n<p>Choosing A Lender</p>\r\n<p>Selecting a lender for a mortgage loan refinance is not the painstaking, difficult task it used to be. Most of the larger and well established agencies are online, so you can simply visit their website and check out their loan packages. You can fill a form online, include your queries, and they will get back to you with their response. One very efficient way to ensure that you get a good deal is to ask for quotes from as many lenders as you can. This gives you room to negotiate with lenders.</p>\r\n<p>Getting a mortgage loan refinance is much easier than it used to be five years back; and it is one of the easiest ways of solving a financial problem.</p>\r\n<p>A mortgage loan refinance option is ideal for people with multiple debts. It helps to structure your repayment plans better. Mortgage refinance rates are competitive. A home loan mortgage refinance helps even those with a bad credit history.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('63','21','<p>Borrowers who are looking to refinance face the dilemma of deciding where to take their business: do they stick with their existing lender, go elsewhere, or do they do both? Let\'s examine the advantages and disadvantages of using your current lender. </p>\r\n<p>First the advantages: The main reason that people use their current lender is likely a matter of convenience. They don\'t have to deal with shopping around and making decisions. The lender has immediate access to their file and payment history, whereas new lenders would have to investigate and gather this information. There\'s a certain comfort level from already having done business with this person and company, and perhaps even a perception that this should afford them some kind of special treatment. </p>\r\n<p>All of these things are true ?to some degree. The current lender may be in a position to offer lower loan settlement costs than a new lender. The greatest potential for lower refinance costs arises in instances where the current lender originated and still owns the loan (in other words, the loan hasn\'t been sold to a third party). If the borrower\'s payment record has been good, the lender may forgo a credit report, property appraisal, title search, and other risk-control documents which are otherwise mandatory on new loans. Of course, this is strictly up to the lender. </p>\r\n<p>On the other hand, if the current lender originated the loan but later sold it and is now only servicing the loan for the new owner, the potential for lower refinancing costs is less. A lender that\'s providing servicing for the loan\'s owner must follow the guidelines set down by the owner. For instance, if the loan was sold into the <em>secondary market</em>, then the guidelines that must be adhered to are theirs. While there may be provisions for some streamlined refinancing with less documentation, the discretion that\'s granted to the lender is extremely limited, as well as the potential for any significant cost savings. </p>\r\n<p>Now some disadvantages: Perhaps the strongest argument against refinancing with the current lender is that he or she may not offer borrowers the market price. Because of the convenience factor, most people will simply opt to refinance with their current lender; and make no mistake, the lender knows this. Any settlement cost benefits that the current lender offers may only serve to draw the borrower\'s attention away from the fact that the loan\'s rate and points aren\'t very competitive. </p>\r\n<p>Such above-market offers are especially likely if lenders take the initiative by soliciting their own customers. Those who do may base their loan offer on the borrower\'s existing rate. For example, if the market rate is 6%, the borrower with an 8% mortgage could be offered a 7% deal, which might very well be accepted. The lender\'s intent is to provide a savings over the existing loan that\'s attractive enough to discourage the borrower from looking elsewhere. At the same time, the lender gives up as little as possible. </p>\r\n<p>Another problem facing borrowers who are dealing with their current lenders is that they may not get the best service available because the lender has no real interest in completing the transaction. Consider this question and you\'ll understand the reason: Why should the lender rush to convert an 8% loan to a 6¼% one? </p>\r\n<p>Generally speaking, the best strategy for the borrower is to first check the settlement cost savings that the current lender can offer, and then shop the market by getting quotes from several other lenders. After getting the best price available, the borrower can then return to the existing lender to try to get a comparable deal.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('64','21','<center><strong>Is the Refinance Boom Over? </strong></center>\r\n<p>This year, an estimated 1- to 1&frac12; trillion dollars of <em>adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs)</em> are scheduled to adjust -- upward. Many of these mortgages have been made to subprime borrowers, those who because of credit issues couldn\'t qualify for the best rates that lenders offered. An abundance of the ARMs are of the 2/28 variety; these mortgages offer interest rates which are 2- to 2 &frac12;% above market rates for the first two years of the loan. This allows the <em>credit-challenged borrower</em> an opportunity to qualify for the loan at a more affordable payment. At the beginning of the third year of the loan, the interest rate adjusts and remains at the new rate for the remaining 28 years. Unfortunately, this new rate could be (and with the current steady rise in interest rates, very likely will be) substantially higher than prevailing market rates. This could serve to make monthly payments somewhat prohibitive, to say the least. These circumstances would seem to be poised to fuel the continuation of <em>refinancing</em> in this country, and most notably in California, where salaries have not kept up with rising home prices and borrowers are more leveraged on their mortgages than at any time in history. </p>\r\n<p>One of the main advantages of the 2/28 ARM is that it permits the homeowner to develop a track record of positive mortgage payments, thus boosting his or her credit rating with the hope of refinancing to a lower fixed-rate mortgage before the ARM\'s interest rate adjusts. The prudent borrower will have used that time wisely to attempt to qualify for the lowest interest rate available. Although some still may not be able to qualify for a prime-rate mortgage, they should be able to obtain a much more advantageous fixed rate than the possibly nightmarish adjusted rate which looms on the near horizon. </p>\r\n<p>Viewed from a somewhat different outlook, many homeowners will simply have no choice but to refinance out of their ARMs. Many borrowers that took advantage of initially-low-interest rate adjustable mortgages to hold down their payments during the early period of the loan are facing rate resets which could cause monthly payments to inflate by as much as ten- to fifty percent or more. Once these loans adjust, it\'s quite possible &ndash; and even likely &ndash; that many of them will no longer be affordable for the homeowners. For example, a $1 million mortgage (which is fairly common in California) taken out two years ago that began with payments of $2,500 could skyrocket to nearly $7,000 per month. </p>\r\n<p>One solution, though extremely risky, that some of the state\'s homeowners are seeking is through the use of <em>negative amortization loans</em>. This form of financing allows borrowers to minimize their monthly payments while escaping the crushing burden of thousands of additional dollars that would be due from an ARM reset. However, this alternative is only a temporary answer at best, because the period that the loan will be allowed to negatively amortize is limited by the lender. Eventually, larger payments &ndash; much larger ones &ndash; will have to be made. </p>\r\n<p>With California <em>foreclosures</em> up 160 percent since 2005, along with the sheer volume of ARMs due to adjust this year alone, the demand and need to refinance them will be extraordinary. Indeed, for the foreseeable future at least, refinancing will still be among us.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('65','21','<p>Do you know that refinancing your mortgage can save a considerable amount of money on your mortgage rates? Refinancing your mortgage helps you to enjoy the benefit of lower interest rates and reduce your monthly mortgage repayment amount. If you are planning to refinance your mortgage then you need to consider several things to pick up the best deal available in the financial market. </p>\r\n<p>Before selecting someone to refinance your mortgage you need to check the details of your present mortgage. That is how many years are remaining for your loan period and which type of interest rate you are currently paying for your mortgage.</p>\r\n<p>These days there are several money lenders who offer mortgage refinancing services. But you need to be very careful while selecting a mortgage lender. Before selecting any money lender you need to talk with various lenders and know the various refinancing schemes they offer. This helps you to get a clear idea of how much monthly repayment amount you need to pay after you refinance your mortgage. Check whether the mortgage lender has calculated your monthly repayment amount from the principal left on your mortgage. Remember to compare your present interest rate and the previous interest rate and make sure that your new interest rate is lower than the original one. </p>\r\n<p>Some people refinance their mortgage to get some additional money for home improvement or other expenses while some others refinance their mortgage to save money on their present mortgage. Whatever the reason for your refinancing plan let your money lender know that. Most mortgage lenders offer refinancing for 10 to 40 years. It is better from your part to suggest to your mortgage lender a refinancing period after calculating the monthly repayment amount. Similar to other loans, you can select fixed rate mortgages and adjustable rate mortgages. Most people tend to use fixed rate interests for their mortgages. The main advantage of using fixed rate interest rates is that it is less risky compared to the adjustable rate mortgages. This is because the interest rate of adjustable rate mortgages always tends to change - that is you cannot predict how much interest you need to pay in the next month. </p>\r\n<p>Nowadays there are many mortgage lenders who offer their services through internet. This is an easy way to find a perfect mortgage lender. Online refinancing helps you to find a mortgage lender with the convenience of your home or office. Just do a search in the internet search engines to find a perfect money lender who can offer you services which best suit your needs.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('66','22','<p>Getting VA refinancing in Arlington has become extremely easy in the last few years. VA loans or veteran loans have made housing an affordable option to millions or veterans in the country.</p>\r\n<p>The loans are offered to veterans without any kind of down payment and the interest rates are also far more favorable than the normal ones.</p>\r\n<p>The best part is that if you have applied for a normal mortgage loan earlier, then you will find applying for VA loans a cinch. There is hardly any difference between the application processes.</p>\r\n<p>Most lenders are now approved for automatic processing which allows them to process and close a loan without waiting for an approval of the VA\'s credit application.</p>\r\n<p>So what is the VA refinancing loan used for?</p>\r\n<p>Just about anything</p>\r\n<p>From home improvement, paying off medical bills to going off for a luxury holiday, the VA refinancing loan in Arlington can be used for just about anything. </p>\r\n<p>There are different types of VA refinance loans which include a VA streamline refinance, cash out refinance and non cash out refinance. </p>\r\n<p>If you want to reduce the current interest rates then a VA streamline refinance loan is your best bet.</p>\r\n<p>On the other hand, if you have built up sufficient equity in your home and wish to cash out a part of it, then you can use the cash out refinance loan and use the money. </p>\r\n<p>You can cash out up to 90% of the value of the home. The only criterion is that you must have sufficient equity to qualify for the loan. </p>\r\n<p>Also it is important for you to know that the VA does not give unwanted weightage to the credit score. </p>\r\n<p>A clear credit history for 12 months is sufficient for the application. </p>\r\n<p>However, the VA loan can only be used for personal use. For example, you cannot use your grandfathers VA eligibility to procure a loan for yourself.<br /></p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('67','22','<p>A VA loan is a special type of home loan that is made available to veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The VA does not loan money. Rather, a portion of the loan is guaranteed by the Veteran\'s Administration. This means that the lenders are protected in case the borrower defaults. Originally established in the year 1944, the VA home loan program allows qualified veterans to obtain home financing without having to pay a down payment.</p>\r\n<p>The amount of the loan that is guaranteed by the Veterans Administration is known as the entitlement. The maximum entitlement for loans is $36,000. The amount of entitlement determines the maximum amount of the loan you can obtain. As an example, with $36,000 entitlement, the maximum loan amount would be $417,000. This figure will be determined by the bank or mortgage company that is assisting you with obtaining your VA home loan.</p>\r\n<p>Who Qualifies for VA Mortgage Loans?</p>\r\n<p>The list below provides a quick reference to some of the criteria for eligibility. This list is not exhaustive. Only the VA can authoritatively determine a Veteran\'s eligibility for home loan benefits<br /><br />If you served during WWII between 9/16/40 ---7/25/47 you are required to have had 90 DAYS of service.</p>\r\n<p>If you served POST WWII between 7/26/47 ---6/26/50 you are required to have had 181 DAYS of service.</p>\r\n<p>If you served during KOREAN between 6/27/50 ---1/31/55 you are required to have had 90 DAYS of service.</p>\r\n<p>If you served POST KOREAN between 2/01/55 ---8/04/64 you are required to have had 181 DAYS of service.</p>\r\n<p>If you served during VIETNAM between 8/05/64 ---5/07/75 you are required to have had 90 DAYS of service. (Note: The Vietnam Era began 2/28/61 for those individuals who served in the republic of Vietnam)</p>\r\n<p>If you served POST VIETNAM between 5/08/75 ---9/07/80 you are required to have had181 DAYS if Enlisted.</p>\r\n<p>If you served POST VIETNAM between 5/08/75 ---9/07/80 you are required to have had 181 DAYS if an Officer.</p>\r\n<p>If you served POST VIETNAM between 9/08/80 ---8/01/90 you are required to have had 2 YEARS PEACETIME OR 90 DAY WARTIMEIf you served during PERSIAN GULF between 8/02/90 --- PRESENT you are required to have had 90 DAYS DEPLOYED TO WAR ZONE or 2 YEARS</p>\r\n<p>If you are a veteran who served in the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars, check with the Veterans Administration to find out the eligibility guidelines for veterans involved in current service. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p><br />Do Members of the Reserves and National Guard Qualify?</p>\r\n<p>If a member of the reserves or the National Guard has served at least six years or been deployed to a war zone for 90 days, he or she may be eligible for a VA home loan.</p>\r\n<p>For information on VA home loan eligibility please see the article VA Eligibility: Determine If You Qualify If you would like more information on VA Loans in general please visit directvaloans.com where you will find information on VA home loans and VA home loan refinance programs.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('68','22','Part 1: Overview <center></center>\r\n<p>The United States provides numerous benefits to those individuals who enter into service on behalf of the government. One of the major benefits afforded is home loans sponsored by the <strong>Veterans Administration (VA)</strong>. The organization within the VA that administers the home loan program is the known as the <em>VA Loan Guaranty Service</em>. </p>\r\n<p>The <em>VA Home Loan Guaranty Program</em> was conceived as a part of the <em>Servicemen Readjustment Act of 1944</em>. According to the VA, the mission of the program is to “help veterans and active-duty personnel to purchase and retain homes in recognition of their service to the Nation? National Guard and Military Reserve personnel are also included in the program. </p>\r\n<p>Eligibility for the Home Loan Guarantee program is determined by the VA. All applicants must complete <em>VA Form 26-1880 Request for a Certificate of Eligibility for VA Home Loan Benefits</em>, which can be obtained from the Veterans Administration website. It is estimated that more than 29 million veterans and current service members are eligible for VA home loans. </p>\r\n<p>The Veterans Administration does not actually make loans to its applicants. Rather, it guarantees those loans so that lenders are protected against loss should the borrower default. This security encourages those lenders to offer more affordable rates to VA borrowers. The amount of guaranty on a loan depends on the amount of the loan and whether the borrower has previously used some of his or her entitlement. </p>\r\n<p>There are many advantages in obtaining a VA-backed home loan. For one, the veteran entitlement is reusable. Entitlement can be “restored?if a previous property that was purchased with VA funds is sold and the loan paid in full, or if another qualified veteran buys the property and assumes the loan, thereby substituting his or her entitlement for the full entitlement originally used by the first borrower. Also, loan maximums may be up to 100 percent of the VA-established reasonable value of the property. In other words, loans can many times be obtained with no down payment needed from the veteran. </p>\r\n<p>Other advantages of VA loans include no required <em>Mortgage Insurance Premium</em> payment and federal limitations on the amount of closing costs that can be charged. Lenders may also be somewhat flexible with interest rates due to the security of a government-backed loan. VA loans generally have a thirty-year term with a choice of repayment options: a traditional fixed-payment plan; a <em>Graduated Payment Mortgage (GPM)</em> in which the low initial payments gradually rise to a level payment in the sixth year of the mortgage; and, in some areas, a <em>Graduated Equity Mortgage (GEM)</em> which gradually increases payments while applying all of the increase to the principal, resulting in an early-payoff of the loan and significant savings of interest charges. </p>\r\n<p>Additionally, VA home loans are assumable with the lender’s approval of the buyer’s qualifications and credit. This can be very helpful when selling a home. VA borrowers also have the right to repay the loan at any time without penalty. What more, the Veterans Administration performs loan servicing and counseling to help veterans who may be in financial trouble to keep their homes. </p>\r\n<p>In Part 2 of this series, we\'ll look more closely at the eligibility requirements needed to apply for a VA loan.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('69','22','<p>It is estimated that twenty-nine million men and women qualify for Department of Veterans Affairs home loans, also called VA loans. VA loans are a popular way for a veteran borrower to obtain financing for the purchase of a home. VA home loans are available to veterans, reservists, active service members, and members of the Public Health Service. In a recent year, the government guaranteed more than $63 billion dollars in VA loans. Advantages of obtaining VA mortgage loans: </p>\r\n<p>VA loans do not require a down payment and are available from many lending institutions. <br />VA does not require private mortgage insurance. This benefit alone can save a veteran thousands of dollars over the course of several years. <br />VA loans limit the amount of origination fees and closing costs that the lenders can charge. <br />A limit is also placed on appraisal fees.</p>\r\n<p>VA home loans are available to veterans, reservists, active service members, and members of the Public Health Service. In 1982, Congress passed a law that requires a veteran borrower to pay a one-time funding fee on a VA home loan. The funding fee can be included in the amount of the loan. Veterans who obtain VA mortgage loans are very often first-time homebuyers. VA home loan refinance can assist a veteran to lower his home payment or to take cash out for home repairs or upgrades to the home.</p>\r\n<p>VA loans are available to former or active members of the United States Armed Forces who meet the specific requirements for the length and time of service. There are also specific criteria for discharge conditions. For example, Reservists and members of the National Guard may be eligible if they served at least six years and had an honorable discharge.</p>\r\n<p>If a veteran is discharged due to a service-related injury or disability, then they are potentially eligible. This is true for some members of the Public Health Service. United States citizens, who served in the Armed Forces of a country that was allied with the United States during World War II, may also qualify for a VA home loan.</p>\r\n<p>A VA loan is a terrific option for a veteran home buyer. With a VA loan, less than great credit is not always a problem. If a veteran claimed bankruptcy in the past, but the bankruptcy has been discharged for two years, he or she may be eligible for a VA loan.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('70','22','<p>VA home loans are a unique way of extending support to the US war veterans, who committed their lives in safeguarding the interests of the country. Therefore, understanding these loans is beneficial.</p>\r\n<p>Objective:</p>\r\n<p>VA housing loan program provides financial assistance to veterans so that they can purchase home at a favorable rate of interest and convenient loan terms.</p>\r\n<p>Eligibility:</p>\r\n<p>Armed personnel, who served the country\'s cause during World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War and Afghanistan War, are eligible. Also personnel who have done peacetime service for 181 continuous days are eligible. Even members with 6 years of service in the Reserves or National Guards can apply. Spouses of war personnel, who lost their lives during wartime and those captured as Prisoners of War, are also eligible for this benefit.</p>\r\n<p>Arranging a Veteran\'s Guaranteed Loan:</p>\r\n<p>The foremost step is to locate a suitable property in a safe locality. Next, the veteran has to go to a lender and apply for a home loan. VA guaranteed loans are provided by private lenders that include banks, mortgage companies and savings and loan associations. While submitting the loan application, the veteran also needs to present papers of discharge from the service and a Certificate of Eligibility. The property is then appraised and the reasonable value of the property is determined. Depending on this, the loan application is approved and the loan amount is provided to the veteran.</p>\r\n<p>Role of VA:</p>\r\n<p>Loans provided by the VA are fixed-interest mortgage loan that do not require any down payment. These loans are provided to all eligible veterans, regardless of their age, color, race, sex, religion, familial status, nationality or handicap. No prepayment penalties and long amortization terms are another advantage of these loans. Houses provided under VA housing loan programs are duly inspected at the time of construction and require a warranty from the builder.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('71','22','<p>Buying a home with a VA guaranteed loan grants veterans and service persons better terms than that of a conventional mortgage loan. VA loans are handled through private mortgage lenders, so there is limited bureaucratic red tape.</p>\r\n<p>Understanding VA Loans</p>\r\n<p>VA mortgage loans are guaranteed by the government, but the actual home loan is handled by a mortgage lender. In effect the government is like your co-signer. However, you still need to qualify for the mortgage loan by having a good credit record and enough income to cover the cost of a home, which includes mortgage payments, insurance, and taxes.</p>\r\n<p>As long as the loan is equal to or less than the value of the property, no down payment is required. The government guarantees $36,000 to mortgage lenders, which is like a down payment in the finance company&rsquo;s eyes. As a result, you don&rsquo;t have to pay mortgage insurance premiums.</p>\r\n<p>Other benefits of a VA loan include no prepayment fees, negotiable interest rate, and a warranty from the builder for homes inspected by the VA during construction. The VA will also assist borrowers with financial difficulties before they have to default on their loan.</p>\r\n<p>Obtaining A VA Loan </p>\r\n<p>Obtaining a VA loan is very similar process for a conventional mortgage. To begin, start home shopping. Once you are ready to buy a home, sign a purchase contract on the condition of approval of a VA guaranteed loan.</p>\r\n<p>The next step is to apply for a loan with a private lender and submit a certificate of eligibility from the VA or discharge papers. The lender will process your loan application and contact the VA to appraise the value.</p>\r\n<p>The loan will be approved based on the property&rsquo;s value and your credit report. The final step is to discuss the terms, pay for any closing costs, and sign the final paperwork.</p>\r\n<p>Finding VA Loan Lenders</p>\r\n<p>VA loan lenders can be found virtually everywhere you would look for a traditional finance company. Online lenders allow you to easily compare rates, since the government doesn&rsquo;t dictate lending rates. You will also want to find a user friendly process. Online lenders enable you to complete forms in your home through their websites, with final paperwork signed with a notary.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('72','22','Part 3: Qualifying for the Loan <center></center>\r\n<p>In Part 2, <em>Determining Eligibility</em>, we discussed who might be eligible to apply for a VA loan and the requirements that must be met for eligibility to be granted. We shall now set our attention upon the actual VA loan qualification process. </p>\r\n<p>In order to qualify for a VA loan, the borrower must be a veteran who meets the eligibility requirements. The veteran must also have available home loan entitlement, which would be listed on his or her <em>Certificate of Eligibility</em>. The loan must be used for an eligible purpose, i.e. to purchase or build a home, to purchase a condominium or townhouse, to repair or improve a home, to purchase and simultaneously repair a home, or to refinance an existing home or existing VA loan to obtain a lower interest rate. In addition, the borrower must intend to occupy the property within a reasonable amount of time after closing the loan. A good credit record and sufficient income to make the loan payments and meet all other financial obligations are also required. </p>\r\n<p>The veteran can obtain his or her own <em>Certificate of Eligibility</em> from the VA website. Banks and mortgage companies can also order the document for the veteran. It is recommended that the veteran obtain the Certificate of Eligibility as early in the house-hunting process as possible, if not before, because this document lists the veteran’s home loan entitlement, which determines the maximum 100% (or, no down payment) loan that can be obtained. This will give an idea of the price range of the property that the veteran can obtain using only VA funds. </p>\r\n<p>The Veterans Administration will guarantee up to 50% of home loans up to $45,000. For loans between $45,000 up to $144,000, the minimum VA guaranty is $22,500 up to a maximum guaranty of 40% of the loan or $36,000, depending on the veteran available home loan entitlement. For loans in excess of $144,000 the maximum guaranty is 25% of the loan up to a limit of $89,912 (for certain loans). This creates a de facto maximum limit on VA loans of $359,650 (maximum home loan entitlement of $89,912 x 4). Although the VA does not mandate this limit, lending institutions will generally not loan more than that $359,650 on VA loans. This is because the vast majority of VA loans are sold in the secondary market, which will not buy VA loans greater than that amount. </p>\r\n<p>Because the VA only guarantees the loan, the borrower must apply at a traditional lending institution, which could be a bank, savings and loan, or mortgage company. Therefore, the application process for obtaining a VA loan is virtually the same as that of any other conventional mortgage loan. Generally, the first step in obtaining a VA loan is requesting an appraisal of the property. This is because the <em>Certificate of Reasonable Value (CRV)</em>, which the VA uses to establish the value of the property and maximum size of the loan, is based on the appraiser estimate. The borrower will then need to provide income and credit obligation documents to the lender, along with proof of VA eligibility in the form of his or her Certificate of Eligibility, appropriate discharge or unit of assignment paperwork. The lender will then check the borrower credit record and underwrite the loan. If the borrower is approved and the appraised value of the property is enough to cover the loan needed, the lender can usually close the loan under the VA automatic procedure. Only about ten percent of loan applications have to be sent to a VA office for approval before closing. </p>\r\n<p>A basic funding fee of 2.0% of the value of the loan must be paid to the VA by all but certain exempt veterans. Reserve and Guard members must pay 2.75%. The fee can be reduced by increasing the down payment from 0 to 5- or 10%. Veterans using their entitlement for the second or subsequent times and not making a down payment of at least 5% are charged a 3.0 % funding fee. The funding fee may be paid in cash or included in the loan as long as the maximum qualified loan amount is not exceeded. </p>\r\n<p>The lender may charge reasonable closing costs. They may not be included in the loan. They can be paid by the borrower, the seller of the property, or they can be shared. Some examples of the these costs include the VA appraisal, the borrower’s credit report, loan origination fees (usually one percent), discount points, title research and insurance, etc. No commissions or brokerage fees may be charged to veteran borrowers.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('73','22','<p>VA home loan interest rates are much lower than any other interest rates applicable on other kinds of loans.</p>\r\n<p>The VA home loan rates are transferable. You demonstrate your positive points to lenders and request a lower interest rate. Lenders investigate a number of factors before issuing VA loans, such as a borrower\'s credit record, income levels, etc, which in turn influences the VA loan rates. The lender will also want to assure that you are capable of meeting the payments to cover the cost of a home, which includes credit payments, insurance, taxes, income levels, etc. Eligibility for a VA loan is not based on your credit score, but you pay the same low rate whether you are making a 5% down payment or no down payment at all.</p>\r\n<p>Though first-time VA home loan applicants are guaranteed a VA loan of up to $240,000, the actual amount of the VA mortgage loan will depend on income, assets, and credit history. You can choose VA home loans at rates that are adjustable. A variable loan rate can save you money, if you do not have a long-term interest in the house.</p>\r\n<p>VA loans can help you to obtain the funds to purchase an existing single-family home or new construction. You can take advantage of VA home mortgage loan to refinance or undertake home improvements. The interest rates on VA home loans differ from one financing company to another. These specific financing companies offering VA home loans also have an array of products with different loan rates. So, you can choose a VA home loan based on such rates.</p>\r\n<p>VA Home Loans provides detailed information on VA Home Loans, VA Home Loan Refinance, VA Home Loan Rates, VA Home Improvement Loan and more. VA Home Loans is affiliated with VA Student Loans.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('74','22','<p>Veterans can obtain inexpensive financing through VA loans and most of them have heard about them. However, seldom know the specifics about these loans, the eligibility requirements, the entitlement, the uses that these loans can receive and the advantages of financing through a VA loan instead of a regular home mortgage loan.</p>\r\n<p>Following are the facts about VA loans:</p>\r\n<p>It&rsquo;s important to note first that the VA is not an actual loan but a loan guaranty process. The Veteran Administration does not act as a lender but guarantees the repayment of the loan thus reducing the risk implied in the transaction for the lender that in turn can provide lower interest rates and more advantageous terms for military veteran applicants.</p>\r\n<p>Eligibility Requirements For VA Loans </p>\r\n<p>There is an automated certificate of eligibility that can provide you with all you need to obtain the VA Loan. However, the database that generates these certificates is not always up to date nor does it contain information on every single applicant. Therefore, you may need to fill a form known as request for certificate of eligibility which once processed will be answered with the certificate you need to apply for a VA Loan. All this needs to be done either at the regional eligibility center that corresponds to your area or through mail. In the last case, you can obtain the forms along with instructions online.</p>\r\n<p>Entitlement For VA Loans</p>\r\n<p>Getting in touch with a credit counselor to guide you through the ways of improving your credit is a good idea if you think that your credit won&rsquo;t allow you to qualify for the loan. Also, the income is an important issue. The guaranty will apply only if your income and finances let you afford the monthly payments on your loan. Otherwise, you won&rsquo;t qualify for the guaranty and thus, you won&rsquo;t get approved for the VA loan. That being said, planning ahead and putting your finances in order prior to applying is definitely the way to go.</p>\r\n<p>Advantages Of VA Guaranteed Loans </p>\r\n<p>One of the advantages that you obtain with VA guaranteed loans is that you won&rsquo;t be forced to put money down in order to purchase a property. No down payments are required if you can get approved for a VA guaranteed loan. Moreover, veterans can obtain refinancing instead of a home loan with a promotional reduced rate also. Finally, since there is an additional guarantee for the lender provided by the VA, there is no need to charge private mortgage insurance and you can avoid paying it.</p>\r\n<p>Uses Of VA Loans </p>\r\n<p>Though Veteran Administration loans are usually used for purchasing a new home, they can also be used for other purposes. Regulations are not that rigid on this particular issue. You can use the money (if you qualify for a home loan for a higher amount than what you need) to purchase a home and make some major improvements also, as if part of the loan was a home improvement loan based on equity.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('75','22','Part 2: Determining Eligibility\r\n<p>In Part 1 of <em>The VA Loan Process</em> we learned a little of the origins and advantages of Veterans Administration home loans. In this article we&rsquo;ll explore just who VA loans are for and what their eligibility requirements entail. </p>\r\n<p>The mission of the <em>VA Home Loan Guaranty Program</em> is to help veterans and active-duty service members to purchase and retain homes in recognition of their service to the country. National Guard and Military Reserve personnel are eligible to apply for the loans as well. However, other individuals may also be granted eligibility. For example, certain U.S. citizens who served in the armed forces of countries which were allied with the United States during World War II may be eligible. Members of various organizations, such as Public Health officers, cadets of the U.S. Military Academies including the Coast Guard Academy, merchant seamen with World War II service and others may also be eligible to apply. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Active-duty veterans</strong> and current service members must have served a minimum of 90 days if in wartime or 181 consecutive days in peacetime and, if discharged, must have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. In other words, the discharge granted must have been an honorable or, at minimum, a general discharge. Any discharges that are other than honorable are likely to be investigated by the VA to ensure that the veteran&rsquo;s service was indeed meritorious. If the minimum number of days was not served by the member, eligibility could still be granted if the member&rsquo;s discharge was due to a service-related disability. </p>\r\n<p>The VA defines wartime and peacetime service with the following dates. For wartime service: World War II - 9/16/1940 to 7/25/1947; Korea - 6/27/1950 to 01/31/1955; Vietnam - 8/5/1964 to 5/7/1975. Peacetime service dates areas follows: from 7/26/1947 to 6/26/1950; from 2/1/1955 to 8/4/1964; and from 5/8/1975 to 9/7/1980 for enlisted members, or 5/8/1975 to 10/16/1981 for commissioned officers. </p>\r\n<p>If a member&rsquo;s tour of duty began after 9/7/1980 (or 10/16/1981 for commissioned officers), then 24 months of continuous active-duty service must have been completed for eligibility, or the full period (at least 181 days) for which the member was called to active duty. Eligibility may also be granted to members who were discharged under hardship per authority of 10 USC 1173 or early-out by authority of 10 USC 1171, as long as a minimum of 181 days of active-duty service had been completed. Service members released from active duty due to involuntary force reductions, medical conditions, or for the convenience of the government may also be declared eligible, as long as any discharges were under other than dishonorable conditions. </p>\r\n<p><strong>For Gulf War service members</strong> (8/2/1990 to present), 24 months of continuous active-duty service must have been completed to gain eligibility, or the full period (at least 90 days) for which the member was called to active duty. These members may also be granted eligibility if they were discharged under 10 USC 1171 or 10 USC 1173 with at least 90 days of active duty, or discharged before 90 days of active duty were completed due to a service-related disability. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Current active-duty members</strong> are eligible to apply after 181 days of continuous service (90 days if during the Gulf War), unless they were discharged from a previous term in which they qualified. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Guard and Reserve personnel</strong> who are not eligible from any previous tours of service must have completed a total of six years in an active unit and attended the required weekend drills and two-week active duty for training. These conditions apply regardless of whether the member has been discharged, placed on the retirement list, transferred to Standby Reserve, or continues to serve. Again, eligibility may be granted for less than six years of service if the member was discharged for a service-related disability. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p><strong>Unmarried spouses of veterans</strong> who died while in service or from a service-related disability, or spouses of members who are listed as missing in action (MIA) or prisoners of war (POW), may also be eligible for VA home loans. Additional conditions apply for remarried spouses; be sure to contact the <strong>VA</strong> for further details. </p>\r\n<p>In Part 3 of this series, we&rsquo;ll see what&rsquo;s necessary in order to qualify for a VA home loan.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('76','23','<p>Many times in life circumstances arise that require considerable sums of money in order to handle. Often, for numerous people, that money is not readily on hand. However, if a person owns a whole life insurance policy, they may be able to meet their own need by borrowing against the policy. <em>Whole</em>, or <em>permanent, life insurance</em> accrues a cash value which may be used by the policyholder whenever necessary. </p>\r\n<p>Once the funds are borrowed, the policyholder may or may not elect to repay the loan. If he or she elects not to pay it back, then the amount is called a withdrawal and is subtracted from the cash value available as well as the face value of the policy. In other words, if an insured person dies with a $50,000 whole life policy, but previously withdrew $5,000 for a vacation, the payable death benefit would be reduced to $45,000. If the policyholder elects to pay the borrowed amount back, it is payable with interest. </p>\r\n<p>As a policy loan it is, as stated, subject to interest. In order to meet its obligations to all of its policyholders, the life insurance company invests the dollars that it receives. These investments earn interest at a rate which is close to estimates that were made in advance. When a policyholder takes a policy loan, the amount that the company has to invest is reduced by the amount of the loan. This means that the insurance company will earn less interest than was estimated, unless it makes up for it from another source. In this instance, the other source available to the company is the interest charged on the loan. </p>\r\n<p>It’s usually possible to borrow up to the full amount of the available cash value of the policy. Interest rates vary for these loans, but are usually lower than from other sources. However, unexpected fees may sometimes appear during the borrowing process that will add to the baseline rate, so some policies may be more suitable for borrowing against than others. </p>\r\n<p>Policy loans do not come with a repayment schedule, and are not required to be repaid. The policyholder may elect to repay some, all or none of the loan. Any amount that is not repaid, along with the accrued interest, is subtracted from the policy face value and the cash available account. The policyholder may also choose to cash in the entire policy and receive the full cash value that available. </p>\r\n<p>There are no stipulations about what the funds can be used for. They can be used to pay for higher education expenses, home improvement, a new car, or a trip to Europe. It actually the policyholders own money that is being borrowed, so it can be used for whatever he or she wishes. </p>\r\n<p>The policyholder should remember that the loan\'s outstanding principal and accrued interest are deducted from the payout in the event of an untimely and unexpected death. He or she must therefore be cautious about borrowing too heavily against the policy and possibly jeopardizing the very reason for purchasing insurance in the first place ?the security and welfare of the beneficiaries.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('77','23','<p>Money became an important aspect in every individual life. During any emergency when cash is required urgently, fast cash payday loan can be of great help. In situations where there is sudden monetary need like for paying medical bills or car repair etc., you can opt for these short-term loans. These involve small amount ranging from &pound;50 to &pound;750. These loans are disbursed for a period of maximum 30 days. The interest is quite high, normally &pound;5 to &pound;15 is charged for every &pound;50.</p>\r\n<p>Eligibility</p>\r\n<p>Applying for fast cash advance payday loan is very easy. To be eligible:</p>\r\n<p>1. You need to be over 18 years of age.</p>\r\n<p>2. You need to have a secure job. The loan amount will depend on your paycheck. The higher your salaries the more cash advance you get.</p>\r\n<p>3. You need to have a valid bank account.</p>\r\n<p>You are eligible for a loan if you fulfill the above mentioned criteria.</p>\r\n<p>The use of internet has made the payday loan processing faster and easier. Now with just a simple click of your mouse, you can have the required money in your account. There are various loan providing companies online. You need to go through research to check for genuine loan providers. Some fake sites can misguide and cheat if you are not careful. The boom in online payday loan industry has ensured that these companies offer competitive interest rates to their customers. So choose the company that gives you lowest interest rates. Once you finalized the lender, you need to fill up an online loan application. The cash will be in your account within 24 hours once your loan application is approved.</p>\r\n<p>You also need to give a post-dated check against the loan amount. The loan amount and the interest will be deducted from your account on your salary day.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('78','23','<p>Borrowing money is not only expensive for a company; it also represents an additional business risk. In addition to the normal risks associated with building new facilities or launching new products, borrowing money actually introduces another level of management to an operation. And the lender ?who, in essence, is the borrower\'s new partner ?may not necessarily be as patient as would sometimes be desired, particularly if plans or projections don\'t go as expected. The lender may have higher expectations for the financial results than the company\'s management or the market can deliver within a given frame of time. </p>\r\n<p>Any organization seeking financing with borrowed funds, therefore, should carefully contemplate all the implications that incurring such debt would entail, including the potential risk of not succeeding. Rather than maximizing the available leverage, it\'s often wise for a business to instead consider the advantages of minimizing the level of borrowed funds in order to reduce the company\'s exposure to default. </p>\r\n<p>When seeking funding, the business owner must be able to <em>define specifically why the financing is needed</em> and exactly what impact it will have on the enterprise. Failure to articulate this information often reflects to the lender unprepared or inadequate management, or the existence of another agenda in which the lender would be hesitant to participate. Furthermore, business owners also frequently waste precious time seeking to obtain financing from inappropriate lenders because they failed to define the kind of money that\'s needed. Understanding that certain lenders service specific types of loans can make the search for funding quicker, easier, and more successful. Generally speaking, there are four major reasons that businesses borrow money, each requiring its own specific underwriting and repayment terms: </p>\r\n<p><strong>Real Estate Loans</strong> - These loans are the most popular for the majority of small business lenders, and can be used for acquisition, construction, or improvement. They\'re typically long-term loans that, on the average, have the safest <em>collateral</em> available to lenders. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Start-Up Loans</strong> - Start-up financing is used by some borrowers to supplement their own equity contributions when purchasing an existing operation or launching a new business. Most lenders require the borrower to have strong collateral assets or other compensating factors to justify the risks involved with this kind of financing. Start-up funding is generally hard to obtain if the borrower can\'t supply a substantial contribution of personal capital, typically a minimum of 25- to 30 percent of the total financing that\'s needed. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Equipment Loans</strong> - These are intermediate-term loans that provide funding to purchase equipment assets, usually being repaid over a term no longer than the expected useful life of the equipment being financed. Loans for equipment usually offer a ten-year amortization of principal and interest, although some may be amortized for up to fifteen years for certain major equipment assets. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Working Capital Loans</strong> ?<em>Working capital</em> is defined as money used by a business as operating cash to produce profitable revenues. If the borrower can provide assets as collateral, other kinds of loans can sometimes include funds for working capital. Loans for this purpose are essentially a substitute for cash.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('79','23','<p>If you need to borrow money quickly but your credit is a little shaky, there aren very many places that you can turn to. If you don own a home, or you simply don’t want to borrow against it, you’re basically left with one of two choices: either an unsecured or a secured personal loan. Although a low-interest unsecured personal loan can be difficult to get, there are resources that grant higher-interest loans, both secured and unsecured, regardless of credit history. In this article, we examine some entities that make secured personal loans. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Title loan companies</strong> will advance you money by putting a lien on your car. They keep the title while you keep the use of the vehicle. You must, however, own it free and clear. Depending on the age, condition and type of car, the loan amount could be up to several thousand dollars; in no case, however, will the loan be for more than about half of the vehicle value. These loans are usually payable within 30 days, with the interest rate being as high as 25%. This makes for an annual percentage rate (APR) of 300%. If the borrower fails to pay back the loan or renew it for an additional term by paying the fees, the lender can repossess the vehicle. If the loan and other fees are still not paid, the lender can sell the car to pay the debt. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Pawn shops</strong> are also in the business of making short-term, small-money loans. You bring in your personal property; a pawn broker will appraise it and loan you money against it, but it will always be much less than it worth. Pawn shops will generally loan money on anything of value: jewelry, musical instruments, electronic equipment, small appliances, even vehicles (but unlike title companies, you do not retain the use of the vehicle while the loan is outstanding). The term of the loan is usually 30 days, and fees are generally high. If the debt is not repaid and the property not claimed, the broker is free to display it in the shop and sell it to whoever wishes to buy it. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Cash advance or check-cashing stores</strong> are the brick-and-mortar secured loan version of the <em>online fast cash lender</em>. Here, you write the lender a personal check for the amount of the loan plus the lender fees. Loans are usually limited to about $500. You receive in return the loan amount in the form of cash or a check. The lender will hold your personal check until your next pay day (but usually no longer than two weeks). Fees charged are similar to online cash advance lenders: $20- to $40 per $100 borrowed. You can pay the loan off or renew it by paying only the fees. If you do neither, the lender will deposit your check on the date specified. If you don have the money in your account to cover the check, you incur more fees, both from the lender and your bank. </p>\r\n<p>These secured personal loans are designed to short-term, emergency funding resources. You pay very high fees and rates when using them. They can serve a positive purpose if you simply must have cash, provided that you pay them off quickly. As always, shop around, and use sound judgment when doing business with these lenders.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('80','23','<ul>\r\n    <li>Don&rsquo;t be too timid to walk into the dealer\'s showroom with some attitude. Furthermore, make it a point to show absolutely <em>no</em> enthusiasm for any vehicle (especially the one that you really want); instead, challenge the salesperson to prove to you why you should buy anything at all from his or her lot. </li>\r\n    <li>Never give a dealer your Social Security number or fill out any kind of application until you\'re absolutely ready to commit to a purchase. Once a dealer has information that can be used to check your <em>credit rating</em> and payment history, they can and will use it in negotiations with you. For instance, if you were late even once with a payment on your previous car, that information could be ammunition in the salesperson\'s hands to say that you don\'t qualify for their best rates and terms.\r\n    <p>Of course, you\'ll have to produce your driver\'s license if you want to take a vehicle out for a test drive. But to keep the dealer from pulling your credit based on your license number, insist that you sign a statement asserting that you do not authorize any type of credit check. </p>\r\n    </li>\r\n    <li>Shop at the right time. The best time to buy or lease a car is at the end of the month or midweek, when business is typically slow. Other good shopping times include the Christmas holidays and rainy or otherwise bad-weather days; in other words, any days that people would generally avoid visiting car dealerships.\r\n    <p>You\'ve undoubtedly also heard that shopping for a new car at the end of the model year (June and July) is one of the most opportune times for finding a good deal. And that\'s true, but only if you\'re <em>buying</em> a car. The dealer may be a bit more willing to strike a bargain in order to get rid of leftover stock. However, if your intention is to <em>lease</em> a new vehicle, the best time to do your shopping is at the beginning of the model year, generally in September. That\'s because the banks will have just estimated the <em>residual value</em> &ndash; that\'s the portion of the cost of the vehicle that you won\'t pay for in the lease. It\'s in your best interest for the car\'s residual value to be as high as possible because that will make the lease price lower, and the highest residual values are usually present at the beginning of the model year. New residual guides come out at the beginning of every quarter (January, April, June, and September). Often, if you wait even three months, the residual value will drop and your lease will be more expensive. </p>\r\n    </li>\r\n    <li>Find out how long the car has been sitting on the lot. If the number of &quot;days supply&quot; of a particular model exceeds sixty days, the dealer will generally be anxious to sell it. (But keep in mind that a model is usually a slow mover because it\'s not well rated by consumer rating services.) You\'ll also be able to find cars that the dealer is becoming restless to move by checking the white label on the driver\'s-side door or doorpost. There it will show the month and year that the car was made. The older the vehicle is, the longer the dealer has been paying to keep it on the lot. And if your main goal is getting the lowest possible price, keep an eye and ear out for models that the manufacturer is phasing out. </li>\r\n    <li>Don\'t go in there alone! Always shop with a friend. It\'s much more difficult for the salespeople to corner and outnumber you when you\'ve got backup, plus you\'ll have someone to help you negotiate. But be sure to pick a friend who isn\'t an impulsive shopper (and therefore likely to be a bad influence instead of a voice of reason) and is willing to play the role of &quot;bad cop&quot; if necessary. A well-placed negative comment from your friend will keep the situation in balance &ndash; and probably also irritate the salesperson just a bit. (Although car shopping is certainly serious business, there are no written rules saying that you can\'t have at least a little fun!) </li>\r\n    <li>You may get a better deal if you order a car rather than buying one from the dealer\'s inventory, which the dealer must finance. #p##e#</li>\r\n    <li>Sell your trade-in elsewhere. You\'ll almost always get more money if you sell it to a used-car dealer or a private individual. So shop around for the best deal for your trade, as well. However, keep in mind that a &quot;like&quot; dealer will often offer you more for your vehicle. (A &quot;like&quot; dealer is one that sells Toyotas, if your current car is a Toyota, or a Chevy dealer if you own a Chevrolet.) This is because a Toyota dealer is fully aware that they won\'t get many used-car shoppers coming onto the lot looking for a Chevrolet; therefore, a &quot;non-like&quot; dealer generally will not be as eager to go that extra mile for your trade in order to make a deal. </li>\r\n    <li>Don\'t buy high-profit items from the dealer. This refers to virtually all of the extras that the dealer is bending over backwards to sell you. Items to steer clear of as if they were plague-infested include rustproofing, undercoating, glazing, service- and extended warranties, alarm or security systems (which can be purchased elsewhere at less than half the cost of what the dealer will charge you), and other trappings.</li>\r\n    <li>Beware of low-interest-rate financing. Many of those 0.9% and 1.9% deals are for two years only (or even less), after which you\'ll be making much higher payments than you would have with a higher rate over a longer period of time. Or the monthly payments will be so high due to the shorter term that you could find yourself cash-strapped for the duration &ndash; albeit short &ndash; of the loan. </li>\r\n    <li>Above all else, keep this in mind: the most powerful negotiating tool that any car buyer has is the ability to turn and walk out of the showroom. There are literally hundreds of dealerships with thousands of cars for sale. Do your homework, maintain a positive attitude, and you\'ll be able to take control of the sales process instead of being led by it. </li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('81','23','<p><strong>Cash advance</strong> loans have been around for a long time. Also known as <strong>Fast Cash</strong>, <strong>Quick Cash</strong>, or <strong>Payday Loans</strong>, these loans have in recent years exploded in popularity due to their easy qualification terms and quick turnaround times. Cash advance loans fall into the category of personal, unsecured loans. They also must be categorized as very expensive short-term loans. There are many brick-and-mortar businesses that make these types of loans in person. Cash advance loans can also be done completely over the internet. Loan, payments, and all required information are handled electronically. </p>\r\n<p>The table below lists several of the better and more economical cash advance lenders on the Web. Each offers a definite advantage that could suit your personal needs: </p>\r\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"100%\" align=\"center\" summary=\"\" border=\"0\" class=\"cash_advance_loans\">\r\n    <tbody style=\"FONT-SIZE: 10px\">\r\n        <tr align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#eeeeee\">\r\n            <td style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\" bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Lender</td>\r\n            <td style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\" bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Maximun Loan</td>\r\n            <td style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\" bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Term</td>\r\n            <td style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\" bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Fee (per $100)</td>\r\n            <td style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\" bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">APR</td>\r\n            <td style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\" bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Fax</td>\r\n            <td style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\" bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Advantages</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr align=\"center\">\r\n            <td style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\" bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">FindMyPaydayLoan</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">$1500</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">14 days</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">No</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Get approved and withdraw your CASH within minutes.</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr align=\"center\">\r\n            <td style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\" bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">NeedACashAdvance.com</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">$1500</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">14 days</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">$100 - varies</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">No</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Guaranteed approval<br />Funds in less than 24hrs<br /></td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr align=\"center\">\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\"><strong>Secure Money Store</strong></td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">$1,500</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">14 days (maximum 30 days)</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies<br /></td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">No</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">No Credit Checks - Qualify Easily</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr align=\"center\">\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\"><strong>Piggy Bank Cash Loans</strong></td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">$1,000</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">14 days (maximum 30 days)</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies by lender<br /></td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">No</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Funds in as little as one hour</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr align=\"center\">\r\n            <td style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\" bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Fast Internet Loan</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">$1,500</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">14 days (maximum 30 days)</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies by lender</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">No</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Over 20 network lenders</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr align=\"center\">\r\n            <td style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\" bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Payday Loan Yes</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">$350</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">14 days</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">$30</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Yes Required</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Savings Accounts Accepted</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr align=\"center\">\r\n            <td style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\" bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">We Give Cash</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">$1,500</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">14 days</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies by lender</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">No</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Funds in as little as one hour</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr align=\"center\">\r\n            <td style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\" bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Superior Payday Loan</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">$1,500</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">14 days (max 30 days)</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies by lender</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">No</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Funds within 24 hours</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr align=\"center\">\r\n            <td style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\" bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">One Hour Cash</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">$1,500</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">14 days (maximum 30 days)</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies by lender</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">No</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Direct Deposit not required</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr align=\"center\">\r\n            <td style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\" bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Fast and Easy Payday Loan.com</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">$1,500</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">14 days</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">No</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">No credit check, Everyone approved. Cash in One Hour</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr align=\"center\">\r\n            <td style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\" bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Secure Cash Depot</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">$1,500</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">14 days</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">varies</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">No</td>\r\n            <td bordercolor=\"#999999\" width=\"10%\">Apply and receive a no obligation loan quote</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n    </tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n<p>#p##e#Why would you want to get an extremely expensive loan? For some, there simply may be no other alternative. If bad credit is a hindrance, a personal loan from the local bank or finance company would be out of the question. Cash advance lenders do not check your credit report. Perhaps you need the money quickly, within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. These lenders specialize in just such promptness. And you can use the money for any purpose that you need. </p>\r\n<p>Let&rsquo;s say that you have a very important bill to pay, and you don&rsquo;t quite have all of the funds necessary to cover it. If a late payment would be reported to the credit bureau (such as a mortgage payment, for example) or trigger a higher interest rate for future payments (as with many credit cards), then it might be cost-effective to utilize a cash advance loan. Notice that we said <em>cost-effective</em>; not inexpensive. When annualized, the cost of the loan would typically yield an APR of 500% or greater. However, if paid off quickly as they are meant to be, the high annual percentage rate realistically does not come into play. A twenty- to forty-dollar fee per hundred dollars borrowed could be a viable alternative to a higher credit score or higher interest payments, both of which could cost you much more money for many years to come. </p>\r\n<p>The downside of cash advances, as previously stated, is that they are very expensive. They are high-risk for the lender, since they are funded with no credit check and very basic information about the borrower. The lender, therefore, charges much higher interest rates to cover any bad loans that are made, and to ensure a profit. This is also why the loans are generally limited to modest amounts (usually no more than $1,500) and the term lengths are kept very short, regularly two- to three weeks. </p>\r\n<p>When comparing cash advance loans, look for lower fee amounts (lenders usually charge a flat fee of, say, $30-$40 per hundred dollars borrowed, per term length). A longer term will also work to give you a lower APR. And as with any other loan, do your homework. Compare the lenders listed above, and gather information on the loan package that\'s offered. Cash advance loans can serve a beneficial purpose if used wisely. Be careful and use sound judgment.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('82','23','<p>Many borrowers have faced special circumstances that weakened their position for getting a business loan or diminished the lender\'s enthusiasm for considering the request. Such circumstances can vary greatly, ranging from youthful indiscretions to medical tragedies. Often the situations have nothing to do with the borrowers\'s past business performance, moral commitment to repay debts, or prospects for succeeding in the future, and many lenders realize this. It\'s therefore important for the borrower to be thoroughly honest with the lender in disclosing these occurrences. </p>\r\n<p>The suggestions provided here are for the purpose of assisting borrowers to overcome those negative situations under which their personal credit record may have been tarnished due to events beyond their control. They are <em>not</em> intended for use to help build excuses against willful deceit, fraud, or irresponsible behavior. By following these common-sense tips in explaining the particular circumstance, borrowers can give lenders the additional information that they may need to make insightful and fair credit decisions. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Bankruptcy</strong> </p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, <em>bankruptcy</em> is a fact of modern life. Since the laws governing it were liberalized in the 1980s, the number of businesses and individuals seeking financial protection has increased dramatically. In actuality, from a purely business standpoint, bankruptcy is often a legitimate strategy. It\'s a method of handling overwhelming liabilities or otherwise dire situations. Although certainly abused by some, bankruptcy can, at times, be the debtor\'s most rational decision. However, it must be stated that it is not <em>always</em> a good strategy, and it can be extremely costly. Many business owners receive poor advice and run to bankruptcy prematurely, without sufficient regard for the consequences that it brings. And once the decision is made, those consequences will remain with the debtor for many years. </p>\r\n<p>If the borrower has been involved in a bankruptcy case (whether personal or business), the lender will discover this fact early in the application process. So it\'s better for the borrower to disclose the facts before the lender reads the scant information contained in a credit report. Additionally, because bankruptcy proceedings are a matter of public record, the lender will also be able to obtain a copy of the borrower\'s case file in order to verify the dates, creditors, debts, and final results of the case. In other words, any fictionalized accounts of the case on the part of the borrower could permanently destroy any credibility with the lender. However, before referring to the bankruptcy, the borrower should ensure that the lender is indeed interested in the transaction. If the loan officer (or, LO) isn\'t comfortable with the merits of the deal before learning about the bankruptcy, there\'s virtually no chance that the borrower will be approved once the information comes to light. </p>\r\n<p>In addition to verbally disclosing the particulars of the bankruptcy to the loan officer, the borrower should also provide a written version for subsequent review. Because the LO will almost certainly have to relay the information in writing, it better serves the borrower to supply a detailed transcription as the basis for the report. </p>\r\n<p>The borrower should document the circumstances thoroughly and substantiate any difficulties that led to the decision to seek bankruptcy protection. If the borrower was not at fault, proof should be offered in the form of affidavits from other parties, accident reports, medical records, pictures, newspaper articles, or any other information available to support his or her position. Furthermore, if the bankruptcy has been discharged, the borrower should provide a detailed summary &ndash; with supporting documents &ndash; of how the case was resolved and what the borrower has done since the case was dismissed. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>If the bankruptcy was due to unwise or irresponsible management rather than unfortunate circumstances, the truth is nonetheless equally important. Depending upon the amount of time that\'s passed, the amount of money lost by creditors, and how the borrower has fared since the action, the lender may still consider the loan proposal. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Litigation</strong> </p>\r\n<p>Not coincidentally, because more than three-quarters of the world\'s lawyers are in the United States, American citizens generally carry higher odds than others of being sued over a dispute. This exposure is increased even more dramatically for small business owners. As such, people can spend considerable amounts of money and suffer severe financial damage even when the only situation that comes to fruition is an accusation. </p>\r\n<p>When a business owner\'s financial statement is blemished by the significant expense of defending a lawsuit, or when he or she has settled a suit to limit such costs, the loan officer is necessarily entitled to a detailed explanation of the occurrence. By putting the issue into context and perspective, the borrower can help the LO to understand the impact of the litigation on the company\'s finances. It also allows the borrower to move the application process beyond the legal issues so that the positive aspects of the loan proposal itself can be emphasized and evaluated.</p>\r\n<p>Most lenders won\'t proceed with a loan request if there\'s a material lawsuit pending at the time of application. Routine matters that occur in the normal course of business and do not threaten the borrower\'s financial condition, however, will generally not have an impact on the application process. But if any matter of true substance against the company remains unresolved or is in appeal, the lender will probably wait until final judgment has been rendered before moving forward with the proposal. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Divorce</strong> </p>\r\n<p>Divorce has led to disaster for many small business owners. Because the process can be extremely strenuous for the individuals involved, underperformance with regard to business responsibilities has often been the result. Furthermore, financial settlements have also been known to be highly disruptive if a borrower is forced to buy out or share the business ownership interests with an ex-spouse. </p>\r\n<p>If the business owner has recently completed the divorce process, it\'s important to provide the lender with an explanation concerning any impact that the divorce may have had on the business or the owner\'s personal financial condition. Again, supporting documents should accompany the brief, such as copies of bank records, financial statements, and a copy of the final divorce decree. However, personal (in other words, emotional rather than financial) aspects of the divorce should be avoided, as they are not only irrelevant but could also be potentially detrimental to the loan application. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>If the divorce is not yet finalized, the borrower would be wise to consider waiting until the process is completed before making a business loan application. When resolving the complicated and emotional issues of divorce, the anxiety of seeking credit can only be compounded. Most borrowers would generally be better served by focusing on one major situation at a time. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Bad Decisions</strong> </p>\r\n<p>The old adage, &quot;to err is human,&quot; is certainly true; however, some mistakes are more costly than others. Small business owners often perform the duties of a chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief operating officer, advertising agent, transportation specialist, tax expert, computer technician, and any else that may need doing. In an ever-changing economy, operational as well as strategic decisions must be made on a regular and continuing basis. Because small business owners are constantly making decisions with long-term implications, inevitably errors are sometimes made. </p>\r\n<p>When the LO is briefed about such errors, the borrower\'s candor is naturally factored into the assessment of the actions that were taken by the business owner to overcome the mistake. If the borrower qualifies under the other criteria necessary to obtain financing, previous errors of judgment generally should not prevent the loan from being approved. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Bad Health</strong> </p>\r\n<p>More than a few business owners have fallen victim to extended illness or injury due to an accident, with only one of the many consequences being serious financial damage. It would seem to be quite unfair to relegate such individuals to never again being able to qualify for business credit, especially if the borrower had a spotless track record before the occurrence. Lenders are human beings as well, and many of them share this sentiment. </p>\r\n<p>Once more, the borrower should provide documentation to communicate and confirm the medical situation to the lender, explaining the effect that it had on the business operation as well as on the borrower personally. Although the borrower can and should expect compassion for such situations, the realization must remain that he or she still shoulders the burden of proof. Rather than giving the LO all the particulars of the treatment and procedures, a generic description of the medical condition will provide sufficient personal information, after which the borrower should emphasize economic health and focus on the financial details. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p><strong>Bad Credit</strong> </p>\r\n<p>It\'s very important for the borrower to manage his or her personal credit wisely in order to keep a clean payment history and avoid negative entries on a <em>credit report</em>. Lenders focus on a number of aspects in the credit file, including the total amount of credit outstanding, the payment history, and any public records that could indicate unsatisfactory or irresponsible conduct of the borrower\'s personal affairs. </p>\r\n<p>If the borrower has bad credit, the lender should be told why. There are times when bad credit is not the result of poor management or a lack of responsibility, but rather circumstances that affect the borrower\'s ability to meet those responsibilities on a consistent basis. To earn the lender\'s confidence, the borrower must demonstrate that those circumstances have been surpassed or improved to a degree that will not interfere with his or her ability to make payments on the loan being requested.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('83','23','<p>Cash advance with no teletrack loans are a quick way for people who are in desperate need for cash but appear to have bad credit history. These loans which are known as payday loans, can be obtained from payday lenders who clearly state in their policies that they do not use teletrack to check borrower&rsquo;s credit history. The system is used to expose borrower&rsquo;s financial history, including bankruptcy and outstanding checks against current loans, etc.</p>\r\n<p>Cash advance loans with no teletrack are small loans ranging between &pound;50 and &pound;500 for the period of two weeks or more. The loans are commonly popular among people who happen to have poor credit rating so they are happy to borrow some money from a lender that does not touch their credit history. As the risk is high, payday lenders usually charge customer between &pound;5 and &pound;15 for every &pound;50 borrowed. This figures may put some people off, however the speed of the loan approval is quick &ndash; can be as fast as one hour &ndash; so you pay for the convenience to get your financial emergencies covered quickly.</p>\r\n<p>Locating the lenders</p>\r\n<p>Finding payday loan lenders can be done online as many of them provide their presence in the Internet. What you want is to find lenders who do not use teletrack to verify your details. These companies do not consider prospective borrowers in terms of their financial history as they will mainly check their employment and bank account to ensure that the loan repayment can be organized without any problems.</p>\r\n<p>Once you decide which lender you want to apply from, you can simply fill in the application form online with your personal details, and more importantly your employment and bank account information. After it gets submitted, the loan company will crosscheck the details by calling you directly or by contacting your payroll officer.</p>\r\n<p>Swiftness of these loans</p>\r\n<p>With online payday loan facility you can expect to get the cash transferred directly into your bank account in less than 24 hours. The loan repayment is equally uncomplicated, on the due date the lender will take the repayment amount plus any fees automatically out of your bank account. The due date is agreed when you fill in the loan application and should be after your payday.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('84','23','<p>A salaried individual is a flat income earner and spends funds by following a rational budget. Life seems to be going in concord till any unexpected and urgent expense befalls on him. For such unpredictable and inescapable end he/she might not be prepared monetarily and seeks some financial aid. To arrange this extra cash he/she starts looking for some support. Thus, for such situation Payday Advance can be a rewarding decision. This scheme allocates cash the same day or the next business day without making any demand of collateral. The cash can be borrowed just by meeting some eligibility terms and conditions. The eligibility criteria are as follows: applicants should be a regular employee of a firm or an organisation; applicants should hold an active bank account. </p>\r\n<p>Like any other loan scheme, this loan policy bestow amount between &pound;100 and &pound;1,200 with 30 days of repayment term. Having a reliable credit profile paves the way to apply for more cash. But it does not signify that bad credit holders are barred from this rider. Bad credit holders can also approve the cash if they furnish required particulars accurately. </p>\r\n<p>This loan plan provides the flexibility of repayment. If applicants encounter any inconvenience while repaying the cash then they can extend the due date. This flexibility carries a fee and can be subscribed by informing lender&rsquo;s office. The interest rate of this fund is slightly higher. Moreover, it differs from one lender to another in the competitive market. So, to spot reasonable rate of interest compare the various loan quotes. </p>\r\n<p>The cash offered in this scheme is transferred without delay and makes it possible to meet urgent demands. The emergency and unexpected expenses like medical bills, school fees, electricity bills, grocery bills, telephone bills, credit card bills can be easily be paid with the help of payday advance.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('85','23','<p>When searching for car financing, just as with any other loan, you want to determine the deal that&rsquo;s best for you. In order to do that, you&rsquo;ll need to compare offerings from a number of different lending sources. Comparison shopping ensures that you know what is available in the marketplace. </p>\r\n<p>Car dealerships will likely offer you a car/loan package deal. Though this may be the easiest and most convenient method of financing, it may be far from the best. Just as in negotiating the price of a car (which is an entire subject all to itself), don&rsquo;t automatically accept the first deal that&rsquo;s pushed at you. If a dealer is quick to give you something, it&rsquo;s probably in their best interest, not yours. </p>\r\n<p>As with any other loan, the first thing that you&rsquo;ll want to determine is your own credit condition and financial situation. Do you already have a lot of debt? How much of a down payment can you make? What&rsquo;s your credit score? All of these things have a bearing on what you are able to afford, and the type of loan that you&rsquo;ll be offered. When you have an idea of what you can qualify for, you&rsquo;re in a much better position to discern a good deal from a bad one. </p>\r\n<p>After you&rsquo;ve taken stock of your own position, compare lenders as well as the loan packages that they offer. Do a market analysis of the current interest rates. But keep in mind that rates can and do vary among different lending institutions, even if your credit is poor. Don&rsquo;t neglect the bank or credit union that you currently do business with; they may be able to offer you very competitive rates in order to keep your business &ldquo;in-house&rdquo;. But, by all means, don&rsquo;t stop there. You can search a variety of lenders quickly and efficiently by using the Internet. </p>\r\n<p>When comparing loan programs, be aware of the &ldquo;fine print&rdquo;. If a package looks to good to be true, the likelihood is that it <em>is</em> too good to be true. Oftentimes lenders will give you a choice of a certain payment over a number of months, or a different payment over a different number of months. Be careful; payment and length of term are not the only things that are changing. Interest rates generally also change with the length of financing on car loans. Rates can change again with the amount of down payment that you pay. Are there any rebates being offered? If so, how do they affect price and interest rate? Does the vehicle&rsquo;s price change if you finance with someone other than the dealer? Does the price change if you have a trade-in? Don&rsquo;t just look at the monthly payment that you&rsquo;re offered. You have to consider the cost of the loan as a whole. And don&rsquo;t rule out getting pre-approved; it can make the whole car-buying process much simpler. </p>\r\n<p>Don&rsquo;t allow yourself to be pressured; there are still plenty of &ldquo;used-car dealers&rdquo; around. The truth is, finding a good car loan is no different than finding any other type of loan. Shop around; compare programs and numbers. Doing your homework and comparison shopping will help you to select the best car loan for your financial situation.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('86','23','<p>Urgent requirement of cash may arise for anyone of us at anytime. You may need cash because of the need arose by sudden medical bills, telephone bills or anything.</p>\r\n<p>No fax payday advance is the best answer to tackle these emergency financial problems. The biggest benefit of no fax payday advance is that you can get the loan pretty fast and directly into your account. Sometimes it takes only few hours to transfer the loan in your account.</p>\r\n<p>Availability</p>\r\n<p>It is very easy to get no fax payday advance as all you have to do is to apply for it. The information you supplied is then verified by the lender. Your credit report is not checked but it is necessary that you should be employed. Applying and getting loan is very quick procedure and it may be approved in a few hours too. Also online appliers get extra benefit in the matter of time and comfort as the loan is granted quickly. With no fax payday advance, you are not required to fax any documents for the loan grant.</p>\r\n<p>Repayment and interest rates</p>\r\n<p>It is a short term loan usually granted for 2 to 4 weeks. So it&rsquo;s necessary to pay it on or before due date. Its interest rate is a little higher then traditional loans but a borrower can&rsquo;t feel the burden as it is to be paid in a short term. The exact loan amount being granted depends much upon your exact monthly salary and your credit rating.</p>\r\n<p>Advantages</p>\r\n<p>One of the most significant advantages of payday cash advance is that it is approved easily and takes minimum amount of processing time. It meets the emergency needs of day to day life. Also having poor credit generally does not matter in the approval of payday cash advance.<br />The requirement for the qualification for payday cash advance is very simple in terms. All you need is to be an employed person drawing regular salary.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('87','23','<p>With financial emergencies never ceasing to exist in our lives sometimes, you may find yourself in a situation when you need some cash immediately and you do not have a property to mortgage against the loan. No fax overnight payday loans are one of the fastest and easiest modes of getting loans to fulfill your short term financial needs. It is fast, hassle free, paperless and the most easily approached money borrowing process for you. And, with these loans you can get the money in your account overnight.</p>\r\n<p>These loans don&rsquo;t demand your property as the collateral and are secured against your upcoming salary, so you don&rsquo;t have to worry about the repossession of the property and plan the repayment.</p>\r\n<p>Statistics</p>\r\n<p>To avail a no fax overnight payday loan, is that, you should at least have a salary of &pound;1000, and also a current bank account. With no fax overnight payday loans you can get a loan amount up to &pound;1200 easily, for a period varying from a week to a month. The interest rates are generally a little higher for these, but these really don&rsquo;t matter if you need quick cash for a short time only.</p>\r\n<p>Availability</p>\r\n<p>You can easily look out for these loans online and search for the one best suited to your credit status and needs of course. Since, these loans don&rsquo;t need any collateral to be evaluated so, these loans are evaluated very fast and you can apply online. </p>\r\n<p>An overnight payday loan requires you to be an employee earning a fixed monthly salary. For this, you need to show your salary slip or any other proof. This is very essential because the whole loan process revolves around your salary check. Payday loans are secured loans in the sense that it keeps your post-dated salary check as collateral. When the repayment time comes, the lender automatically withdraws the required amount from your bank account.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('88','23','<p>A lender\'s primary job is to make and collect good loans. The majority of their revenue is made through interest earned on the loans that they make. However, it\'s quite easy to lose money by extending loans haphazardly, so lenders have developed strategies to reduce the risks associated with making loans. </p>\r\n<p>Most lenders use a formal loan policy to define the types of loans that they\'ll make and their method of administering them. These policies may be based on the particular expertise that the lender employs or on the prevalent industries in the lender\'s geographic location. For example, lending money to finance oil and gas wells in Texas would require a different understanding and expertise than lending for a fishing business on the East Coast. Lenders will generally attempt to operate within the confines of their familiarity to control the risk to their portfolio. </p>\r\n<p>In a loan application the lender is seeking information. This information may be as trivial as the borrower\'s federal tax identification number or as detailed as a projection of how quickly the operation\'s inventory will move during the next two years. All of this data helps the lender to assess the business. The lender must be convinced that the borrower understands not only his or her company\'s products and services but also the factors that affect the business. How well the borrower has run the business in the past is considered to be a fair indicator of how well he or she will operate it in the future. </p>\r\n<p>A frequent complaint voiced by borrowers involves the amount of time that it normally takes to evaluate a business loan proposal. Although many lenders may seem to be inordinately slow, a thorough analysis of a business does require time. On the lender\'s part, mistakes are generally made not by taking too much time to assess a business but by taking too little. The loan officer\'s job performance is graded more severely for loan losses than for loan successes. Additionally, borrowers have noted that lenders often seem disinterested in the critical time requirements that the borrower\'s loan request may have. But time restraints don\'t relieve the loan officer of the inherent responsibilities of underwriting. If the borrower must have an answer sooner than the lender is prepared to give one, the answer will always be negative. </p>\r\n<p>The better prepared the borrower is in providing pertinent information, the faster the lender will be able to evaluate the loan request. Since the loan officer\'s job is not to organize the paperwork, delivering disarranged or incomplete information to the lender will only slow down the assessment or even cause the application to be rejected. </p>\r\n<p>The borrower\'s loan request is similar to a company\'s effort to sell its product. In many respects, the lender is investing in the people and management of the organization. </p>\r\n<p>When listening to the comments of the loan officer, the borrower must be patient with the lender\'s lack of excitement, enthusiasm, or understanding. The borrower must not only consider his or her need for funding, but should also be mindful of and attempt to <em>understand the lender\'s needs</em> as well. Although a commercial loan is a financial transaction, at its base it is a relationship between lender and borrower. The key is the reciprocal comfort and respect between the people involved.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('89','24','The credit card industry has become a favorite punching bag for consumer groups and lawmakers, who accuse the card issuers of doing everything in their power to raise rates, charge new (and hidden) fees and punish card holders with unjust policies. <br /><br />The Federal Reserve Board has taken notice. It\'s proposed requiring issuers to disclose clearer information about rates and fees and 45 days\' (instead of 15 days\') notice before they could raise rates. Congress has stepped in, proposing bills to restrain some of the more widely criticized policies.<br /><br />The credit card industry says it welcomes better disclosure but opposes curbs on its ability to raise fees or rates or change policies. Consumers have yet to see any significant easing of fees and rates that have sparked outrage.<br /><br />The credit card industry has entered a quiet period since Congress set its sights on credit card practices. Still, late fees and over-the-limit fees have remained steady across the board.<br /><br />The credit card industry is open to the idea of making policies easier to understand. But card issuers oppose any steps that would restrict them. <br /><br />In its defense, the credit card industry contends that credit cards are fairer now than before 1990, when most issuers charged a fixed rate of about 20%. &quot;There was less access to credit in America and higher interest rates,&quot; says Ken Clayton of the American Bankers Association. &quot;Now, some 75% of American families have credit cards at lower interest rates. And the ability to measure risk has allowed us to target various markets that in the past may have not had access to credit.&quot;<br /><br />Many consumers argue, though, that credit card disclosures are confusing and that so many penalty rates and fees can apply, it\'s hard to know how to avoid them.<br /><br /><br />For more resources about accept credit card or about accept credit card merchant account and especially about accept credit card online please review these pages.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('90','24','Does your business pay too much for its credit card? Too many businesses just settle for a basic credit card from their local bank. Those businesses end up paying too much interest or high annual fees. For the money you already give the bank, doesn\'t your business deserve better?<br /><br />A smart business compares available credit card offers to find the card that best suits them. Just because you have a bank account just down the street, it doesn\'t mean you\'re stuck choosing from their credit cards. Check what the other banks have to offer. <br /><br />First you should decide what is important to your business. Do you just want the lowest interest or do you want the best rewards? Analyze your credit card use to see what saves you the most money. Look at factors such as:<br /><br />\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>monthly credit card spending totals<br /></li>\r\n    <li>average running balance<br /></li>\r\n    <li>payment habits<br /></li>\r\n    <li>where you spend the most </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<br /><br />Those factors and more will determine which credit card type is right for your business:<br /><br /><strong>Low Interest Business Credit Cards</strong><br /><br />If you keep a running balance on your credit card, a low interest rate should be top priority. Make sure that the card doesn\'t have a high annual fee that offsets the low interest rate. Also remember to check both the intro apr and the standard rate. <br /><br /><strong>Cash Back Business Credit Cards</strong><br /><br />Get cash back on all your credit card purchases with a card offering this feature. Get a percentage discount everywhere you use these cards. Does your current business credit card give you 5 - 10% back on all your business expenses? <br /><br /><strong>Airline Miles Business Credit Cards</strong><br /><br />If you need to travel you should consider a credit card that offers travel rewards. You can earn free flights or other rewards. These cards offer rewards for either a certain airline or for most major airlines. #p##e#<br /><br /><strong>Balance Transfer Business Credit Cards</strong><br /><br />Do you owe money on your business credit card? You can transfer that balance to another credit card that offers a special balance transfer interest rate. For their introductory period you can get interest as low as 0%. After that period you could even transfer the balance to your old card. <br /><br />A lot of the best business credit cards will offer a few of those features. Consider your priority of these features when comparing card offers. You don\'t necessarily need a card that has all of those features. Your business may only need a card that concentrates on one reward. Compare the best offers and then apply online for fastest approval. If you are paying too much for your current credit card, you want to start saving today.<br /><br />The <a href=\"http://www.smallbusinesscreditcards.net\">best small business credit cards</a> are just a click away. Compare the best <a href=\"http://www.americanbusinesscreditcards.com/\">business credit card applications</a> online and apply today. Save money with a <a href=\"http://www.smallbusinesscreditcards.net/cash-back.php\">cash back business credit card</a>.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('91','24','With a line of cards that\'s hard to beat in the credit card industry, Citibank has placed itself as one of the top credit card companies in the country. All of their cards come complete with interesting and enticing offers, and every consumer is certain to find one that meets their particular needs. There are student credit cards, business credit cards, and cards for general purposes such as purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances. It\'s this commitment to variety and incentive that had placed Citibank at or near the top of the credit card industry for the last ten years, and where it will surely be for the next ten. Right now, let\'s take a look at a few of the exciting cards Citibank has to offer, and decide which one might be right for your business or personal use.<br /><br />Citi Platinum American Express Card<br /><br />The Citi Platinum American Express Card brings both the world of American Express and the world of Citibank together to create a rather exciting new card. With this card, featuring a $99 annual fee and 14.24% variable APR, you can earn rewards, get access to VIP airport lounges, receive companion air tickets, and earn a quick 15,000 bonus ThankYou points after only $300 in purchases. You can continue to earn these points at the rate of 5 per dollar for purchases made at supermarkets, drug stores, and gas stations. 3 ThankYou points can be earned per dollar on all other purchases for the first two years you have the card. As with many American Express cards, there are no preset spending limits. This is instead decided on an ongoing basis based on your payment history, credit report, and financial means.<br /><br />Citi CashReturns MasterCard<br /><br />The Citi CashReturns MasterCard offers quite the selection of tempting and interesting features. From the lack of annual fees to the low 10.99 % variable APR, the Citi CashReturns card is one of the brightest new credit cards on the market today. Instead of working toward rewards in the form of merchandise, this card allows you to get 5% cash back on all purchases for the first three months and then 1% after that period. Unlike some other cards, there is no limit to the amount of cash you can receive.<br /><br />Citi PremierPass Card<br /><br />With the Citi PremierPass Card, you are entitled to a 14.24% APR on all purchases and the card comes without an annual fee. The great thing about this card is the way you can earn points for miles flown on an airplane, making this the perfect card for those that travel a great deal. These points can be redeemed for flights, gift cards, electronics, and more.<br /><br />About the Author:<br /><br />Morgan Hamilton is an experienced Financial Adviser who has written a number of informative articles on the topic of <a href=\"http://www.find-cards-now.com/issuers/citibank\">Citibank Credit Cards</a>. Visit find-cards-now.com to learn more about <a href=\"http://www.find-cards-now.com/issuers/citibank\">Citi Credit Cards</a>.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('92','24','Watch out for this latest legal scam from foreign Restaurants, shops and Hotels. It\'s mainly being practiced in Europe but no doubt it will catch on globally.\r\n<h3>It\'s Called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DDC)</h3>\r\nGoing on holiday or business to Spain, France or Italy this year? Many restaurateurs and retailers in these countries now have the facility to get you to authorise your bill in Euros but then they recharge your card in sterling. That sounds innocent but there&rsquo;s a sting in the tail. The retailers charge you an <strong>additional service fee of up to 4%</strong>! The system is called <em>dynamic currency conversion</em> (DCC).\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">DCC guidelines from Visa say that UK card holders should be offered the option to either have their card charged in Euros or to have the transaction changed into sterling before it goes through </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">It seems that in practice, <strong>few of us are being offered the alternative</strong>. Many retailers are charging us in sterling automatically - and with the extra 4% fee! </li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe language barrier might explain the lack of explanation but we are a little more cynical! Even where permission is sought, we doubt whether many restaurateurs or retailers will clearly spell out the additional service fee. After all it&rsquo;s an opportunity to make a bit more profit! Our advice is that when abroad in euro-land <strong>always ensure that your transaction is processed in Euros</strong>. That&rsquo;s because some UK card operators such as Nationwide, Saga and Lombard Direct will convert Euros to sterling at no charge. Others, such as cards from our high street banks, will charge 2.75% as a foreign currency loading fee &ndash; but even that&rsquo;s less than the retailers&rsquo; 4% DCC. In fact even with a 2.75% foreign currency loading fee, it&rsquo;ll still be cheaper to use your credit card rather than converting sterling to Euros before leaving the UK or converting it abroad at the bureau de change. That&rsquo;s because the exchange rates applied by Visa and Mastercard are often much better than you&rsquo;d get for your cash and travellers cheques whilst abroad. And please don&rsquo;t be fooled by the commission free advertising outside the bureau de change. They might not charges commission but their currency rates are never cheap &ndash; after all, how else do they make a crust?');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('93','24','Despite all the publicity to the contrary, there are credit cards for bad credit holders and people are willing to pay a lot of money to get themselves more credit. Very few people with bad credit planned for it to happen, but illness or joblessness can quickly take a financial toll on them, leaving them choosing between eating, having a place to live and paying some of the bills.<br /><br />Once they work through the circumstances that caused their financial downfall and they are beginning to work their way out of the jam, they may start thinking about getting their life back in order. The convenience of a credit card can help them rent a car, make purchases online, pay bills online or over the telephone and they miss not being able to have one. They hear about credit cards for bad credit and begin to believe it is a viable option to help rebuild their credit rating.<br /><br />There are three basic types of credit cards for bad credit, unsecured, which typically come with a high initial cost and high interest; prepaid credit cards and secured credit cards. Of the three, a prepaid card offers the least opportunity to re-establish their credit rating, but they can offer the convenience they desire with usually less upfront costs.<br /><br />High Interest Paid For Financial Sins<br /><br />Secured credit cards are offered to just about everyone with bad credit and it is one of the easiest ways for someone to get credit cards for bad credit. Once all the initial fees are paid, the cardholder is required to deposit a minimum amount of money into an account with the financial institution. Their initial credit limit is based on the amount of the deposit, minus the costs associated with opening the account.<br /><br />Once the credit cards for bad credit account is active, it is treated like an unsecured card with required payments as well as penalties for late payments and missed payments. Since many of the penalties are deducted from the account holding the deposit, the carda??s credit limit is reduced by each deduction.<br /><br />The credit cards for bad credit initial expenses are considerably higher and in many cases a majority of a persona??s initial credit limit can be eaten up by application fees, program fees, annual fees and other charges. Interest rates are usually at the top end of the limit. Despite all the charges many believe it is a worthwhile investment in helping to rebuild their credit rating for the future.<br /><br />Roland Parris Jefferson III is an online researcher based out of Los Angeles, California. Need more details and expert advice on Credit Cards? Then please visit our <a href=\"http://www.free-creditcard-advice.info/CreditCardsForBadCredit.html\">Credit Cards For Bad Credit</a> Resource.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('94','24','In today\'s credit card world, companies are offering a growing number of reward programs. The reason? They are competing for more customers. This is great news for you, the consumer. You now have more ways to benefit from a rewards credit card than ever before.<br /><br />Consider your Options<br /><br />With so many choices, finding the right rewards credit card can feel overwhelming. As you sort through your options, consider which credit card can best benefit you. If you regularly travel, look into cards offering gas rebates or hotel stays as rewards. If you live near an airport where a particular airline has its hub (for example, one of Continental\'s hubs is in Houston; Northwest has its hub in Minneapolis), you may want a card that includes miles for that airline. If you get a thrill out of receiving money for using your card, look into a cash back card.<br /><br />To ensure that you are getting the best deal for your lifestyle, read through the fine print. Some credit cards include an annual fee for the reward program. Others have a high interest rate attached to the card. If you use the credit card infrequently or regularly carry a balance, the benefits of these cards may not outweigh the costs.<br /><br />Reap the Rewards<br /><br />Once you have chosen which rewards credit card is best for you, you can look for ways to make it advantageous. Think about buying groceries with your credit card; then pay off the balance each month. If you shop online frequently, start charging your purchases on the rewards credit card. By using your card during the month and then paying off the balance, you will be able to accumulate points and rewards at a fast rate.<br /><br />Some rewards credit cards come with an initial 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers. This allows you to pay off a balance, interest-free, while earning valuable points. This is a good way to get rid of overhanging debts and still enjoy the rewards.<br /><br />Discover Miles Card<br /><br />One great option for the frequent traveler is the Miles Card by Discover. With this credit card, you\'ll earn one mile for each dollar spent on general purchases. For every dollar that you spend on travel and restaurants, you\'ll receive double miles. In addition, you\'ll earn 1,000 bonus miles every month that you make a purchase for the first twelve months. This can earn you up to 12,000 miles ??? an excellent way to start! Redeem your miles for tickets on a variety of airlines.<br /><br />Another benefit from the Miles Card by Discover is the 0% introductory rate on purchases and balance transfers for the first year. There is no annual fee, and you\'ll receive a regular low interest rate if you qualify.#p##e#<br /><br />Chase Flexible Rewards Platinum Visa Card<br /><br />With the Chase Flexible Rewards Platinum Visa Card, you\'ll enjoy a reward program with plenty of variety. Start by earning one point for every dollar spent on general purchases. You can use the points toward airline tickets, car rentals, hotel stays, and more. There is no annual fee. You\'ll also receive a 0% introductory rate on purchases and balance transfers for the first six months.<br /><br />The options are out there. Now it\'s up to you to take advantage of the many offers available. With a little research and planning, you can make the most out of your rewards credit card.<br /><br /><br />------<br /><br />To View Rewards Credit Card Offers click the following link: <a href=\"http://www.credit-card-surplus.com/rewards.php\">http://www.credit-card-surplus.com/rewards.php</a> . Ed Vegliante runs <a href=\"http://www.credit-card-surplus.com/\">http://www.credit-card-surplus.com</a> , a directory helping consumers to compare and apply for credit cards.<br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('95','24','Small business plays a vital role in today\'s economy. It is now easier than ever to establish a new business. According to the US Small Business Administration, small businesses pay over 45% of the US private payroll. Small businesses also employ over half of all private sector employees and provide 60-80 percent of new jobs over the past 10 years. With about 28.5 million small businesses in the US alone in 2005, virtually all financial institutions now offer small business loans to qualifiers for a percentage. So why apply for a small business credit card?<br /><br /><strong>Keep Track of All Your Small Business Expenses</strong><br /><br />The first and most obvious reason for a small business credit card is to separate personal finances from business related purchases. With your small business credit card, you can make all your transactions by phone, internet or in person. Then get periodic statements detailing all of your business expenses. <br /><br />Business credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere that you shop. Covering business purchases with employee\'s personal money can get very messy. So instead of relying on cash, use a business credit card. Most credit card issuers offer a credit limit for employee cards as well as different methods to monitor how the card is used. <br /><br />You no longer have to dread the year-end nightmare of trying to track where and when you spent your money. It\'s like having all your book-keeping done automatically for you! In a digital world, why should your business have to collect every last printed receipt?<br /><br /><br /><strong>Establish Your Small Business</strong><br /><br />A credit card with your business name on it gives your business credibility. A business credit card looks a lot more professional than paying from your own wallet. It also gains the respect of financial institutions. Just by owning a business credit card, your business can build credit. So when you need that business loan, you will get the best interest rate and qualify for higher amounts. As your credit builds you might also qualify for a lower interest business credit card. <br /><br />So even if your business doesn\'t have a 6 figure budget, a business credit card could help your business grow. You never know when your business might suddenly need extra money. Office equipment might need immediate replacement. Without a business credit card, financing could drastically interfere with your daily routine. <br /><br /><br /><strong>Earn Rewards with a Business Credit Card</strong><br /><br />You can also save money and earn rewards. Certain business credit cards give you cash back on all your purchases. Other cards give you varying cash back percentages depending on where you shop: gas stations, grocery stores, office supply stores, etc. A cash back business credit card is a great way to increase your profit margin.#p##e#<br /><br />Other cards give you airline travel rewards just for using your credit card. . For instance, if your company has frequent business plane trips, then small business credit cards that offer travel miles, hotel accommodations or travel insurance are most suitable. This type of credit card could give you travel discounts, free flights, free companion travel or upgraded flight seating. <br /><br />Not only does a small business credit card provide convenience and rewards, it also helps to build business credit for the future of your company as you watch it grow! Research the business credit cards available and find the card that best suits your business needs. Finance your business for today and tomorrow.<br /><br />Fill out a secure <a href=\"http://www.americanbusinesscreditcards.com/\">business credit card application</a> today and start saving. Find the best <a href=\"http://www.smallbusinesscreditcards.net\">business credit cards</a> online. Save money with a <a href=\"http://www.smallbusinesscreditcards.net/low-interest.php\">low interest business credit card</a>.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('96','24','It is probably not a news alert to you that you need to keep your credit as clean as possible, since a good credit report is widely used these days. A good credit score can help you to get the most favorable loan programs and interest rates on anything from department store credit cards to new car loans and mortgages. When you are applying for a new job somewhere, a good credit score can be the deciding factor as to whether or not they offer you the job. And recently, your credit score is being used by car insurance companies to determine your car insurance premiums, with the thought being that someone with good credit is more fiscally responsible and therefore less likely to be filing claims.<br /><br />A good credit report and good credit history takes work to create and maintain, but not so much work as to become a burden to you if you can develop and maintain good credit usage habits.<br /><br />The most obvious credit tip is to pay your balance in full every month. Even with a very good interest rate, there is no sense in paying interest on something if you can afford to pay it off and keep that interest money in your pocket. Some people think that it\'s only like $5 for my balance. But do the math a?? that $5 times 10 credit cards, times 12 months is $600 over the course of a year!<br /><br />Do not be dazzled by the incredible rate that a new credit card is offering, because chances are that the very low interest rate is only a teaser rate that will expire in a few months. If you can make use of the card and the low interest rate for a temporary period of time, then you can save money there, but be aware of when that teaser interest rate expires and the real astronomical interest rate kicks in, at which point it is time to make sure that account has a zero balance or to close the account.<br /><br />Did you know that credit cards actually have two separate interest rates? They have one that is assessed on your outstanding balance, and they have another one that is applied if you use the credit card for a cash advance. Never use your credit card for a cash advance, because those interest rates are typically truly obscene, usually being 25% or even more. And when you make payments on your credit card, those payments go against the balance first before they start paying back the cash advance, so the cash advance is the last thing paid off, allowing the credit card company to make the most amount of interest from you.<br /><br />If you carry a balance forward from month to month instead of paying off your card in full every month, try to keep your outstanding balance below 30% of your credit limit. Doing so in conjunction with timely payments will result in a good credit report on that card, but if your outstanding balance is more than 30% of your credit limit, then you start getting credit score deductions.<br /><br />Never pay just the minimum payment. Pay more than the minimum, because if you pay only the minimum payment due, this will maximize the amount of interest that the credit card company will collect from you.<br /><br />The best thing, above all, that you can do is to make sure that you make all your payments on time. If you mail them in, allow time for the mail to arrive and for your payment to be posted to your account. If for example your payment is due on the 10th, having your payment arrive on the 10th may not help you since it needs to be processed and it may take a day or two for the payment to get posted to your account. This also allows the credit card company to charge you a late fee.#p##e#<br /><br />Responsible use of credit will reward you with a good credit score, which will be very useful when you get the best rates possible on your next big ticket purchase like a new car or a mortgage. It is much easier to get in the habit of using credit wisely before you get yourself in a situation that could have been avoided and will haunt you for years.<br /><br />For more insights and further information about Credit Card Debt please visit our web site at http://www.mycreditcardtips.com');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('97','24','Most credit card companies concentrate on ways to expand business. There is such great competition in the credit card markets that the vendors have no other choice. There seem to be too many credit card providers, each of whom is offering scores of terrific credit card offers. Too much competition among the vendors results in several great offers for subscribers. Thus, we can select from among a variety of credit cards that offer us various kinds of incentives. There are cash back credit cards. There are cards that offer us zero percent balance transfer. There are cards that give us a period of zero interest. And now, we even have credit cards to go with the hobbies of its customers.<br /><br />Yes, you got that right. Credit cards are now appealing to people\'s likes and dislikes in their bid to wean away potential customers for other cards. Credit cards that are sports-related are quite the catch these days. For instance, the Bank of America will be bringing out team-branded cards which will be a welcome addition to the celebrations in this year\'s National Football League season. Given the craze that football has, this has to be a calculated move. The Bank of America has made a smart move by teaming up with the NFL, and it probably hopes that it will profit from the football craze that will sweep over the country in 2010.<br /><br />At such times, the question of &quot;Will this or won\'t this work?&quot; does arise. However, most credit card vendors start out with the goal clear in their minds. They are aware that there are some issues. But they have their eye on the potential gains. If you take a look at the various deals that have caught on in the credit card market in recent times, you cannot help but notice that they are all gimmicky in nature. It is just that some gimmicks tend to be more successful. The ones that are successful sometimes last for a long time. The ones that are not usually fade into oblivion till someone decides to start developing some new and improved version.<br /><br />Of course, many customers are entrapped by the gimmicks of credit card vendors. This is why it is so important to carry out a certain amount of research prior to making that final decision. The more one knows the less likely one will be to fall for a gimmick. This will also ensure that one is able to choose the best from a horde of deals. Thus, it is always good to do some preliminary study.<br /><br />If you <a href=\"http://www.cardguide.co.uk/best_buys.html\">compare credit cards</a>, you will find good deals on <a href=\"http://www.cardguide.co.uk/intro_0_purchases.html\">0% credit cards</a> at <a href=\"http://www.cardguide.co.uk/\">http://www.cardguide.co.uk/</a>. Visit us for credit card deals.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('98','24','<p>If you have a small online business, expand it by processing credit cards. Many small merchants online could sell much more if they would allow their customers to accept credit cards.</p>\r\n<p>For years very small online merchants could only take money orders or checks to pay for goods and services. Most credit card processing companies would charge hefty fees just start an account with their bank and then charge exorbitant fees for each purchase. These business practices pushed most small businesses out of the market for credit card processing.</p>\r\n<p>Today, things have changed, not only is it easier and much less expensive to offer credit card processing, there are other alternatives as well that take credit cards and other forms of payments.</p>\r\n<p>Paypal has definitely changed the landscape on how online payments are exchanged between merchants and buyers. Paypal can easily exchange payment between a buyer and seller through the use of email. Paypal keeps all payment information such as credit card numbers and bank information on their private servers. They act as a middle man between two people that want to enter a transaction.</p>\r\n<p>Paypal is free for buyers to start using and costs about 3% for the entire transaction, which is paid by the seller. This makes it very appealing to small merchants who do not have to pay large start up fees and monthly fees. Paypal also accepts credit cards so you do not have to worry about slow types of payments. So if you are looking for a great way to perform an online transaction, look into Paypal.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('99','24','<p>If you\'re a business owner who\'s company has been around for more than a month or two, you\'ve probably at least considered how a <strong>business credit card</strong> would impact your organization. Perhaps you run your business from the comfy surroundings of your home, or you may have an office and employ several workers. Whatever your circumstance, the fact is that if you\'re a small operation a business credit card can actually take your company to &quot;the next level&quot;, literally as well as figuratively. </p>\r\n<p>Having a credit card in the name of your business lends a kind of perceived legitimacy to your organization, not only in the eyes of those you do business with, but also even in your own mind. People feel that they\'re dealing with a firm that has a measure of credibility as well as credit. And that credit card could actually be the final step in your own mental transition from that of \'just having a hobby\' to \'owning a full-fledged business\'. Moreover, in addition to allowing you to keep personal and business expenditures separate, the credit card will also help to establish a good credit history for your business, which can be invaluable to your organization\'s future growth and expansion. </p>\r\n<p>In the business world, the reality is that the only companies that don\'t have at least one business credit card account are start-up or extremely small operations. Organizations with more than just a few employees will almost certainly have credit cards. The owners of these companies don\'t look at their business cards as luxuries; indeed, they\'re considered a necessity for their day-to-day operations. Their credit cards offer advantages that can make things run much more smoothly. </p>\r\n<p>For instance, a business credit card can dramatically simplify a company\'s bookkeeping efforts. By using the card for large supply orders, business subscription services, and even routine office necessities, monthly expenditures can easily be kept track of and analyzed on the monthly statement. Also, the business owner can issue company credit cards with monthly spending limits to other key employees (such as office- or supply managers). Thus, if something is needed for the company, the key personnel needn\'t have run to the owner for approval of the purchase; this allows for greater efficiency throughout the organization. And, of course, individual card purchases can also be tracked for auditing purposes. </p>\r\n<p>Using business credit cards can improve a company\'s cash flow as well, allowing all expenditures for the month to be paid for at one time at the end of the billing cycle. This can help to stretch the organization\'s dollars even further, by giving it the use of interest-free money during the card\'s <em>grace period</em>. As long as the full bill is paid each month, the company incurs no interest charges. Additionally, many cards also offer their users perks and benefits, such as flying miles, purchase protection, or a myriad of other features. The savvy business owner will choose the particular credit card that offers the perks that will benefit his or her company the most, thus maximizing its financial advantage. </p>\r\n<p>Business credit cards are not just for large organizations. No matter what your operation\'s size, business credit and business credit cards are very important to your company\'s overall financial picture. In truth, most companies can\'t or won\'t operate without them. Just as with personal credit cards, they must be used with wisdom and care; the advantages that they offer your company, however, simply can\'t be ignored. Do you need a business credit card? The answer is a resounding <em>yes</em>!</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('100','24','<p>With the buy-now-pay-later mentality of today&rsquo;s society, many people have fallen into the trap of bad credit. Because of the vastness of this group of prospective customers, it&rsquo;s no wonder that most lenders now have programs in place for people with credit trouble. Because of the potential for higher interest rates, fees, and therefore profits, they view this as a very lucrative area of business to tap into. Consequently, bad-credit credit cards have become much more widely available. </p>\r\n<p>Of course, these cards serve a very important purpose. Without a credit card, it&rsquo;s almost impossible to rent a car or book a hotel room. And in many places, a personal check is still not accepted without a credit card to go along with it. Bad-credit charge cards can also be used to help rebuild a good credit profile and rating. Some of the better bad-credit cards with the most favorable terms are listed below: </p>\r\n<table>\r\n    <tbody>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td width=\"33%\"><strong>Bad Credit</strong></td>\r\n            <td width=\"33%\"><strong>No Credit</strong></td>\r\n            <td width=\"33%\"><strong>Fair Credit</strong></td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td><img height=\"59\" alt=\"\" width=\"92\" border=\"0\" src=\"/upimg/allimg/080412/1318300.gif\" /></td>\r\n            <td><img height=\"59\" alt=\"\" width=\"92\" border=\"0\" src=\"/upimg/allimg/080412/1318301.gif\" /> </td>\r\n            <td><img height=\"59\" alt=\"\" width=\"92\" border=\"0\" src=\"/upimg/allimg/080412/1318302.gif\" /> </td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td><font size=\"1\">First PREMIER Bank Gold Visa&reg;</font></td>\r\n            <td><font size=\"1\">First PREMIER Bank Centennial Gold MasterCard&reg;</font></td>\r\n            <td><font size=\"1\">Capital One&reg; Platinum: <br />Credit That Needs Some Improvement</font> </td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td colspan=\"3\">&nbsp;</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td width=\"33%\"><strong>Bad Credit</strong></td>\r\n            <td width=\"33%\">&nbsp;</td>\r\n            <td width=\"33%\">&nbsp;</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td><img height=\"59\" alt=\"\" width=\"92\" src=\"/upimg/allimg/080412/1318303.gif\" /> </td>\r\n            <td>&nbsp;</td>\r\n            <td>&nbsp;</td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td><font size=\"1\">Orchard Bank Platinum<br /></font></td>\r\n            <td><font size=\"1\"></font></td>\r\n            <td><font size=\"1\"></font></td>\r\n        </tr>\r\n    </tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n<p>#p##e#There are several different types of bad-credit cards which are available: <em>prepaid</em>, <em>secured</em>, and <em>unsecured</em>. <strong>Prepaid</strong> credit cards are in essence no more than debit cards. To obtain one, you simply open an account with the issuing bank by depositing a certain amount of money. The amount that you deposit will be your &ldquo;credit&rdquo; limit. The bank is, however, not actually issuing you any credit; any purchases that you make with the card are debited from your deposited funds. When you exhaust your funds on deposit, you can no longer use your card, until you deposit more money into the account. There are no monthly bills, because the money that you are using is already yours. These cards generally cannot be used to book rentals of cars or hotel rooms. They are usually worthless for credit-rebuilding also, because banks do not report to the credit agencies on these types of accounts due to the fact that no credit has actually been extended. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Secured</strong> credit cards are just that: they are secured by collateral in the form of funds deposited in a savings account with the bank that issues the card. Secured cards are exactly the same as regular credit cards except for this feature, which is a prerequisite for the extension of credit. The amount of money that you must deposit into the savings account varies with each program, but generally it determines your credit limit. If you deposit $300 into your collateral savings account, then your card has a $300 credit limit. You may increase your credit limit by depositing more funds into the account. There are some secured cards that extend more in credit than they require you to deposit, possibly $100 more or one-and-one-half times the amount that is in savings. If you default on this card, the bank will take the money in the savings account to pay the balance. The bank may or may not report to the credit bureaus on these cards, so check to make sure that they do. Interest rates and fees will be higher than those of regular credit cards. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Unsecured</strong> bad-credit charge cards are regular credit cards, except that the interest rates and fees may be higher than market rates. The initial credit limit is generally low, perhaps $250 to $300; it will increase periodically as long as the account is kept in good standing. Many of these cards will charge upfront fees as a price for extending credit. Interest rates can range from 9% to above 25%, and annual fees can be $50 to $100 or more. Payment performance on unsecured cards is usually reported by banks to the credit reporting agencies, so they can help in rebuilding your credit. Again, check to ensure that they do this. Several of the better unsecured cards are listed above. </p>\r\n<p>Choose wisely when comparing bad-credit charge cards. Compare all of the terms and conditions closely. Some are much better than others. If used prudently (such as paying off charged balances monthly), they can be a good step in rebuilding damaged credit.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('101','24','<p>For those who live in the fast-paced world of today there is now a credit card that meets your needs. If you don\'t have the time to wait for credit card approval then an instant approval credit card might be the route to take. A lot of people don\'t have the time or patience for the dated method of applying for a credit card. Traditionally you have to fill out an application, mail it in, and wait for a letter advising you if you have been approved for a line of credit.</p>\r\n<p>What happens when you don\'t have the luxury of time to get approved for a credit card? This is where an instant approval card comes in handy. Companies that offer instant approval credit cards provide an online link to their application. No more filling out your application by hand and sending it off in a stamped envelope. Now with a click of your mouse you can access the application, fill it out, and submit it.</p>\r\n<p>Not only do you get rid of the time consuming forms and submissions, you can also say goodbye to waiting to be informed of your approval status. After submitting your application for your instant approval credit card you will be notified in minutes of whether you have been approved or not. Going through an instant approval credit card does not diminish your options on what type of credit card you can apply for. Credit card companies offer a variety of choices in addition to this hassle free method. You can choose from gas credit cards, rewards credit cards, or cash back incentives. This is an option that doesn\'t have any downfalls. You are able to be approved instantly and still have many of the choices with regular credit cards.</p>\r\n<p>Such cards offered through the instant approval method are the Chase Visa&reg; Platinum Card, Discover&reg; More (SM) Card, Chase Free Cash Rewards Visa Card, Discover&reg; Open Road(SM) Card, Blue from American Express, Chase Freedom Cash Visa Signature Card, Blue Cash from American Express, American Express Preferred Rewards Green Card, Clear from American Express, and Miles by Discover&reg; Card. Talk about a multitude in credit card options. You still maintain the same selection without having to have the patience on waiting days or even weeks for some type of notification in the mail.</p>\r\n<p>So what if you aren\'t approved for a credit card through cards with instant approval? You still have opportunities, just possibly through a different type of credit card. The days of getting declined and experiencing the despair of not being able to benefit from a credit card are over. Many of the companies mentioned above have come up with a solution to being declined. When you seek a credit card through instant approval you will know immediately if you are declined. If so you may want to seek a prepaid credit card. You can be instantly approved and in the case of many cards offered can even benefit from some of the rewards credit cards or those that offer cash back incentives, all through a prepaid credit card.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('102','24','There are a variety of credit card machines available in the market today. Most of these terminals have all the usual features but the wise business decision would be to purchase a terminal, which addresses your specific business needs. The first question you need to ask yourself is whether, you really need a credit card machine or not? Only if your answer is a definite a??yesa??, should you contemplate getting a credit card machine. If you own a retail shop or any business that necessitates a face to face interaction with the customer, a credit card machine becomes indispensable. Most consumers nowadays find it easier, to whip out their cards to pay for their purchases. They also tend to feel more secure as they know that transactions made using a credit card terminal is virtually safe and secure. <br /><br />There are basically three types of terminals; physical terminals that may come with or without printers, portable credit card machines that businessmen can carry with themselves and virtual software based terminals that are used by online businessmen and by those who take business orders over the phone. So your choice of credit card machine greatly depends on the kind of business you are involved in. Another important point that would influence your purchase decision is the cost of the machine. Credit card terminals can be purchased anywhere between $125 to a $1000. So carefully check out the features offered by the machines and compare them to your business needs. <br /><br />Bu logging onto Advanced Merchant Services, you can browse through our huge selection of credit card machines. Whatever be your requirement, whatever your budget, you will definitely find a terminal to suit your needs. As mentioned earlier there are basically three types of credit card terminals. For people operating from a fixed geographical location you should purchase the Lipman Nurit 2059i. This incredible piece of equipment is designed to handle almost all conceivable payment types. In addition it is also designed to keep a track of track of staffing time through the time card management. <br /><br />If you are a businessman on the move, then you should go for the Lipman Nurit 8000. The Nurit 8000 is as powerful and efficient as its larger cousins but comes in a much smaller package. For those taking orders on the net, the PCCharge Pro is the best and the securest software package currently available in the market. This software is perfect for businesses that need an efficient processing system coupled with several security features like AVS and CVV, to minimize frauds and chargebacks. To find out more about our services, visit us at www.merchant-accounts.com.<br /><br />Steve Depraida is a well known author who writes articles on Merchant Accounts like Merchant Services, Merchant Service, Accept Credit Cards, Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Machine, Internet Merchant Accounts etc. For further details, please visit the site www.merchant-accounts.com.<br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('103','24','There are a lot of people who are talking about instant approval credit cards today. This is because there are various companies who are claiming that they can offer the best ones online. A lot of people think that this means that they can instantly download a copy of a card and start using it immediately. Unfortunately, this is not how it works. While your application can be approved almost instantly, which actually means that it will be approved within just a few minutes, you cannot print it out and start shopping immediately.<br /><br />The Facts Behind Instant Approval Credit Cards<br /><br />While it only takes a few minutes to be approved for instant approval credit cards, it will take a few days before your card will arrive in the postal mail. So, the only real benefit here is that you will know if you are approved for this credit card within a fairly short time. If you were to have applied for a credit card via mail, you would have waited several days or weeks for the bank to even run your application. This is just one of the advantages. Another advantage is that you can compare the cost of different credit card companies.<br /><br />Of course, there are limits to whom is eligible for these instant approval credit cards. These are actually meant for people who have good credit. However, there are some ways in which you can get around this. For instance, there may be times when the company that you have applied to will not be able to access your credit records for some reason. Sometimes the competition within the credit market is so high that some companies are willing to take a risk just to get customers. So, even if your credit record is not all that great, you may still be able to get instant approval credit cards. For these reasons, you should still try applying for one of these credit cards.<br /><br />There are plenty of these credit cards that you can apply for online. All you need to do is go onto the Internet and search for them. You will find plenty of them to choose between. So, you really should take your time to comparison shop. Visit the various web sites and look at the different offers that they have. This is how you will be able to find the best deal on your next credit card.<br /><br />Roland Parris Jefferson III is an online researcher based out of Los Angeles, California. Need more details and expert advice on Credit Cards? Then please visit our Instant Approval Credit Cards Resource.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('104','24','<p>When people think about being financially stable they usually think about being able to afford all the extras many of us take for granted in everyday life. That daily $6 coffee the hundreds you spend in gas each month or whatever it is, people think of financial freedom as the ability to barely afford the extras. But a lot of the times people get so far behind in payments or are forced to pay for an unforeseen emergency and aren\'t able to afford all the extras they\'ve been enjoying.</p>\r\n<p>Many people don\'t know that they are capable of negotiating with the credit card companies to make your life a little easier. After all, the credit card companies want to see their money too. So many times they are willing to renegotiate your interest rates, or remove late fees and other charges.</p>\r\n<p>This would also be a good time to check your credit history. Anything over 2 years old can be removed from your credit report with a quick call to the credit reporting agency. When you call the credit report company ask them to remove any negative marks on your record that is 2 years or older. They won\'t be able to validate the late fees and will be forced to remove them from your credit report.</p>\r\n<p>You\'d be surprised how willing credit card companies are to negotiate fees. You\'d probably be even more surprised to discover that many credit card companies are even willing to negotiate a new interest rate with you! Depending on how many credit cards and other debts you have, this could take hour upon hours on hold waiting to hear from a telemarketer. This is why I always recommend people turn to debt consolidation programs that do all the negotiations and phone calls for you. Getting all of your bills into one combined monthly payment. The debt consolidation service will also make the calls to have late fees removed and rates reduced.</p>\r\n<p>You can also try to consolidate your debts on your own by combining them all onto one credit card or loan. The credit card or loan must be low interest, or no progress will be made. Regardless of if you do it on your own or get the assistance of a debt consolidation company, you need to make annual reviews of your credit report.</p>\r\n<p>I\'d be willing to pay hundreds of dollars for all the help I received from the debt advisers, but it hasn\'t cost be hardly anything.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('105','24','<p>Interest rates and the method by which finance charges are calculated vary from one credit card company to another. Fortunately, they must by law disclose the interest rate that they charge as well as the method which they use to calculate the charges that are added to your account. </p>\r\n<p>Generally speaking, credit card companies charge relatively high rates of interest on unpaid balances. Some calculate interest with a fixed rate that rarely changes. Others charge variable interest rates on their balances, usually equal to the prime rate (the interest rate that commercial banks charge their most creditworthy borrowers) plus 2 to 7 percent, depending on the policy of the particular financial institution. </p>\r\n<p>Many credit card companies allow a <em>grace period</em> of twenty to twenty-five days beyond the billing date, during which time you can avoid interest charges by paying the balance of your account in full. A number of companies, however, are moving away from this standard, giving smaller grace periods or none at all (which means that interest charges begin to accrue on your purchases as soon as they post to your account). </p>\r\n<p>Finance charges are calculated by applying a <em>periodic interest rate</em> to the outstanding balance of your account. Credit card companies use several methods to determine the balance in an account that’s subject to interest charges. The periodic rate is calculated by dividing the <em>annual percentage rate (APR)</em> by the number of billing periods in a year, generally twelve. An APR of 18% would, therefore, convert to a period rate of 1.5% (18 divided by 12 = 1.5) per billing period when finance charges are calculated monthly. The periodic interest rate is then multiplied by the balance to determine the dollar amount of the finance charge. </p>\r\n<p>If your credit card has a grace period and you normally pay your balance in full and on time every month, you normally will not incur any finance charges at all. However, if you regularly carry a balance on your card, the method that’s used to calculate that balance is crucial because it plays a large part in determining how much interest you’ll have to pay. Be aware of how interest charges are calculated on your accounts. The most common methods used are listed here: #p##e#</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li><em>Adjusted balance</em> - In this method the balance at the beginning of the billing cycle is adjusted downward for payments made during the cycle, but the balance is not adjusted upward for purchases made during the same cycle. Payment date is irrelevant as long as it’s posted during the cycle. The resulting balance after calculations are completed is multiplied by the periodic interest rate to determine the finance charge for that billing cycle. This is the most favorable method, since it results in the lowest finance charge. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Average daily balance</em> - The balances in your account during each day of the billing cycle are added together, and the sum is divided by the number of days in the cycle. Payments made during the cycle are subtracted from the amount you owe; new purchases may or may not be included in the calculation, but usually are. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Two-cycle average daily balance</em> - The balances in your account during each day of the last two billing cycles are added together, with the sum being divided by the number of days in the two cycles. The remaining calculations are similar to the <em>average daily balance</em>. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Previous balance</em> - The periodic interest rate is applied to the billing cycle beginning balance; no payments or purchases made during the month are included in the calculation. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Ending balance</em> - The periodic interest rate is applied to the billing cycle ending balance. The timing of payments and new purchases is irrelevant since only the cycle’s closing balance is used in the calculation. </li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('106','24','An excellent way in which to earn money while you are out shopping for those things that you and your family need is through the use of cash back credit cards. You will be glad that you have done this because these cards will greatly reward you with cash back on every purchase that you have just made. Plus you will also be able to get even more savings that you may have never before thought were possible.<br /><br />The most obvious benefit that you will get with these cash back credit cards is the money that you will be able to get back with each and every purchase that you make. Frequently, the companies that issue these credit cards will give you approximately 5% cash back on certain purchases that you make whenever you are using their credit card. For instance, this may include those purchases that you make at drug stores, supermarkets and gas stations. You may then get an additional 1% cash back on all of the other purchases that you make with your credit card. So, if you use your credit card frequently, this money can add up rather quickly. These savings can then be used for just about anything.<br /><br />How To Get The Most From Your Cash Back Credit Cards<br /><br />Cash back credit cards will allow you to save between 1 and 5% on most of the purchases that you make while using it. This can add up to quite a bit of money being saved. For instance, if you spend $1000 at the grocery store, $200 at the drug store and $300 dollars at the gas station in 3 months you will have spent $1,500 and have saved $75.00. Over the course of the year, you will have then saved yourself a total of $6,000.00.<br /><br />You may be wondering what you can do with the money that you have just saved by using your cash back credit cards. Well, there are lots of things that you can do with this money. For starters, you can tuck the $300.00 away for a rainy day. Of course, you could also reward yourself for being so credit savvy and for saving yourself a little money and thus go out shopping. If you choose to go this route, you should make sure to use this credit card again so that you can continue saving even more money for yourself.<br /><br />Roland Parris Jefferson III is an online researcher based out of Los Angeles, California. Need more details and expert advice on Credit Cards? Then please visit our <a href=\"http://www.free-creditcard-advice.info/Cash-Back-Credit-Cards.html\">Cash Back Credit Cards</a> Resource.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('107','25','<p>You\'ve been working at cleaning up your credit file. You now have one or two <em>secured credit cards</em> and you\'re feeling better about yourself. But now that you have them, how do you use them? How do you ensure that you don\'t make the same mistakes you did to sink your credit in the first place? Well, in addition to applying a heaping helping of discipline which may have been lacking earlier, here are a few pointers on how you can slowly, methodically, and wisely keep your credit score on the rise. </p>\r\n<p>First, use the credit that you have. Make a few small purchases each month with your credit cards, but no more than you can pay off fully when the bills arrive. You can keep track of your purchases in a checkbook register, or simply check your balances periodically at your card\'s website. Personal finance software is also readily available to assist you keep tabs on your accounts. If you don\'t think that you\'ll be able to control your spending if you carry the cards with you, then arrange to have some small monthly bill, such as your newspaper subscription or health club dues, charged to your cards each month. Then set up an automatic payment from your checking account to pay those bills. That way the credit lines are being used and the bills are being paid without your having to think about them. </p>\r\n<p>Next, keep your balances low. It doesn\'t matter what your credit limits are. You don\'t want to use more than about thirty percent of the limits that you have, because one of criteria for determining your credit score is the percentage of credit that you actually use with regard to the total credit that you have available. Even if your credit limits are only a few hundred dollars, it doesn\'t matter; stay at thirty percent or lower. Keep in mind that these cards aren\'t for your convenience. And due to their high interest rates they certainly shouldn\'t be used to carry large quantities of debt. The cards that you have now are meant to help you rebuild your credit, period. </p>\r\n<p>Don\'t get in a hurry; pace yourself. Never apply for several new credit accounts in a short period of time, especially when rebuilding your score. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least six months between applications for credit. Don\'t apply for cards or loans just to see if you can get them. Target your applications to lenders that are more likely to want your business. Applying for the American Express Silver-anodized Uranium Card while trying to improve a damaged credit file will do nothing more than add another potentially harmful <em>inquiry</em> to your report. </p>\r\n<p>Finally, we come to perhaps the simplest and most useful advice that you could possible receive: pay your bills on time. Remember, the weightiest portion of your credit score is likely to be your payment history, and even one late payment can scuttle all of your hard-fought efforts. Make sure that <em>all</em> of your bills are paid on time, <em>all</em> of the time. It\'s the single best thing that you can do to enhance your credit profile.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('108','25','<p>SumTotal&reg; Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUMT), a global provider of learning, performance and talent management solutions, today announced that the upcoming release of its industry-leading ToolBook&reg; Instructor will include the ability to rapidly create learning and interactive content for Apple&rsquo;s iPhone&trade;. Using new ToolBook SmartStyles - intelligent, professionally designed layouts optimized for the iPhone - and new support for the Safari web browser, organizations now have the ability to create rich, interactive content, enabling a Web 2.0 experience for mobile users that was not available before. The iPhone will be the first of other devices, such as Windows Mobile phones, to take advantage of this solution.</p>\r\n<p>A recent survey by Bersin and Associates, a research and advisory consulting firm focused on enterprise learning and talent management, found that 18% of companies are currently delivering learning to mobile devices on a regular basis and another 35% are actively looking for such solutions.</p>\r\n<p>&ldquo;There is a strong trend toward development of rapid, informal content which employees can access at any time,&rdquo; says Josh Bersin, president. &ldquo;More than one billion devices are now in operation. SumTotal&rsquo;s solution enables organizations to easily deliver online learning to employees through one of their most popular devices &ndash; their mobile phone.&rdquo;</p>\r\n<p>The eLearning Guild, a worldwide community of practice comprising over 29,000 e-Learning designers, developers, and decision makers, recently published a major report on Mobile Learning. Nearly half of the respondents said that a lack of standard across the industry was a barrier to adopting mobile learning, but they also conceded that mobile learning was key to increasing learner and user access and availability. &ldquo;What we also found that&rsquo;s exciting, is that nearly 45% of members that completed the survey indicate that they plan to do more mobile learning in the next 12 months,&rdquo; says Steve Wexler, director of research and emerging technologies for The eLearning Guild. &ldquo;And of the members who have employed mobile learning, 52% report an improvement in user performance and an 83% report making e-Learning more readily available to learners in their organization.</p>\r\n<p>&ldquo;One of the truly miraculous things about the iPhone is how many Web pages work &ndash; and work well &ndash; without any thought to redesigning them for a small screen. It is the first small, portable, won&rsquo;t-leave-home-without-it device where Web sites not designed with a small screen in mind just work.&rdquo;</p>\r\n<p>Wexler sees ToolBook&rsquo;s explicit support for simultaneous delivery of content for large screens and the iPhone as something that Guild members will be very pleased about. &ldquo;Guild members have made it clear that they don&rsquo;t want to have to double their development efforts; that is, they want to develop it once and have it work on multiple platforms. ToolBook&rsquo;s support for this capability will assuage a major concern of many Guild members.&rdquo;#p##e#</p>\r\n<p>&ldquo;Mobile learning has been a hot topic with our customers &ndash; the ability to reach and develop talent in a changing and dynamic workforce that is constantly on the move is a significant step forward for them,&rdquo; says Sanjay Dholakia, senior vice president and general manager, Learning and Talent Management business unit at SumTotal. &ldquo;Our investment in innovation is leading to unique talent management solutions that are focused on customer success - workers on a production floor, sales associates that are interfacing with customers or even workers delayed at an airport. Talent development and learning is most effective when received at the time of need &ndash; no matter where you are. Having pioneered the move of learning management to the web, we are thrilled to now pioneer its move beyond.&rdquo;</p>\r\n<p>With a microsite dedicated to mobile learning, SumTotal is providing examples of mobile learning content for the iPhone, a whitepaper on best practices for creating mobile learning, demos, and the ability to sign up for the free ToolBook Instructor 9.5 beta program. </p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('109','25','<p>As currency volatility increased in the late 1990s, Molex (an electrical component manufacturer) had reason to be concerned. On the other hand, the company was proud of its &quot;can-do&quot; heritage of growing faster and with better financial ratios than the bulk of its worldwide competitors. </p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, Molex produced more than 40 percent of its annual income from selling products in the very countries that were experiencing the most difficulty with their currencies. In many cases, the company also manufactured products in those same countries. </p>\r\n<p>The company also knew that it faced an irresistible force: Almost all profit growth in its industry comes from new products, and these are expensive and time-consuming to design and produce. Reduced demand for existing products would mean a drastic drop in profits. </p>\r\n<p>The company immediately reacted to the currency plunges by taking all of its best people and put them into the troubled countries for as long as it took to understand the irresistible forces affecting the local economies. This commitment to finding out what the company was facing made the difference.</p>\r\n<p>Here are some of the things they found, and what they did to adjust. </p>\r\n<p>First, in some countries, the local currency was devalued by more than 50 percent. This circumstance meant that imported materials now cost double or more what they had before. </p>\r\n<p>Molex moved quickly to raise prices for customers in the local markets where the currencies had dropped to reflect those changes. </p>\r\n<p>Second, the local economies were thrown into severe recessions by the devaluations, which meant that local customers would not be buying very many products. </p>\r\n<p>Molex quickly fanned out its salespeople to locate new customers in other countries (such as in Europe and North America) who would want to buy imported goods built in Asia at much lower prices than Molex had formerly charged. </p>\r\n<p>Third, Molex kept its commitment to expanding new product development and focused more on the needs of its newest customers who were less affected by currency and economic changes.#p##e#</p>\r\n<p>A year later Molex had experienced only a single quarter of modestly lower earnings since the currency volatility started. Revenues and market share climbed every quarter, and financial ratios actually improved. </p>\r\n<p>Other companies in the industry had severely reduced profits that continued for a much longer time. Asked to explain the company\'s success compared to its competitors, Molex\'s CEO replied that he now understood why some airlines based in countries with new economic woes had shown greatly increased earnings during this time period: because so many companies had had to buy so many airline tickets to solve their newly-created problems.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('110','25','<p>Using credit wisely can go a long way toward allowing you to keep more of your money in your pocket. Here are some handy tips to help you stay in control of your credit and financial life: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>Don&rsquo;t pay extra for a gold card, or platinum card, or any other type of card if you&rsquo;re not likely to utilize its special features. You certainly don&rsquo;t need waste money (sometimes, quite substantial money) trying to impress your family or friends with the color of your credit card. </li>\r\n    <li>Interest rates on unpaid credit card balances are generally quite high when compared to the rates of other credit sources. If at all possible, don&rsquo;t run up large balances on your card. If you have money in a savings account, it&rsquo;s more financially advantageous to pay off those high-interest balances than to draw low interest earnings in savings. </li>\r\n    <li>If you normally pay the full balance of your credit card each month, you are in actuality receiving an interest-free loan from the card issuer (assuming that you have a <em>grace period</em>). Purchasing larger-ticket items a day or two after your card&rsquo;s billing ending date can give you 50 to 55 days before you&rsquo;ll have to pay for them. </li>\r\n    <li>Don&rsquo;t apply for credit at several different sources within a short period of time, especially if you&rsquo;re anticipating a major purchase soon (such as a home or car). Each creditor will access your credit report, causing an <em>inquiry</em> to be entered in your file. If rate shopping for a mortgage or car loan, concentrate your search within a 14-day period (the new FICO credit-scoring formula has extended that time to 45 days, but creditors can choose to use it or the old 14-day formula); all such inquiries are counted together as one inquiry. </li>\r\n    <li>Credit reports are use by employers to evaluate job applicants as well as by creditors evaluating loan applicants. It&rsquo;s therefore worthwhile to check the contents of your credit file for accuracy even though you don&rsquo;t plan on applying for credit in the near future. It&rsquo;s also useful in pinpointing any signs of identity theft. </li>\r\n    <li>Cut down on your inventory of credit cards. The more cards you own, the more likely you are to end up using them and falling into a large credit hole. It&rsquo;s also much more difficult keeping track of all of your spending. </li>\r\n    <li>Lenders are required by law to inform you of the cost of credit (interest and other fees) and the terms of repayment <em>before</em> you borrow any money. Make sure that they adhere to this rule; know what you&rsquo;ll be responsible for paying. </li>\r\n    <li>Except in unusual circumstances, it&rsquo;s wise to avoid the purchase of credit life insurance when you borrow. This insurance is generally very expensive for the coverage that you receive and is seldom (though not always) a bad deal. </li>\r\n    <li>If you live in a community property state, be aware that a creditor may consider your spouse&rsquo;s credit history even if you&rsquo;re applying for credit in your own name. </li>\r\n    <li>Arrange for financing before the time that you&rsquo;ll actually need the funding; in other words, get a preapproval. Having a creditor&rsquo;s loan commitment allows you to shop for the best deal on whatever it is that you&rsquo;re buying. Conversely, being in a hurry to obtain a loan because you need to complete the purchase may cause you to accept whatever loan terms the lender offers. </li>\r\n    <li>(as a bonus) If you&rsquo;re having trouble meeting your loan obligations, contact your creditors immediately. Most will be more than willing to work out a payment restructure that will allow you to fully repay your loan. </li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('111','25','<p>Hundreds of thousands of people yearly have their identities stolen. It can happen in a variety of ways. Someone steals your wallet or handbag. A person covertly watches your mailbox for preapproved offers of credit. Or they go through your garbage for discarded credit card receipts. They&rsquo;ll even sift through your doctors&rsquo; trash to find discarded personal information that&rsquo;s already been entered into the computer system. </p>\r\n<p>If it happens to you, the good news is that the world will not end. For a stolen debit or credit card, the most that you&rsquo;ll be out is $50. But the cost in lost time and peace of mind can be tremendous. Not only that, the hit that your credit will take can also be quite substantial; it could very well take months or even years to clear your record as well as your name. It&rsquo;s therefore only prudent to take some simple preventative steps to protect yourself as much as possible before it happens. </p>\r\n<p>For example, one thing that you can do is to periodically check your credit report. Identity theft can go unfettered for months simply because the owner has no idea that it&rsquo;s happening. You can get a free copy of your report once a year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. To protect yourself even further, experts recommend checking it twice yearly. </p>\r\n<p>Another smart move to make would be to have yourself removed from all of those mailing lists. Preapproved credit applications aren&rsquo;t the kind of documents that you necessary want to leave just lying around, whether it&rsquo;s in the house or out in your garbage. Most of these pieces of paper come from mailing lists that are generated by the three credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. You can remove yourself from all of those lists by making a phone call to <strong>1-800-5OPT-OUT</strong>. </p>\r\n<p>Clean out your wallet or handbag. Most people carry around far too many documents or slips of paper with identifying information on them. There&rsquo;s no reason to carry around birth certificates, passports or most importantly your Social Security card if you&rsquo;re not intending to conduct business with them. Even credit cards that you don&rsquo;t use should be stored away; if they haven&rsquo;t been used in some time, you should consider closing those accounts anyway. Your Social Security number is vital for anyone who&rsquo;s out to steal your identity; with it they can apply for credit or loans in your name. There are only a few valid occasions for you to give it out: when applying for a job, doing your taxes, or if you&rsquo;re involved in some other financial transaction. In the majority of other cases your number is requested for the purpose of identification; ask if another identifying number can be substituted. </p>\r\n<p>If you use ATMs or the internet regularly, make sure that you choose smart passwords. Even if your ATM card is lost or stolen, a thief likely can&rsquo;t use it unless you&rsquo;ve chosen an obvious password. Stay away from names or partial names, dates of birth, phone numbers, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Instead, pick something which you can remember easily but a thief wouldn&rsquo;t have a clue about. A combination of letters and numbers is best. </p>\r\n<p>If the unthinkable does happen and your identity is stolen, act quickly. Report it immediately to the three credit bureaus, and ask to have a <em>victim&rsquo;s statement</em> included in your file so that any further applications for credit will have to be verified by you. Also, notify the police and get a copy of their report so that you can show it to any credit card companies that may ask for it. And if there has been any activity on your accounts that you did not initiate, cancel all of them immediately and get new cards and account numbers. </p>\r\n<p>Being proactive concerning your sensitive information makes it much more likely that you&rsquo;ll never have to experience the trauma and inconvenience of identity theft.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('112','25','<p>With today&rsquo;s credit-driven society, it&rsquo;s absolutely essential to stay on top of your financial circumstances. If you get behind on your bills, it&rsquo;s very difficult to catch up. And if you don&rsquo;t catch up, you&rsquo;ll be charged even more on top of the amount that you&rsquo;re already behind on. So if you have good credit, be very diligent about keeping it. </p>\r\n<p>Here are five common credit questions, with common sense answers, that could save you many dollars and cents. </p>\r\n<ol>\r\n    <li><strong>How often should I check my credit?</strong>\r\n    <p>It makes sense to stay on top of your credit situation, and the only way to do that is to know what&rsquo;s in your credit file. You should therefore check your report regularly, at least once every year. The <strong>Federal Trade Commission</strong> states that you have the right to order one free copy of your credit report yearly from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. You can order your credit reports online here. </p>\r\n    </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Which is better to have, lots of credit cards or just a few?</strong>\r\n    <p>If you consolidate a number of cards into one credit card with a large balance, you may end up actually lowering your credit score. Let&rsquo;s say, for instance, that you have eight cards of varying balances, but all at roughly 50 percent of their respective credit limits. To consolidate the debt, you apply for and receive one more credit card with a large limit. You close the other accounts, leaving the one card open. But now, the percentage of available credit that you have in use is no longer 50 percent; it&rsquo;s much higher, perhaps as much as 95 percent. This can actually work against your score. </p>\r\n    <p>Additionally, while it does make sense to pay off credit card debt, it may not make as much sense to close the accounts. This is because the general rule of credit card history is that the longer your account history extends, the higher your score tends to be. So it may be a good idea to keep older accounts open, even if they&rsquo;re not used. </p>\r\n    </li>\r\n    <li><strong>I pay my credit card on time, but sometimes I&rsquo;m late with other bills. Can this affect my credit score?</strong>\r\n    <p>Unfortunately, yes it can. With the advent of the &ldquo;universal default&rdquo; provision, which many credit cards now incorporate, if you don&rsquo;t pay or are even late on any bill that you owe, the credit card issuer can raise your rate on the card that you <em>aren&rsquo;t</em> late on. Besides that, many other bills in addition to credit cards can be reported to the credit bureaus, and any negative entry will adversely affect your score. #p##e#</p>\r\n    </li>\r\n    <li><strong>What should I do if I&rsquo;m going to be late making a payment?</strong>\r\n    <p>If you think that you&rsquo;ll be more than thirty days late on a payment, the best thing that you can do is to contact your lender immediately. It\'s often very likely that you can work out an arrangement if you let the lender know as soon as possible. Lenders appreciate a proactive attitude toward your obligations. In addition, it&rsquo;s just the right thing to do. </p>\r\n    </li>\r\n    <li><strong>I usually pay my mortgage on the 10th of the month. It&rsquo;s due on the first, but the mortgage company says it&rsquo;s okay because I have a 15-day grace period. Can they report my payments as late?</strong>\r\n    <p>No, they can&rsquo;t. But you must still be cautious. A debt is considered &quot;late&quot; for credit-reporting purposes only if it\'s at least 30 days overdue. However, some lenders will begin charging late fees if you are even one day late. Read the fine print of all of your documents. </p>\r\n    <p>For mortgage payments, lenders typically provide a grace period because checks may be delayed in the mail and payment days may fall on weekends or holidays. It&rsquo;s still best, however, to pay on time, if not earlier.</p>\r\n    </li>\r\n</ol>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('113','25','<p>1. Choose opportunities more wisely and waste less time <br />because I have my plan in place (P 6) </p>\r\n<p>2. A single page can contain all the elements you need to <br />tell your employees, board of directors, potential partners <br />or banker where you are taking your business and how you are <br />going to get there. (P 17) </p>\r\n<p>3. The most important reason to have a business plan is to <br />clarify your thinking, regardless of the size of your <br />company (P 18) </p>\r\n<p>4. It facilitates creating and analytical thinking, problem <br />solving, communication, and teamwork. (P 18) </p>\r\n<p>5. It creates hope and enthusiasm about the future. (P 18) </p>\r\n<p>6. It also brings out procrastination, frustration, <br />differences of opinions and possibly anger. (P 18) #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>7. Somehow writing initiates the transformation from idea <br />to reality. (P 21) </p>\r\n<p>8. The written word produces a contract with yourself that <br />results in immediate action. (P 21) </p>\r\n<p>9. Writing allows others to participate in your dream and <br />give you feedback (P 21) </p>\r\n<p>10. Because your coach, consultant, business builder <br />strategist, friend, relative tells you that one of the <br />top reasons businesses fail is a lack of planning! That\'s why!</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('114','25','<p>Fortunately (or unfortunately as the case may be), the extension and use of credit is vital to our economy as well as to our lives. We all must spend money, and if we don\'t have it readily available, having the alternative of buying on credit (in other words, borrowing) can often make things easier. Even if we buy only necessities and pay our outstanding balance in full every month, it\'s important that we have credit available to us. This option, however, requires that we establish a good credit history. If <em>bankruptcy</em> or some other financial setback has resulted in negative credit against us, it\'s important that we work to rebuild a good credit rating. The following steps can be applicable whether just beginning or reestablishing good credit. </p>\r\n<p>One of the first and easiest steps in establishing a good credit history is to open <em>savings</em> and <em>checking accounts</em>. These are not only ways of storing your money, but also of learning to manage your finances responsibly. The next step logical is to obtain some type of credit in which the lender will report your payment record to the major credit bureaus, such as a <em>credit card</em>. </p>\r\n<p>Young adults, particularly new college students without a credit history, often receive offers from banks and other businesses for credit cards. These offers will usually extend a fairly low amount of credit, typically $250 to $500. Getting one of these credit cards, using it carefully, and making the payments before the due date is an excellent way to begin establishing a strong credit history. After showing responsibility with this smaller amount of credit, your good credit record will allow you to obtain other credit cards with higher limits and lower interest rates. </p>\r\n<p>If you don\'t necessarily fall into the above category, you can still begin to build (or rebuild) your credit record with a <em>secured credit card</em>. You\'ll have to deposit money into a savings or other deposit account with the card issuer. These funds are held by the lender as security for payment of the amounts charged on the card; they\'ll also determine your credit limit. After a period (typically a year or two) of making timely payments on the account, the lender may be willing to refund your deposit and issue you an unsecured card with a higher dollar limit. Study the terms and conditions of these cards (indeed, of all credit cards) carefully. Interest rates and fees can vary greatly and it\'s very important to comparison-shop. Refer the article <em>Bad-Credit Credit Cards</em> for more information and tips on finding the best card accounts available. </p>\r\n<p>In some cases, people who\'ve completed bankruptcy proceedings and whose debts have been discharged by the bankruptcy court may also receive unsolicited offers for new credit cards. The card companies\' rationale seems to be that since the individual is now virtually debt-free after the bankruptcy discharge, he or she has more income with which to make future credit card payments. And although these offers can also be used to get back on track toward good credit, it must be remembered that any new credit should be used sparingly and with the utmost responsibility. </p>\r\n<p>Another avenue of establishing a good credit history is by using a local <em>retail store credit card</em>. But make sure that the lender reports your use of the card and payment record to the credit bureaus. If they don\'t, you\'re wasting your time using their card. Remember, the purpose here isn\'t to get credit just to make easy purchases and rack up a mountain of debt. You must use the credit wisely. You\'re using it to build a solid history in order to gain access to more credit for those important purchases that you\'ll need to make down the road. Those lenders will request your payment history from the credit bureaus before granting you this additional credit. If a local retailer won\'t help you by reporting your account, don\'t accept a card from them. There are plenty of other local and chain retailers that do report credit accounts, so you shouldn\'t have too much of a problem finding one. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>If you or your family has a business relationship with a local <em>bank</em> or <em>credit union</em>, they may be willing to extend credit to you. If the banker knows you personally, it\'s possibly that you could get a small loan on just your signature alone (of course, there\'s much more likelihood of this happening in a small local bank as opposed to your local branch of a regional or national institution). Or, you could be required to provide some type of collateral, such as that used for <em>passbook loans</em>. Be prepared to explain what you\'ll use the money for and how you plan to repay it. But also make sure that the lender will be reporting your loan and payment record to the credit bureaus, for the same reasons as stated earlier. </p>\r\n<p>Loans are also available for the purpose of paying for <em>higher education expenses</em>. The applications and requirements vary according to the type of loan that\'s being sought. The financial aid office of the school or college that you want to attend is a good place to start the process. Repayment generally isn\'t required to begin until completing your program of study or leaving school. These loans are reported to the credit bureaus, so this is a great opportunity to establish your credit history. Another possibility for establishing good credit is with the aid of a <em>co-signer</em>. For example, the parent of a teenager buying his or her first car may co-sign for the loan, guaranteeing its repayment in the event that the son or daughter doesn\'t meet the obligations. If the teen pays according to the terms and conditions of the contract, he or she will be well on the way to establishing a very good credit history. It should be noted, however, that it might be somewhat more difficult to find someone who\'s willing to co-sign for you if you\'re trying to reestablish credit following a bankruptcy or other financial mishap. </p>\r\n<p>Once you\'ve received a new credit card or obtained a loan, the importance of making timely payments cannot be more strongly emphasized. Even one late payment can be detrimental to your credit file. Endeavor to use your new credit wisely and responsibly, making all of your payments before they\'re due, and your credit history will reward you now and in the future with lower payments, lower overall costs, and a much more convenient lifestyle.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('115','25','<p>We are all been taught that we are at the mercy of our credit reports and the credit reporting agencies. But that only part of the story. You can be proactive. There are things that you can do to take control of your own credit situation, as well as your own credit report. Here are ten strategies which can help to put you back in the driver seat: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li><strong>Pay off your full credit card balance monthly.</strong> Use your credit card like cash. This is especially effective if you have a high-interest card that has a grace period. Pay the balance within the grace period and sidestep those interest charges; your rate, therefore, no longer comes into play. Here a handy tip on how to do it: immediately deduct the amount that you charge from you checkbook register, and mark that entry. Then, at the end of the month, you know the exact amount that you have to pay; even better, you’ll have the money available because you already deducted it from your checking balance. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Check your credit report at least once a year.</strong> A very large percentage of consumer credit reports have been found to contain incorrect information. Yours could very well be one of them. The passage of recent legislation has made getting a copy of your report much less complicated and much less expensive for consumers; it’s now free, as a matter of fact. To read about the new law and order your credit report, please visit the <em>Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC)</em> website here. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Verify and correct all personal information in your credit report.</strong> This information can often be inaccurate or outdated; fortunately, it’s also the easiest to correct. Check closely the spelling of your name, any suffixes (Jr., Sr., III, etc.) that you use, your address, Social Security number, employment history and current employment, telephone number, income; anything which personally identifies you. Notify the credit bureaus in writing if you find any mistakes. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Direct the credit bureaus to verify and correct any incorrect credit account information.</strong> If you find an incorrect entry on your report, notify the credit reporting agency in writing, explaining why you believe the data to be inaccurate. They then have thirty days to research and verify the information. If it is found to be incorrect, or it cannot be verified, the entry must be removed from your credit record. </li>\r\n    <li>Add any missing positive accounts to your file. You can supply in writing to the credit bureaus any accounts which you have kept current. They can be loans, credit cards, mortgages, etc. Make sure you include your account number. The agencies must verify the information that you send them and include it in your report if it’s found to be correct. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Add your statement to any derogatory credit entry.</strong> You have the legal right to make a written statement of explanation about any credit entry, and have it included in your credit file. Sometimes extenuating circumstances are the cause of a negative rating; an explanation of what happened may be the difference between credit granted and credit refused. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Direct the credit bureaus to remove any information that’s more than seven years old.</strong> By law negative information can remain in your credit file for no more than seven years, except for bankruptcies, which can stay for ten years. Entries are supposed to be removed automatically after their time limits expire, but they often are not. The credit bureaus will remove them, but only if you request it in writing. #p##e#</li>\r\n    <li><strong>If you’re refused credit by a lender, find out why.</strong> You have the legal right to know. Upon receiving a notice of credit denial, you must contact the lender in writing. The lender must tell you specifically why credit to you was denied. You can then decide if you should reapply with additional or corrected information or apply with another institution. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Pay off and/or close unused credit accounts.</strong> “Too much credit?can hurt your chances of obtaining new credit. It can also be a huge temptation to use irresponsibly. If you don’t need it, contact the creditor and have them close the account. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Rebuild bad credit with secured credit cards or passbook loans.</strong> Make sure that the lender reports your account to the credit bureaus. If they do, <em>secured credit cards</em> and <em>passbook-secured loans</em> can be excellent ways to bolster poor credit. </li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('116','25','<p>Without the proper time management skills, you can sit at your desk in your home office for hours without getting any work done. To juggle home, career and family, you should take the time to look over your days and create a specific time to do your various errands.</p>\r\n<p>Some people can sit at a computer or desk for hours at a time but others can only do it in short blocks. Regardless of where you fit into this, you should set aside two to three hours of your time, to sit down and work. Even if you can do more than this, you should avoid it because eventually your mind will not concentrate fully on the work that you are supposed to be doing. Take some time away from working so that you can go back later and start with a fresh mind. </p>\r\n<p>When you wake up, take the time to grab a shower and get something to eat. Try to wake yourself up so that you are fully awake and energized and ready to work. Feeling sluggish and bleary eyed can slow down your work progress and it can make your mind wonder off of the work that you should be doing. Feeling tired can cause you to push things aside and procrastinate because you have no energy.</p>\r\n<p>Bad Habits and Time Killers</p>\r\n<p>A great way to waste time is to check your email every other minute. If your business is booming, you may get a lot of emails, but unless they are time sensitive, your emails can usually wait until you can put aside your work and free up some time.</p>\r\n<p>If you need to intercept all emails because you receive emails for the customer service aspect of your home business, you can always try downloadable computer programs that will alert you whenever you have received an email. </p>\r\n<p>This way you will only check when you are certain that there is an email waiting for you. As a plus, many of these applications will show a small window to let you know who the email is from and will provide sufficient information that will let you know if it is an email that can be checked immediately, or if you can wait until later.</p>\r\n<p>Another great time waster is instant messengers. Like email, people will kill time and put aside work to chat with friends and family during what should be their work hours. Funny emails, videos, links and chain letters can wait until you have a free moment for yourself. </p>\r\n<p>Remember that this is your business and when you are playing, you\'re obviously not working. Even in a home business, time is money and when you waste it, you\'re getting paid less.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('117','25','<p>Using credit isn&rsquo;t financially unsound as long as it&rsquo;s not used unwisely or to excess. As a matter of fact, the availability of credit has become an important consideration in many large purchases, for both families and businesses. Credit accessibility helps to sustain many companies and jobs while at the same time making life more pleasant for individuals and families who have the financial discipline to use it wisely. Some potential advantages of the judicious use of credit are: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>It allows you to acquire and enjoy the use of expensive items. Without the availability of credit you would have to save for months or even years in order to buy big-ticket items, such as cars or homes. </li>\r\n    <li>Credit can provide you with an emergency source of funds. Nearly everyone has encountered situations in which they had insufficient money on hand to take care of some pressing need, such as a new transmission for the car or a new furnace for the home. </li>\r\n    <li>Borrowing can result in tax savings. Interest paid on many types of real estate loans can be deducted at tax time, lowering your overall tax bill dramatically. And businesses can deduct nearly all of their interest expenses in calculating their income tax liabilities. </li>\r\n    <li>Some credit sources permit you to buy now and pay later without charging interest. This allows you to retain control of your money for a longer period of time while still enjoying the use of the purchase. So long as you aren&rsquo;t charged any interest of fees, it&rsquo;s to your advantage to delay paying for as long as possible. </li>\r\n    <li>Credit allows you to travel or shop without the necessity of carrying large amounts of cash. Keeping substantial reserves of cash puts you at risk that the money will be lost or stolen, with little likelihood of recovery. Carrying large sums of money can also put you personally at risk of physical harm. </li>\r\n    <li>Lenders sometimes offer customers special benefits at no additional cost. Competition among creditors, especially those that issue credit cards, can be very intense, causing lenders to offer a variety of incentives. Frequent flier points, insurance coverage for rental cars, and warranty extensions on goods purchased are just a few of the extras that borrowers can receive. </li>\r\n    <li>Credit purchases can provide leverage in the event of a problem with the item or service. Once a business has all of your money, there may be little incentive for it to ensure your satisfaction. Withholding payment on a credit card purchase, which you can do if you have a legitimate dispute that the business fails to rectify, may put you in a somewhat better position for negotiation purposes. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>On the other hand, potential disadvantages of credit usage include: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>It creates an ease of buying goods or services that ordinarily would not have been purchased. Paying cash makes clear the point that buying one thing may preclude you from buying something else. Paying for purchases with credit, however, sidesteps the inherent discipline imposed by cash purchases. </li>\r\n    <li>Borrowing generally increases the acquisition cost of a purchase. Interest and fees that are imposed by lenders result in more money paid for the goods or services obtained. The higher the interest rate and the longer the payment term, the more the credit adds to the final cost of the purchase. </li>\r\n    <li>Easy credit availability can result in individuals, families, and businesses being mired in debt, making it impossible to remain current on their loan obligations. More than a few marriages have collapsed under the financial pressure caused by credit misuse or abuse. </li>\r\n    <li>Habitual credit use allows lenders to monitor your spending habits. Paying cash doesn&rsquo;t leave a data trail that others can follow to learn how you spend your money. #p##e#</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>So, which way is better? If used prudently and effectively, the use of credit is fine, potentially adding to the convenience and even the quality of your life. But used recklessly, it has the power to produce severe financial problems which can come close to ruining your life. The choice to apply the necessary wisdom and discipline are yours.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('118','26','<p>The major function of the credit report agencies is to provide consumers around the world with a correct report of the details of credit transactions made from the utility of credit facilities enjoyed from creditors such as banks, other financial and non financial institutions. In view of this definition one will describe the credit report as a history of the consumer\'s credit activities in a specified frame of time according to the time limit given by the reporting company. Having defined the essentials, we need to know that there are only three consumer companies in operation in the United States and they are Equifax, Experian and Trans Union, these are laden with the responsibility of providing credit report for all residence of the country. There are some services offered by these companies and this article is aimed as enumerating them, so as to educate the populace of the services attainable at these companies.</p>\r\n<p>Firstly the Fair Credit Reporting Act mandated the three credit report agencies to furnish the populace with a free copy of their credit report once a year, this means that everyone is entitled to three free copies of their credit report each year from the three consumer companies - this is known as the free annual credit report, you can get your copy from www.annualcreditreport.com this website is the official website produced just for the purpose of requesting for a free credit report and is the best place to apply online in other to avoid identity theft as much as possible. It should be noted that this offer is free.</p>\r\n<p>The credit report agency also offer as a special service an around the clock surveillance of your credit report giving you the opportunity to have a close watch on your report, knowing every current entry as a means to guard against the error of reporting. There is an alert created that informs the consumer of current changes made to their record. This service is not free since it is an additional service.</p>\r\n<p>Another important service most credit report agencies offer is a fraud control system that monitors and protects the consumer\'s record from fraudsters we indulge in identity theft. This facility is also an additional service which is paid for, and there is also an insurance coverage available for the event of identity; the amount of this insurance varies from agency to agency. These are some of the major services offered by the consumer companies.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('119','26','<p>Identity theft affects over 9 million Americans alone each year. As the degree of damage varies from individual to individual, the lasting effects are nearly the same. ID theft ultimately affects your credit score. And in many cases ID theft can cause major damage without the victim even realizing it at first. Identity theft can occur simply by a ID thief obtaining a person\'s identifying information such as their name, Social Security numbers, credit care and other account numbers and more.</p>\r\n<p>There are many ways thief can use a person\'s identity and not just so they can steal money and buy home theater systems or take lavish vacations, like the recent college-aged thieves caught after years of stealing credit to finance expensive vacations, but many will even steal such information for paying their own rent, telephone bill or even checking out books at the public library.</p>\r\n<p>There are many ways in which an identity thief can obtain your information. Many of the methods used more frequently include going through your trash, going through your mail and stealing a credit card statement in order to obtain your credit card number, email scams, stealing purses and wallets, and even an employee at a restaurant or store jotting down your credit card number as they are running your card.</p>\r\n<p>These events and more can really damage a person\'s credit report and overall score which could take a while just to get back in order.</p>\r\n<p>So how can a person protect themselves from identity theft? The most effective way to combat identity theft is to check your billing statements regularly as well as monitor your credit report regularly. Monitoring ones credit does not have to occur daily. But, if done on a monthly basis, one can see any discrepancies on their credit report soon after a potential identity theft occurrence appears on their credit report or billing statement.</p>\r\n<p>Despite the fact that the ID theft occurrence may not be entirely the credit holder\'s fault, the lasting effects become that victim\'s responsibility to discover and fix. However, there are now services that provide identity theft protection which can be found in more detail at our site. These services can help you keep a close eye on your credit and all identifying information and help prevent identity theft overall.</p>\r\n<p>S. Michael Windsor is currently publisher and a writer for myCreditScoreNetwork.com. The MCN Online FICO Credit Score Guide is a premier FICO score and credit report information platform that provides individuals with a quality in-depth look at credit scores and reports and the associated products, services and information available today. Visit us today at http://www.myCreditScoreNetwork.com and subscribe to our FREE Member services.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('120','26','<p>Your credit report is a very important compilation of information about you. It lists a number of personal identifiers, such as your Social Security number, your date of birth, current and past addresses, even your current employer. It also reveals present and past loans, credit cards, mortgages and any other reported debts. It discloses the status of those accounts, whether they\'re up-to-date, overdue, paid in full or in collections. Any public information, such liens, judgments, bankruptcies, even criminal convictions against you, is also recorded. Your credit file will register the severity of your overdue accounts, whether they are 30, 60, 90 or more days past due, or if they were charged off by the lender. Whenever you apply for a loan or other type of credit, your record is ordered and examined by the potential creditor. The report rates your financial status and the creditor uses it to help decide the likelihood of your repaying the borrowed funds. </p>\r\n<p>Your <em>credit score</em>, or <em>rating</em>, is a number between approximately 150 and 900 that summarizes your creditworthiness. The credit reporting agencies use a complex formula which compiles all of the information in your credit file to determine your score, which is used as a &quot;snapshot&quot; of <em>your credit health</em>. The formula takes into account your payment history, the number and age of open credit lines that you have, how long you\'ve had a credit history, the types of credit accounts you have, the total credit that you have available and how much of it you\'ve used, and the number of inquiries there are on your report. Your credit score has a direct impact on your future borrowing ability. A low score may disqualify you out-of-hand from receiving a loan. Or, you may be required to pay a higher rate of interest because your score portrays you as greater risk to the lender. </p>\r\n<p>The items listed in your credit file can have a positive, negative or neutral rating. Items which are negative, such as overdue or charged-off accounts, may remain on your report for seven years. Bankruptcies can continue to be recorded in your file for up to ten years. However, many consumers are not aware of the fact that if you apply for a job that pays $75,000 or more, or apply for credit or life insurance in the amount of $150,000 or more, any negative items on the credit report that\'s used in conjunction with that job or credit application can be older than the limits listed above. </p>\r\n<p>With the proliferation of <em>identity theft</em>, and the fact that errors in credit files are quite common, it\'s wise to check your credit report periodically. The simplest way to obtain your report is to order a copy online. It\'s best to get one from each of the three major credit reporting agencies, since the information contained in their reports of you can vary somewhat. Also, if you\'ve been denied credit, employment, rental housing, or insurance based on your credit report, you have the right to obtain a free report from the agency that supplied the information within sixty days of the denial. </p>\r\n<p>Your credit report shows your entire financial standing on paper. Creditors, employers, insurance companies, and child support agencies can obtain your file. Income notwithstanding, you are judged almost solely on the basis of the information contained in your credit report. It therefore makes sense to ensure that your file contains accurate information, and portrays you in as positive a light as possible.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('121','26','Part 2: &hellip;and a few ways not to\r\n<p>In Part 1, we saw several good ideas for picking up your credit score quickly. Of course, there\'s always another shoe to drop. Let\'s sample a few not-so-good (even if well-meaning) strategies: </p>\r\n<p><em>Disputing everything bad entry in sight.</em> This tactic is used by many of the more disreputable &quot;credit repair&quot; companies to saturate the credit bureaus with disputes about anything and everything. Because the disputed items are supposed to be removed from your file if the bureaus can\'t confirm them within thirty days, the &quot;credit counselors&quot; boast that they\'ve actually cleaned up your file for you. </p>\r\n<p>Of course, most or all of the negative items come right back as soon as the original creditor confirms that they\'re correct. However, what might not come back are the accounts that may be helping your score. The creditors might not bother to respond to the bureaus\' requests for confirmation, and matters could actually end up being worse than before. </p>\r\n<p>Disputing too many items at once is an excellent way to convince the credit bureaus that you\'re filing &quot;frivolous&quot; disputes, which by law they don\'t have to investigate at all. To be safe, don\'t dispute more than three or four negative items at once, unless your disputes are related. And don\'t pay anyone a large fee for this service; you can do it yourself. </p>\r\n<p><em>Creating a new credit identity.</em> This is another favorite of scam artists. They might use a deceased infant\'s Social Security number or tell you to apply for a taxpayer identification number, which the <strong>IRS</strong> typically issues to businesses. Even if you do succeed with this strategy, you\'re stuck with a file that has no credit history, which can be almost as tough as a file with bad credit. On top of that, it\'s quite illegal. </p>\r\n<p><em>Closing troublesome accounts.</em> Negative marks don\'t fall off your credit file any quicker by closing the offending accounts. Delinquencies, charge-offs, collections, and other harmful records can remain on your credit report for seven years, whether or not the original account is still open; bankruptcies can be displayed for 10 years. </p>\r\n<p>In addition, removing an account could actually end up making matters worse. Even if you\'ve had problems with it, that account might still be having a positive influence on your credit score. If it\'s one of your older trade lines, it could be helping to make your credit history look very long; and when it comes to credit scoring, older is definitely better. If it\'s a revolving account, its credit limit is factored into your overall <em>debt utilization ratio</em>. Closing the account could make your overall existing credit balances look larger because the ratio of credit used in relation to credit that you have <em>available</em> has now changed &ndash; for the worse. </p>\r\n<p><em>Paying off collection accounts.</em> Believe it or not, paying off old debts can seriously hurt your score, because the payment can update the old account and make the negative look younger than it really is. This oddity in the credit scoring formula isn\'t meant to suggest (nor do we) that you shouldn\'t pay your old debts. But you should negotiate with the creditor to get the account dropped from your report as a strict condition of your payment.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('122','26','<p>When needing a method to manage finances or repair credit, you must look for the following topics in a book or through the individual who is counseling you.</p>\r\n<p>Some of the topics of the discussion must be:</p>\r\n<p>A. How to Avoid Collection, Evictions, Foreclosures and Judgment.<br />B. How to Credit Management and Repair.<br />C. What is and how Debt management-Reorganization work of benefit you?<br />D. How to overcome Fraud Protection and Identity Theft?<br />E. How to Obtaining the Best Credit Cards and Loans.<br />F. How to Recover from Bankruptcy.<br />G. How to Resolve Taxes owed and Tax-preparer scams<br />H. What are the Issues regarding Sub-Prime Interest rates.</p>\r\n<p>There are other topics related to the issues of credit repair and credit management that you must look for.</p>\r\n<p>Those are:</p>\r\n<p>As far as your financial affairs are concerned, What to do before, during or after<br />A. engagement?<br />B. marriage?<br />C. separation?<br />D. divorce?<br />E. death of loved ones?#p##e#</p>\r\n<p>If a book you are seeking does not contain all of the above information, you must look elsewhere because you will be wasting your time reading something that will not give you all you need to know and possibly you will not get all your time and money\'s worth. If you are preparing, managing or repairing credit, a book must contain some files on the CD or some sort of media that are reading to use letters, forms and notes. One of the problems most consumers have is the ability (time) to draft a letter and what is the best and most effective way to get a point across without writing a long letter. We are all short in time as we spend a good portion of our days (if not all of the day) being stuck in traffic, chasing the necessities of our daily lives, taking care of children or our elderly. By the time we are finished with our chores we will have no time and are exhausted to site and think about how to draft a letter, make it formal and demanding and use the proper way of mailing it.</p>\r\n<p>If you are buying a book, it should cover the topics listed above, and have some sort of media to give you access to the files to make your life easier.</p>\r\n<p>The author or the publisher of the book must also give you ability to contact, ask or post questions and receive answers for the situation where you are stuck.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('123','26','<p>A foreclosure can be reported on your credit report for 7 years and should be avoided at all costs. A foreclosure can be devastating to your credit scores. If you have a foreclosure on your record, credit repair should be one of the very first things you look into. A foreclosure can be deleted from your credit report just like any other negative account, but you must know what you are dealing with or you could actually make matters worse.</p>\r\n<p>If you would like to remove a foreclosure from your credit report, you will first want to learn about your rights in the Fair Credit Reporting Act and all other laws having to do with foreclosures and credit reporting. The better you understand your rights, the easier it will be to have your foreclosure removed from your credit report.</p>\r\n<p>Most people would claim that they don&rsquo;t have the time or resources to commit to learning about the laws and their rights, but it&rsquo;s very important to know your civil and consumer rights. If you don&rsquo;t have the time you may want to seek legal help and/or consult with a credit repair company.</p>\r\n<p>Credit repair professionals specialize in removing foreclosures and other negative items from your credit reports. They focus on correcting inaccurate and erroneous information on your credit report. If a negative item on your credit report is disputed and can not be verified by the creditor or contains any kind of inaccurate information it must be legally be corrected and/or removed from your report immediately.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('124','26','<p>Rebuilding your credit can be an exceedingly slow and painstaking process, but there are some strategies that you can use which may give your score a kick in as little as a month or two. Read on: </p>\r\n<p><em>First, pay off your credit cards and lines of credit.</em> One of the fastest ways to boost your credit score is to lower your <em>debt utilization ratio</em>, which is the difference between the amount of revolving credit that\'s available to you and the amount that you\'re actually using. However, the best method to pay off revolving debt isn\'t with another loan (which would likely also show up on your credit report and even more damage), but by paying down the debt from your current income, using cash that you have in a savings account, or selling stocks or other investments, as long as they aren\'t in a retirement account. </p>\r\n<p><em>Also, use your credit cards sparingly.</em> The scoring formula rewards large gaps between your balances and your limits, and it doesn\'t really matter whether you pay off those balances in full every month or not. What does matter is how much of your credit limits you\'re actually using at any given time. A good rule of thumb, especially when attempting to push your score up, is to stay below 30% of your limits. Another &quot;trick&quot; that you can use to keep your balances down is simply to pay cash for most of the purchases that you make during the three months or so before you plan to take out a loan. </p>\r\n<p><em>Focus on correcting the big mistakes on our credit report.</em> If someone else\'s bankruptcy, collections, or charge-offs are showing up on your report, you\'ll likely benefit quickly by having those removed. However, if an account that you closed is still being reported as open, it\'s probably best to leave it that way. Having an account reported as &quot;closed&quot; on your file can in no way help your credit score and could actually hurt it. </p>\r\n<p>But don\'t ignore a collection just because it\'s a small amount or listed as paid off. Such negative marks are actually quite serious and can significantly hinder your score. However, there\'s no need to jump up and down in a screaming fit of indignation if the credit reporting agencies listed the wrong employer for you or misspelled your middle name. Unfortunately, the scoring formula doesn\'t even consider those things. </p>\r\n<p><em>Use the credit bureaus\' online dispute process.</em> Many people swear that they get much faster results by using the online system, but it\'s still mandatory -- for your own records -- to make printouts of everything that you send to the bureaus as well as every communication you receive from them. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p><em>Finally, try to get creditors to report or update your positive accounts.</em> Not all creditors report to all three bureaus, some don\'t report consistently, and others don\'t report at all. If you can get a creditor to report an account that\'s in good standing (they have no legal obligation to do so), you could see an immediate jump in your score. </p>\r\n<p>In Part 2 of this series, we\'ll divulge a few things that probably shouldn\'t try in order to give your score a lift.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('125','26','<p>When was the last time you checked your <strong>credit report</strong>? If it hasn\'t been fairly recently, how do you know if what it\'s portraying about you is correct? When you apply for any type of credit ?whether it\'s car financing, a home loan, or credit card account ?you are implicitly giving the company with whom you\'re applying permission to check your credit report. Potential employers, insurance issuers, and landlords will also check your credit file if you provide them with your Social Security number. The problem is, the information on your credit report is probably not totally accurate and may affect your profile negatively. A very bad report will make it nearly impossible to get a loan or even a job, whereas a report that\'s not quite as horrific will nevertheless cause the lender to charge you a higher interest rate. The people who make loans and leases look at your credit file as a prediction of whether or not you\'re a good financial risk; in other words, they use your past payment behavior to predict your future behavior and will charge you less interest if they believe that you\'ll pay the loan or lease fully and on time. </p>\r\n<p>All types of insurance issuers (automobile, home, health, and life) review applicants\' credit reports before making policy rate decisions because they believe that there\'s a correlation between financial responsibility ?or irresponsibility ?and the amount of claims made. In fact, over ninety percent of all auto insurance companies and property insurers are now using credit scores to determine insurance rates. </p>\r\n<p>Many people think that they can overcome a few delinquent payments by showing a high income, but this simply isn\'t the case. Income is only one factor that someone considers when judging you for creditworthiness. You\'re also examined to see if you paid that $40 pharmacy bill on time several years ago. Of course, the most current history on your report (within the last year or two) contains the most important and heavily weighted data. And significant items such as timely payments on cars, homes, and credit cards are extremely important. But small things have an impact too; so don\'t neglect them. </p>\r\n<p>For example, you may have turned in your cable box but not received proper credit from the cable company. This may count against you, and neither the cable company nor the credit bureau is going to fix the problem automatically. It\'s your responsibility to do it. How? You contact the cable company and ask for a written document stating that you and not the company canceled your service, and that they did receive their equipment back from you. Then forward a copy of that document to each of the three credit reporting agencies. Many small discrepancies are just that easy to correct, and can make a dramatic difference in your credit score. </p>\r\n<p>Take responsibility for your credit and your credit report. It\'s free to check once a year (from each agency) by ordering it at AnnualCreditReport.com. But with the proliferation of <em>identity theft</em>, many experts suggest that you review your file at least every six months. The reporting agencies will charge you a small fee for these additional copies. However, staying on top of your credit shouldn\'t be viewed as something that costs you money; rather, it\'s a measure that can save you significant sums of money in needless interest charges over your lifetime.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('126','26','<p>Credit report refers to a significant financial document that plays a crucial role in influencing your fiscal prospects. However, it isn\'t quite opted for by many individuals until faced with a situation that requires an insight of the finances. This situation may become a hassle for you and often make you run from one end to the other to get things sorted out. Did you that this hassle could have been averted, had you checked your finances in the form of a credit report on an annual basis?</p>\r\n<p>Usage of annual credit report is usually recommended by financial advisors to keep a track of your finances, and thereby facilitating awareness about your state of affairs. In fact, annual credit report can be procured free from any of the bureaus in accordance to the Federal Law. This implicates that the Federal Law lets you access a credit report free of cost from each of the bureaus, who are obliged to send it on request once in a year. Besides this, a free report can even be pulled out if you have been declined for financial assistance. This is why; it is advisable to check your financial record before applying for funds, so as to fetch better opportunities in the market.</p>\r\n<p>The information that forms the base for formulating the credit report is collated from lenders and merchants. These individuals may report certain misleading information that may be recorded in your credit document, and thereby affecting the opportunities you can avail in the market. Therefore, a credit report should be consulted on an annual basis to track down any misleading information if any, and get it corrected.</p>\r\n<p>To get credit report has become a lot easier in the past few years, with the emergence of online services providers. These services providers are accessible all round the clock, and offer the ease to avail this financial document from any location. But a word of caution is that while availing services from any of the online providers, it is advisable to authenticate them thoroughly. Only after you have authenticated and understood the terms of the provider properly, you should avail any services through them. This course of action can enable you to evade any future complications that may arise.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('127','26','<p>Paying off your monthly credit card balances is a good thing to do - a very good thing. As a matter of fact, it\'s what you should be endeavoring to do. But did you know that simply paying your monthly balances isn\'t enough to raise your credit score? The truth is that you\'ll have to watch a few other things as well. Let\'s take a closer look to understand why. </p>\r\n<p>You see, one of the factors that the <em>FICO</em> credit-scoring formulas take into consideration is the total amount owed on all of your accounts in relation to the total amount of credit that you have available. In other words, it measures the percentage used of your total available credit. For instance, if you have two credit cards that each carries $1,000 spending limits and you\'ve charged $200 on both of them, the amount of available credit that you\'ve used is 20%. According to <em>Fair Isaac Corporation</em>, the company whose formula model is used to determine your actual credit score, the average American uses just over 30% of his or her total available credit. Using substantially higher percentages than this can cause lenders to get somewhat nervous. This is because people who max out their credit limits, or those who even come close, tend to have considerably higher rates of default than consumers with lower debt ratios. So, carrying higher percentages of debt could potentially lower your score. </p>\r\n<p>But why would that affect you if you pay your balances in full every month? Typically, the balances that are reported to the credit bureaus are the ones which are on the monthly statements that you receive; in other words, the balance at the end of the billing cycle. So even if you pay off that $1,500 purchase you charged last month on the day that you receive the bill, a balance of $1,500 is reported to the bureaus. And the credit reporting agencies don\'t make a distinction between the balances that you pay off immediately and those you carry from month to month. With that large reported balance, your percentage used of total available credit (the debt ratio) rises dramatically, and your score will likely suffer as a result. </p>\r\n<p>Another effective strategy that should be employed to improve your credit score is to have a good &quot;mix&quot; of credit. For the highest possible scores, you should have credit in the two major credit categories: <em>revolving</em> credit and <em>installment</em> credit. Revolving (or open-ended) accounts include credit cards, department store-and gas charge cards, and the like. Examples of installment debt are mortgages and car loans, accounts that generally have a finite number of payments (these accounts don\'t necessarily have to still be open, but they do need to still show on your report). Although you don\'t need to have a loan of every type, having credit in each category is important. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>The age of your accounts -- and your credit history in general -- also factor into your credit score; and in this venue, older is definitely better. If you have older accounts which you don\'t use, it may not be wise to close them. Even if an account has a bad rating, if it\'s still being reported as open, the age of the credit line could be significantly aiding your score. Closing older accounts could make your history seem younger than it is, and that won\'t help your credit score; in fact, it may damage it. </p>\r\n<p>So, paying off your charge balances every month is an excellent tactic with a number of benefits, but remember to keep a lid on your amount of credit use. Limit it to below 30% or less of your available credit if at all possible. Do your best to diversify your file with different types of accounts. And be mindful of the age of your overall credit history. Your credit score, and your wallet, will both benefit.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('128','26','<p>It\'s happened to all of us. You walk into the mall and your favorite store is offering an instant 20 percent off your purchases today if you open a credit card account. You think to yourself, &quot;Why not open the account, take advantage of the savings, and then tear up the credit card when it arrives?&quot; But be careful; once you open that credit account ?even if you never use it ?it\'s on your credit report as open credit. This means that it\'s <em>available</em> for you to use and run up debt, so the credit reporting agencies will downgrade your score for this accordingly. </p>\r\n<p>Once you have the credit card, in order to close the account you\'ll have to cut up the card and return it to the issuing company with a letter requesting that the account be closed. Only then will it be closed on your credit report. It\'s also critical that you document that the account was closed at <em>your</em> request and that such wording appears in your credit file. If you don\'t and the account is simply shown as closed, other potential creditors will assume that you paid poorly and that the credit card company closed the account as a bad debt. Be sure to keep a copy of your letter in case the account shows up as still being open on future credit reports. </p>\r\n<p>Your credit file is composed of many things: how timely you pay, how much debt you have, how old your credit history is, the types of credit that you have in use, as well as any new credit. New credit shown on your credit report can mean the new car you purchased or the account you just opened at the department store but never used. Even if you don\'t use the store\'s card, it will lower your credit score because it\'s viewed by those who evaluate your creditworthiness as an opportunity for you to increase your debt. Many people don\'t realize that the store credit cards they sign up for purely to get a discount can hurt when they apply for other substantial loans because the lenders will include the store card\'s credit limit in their overall debt-to-income calculations. </p>\r\n<p>By the way, you should also take care when shopping for that new car. Of course, every car salesperson wants to make a deal and will ask for your Social Security number so that he or she can tell you just the kind of deal that they can get for you. The wise thing to do here would be to not give out any personal information until you\'re absolutely ready to buy. Once the salesperson has your Social Security number your credit can be run, and that in itself can lower your score. Even though new rules on credit inquiries have been passed that allow you to comparison-shop within a given period of time without it adversely affecting your score, it\'s still a good idea to limit the number of times your credit is checked to a minimum. </p>\r\n<p>And as far as <em>credit cards</em> are concerned, experts agree that it\'s generally best to have between three and five major cards and eliminate the individual store credit cards altogether. After all, the vast majority of stores accept the major cards anyway.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('129','27','<p>There are a large number of companies and individuals that attempt to pass themselves off as credit counselors in order to capitalize on the misfortunes of those who are in severe debt. To help you identify who these unscrupulous entities are, the <strong>Federal Trade Commission (FTC)</strong> has developed a list of questions that you should ask to determine if a particular credit-counseling agency is reputable. These questions include: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li><em>What services do you offer?</em> A reputable credit counseling service will offer budget counseling and savings and debt management classes, plus be able to provide you with the services of someone who\'s trained and certified in consumer credit, money, and debt management. The counseling service should begin by discussing your personal situation with you, help you to develop a personalized plan to solve your immediate money and credit problems, and then teach you how to avoid the recurrence of such problems in the future. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Is the credit counselor licensed in my state to provide the services offered?</em> Many states require counselors to obtain a license before they\'re allowed to offer credit counseling, debt management plans, or other related services to consumers. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Does the credit counseling service offer free information?</em> As a consumer who\'s simply inquiring about working with a credit counselor, you should never be charged for information concerning the services that are offered by a specific company. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Will I be required to sign a formal contract or written agreement with the credit counseling company?</em> Never agree to pay for any services over the telephone. You should receive a written contract or agreement before being charged for credit counseling services or participating in a debt management plan coordinated by the credit counseling company. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Do you have a good reputation with the Better Business Bureau and my state\'s Attorney General?</em> You should take a little time to do a background check on the agency or service that you\'re interested in working with. Determine if there have been any formal complaints filed against the company; you can search for these on the <em>BBB\'s website</em>. But keep in mind that even if you can\'t find any filed complaints against a specific company, that\'s not an absolute guarantee that the organization is reputable. #p##e#</li>\r\n    <li><em>How much will the services cost?</em> Be sure to obtain a detailed price quote in writing and make absolutely certain that all of the fees are listed in the quote. Identify any up-front or starting costs, monthly fees, and other charges for the various services offered by the company. </li>\r\n    <li><em>How are your individual credit counselors paid?</em> Are they given a commission based on services that you sign up for? The FTC advises that if the organization won\'t disclose how it receives compensation from creditors, or how their employees are compensated, you should continue to shop elsewhere. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Will the information that I provide to the credit counselor be kept confidential?</em> You should know exactly who would have access to the personal and financial information that you give to the company. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Many companies advertise credit-counseling services. It can be difficult to determine which are reputable and which should be avoided at all costs. One of the best ways to find a reliable and reputable credit counseling service is to contact the <em>National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)</em> for a referral in your area. Founded in 1951, this entity is the county\'s largest and longest serving national nonprofit credit counseling organization. Their agencies have trained, certified credit counselors who offer free and low-cost educational information, management advice, and debt reduction services. For more information, please visit their <em>website</em>.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('130','27','<p>There are a number of tactics that creditors can legally use to collect money owed to them. One of the most common procedures employed by creditors is to turn the delinquent account over to a <em>collection agency</em>. These agencies are businesses that earn money by collecting debts. They usually receive accounts by one of two ways: the creditor forwards the debt to the collection agency and agrees to pay a percentage of any amounts successfully collected; or the creditor sells the debt with the right to collect on it to the agency, who can then keep all that they&rsquo;re able to collect. The agents that work for the collection company generally do so on a commission basis, which makes them highly motivated to get the debtor to pay what&rsquo;s owed. Many people view collection agencies in a bad light, considering them unscrupulous money gatherers; however, the law quite specifically regulates the collection practices of these agencies. </p>\r\n<p>A <em>wage garnishment</em> can occur when a court of law enters a judgment against a debtor and the creditor is allowed to receive a certain portion of funds which are automatically taken out of the debtor&rsquo;s salary. This can be confused with, but is vastly different from, a <em>wage assignment</em>, which takes place when the debtor agrees to have part of his or her pay sent directly to the creditor. Beware of this, because many creditors will attempt to get debtors to consent to this method of payment. Garnishments will never occur without the debtor&rsquo;s knowledge, because court papers must be served and a court hearing must be held before any wage garnishment can be ordered. </p>\r\n<p>A <em>foreclosure</em> takes place when a bank takes back possession of real property (land and the improvements on it) when a debtor defaults on his or her mortgage payments. It&rsquo;s usually a long, costly process and the last thing that banks actually want to do. Foreclosed and repossessed homes are generally sold by auction for an amount less than their value, with the former homeowner financially responsible to the bank for any difference between the sale price and the amount of the outstanding loan. </p>\r\n<p>When a creditor has a security interest in personal property (as opposed to real property), he or she can <em>repossess</em> (or take back) the property if payment isn&rsquo;t made. One of the most common examples of this course of action is with automobiles. When the vehicle is purchased and the loan made, the buyer is given papers indicating the security interest that the creditor has in the purchased item. Large appliances, furniture, business equipment and expensive electronics are also often sold subject to a creditor&rsquo;s security interest and right to repossess if payments are not made, although they cannot enter the debtor&rsquo;s home without a court order. </p>\r\n<p>Of course, the best prevention for repossession is to make the loan payments as agreed. However, if this is not possible, the buyer should contact his or her creditor immediately and explain the situation in advance. Virtually all creditors appreciate being made aware of problems beforehand, and most will be more than willing to work with a borrower that they view as being proactive and responsible.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('131','27','<p>Non-secured lenders are often more flexible about working with customers that are having financial difficulties because they basically have to be ?their prospects of being repaid are only as good as the borrower\'s ability to pay). Conversely, secured lenders (creditors who\'ve loaned money that\'s backed by specific collateral) are not always quite as agreeable. If you fall behind on the payments for a secured loan such as a house or car, you\'re in danger of having the property seized by the lender. In the case of real estate, that means <em>foreclosure</em>. If the loan is on a car, truck or boat, it means <em>repossession</em>. Along with bankruptcy, foreclosures and repossessions are the worst marks that you can have on your <em>credit report</em>. They should be avoided at all reasonable costs. </p>\r\n<p>If you\'re having trouble making the payments on your home, the first thing that you should do is to contact the lender. The sooner you inform the creditor of your situation, the better the chances of them working with you to avoid foreclosure. For example, the <em>mortgage</em> lender may reduce or even excuse your payments for a short period of time. However, once you begin making regular payments again, you\'ll probably have to pay extra fees to cover the past-due amount. Or, the lender may extend your loan\'s repayment period, tacking the missed payments onto the end of the schedule (which will also likely cost you a fee for the privilege, but it\'s much better than the alternative). </p>\r\n<p>Many finance companies specialize in <em>refinancing</em> home loans for people who are experiencing money problems. In such cases, you\'ll probably end up paying a higher interest rate over a longer period of time ?in other words, it will cost you. But a refinance can bring your loan current and buy you additional time to get past any temporary problems (just be sure that the problems are indeed only temporary). If you can\'t work out an agreement with your lender <em>or</em> another finance company, contact a housing counseling agency for advice and assistance. You can find an agency through the <strong>U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\'s</strong> website. </p>\r\n<p>As a last resort, selling your home is generally preferable to letting it go into foreclosure ?at least as far as your credit report is concerned. </p>\r\n<p>By the same token, if you fall behind on your car or boat payments, the finance company that loaned you the money to buy the vehicle may repossess it. Like real estate lenders, car financers have no desire to repossess vehicles. It\'s expensive, time-consuming and a nuisance. If you call the finance company while you\'re still current or less than thirty days late on your payment, you can often negotiate a deal to reschedule payments or extend your existing loan. </p>\r\n<p>If your vehicle is repossessed and you can\'t get it back, the lender will likely sell it. But you still may not be off the hook. As with foreclosed property, if the lender can only sell the vehicle for an amount that\'s less than the total you owe, you could still be liable for the difference.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('132','27','<p>Re-aging your credit accounts is a technique that can be used to help clean up your credit history, particularly if you only had a brief problem and are now back on firm financial footing. Basically, when an account is re-aged, it\'s no longer considered past due. The creditor simply reclassifies the account as &quot;current.&quot; For example, let\'s say that you\'re three months behind on one of your <em>credit cards</em>. If you can convince the credit card provider to re-age your account, it would be as if those three months never were. You\'ll still owe the same amount of money, but the late fees are halted and you\'re no longer considered delinquent. In essence, your missed payments are simply ignored. As a consequence, your credit score will also receive a significant boost because a major blemish is automatically deleted. </p>\r\n<p>However, getting a creditor to agree to re-age your account is not particularly easy ?and it\'s not something that you can do with any regularity. Generally, the most effective approach is to offer the lender some form of immediate payment, along with a proposed schedule of larger-than-minimum-amount payments, in exchange for the re-aging privilege. </p>\r\n<p>Government guidelines concerning account re-aging have been set forth by the <strong>Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC)</strong>, an interagency government body that prescribes uniform principles, standards and forms for the federal examination and supervision of financial institutions. In order for an <em>opened-end loan</em> (such as a credit card account) to be eligible for re-aging, it must meet several conditions. First, the borrower must show a willingness and ability to repay the loan. Additionally, the account should be at least nine months old; the borrower should make at least three consecutive monthly payments or an equivalent lump sum single payment; the loan cannot be re-aged more than once within any twelve-month period; and no new credit should be extended to the borrower until the account balance falls below the pre-delinquency credit limit. </p>\r\n<p>If you\'re interested in having any delinquent accounts re-aged and you\'re committed to making at least the minimum monthly payments on time from now on, you\'ll need to contact your creditors in writing. In the correspondence, explain to the creditor the reasons that you were late making the payments in question, and why you\'re sure that you\'ll be able to meet your payment due dates in the future. </p>\r\n<p>If the creditor consents to re-age your account, be absolutely certain to get the agreement in writing. Many consumers have been told over the phone that a creditor will re-age their account, only to find that the re-aging never took place. If the company won\'t put the agreement in writing, don\'t give up just yet; you can take matters into your own hands. Ask the customer service agent that you speak to for the name and mailing address of his or her supervisor. Then, immediately write a letter relating your conversation in detail and stating that you believe this to be an agreement to re-age your account. Send the correspondence via certified mail, with return receipt requested, to the supervisor.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('133','27','<p>If you\'re in debt, you need debt relief. But you also need to know what your options are and how these relief options works. Read through the following FAQS and glossary terms, and get to know the world of debt relief</p>\r\n<p>FAQS</p>\r\n<p>I want to lower my debt. How do I do it?</p>\r\n<p>There are a number of ways you can lower it. Debt relief takes a number of forms, but they all work a bit differently. You can establish a household budget to cut down costs, consolidate, or even refinance to pay it off. However, you first need to figure out what you want. Do you want to: a) save the most money, b) get the lowest payment, c) protect your credit rating, or d) be debt free fast? The answer will determine which debt relief option to select.</p>\r\n<p>What are my options?</p>\r\n<p>The most common options are: debt consolidation, debt management, and debt settlement. You may also want to consider home refinance or a home equity loan.</p>\r\n<p>How will debt consolidation affect my credit?</p>\r\n<p>Debt consolidation has a minimal effect on your credit. In most cases, you apply for a home refinance or debt consolidation loan and use the proceeds to pay what you owe. Although you will now have a single larger debt on your credit report, several small debts will be eliminated.</p>\r\n<p>How will settlement affect my credit?</p>\r\n<p>Debt settlement will have a larger effect on your credit. When a debt is settled for less than its full value, the creditor will note that on your credit report. The damage is much less than you\'d experience with bankruptcy or default, and in most cases your credit will improve within a couple of years.</p>\r\n<p>I\'ve heard of debt relief programs. Are they legitimate?#p##e#</p>\r\n<p>Indeed! They are legitimate. Many people have found relief through such programs. However, not all companies are as legit as others. When you\'re searching for a debt relief program, look out for the following signs of shady debt relief and consolidation companies.</p>\r\n<p>GLOSSARY TERMS</p>\r\n<p>Credit Counseling: a program for reducing monthly payments, where a consumer is placed on a &quot;Debt Management Plan&quot; to repay their bills, frequently at a reduced interest rate.</p>\r\n<p>Credit Score: a determination of the ability for a consumer to make payments on future loans, determined by analyzing their past and current performance, including payment history, debt level, debt utilization and other factors.</p>\r\n<p>Collection Agency: a company hired by a creditor to collect a debt that it is owed.</p>\r\n<p>Debt Consolidation: a loan, provided to consolidate debts into one loan with one payment, typically shifting credit card debts to secured debt by refinancing a mortgage.</p>\r\n<p>Debt to Income Ratio: a determinant of financial well-being arrived at by dividing monthly debt payments by income.</p>\r\n<p>Debt Management: a service provided by an agency that provides debt help services, including credit counseling, debt settlement, and debt consolidation loans.</p>\r\n<p>Debt Settlement: a program for reducing consumer debt to the lowest level, typically with a low monthly payment, while avoiding bankruptcy.</p>\r\n<p>Fair Isaac and Company: Fair Isaac is the company responsible for creating the FICO score. This three digit score is created using information from your credit report and ranges from 300-850. The major credit bureaus use this score in evaluating your credit.</p>\r\n<p>Gross Salary: total amount of money earned before taxes and other deductions are subtracted.</p>\r\n<p>By Donald Weatherfield. Debt relief is what you need if you\'re in debt. Get the debt relief help, information, and resources you need at http://www.bills.com</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('134','27','<p>As consumer debt continues to spiral out of control, debt relief is fast becoming a major concern for many American&rsquo;s. In 1999, American&rsquo;s made $1.1 Trillion worth of credit card purchases. In 2001, American credit card debt hovered around $690 billion. Unfortunately, in today&rsquo;s unstable economic conditions, many American&rsquo;s are being forced to turn to credit cards as a way to extend their income. Consumer debt is at an all-time high and American&rsquo;s need to know what they can do to get out of debt. Often, consumers are seeking the services of professional debt settlement companies to help regain control of their finances. However, prior to making such an important decision, it is important to fully understand who you are doing business with.</p>\r\n<p>The most important thing you can do when making the decision get help with your debt related problems is to be an informed consumer. It is absolutely critical to do your research. Do not rush into things; this can cause more harm that good. Prior to signing on with any Debt Settlement company, make sure you ask the following questions and consider their responses:</p>\r\n<p>* How much does the service cost? When choosing a solution for debt relief, it\'s important to make sure the program is something that\'s affordable and realistic within your monthly budget. If you can\'t afford the program and join anyway, you\'re are just causing more long-term financial problems for yourself; however, if you are able to meet the monthly financial requirements of the program, Debt Settlement is a great form of debt relief for unwanted credit card debt. Most people don\'t realize that Debt Settlement is the quickest and least expensive form of debt relief outside of bankruptcy.</p>\r\n<p>* Does the Debt Settlement Company you are considering report to any of the three major credit bureaus about your enrollment in their program? Traditionally, debt settlement companies do not report to credit bureaus; however, I have heard of a few that do. Creditors will normally elect to report derogatory information on your credit report, but the debt settlement company you do business with should not.</p>\r\n<p>* Does the company offer any type of service guarantee? If so, what is the guarantee? If a company can not get settlement on your debt, you should never have to pay a fee, or the fee should be fully refunded. Additionally, steer clear of any debt settlement company that promises a quick fix to your debt related problems or tells you that debt settlement will not have a negative effect on your credit. Upon enrolling in a debt settlement program, your credit score will probably get worse before it gets better. This is a minor price to pay for being given a substantial debt settlement and not having to file for bankruptcy! However, it is important to realize that if you want to maintain a &quot;good credit rating&quot;, you have to pay you bills on time; anything else will cause your credit score will suffer.</p>\r\n<p>* Does the debt settlement company you are considering have IAPDA certified debt arbitrators? IAPDA certified debt arbitrators possess a solid understanding of the laws governing the Debt Settlement industry and fully understand your current financial situation.</p>\r\n<p>* Does the debt settlement company you are considering offer any type of bankruptcy assistance should debt settlement not work out for you? For example, some debt settlement companies will offer a refund of some of the program costs to help pay for a bankruptcy attorney of your choice. Of course, the funds would have to be paid to a licensed attorney and not directly back to you. Again, a company that does this will most likely have your best interest in mind.#p##e#</p>\r\n<p>* Does the debt settlement company you are considering belong to the local Chamber of Commerce? If so, is the Chamber an accredited member of the Chamber of Commerce of the Unites States? This type of affiliation will help ensure that the company is conducting business in a proper manner.</p>\r\n<p>* Is the debt settlement company you are considering a member of the Better Business Bureau? If they do not advertise this, you can always inquire with the BBB first. The BBB is a great way to determine if the company has a list of prior complaints. Any company with more than a few complaints per year is a company that you do not want to do business with.</p>\r\n<p>Alan Barnes IAPDA Certified Debt Arbitrator<br />President and CEO of Debt Regret.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('135','27','<p>So you got a couple of credit cards, used them a bit too much and now you need to settle your credit card debt. This is the situation that many people find themselves in. You do have options so don\'t let anybody tell you different. One of those options is debt negotiation, also known as debt settlement.</p>\r\n<p>Of all the options open to those suffering from credit card debt, debt settlement is one of the best. Critics of debt settlement don\'t tell you the entire story, though. When considering a debt settlement solution, there are three areas to focus the attention on.</p>\r\n<p>First is what debt settlement company to use.</p>\r\n<p>This is the most important decision you will make because debt settlement companies are everywhere. There are many to choose from but not all of them have YOUR best interest at heart. The reality is that some only care about taking your money. Settling your debt takes a back seat.</p>\r\n<p>A reputable company will tell you up front what the possibilities are and will represent your interests with integrity. Before any papers are signed, the costs and associated risks should be laid out. Do a little research and find companies with good consumer reports. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to look for unresolved complaints. A lot of unresolved complaints or reports are a big red flag.</p>\r\n<p>Second, consider your possible tax liability.</p>\r\n<p>This is a common scare tactic used to turn potential clients away. While there is a possibility of a tax liability resulting from credit card debt settlement, it isn\'t likely. Creditors must report all canceled debt over $600 to the Internal Revenue Service on a 1099 form. The IRS views canceled credit card debt as taxable income and you have to claim it on your next tax return.</p>\r\n<p>The IRS offers an exception called insolvency. Insolvency is when what you owe exceeds what you own and your tax burden is removed entirely. More than 95% of people using a debt settlement solution are insolvent. After all you\'re already in trouble financially so insolvency is all but guaranteed and your tax liability is wiped out.</p>\r\n<p>Also consider the impact on your credit report.</p>\r\n<p>This is another scare tactic that so called &quot;experts&quot; will spew. If you have credit card debt and are considering a debt settlement solution, your FICO score or credit rating is the last thing you should think about. Speaking honestly, when you are having trouble with the minimum credit card payments, it can and will affect your physical health, cause you to lose sleep and affect your nerves. Since you are behind in payments and probably delinquent, your credit rating is already affected negatively.#p##e#</p>\r\n<p>Credit card debt settlement stops the calls, stops your fretting and gives peace of mind. Most times, balances are decreased by as much as 50% of the original amount owed. More importantly, they are being paid down now. When your credit card balances are paid off, the debt settlement company requires the creditor to mark your account as &quot;paid in full&quot; or &quot;satisfied&quot; on all of the credit reports. So the negative credit effect is only temporary.</p>\r\n<p>Within a few months of satisfying the settlement, your credit score will begin to rise again. Credit card debt settlement does not lower your credit score, being delinquent does. Paying those bills off reflects positively on you.</p>\r\n<p>Paul Sarwana offers credit card debt settlement information to help debtors build confidence in improving their financial situation. He runs an informational website that provides tips on finding debt negotiation services. Get more quality credit card debt information at http://www.debtfirms.com/.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('136','27','<p><em>Exempt property</em> is property that a creditor cannot seize in order to satisfy a judgment. Depending upon the state in which you live, certain property is exempt from creditors, including judgment creditors and, in some cases, even the <strong>Internal Revenue Service</strong>. </p>\r\n<p>You should be aware of and understand your particular state\'s exemption laws to determine exactly what property can and cannot be taken from you for the payment of debts. State exemptions typically include your homestead (most states allow a certain portion of your equity to be exempt), a specified portion of your wages, pension and unemployment benefits, public assistance and insurance benefits, tools that you need for your business, and a certain amount of personal property. Keep in mind, however, that property named as collateral for a loan is <em>not</em> exempt up to the amount of the loan, even though your state may list such property as a legal exemption. </p>\r\n<p>In calculating the extent to which any property you that have is exempt from creditors, be sure to determine whether the property is owned by you alone or jointly with your spouse, and whether you live in a state whose laws prohibit joint property from being taken for the debt of only one spouse. You must also consider the extent to which you actually own your property; in other words, any liens and equity associated with the possessions must be taken into account. <em>Liens</em> will be present for any loan made to you for which the purchased property was named as collateral (such as a mortgage or car loan). They can also be attached to your property by law (such as contractor\'s liens), or from judgments entered against you by a court. <em>Equity</em> is the amount of money that would be left over to you if your property were sold and the loans against it paid off. If not exempt, this money would then be available for you to pay other creditors. </p>\r\n<p>If you have assets that are secured, you must remember that the creditor can take the property for payment of the debt. If the property is valuable, and little is owed on your loan, you might want to sell the possession yourself and pay the creditor directly, then use the balance to pay off other debts that you may have. If you have little or no equity in the property (in other words, the balance due on the loan equals or exceeds the property\'s value), consider selling it and asking the creditor to accept the buyer as a new borrower, thereby releasing you from your financial obligation (unless, of course, the buyer pays cash). If the creditor initiates steps to repossess the property, any costs, including attorney\'s fees, may be added to the amount that you already owe. </p>\r\n<p>If you\'re expecting a judgment to be entered against you in the near future, it\'s very important to remember this: before transferring any property in order to avoid the judgment creditor, contact an attorney. Any transfer may be attacked by the creditor as a <em>fraudulent conveyance</em>, which is the illegal transfer of property for the sole purpose of hindering or defrauding a creditor. The same holds true if you\'re considering filing for bankruptcy; a property transfer could be set aside by the court as a <em>preference</em> (in other words, the right of the creditor to receive payment is upheld as a priority). Proper planning to protect your assets should always include sound legal advice.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('137','27','<p>When you think about it, consumer credit seems in many ways to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. As more people utilize it, more merchants come to the conclusion that they need to accept it. And, as more merchants accept it, more consumers tend to use it. That would explain why in today\'s marketplace everyone seems to want to offer credit. Many store employees have been trained to ask if you\'d like to open a charge account whenever they see you attempting to pay by cash or check. This steady bombardment of credit opportunities tends to have a cumulative effect on the way that we buy things. Let\'s take a look at one excellent example of this creeping influence: the automobile industry. </p>\r\n<p>Throughout the 1960s, most Americans paid cash for their automobiles. If a person did borrow money to buy a car, he or she would usually make a large down payment (often up to half of the vehicle\'s purchase price) and carry the balance on a one- or two-year secured loan from a local bank. But in the 1970s, automakers decided to get more involved in the purchase financing of their own products. They began marketing two- and three-year loans that required smaller down payments. </p>\r\n<p>Along came the Eighties, and car companies began leasing cars, effectively eliminating the down payment altogether. (Also put to death at this time was the basic notion of the automobile as a possession that is bought and kept for many years.) Leasing furthermore made luxury cars more affordable to a much larger market of consumers. Initially, lease contracts typically came with two- or three-year terms. To compete, traditional loans lengthened their standard terms to four or five years. </p>\r\n<p>By the start of the New Millennium, the vast majority of Americans were financing all their new car purchases. Two-year auto loans were, for the most part, a thing of the past; five-year loans and leases had become the norm, and six-year financing was increasingly commonplace. Luxury vehicles ?which expanded to include some trucks and SUVs ?ballooned from less than ten percent of the automobile market to almost a third. </p>\r\n<p>The cumulative effects of these events on our society can easily be seen: higher prices and levels of luxury but less outright ownership. Some consumer advocates criticize this process as creating a permanent debtor class; others, however, defend it as bringing the lifestyle of the wealthy to a much broader market. But whatever the sociological concerns, there\'s no doubt that a credit economy such as ours requires its citizens to pay careful attention to their ability to obtain credit. It\'s therefore extremely important for every consumer to be wise about his or her credit habits and money management techniques, because they will have a direct effect on the primary way that lenders measure creditworthiness: your <em>credit score</em>. </p>\r\n<p>Since your credit score has a direct bearing on how much you pay for credit, improving it can help you save a substantial amount of money. For example, people with great credit scores (700 and above) can pay literally tens of thousands of dollars less ?over the life of a 30-year <em>mortgage</em> ?than people with just marginal credit. Your score can also affect your ability to get a job or <em>insurance</em>. That\'s because insurance companies and even potential employers may check your credit history to determine your level of personal stability. </p>\r\n<p>If you don\'t know what\'s in your credit file or what your score is, find out. Get a copy of your credit report. Then, if necessary, take steps to <em>improve and strengthen</em> it. Over time you\'ll begin to notice the difference, and so will your wallet.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('138','27','<div id=\"body\">\r\n<p>Which is right for you? That depends on many factors, mainly your current and projected financial situation. There are many misconceptions about these two options and in this article I will explain the positives and negatives of each.</p>\r\n<p>Credit Consolidation is to combine outstanding debts into one or several loans. The important thing to remember is that with a consolidation you are not reducing the principal debt amount you owe. In most cases your principal debt will increase at first because of closing costs or transfer fees. A Credit Consolidation can be a good move but only if the new loan is at a lower interest rate than the individual debt items. Over the years I have advised hundreds of clients on how to get out of debt. It seems that initially most people want to consolidate their debts to not only reduce interest but to make their lives easier by making only one payment.</p>\r\n<p>I recommend that if you get approved for a consolidation loan to only accept if the interest rate is substantially lower than the loans you are consolidating. It makes no financial sense to consolidate loans to make your life easier. This is especially true if you refinance your mortgage to pay off credit cards. Remember, only consolidate for a lower interest rate and take all closing costs into consideration. Another potentially useful situation to consolidate is if you are struggling with minimum monthly payments. In some cases you can buy yourself some time if you\'re able to consolidate and have a substantially lower payment, although this will generally prolong the amount of time it takes to actually pay the debt off.</p>\r\n<p>Debt Settlement is also known as Debt Reduction. Debt Settlement is different than Credit Consolidation because the goal is to reduce your principal debt amount. This is done through negotiating with your creditor to lower your debt amount based off your specific financial hardship. If you are not in a hardship the program will not work because the creditors will have no reason to lower your debt amount. What qualifies as a hardship?</p>\r\n<p>As always, this depends on your situation. Some people are already behind and can\'t afford their minimum monthly payments; this is definitely a financial hardship. If you\'re current but are in danger of falling behind in the near future, you also might qualify for Debt Settlement. Debt Settlement is usually the fastest way to get rid of unsecured debt besides bankruptcy. The main tradeoff is that it\'s not good for your credit score. If you have decent credit, your payment history will be negatively affected which is enough to pull your credit score down into the &quot;poor&quot; range. In order for Debt Settlement to make sense for you, the benefit of paying off your unsecured debt in less than three years must outweigh the fact that your credit score will be compromised. Once the debt is paid off you can begin to rebuild your credit.</p>\r\n<p>For more information regarding Credit Consolidation, Debt Settlement, and other ways to pay off debt, please visit www.selectdebtrelief.com</p>\r\n</div>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('139','27','<p>Many people assume that they can afford something if they can simply make the monthly payments. But that\'s exactly the type of short-term thinking that will fetter you to a lifetime of interest charges on things that will break, wear out or become useless long before the last payment is made. Either that or you\'ll find yourself trapped in an &quot;upside down&quot; loan. </p>\r\n<p>What\'s an upside-down loan, you ask? It\'s a loan in which you owe more money than the item is worth. That\'s the case for about eighty percent of new car buyers, who drive off the lot owing more on their cars than they can be re-sold for. They drive into the dealerships still owing substantial amounts on their trade-ins, and they compound the problem by financing their new cars for five-, six-, or even seven years. Those longer payback periods, combined with the depreciation rates of new cars, ensure that they\'ll be in that upside-down position for years. </p>\r\n<p>So, is that such a big problem? Well, suppose you lose your job, or your car gets totaled and you can\'t get enough from your insurance to pay off the loan. You could still owe thousands, on top of being without transportation. One way to solve the problem before it ever happens is, of course, to pay cash for everything. This strategy has plenty of advantages, one of them being the <em>magic of compound interest</em>. Let\'s take a look: </p>\r\n<p>Suppose Jim buys a car and finances it with a $20,000 loan. At 5% interest over a five year period, he\'ll make 60 payments of $377.42, for a total loan cost of $22,645. </p>\r\n<p>Jane, on the other hand, decides to save up to buy her new car. She invests $294.09 a month for five years at 5% interest and ends up with $20,000 in cash -- but she only contributed $17,645 out of her own pocket. The rest of the money came from the compound interest paid on her savings! </p>\r\n<p>The result? Jim pays $5,000 more for his car than Jane will pay for hers, a difference certainly not to be sneezed at. </p>\r\n<p>As you gain more control over your credit and finances by applying the kind of discipline that Jane used, you\'ll become the type of savvy consumer who can pay cash for a car and other consumer purchases. In the meantime, however, you can save yourself a lot of money and potential headaches by using the &quot;three-year rule&quot;. </p>\r\n<p>The three-year rule is quite simple: don\'t borrow any amount of money, other than a mortgage or student loan, which you can\'t pay back within three years. Of course, this will mean larger monthly payments, but you\'ll end up paying considerably less interest both now and over your lifetime. You\'ll also substantially reduce the amount of time that you spend upside down on any purchase you make, even if you can\'t make a big down payment. </p>\r\n<p>The payoff for all of this discipline, restraint, and hard work will undoubtedly be greater wealth, freedom and ability to get the loans that you need at the best possible rates, because your credit and spending will be well <em>under your complete control</em>. Instead of being at lenders\' mercy, you\'ll be the one holding all the best cards.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('140','27','<p>Debt is a way of life for many Americans. Many people rack up the debt, without truly understanding the consequences of their actions. However, if you are drowning in debt, there are a variety of options to help reduce your debt. One option is debt settlement. The philosophy behind debt settlement is to reduce your overall debt so that you can actually pay off your debt a lot faster.</p>\r\n<p>The job of a debt settlement company is to negotiate your debt with your creditors. The company helps to lowers the amount of debt you currently owe. In many instances, this is done by creditors agreeing to either reduce or remove the interest rate currently being paid. If there are late fee on your account, they will also remove those. In most instances, creditors are willing to go this route, versus going to court to try and recoup their money. They realize it will generally cost them more money, as well as time to go through the court system.</p>\r\n<p>In most instances, debt settlement programs will be in place for 2-5 years, depending on the amount of debt you owe. The time is also dependent on the client\'s ability to make their monthly payments. If they are able to pay more each month, then your debt will be paid off quicker. When enrolling in a debt settlement program, clients are taught how to avoid this type of situation in the future. After you are enrolled in a settlement program, you are solely responsible for making the agreed upon monthly payments.</p>\r\n<p>When you enroll in a debt settlement program, it is important that you realize your credit score will drop. However, over time it will eventually get better as you pay off your debt. In reality, this is a small price to pay, if you are able to avoid harassing phone calls each day, as well as being able to avoid bankruptcy.</p>\r\n<p>When looking for a debt settlement branch, it is important that you choose a legitimate one to work with. There are a variety of different branches out there. However, not all of them work the same. Therefore, it is important that you do your homework and check around with several different companies before picking on. You can ask family and friends for advice or check with the Better Business Bureau.</p>\r\n<p>In many instances a debt settlement lawyer is needed if people have more than $25,000 in unsecured or credit card debts. Working with a lawyer is beneficial because he knows the law and your rights. Therefore, he can then work harder to get you an appropriate debt settlement agreement. If you are to the point of bankruptcy, then a debt settlement lawyer is definitely a wise choice to help you with your financial situation.</p>\r\n<p>Although debt settlement may not be the ideal route to take, for many people it will help them avoid bankruptcy. While your credit rating will drop in the beginning, over time it will come back up as you pay off your debt. Before jumping into a debt settlement program, be sure to do your homework, so you know exactly what to expect.</p>\r\n<p>Discover how to avoid debt settlement or bankruptcy and being a slave to your creditors! Live a life free of debt, Thomas Nelson provides the resources that crack the code to living debt free Visit: http://debtfreeiq.com/</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('141','28','<p>Be familiar with these basic banking and credit terms. Knowing and understanding the terms that are on your bank and credit card statements can possibly save you dollars every month. </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li><strong>Account Reconciliation</strong> - The act of confirming that the balance in one\'s checkbook register matches the corresponding bank statement. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Adjusted Balance method</strong> - A technique for calculating finance charges (such as in a bank account, charge account, or credit card account) based on the account balance remaining after adjustments are made for payments and credits during the billing period. Interest charges are usually lower under this method than under other methods, such as average daily balance and previous balance methods. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Automated Teller Machine (ATM)</strong> - A machine at a bank branch or other location which enables a customer to perform basic banking activities (checking one\'s balance, withdrawing or transferring funds) even when the bank is closed. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Automated Clearing House (ACH)</strong> - A nationwide electronic funds transfer network which enables participating financial institutions to distribute electronic credit and debit entries to bank accounts and to settle such entries. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Average Daily Balance method</strong> - A technique for calculating finance charges (such as in a bank account, charge account, or credit card account) based on average balance that existed each day. Interest charges under this method are usually higher than the adjusted balance method but lower than the previous balance method. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Balance</strong> -The amount of money in an account, equal to the net of credits and debits at that point in time for that account. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Bank Credit</strong> - The borrowing capacity provided to an individual by the banking system, in the form of credit or a loan. The total bank credit the individual has is the sum of the borrowing capacity each lender bank provides to the individual. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Bounced Check</strong> - A check which a bank returns because it is not payable due to insufficient funds. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Cash Reserves</strong> - Cash deposits, short-term bank deposits, money market instruments, and Treasury bills. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Certificate of Deposit</strong> - A short- or medium-term, interest-bearing, FDIC-insured debt instrument offered by banks and savings and loans. CDs offer higher rates of return than most comparable investments, in exchange for tying up invested money for the duration of the certificate\'s maturity. Money removed before maturity is subject to a penalty. CDs are low risk, low return investments, and are also known as &quot;time deposits&quot;, because the account holder has agreed to keep the money in the account for a specified amount of time, anywhere from three months to six years or more. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Certified Check</strong> - A check for which the bank guarantees payment. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Check</strong> - A negotiable instrument drawn against deposited funds, to pay a specified amount of money to a specific person upon demand. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Checkbook Register</strong> - An informal record of all deposits to and withdrawals from a given checking account. A checkbook register is used to perform account reconciliation. #p##e#</li>\r\n    <li><strong>Compound Interest</strong> - Interest which is calculated not only on the initial principal but also the accumulated interest of prior periods. Compound interest differs from simple interest in that simple interest is calculated solely as a percentage of the principal sum. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Credit Card</strong> - Any card that may be used repeatedly to borrow money or buy products and services on credit. They are issued by banks, savings and loans, retail stores, and other businesses. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Demand Deposit</strong> - An account balance which can be drawn upon on demand, i.e. without prior notice. Checking and savings accounts are examples of demand deposit accounts. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Direct Deposit</strong> - The deposit of funds directly into a bank account as a form of payment. Common uses for direct deposit include paychecks and tax refunds. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Electronic funds Transfer (EFT)</strong> - Any transfer of funds that are initiated by electronic means, such as an electronic terminal, telephone, computer, ATM or magnetic tape. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)</strong> - A federal agency that insures deposits in member banks and thrifts up to $100,000. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Overdraft protection</strong> - A checking account feature in which a person has a line of credit to write checks for more than the actual account balance. Instead of charging the non-sufficient fund fee for bouncing a check, overdraft protection will in effect provide the account holder with an instant loan. The interest rate will be extremely high, but if it is paid off quickly it is usually much less expensive than the bounced check fee. Some banks do charge a fee when an account balance falls below zero even if the account holder has overdraft protection, but it\'s still significantly less than the bounced check fee.</li>\r\n    <li><strong>Passbook</strong> - A book issued by a bank or savings institution to record deposits, withdrawals, and interest earned in a savings account. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Savings Account</strong> - A deposit account at a bank or savings and loan which pays interest, but cannot be withdrawn from by check-writing. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Simple Interest</strong> - The interest calculated on a principal sum, not compounded on earned interest. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Stop Payment</strong> - An order to a bank not to honor the payment of a check after it has been delivered but before it has been cashed. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Wire Transfer</strong> - An electronic transfer of funds, such as one that is made over the Federal Reserve Wire Network. </li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('142','28','<p>With the explosion of the internet, technological advances and conveniences have made their way into every area of everyday life. It’s therefore no surprise that banking has developed a major presence on the World Wide Web as well. But how safe is it? Is your money secure? What are the advantages and disadvantages of online banking? </p>\r\n<p>To determine if internet banking is right for you, consider which banking advantages you deem to be most important. Since you can get basically the same services online as you can inside a regular bank, the decision therefore falls to <em>how</em> the products are offered and serviced in each location. Do you enjoy the convenience of paying all of your bills without having to leave your home? Do you like the idea of checking your account balances from your personal computer whenever you want to, any time of the day or night? Or are you more comfortable with unparalleled customer service, a friendly face that you can speak to one-to-one when you have a problem? </p>\r\n<p>Now, you don’t necessarily have to choose strictly between one and the other. Most brick-and-mortar banks now feature a website from which they offer online banking to their customers. A simple application is usually required to set up access to your account, which usually only takes a few minutes. Once you’re online, you can do virtually anything with your money that you could by going to the bank itself. You can open additional accounts, move your money between accounts, pay your bills with online bill payment, and even receive your paycheck with direct deposit. It’s actually conceivable that if you don’t experience any problems, you might never have to physically enter your local branch again. </p>\r\n<p>Of course, if you do run into trouble with the online portion of your account, you may find out that you can’t just go into the bank and immediately get help for it. Some banks have completely separated their online services from their regular person-to-person customer service, forcing you to call their internet-banking customer support team. So it’s possible that what you gain in convenience you could possibly lose in personalized service. </p>\r\n<p>There are now a number of banks that are strictly internet-based. These institutions have taken full advantage of the generally-positive attitude with which consumers have embraced online banking. With lower overhead costs due to the fact that there are no local branches to pay for, these banks can pass on some of that savings to their customers in the form of higher rates on deposit accounts. Internet-based banks can also offer all of the products and services that traditional banks have: checking and savings accounts, Certificates of Deposit, credit cards, loans and mortgages, business banking services, etc. As long as the bank is a member of the <strong>Federal Deposit insurance Corporation (FDIC)</strong>, your money is just as safe as if you were doing business at a brick-and-mortar financial institution. You can verify any bank’s (internet or land-based) membership by visiting the <em>FDIC’s</em> website here. </p>\r\n<p>Some people prefer a person that they can talk to face-to-face whenever they have an issue. They favor the “personal touch?in customer service. If this is you, then you’ll probably never be completely comfortable with an internet bank. However, if convenience and unlimited access to your accounts is higher on your list than personalized support, it’s hard to beat online banking. With the security of the <em>FDIC</em> behind them, it’s clear that internet banks are here to stay.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('143','28','An interesting two-year fixed rate savings bond has just been introduced. But what makes this different to all the others is that the bond\'s funds will only be invested in renewable energy projects.\r\n<h3>The Triodos Renewable Energy Bond</h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Minimum investment &pound;2,500, maximum &pound;10,000 </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Interest is 4.5% per annum </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">The term is fixed for 2 years </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">The money will be invested in small-scale renewable energy projects here in the UK </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Offered by the Triodos Bank, a leading European ethical banks based in Holland but with a UK office </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Contrast The Ethical Bond With a 5.9% Interest Rate</h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Britannia Building Society 1 Year Fixed Rate Bond </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Pays interest at 5.9% gross </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Minimum balance is &pound;1,000 </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Monthly interest option also available at 5.65% </li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('144','28','<em>August 2006</em> <em>Dog bites man</em> is a similar phrase to <em>student with overdraft</em>, ie both are never going to make the front page of the news. So with all/most students running overdrafts that is the single most important factor in determining which bank account to open and not the gimmicks or bribes a bank offers such as a free iPod etc.\r\n<h3>Student Overdraft Rates - 2 Important Points</h3>\r\nMost student bank accounts offer some sort of free overdraft rate and here are the two most important points to look out for &ndash; <blockquote><strong>1</strong> - Initial overdraft level </blockquote>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <ul>\r\n        <li type=\"disc\">Many banks offered a tiered overdraft level increasing in year 2 over year 1 etc </li>\r\n        <li type=\"disc\">For example, a &pound;1,500 overdraft in year 1, &pound;1,750 in year 2 and &pound;2,000 in year 3 </li>\r\n    </ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<blockquote><strong>2</strong> - The interest rate charged after the agreed level has been breached </blockquote>\r\n<ul><blockquote>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">This is where the banks try and make their money because they know full well that students have tendency to go beyond the agreed level </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">In our view the level of interest charged after the initial agreed level is as important as the initial interest free amount, if not more so </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">And don&rsquo;t necessarily believe the banks when they say that they might offer you a cheaper interest rate of say 7% if you do go over the agreed level - most won&rsquo;t unless for a very good reason #p##e#</li>\r\n    </blockquote></ul>\r\n    <h3>3 Good Student Banks Accounts</h3>\r\n    <blockquote><strong>The Halifax Student Current Account</strong>\r\n    <ul>\r\n        <li type=\"disc\">Not many gimmicks which itself is actually promising - <blockquote>\r\n        <li type=\"circle\">10% discount on Travel insurance (but this is likely to be overpriced anyway) get a quote from them anyway if you\'re interested </li>\r\n        <li type=\"circle\">25% off a year\'s AA membership </li>\r\n        </blockquote></li>\r\n        <li type=\"disc\">A flat rate &pound;2,750 interest free overdraft per year which is outstanding, it blows away the competition </li>\r\n        <li type=\"disc\">The usual debit card and offers of credit card etc, internet banking as well </li>\r\n        <li type=\"disc\">24.2% interest rate charged if you go above the &pound;2,750 interest free overdraft - this rate is not good but the large initial overdraft level should be more than enough for most students especially when you see what the other banks are offering </li>\r\n        <li type=\"disc\">Halifax student account </li>\r\n    </ul>\r\n    <strong>Lloyds TSB&rsquo;s Student Bank Account</strong> </blockquote>\r\n    <ul><blockquote>\r\n        <li type=\"disc\">First the signup gimmicks which aren&rsquo;t actually that bad </li>\r\n        </blockquote></ul>\r\n        <ul><blockquote><blockquote>\r\n            <li type=\"circle\">Free iPod shuffle worth about &pound;50 </li>\r\n            <li type=\"circle\">1 year&rsquo;s free Youth Hostel Association (YHA) membership worth about &pound;10 </li>\r\n            </blockquote>\r\n            <li type=\"disc\">Lloyds don&rsquo;t offer a tiered interest free overdraft rather a flat &pound;1,500 each year for 3 years (if the course lasts longer than 3 years they&rsquo;ll up the overdraft level to &pound;2,000 in year 4 ) </li>\r\n            <li type=\"disc\">If you breach these limits but agree an overdraft extension (unlikely) the interest rate will be 7.4% </li>\r\n            <li type=\"disc\">Without this agreement the interest charged shoots up to a crazy, incredibly expensive and quite frankly offensive 29.9% (plus just to rub it is a fee of &pound;30 a day, maximum &pound;90 a month) </li>\r\n            <li type=\"disc\">Debit card, option a credit card and interest banking facility etc </li>\r\n            <li type=\"disc\">More details on this link of the Lloyds TSB website #p##e#</li>\r\n            </blockquote></ul>\r\n            <blockquote><strong>HSBC&rsquo;s Student Bank Account</strong> </blockquote>\r\n            <ul><blockquote>\r\n                <li type=\"disc\">The gimmicks </li>\r\n                </blockquote></ul>\r\n                <ul><blockquote><blockquote>\r\n                    <li type=\"circle\">An MP4 player which can play music and view video </li>\r\n                    <li type=\"circle\">10 free albums from CDNow </li>\r\n                    <li type=\"circle\">Other assorted discounts which are likely to be more fluff than actual use </li>\r\n                    </blockquote>\r\n                    <li type=\"disc\">HSBC offer a tiered interest free overdraft structure <blockquote>\r\n                    <li type=\"circle\">&pound;1,000 in year 1 </li>\r\n                    <li type=\"circle\">&pound;1,250 in year 2 </li>\r\n                    <li type=\"circle\">&pound;1,500 in year 3 </li>\r\n                    <li type=\"circle\">&pound;1,750 in year 4 </li>\r\n                    <li type=\"circle\">&pound;2,000 in year 5 </li>\r\n                    </blockquote></li>\r\n                    <li type=\"disc\">So the interest free overdraft levels are not as good as the Lloyds TSB in year 1 &amp; 2 but where the accounts looks a whole lot better is when the overdraft level is breached #p#ҳ#e# </li>\r\n                    <li type=\"disc\">HSBC charges 15.9% over the level which is a hell of a lot better than the crazy 29.9% that Lloyds TSB charges </li>\r\n                    <li type=\"disc\">Debit card, option a credit card and interest banking facility etc </li>\r\n                    <li type=\"disc\">More details on this link of the HSBC website </li>\r\n                    </blockquote></ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('145','28','<p>Back in the day, choosing which bank to put your money in was relatively simple. The closest one to your home or job, or the one that offered the biggest toaster, was the one that got your business. Ah, the days of simplicity. </p>\r\n<p>Today, there are so many choices in banks that your head could spin. Local banks, regional banks, national banks…even international banks are all vying for your dollars. How do you decide which one is right for you? There are several factors that you should consider when shopping for a new home for your money. </p>\r\n<p>One of the very first things that you should do is to verify any prospective bank’s FDIC-membership status. The <strong>Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation</strong> is the government entity that insures your on-deposit funds up to $100,000. In other words, if the bank goes belly-up, you don’t lose your money. If the bank isn’t an FDIC-insured, move on. Nothing else matters. You can check any member bank’s status on the FDIC’s website. </p>\r\n<p>Needless to say, banks are extremely profitable businesses. A major source of their profitability is the fees that they charge. One very important fee, but largely overlooked by consumers on a daily basis, is the <em>ATM</em> surcharge. On average across the country, the fee for using an ATM which your home bank doesn’t own is $1.50. Use it twice a week for a year, and you’ve paid the owner of that ATM $156 just so you could use your own money. The point is, if you are a heavy ATM user and you don’t really pay attention to which one you go to, you might consider putting your money into one of the larger banks. They have the most extensive network of ATMs, which could save you quite a bit of money over time. </p>\r\n<p>But the number of automated teller machines that a particular bank owns is only one factor that you should regard when choosing a bank. True, a <em>large bank</em> has a great network of ATMs. But is their service above par? If, for instance, you’re a small business owner and you need a loan, you might be better served by going to the <em>small local bank</em> where the owner or manager knows who you are and what you do. </p>\r\n<p>If you’re looking for the lowest fees around, a <em>credit union</em> may be the best financial institution for you. Their loan interest rates may also be slightly below regular bank rates. And because of their not-for-profit nature they tend to pay, on average, a little more on their interest-bearing accounts. </p>\r\n<p>Alternatively, if convenience is Number One in your book, you might even consider an <em>online bank</em>. Direct deposit and online bill pay. No teller lines to contend with; as a matter of fact, no going to the bank at all because these organizations have no local branches. Lower overhead means lower operating costs, which <em>should</em> translate to lower fees you. But, as always, check to be sure. Compare. </p>\r\n<p>You should also inquire about <em>relationship rates</em>. These are special rates that banks sometimes give to their customers so that they’ll open new accounts or use additional bank products. For example, Mr. Smith has a loan with Bank A. If he’ll agree to open a checking account with them, they’ll upgrade it to their Premium interest-bearing checking and waive all the standard fees. Ask if the bank that you’re considering has any such programs. You may be surprised at what you can get just for already doing business there. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>Look carefully at every bank’s <em>check-hold policy</em>. Find out how long they will hold on to your money when you deposit it, and under what circumstances. Many banks are particularly stringent on new accounts, say, for the first thirty days. So be careful. </p>\r\n<p>Does the bank offer overdraft protection, and how much does it cost? Bounced check fees are quite profitable for the bank, but very expensive for us. You should know the bank’s policy and programs that they offer to help avoid these fees. Some banks will even reverse one or two <em>non-sufficient funds (NSF)</em> fees a year to keep your business. But you must ask; they’re not going to volunteer that kind of information to you. </p>\r\n<p>Don’t make a random decision when choosing a bank. Too much money is at stake, and all of it’s yours. The winner should be the bank that offers the things that are most important to you, whether it be convenience, low costs, or great customer care.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('146','28','<p>Interest and fees charged on a loan have the effect of increasing the cost of an object or service purchased with credit. Various methods which are used to calculate interest rates can mislead a borrower about the actual cost of a loan. The interest rate that you pay to borrow money is influenced by numerous factors relating to the type of loan that you choose. The length of time over which a loan is to be repaid, the collateral, your credit history, and the lender that you select are all important aspects of the interest rate that you&rsquo;ll be charged. However, rates are also influenced by factors outside the control of both the borrower and lender and unrelated to the specifics of a particular loan. Here are some of the key influences that go into determining the interest rate that you&rsquo;ll pay: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li><em>Economic conditions</em> have an important influence on overall interest rates. Rates tend to increase during periods of strong economic activity when the demand for credit is high. A vital and healthy economy causes businesses to borrow funds in order to expand their output. At the same time, high employment rates and wage increases which accompany economic expansion usually make consumers more optimistic, leading them to buy more goods and services on credit. This increased demand for credit results in higher prices paid, in the form of interest rates, for that credit.\r\n    <p>On the other hand, a weak economy does little to stimulate demand for credit by businesses or consumers. Industries operating at less-than-capacity along with rising unemployment cause cautiousness and cutbacks in spending and borrowing. The light demand for credit during these periods tends to drive interest rates downward. </p>\r\n    </li>\r\n    <li>The <em>inflationary expectations</em> of consumers and businesses can have a major impact on interest rates. Lenders who foresee rising prices for goods and services will charge higher interest rates in order to compensate for the likelihood that their loans will be repaid with devalued dollars. At the same time potential borrowers, who are also anticipating rising inflation rates, are more likely to accept higher-interest loans because they expect to be able to pay them back with devalued dollars. The anticipation of rising inflation also stimulates consumers and businesses to buy as soon as possible in order to beat the expected price increases, placing more of a demand on credit which, in turn, drives interest rates upward.\r\n    <p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n    </li>\r\n    <li><em>Policies and actions of the federal government</em> can also be a major influence on interest rates. Large federal deficits that occur when expenditures exceed tax revenues require the government to annually borrow tens or hundreds of billions of dollars, which causes tremendous strains on the credit markets by taking lendable funds away from businesses and consumers. This increases the demand for credit and exerts upward pressure on interest rates. #p##e#\r\n    <p>The federal government continually intervenes directly in the credit markets to influence interest rates and guide the nation&rsquo;s economic activity. This is done by the <strong>Federal Reserve Board</strong> (also known as the <strong>Fed</strong>), an independent agency headed by presidential appointees which acts as a banker to commercial banks. The Fed uses several tools to influence the credit markets: 1) the <em>discount rate</em>, which is the interest rate that commercial banks must pay when they borrow from the Fed. A change in the discount rate is likely to cause commercial banks to change the interest rates that they charge on loans made to businesses and individual borrowers. 2) The buying and selling of <em>Treasury securities</em> in the financial markets. These transactions have a major impact on the supply of money, credit availability, and interest rates. A large purchase of Treasuries by the Fed causes new funds to be injected into the banking system, which then has more money to lend, leading to lower interest rates. On the other hand, a large sale of Treasury securities takes money out of the banking system, causing banks to curtail lending by raising rates. 3) Public announcements by members of the Fed. For example, if a board member states that the Fed is concerned about rising inflation, interest rates are likely to rise in anticipation of the Fed&rsquo;s efforts to restrict credit. </p>\r\n    </li>\r\n    <li><em>A loan&rsquo;s term, or maturity length</em>, generally affects the rate of interest that will be charged. Loans with longer maturities typically have higher interest rates. A thirty-year home mortgage loan is likely to have a higher interest rate than a fifteen-year loan on the same property for the same amount. And a five-year car loan will carry a higher rate than a three-year loan. In short, a longer repayment period places the lender at greater risk.\r\n    <p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n    </li>\r\n    <li><em>A borrower&rsquo;s collateral</em> can have a major impact on the interest rate charged by a lender. Collateral places the lender in a more secure financial position. In the event that the borrower doesn&rsquo;t repay the loan, the lender can force the sale of the collateral in order to recoup any losses incurred. This lessens the risk to the lender, which should result in a reduced interest rate.</li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('147','28','In 2006 the combined profits of the UK banks topped &pound;33billion or to put it another way &pound;33,000,000,000. Now, we have no problems with any company or industry making bumper profits but only if they offer a fair service which in many cases the banks don&rsquo;t. As an example of this - The banks have made literally billions in profits over the last 10 years charging outrageous fees for unauthorised overdrafts, late payment charges, unpaid cheques etc - you know the score. But some are now arguing that these fees are actually illegal and have been fighting the banks to reclaim these charges. And the great news is that the majority of these consumers have been winning! If you feel you&rsquo;ve been unfairly taken advantage of by the banks when it comes to charges there&rsquo;s never been a better time to fight back. Note: you can still fight to reclaim charges on accounts which have long been closed and this strategy works for Credit Cards as well.\r\n<h3>How To Proceed With Reclaiming Bank &amp; Credit Card Fees</h3>\r\nWe could easily write another 1,000 words here and fill you in with the ins and outs of claiming against your bank/credit card company. However, the best course of action for you to take it to - &ndash;\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Sit down for at least 30-60 minutes and read up on the two excellent websites listed below </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Not only do they offer a complete strategy for you to follow but they&rsquo;ve both got Chat Forums where real people with real stories and advice can be found </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Note, the key to using a Forum effectively is to - </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <ul>\r\n        <li type=\"disc\">never ask a question until you&rsquo;ve first had a good read of what&rsquo;s already been published, and secondly </li>\r\n        <li type=\"disc\">Use the &lsquo;Search&rsquo; function </li>\r\n    </ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"square\"><strong>www.penaltycharges.co.uk</strong> </li>\r\n    <li type=\"square\"><strong>www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk</strong> </li>\r\n</ul>\r\nPersonally we think the first website has the slight edge over the second because it&rsquo;s smaller and has a more personal touch. But don&rsquo;t get us wrong the Consumer Action Group site is still a great resource. <strong><font color=\"#ff0000\">Warning - If You Don\'t Sue You Won\'t Be Taken Seriously</font></strong> No business makes mega-money by being an easy touch and the banks are making billions of pounds worth of profits a year. It\'s now become apparent that unless you take your bank to court <strong>you have little, if any chance of winning the full amount you\'re owed.</strong> Instead, the bank will play with you, and you\'ll end up in a game of <em>letter tennis</em>, you write them a letter, they write one back, you write another, they reply etc etc. Basically you\'ll get nowhere apart from perhaps an offer to settle from your bank of around 20% of what they\'ve taken from you. But if you follow the strategies listed in the 2 websites above Court action is a must. Don\'t be scared by this though because it\'s actually a very simple process and the chances of the case going to court are most probably less than 1%. It\'s in the interests of the bank to settle. In a nutshell the process works something like this - #p##e#\r\n<ol>\r\n    <li>You write to your bank asking for all the money to be repaid (the amount you\'ll get from your previous bank statements*) within 14 days otherwise you\'ll be taking them to court </li>\r\n    <li>The bank will write back trying to fob you off </li>\r\n    <li>You write again saying you don\'t accept what they say but will give them another 7 days to repay the amount owed otherwise it will be court and they\'ll have <strong>no further warnings</strong> </li>\r\n    <li>Don\'t make threats without being willing to carry them - so after 7 days sue them </li>\r\n    <li>Only then will the bank start to take your claim seriously </li>\r\n</ol>\r\nIf you are not willing to take your bank to court then the advice is simple - either forget about it or employ one of the bank charge reclaim companies who charge between 20%-40% of the reclaimed amount using a no-win no-fee basis. * If you don\'t have copies of your previous statements the websites above will show you how to get hold of them for a maximum charge of &pound;10 (this money is paid to your bank).');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('148','28','<p>It’s certainly easy to understand why we tend to ignore banking and financial fees and expenses. When looking at the big picture, we’ve simply gotten used to them. We accept them as minor annoyances: a necessary evil stemming from the format of our monetary lives. But those small fees and expenses can add up much more quickly than most people realize, and end up taking a real bite out of one\'s overall savings strategy. We must get a handle on those routine &quot;costs of doing business&quot;, and a good place to start is with the little things, things that we have the power to control. </p>\r\n<p>For the past quarter century or so, banks have been aggressively moving to generate a greater portion of their revenues through fees, ranging from ATM and loan-processing expenses to penalty-type fees such as those associated with late payments on credit card bills. In actuality, they\'re doing what we as consumers should be doing: they\'re focusing their efforts on things that they can control, and they\'re succeeding wildly. In 1976, fee income for banks represented only 18 cents of every dollar of operating revenue that they generated. Today it\'s much closer to around 50 cents. And here\'s another staggering number that you should be aware of: only taking into account basic banking fees, such as those for credit cards and ATM usage, consumers pay out hundreds of billions of dollars yearly to financial service companies. Yes, that\'s hundreds of <em>billions</em>. </p>\r\n<p>Given these facts, it\'s clearly in our best interest to diligently comparison-shop among financial institutions and service providers based not only on such intangible considerations as convenience, familiarity, and brand loyalty; but also upon the fees that they charge. Of course, there\'s nothing at all wrong with choosing a bank because they have a branch located two blocks from your home or across the street from your place of work, but you must also consider the costs of doing business there as well. After all, you shop for the best deal when buying other things such as clothes, food, furniture, or airline tickets. You\'ll be dealing with your financial institution on a monthly, weekly, or even daily basis; the fees that they charge you will generally recur, and add up quite handsomely (for them, that is). </p>\r\n<p>The routine goods and services that banks offer ?checking account maintenance, the availability of cash through an ATM machine, check printing, and loan servicing ?are done in essentially the same manner by every financial services provider. Certainly, one bank may offer better customer service than another; others may tout superior <em>online banking</em> services. But at the end of the day, the way that they handle your money and the checks that you write are basically the same. Therefore, the fees, rates, and prices they charge should be of paramount concern to you when selecting which to do business with. </p>\r\n<p>There are more types of bank fees to be wary of today than ever before. In addition to monthly service fees, we\'re hit with account balance minimum fees, nonsufficient funds fees for bounced checks, per-item fees for writing too many checks, teller fees for using the services of a bank teller, online-service fees (for <em>not</em> using a teller), and bill-pay fees for using the bank\'s system to electronically pay your bills. And let\'s not forget check-printing fees, lost debit card replacement fees, wire- and currency-exchange fees, money order fees, telephone banking service fees, account research fees, and fees for retrieving a copy of an old check. </p>\r\n<p>Billions. Certainly it\'s unlikely that we can avoid every fee that\'s charged to us. But we can watch our financial affairs more closely and significantly reduce the amounts that we pad our banker\'s coffers with. How? <em>Don\'t bounce a check</em>. Take larger amounts from the ATM to reduce the frequency of your visits there. There are plenty of little adjustments that we can all make to keep more of our money in our own pockets. It\'s simply a matter of greater awareness on our part and better financial discipline.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('149','28','<p>Federal insurance coverage for bank deposits, which is provided by the <strong>Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)</strong>, protects depositors to a maximum of $100,000 at any one institution. All nationally-chartered banks are required to be members of the FDIC; state-chartered banks are not mandated to belong, but most do maintain a membership. The $100,000 insurance protection applies to all funds deposited in any one bank under the name or Social Security number of a unique individual. In other words, a depositor with $40,000 in a <em>money market account</em>, $80,000 in one or more <em>CDs</em>, and $2,500 in a <em>checking account</em> would have a total of $122,500 on deposit in that bank, of which only $100,000 would be insured by the FDIC. </p>\r\n<p>It is possible, however, for this $100,000 coverage to be extended in several ways. The depositor can open one or more accounts in a different bank (not just another branch of the same bank), or open a second set of accounts in the same bank under joint ownership with a spouse or child. The depositor could also open additional accounts in the name of a revocable trust. Each of these accounts, because they have different registrations, would have the full $100,000 protection. But any one person\'s coverage for his or her total deposits in all joint accounts in the same bank is still limited to $100,000. </p>\r\n<p>Although the FDIC programs guarantee the safety of deposits, they do not guarantee that depositors will be able to withdraw their money on demand. The terms and conditions governing regular savings accounts specify that the bank may require the depositor to provide advance notice (typically 30 days) of his or her intention to make a withdrawal. This requisite, which is designed to protect the bank in situations of unusual cash outflow or other crises, has in actuality been invoked only very rarely, and then for periods of only a few days. By contrast, some state insurance programs have been depleted in recent years by the failure of a number of savings-and-loan institutions, causing depositors to experience uncertainties and delays in retrieving their money. </p>\r\n<p>Consumers who take out bank loans have been protected for a number of years by the <strong>Truth-in-Lending Act (TILA)</strong>. Similar regulatory protection for savings products was enacted in December 1991 with the passing of the federal <strong>Truth in Savings Act (TISA)</strong>. This directive, which was part of the larger <strong>Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991</strong>, is implemented by <strong>Regulation DD</strong>. Its purpose is to establish clarity and uniformity in the disclosure of terms and conditions regarding the rates of interest (the <em>annual percentage yield</em> or <em>APY</em>) and fees associated with deposit accounts so that the consumer is equipped to make a meaningful comparison between potential banks and accounts. In addition, depositors should also compare other features which are not subject to regulation and are at the discretion of the individual bank, such as service charges on the account at various balance levels, minimum balances below which interest is not paid, the compounding and crediting of interest, and the penalties for early withdrawal of time deposits, to name a few. For more detailed information on consumer protection provided by the FDIC, please visit their website.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('150','28','Bank Charges, those nasty fees of around &pound;20-&pound;30 which are levied on our bank and credit card accounts when we pay late or go over our unauthorised overdraft limits etc, are now deemed to be contrary to the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999. This means that not only is there a light at the end of the tunnel in regards to getting these fees reimbursed - <strong>the light is as bright as the midday sun</strong>. The strategy for reimbursement of these fees is not ours, it has been devised and introduced by two excellent websites -\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"square\">ConsumerActionGroup.com, and </li>\r\n    <li type=\"square\">PenaltyCharges.co.uk </li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf you\'re serious about fighting your bank and/or credit card companies then those two sites have<strong> all the information that you\'ll need to fight a very effective campaign</strong>, a campaign at present that seems to have a 100% success rate. We are therefore indebted to the two sites because they have helped with the strategy below which enabled us to reclaim &pound;2,237.48 on behalf of a friend. Published below are all the steps that we took to reclaim the bank charges.\r\n<h3>Why This Strategy Works</h3>\r\nWe believe that the reason this strategy works is simple - It\'s good business for the banks to pay up rather than make a fuss. Collectively the finance companies are rumoured to have made multi billions of pounds in profits over the years by charging these fees. So ask yourself a question, how many people are going to complain and be bothered to fight? 1%, 2%, 5%? We\'d put the figure around 1% and many of these won\'t last the struggle because they won\'t know what to do, will be scared about taking on the banks and dealing with the courts, or will take a quick settlement perhaps 33% of the total amount they\'re claiming. So if you&rsquo;ve made &pound;1billion in profit and have to payback say &pound;10million you\'ve still made a &pound;990million profit.\r\n<h3>What The Banks Will Try To Do</h3>\r\nDavid and Goliath is purely a biblical story - most people who fight with giants get crushed. So the man or woman on the street fears big business, thinking that taking them on is an unwinnable endeavour. But with this penalty charges strategy this is clearly not the case because in our research we can find <strong>no one that has gone the course and taken a finance company to court who has lost.</strong> The Banks know that many of their clients will be intimidated so they try some of the following tactics -\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Won\'t reply to your letters - This is why you have to always send them by recorded delivery </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Offer to settle for a smaller amount than you are claiming for, around 1/3rd of the amount </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Let you take the matter to court knowing that many won&rsquo;t want to do this, won&rsquo;t know how to or be petrified because most people have no experience of the courts or believe wrongly that they&rsquo;ll have to hire a solicitor which involves spending money </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">If you do sue them they&rsquo;ll likely enter a defence which again will scare many people and force them to drop out #p##e# </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>CASE STUDY 1 - NATWEST BANK</h3>\r\nAt present we are fighting another 2 cases on behalf of friends. But the one listed below has been won and settled and we&rsquo;ll be publishing the other cases when they have run their courses. <strong>Background</strong> A friend Mr Blue had raked up many unauthorised late payment fees with his Natwest account and approached us to see if we could help. We then all sat down and structured a plan via the comments and help on the two websites listed above. The fees on Mr Blue\'s account had been charged from 2002 to 2006 but it is important to note that consumers can only get reimbursed for fees/charges going back a maximum of 6 years. One of the nice things about this claim is that Mr Blue had long since closed his Natwest account down so there was no chance of Natwest suddenly blocking access to his account or getting nasty. If you want to sue your present bank then you\'re strongly advised first to open another account at a different bank.\r\n<h3>&nbsp;</h3>\r\n<blockquote><strong>LETTER 1</strong> 1 Blue Lane<br />Blue Town<br />Bluesville<br />BL1 6TT<br />Natwest Bank PLC<br />Your Branch<br />The Town<br />The County<br />The Postcode 4th September 2006 Dear Sirs Account Number : 12345678<br />Sort Code : 10 20 30#p##e#<br />Note : This account has been closed Due to recent media coverage on bank charges we are now aware that you, Natwest PLC, had been imposing charges to our account that were contrary to the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999. Schedule 2 (e) of the said regulations gives a non-complete list of terms which may be regarded as unfair, such as a term that requires us as consumers who fail in their obligations, to pay a disproportionately high sum in compensation. We believe that your charges were disproportionately high and therefore they were contrary to the Unfair Terms in Consumer Regulations 1999. In addition we believe that your charges were a Penalty. Penalty charges are irrecoverable at common law. The precedent for this was Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Co Ltd v New Garage and Motor co Ltd [1915] AC 79. along with Murray v. Leisure Play [2005] EWCA Civ 963. It was held that a contractual party can only recover damages for an actual loss or liquidated losses. It is clear that your charges do not reflect any actual and/or real loss. Furthermore if you fail to comply with this letter, we request without further notice a breakdown and proof of all costs involved regarding your actual or liquidated losses in any breach of contract to which these charges relate with yourselves, and that these charges reflect your true costs. We also hereby request a detailed report of which clause in your terms and conditions each charge has been applied against. Your charges appear to be nothing more than a profit-making scheme. Therefore we require you to refund us a total of &pound;1,624.00 representing the total, unlawful penalties imposed during the last 6 years. We enclose a breakdown of these charges in an attached sheet. We hereby give you 14 days to refund the charges to me at the above address. For the avoidance of doubt, if this is not done within 14 days, we will commence my claim in the courts without further warning. This action will inevitably involve you in additional costs. Yours faithfully Mr John Blue </blockquote>\r\n<h3>&nbsp;</h3>\r\n<h3>LearnMoney.co.uk Comment</h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Accompanying this letter was a simple spreadsheet of the breakdown in fees </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">This letter was sent via First Class Recorded delivery but Natwest chose not to reply so after 14 days (which was when we threatened court action) we decided to give them another chance and hence wrote letter 2 #p##e# </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>&nbsp;</h3>\r\n<blockquote><strong>LETTER 2</strong> 1 Blue Lane<br />Blue Town<br />Bluesville<br />BL1 6TT<br />Natwest Bank PLC<br />Your Branch<br />The Town<br />The County<br />The Postcode 18th September 2006 Dear Sirs Account Number : 12345678<br />Sort Code : 10 20 30<br />Note : This account has been closed We are extremely disappointed that you have not replied nor even had the goodwill to acknowledge our letter dated 4th September 2006. A copy of this letter is enclosed and please note that it was sent via recorded delivery, as is this letter. However, as a gesture of goodwill we are giving you another 7 days to refund us via a cheque at the above address the amount of &pound;1,624.00 representing the total, unlawful penalties imposed on our account during the last 6 years. For the avoidance of doubt, if we hear nothing back from you we will commence this claim in the courts without further warning. This action will inevitably involve you in additional costs. Yours faithfully Mr John Blue <strong>NATWEST THEN SENT THIS REPLY ON 2nd OCTOBER</strong> Dear Mr Blue Thank you for taking the time to tell me about your concern. All concerns are important to me and I welcome the opportunity to address the issue raised. I am not yet able to answer your concern fully, as I need to look into matter further. I will contact you again within the next 10 working days, either with a full response to your concern or to update you on the progress that I have made. In the meantime, I enclose a leaflet, which explains our concern handling procedures for your information. Yours sincerely Mr Black<br />Customer Care Team<br />Natwest Banks #p##e#</blockquote>\r\n<h3>&nbsp;</h3>\r\n<h3>LearnMoney.co.uk Comment</h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">A Classic standard fob-off letter which is designed to tell you nothing </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">So stick to your guns, Mr Blue has given them plenty of warning and time to look into the matter (remember, they couldn&rsquo;t even be bothered to reply to the first letter) so you have to back up your threats of court action <strong>WITH COURT ACTION</strong> </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">This is the time when you have to get busy studying the strategy and help offered via the two websites listed st the top of this page #p##e# </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<blockquote><strong>LETTER 3</strong> <strong>LearnMoney.co.uk Comment</strong> Things now get interesting because when you take someone to court (County Court) you are allowed to add interest to the claim. So a &pound;25 charge levied on the 1st March 2002 attracts interest at 8% per annum (the court&rsquo;s recommendation) until today\'s date which at the time of writing bumps it up to about &pound;34.60. A preprogrammed spreadsheet is available to download at both of the websites (listed above) which will automatically work out the relevant interest payments. So the initial claim of &pound;1,624 has been increased via &pound;438.48 in interest to 2,062.48. The standard court fee is &pound;120 (if you win this will get reimbursed) making for a total claim of &pound;2,182.48. Note, that the court action is pretty simple to fill out and can be done online. Plenty of help is offered via the ConsumerActionGroup.com and PenaltyCharges.co.uk websites. 1 Blue Lane<br />Blue Town<br />Bluesville<br />BL1 6TT<br />Natwest Bank PLC<br />Your Branch<br />The Town<br />The County<br />The Postcode 3rd October 2006 Dear Mr Black Account Number : 12345678<br />Sort Code : 10 20 30<br />Note : This account has been closed Thank you for your letter of 2nd October. However as indicated in both of our previous letters we wanted this matter resolved quickly otherwise court action would be taken. There has been sufficient time to deal with this problem but unfortunately it has taken you nearly one month to even acknowledge our correspondence. Therefore court proceedings were recently initiated for &pound;1,624.00 plus &pound;438.48 interest plus &pound;120 in court costs making a total claim of &pound;2,182.48 (spreadsheet enclosed to break down these costs). We note that this claim has been acknowledged by Natwest. Of course, should you offer us &pound;2,182.48 in full and final settlement of this matter we would be prepared to drop the claim. But if not then the matter must be resolved by the court. Yours sincerely Mr John Blue <strong>NATWEST THEN SENT THIS LETTER A FEW DAYS LATER</strong> Dear Mr Blue Thank you for your letter of 18th September 2006. I apologise for any dissatisfaction caused by the application of charges to your account. We believe that our charges are fair, reasonable and transparent. We consider that the amounts debited to your account have been applied strictly in accordance with your agreement with us and out published tariff, which we are satisfied complies with all applicable laws and regulations. We are also committed to ensuring the transparency of the information that we give out customers about the operation of our products. Against that background, we must differ to the views expressed in your letter. Accordingly, the charges that have been applied to your account must stand. However, than you again for taking the trouble to write. Yours sincerely Mr Black<br />Customer Care Team<br />Natwest Banks #p##e#</blockquote>\r\n<h3>LearnMoney.co.uk Comment</h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Natwest believes the charges should stand, and we were very surprised they didn\'t at least make an offer to Mr Blue </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Nevertheless, it\'s all too late as the matter is in the hands of the court </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">They have 28 days from their acknowledgment of the case to put in a defence, if they don&rsquo;t then Mr Black will win by default </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Whenever you sue somebody like this expect them to make a defence so it\'s a good idea to spend a few hours reading up on your next move via the two websites </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>28 Days Passes - Mr Blue Wins By Default</h3>\r\nMr Blue can hardly believe his luck, Natwest for whatever reason do not enter a defence within 28 days and therefore lose by default. He waits about a week, hears nothing from Natwest so decides via the court\'s website to send the Bailiffs around to Natwest\'s head office - <em><strong>No this is not a joke!</strong></em> Another &pound;55 fee was paid to the court (standard Bailiff expenses) and within 4 days Mr Blue had received a cheque for the total amount claimed from Natwest, including the recent &pound;55 fee.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('151','28','<p>Each and every day, we\'re subjected to tons of economic information from numerous sources, including television, newspapers and magazines, radio, and the Internet. And even with such an overload of data as this, it represents only a minuscule fraction of the monumentally large and complicated puzzle that makes up the <strong>economy</strong>. To make matters worse, this disseminated fraction is usually expressed in such technical jargon that it\'s difficult for anyone without an advanced degree in Economics to understand it. Economic information often appears convoluted and ambiguous, and it\'s easy to see why Mr. and Mrs. John T. Average question whether or not it\'s even worth trying to understand how the economy works. </p>\r\n<p>But, it <em>is</em> important, very important. Understanding at least the basic mechanisms of a nation\'s economy is essential if one is to be a better-informed citizen and voter. Economic fluctuations can affect all or specific industries and, as such, the stability of your job. Further, knowledge of the economy may influence your choice of careers or encourage a decision to change occupations. Additionally, having an understanding of how the economy works can help in making sound investment choices. </p>\r\n<p>The word <em>&quot;investing&quot;</em> is generally used to refer only to the buying and selling of <em>stocks</em> or other securities, which most individuals actually do not participate in. (Even so, the surge in <em>mutual fund</em> sales over the last ten years has significantly increased the number of people who own stocks indirectly, and that has intensified their interest in the economy, financial markets, and corporate profits.) However, investment decisions span a much broader range than just securities, and they\'re made by virtually every person every day. We constantly make decisions about what to consume and how to invest. For example, investment decisions are made when buying or <em>refinancing</em> a home and deciding whether to use a fixed or <em>adjustable-rate mortgage</em>. Paying with cash or <em>credit</em> for a big-ticket item is also an investment decision. So are taking out a <em>personal loan</em> and deciding whether to put money aside in a <em>savings account</em>, <em>money-market fund</em>, or <em>certificate of deposit</em>. All of these decisions are influenced by movements in <em>interest rates</em>, which themselves are affected by movements in the economy. </p>\r\n<p>Future income can also be affected by economic changes. For instance, the value of a company <em>pension</em> plan can change due to fluctuations in interest rates and stock prices. And while this may not be of much importance if pension benefits are determined by an employee\'s salary levels and years of service, it could be critical if benefits are indexed to the market value of the plan. Some employee benefit plans offer a selection, allowing the choice of a combination of investments that can be changed from time to time. </p>\r\n<p>Two things, therefore, are clear: first, that economics and all investments are fundamentally intertwined; and second, that we all continually make decisions that affect our present and future economic well-being. The quality of these decisions can improve with a better understanding of how and where the economy is, where it\'s going, and how to track its changes. Knowing how to interpret fluctuations in the economy is important. All investment decisions are impacted by economic changes &ndash; whether or not those decisions have anything to do with buying and selling stocks.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('152','28','<em>February 2007</em> If you own hard assets such as property or Gold then inflation, although not welcome, is not so much of a problem because these assets will usually increase in value as inflation rises. Right now we estimate UK inflation to be running at a minimum of 6% although any government will always fudge this number down. Out inflation figure translates that if you have &pound;100 cash in your pocket today it will only have the purchasing power of &pound;94 in a year&rsquo;s time. But if you have &pound;100 in hard assets today and inflation continues to run at 6% the value of your assets should be worth around &pound;106. OK, this is a simplistic view but whatever the case nobody can argue that inflation is <strong>the grim reaper for savers who hold cash. </strong>\r\n<h3>Hyper Inflation &ndash; Pre War Germany</h3>\r\nOn an interesting side point hyper inflation is where inflation gets truly out of control. This has happened in many South American countries over the years but the most famous example is Germany during the 1920&rsquo;s when a loaf of bread in 1920 cost 2 Marks but by June 1923 the price had risen to 430,000,000,000 or 430 billion Marks! Therefore anybody who was cash rich in Germany in 1920 (that didn&rsquo;t take action) was ruined over the next few years as their cash became worthless.\r\n<h3>Hyper Inflation Tip</h3>\r\nIf hyper inflation ever gets hold in the UK (highly unlikely but still possible) and you find yourself in a pub with a few friends <strong>always offer to buy the first round of drinks. </strong>The reason is simple - hyper inflation causes prices to rise so fast and so quickly that the second round of drinks will normally cost double the first!\r\n<h3>How Savers Can Protect Their Cash</h3>\r\nOne of the best and easiest ways that savers can shield their cash from being eroded by inflation is to consider buying National Savings &amp; Investments (NS&amp;I) Index Linked Certificates. According to the government&rsquo;s Retail Price Index (RPI) for December 2006 inflation was running at 4.4% up from 3.9% in November. That by the way is a massive month on month move.\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">The NS&amp;I Index Linked Certificates pay tax-free returns linked to the RPI over 3 or 5 years </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">For example, the 3 year certificate pays RPI 1.5% and to earn the same interest rate via a traditional savings account the rate for a higher tax-payer would need to be 9.25% and 6.93% for a basic rate tax-payer </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">The 5 year Certificates pay 1.1% above the RPI which is equivalent to 9.16% for higher rate tax-payers and 6.87% for basic rate tax-payers </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Maximum deposit allowed into each separate issue is &pound;15,000, minimum &pound;100 </li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('153','29','<p><strong>Real estate</strong>! Over 95% of the world\'s millionaires are millionaires because of real estate. It makes you want to run out and start buying, doesn\'t it? After all, people are always going to need places to live, work, shop, eat, get sick, get old, manufacture, vacation, and entertain the masses in. And with the national and world populations continually growing, real estate prices can only be expected to rise with them, right? </p>\r\n<p>Well, yes, that\'s true; but be careful nevertheless. Real estate, like all other investments, has its periods of peaks and valleys, its good and bad times. Although the basic law of supply and demand would seem to dictate that real estate values will always tend to recover after episodes of market weakness, bad purchases can and still do cost careless or unfortunate investors bundles of money. In order to be successful in real estate investing, you\'ll need to have some knowledge of real estate investing &ndash; and it should be more than just the concept of &quot;buy low and sell high,&quot; although that\'s certainly still a time-honored and fundamental truth. </p>\r\n<p>Even in the midst of current market woes, there are still great investment opportunities available for those who are willing to look for and diligently go after them. The ways in which properties can be creatively obtained and disposed of (especially with the use of seller financing and other means) are almost too numerous to mention. But be aware that it will take time, effort, and a good strong dose of knowledge. The latter, we\'re proud to say, you can get right here.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('154','29','<p>By far, <strong>stocks and bonds</strong> are two of the most prolific types of securities available on the market. They are basic staples of both small and large investors the world over. But with a myriad of other choices at hand, why do so many investors choose to place their money into these particular instruments? Among the numerous reasons, certainly at or near the top of many lists (whether admitted or not) is that their basic concepts are fairly easy to understand. A stock certificate gets you partial ownership in a company and provides a return on the price you paid for it &ndash; hopefully. A bond is simply a loan you make to an entity, and it will also give you a return on your money. Simple, yes? Unfortunately, what isn\'t so simple is choosing the right one. </p>\r\n<p>Stocks and bonds can generally be bought and sold quickly and conveniently. And historically, their track records of performance have been good. But neither of those characteristics should be substituted for basic, fundamental knowledge. We highly encourage you to study the information contained in this Section and put it to use. But when buying stocks and bonds, you\'re advised just as strongly to study the <em>company</em> and the <em>market</em> that you\'re investing in. Learn all you can about them. It\'s the only way you\'ll truly be able to evaluate whether their offerings are worth risking your money on.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('155','29','<p>Throughout recorded history gold has been used not only as a universally accepted medium of exchange, but also as a reliable store of value as well. It has been worked for, fought for, and, sadly, killed for. Unfortunately, the same can still be said today. But why? What\'s the attraction that gold and every other <strong>precious metal</strong> holds? At the risk of being blatantly simplistic, it\'s what they (either directly or indirectly) can buy. Boiling it down even further: greed. </p>\r\n<p>Modern investors view gold as a solid hedge against inflation and declines in the stock market. Historically, gold\'s value has always risen during periods of paper-money devaluation. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Natural resources</strong> (of which precious metals are necessarily a part) include such items as food staples, oil, and water (and for investment considerations the companies and facilities that produce and distribute them). These commodities generally tend to perform well as investments regardless of whether economic conditions are strong or weak. Because of the consumable nature of such items, they\'ll always be in high demand. </p>\r\n<p>Specialized knowledge is required if you\'re to successfully participate in any field of <strong>collectibles</strong>. Being typically illiquid (in other words, not readily saleable) investments that rarely generate any type of cash flow, collectibles are most often popular with those that have a particular interest or fascination with a certain category of merchandise. Persian rugs, baseball cards, fine art, antique cars or anything else that has the potential to appreciate in value can draw the consideration of these specialized investors. </p>\r\n<p>As with all investments, knowledge is the key, and prudence is the chain on which it hangs. Fortunes can be made or lost in investments of any sort, so prepare yourself for success with the necessary knowledge, information and temperament.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('156','29','Enclosed we are going to give you a simple tip that many forex traders ignore in their pursuit of profits but if you learn it, you will increase your profit potential and enjoy greater currency trading success. <br /><br />If you want bigger forex profits now then read on. <br /><br /><br />If you have a forex trading strategy it should have one aim and one aim only<br /><br /><br />Making bottom line profits <br /><br /><br />To do this you need to get catch and hold the big currency trends that offer you the big profits and have the odds heavily in your favour when you enter them a?? and they dona??t come around often. <br /><br />These trades only come around a few times a year in each currency, so the rule is: <br /><br /><br />Cut down your trading and bet big on the trades that offer you the most favourable odds. <br /><br />Where Most Traders Go Wrong! <br /><br /><br />They make two major errors which are:#p##e#<br /><br /><br />1. They equate frequency of trading with profits.<br /><br />2. They never bet enough to win meaningful amounts or get stopped out to soon before the trade has run its course. <br /><br />In forex trading you dona??t get your reward for how often you trade you get your reward for being right with your trading signals a?? nothing else. <br /><br />Forget day trading it doesna??t work and never will - neither will trying to be in the market all the time. In conclusion be highly selective in your trading. <br /><br />Also, if you do what most traders do and risk small amounts 2 a?? 10% of your equity you wona??t have high risk but you wona??t make much either. <br /><br />To Win Do This <br /><br /><br />Focus on trading off support and resistance levels that are considered valid by the market - if they break chances are the trend will continue. <br /><br />Understand this: <br /><br /><br />Most of the big moves in currency trading, that offer the best risk reward occur from new Market highs - NOT Market lows, so forget trying to buy dips. <br /><br />Take a Risk <br /><br /><br />If you dona??t like taking risks dona??t trade currencies most traders try so hard to avoid risk they create it and guarantee that they will lose. <br /><br />Dona??t place stops to close and trail them SLOWLY a?? make sure you keep them back behind the market noise and are not stopped out by normal market pullbacks. <br /><br />If you cana??t take dips in open equity, you will never enjoy currency trading success a?? so get used to them. #p##e#<br /><br />Be prepared to risk up to 25% on high odds trades if trading a small account and have the courage of your conviction - if you believe in your forex trading system bet as much as you can afford to. <br /><br />Trade the Odds Bet meaningful amounts and <br /><br /><br />Win big a?? thata??s the whole aim of the above tips. <br /><br /><br />You can use the above tips and make triple digit gains - by trading just a FEW times a year! <br /><br />You may say, thata??s not the advice I normally see or ita??s not the norm but personally I wouldna??t worry too much about as: <br /><br />95% of traders lose and follow conventional advice a?? the above may not be conventional but if youa??re a trader who simply wants to make money, you will understand why it can lead you to currency trading success.<br /><br />Good luck and good trading.<br /><br />NEW! 5 X Critical Trader PDF\'s &amp; Much More <br /><br />Claim your FREE PDF\'s and demo account and <a target=\"_new\" href=\"http://www.freeforexguidesonline.com\">learn Forex Trading</a> and also get: Breaking financial news, tight pip spreads, guaranteed stops $100.00 minimum investment and 400:1 leverage at <a target=\"_new\" href=\"http://www.freeforexguidesonline.com\">http://www.freeforexguidesonline.com</a>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('157','29','This is the best ebook on trading I have read in a very long time. Yes, its title does not betray that the ebook has anything to do with trading, and much less so with trading the Forex market, but it really does. To partially understand the origin of this curious title, one has to read through the first paragraph of the book: &quot;The first person I met in the retail forex trading industry, the CEO of the prominent start-up forex company (IB) in South Africa was previously a star trader- in vending machines. The second person I met was the marketing director of a market maker. I expected to meet knowledgeable, successful and profitable traders. I met fast talking, successful, profitable salesmen. I knew I had entered the lion country.&quot; <br /><br />I decided to quote this fragment not only to explain the ebook title, but also because I can relate really well to the author\'s experience: my first would-be-mentor was one fast talking Eddie who still (five years later) advertises his overpriced services to the masses via Stocks and Commodities and other industry rags. My experience with him was worse than miserable, but his lawyers assured me that saying anything more would be highly inadvisable.<br /><br />This is a very long book, well over 200 pages, yet reading it is a real pleasure and one can hardly find any fluff in it. While the book is dedicated primarily to Forex trading, its ideas and insights are applicable well outside this particular market and those trading other financial instruments, futures in particular, will certainly find this book very interesting and useful. Obviously, those trading Forex will find it most useful. Even though this book is quite suitable for complete beginners, it is not necessarily aimed at them and more advanced traders should consider it as well. <br /><br />This could be a very good first book on trading in general and not only your first trading book on Forex and here is why: it will either discourage you from trading right away because the picture it paints is far from that of easy money and romantic adventures for real men (and you will be grateful to the author for that forever) or it will help you approach trading in a serious, disciplined manner. Either way, you will benefit from this ebook more than from most out there.<br /><br />About one third of the book, its first two parts, is dedicated to trading in general and contains one of the soundest opinions on trading you will ever find. One part is specifically about the Forex market, its nature and how it differs from other markets. This part is really good and gives you a very solid understanding of the workings of this market, much better than what you can expect to find in many other ebooks on Forex that tend to be somewhat superficial in this respect. The remaining parts are dedicated to trading methodologies, including the author\'s own approach to trading Forex.<br /><br />I am highly impressed by this ebook and that does not happen to me very often. In fact, not even every year do I come across a book as good as this one. Not only is it very readable, but also written in a very intelligent manner, with a real sense of humor, in a way that is truly honest about trading. <br /><br />Here is just one small piece of advice from this book that shows that the author knows his subject very well: &quot;There is only one road to success. Your own. You have to learn to put everything together yourself.&quot; I like to put it in a somewhat different and more general way: &quot;you have to find it in yourself.&quot; That\'s how you succeed. Not only at trading, but in whatever you aim to succeed at.<br /><br />If you have never read a single book on trading and you are interested in this field, you cannot possibly go wrong by starting your education with this book. If you are interested in Forex trading, I doubt you will find a better starting point than this fine piece of work. I truly can not recommend this ebook highly enough and I guarantee that you will not be disappointed by its purchase. A mere 70 bucks is all you need to get it. <br /><br />You can find more information about this ebook on the ebook\'s website at: http://www.eminimethods.com/recommends/bird_trading.php');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('158','29','<p><strong>Mutual funds</strong>, like stocks and bonds, are very common investment instruments among large and small investors alike. When you buy shares of a fund, you become part owner &ndash; along with other fund investors &ndash; of a large investment portfolio made up of hundreds or even thousands of individual securities issuers. A professional investment advisor manages the fund\'s investments according to its stated objectives, for instance, long-term growth, current income, etc. This is one of the primary reasons that mutual funds have become so popular. Most investors, especially private individuals, would be extremely hard-pressed to successfully direct or even afford such a large number of different singular investments. Furthermore, the diversification inherent in so many separate issuers within a single fund works to sharply curtail the risk of serious loss due to the underperformance of any one company or industry. </p>\r\n<p>Most investors in the U.S. use mutual funds as their primary means of buying securities. Because of their built-in professional management feature and typically lower (often <em>very</em> low) initial investment requirement, they\'re heavily employed by novice investors, many of whom have been guilty of using the set-and-forget technique. But mutual funds, like every other type of investment, must be attended to in order to fully maximize their performance. The information contained in this Section will guide you not only in the basics and intricacies of mutual funds, but also teach you how to evaluate a fund\'s management, as well. Use this knowledge wisely; after all, no one &ndash; even if they\'re paid to do so &ndash; cares more about your money than you do.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('159','29','Forex is an abbreviated name for &quot;foreign exchange.&quot; ??The Forex trading market is an around-the-clock cash market where the currencies of nations are bought and sold, typically via brokers. For example, you buy Euros, paying with U.S. Dollars, or you sell Canadian Dollars for Japanese Yen. Forex trading market conditions can change at any moment in response to real-time events, such as political unrest or the rate of inflation. The purpose of this article is to give you an introduction to Forex trading.<br /><br />Here are some of the unique features of Forex trading that attract private investors just like you:<br /><br />Accessibility: The Forex trading market is open 24 hours a day, 6 days a week. You have non-stop online access to global Forex dealers through your home computer. This enables you to log in to your account and trade anytime, from anywhere.<br /><br />Low margin requirements: Margin is referred to as the collateral needed to facilitate a deal. In Forex trading, this is usually a very small portion of the entire deal, say 1% or 1:100. For example, if your margin is $100 (1% of the entire Forex deal in this case), you could control $10,000 of currency contracts. However, margin is a &quot;double-edged sword.&quot; Without the proper use of??risk management tools (that is, stop-loss and take-profit orders), you can experience substantial losses as well as gains.<br /><br />Risk management tools: Essential for any successful Forex trading system, these tools include &quot;stop-loss&quot; and &quot;take-profit&quot; orders. A stop-loss order is a market order to close a Forex position if or when losses reach a pre-determined threshold. A take-profit order is a market order to close a Forex position if or when profits reach a pre-determined threshold.<br /><br />Zero commission trading: Unlike equities or futures trading, you pay no commissions on the Forex deals that you make.<br /><br />Liquidity: Forex is the most liquid market in the world, thus making it easy to trade most currencies.<br /><br />Here are some more facts about Forex trading:<br /><br />According to The Wall Street Journal Europe, the most actively traded currencies on the Forex trading market are the U.S. Dollar (USD), the Japanese Yen (JPY), the Euro (EUR), the British Pound (GPB), the Swiss Franc (CHF), the Canadian Dollar (CAD), and the Australian Dollar (AUD).<br /><br />The most heavily traded &quot;currency pairs&quot; are the U.S. Dollar and the Japanese Yen (USD/JPY), the Euro and the U.S. Dollar (EUR/USD), the U.S. Dollar and the Swiss Franc (USD/CHF), and the British Pound and the U.S. Dollar (GBP/USD).<br /><br />Ten financial institutions account for nearly 73% of the total Forex trading market volume. The Top 10 most active traders include Deutsche Bank (17.0%), UBS (12.5%), Citigroup (7.5%), HSBC (6.4%), Barclays (5.9%), Merrill Lynch (5.7%), J. P. Morgan Chase (5.3%), Goldman Sachs (4.4%), ABN AMRO (4.2%), and Morgan Stanley (3.9%).#p##e#<br /><br />The five major Forex trading centers are London, New York, Tokyo, Sydney, and Frankfurt. The three major Forex trading countries are the United Kingdom (32.4%), the United States (18.2%), and Japan (7.6%).<br /><br />Forex traders generally plan their trading strategies around two types of Forex analysis: fundamental and technical.<br /><br />A fundamental analysis uses economic and political factors, such as unemployment rates, interest rates, or inflation, as a means of predicting currency movements. Fundamental analysis is concerned with the reasons or causes for currency movements.<br /><br />A technical analysis uses historical data as a means of predicting currency movements. The technical analyst believes that history repeats itself over and over again. Technical analysis is not concerned with the reasons for currency movements (for example, interest rates or inflation). Instead, it believes that historical currency movements are a clear indication of future ones.<br /><br />Some Forex traders depend on fundamental analysis while others depend on technical analysis. However, many successful Forex traders use a combination of both strategies. However, the important point to remember here is that no one strategy or combination of strategies is 100% certain.<br /><br />As with stocks and mutual funds, there is risk in Forex trading. The risk results from fluctuations in the currency exchange market. Investments with a low level of risk (for example, long-term government bonds) often have a low return. Investments with a higher level of risk (for example, Forex trading) can have a higher return. To achieve your short-term and long-term financial goals, you need to balance security and risk to the comfort level that works best for you.<br /><br />Gregory DeVictor is a consultant who has been developing and marketing web sites since 1999. You can learn how to profit trading Forex and how to set yourself apart from 95% of all Forex traders at: http://www.forex-trading-system.name/forex_trading_courses_online.htm');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('160','29','<p>The <strong>Foreign Exchange</strong> is the largest exchange market in the world. With the prospect of quick, hefty profits and the explosion of Internet technology and availability, FOREX trading has dramatically grown in popularity among investors of all types. But trading in this market isn&rsquo;t easy. As with any other securities exchange, the successful trader must not only be knowledgeable and savvy with regard to the currencies being traded but also the venue in which he or she is operating. </p>\r\n<p>FOREX trading is a very specialized form of <em>day trading</em>. (Day traders invest by buying and selling securities, or opening and closing their market positions, on the same or within a few days.) Because of the high margins available in the FOREX, investors can control large amounts of currency with relatively small outlays of actual cash. Although this leverage creates the potential for enormous profits, it can also open the door to huge losses. The would-be FOREX trader must therefore remain wary that, just as with any other type of investment, taking a financial beating is always possible. </p>\r\n<p>The FOREX market provides a variety of unique and attractive investing opportunities. Study the articles of this section carefully, as well as other information and tools for the FOREX market. Safeguard yourself by becoming familiar with various risk management concepts. You\'ll need an account and trading platform with a reputable broker in order to begin trading. One such firm, known as <strong>Easy-Forex</strong>, offers full service, customizable, and commission-free trading and support based on your experience and desired activity level. They give you full control over your account, even leverage and spread amounts. </p>\r\n<p>You\'re also encouraged to take advantage of one of the many FOREX practice platforms available on the Web. One of the best, <strong>eToro</strong>, provides an amazingly simple and fun way for you to &quot;get your feet wet&quot; in the market without actually risking your money. Excellent graphics enable you to see and understand exactly what\'s happening while your market &quot;position&quot; is open, and they even offer prizes for the day\'s most successful traders. Online help and a Community Forum are also included. When you feel comfortable and experienced enough, you can make the jump to one of their real trading accounts (unfortunately, if you live in the USA, only the practice account is available to you). </p>\r\n<p>Educate yourself thoroughly before taking advantage of this investment vehicle; knowledge and prudence will give you your best chance of success in this, or any other, exchange market.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('161','29','Most forex traders think they have to predict where currencies will go next to win but this relies on hope and guessing and the market will kill you a?? most novice forex traders make this mistake and lose. There is another way and it will make you money so leta??s look at it. <br /><br />The Myth of Market Prediction <br /><br />There are many people on the net that claim you can predict markets in advance and their Wrong and the facts confirm this: <br /><br />1. If you could predict prices in advance with scientific theory then we would all know the price and there would be no market a?? thata??s common sense! A market is market because ita??s unpredictable and moves because people hold different opinions.<br /><br />Now you get a lot of scientific theories the king being Elliot wave but that never made Elliot any money and is not scientific its all subjective judgment a?? if its subjective its not a scientific predictive theory! <br /><br />You also get Fibonacci numbers prices are supposed to retrace to exact levels but they dona??t a?? try it and lose. This theory is nothing to do with financial markets and was actually devised to solve a problem based on the copulation of rabbits! And has nothing to do with finance. <br /><br />So if you cana??t predict how can you win? <br /><br />You trade the odds and trade on confirmation and this means simply following price momentum. <br /><br />For example if prices dip towards a level of support you dona??t assume it is going to hold - you WAIT and get confirmation and that means prices testing support and then turning up. You then trade with price momentum. <br /><br />You are not guessing or hoping you are trading the reality of price. <br /><br />If you dona??t use momentum indicators now is the time to learn. There are many indicators to choose from, but two of the best are the: <br /><br />Relative Strength Index and Stochastic<br /><br />Why the odds are in your favour? <br /><br />You are trading the odds. <br /><br />Forex is an odds game you will lose trades but if you trade with the odds, you will have more winners than losers and pile up big money over time. #p##e#<br /><br />So when you trade forex dona??t predict and rely on hope trade the reality, trade the odds and make money a?? losing forex traders think they need to predict to win but as we have just shown, you this is a myth and will simply see you lose. <br /><br />Trade the smart way on confirmation and get the odds in your favour for big forex profits.<br /><br />NEW! 5 X Critical Trader PDF\'s &amp; Much More <br /><br />Claim your FREE PDF\'s and demo account and <a target=\"_new\" href=\"http://www.freeforexguidesonline.com\">learn Forex Trading</a> and also get: Breaking financial news, tight pip spreads, guaranteed stops $100.00 minimum investment and 400:1 leverage at <a target=\"_new\" href=\"http://www.freeforexguidesonline.com\">http://www.freeforexguidesonline.com</a>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('163','30','<p><strong>Constant dollar investment</strong> is a strategy that attempts to keep a fixed dollar amount allocated to each of the various types of securities contained in a portfolio. The constant dollar technique works well when the total available investment dollars are allocated to two different investment types: one amount going to the more speculative instruments of the portfolio and the rest being used for more conservative offerings. This fixed dollar ratio between the two parts is typically regulated by either the buying or selling off of <em>stocks</em>. </p>\r\n<p>The strategy works in this manner: let\'s assume, for example, that an investor has a portfolio with a total value of $100,000; of that total he wants to keep $50,000 invested in stocks and the rest allocated to <em>bonds</em>. When the value of the stock half of the portfolio increases to an upper limit (which is set by the investor), stocks are sold off so that the total market value of the stocks remaining in the portfolio is reduced to $50,000. So, if the upper limit set by the investor was, say, $60,000, when the value of the stock side of the portfolio reached that amount, $10,000 in stocks would be sold to reduce stock values back to $50,000. The $10,000 proceeds would be invested in additional bonds. If the stock in the portfolio declined to a lower (predetermined) limit, then additional stocks would be purchased to increase their total value back to $50,000. This type of plan forces the investor to take profits when the upper target amount is reached and to buy additional shares when the value falls to the lower target number. </p>\r\n<p>This investment strategy works well for those investors who are somewhat <em>risk adverse</em>. By maintaining a fixed dollar amount in stocks and transferring the profits in excess of that fixed amount into the less risky investment instruments, conservative investors can still pursue a reasonable measure of growth for their portfolios. However, if stock prices continue to rise, the constant dollar plan will not offer as great a return as a <em>buy-and-hold strategy</em>. Furthermore, if the stocks chosen for a constant dollar plan don\'t fluctuate much in price, they won\'t work to enhance the overall value of the portfolio because the upper and lower target amounts will never be reached. Therefore, this type of plan performs best with stocks that fluctuate in price along with those that have good potential for long-term appreciation. </p>\r\n<p>An investor who implements the constant dollar strategy must not only take great care in selecting the proper securities for the plan portfolio, he or she must also make decide what the constant dollar amount should be, as well as the upper and lower limits to set. A conservative investor might allocate too small an amount to stocks, which could result in a lack of overall growth for the total investment portfolio. On the other hand, too large a constant dollar amount allocated to stocks might cause that same investor to take on more risk than he\'s comfortable with. A more aggressive, growth-oriented investor would typically be expected to allocate a greater dollar amount to the stock side of the portfolio.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('164','30','<p><strong>Life insurance</strong> is often used as an investment for retirement planning. Basic life insurance can be divided into two general categories, <em>term insurance</em> and <em>whole life insurance</em>. When you buy term insurance, you pay premiums in exchange for a death benefit over a specified period of time. This is the least expensive type of life insurance. Because the death benefit is all that you get with term insurance, it\'s never sold as an investment. </p>\r\n<p>Whole life insurance, also known as <em>permanent-</em> or <em>cash value</em> life insurance, not only promises to protect you for your entire life, but also includes an investment ?the cash value. Initially, the premiums are higher than term life premiums, but later in life they become more comparable and could possibly even be lower. With the excess premium paid over the actual cost of the death benefit, the insurance company sets up an investment, which is known as an <em>accumulation account</em>. </p>\r\n<p>The appeal of whole life insurance as a retirement investment is its tax treatment of the accumulation account. This money grows tax deferred, which means that taxes are postponed on income and <em>capital gains</em>. Assuming that you need life insurance at all, the argument over whether whole life insurance is a good investment basically centers on the question of whether you would be better off buying an inexpensive term policy and separately investing the additional amount that the whole life policy would have cost. In making that decision, there are several issues that you should consider: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li><em>Your ability to pay the premiums.</em> First, you should determine how much insurance you need. Next, you\'ll need to check the premium costs for both term and whole life policies. If you can afford only the term policy, buy it. You should never skimp on the amount of your death benefit. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Your federal and state tax brackets.</em> The benefit of a tax deferral is only as valuable as the amount of taxes that would be deferring. The higher your tax bracket the more valuable the benefit is. </li>\r\n    <li><em>The possibility that you might not be able to get affordable insurance later in life.</em> As potential health issues increase with age, this could be of major concern. If it is, compare guaranteed renewable term policies with the price of whole life. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Your willingness to shop for no-load (or, no commission) insurance policies.</em> Unless you buy no- or low-load insurance policies, the costs of whole life erode returns so much that it almost always makes more sense to buy term insurance and invest the difference. #p##e#</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, there isn\'t a cookie-cutter answer when it comes to using life insurance as part of your investment portfolio. A clear benefit of investing in insurance products is the tax-deferred treatment of the cash accumulation part of the policy. Of course, the higher your tax bracket and the longer you have until retirement, the more valuable this benefit can be. However, a very important disadvantage of using life insurance as an investment is the high fees and expenses that make it difficult to compete with the returns of even ordinary security instruments, such as <em>mutual funds</em>. </p>\r\n<p>Weigh the pros and cons carefully when deciding whether life insurance has a place in your investment or <em>retirement</em> plans. If it does, educate yourself and shop wisely, preferably opting for low- or no-load products that will meet your needs.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('165','30','<p>Over the years, the number of market indexes has grown substantially. For instance, in addition to its <em>industrial average</em>, <em>Dow Jones &amp; Company</em> itself now publishes a transportation average, a utility average, and a composite of all three. Some of the more widely-known indexes are listed below: </p>\r\n<p><strong>American Gas Association (AGA) Stock Index</strong> - The AGA Stock Index contains approximately 100 publicly-traded <em>stocks</em> of companies engaged in the natural gas distribution and transmission industry. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Dow Jones Transportation Average (DJTA)</strong> - This index is a price-weighted average of the stocks of 20 large companies in the transportation business, including airlines, railroads, and trucking. Created in 1884, this is the oldest U.S. stock market index. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Dow Jones Utility Average (DJUA)</strong> - A price-weighted average composed of 15 geographically representative and well-established gas and electric utility companies. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Dow Jones Composite Average</strong> - This index is a composite of the DJIA, DJTA, and DJUA component stocks. Because it\'s a combination of the three blue chip averages, it gives a good indication of the overall direction of the largest, most established companies. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index</strong> - This index measures total investment return provided by a wide range of fixed-income securities, weighted by the total market value of each. It is generally considered to be the best <em>bond</em> index, and is used by more than 90 percent of U.S. investors. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe Index</strong> - A diversified, market value-weighted index comprising over 500 companies located in 15 European countries. The U.K., France, and Germany make up approximately two-thirds of the index. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Morgan Stanley Capital International Pacific Index</strong> - This is a diversified, market value-weighted Pacific Basin index consisting of approximately 500 companies located in Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Singapore. The Japanese stock market represents about three-fourths of the market value. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia, and Far East Index (MSCI EAFE)</strong> - A broadly-diversified international index consisting of equity securities of companies in 21 developed markets outside the of U.S. </p>\r\n<p><strong>New York Stock Exchange Composite Index</strong> - A market value-weighted index which includes all stocks traded on the <em>New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)</em>. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Schwab 1000 Index</strong> - This index consists of the common stocks of the 1,000 largest U.S. corporations as measured by market capitalization. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p><strong>Standard &amp; Poor\'s 500 Composite Stock Price Index</strong> - The S&amp;P 500 measures the total investment return of 500 common stocks, which are chosen by <em>Standard &amp; Poor\'s Corporation</em> on a statistical basis. The 500 securities, most of which trade on the NYSE, represent about 70 percent of the market value of all U.S. common stocks. Typically, companies included in the S&amp;P 500 are the largest and most dominant firms in their industries. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Wilshire 5000 Index</strong> - This market capitalization-weighted index consists of all publicly traded U.S. stocks, and provides an overall view of the U.S. stock market. More than 6,000 equities are included in the index. It\'s used to measure the performance of stocks as a whole, as opposed to a particular segment of the stock market.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('166','30','<p>Income taxes can take a serious bite out of your savings and investment plan. Fortunately, the federal government is well aware of this, and gives taxpayers a break in the form of several IRS-approved tax-deferred investment plans. These investment vehicles allow you to put money away for your retirement and not pay any taxes on your gains until you begin to make withdrawals when you’re in your 50’s or later. This allows the magic of <em>compound interest</em> to go to work for you, earning you interest on top of interest. It’s an extremely effective way of building your financial nest egg. </p>\r\n<p>With an <strong>Individual Retirement Account (IRA)</strong> you can invest up to $4,000 per year in virtually any type of security instrument you choose, from a bank Certificate of Deposit to individual stocks to mutual funds. Just tell the financial institution that you want your investment to be sheltered in an IRA. You must report your investment on your tax return, but you don’t have to pay any taxes on your gains until you begin to withdraw the funds at retirement age. If you have a spouse who doesn’t work, you can also open a <em>Spousal IRA</em> and contribute up to an additional $4,000 per year into it. </p>\r\n<p>The <strong>401(k)</strong> is a <em>qualified</em> plan (which means it meets the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code) that’s established by employers into which eligible employees can make salary-deferral contributions. In other words, the contribution comes directly off the top of your paycheck without your ever seeing the money. This makes saving and investing automatic, eliminating the need for you have to decide if you’re going to save each month. The biggest benefit of a 401(k) plan is that many employers will either match or partially match your contribution, which means you get a pretax investment, tax-deferred compounding of your interest earned, and an extra addition to your principal from your company (essentially, free money). This allows the value of your investment to grow at an even faster rate. Nonprofit employers offer a similar plan called the <em>403(b)</em>. It’s basically the same arrangement as the 401(k); the difference in name derives from it being part of a different section of the Tax Code. </p>\r\n<p>An <strong>Annuity</strong> is a bit like a combination of an IRA and a life insurance policy. Like an IRA, an annuity allows you to earn interest and capital gains on your investment without paying any taxes until you begin to withdraw the funds at retirement age. And like an IRA you’ll face a 10% penalty if you withdraw before your eligible age. But unlike the IRA, you can make virtually unlimited contributions yearly. Those contributions, however, are with after-tax dollars, so you don’t get the tax deduction benefit that’s available with the IRA or 401(k). But since an annuity is basically a quasi-insurance vehicle, once you begin withdrawing your money (or, <em>annuitizing</em>), you’re guaranteed to receive an income for the rest of your life. In other words, you’ll never outlive your retirement funds.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('167','30','<p>The terms &quot;long&quot;, &quot;short&quot;, and &quot;flat&quot; identify an investor\'s market position with respect to a given stockbroker. To be <em>long</em> means to have a positive market position; in other words, the investor owns a particular security. He is therefore &quot;long&quot; any securities that his brokerage firm is holding for him. If the investor orders the broker to buy 1,000 shares of Widget, Inc., for example, he &quot;goes long&quot; immediately after the trade is executed for him. His account remains &quot;long 1,000 Widget&quot; until the investor either asks the broker to forward the stock certificates to him, or to sell the shares. </p>\r\n<p>If all shares are sold while they\'re in the possession of the broker, the investor\'s account will become <em>flat</em> (or, a zero position). The sell trade &quot;flattens&quot; his position. The position will also become flat (as far as the investor\'s account with the brokerage firm is concerned) if the investor asks to take physical delivery of the shares. The shares are transferred to the investor\'s name and forwarded to him (this cannot be done in <em>margin accounts</em>). The account documentation will read &quot;delivered 1,000 Widget&quot;, or &quot;1,000 Widget del&quot;. The word &quot;flat&quot; does not appear on the account statement; it\'s simply the broker\'s signification that no shares are owed to the investor. </p>\r\n<p>A partial reduction of the shares held by the brokerage house does not flatten the account. For instance, if the investor is long 1,000 Widget and sells 500 shares, his long position is not flattened, but simply reduced to 500 shares. Additionally, if the broker sends 200 of the remaining 500 Widget shares to the investor at his request, then the long position is further reduced to 300 shares. The investor\'s long position reflects only his standing with the particular brokerage firm, since the firm has no way of knowing what shares the investor might have at home, with other brokerages, or with banks. </p>\r\n<p>If the investor sends the brokerage firm stock to be held in his account, the transaction is posted as a &quot;receive&quot;. Therefore, purchases and receives will create or increase long positions; sales and delivers reduce or eliminate long them. </p>\r\n<p>All of the investor\'s individual positions are kept separate by the broker. For example, if the investor owns 500 shares of HIJ stock, 600 shares of MNO, and 700 shares of UVW (a total of 1,800 shares of the three different stocks), the brokerage account will not show the position as &quot;long 1,800,&quot; but will rather show &quot;long 500 HIJ; long 600 MNO; long 700 UVW&quot;. </p>\r\n<p>Stock that\'s been borrowed to complete a <em>short sale</em> will result in a negative, or <em>short</em>, position. Since a short sale is the sale of something that the investor doesn\'t own, after the sale the stock is owed to the person or entity from which it was borrowed. Until the shares are returned to their owner (with the use of a \'buy\' transaction to cover them), the investor remains short that position. Some active investors\' trading accounts have both long positions (where the customer is <em>bullish</em> and expects the long stocks to go up in price) and short positions (in which the customer is <em>bearish</em> on the short stocks and expects their prices to fall) at the same time. Short sales may only be executed in a margin account.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('168','30','Like any highly specialized field of endeavor, <strong>investing</strong> has its own peculiar language, terms, and jargon. Listed below are twenty-five of the most common investment terms and tools, along with their basic definitions. Take the time to learn these terms; you&rsquo;ll hear them daily. As you come across more complex investment terminology, use this link to locate their meanings in the advanced glossary.\r\n<p><strong>ASSETS</strong> - Resources owned by a company, fund, or individual; i.e. cash, investments, money due, materials, inventories, etc.</p>\r\n<p><strong>BEAR MARKET</strong> - A market in which prices are falling, or expected to do so. </p>\r\n<p><strong>BOND</strong> - A debt security issued by corporations, governments, or their agencies, in return for cash from lenders and investors. A bond holder is a creditor, not a shareholder. </p>\r\n<p><strong>BULL MARKET</strong> - A market in which prices are rising, or expected to do so. </p>\r\n<p><strong>COMMODITY</strong> - A tradable item that can generally be further processed and sold; i.e. metals, wheat, coal, etc. </p>\r\n<p><strong>COMPOUND INTEREST</strong> - Interest which is calculated on both the principal and interest previously earned. </p>\r\n<p><strong>DIVIDEND</strong> - The amount of a corporation&rsquo;s after-tax earnings that it pays to its shareholders. </p>\r\n<p><strong>DOW JONES INDEX</strong> - A leading index of U.S. stock market prices. </p>\r\n<p><strong>FINANCIAL ANALYST</strong> - A person trained to advise on the risk and return characteristics of investments and in the management of investment portfolios. </p>\r\n<p><strong>INDEX</strong> - A numerical measure of price movement in financial markets. </p>\r\n<p><strong>INVESTMENT</strong> - An asset acquired for the purpose of producing income and/or capital gains. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p><strong>LIQUIDITY</strong> - The ability of an investment to be easily converted into cash with little- to no loss of capital and a minimum of delay. </p>\r\n<p><strong>MARKET</strong> - A public place where buyers and sellers conduct transactions, either directly or via intermediaries. </p>\r\n<p><strong>NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES DEALERS AUTOMATED QUOTATIONS (NASDAQ)</strong> - The New York-based U.S. stock exchange that specializes in technology companies. </p>\r\n<p><strong>OPTION</strong> - An agreement that conveys the right, but not the obligation, to the holder to buy or sell a particular security at a stipulated price within a stated period of time. </p>\r\n<p><strong>PORTFOLIO</strong> - An investor&rsquo;s collection of investment holdings, usually with reference to its composition. </p>\r\n<p><strong>PROSPECTUS</strong> - A legal document, required by the <strong>Securities Act of 1933</strong>, setting forth the complete history and current status of a security or fund; it must be made available whenever an offer to sell is made to the public. </p>\r\n<p><strong>RETURN</strong> - The amount of money received annually from an investment, usually expressed as a percentage. </p>\r\n<p><strong>RISK</strong> - The measurable likelihood of loss or less-than-expected returns. </p>\r\n<p><strong>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC)</strong> - The U.S. regulatory authority for the securities industry. </p>\r\n<p><strong>SECURITY</strong> - The paper right to a tradable asset. </p>\r\n<p><strong>SIMPLE INTEREST</strong> - Interest that is paid on the initial investment alone. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p><strong>STOCK</strong> - An instrument that signifies an ownership position (equity) in a corporation. </p>\r\n<p><strong>TREND</strong> - The current general direction of movement security or commodity prices. </p>\r\n<p><strong>VOLATILITY</strong> - The extent of fluctuation in share price, interest rates, etc. The higher the volatility, the less certain an investor is of return; therefore, volatility is one measure of risk.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('169','30','<p>One of the most common measures that investors use to evaluate a <em>stock</em> is its <strong>price-to-earnings</strong> (or <strong>P/E</strong>) <strong>ratio</strong>. The P/E ratio is calculated by dividing a stock\'s price by its per-share earnings for any given year. And while it\'s not a foolproof way of gauging a stock\'s value, it is a good place to start. Let\'s take a look at a simple example: </p>\r\n<p>Suppose ABC Corporation is expected to earn $2.00 per share in the coming year and its stock is currently trading at $50 per share. The P/E ratio of ABC\'s stock shares, therefore, is calculated to be 25 ($50/$2.00 = 25). It must be noted that the P/E here was calculated based on the company\'s <em>expected</em> earnings; in other words, their earnings estimate. This is known as a <strong>forward P/E</strong>. Some investors choose to use a company\'s previous 12-month earnings instead, since that number is a certainty. And although this isn\'t necessarily wrong, it\'s probably better to use the forward P/E because it provides an idea of how much of a premium other investors are willing to pay for a company\'s future earnings. A higher P/E ratio indicates higher expectations for continued earnings growth. In other words, investors will pay more money based on the company\'s current earnings in the hope that it\'s future earnings will make the current price that they paid seem low. </p>\r\n<p>P/E ratios are most helpful when compared against other P/E ratios. For instance, you may want to examine a stock\'s historical P/E range ?how high and low its P/E has been in the past. You might also compare it with the P/Es of other similar companies. Or, you could compare the P/E ratio of a particular stock to the P/E ratio of a market index, such as the <em>Standard &amp; Poor\'s 500</em>. These comparisons will give you an idea of where a particular stock stands with regard to its own history, its peers, and the stock market as a whole. </p>\r\n<p>P/E ratios can be industry-specific, based on the characteristics of a particular group of stocks. For example, homebuilders and financial companies typically trade at below-market P/Es because their businesses tend to be fairly mature. It must also be remembered, however, that just because a stock has a relatively low P/E, it isn\'t automatically a great buy. Other investors may be aware of some company problem and therefore shying away from the company\'s shares in response. The actual fact of the matter is that a low P/E can be either a good or bad indicator. As stated earlier, it\'s a place to <em>start</em> your evaluation of a stock. </p>\r\n<p>The P/E can also be used to look at how quickly a company\'s earnings have been growing over the past few years. In order to do this, you simply take the company\'s yearly earnings results and subtract them from the next year\'s earnings results. Then, divide that number by the earnings number that you just subtracted. The result ?once the decimal point is moved two places to the right (remember you high school math?) ?will be the percentage of earnings growth that year. </p>\r\n<p>Revisiting ABC Corp., let\'s say that they earned $1.00 per share in 2001 and $1.30 in 2002; the calculations would be thus: $1.30 - $1.00 = $0.30. Then: 0.30/1.00 = .3 (and move the decimal point, yielding 30%). So, in 2002, ABC\'s earnings grew by 30 percent. By repeating these calculations for several years in a row, you can determine an average annual growth rate, which will give you a better idea of a company\'s long-term performance. </p>\r\n<p>Keep in mind that a company can experience no growth, or even negative growth, for one or more years. It should also be noted that calculating this type of information for a company with an especially erratic earnings history likely wouldn\'t be very useful to you. You\'ll need to dig much deeper in order to get a clear picture of a stock\'s true worth.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('170','30','<p>Securities transactions take place either on an exchange or in the over-the-counter (OTC) market. While the purpose of both is to match securities buyers and sellers, the way that they carry this out is very different. For instance, let\'s look first at the country\'s oldest and most prestigious exchange, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). </p>\r\n<p>When a customer wants to buy or sell a stock that trades on the NYSE, he or she places an order with a firm that\'s a member of the exchange. Only member firms can transact business on the exchange. Being a member of an exchange is referred to as &quot;owning a seat&quot; on that exchange. The customer\'s order is transmitted electronically to the floor clerk at the firm\'s clerk booth. The floor clerk gives the order to a <em>floor broker</em> who proceeds out to the <em>trading post</em> (the specific location on the trading floor where that particular stock is traded). Each stock trades at only one trading post on the exchange floor. </p>\r\n<p>At the trading post, the floor broker will attempt to execute the client\'s order. The order can be executed either with a floor broker from another firm or with the specialist who is responsible for maintaining an orderly market in that stock. For example, let\'s assume that the floor broker for ABC Securities has an order to purchase 5,000 shares of Microsoft <em>stock</em>. When the floor broker arrives at the Microsoft trading post, if a floor broker from another firm has 5,000 or more shares for sale, the two would negotiate a price and complete the transaction. (With actively traded stocks, there are usually several floor brokers at the post looking to execute orders.) </p>\r\n<p>If, on the other hand, the floor broker arrives at the trading post and there are no others present with shares to sell, the broker can transact business with the <em>specialist</em> in that stock. The specialist\'s role is to maintain an orderly market and to provide liquidity to the marketplace. When no one else is available to buy or sell, the specialist stands ready to perform that function. </p>\r\n<p>Obviously, this process tends to be somewhat labor-intensive and therefore only suitable for larger orders. Orders for a relatively few shares are executed automatically at the <em>bid</em> and <em>ask prices</em> posted by the specialist. Therefore, small orders ?of a thousand shares or less ?can normally be executed instantly. </p>\r\n<p>Any security transaction that does not take place on a security exchange is said to occur in the over-the-counter (OTC) market. Regularly traded in the OTC market are <em>U.S. government</em> and agency securities, <em>corporate</em> and <em>municipal bonds</em>, and small capitalization stocks, to name just a few. </p>\r\n<p>Unlike the centralized trading floors of exchanges, the OTC market has no central location. The actual OTC market is instead a telecommunications market. It consists of firms located throughout the country, any of which can trade with another firm electronically. Since phone lines are available in virtually every part of the country, the OTC market effectively operates without geographical or physical boundaries.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('171','30','<p>There are times when a company\'s earnings history and projections are the only solid data that you have on which to base a decision about its <em>stock</em>. Although that may be enough, you must nonetheless constantly monitor your stocks for events that can change either a company\'s <em>market perception</em> or <em>investor confidence</em>; because, as we learned in the article <em>Why do Stock Prices Move?</em>, these two factors are crucial to price changes and the valuation of every stock. </p>\r\n<p>Let\'s take a look at just a few events that can change the perception of a stock\'s future earnings and the confidence level about those earnings. The different <em>strategies</em> that you may use in implementing your investment program should closely monitor these factors. </p>\r\n<p><em>Earnings announcements.</em> A company\'s quarterly earnings are the primary factor in altering market perception and investor confidence, although the direction of the change may not always be what\'s expected. For example, the just-announced earnings figures could actually be record-setting, but the market may have expected an even larger number, one based on \'whisper numbers\' (which are those unofficial earnings estimates that are spoken of by brokers and analysts in phone calls and informal settings a week or two before a company\'s earnings announcement is released; although unofficial, these figures are the market\'s true expectations of the company\'s earnings). Consequently, what appears to be positive news is perceived as negative, and the stock price declines. A company\'s failure to meet its whisper numbers is often viewed as an early warning that future earnings and the accompanying expected growth rate might not be reached. However, if a company announces earnings that meet or exceed the market\'s expectations (especially if it has a history of doing so), the perception of a strong future along with investor confidence that it can be achieved can boost a stock to record levels. </p>\r\n<p><em>Revising estimates.</em> One of the most accurate forecasters of positive or negative moves in a stock\'s price is the one-month change in analysts\' estimates. Generally speaking, the first research report written by an analyst is positive. This is due to the fact that, frequently, the analyst is performing his or her duty to the firm and looking for good things to say. A revision of those estimates, however, is quite meaningful because it requires a separate initiative by the analyst to admit that he or she was wrong or simply had a change of mind. An upward revision in earnings estimates will likely produce a positive change in the price of a stock. However, a downward revision will tend to have an even more dramatic effect on the stock price than an upward revision; in fact, it could be devastating. It takes a great deal of courage for an analyst to lower an estimate, because in many cases he or she is saying something negative about a client of the firm. Additionally, the number of analysts who make a revision is also highly significant. Several analysts raising or lowering their estimates will have a much greater impact on a stock than just one analyst issuing a revision. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p><em>Company warnings.</em> When a company itself advises stockholders that it won\'t meet its next earnings estimates, the news should be taken very seriously. This kind of announcement automatically causes such a fall in the price of a stock that it\'s a safe bet the company is telling the truth. Therefore, company disclosures are one of the best ways of knowing what\'s likely to happen to future earnings. </p>\r\n<p><em>Interest rate changes.</em> The lowering of interest rates has two potential impacts on stocks, both generally thought to be positive. First, the prevailing sentiment is that lower interest rates give consumers more money to spend, which translates into higher profits for businesses, which in turn makes companies more willing to spend money on inventory, research, new products, and expansion ?all of which stimulate the economy. Higher profits are expected to lead to increased earnings, so investors become more confident about the future earnings potential of companies in general. In this way, lower rates are intended to produce a positive ripple effect throughout the economy. </p>\r\n<p>The second positive impact of lowering interest rates has nothing to do with market perception of future earnings or investor confidence at all. Lower rates simply make investors less likely to buy debt instruments (<em>bonds</em>) and more likely to buy equities (stocks), thereby driving up stock prices across the board. </p>\r\n<p>Conversely, an increase in interest rates has precisely the opposite effect. Higher rates cut into business profits and act as a restraint on consumer and company spending, all of which work to slow down the economy. And higher interest rates siphon money out of the equity markets and direct it toward debt instruments. </p>\r\n<p><em>Insider trading.</em> If company insiders use their own money to buy stock on the open market, it\'s a pretty good sign that they believe their company\'s future earnings are going to be better than the market expects. At minimum, it indicates that they feel the company\'s stock price is too low at that time. And company insiders should know the company\'s prospects best (of course, insiders aren\'t always right). #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>On the other hand, insider selling, while not a good sign, may not necessarily be as bad as it first seems. Many companies base executive compensation programs on stock, which leaves insiders with no practical way of buying new homes or sending their children to college other than by selling their holdings. Furthermore, insiders often have only a few weeks each quarter in which to accomplish these transactions. This is to prevent them from trading on information that hasn\'t yet been released to the public. Having said that, insider selling generally does not imply confidence in a company\'s future; and if they\'re selling in large quantities, that\'s a very poor signal indeed. </p>\r\n<p>Of course, the abovementioned events are only a very abbreviated list of factors that can affect market perceptions of future earnings or investors\' confidence that earnings will be met. Regardless of the investment strategy or style that you employ, be aware that these issues must always be taken into account.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('172','30','<p>There are a tremendous number of stock-buying strategies. Many of them are based on the basic <em>fundamental-</em> and <em>technical analysis</em> methods expounded upon in the article <em>Basic Investment Strategies</em>. While it would be impossible to cover them all, here are some of the most popular approaches used by experienced investors. Many of these strategies can be combined with others to formulate a more personalized technique that will meet your individual needs, based on your own investment philosophy. But no matter what strategy you choose to make use of, the ultimate key to success lies in staying true to those investment ground rules that you designate for yourself. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Value investing</strong> is one example of how an investment approach uses fundamental analysis. It involves purchasing stocks that are considered undervalued by one or more fundamental measures. Although this may sound simple, determining the criteria for an undervalued stock is something that is not widely agreed upon among investors. </p>\r\n<p>Formerly, a <em>stock</em> was considered undervalued when it was being traded at less than the sum of its total assets; or in other words, below its book value. However, few investors continue to use this definition. Instead, more modern valuation theories state that intangibles such as <em>intellectual capital</em> (or, an intelligent and viable work force) are of great importance to a company\'s overall worth. Advocates of this type of thinking tend to use other valuation methods, such as the <em>price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio</em>, to determine whether a company is undervalued. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Growth investing</strong> has often been considered the direct opposite of value investing because growth investors focus on how quickly a company has been growing, rather than on how closely its share price reflects its current value. Measuring a company\'s growth usually involves determining how quickly it has been increasing its earnings or revenues. However, successful growth investors not only look for those companies that have the fastest growth rates, they look for companies that are experiencing this growth at a reasonable price. </p>\r\n<p>The main risk with investing in growth companies is that their growth rate may decline in the future; therefore, it\'s wise to consider companies that have long histories of strong performance. In general, growth investing tends to be somewhat riskier than value investing, but the potential gains are likely to be greater as well. </p>\r\n<p>The <strong>buy what you know</strong> approach is actually a way of finding potential investments rather than a pure investment strategy. It involves investing in companies that you or others that you know do business with. As an example, let\'s say that you decide to try out a new department store in your area. Upon arrival you find it very difficult to find a parking space because the lot is completely full. Inside the store, you notice that the prices are very reasonable and the checkout lines are packed with shoppers. So you decide to do a little informational digging into the company. If what you find out seems to be good, and the company is publicly traded, you might decide to purchase its stock. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>Another example of buying what you know would be purchasing stocks of companies that operate within your area of expertise. For instance, if you\'re interested in cars, you may be adept at picking good auto stocks. But it must be remembered that you must keep your portfolio diversified to ensure that all of your stock holdings aren\'t too closely related to your area of interest or occupation. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Market timers</strong> try to anticipate price movements and aggressively buy and sell based on those predictions. Most investors using this approach employ technical analysis as their method of predicting the movements ?although it\'s possible to use other means, such as daily movements or multiyear cycles. Some are very successful at it; nevertheless, market timing is extremely difficult. </p>\r\n<p>Becoming popular in the 1990s, <strong>day trading</strong> is closely related to market timing. It involves the rapid buying and selling of stocks, with all activity usually occurring within a single day. The rationale that drives this technique is that since stocks move up and down throughout the day, it should be possible to buy a security, wait for a small move upward, and then sell it. But it\'s far from easy, and the commissions and taxes that are normally involved with buying and selling stocks make it even more difficult to consistently earn a profit. </p>\r\n<p>The <strong>Dogs of the Dow</strong>, as the Dow dividend strategy is called, is a fairly straightforward way to invest in stocks. It works in this manner: at the end of every year, you buy the ten highest-yielding stocks from the list of 30 that comprise the <em>Dow Jones Industrial Average</em>, putting the same amount of money into each one. You then hold these ten stocks until the next year, at which point you repeat the process, keeping those that remain in the top-ten list and selling those that drop out. With the proceeds, you purchase the newcomers to the top ten. Historically, this strategy has worked well ?even during periods of overall market weakness ?because over the long term stocks have tended to increase in value. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Dollar cost averaging</strong> is arguably one of the safest and most powerful methods of investing in use today. It involves investing a fixed amount of money into the same stock (or group of stocks) on a regular, ongoing basis. The rationale behind dollar cost averaging is that you establish a position in a stock over a long period of time. During that time, the stock\'s price will likely fluctuate, but by investing a set amount every month, you actually benefit from the periods of weakness. This occurs because for the same amount of money, you can buy more shares when the price is lower. As long as the stock\'s price increases over the long haul, you\'ll do well. Another significant advantage of this approach is that once you set it up, it automatically forces you to continually contribute into your investment plan. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>Using a method called <strong>bottom fishing</strong>, investors look for stocks that have been badly beaten down, usually through a sudden and sharp drop in price. Such investors may actually be value investors searching for stocks that have fallen to attractive prices. In other cases, they may simply be investors buying the stock in anticipation of a short-lived price rally that often occurs after a steep sell-off. Regardless of the reason, however, bottom fishing is somewhat risky because there\'s usually a cause behind a stock\'s dramatic fall. The prudent investor will attempt to determine what that basis is and if it seems temporary or more long-term. </p>\r\n<p>Some shareholders <strong>reinvest the dividends</strong> they receive into the companies that pay them out. This can be quite profitable due to the effect of <em>compounding interest</em>. Additionally, using this method, all of the components of the investment ?the stock\'s price, the number of shares held, and sometimes even the dividend itself ?tend to increase over time. Needless to say, the longer that this strategy is followed the greater the effect it\'s likely to have. And because dividends are paid on a regular basis, reinvesting them also serves as a form of dollar cost averaging.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('173','30','<p>Opening an account at a brokerage firm is as easy as opening a bank account. The investor is required to provide basic personal information, such as occupation and social security number, as well as more specific information about his or her financial circumstances. Brokers are required to become familiar with their customers in order to be able to use their judgment with regard to sizable transactions and to whether or not credit should be issued to finance trades. </p>\r\n<p>There are three types of brokerage accounts that can be used for buying and selling securities: cash accounts, margin accounts, and discretionary accounts. Using a <strong>cash account</strong>, the investor is required to pay the full price of the securities purchased on or before the transaction\'s settlement date. The <em>settlement date</em> is usually three business days after the order to buy or sell has been executed (the <em>trade date</em>). For <em>government securities</em> and <em>options</em>, the settlement date is generally the next business day after the trade date. The securities must also be delivered within three days to avoid any additional fees. After the settlement date, the proceeds of the sale ?minus commissions ?are either mailed or deposited into the seller\'s account with the brokerage firm (assuming the seller is also using a cash account). </p>\r\n<p>A <strong>margin account</strong> allows the investor buy securities without having to pay the full cash price. The balance needed to complete the transaction is borrowed from the brokerage firm. The maximum amount that can borrowed depends upon the margin requirement set by the <strong>Federal Reserve Board</strong>. For example, with a margin requirement of 50 percent, an investor buying shares of stock worth $10,000 would have to pay at least $5000 in cash and borrow the remaining $5000 from the brokerage firm. The firm would use the purchased stock as collateral against the loan. These securities can also be loaned to other clients of the brokerage firm who may be executing <em>short sales</em>. </p>\r\n<p>The brokerage firm charges interest on the amount borrowed by the margin investor. Risks are greater in margin trading because using borrowed funds to buy stocks could lead to substantially larger losses if the stocks were to drop in price. However, if the price of the stock goes up significantly, the rate of return is substantially greater for the margin investor because his or her money is <em>leveraged</em>. </p>\r\n<p>If stock prices decline in a margin account, the brokerage firm will give the investor a <em>margin call</em>, which is a notice requesting that additional money be deposited in order to maintain the account\'s minimum margin requirement. If the required funds aren\'t put into the account, the firm can liquidate the securities, and the investor would still be liable for any losses incurred by the brokerage firm. </p>\r\n<p>With a <strong>discretionary account</strong>, the investor agrees to allow the brokerage firm to decide which securities to buy and sell on the investor\'s behalf as well as the amount and price to be paid for the transactions. For the unethical broker, an arrangement such as this could be quite lucrative. The prudent investor should therefore closely monitor this account on a monthly basis in order to determine if any unnecessary or ill-advised activity has taken place. Unless the broker is known and implicitly trusted by the investor, discretionary accounts should be used with extreme caution.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('174','30','<p>The <strong>buy-and-hold</strong> technique is a passive investment strategy based on the premise that over long periods of time, the returns from <em>common stocks</em> will exceed the returns earned from other investments. It also stems from the fact that stock markets have historically always increased in value. The object of a buy-and-hold strategy is to do as well as the market. There is absolutely no attempt made to beat the market\'s performance. By compiling a broadly diversified portfolio, the investor should be able to approximate the performance of the market. Stocks in the portfolio are selected and held for the long term. Once assembled, there are very few changes made to the portfolio, and no attempts are made at market-timing. Therefore, the success of this type of investment strategy is largely dependent upon the condition of the market as a whole. </p>\r\n<p>During a <em>bull</em> (or upward trending) market, a buy-and-hold strategy will benefit most investors. Of course, during a market correction or crash, the prices of most stocks will also decline. However, the stock markets have historically bounced back after nearly every downturn, recovering their losses and even gaining more. The buy-and-hold strategy rests upon this anticipated behavior. </p>\r\n<p>Buying-and-holding circumvents the need to time the markets or read the financial pages on a daily basis. With a long-term investing horizon, there\'s no requirement to time the markets because the investor is not seeking to get in or out; the position remains fully invested in the portfolio\'s stocks. </p>\r\n<p>Another benefit of the buy-and-hold strategy is the fact that transaction costs are minimized. Additionally, the expense of acquiring information is also greatly reduced. Of course, this shouldn\'t be construed to mean that the stocks are purchased and then simply ignored or forgotten about. Regardless of the investment strategy employed, all investors should periodically review the performance of their stocks with regard to growth in sales and profits, and replace those securities that don\'t exhibit future growth and earnings potential. </p>\r\n<p>Although the buy-and-hold strategy minimizes the timing decisions of when to purchase and when to sell, the investor is still faced with the dilemma of deciding which stocks to select. Using a market index, such as the <em>Standard &amp; Poor\'s 500</em> or the <em>Dow Jones Industrial Average</em>, the types of stocks to choose becomes a much easier process. By choosing the same stocks in a particular index for his or her portfolio, the investor can replicate the performance of that market index. </p>\r\n<p>However, it could be somewhat difficult for an individual investor to duplicate these indexes because of the large numbers of stocks that they contain and, hence, the enormous dollar cost that would be entailed. Index <em>mutual funds</em> can therefore be used, making it much more practical to invest in all the stocks of a specific index. Which index to follow, then, would depend upon the investor\'s overall objectives. A conservative investor looking for income and capital preservation would likely consider blue chip- or utility stocks, or some of the more established growth stocks. A more aggressive investor might seek growth stocks and perhaps the stocks of small-capitalized companies.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('175','30','<p>When investment mistakes happen, money is lost. Mistakes can occur for a variety of reasons, but they can generally be attributed to the clouding of the investor’s judgment by the influence of emotions, the misunderstanding of basic investment principles, or misconceptions about how securities react to varying economic, political, and fear-driven circumstances. The investor should always keep a calm, cool and rational head, and avoid these common investment mistakes: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>Not having a clearly-defined investment plan. A well-conceived investment plan does not need frequent adjustments, and a well-managed plan is not susceptible to the introduction of trendy speculations and “hot picks? Investment decisions should be made with that investment plan in mind. Investing is a goal-orientated activity that should include considerations of time, risk-tolerance, and future income. The prudent investor should ponder carefully the direction of his or her decision before actually moving in that direction. </li>\r\n    <li>Investors become bored with their plan or the rate of gradual growth too quickly, change direction frequently, and make drastic rather than measured adjustments. Investing should always be regarded as a long-term proposition, and the mindset of the savvy investor should reflect that. </li>\r\n    <li>Investors tend to fall in love with securities that rise in price and forget to take their profits, particularly if the company was once their employer. One must not become so blinded to the beauty of <em>unrealized</em> gain that he or she forgets the “whys?and “hows?of prudent investing. Aside from the love issue, this often becomes an “unwilling-to-pay-the-taxes?problem that could very well manifest itself on the tax return as a realized loss. The rules of diversification must always be adhered to. </li>\r\n    <li>Investors often overdose themselves on information, causing a constant state of &quot;the paralysis of analysis&quot;. Such investors are likely to be confused and tend to become indecisive. Neither of these characteristics spells health for an investment portfolio. Compounding this issue is the inability to distinguish between research and sales materials, which can quite often be the same document. A somewhat narrow focus on information which supports a logical and well-documented investment strategy is a much more productive means of fact-finding. </li>\r\n    <li>Investors are constantly in search of a shortcut or gimmick that will provide instant success with a minimum of effort; i.e. the “get-rich-quick pick? Consequently, they initiate a feeding frenzy for every new product or service that comes along. Their portfolios become a hodgepodge of Mutual Funds, Index Funds, partnerships, penny stocks, hedge funds, commodities, options, etc. This obsession with Product simply shows how Wall Street has made it impossible for financial professionals to survive without them. But the prudent investor always remembers: consumers buy Products; investors by Securities.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Investing has become a very competitive event for investors, although it certainly should not be. Investing is a personal venture where individual and familial goals and objectives should dictate one’s portfolio structure, management strategy, and performance evaluation techniques. It is difficult enough to manage a portfolio in an environment that encourages instant gratification, supports unfounded and unwarranted speculation, and applauds shortsighted goals and achievements.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('176','30','<p>Let\'s assume that -- because of your personal and financial circumstances -- you decide to allocate your investment assets as follows: you want fifty percent of your portfolio in <em>stocks</em>, forty percent in fixed-income investments (<em>bonds</em>), and 10 percent in <em>cash equivalents</em>. So, you build your way into such a portfolio using <em>dollar cost averaging</em>; investing gradually, perhaps over two- to three years. </p>\r\n<p>After your portfolio is set up, some more time passes, maybe a few months. The stock market has risen and the bond market has declined somewhat. You\'re now holding sixty percent of your portfolio in stocks, thirty percent in bonds, and ten percent in cash. Your asset allocation is now riskier than you\'d originally intended. </p>\r\n<p>What do you do? Should you follow the \'buy and hold forever\' strategy, riding your winners and keeping your current <em>asset allocation</em>? Or should you backtrack to your previous positions, selling enough of your stocks to get you down to fifty percent, and adding that to your fixed-income investments, bringing that percentage back up to forty again? Or yet again, should you put additional money into your winners, investing more into your stocks and less into bonds? You know the old adage: the trend is your friend. </p>\r\n<p>But perhaps you shouldn\'t wait for a significant imbalance to occur; would it be better to automatically rebalance your portfolio at regular intervals? </p>\r\n<p>Certainly, there\'s no hard and fast answer to any of these questions. Individual goals, personalities, situations and circumstances must be weighed in every decision. Basic sensibilities, however, would seem to suggest that the most prudent thing to do would be to rebalance whenever your portfolio gets substantially off-center, or exposes you to more <em>risk</em> than you\'re willing to take. In doing so, you reap the added benefit of locking-in your gains by selling whatever has gone up dramatically, and you\'re also able to buy other securities at a cheaper price. </p>\r\n<p>As a matter of fact, studies have shown that rebalancing a portfolio when it\'s a good distance away from its original position seems to work best. Various types of rebalancing techniques were followed over three-, five-, ten-, fifteen-, and twenty-year periods. The most profitable was rebalancing when there was a 7½ percent to 10 percent misalignment. Over all of the investment horizons, this strategy performed better than annual rebalancing. However, if you do choose to follow a preset-time strategy, rebalancing quarterly or semiannually is probably too frequently; the annual rebalancing strategy will likely give you the best result. </p>\r\n<p>In most cases, the investor would be well-served to rebalance only when his or her portfolio reaches a predetermined level of risk exposure rather than to make the adjustments on a calendar basis. This has the advantage of producing a narrower range of possible stock weights and also, in most cases, requires fewer rebalances. </p>\r\n<p>Experienced investing consultants recommend rebalancing a conservative portfolio yearly, a moderate portfolio every six months, and an aggressive portfolio every three months. The logic seems to be that aggressive portfolios get away from their original positions faster than do conservative ones. While that may be true, a case also can be made for the reasoning which says, the more conservative you are, the more frequently you should rebalance, in order to keep your portfolio stable and in line with your investment goals.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('177','32','<p><em>Gold</em> bullion (whether bars or <em>coins</em>) should primarily be viewed as a portfolio hedge and insurance against various economic and financial uncertainties first, before being regarded as a profit-generating investment. Finding a highly professional gold firm ?one that doesn\'t have its own agenda ?can greatly help you to determine the gold products that are best for your portfolio. By associating yourself with the right gold firm, you\'re much more likely to find your gold ownership a very rewarding experience. If, however, you choose the wrong firm and utilize the wrong investment products, it could reduce your attempt to diversify your portfolio into a disaster. Unbiased and objective advice from your gold advisor cannot be overstated as being critical to your successful endeavors in the gold market, in addition to ongoing market information and continuing education on the subject. </p>\r\n<p>When choosing a company with which to do business, it\'s best to consider only firms that have been in operation for a number of years. Five years is good; ten or more is even better. As gold continues its current bull market (as of this writing), new enterprises will tend to spring up like weeds, especially on the Internet. Some of these are no more than home-based operations with little or no real experience in the gold market, but with sophisticated websites that make them appear every bit as competent as the firms that have been around for decades. A number of these online entities may indeed turn out to be solid, reliable gold sources; most, however, will fall well short. Firms with at least ten years of experience have been around through good and bad times; they are by far the best organizations with which to establish a relationship. </p>\r\n<p>Check the credentials of any gold firm that you\'re considering. Are they members of any professional organizations? Contact the firm and request written information about their company. An introductory package can go a long way toward determining what the firm has to offer and whether or not its basic philosophy is in harmony with your own. It\'s critical that you exercise due diligence and do your homework when evaluating a firm, including any history with the <em>Better Business Bureau (BBB)</em>. Firms that operate online should adhere to the strict codes of conduct that are associated with the <em>BBB Online Reliability Program</em>. If the organization is not a member, this in itself should serve as a warning. If a company has had complaints, it might be worthwhile to check further with the Bureau on how those complaints were handled. The sheer existence of a complaint isn\'t proof that the firm is questionable; how the complaints were handled is a more reliable gauge. Additionally, most of the top gold dealers also belong to the <em>Industry Council for Tangible Assets (ICTA)</em>. Although this organization does not rate gold firms or in any way regulate them, it can inform you how long the firm has been a member, thereby confirming (or raising questions about) their claims of longevity. </p>\r\n<p>You\'ll certainly want to check and compare pricing; but remember, cheaper is not always better. In fact, below-market pricing should be considered a major red flag. Here is a good place to call to mind the old adage: \'if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.\' When comparing prices, take heed that you\'re comparing like items; in other words, apples to apples. Ask for quotes as a \'percentage over the gold price.\' With market prices fluctuating by the minute, effective price comparisons cannot be done in any other manner. </p>\r\n<p>A firm that\'s been conducting business for a considerable length of time can guide you around some of the obstacles that are inherent in the gold market. It can also answer your concerns quickly, thoroughly and accurately. For many investors, what to buy is the prime question. A good gold broker can put you on the right path after briefly querying you. Look for and expect the broker to ask you questions such as: &quot;Why are you buying gold?&quot; &quot;What circumstances or things are you currently considering that have prompted you to look into gold?&quot; The broker who doesn\'t ask questions such as these is probably either inexperienced or simply pushing what the firm wants him to sell. This type of customer-oriented company generally competes primarily on price with little regard for the overall needs of the client. A client-oriented company, on the other hand, takes an actual interest in your gold investment and is far more preferable. An interest in you and your specific situation as an investor is a strong indicator that you may have found a firm worth dealing with. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>Although often overlooked, it\'s also extremely important for most investors to find a firm with which they have a philosophical similarity. A shared viewpoint on economic and political circumstances could be a clue that a firm can meet your needs both now and in the future as conditions and situations change. Furthermore, choosing the right firm is essential to properly managing the long-term nature of your gold holdings. As time passes, many things that could affect your investment\'s value are likely to change, not only in this country but also around the world. You\'ll need to stay informed. The better gold firms typically offer information services such as newsletters in addition to information-based websites. Brokers at these firms usually also make themselves available for further consultation even after you\'ve made your purchase. Finally, it shouldn\'t be overlooked that, in any field, referrals are very important. If a firm has been recommended to you by a trusted friend or family member that has positive experience with it, be sure to place that company at or near the very top of your list. Such experience is always invaluable. </p>\r\n<p>The gold firm that you choose should be an important resource for you as the years go by. You\'ll want to build a relationship with a firm that you know will be around for additional purchases and future sales. In short, you\'d be wise to put some reasonable time and effort into choosing a gold firm. Your future as a gold investor depends heavily upon your selecting the right one. </p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('178','32','<p>Since ancient times, <em>gold</em> has been used reliably as both a store of value and a medium of exchange. Today, in an era in which the world is moving ever closer toward the total elimination of currency and its replacement with plastic cards and even cyber-cash, the utilization of gold as money somehow seems completely out of place. But the possibility of an economic collapse has led many investors to begin acquiring and storing gold away specifically for the purpose of buying essential goods should the worst come to pass. </p>\r\n<p>In most circumstances (including an economic breakdown) gold owners would sell their gold for the currency in use at the time through a gold exchange service, and then use that currency at the store or other marketplace to buy whatever they need. However, some economists hold the view that in a total financial collapse with no reliable currency available, citizens would resort to hand-to-hand barter transactions wherein gold would be used directly as the medium of exchange. </p>\r\n<p>Smaller <em>gold bullion coins</em> (1/10 of an ounce) would be well suited for such a purpose. Of that group, the ¼-ounce coin is probably the most useful. The majority of countries that mint gold ?including the United States, Canada, and Austria ?produce ¼-ounce coins. They\'re big enough to pass easily as currency between buyer and seller, and they can be accumulated, stacked and stored largely without the fear of losing a coin or two in the process ?a risk that the smaller 1/10-ounce coin is prone to. The premium (or, the cost above the market price) on the ¼-ounce coin is slightly higher when compared with that of the 1-ounce coin, for the reason that the cost of making a coin is roughly the same regardless of its size. In other words, the more gold contained in the coin the smaller the premium per coin weight, because the cost of making the coin is spread over a larger amount of gold. </p>\r\n<p>Those who foresee a potential for using gold as money but are concerned with the possibility of confiscation (governments have been known to take such actions when faced with the threat of the collapse of their currency and imminent economic meltdown) and privacy might consider acquiring uncirculated pre-1933 European gold coins as a medium of exchange, which contain an approximate ¼-ounce of gold. When used to purchase goods, these coins carry no reporting requirements for either buyer or seller, and because they were minted prior to 1933 ?giving them recognized status as collectors\' items and thus exemption from confiscation ?they provide an extra degree of safety in that regard. </p>\r\n<p>In addition, a few $1,000-face value bags of pre-1965 U.S. <em>silver</em> coins might also be worth consideration. U.S. silver dollars are often recommended for this purpose (their greatest advantage is that they, too, fall under the 1933 dateline with respect to confiscation) but their premium is relatively high. Silver rounds and one-ounce silver coins of various manufacture, including the U.S. and Canadian mints, are another alternative, although their premiums are higher as well.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('179','32','<em>Gold</em> used for investment purposes is manufactured in one of two forms: bullion bars or bullion coins. Most of the gold held by private investors around the world is in the form of coins because of their portability and liquidity; in other words, they can be easily converted into cash. Another reason why coins are the preferred vehicle for gold ownership is that the minted coin is a standardized measure of weight and purity, which can be relied on for current and future value assessment. Gold bullion coins are the most popular, most convenient, and safest way to physically invest in gold.\r\n<p>Generally, gold bullion coins present a very stable market for investors. They can be bought and sold virtually anywhere in the world. However, contrary to the common sight of people lusting after bars of gold on the silver screen, most real-world investors buy 1-ounce bullion coins. In addition to that standard measure, the majority of mints that manufacture gold coins also produce them in smaller denominations of ½-, ¼-, and 1/10 of an ounce. </p>\r\n<p>The first modern-era legal tender bullion coin to achieve widespread popularity and use was the <strong>South African Krugerrand</strong>, which was introduced in 1970. The <strong>Canadian Maple Leaf</strong> debuted in 1979; it eventually surpassed the Krugerrand as the world\'s top seller, gaining a significant market share as a 1-ounce pure gold coin. Most of the top gold bullion coins contain one pure ounce of gold. Some, however, are alloyed. The Krugerrand contains one pure troy ounce, but overall is 0.9167 fine. <em>Fineness</em> is a measure of the weight of pure gold per 1,000 parts. So, a fineness of 0.9167 literally means that the coin is 91.67 percent pure gold. Fineness doesn\'t refer to the amount of pure gold within the coin (in a 1-ounce coin it will always be one troy ounce); it instead refers to the coin\'s overall purity. Some coins may therefore have a <em>total</em> weight of slightly more than one ounce. </p>\r\n<p>In 1986, the U.S. Mint began producing the <strong>United States Eagle</strong>, which has become the most popular bullion coin among American investors. Like the Krugerrand, it\'s also 0.9167 fine. <strong>Austria\'s Philharmonic</strong>, introduced in 1989, along with the Maple Leaf weigh one ounce and are 0.9999 fine. As previously stated, the key factor to remember is that all four of these popular coins contain one ounce of pure gold (although some may weigh more than one ounce in total). As such, pricing can be readily compared. These four coins are the dominant players in the modern bullion coin market. </p>\r\n<p>Most financial experts recommend that private investors avoid gold bars due to the complications that can arise when the time comes to sell. Most dealers will demand to see bullion bars before they buy them because of counterfeiting concerns. Some will not buy bars without an <em>assay</em>, which is a chemical analysis that determines the gold\'s purity (the owner of the gold is generally expected to pay for this process). In most cases, gold firms will not set a price until after the bars have been delivered to their location or depository for inspection. In the same manner, bullion bars can also present problems for those wanting to trade gold for merchandise, because the individual receiving the bullion has no way of knowing whether the bars are real or not. Because of these potential trade and exchange difficulties, investors are often counseled to forego bullion bars for the convenience and liquidity of gold coins.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('180','32','<p><em>Holding gold as an investment doesn\'t pay interest. Why should it be included in my portfolio?</em> </p>\r\n<p>Instead of being a liability, this can actually be looked at as one of gold\'s biggest strengths. If gold were to pay interest like <em>stocks</em>, <em>bonds</em>, or other paper assets do, the return would be dependent upon the performance of another individual or institution. Furthermore, those types of assets are also directly affected by the performance of the currency in which they\'re denominated. </p>\r\n<p>Gold, on the other hand, has no dependence on the performance of any other entity for its intrinsic value. Even though it does not pay interest directly, gold historically seeks a price level that takes into account a currency\'s rate of inflation. During periods of rising inflation and interest rates, the appreciation in the price of gold is at its greatest. However, during times of deflation, gold\'s price tends to stay relatively flat while interest rates recede. This can largely compensate for the fact that it earns no interest. </p>\r\n<p><em>Are gold stocks a better investment choice than actual gold?</em> </p>\r\n<p>The fact of the matter is that gold stocks are stocks first and gold second. Owning gold stock is much the same as owning any other type of stock. It should be noted that during periods of major downturn in the stock market gold stocks will generally fall just as other stocks do. What\'s more, it\'s entirely possible to own gold stock during a time of rising gold prices and not profit from the uptrend simply because the issuing company itself underperformed or had perceived weaknesses in the eyes of the investment community. Gold stocks, therefore, are in actuality not an investment in gold but in the gold\'s producers, having all of the risks and possibilities inherent in owning any other stock. </p>\r\n<p><em>Isn\'t gold just another commodity, like orange juice or pork bellies?</em> </p>\r\n<p>It\'s true that gold trades on the commodities exchanges just like orange juice and other commodities. However, unlike the others, which are produced primarily for consumption, only gold is accumulated and saved. It\'s also the only commodity that\'s used as money to facilitate future consumption. Most of the gold ever produced is still in existence today in one form or another, which is known as the \'asset preservation of gold\'. Such a characteristic can hardly be said of orange juice, pork bellies, coffee, or sugar. These functions serve to separate gold from all other commodities and place it at the top of the value table. Simply stated, gold is an enduring commodity. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p><em>But aren\'t we off the \'gold standard\'?</em> </p>\r\n<p>Even though the United States ?and, effectively, the whole world ?no longer backs up their currencies with stores of gold, it\'s still held as a reserve asset by nearly every central bank around the globe. Gold serves as an asset of last resort that can be used in the midst of severe international crises such as war, economic upheaval, environmental disasters, and the like. Gold\'s intrinsic worth and relevance today have not changed from previous times. It\'s the asset that holds universal value for both individual investors and nations alike.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('181','32','<p>Advocates of <strong>gold</strong> investing believe that it is the best hedge against inflation and <em>stock market</em> declines. Of all the precious metals, gold has consistently been the most popular investment as a store of value. Historically, gold has performed well during periods of high inflation. It must be noted, however, that as with any other investment, money can be made or lost in gold. For instance, both inflation and the price of gold declined in the first four years of the twenty-first century. When the price of gold rises above its original purchase price, investors realize capital gains when selling; capital losses are incurred when the selling price is lower than the purchase price. Gold is classified as a collectible by the <strong>Internal Revenue Service</strong>; long-term capital gains (if the investment is held for more than one year) are therefore taxed at the 28 percent rate. Because gold investors receive no interest or dividend payments, positive investment returns are dependent upon rising market prices. </p>\r\n<p>Investors can take ownership of their gold in many different forms, such as gold bullion, gold coins, gold mining stocks, gold mutual funds, gold options, and gold futures. <em>Gold bullion</em>, or <em>bars</em>, are typically bought and sold through brokerage firms or gold dealers. Gold bars trade at a premium (an amount above) to the market price of gold. After purchase, the bullion generally remains in the custody of the brokerage firm or dealer, where storage and insurance fees are charged. If, on the other hand, the investor decides to take physical possession of the gold bars to avoid these additional costs, a number of other factors must be considered. For example, the gold bars must be stored in a safe place. In addition, when the bars are purchased, the broker or dealer should issue a numbered certificate that matches the numbers on the bars. When the investor sells the gold bars, the certificate must also be presented along with the bars to ensure their identity and authenticity. This does not, however, always prevent the investor from having to assay the gold (in other words, to analyze it to determine its composition) to guarantee its quality; these costs must also be borne by the seller. </p>\r\n<p>Fortunately, storage and assay costs can be avoided by investing in <em>gold coins</em> instead of gold bullion. Although gold coins also trade at a premium to the market price of gold, this form is considerably more cost-effective for small investors. Two important considerations of investing in gold coins are their numismatic value and the gold content of the coins. The <em>numismatic value</em> of the coins is related to their value as collector\'s items. For example, South Africa\'s Krugerrand is a widely traded gold coin; conversely, older and more rare coins such as the French Napoleon typically trade at many times their <em>gold content</em>, which is the second consideration. For instance, the Canadian Maple Leaf consists of one troy ounce of fine gold, making it a more attractive investment than a gold coin containing less than one troy ounce. </p>\r\n<p>Indirect gold investments can be made through the purchase of the <em>stock offerings of gold mining companies</em>. It should be noted that the prices of gold mining stocks do not always move in the same direction as the market price of gold. This is due to a number of factors. For example, the costs to mine gold can vary significantly among mining companies. The length of a particular mine\'s life gives one indication of the costs to extract the gold from that mine: a long life implies that the mining company generally won\'t have to go any deeper into the mineshaft to extract gold, whereas a short mine life implies a deeper, more costly process to remove it. The largest gold mining companies are in South Africa, Canada, and the United States. </p>\r\n<p>Gold mining stock prices tend to be more volatile than the actual price movements of gold, which can explain why some gold mining company stocks decline when gold prices rise and vice versa. One reason for this tendency is that some gold mining companies hedge their future output using gold futures contracts. However, despite the overall short-term volatility, gold stock prices generally do manage to keep pace with the longer-term price trends of gold bullion. When investing in stocks of gold mining companies, the wise investor should look for organizations with long lives and low extraction costs. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>Gold investors who would prefer not to pay the high costs of storage and insurance or to deliberate the strengths and weaknesses of different mining companies can invest in gold through <em>gold mutual funds</em> and <em>gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs)</em>. Gold mutual funds offer a diversified portfolio of gold mining stocks. Savvy investors should seek funds that have low expense ratios, which is one of the major factors to look for when choosing any mutual fund. Gold ETFs offer a convenient way to own gold bullion without having to be concerned with the added costs of storage and insurance. Shares of ETFs are traded on the major stock exchanges. </p>\r\n<p><em>Gold options</em> can be used either to insure existing investments in gold or to speculate on future changes in gold prices. If an investor expects the market price of gold to rise, he or she would purchase <em>call</em> (buy) options on gold; conversely, <em>put</em> (sell) options would be purchased if the price were speculated to fall. </p>\r\n<p><em>Gold futures</em> contracts also allow investors to speculate or hedge their positions on gold. These contracts can offer the investor a substantial amount of <em>leverage</em>. For example, if the market price of gold is $500 per ounce and the investor purchases a gold futures contract (which consists of 100 troy ounces), the full value of the contract would be $50,000. If the margin requirement for such a contract is $5,000, the investor actually controls the $50,000 contract value with a fairly small investment. If the price of gold were to increase by $1 per ounce, the contract value would increase by $1,000 for a total worth of $51,000. Of course, when using leverage the opposite is also just as true. If gold prices drop by $1 per ounce, the contract value would decrease by $1,000 to $49,000. The volatility of the price of gold lends itself to the possibility of sizeable profits as well as substantial losses by investing in gold futures contracts.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('182','32','<p><strong>Collectibles</strong> can include art, antiques, old coins, vintage cars, stamps, rare books, Persian rugs, baseball cards, bottles of fine wine and other items that offer the potential for appreciation in value. Unlike other investment vehicles, these items generally do not generate any type of cash flow during the time that they\'re owned (unless the property is so rare and exquisite that you can open a museum and charge admission for patrons to view it). In addition, a number of other characteristics make collectibles investing significantly different from investing in financial securities. </p>\r\n<p>First, specialized knowledge is necessary in order to be able to determine the value of a specific collectible, whether it\'s a work of fine art, a rare book, or a vintage car. It can be quite easy to pay too much for a collectible if you don\'t have the expertise and familiarity required to judge the particular item. You should therefore be knowledgeable about the factors that determine the value of the specific collectible. </p>\r\n<p>Furthermore, the markets for collectibles are informal as well as unregulated. When buying or selling a collectible item, it\'s important to have an idea of the worth of the item because you\'re dealing with individual buyers or sellers. There are no current price lists as there are with <em>stocks</em> and other financial instruments. Similarly, there is no governmental body such as the <strong>Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)</strong> that regulates companies who list their securities on the financial markets. You can easily pay too much or sell your collectible for far too little without being able to seek any recourse from an official regulator. Additionally, many collectibles are bought and sold at auctions, where prices can vary greatly. </p>\r\n<p>Supply and demand generally determines the value for collectibles. For example, the supply of paintings of those artists who are considered to be the truly great masters is limited; it can, therefore, require huge sums of money to invest in these items. Think about it: what actually makes a work of art by da Vinci, van Gogh, Picasso, or Salvador Dali worth two million, twenty million, or a hundred million dollars? It\'s the fact that they are others who are willing to pay those prices to acquire such works. By comparison, the works of unknown artists are much more available, thus they\'re bought and sold and far lower price levels. </p>\r\n<p>Investing in collectibles will also likely not bring particularly fast profits. As stated previously, there\'s no underlying cash stream upon which to base the item\'s value or return-on-investment. Returns are only realized when collectibles appreciate in value and are sold at a higher price than that at which they were purchased. This desired increase can often take a number of years ?at the very least ?to materialize. </p>\r\n<p>Finally, collectibles must be characterized as illiquid assets because they\'re not easily converted into cash. Added are the high transaction costs associated with liquidation of these items. Regardless, investing in collectibles provides a definite sense of pleasure and enjoyment for many individuals. If collectibles are of interest to you, there is any number of easily accessible books, magazines, and websites to provide you with specific information on the many different types of potential investments available. As with any investment, however, proceed with knowledge and prudence.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('183','32','<p>Broadly speaking, <strong>numismatics</strong> is the study and collection money, coins and medals. For our particular purposes today, we\'re going to focus on the area of old and rare coins. Coin collecting has evolved well beyond the simple accumulation of old and interesting currency. It has, in fact, become a quite sophisticated investment vehicle and hedge instrument that incorporates high-volume purchases and sales, independent third-party grading, widely circulated and updated pricing sheets, electronic trading, and a large and growing number of enthusiastic participants. Numismatics has become a popular pursuit among well-to-do investors, similar to collecting fine oil paintings, antiques and gemstones. It\'s not at all unusual for an individual rare coin to sell for a seven-figure amount; however, the vast majority of items in this market can be obtained at generally affordable prices for many investors, and as such that area receives the most market activity. </p>\r\n<p>Be no means is numismatics is for every investor. Although strong coin markets can be wildly lucrative, weak markets can conversely be just as devastating. Further, it\'s generally not a very good idea to purchase truly rare coins as an ultimate hedge against economic disaster for the simple reason that they might be difficult to liquidate under actual emergency circumstances. However, as a <em>capital gains</em> instrument, such coins can be a very rewarding investment. If you\'re looking to protect your financial well-being against possible future financial calamities, it\'s advisable to first build a foundation of <em>gold bullion coins</em>, such as pre-1933 European and U.S. gold coins. Once this has been successfully accomplished, adding rare coins to your portfolio as a growth vehicle may be reasonably considered. Rare coins have historically been a part of major precious metals rallies, especially if those rallies were brought on as a result of inflation. For example, during the 1920s when hyperinflation destroyed the German mark, a substantial amount of assets were saved (not to mention considerable profits earned) by investments in numismatics. </p>\r\n<p>If you\'re aware of and can live with the volatile nature of the numismatic market as not only a detriment but also as a valuable attribute, then you could possibly have the temperament to successfully invest in rare coins. But don\'t go it alone, especially if you\'re a novice in the market. Be sure to find an experienced adviser to help guide you. Furthermore, rare coins are generally considered to be, at minimum, a three-to-five-year investment by all but those with more speculative objectives. The market generally does not move smoothly, being characterized by irregular starts and stops. As a matter of fact, steady appreciation in the numismatics market can often be about as rare as the coins themselves. On the other hand, in the long run, coins typically have maintained a very solid track record and have historically performed in much the same manner as the <em>stock market</em>. Therefore, if you begin with the attitude that you\'re investing for the long term, your odds of being successful will usually be much greater. But, needless to say, as with any other type of investment, there are risks, and there are no guarantees. </p>\r\n<p>The rare coin market consists of different <em>sectors</em>, much like the stock market. There are nineteenth-century coins, twentieth-century coins, commemorative coins, silver dollars, small-denomination gold coins, and the list goes on. Unlike the stock market, however, a coin sector can sit dormant for years without moving in either direction. But once it does begin to move, the activity can come very quickly. It\'s not unheard of for a sector to suddenly double in value within a single year (or fall just as rapidly) and then become dormant again. Again, if you\'re of the mindset that you\'re investing for at least a three-to-five-year term, you stand a good chance of being in the market when such spikes occur and profiting by them. Patience and resolve are invaluable traits when investing in numismatics. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>Two factors must be given major consideration when dealing with any numismatic investment: grade and population. <em>Grade</em> refers to a coin\'s quality. The grading system for uncirculated coins (those that exhibit no wear) runs from MS (<em>mint state</em>) -60 up to MS-70 (a &quot;perfect&quot; coin), with investment-grade items beginning at MS-64. Very few, if any, coins are available with an MS-70 designation. Coins graded below MS-64 generally should not be purchased for investment purposes unless the item has a recognized rare date and mint mark. Many large marketing organizations in the field often peddle low-grade (MS-63 or less) coins as numismatic investments. But experienced professionals typically consider these items as common, and not worthy to be labeled as investments. </p>\r\n<p>When purchasing rare coins, it\'s very important that they be graded and authenticated by one of the nationally accepted grading services, either the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). The coins should also be housed in hard plastic containers. This not only increases their liquidity but also helps to narrow the spread between their buy and sell prices. </p>\r\n<p>The second factor, <em>population</em>, refers to the total number of coins given a specific grade by the grading services. When buying rare coins, check their population figure, or <em>relative rarity</em>, against other items in the sector or <em>series</em> (the set of years that a coin was minted with a specific design and denomination). Both grading services mentioned above publish population reports that provide this data. When choosing among coins, it\'s best to go with strong relative rarity (in other words, scarcity). This will typically pay off in the long run by increasing the likelihood that your purchase will benefit if there\'s a run-up in value for that particular series. </p>\r\n<p>There are a few other advantages of coin investing that should be mentioned. For instance, there are no reporting requirements for the buying or selling coins, so your privacy can be easily maintained. Also, the tax code allows you to trade one numismatic item for another as a <em>like-kind (or 1031) exchange</em>, thus delaying capital gains taxes until you liquidate the investment. This allows you to build strong asset value by trading coins of appreciated sectors for those of other sectors that have remained dormant, with the hope that they will also rise in value. However, as is the case with all tax-related issues, be sure to consult your tax professional to ensure that your trades qualify for such a transaction.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('184','31','<p>The notion of a global marketplace is no longer a trend of the future &ndash; it\'s here now. No longer are corporate behemoths such as Coca-Cola, Ford or Sony the only global enterprises. Today, companies that operate with just a few employees and an Internet presence can, and do, compete effectively on the global stage. As such, even individuals who choose not to invest in security instruments denominated in currencies other than their own reference currency must still be aware of how the fluctuation of currency values will affect the performance of their investments. To illustrate this point, let\'s consider the possibilities of how American investors who purchase stock in domestic companies are affected by <em>foreign exchange</em> (or <em>FX</em>) risks if the companies that they invest in either import, export, have overseas operations, or have foreign competitors. </p>\r\n<p><strong>U.S. companies that import</strong> raw materials or goods from overseas are exposed to the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline. If it does, the cost of the imported goods will rise when valued in terms of the dollar. </p>\r\n<p><strong>U.S. companies that export</strong> raw materials or goods overseas are exposed to the risk that the dollar may increase in value. If the dollar gets stronger, the revenue that the company generates in other currencies will, in turn, buy fewer dollars. </p>\r\n<p><strong>U.S. companies that have overseas operations</strong> are exposed to the risk that either the dollar will strengthen or weaken, depending upon whether they\'re making overseas investments or bringing profits back home. If the company is investing overseas, the risk is that of a declining dollar. If repatriating its profits, the company would prefer not to see a strengthening dollar. Take a look at the following situation: </p>\r\n<p>An American company enters into a contract to build a new manufacturing plant in France. It will take a full three years to complete the plant, bring it online, and have it become profitable. During those three years, the U.S. company will be converting dollars into francs, and will be exposed to the risk that the dollar will decline, thereby buying fewer francs. After the plant becomes profitable, the company will be converting francs into dollars and the risk will be that the dollar will get stronger (less dollars bought by the francs). </p>\r\n<p>Even United States companies that don\'t import, export, or have overseas operations &ndash; but only <strong>have foreign competitors</strong> &ndash; are often exposed to FX risk. Let\'s examine the scenario of an American company that is not engaged nor has any interest in importing or exporting goods; all of their products are sold in the U.S. A foreign competitor, however, does have an interest in doing business internationally. For instance, if the dollar were to rise sharply against the foreign company\'s home currency, it would be able to charge less dollars for its goods sold in America while still maintaining its profit margin. This is because the company\'s expenses are denominated in its reference currency &ndash; which the strengthened dollar would now buy more of. As such, the viability of the U.S. company could be threatened by the FX risk. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>The changing value of the United States dollar affects virtually every American company to one degree or another. Therefore, even U.S. investors who restrict themselves to buying only domestic investments need to be aware of how changing FX rates affect their portfolios. In order to do this, investors should understand some of the <em>reasons that foreign exchange rates change</em>.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('185','31','<p><em>Risk</em> can creep up on even vigilant investors. For instance, your holdings in a retirement plan may grow more quickly than you realize, particularly if you make regular contributions or reinvest your returns. But along with this success comes a problem. Growth in one asset can throw your portfolio out of balance if other investments don\'t keep up. If a prolonged bull market boosts the value of your stockholdings, you may need to sell some shares to restore the balance between stocks and other assets. Similarly, when a single stock does extremely well, you might need to twist your own arm in order to bring yourself to unload some shares. And be especially wary of loading up on your employer\'s company stock through retirement and savings plans. If the company runs into difficulties, both your job and your stock could be endangered at the same time. Furthermore, if you live in a very small one-company town, the value of your home could also be indirectly tied to the fortunes of that organization. So keep a watchful eye on changes in your own investment portfolio. Carefully scrutinize your investments and other aspects of your finances from time to time. Here\'s a rundown of the strengths and weaknesses of some types of assets: </p>\r\n<p><em>Stocks</em> are vulnerable to the possibility that nervous investors will panic for some reason and drive share prices down as a whole ?an example of <em>market risk</em>. But risks related to inflation, interest rates or economic growth might vary considerably from one stock to another. For example, a sharp increase in the rate of inflation could drive stock prices down by reducing the purchasing power of future shareholder dividends. Additionally, inflation generally travels with higher interest rates, which tend to draw investors from stocks into bonds. Because firms such as retailers, consumer product manufacturers and service companies can pass cost increases along to customers with relative ease, they\'re typically more likely to prosper during periods of high inflation. </p>\r\n<p>On the other hand, slowing economic growth can hurt some businesses more than others. For instance, manufacturing companies that have high overhead costs can\'t easily cut their expenses when a recession reduces sales, so their earnings quickly fall off. Many emerging growth companies also require an expanding economy to sustain their earnings growth and stock prices. In contrast, however, firms that sell staple necessities such as food or clothing often continue to operate largely unaffected in a weak economy, and their shares tend to hold their value relatively well. </p>\r\n<p>Stocks also carry <em>specific risks</em> ?those that are unique to a single company or industry. Poor management, for example, can have a dramatically negative effect on earnings, even to the point of bankrupting a business. And growth stocks are particularly vulnerable to projected earnings shortfalls. One way to reduce such risks is to buy shares that appear to be undervalued because they\'re selling at comparatively low <em>price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios</em>. </p>\r\n<p><em>Bond</em> prices fall when interest rates rise. But the extent of a particular bond\'s drop depends upon its maturity and the amount of its <em>coupon</em> (the bond\'s stated interest rate). Short-term bonds fall slightly when interest rates move upward, and a high coupon also offers a degree of protection against climbing rates. <em>Zero-coupon bonds</em>, on the other hand, fall sharply when rates move higher. </p>\r\n<p>A recession generally brings with it lower interest rates, which boost bond prices. But some bond issues react negatively to an economic downturn. <em>Junk bonds</em>, in particular, may suffer because investors fear that financially weak companies will default and fail to make their scheduled payments to bondholders on time. <em>U.S. Treasury</em> and high-grade <em>corporate bonds</em> gain the most during hard times because income investors often flock to them as safe havens.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('186','31','<p>There are basically three broad categories of <em>mutual funds</em>: those whose goal is to provide immediate income, those oriented toward long-term growth or capital appreciation, and those offering both. The individual fund\'s objective will be stated at the beginning of its <em>prospectus</em>. Of the literally thousands of variations of mutual funds, here are just a few: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li><strong>Equity Funds</strong> - <em>Stock</em> funds emphasize growth, with dividend payouts typically being low. These funds stress capital appreciation rather than immediate income. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Bond Funds</strong> - The key advantage of <em>bond</em> funds, in contrast to individual bond issues, is that the funds pay income at least monthly with reinvestment possible at the current yield of the fund. A bond fund is always replacing bonds in its portfolio, thereby, actively managing the average maturity of the bonds. In this way, the manager is able to control the risk and reward of the portfolio, as well as the amount of income that it generates. The two main risks associated with bond funds are market risk if interest rates should rise (because bond prices would likely decline), and credit risk if the quality of the borrowers declines. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Growth</strong> - A growth mutual fund is typically defined as one that invests in companies that are exceeding the growth of the economy. Investors look for companies and industries with a strong growth trend in sales and earnings. Growth companies and growth mutual funds can cover all capitalization ranges: large-cap growth (large high growth companies with an average capitalization of approximately $7 billion or greater); mid-cap growth. An investment strategy that invests in stocks of (mid-sized companies with an average capitalization of between $2 billion and $7 billion); and small-cap growth (companies with an average capitalization of less than $2 billion). </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Value</strong> - Value stocks often have low book-to-market ratios, which means the stock is trading at a low price compared with its book value (the company\'s assets on a balance sheet, less its liabilities, generally figured on a cost-per-share basis). In addition, their price/earnings ratio is generally lower and, as such, is considered to be less volatile and risky. As with growth stocks, value stocks can cover all capitalization ranges. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Diversified International Blend Funds</strong> - These funds shift investments across countries and underlying stocks between growth and value. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Diversified Emerging Market</strong> - Their investments are focused on those economies which are still developing and growing. These represent some of the most volatile funds. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>International Growth</strong> - Their focus is on stocks of high-growth international companies. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>International Value</strong> - The focus of these funds is on stocks of undervalued companies worldwide. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Balanced Funds</strong> - A balanced mutual fund includes two or more asset classes other than cash; typically, equities and fixed-income securities in varying percentages. It stresses three main goals: income, capital appreciation, and preservation of capital. This type of fund balances holdings such as bonds, convertible securities, and <em>preferred</em>- as well as common stock. The mix varies depending on the fund manager\'s view of the economy and market conditions. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Fixed-Income Funds</strong> - The objectives of fixed-income funds are safety and income, rather than capital appreciation. Income conservative funds invest in bonds of all types, including corporate and government bonds, government-insured mortgages, and municipals. #p##e#</li>\r\n    <li><strong>U.S. Fixed-Income</strong> - These funds invest in all types of U.S. bonds, including government and corporate bonds. They will typically invest in higher-quality investments with little risk of default across a broad range of maturities. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>High Yield</strong> - These funds typically invest in low-quality debt and are subject to a high risk of default. Consequently, they tend to offer a higher yield. They also tend to trade and are priced more like common stocks. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Government</strong> - These mutual funds invest in debt from the U.S. government. Conservative by nature, they generally invest in all types of <em>government bonds</em>, including those backed by the government but not directly issued by the government. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>International Fixed-Income</strong> - These funds invest in bonds of foreign governments and are usually riskier than U.S. investments since they are impacted by fluctuations in the foreign currency markets. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Global-Bond Funds</strong> - These funds invest in foreign and U.S. bonds. Historically, global bond funds have outperformed domestic bond funds, but at the expense of the additional risk of foreign currency fluctuation.#p#ҳ#e# #p#ҳ#e#</li>\r\n    <li><strong>Money Market Funds</strong> - <em>Money market funds</em> are the safest type of mutual funds with respect to the preservation of principal. They are similar to bank savings accounts in that the value of the investment does not fluctuate. However, money market funds are not insured like bank <em>certificates of deposit</em>. </li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('187','31','<p>When you buy a lottery ticket, you\'re confident that the maximum amount that you can lose is limited to the price of the ticket. The same logic actually applies to buying stock; the most that can be lost is what you paid for it. While the lottery offers a grand prize, there is no set prize amount when you invest in a stock. So, how high can a stock price rise? Some have been going up for years and are still rising. Stocks, therefore (at least theoretically), have unlimited profit potential. Investing in the stock market has proven to be quite rewarding over time. Although stocks go up and down, sometimes with great volatility, they\'ve generally appreciated for more than sixty years. Stocks have historically returned more than ten percent annually, outpacing inflation. </p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, there\'s no magic formula for making money in the stock market. Patience, however, has proven to be a key ingredient. Historically, most market declines have not lasted more than five years. For those investors capable of waiting it out, the stock market is comparatively safe. There have been only six losing five-year periods in the last sixty such time frames. Patient investors who hold a well-diversified portfolio of stocks have, for the most part, been rewarded. </p>\r\n<p>Of course, it\'s always a possibility that you could lose everything that you have invested in an individual stock. Even if you don\'t lose all, substantial losses can, and do, occur. The market does fluctuate, which can be both a good and bad thing. Profits can be made from either an upward move (known as <em>selling long</em>) or a downward move (<em>selling short</em>). An incorrect guess could cost you greatly either way. </p>\r\n<p>For investors who buy and hold securities, their maximum potential loss is their entire investment, while their maximum potential gain is limitless (again, theoretically). Short sellers, on the other hand, have completely different risks and rewards. Since the short seller makes his maximum profit from a downward movement in a stock\'s price, he is hoping that the price falls as far as possible, even to zero (in other words, bankrupt). He can then make a profit equal to the proceeds of the original short sale. Zero is as far as a stock\'s price can fall, so that\'s the short seller\'s maximum profit potential. What the short seller doesn\'t want is for the stock to go up. This is because he has sold the stock at what he believes is too high a price and hopes to buy it back more cheaply when the price has fallen. Buying it back at a higher price would result in a loss. Since there\'s no limit to how high a stock could rise, in this situation there would be no limit to the amount that the short seller could lose. </p>\r\n<p>Generally speaking, <em>bonds</em> and <em>money market funds</em> tend to be the safest investment vehicles, since their prices usually do not change too erratically. <em>Preferred stocks</em> have slightly more risk, and <em>common stocks</em> are the riskiest of all. The offset is that the high-risk situations usually also offer the highest potential rewards. And while stocks must be considered somewhat risky, it cannot be overlooked that they have outperformed all other financial instruments over the long term.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('188','31','<p>The concept upon which <strong>mutual funds</strong> are based has likely been around since securities were created. Here\'s a simplified explanation of how they work. A group of individuals with similar investment objectives and goals place their funds for investment into a common pool. This money is then used to buy and sell securities. By pooling their resources, the participants enjoy two significant advantages. The first is greater buying power; the group\'s collective resources enable it to purchase shares in a much broader range of industries or business sectors than any individual in the pool could do alone. The second advantage is lower transaction costs per participant. Because the commissions and other trading fees are spread over more shares, the cost to any one person is reduced significantly. </p>\r\n<p>In the beginning one of the pool\'s contributors was designated by power of attorney or other legal means to select which securities to buy and sell. Each person in the pool shared in the gains and losses of the investments according to the percentage of that person\'s participation in the pool. </p>\r\n<p>These unregulated and loosely-run collectives were quite popular in the United States during the bull market of the 1920s. In 1924, the first true mutual fund in the United States was created, known as the <em>Massachusetts Investors Trust</em>. After the crash of 1929, Congress passed legislation designed to better regulate and give a more defined structure to the various types of investment pools in existence (which at that time were called <em>investment companies</em>). Mutual funds received their first legal definition by way of the <strong>Investment Company Act of 1940</strong>. </p>\r\n<p>One of the types of investment companies identified by the legislation was <em>management companies</em>. These were corporations or trusts whose primary business purpose was to invest and reinvest in securities in accordance with a stated investment objective, building an investment portfolio suitable for those objectives. When an individual buys shares of a management company he or she is actually buying an undivided interest in the portfolio created by that company. </p>\r\n<p>When a management company is formed, it will have either a closed-end or an open-end structure. Basically, the difference between the two is the frequency with which new shares are issued to the public. A <em>closed-end management company</em> creates an investment portfolio and then issues shares of that portfolio to the public only once. Thus, the company\'s <em>capitalization</em> (or, the total number of shares it has outstanding) remains relatively fixed. An <em>open-end management company</em> also creates a portfolio of securities and issues shares to the public. However, this type of company continually issues new shares and also buys back old shares each business day in response to investors\' orders to place more of their money into or pull money out of the underlying portfolio. As such, the company\'s capitalization continually changes. An open-end management company is the legal name for what is popularly known as a mutual fund. </p>\r\n<p>Each mutual fund is legally registered as a separate management company or trust with the <strong>Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)</strong>. The entity that creates the fund is called its <em>sponsor</em>. It invests its own money to start the fund\'s portfolio and also initially selects the fund\'s portfolio manager. The sponsor then markets the fund to the public to bring additional money into the pool. The more shares it sells the more money it has to sink into other investments. </p>\r\n<p>In Part 2 of this series, we will examine the benefits of investing in mutual funds.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('189','31','<p style=\"TEXT-ALIGN: left\">Now that you know a little more about the origin of mutual funds (from Part 1 of this article series), we\'ll now look at some of the reasons why so many people choose these investment vehicles. Mutual funds are the primary means by which most investors in the United States purchase securities, especially in the <em>stock markets</em>. Whether novice or experienced, young or not-so-young, most individuals are attracted to these funds for four major reasons: diversification, convenience, professional management, and lower transaction costs. </p>\r\n<p style=\"TEXT-ALIGN: left\"><em>Diversification</em> offers protection against the danger of placing all of your eggs in one basket; in other words, putting too much of your money in any one company\'s securities. A mutual fund\'s investment portfolio generally consists of <em>stocks</em>, <em>bonds</em>, or both from different companies, usually in many different industries or business sectors, inherently neutralizing this risk. As a result, your money is shielded to some degree against the price decline of any one company or business sector. However, diversification does not ensure that the value of your investment won\'t drop at all. If the overall market declines sharply, then the value of any mutual fund -- no matter how well diversified it is -- will suffer as well. </p>\r\n<p style=\"TEXT-ALIGN: left\">In a number of ways, financial institutions have made mutual fund investing as <em>convenient</em> as one-stop shopping. Larger mutual fund companies routinely offer investors a wide variety of funds that have different objectives and which concentrate on different industries, markets, or types of securities. They also provide an increasingly broad array of customer services. Automatic investment plans, online purchases and redemptions, automatic dividend and capital gains reinvestment, and <em>asset allocation</em> models are just a few of the available services provided by these companies. The investor is thereby afforded a great deal of flexibility. Fierce competition among providers has forced funds to make it easy to implement investment decisions, track investment performance, and keep accurate records for tax-reporting purposes. </p>\r\n<p style=\"TEXT-ALIGN: left\"><em>Professional management</em> is another key benefit of mutual fund investing. The specific stocks or bonds in which the fund invests its shareholders\' money are carefully selected by a professional portfolio manager or investment adviser. This may be a single person or a management team. Most of these individuals have an advanced degree and have taken additional courses to achieve the <em>Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)</em> designation. New graduates often complete an internship under the guidance of a more experienced or senior portfolio manager before being given primary responsibility for a particular fund. In addition, the fund usually employs or contracts researchers, investment analysts, and strategists to provide the manager with detailed information, insights, and interpretations that may be important when choosing individual stocks and bonds to fulfill the fund\'s objectives. </p>\r\n<p style=\"TEXT-ALIGN: left\">When compared to buying individual stocks and bonds to build a diversified portfolio, the <em>lower costs</em> associated with investing in these instruments through mutual funds are evident. A fund\'s administrative, operations, and trading expenses are spread over and shared by all of its shareholders, which could literally be thousands of individual investors. Transactions costs per person, therefore, for every dollar invested are greatly minimized.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('190','31','<p>The popularity of <em>mutual funds</em> can be attributed to the numerous advantages that they afford investors, some of which are listed below: </p>\r\n<p><strong>Diversification</strong> - Most financial professional believe that diversification is one of the best ways to enhance a portfolio\'s risk-adjusted return. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Low minimum investment</strong> - Mutual funds make it possible for investors with very little cash to own an undivided interest in a diversified portfolio. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Professional management</strong> - Mutual funds give investors access to professional managers whose required minimum account size would otherwise put their services out of the reach of many. </p>\r\n<p><strong>A wide range of risk/reward trade-offs</strong> - Funds are available with risk levels ranging from the very conservative to the highly speculative. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Convenience</strong> ?This is perhaps one of the most important advantages that mutual funds offer. Conveniences can include 24-hour phone or Internet access to account information, check-writing privileges and automatic investment plans that deduct a specified amount each month from the investor\'s bank account. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Inexpensive reallocation</strong> - Most mutual funds are part of fund families ?a series of funds with different investment objectives that are all issued by the same parent company. Most fund families allow their shareholders a reasonable number of opportunities per year to switch their money among the various funds within the family with little or no service charges applied. Because of this, mutual fund investors can often reallocate their portfolios at a substantially lower cost than others who invest directly in the underlying securities. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Asset allocation and retirement planning tools</strong> - As a service to their shareholders, many mutual fund companies offer free services, such as asset allocation optimization software or retirement planning analyzers, that are designed to help investors select the most appropriate funds for their needs. </p>\r\n<p><strong>A wide range of investment styles</strong> - With literally thousands of mutual funds in existence and more being created all the time, the odds are good there\'s a mutual fund that specializes in investing in virtually every investment vehicle, style, and approach that investors can imagine. </p>\r\n<p>While the advantages are many, mutual funds ?like all other investments ?also carry disadvantages that should not be disregarded, including: #p##e#</p>\r\n<p><strong>Management turnover</strong> - Many investors select mutual funds based on their past performance. Unfortunately, with the high rate of management turnover within the asset management industry, the managers who were primarily responsible for a particular fund\'s superior performance in the past may no longer be working for that company. Therefore, investors should examine not only a fund\'s past performance, but also who was responsible for that performance and whether or not the same manager or team is still running the fund. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Investment style fluctuations</strong> - An investor who wants to maintain a certain asset allocation has to rely on the manager of the fund that he or she selects not to deviate from their stated investment styles. Any changes in priorities or investment styles could override and defeat the investor\'s asset allocation. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Panic selling</strong> - During sharp market downturns, investors often have a tendency to panic. When this happens, they look to sell their fund shares. Since the fund managers must redeem the shares, they have no choice but to sell the underlying securities at a time when there are few, if any, buyers. If not for the flood of redemptions, the fund manager would likely not sell the underlying securities. Thus, the professional manager\'s expertise, judgment, and objectives are upset and overridden by the actions of the fund\'s investors.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('191','31','Part 1: What They Are\r\n<p><strong>Money market accounts (MMAs)</strong> are bank savings accounts that generally pay a higher rate of return than regular savings accounts. They&rsquo;re insured by the <strong>Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)</strong> for up to $100,000 ($200,000 for joint accounts) per financial institution. In exchange for the higher interest rate, you have somewhat limited access to your money with this type of account. Withdrawals are usually limited to around six per month, and you can only write three checks without incurring additional withdrawal charges. Minimum balance requirements for MMAs are generally also higher than standard savings accounts, ranging anywhere from $500 to $2,500 or more. Many banks will also link an MMA to your checking account, allowing you to use it as a type of <em>overdraft protection</em>. If you write a check for a total that&rsquo;s larger than what you have available in your checking account, an amount necessary to cover the deficit is automatically transferred over from the MMA to pay it. </p>\r\n<p>The rates of interest offered on MMAs vary from one bank to the next and not necessarily because of fluctuations in short-term interest rates by the <strong>Federal Reserve</strong>. Financial institutions compete with each other vigorously in an effort to lure new deposits. Therefore, the only way to find the best rates offered is to shop around and compare diligently. The difference between the highest- and lowest-paying programs can be quite substantial. </p>\r\n<p>Unlike MMAs (which, as stated, are savings accounts), <strong>money market mutual funds</strong> are mutual funds that invest in the shortest-term, lowest-risk, most highly rated debt securities available. These securities include Treasury bills, Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and municipal bonds. Money market funds are regulated by the <strong>Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)</strong>. Because the SEC doesn&rsquo;t like to see a lot of fluctuation in the safe-haven bond- and CD markets, they require money market funds to keep the average maturity of their portfolios under ninety days. Doing so keeps them safe from the risks that changes in short-term interest rates could pose. Investors also receive the safety of diversification because these funds are actually pools of securities. Share prices remain constant at $1.00 per share. As your money grows, gains are realized in terms of additional shares, not as an increase of individual share prices. Although money market funds aren&rsquo;t insured by the FDIC, they are considered to be an extremely safe investment. </p>\r\n<p>Money market fund accounts are typically opened through a brokerage firm, although some banks do offer them. Most funds keep their minimum investment requirements low. Some set them at zero; others require an initial deposit of $500 but afterwards let you buy additional shares in small amounts. Each day, any accrued dividends are credited to your account in the form of additional shares or pieces of shares. If you need to withdraw funds, you have immediate access to do so by mail, phone, check or electronic transfer, with no penalties for early withdrawal. Although they don&rsquo;t limit the number of withdrawals or checks that you can make, some funds will only allow checks for an amount above a prescribed minimum. Others may charge a per check fee if you don&rsquo;t keep a certain balance in your account. Make sure that any fund that you choose doesn&rsquo;t have restrictions that are too unreasonable or expensive. </p>\r\n<p>In Part 2 of this series, we&rsquo;ll take a look at the different types of money market mutual funds.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('192','31','<p>Although <em>mutual funds</em> and <em>closed-end funds</em> are both management companies, they\'re actually quite different from each other. Despite the fact that the financial media may occasionally make mention of a &quot;closed-end mutual fund&quot;, the legal definitions of a closed-end fund and an open-end fund under the <strong>Investment Company Act of 1940</strong> actually make the term mutually exclusive and technically impossible for a closed-end mutual fund to even exist. When used, this term probably refers to an actively managed closed-end fund. Many aren\'t actively managed; therefore, such a fund\'s investment portfolio of securities changes very little. A closed-end fund that\'s actively managed might resemble a mutual fund, but it must be remembered that the number of outstanding shares remains relatively fixed, unlike those of a mutual fund. </p>\r\n<p>It\'s likely that the average investor is much more familiar with mutual funds than closed-end funds, and mutuals tend to be considerably more prevalent. There are basically four key reasons that have led to the popularity of mutual funds over closed-end funds. First, there are simply many more mutual funds (over 7,000 of them) than there are closed-end funds (under 700 as of this writing). And mutual funds are much more heavily advertised than closed-end funds. Therefore, when investors are looking for places in which to put their money, mutual funds show up and are recommended with much greater regularity. </p>\r\n<p>The second reason for the popularity of mutual funds over closed-end funds is their certainty of pricing. At the end of each business day a mutual fund computes and publishes the value of its outstanding shares. Conversely, the real value of a closed-end fund tends to be less certain. Market forces drive the value of the fund\'s shares up or down, causing them to trade either at a premium or a discount to their <em>net asset value (NAV)</em>. And uncertainty of price is a concept that most investors particularly loathe. They\'re much more comfortable knowing precisely what their shares are worth at all times. </p>\r\n<p>The third basic reason for mutual funds\' overwhelming popularity is their size. Mutual funds typically have more money to invest than what\'s available to closed-end funds. Each time an investor buys a mutual fund share, the fund itself receives new money that can be used to purchase more securities. These additional dollars allow it to attain greater diversity much more easily than a closed-end fund. The mutual fund can obtain shares of additional companies in different industry sectors. In contrast, when an investor buys a closed-end fund share on a stock exchange, the purchase money goes to the seller of the share and not the fund. </p>\r\n<p>The final reason is the low initial investment cost necessary to buy mutual funds. Shares can be purchased with investments of as little as $25. This low initial monetary requirement makes mutual funds available to vast numbers of people, turning ordinary individuals into potential investors. These reasons, combined with the convenience of a mutual fund\'s professional management, largely explain why these funds are the investment of choice for many millions of people worldwide.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('193','31','<p>A <strong>load mutual fund</strong> charges a sales commission for buying shares in the fund. These charges can be front-ended, back-ended, or both and can be quite substantial, ranging to as much as 8 percent or more of the purchase price of the shares. The amount of the sales charge per share (the <em>load</em>) can be determined by deducting the <em>net asset value (NAV)</em> price from the offer price. Conversely, some mutual funds are <strong>no-load funds</strong>, meaning that the investor pays no commission or fee to buy or sell the shares of the fund. For example, when investing $50,000 in a no-load fund, the entire investment goes toward buying shares in the fund. An investor can easily determine whether a fund has loads or not by examining its <em>prospectus</em>. </p>\r\n<p>A <em>front-end</em> load is deducted from the funds invested. Using our example above, if the same $50,000 were put into a fund having a 5 percent load, the $2,500 load charge would be immediately deducted from the investment principal, leaving $47,500 with which to buy fund shares. Some funds also charge a <em>back-end</em> load, or <em>exit fee</em>, when shares of the fund are redeemed (sold back to the fund). This fee can be a flat percentage, or it may decline the longer the shares are held. </p>\r\n<p>Regardless of when they\'re applied, the ultimate effect of load charges is to reduce a fund\'s total return. The impact of load charges is felt more acutely if the fund is held for only a short period of time. For instance, if a fund has a <em>yield</em> (the annual rate of return) of 6 percent but there\'s a 4 percent front-end load to buy into the fund, the total return to the investor for the year is sharply reduced. If there\'s also a back-end load to exit the fund, even more of his or her return will be eroded. If the share price has increased, the load percentage will be calculated on the larger amount. </p>\r\n<p>There is no evidence to support the opinions expressed by many brokers and <em>financial planners</em> (many of whom earn commissions from selling load funds) that load funds outperform no-load funds. Indeed, after adjusting for sales commissions, investors are often better off with no-load funds. When considering the fact that a load fund would have to outperform a no-load fund for a number of years in order to recoup the initial load deducted from the investment amount, this would seem to make sense. Consequently, it\'s much more difficult for load funds to outperform no-load funds when the range of returns earned by bond funds in general is not particularly wide. </p>\r\n<p><em>12b-l</em> fees, which are charged by many funds to recoup expenses for marketing and distribution, are less obvious than loads. These fees are usually assessed annually and can be quite steep when combined with load fees. Some no-load funds flaunt the absence of sales commissions but add on 12b-l fees, which are in essence a hidden load. </p>\r\n<p>All fees should be carefully considered, since they reduce yields and total returns. Lowering front-end loads or eliminating them altogether doesn\'t necessarily mean that a fund hasn\'t added fees somewhere else. However, all fees must be disclosed in the fund\'s prospectus. Management fees, 12b-l fees, redemption fees (which are back-end loads), and any other fees charged should be made known somewhere in the prospectus. Financial newspapers also list the charges of the different funds included in their periodic mutual fund performance reviews.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('194','31','<p>Many large investors use <em>mutual funds</em> to solve at least some of their investment problems. It\'s not at all unusual for big investors (whether corporate or private) to place multimillion-dollar investments into mutual fund accounts. As a matter of fact, institutional investors alone account for more than forty percent of all fund assets. Why do these entities put their money into mutual funds? They basically do it for many of the same reasons that small investors do. </p>\r\n<p>One of the most important reasons why major investors choose mutual funds is the ready accessibility of past performance records. No other form of investment management can provide prospective clients with such a complete picture of what it\'s achieved in the past. The investor can easily see how well any mutual fund manager has handled the funds in his or her care and determine if those results are suitable for the investor\'s own needs. Another important aspect is a mutual fund\'s clearly stated position regarding its objectives, policies and investment holdings, along with a description of how its management goes about implementing them. </p>\r\n<p>For all large investors, the convenience of owning shares in one or a few mutual funds is also an important benefit. This is easy to understand when contrasted with the position of owning individual shares of <em>stock</em> in many companies, collecting <em>dividends</em> on each, and having to keep records of every transaction. Just problem of recordkeeping alone is substantially minimized by owning mutual funds. </p>\r\n<p>Another benefit enjoyed by large investors is the complete liquidity that mutual funds provide. A portion (or the entire amount) of a fund investment can be liquidated quickly and with no concern about disrupting the market in a particular stock or bond. Additionally, with no-load funds, investors can move their money into and out of the market at no cost. There\'s no commission charged to buy or sell (in most cases) and no minimum period of time that the investment must remain in effect. Investors have virtually complete flexibility in the handling of their money. </p>\r\n<p>Large and experienced investors have come to understand and appreciate the benefits of being <em>diversified</em>. Not only can an investor enjoy the advantages of diversification provided by one mutual fund, he or she can also diversify even further by spreading assets over several different offerings. This provides the additional safety of multiple managers, each of whom is governed by his or her own set of investment objectives and policies. Different managers, objectives and policies will provide varying results in different economic and market climates, further reducing the exposure risks of a large (or small) account. And it can\'t be discounted that even experienced investors often reach the point where they simply no longer want the responsibility of managing their own investments. They may desire the peace of mind that comes from letting someone else handle all the concerns; and after all, fund managers get paid to do it. </p>\r\n<p>Mutual fund shares have become increasingly accepted as prudent forms of investment for trust accounts. This has been especially true with the advent of money-market funds and with the growing acceptance of common stocks as suitable investments for trusts. The use of mutual funds answers the need for careful selection, adequate diversification and diligence that are essential to prudent investing in stocks and <em>bonds</em>. Many trustees ?whether individuals or small institutions ?lack the time, background or expertise necessary to invest prudently. In addition to that, numerous small trusts simply don\'t have sufficient assets with which to properly diversify. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>For <em>pension</em>, <em>401(k)</em>, and profit-sharing plans, mutual funds also offer significant advantages. The fiduciary responsibilities implicit in these plans are similar to those faced by trustees. With mutual funds, corporate officers can maintain control over their company\'s plans while at the same time fulfilling those fiduciary obligations. They can obtain the particular investment objectives and policies set forth by their plans and meet <strong>IRS</strong> requirements for maintaining the plans\' tax-exempt status. </p>\r\n<p>Among the largest investors in mutual funds are schools, colleges, foundations, hospitals, religious organizations, libraries, unions, and fraternal associations. Such institutions often don\'t have qualified personnel to handle the proper investment of their funds. However, even when they do, they often find it more convenient and prudent to utilize mutual funds for the same reasons that other large investors find advantageous ?clearly defined investment objectives and policies, diversification, sound investment management.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('195','31','<p>Many new investors see buying and selling <em>mutual fund</em> shares in the same light as buying and selling shares of <em>stock</em>. This is an inaccurate comparison for two reasons: first, mutual funds are <em>redeemable securities</em>, whereas stocks are <em>tradable securities</em>. Mutual fund shares can only be bought from and redeemed with the sponsor company itself or one of its selling group members. Secondly, the daily purchase and sale prices of mutual funds are determined in a completely different way from that of a corporation\'s common stock offerings. </p>\r\n<p>The method by which the purchase and sale prices of mutual fund shares are determined is known as <strong>forward pricing</strong>. Each mutual fund computes and reports its shares\' <em>net asset value (NAV)</em> only after the stock markets close each day. There is no continuous pricing of fund shares throughout the trading day. When an investor places an order to buy or sell a fund\'s shares, the order is executed based on the NAV calculated at the end of that trading day, regardless of what time during the day the order was placed. On the other hand, if the investor were to check the price of his or her fund shares halfway through the business day, the price quoted would be the previous day\'s NAV because that was the last time the fund calculated and reported the value. </p>\r\n<p>Forward pricing is used in the mutual fund market due to the constantly changing nature of the basic product. The prices of the securities in the fund\'s portfolio fluctuate continuously throughout the day; in addition, the fund is taking buy orders and redemption requests all day long. Because of this ongoing activity, the number of shares that the fund has outstanding changes every trading day. After the close of trading (4:00 PM Eastern Time), each fund must calculate its NAV. </p>\r\n<p>First, the fund will <em>mark to market</em> its portfolio; in other words, it calculates the total value of securities and cash equivalents held in the portfolio based on their closing prices. From the total are subtracted any ongoing expenses, fees, and trading costs. Finally, this net amount is divided by the number of shares outstanding (based on the quantity of buy orders and redemption requests received during that day). The resulting figure is the fund\'s net asset value per share. Each mutual fund must report this value to the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) by 5:30 P.M. Eastern Time each trading day; it is then distributed to the public. </p>\r\n<p>The NAV can be thought of as the approximate liquidation value of an investor\'s shares. Since all redemptions are executed at a fund\'s NAV, the dollar amount is the approximate cash per share that would be received (less any applicable back-end sales and redemption fees) if the shares were liquidated. </p>\r\n<p>It must be remembered, however, that forward pricing is nothing more than an industry practice that determines when a fund\'s NAV is calculated and circulated to the public. It is not a tool for determining when to buy or sell a fund\'s shares. Such decisions must be based on other factors, such as investment objectives and individual time horizons, as well as the investor\'s expectations for the fund\'s performance.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('196','33','What is momentum? Webster Dictionary says momentum is the &quot;impetus of a moving object.&quot; And we are the moving object! In our business, we must remain focused on moving forward toward our identified goals. Owning a business comes with ups and downs, yet the more momentum you expect of yourself, the more &quot;ups&quot; and less &quot;downs.&quot; <br /><br />When we allow ourselves to remain stagnant within our business system, productivity slows down and we become frustrated. We, as the CEO\'s of our businesses are the only ones in control of our productivity. I am sure everyone reading this article desires high productivity. Then take a stand for yourself and keep up the momentum. <br /><br />Once your business plan is in place, follow it! Take the necessary steps to accomplish given tasks, on a daily basis and move on. Never sit on a decision. Successful leaders make decisions quickly and keep up the momentum. <br /><br /><br />&quot;The difference between great people and everyone else is that great people create their lives actively, while everyone else is created by their lives, passively waiting to see where life takes them next. The difference between the two is the difference between living fully and just existing.&quot;<br />Michael E. Gerber Author of The E-Myth Revisited<br /><br />Whether you have been running your business for a lifetime or just starting out, the buck stops with YOU and YOU are the driving force toward your desire for success. Continue to uphold your aspirations for accomplishing your objective, believe in ability to succeed and send those positive vibrations into the universe...they will come back to you...tenfold!<br /><br />To Your Success!<br /><br />Kristen Birmingham, MS MFT LADC<br /><br />http://www.wealthnetworklive.com<br />http://www.reversefunnel2wealth.com<br />http://www.leadgenerationguide.com<br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('197','33','<p>If you’re interested in investing in residential real estate, you’ve probably made a wise choice. Approximately 98 percent of the world’s millionaires made their fortunes in real property. And the old saying still goes: “They ain’t making any more land!? As the world’s population continues to rise, it stands to reason that real estate will continue to be a solid investment. Even with the industry’s period peaks and valleys, the need for housing will inevitably continue to rise. </p>\r\n<p>But just like any other investment, you must study and learn the market if you want to be successful. So, how do you make money in real estate? To put it simply, you must adhere to another old maxim: “Buy low ?Sell high.? At the end of the day, it really is that simple. Here are some thoughts on applying this principle as you begin in real estate investing. </p>\r\n<p>Don’t get caught up in the “sale?of the property. New investors sometimes get so excited about the transaction actually going forward that they lose sight of their true investment goals. Without experience or a background in real estate it’s easy to get in over your head. The bottom line is that you need to find investment properties that are undervalued, and you need to do your research <em>before</em> you make your offer. </p>\r\n<p>The best way to determine the true value of a property is by comparing it with similar properties in the same, or at least similar, areas. This is very important, because the location of a property can drastically affect its market value. Take note of the features of each property. Keep track of how long they’re on the market before they sell, and the price that they sell for. Once you have a good understanding of the values of properties in your area, you’ll be able to spot when one is undervalued - perhaps due to a motivated seller. And don\'t be afraid to negotiate for the best deal possible. </p>\r\n<p>Become aware of the market. Spend some time examining market trends. Use the resources that are available to you ?local real estate papers and agents. You’ll be able to get quite a bit of information from them. </p>\r\n<p>Be careful not to make the mistake of renovating according to your own personal tastes. Keep an eye on what\'s moving quickly in the market as well as the advertised features of newly-constructed properties. Use this information to make your upgrades as market-friendly as possible. Concentrate on the most profitable renovations, such as kitchens and bathrooms. These will add the most value to any residential property. Updated lighting can also be a good investment. And new paint is a given. </p>\r\n<p>Set, and be constantly aware of, your own budget. Know how much you can spend. Become familiar with the price of materials and labor in your area, as well as the time frame to have specific jobs completed. Many seasoned investors will tell you to then double or even triple that amount. Regardless of whether you subscribe to that advice or not, the more research you do the more accurately you’ll be able to set your budget and stay within it. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>If you keep these basic premises in mind as you begin your investment career, you’ll always remember that real estate investing is indeed a business and it must be treated as such. After all, you’re in it for the money. If you learn to make wise choices and adhere to your goals, you’ll be well on your way to your financial dreams.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('198','33','Demand goes down, developers cut pricesa?| <br /><br />Hard-pressed by the falling demand, the higher-end segment of residential real estate in Gurgaon has been undergoing the phase of correction. As per the reports of global consultancy firm DTZ, the prices have already gone down by an average of 10 per cent in the past two quarters, and it is mostly the projects that have kept the prices for their apartments above Rs 1-crore.<br /><br />Besides, the property markets of Gurgaon are also suffering from the oversupply. The DTZ report confirms that the supply side has far exceeded the demand side and the margins over the sale of property are under pressure. As per industry reports, Gurgaon will add at least 10,000 residential units in the luxury housing segment by 2010, however the demand may continue to remain below expectations. <br /><br />Meanwhile, the absorption rates for projects with an apartment size between 2,000 and 6,000 sq. ft have slipped down significantly and the developers are reportedly slashing prices in order to create demand.<br /><br />Fall in investor interest<br /><br />Besides the end-users, it is mostly the investors who drive the <a href=\"http://property.magicbricks.com/newproperty/locality/propertyrates-NCR-Gur.html\">Gurgaon Real Estate</a> markets, and most other parts of the country. On this, the findings of Cushman &amp; Wakefield, a consultancy firm, bring things into perspective. Its reports say that housing properties in Gurgaon have overheated and prices have been touching the roof.<br /><br />With this, the investors are not seeing the kind of returns that they had secured earlier from the deals, and that\'s why their interest in buying residential property in Gurgaon is comparatively lower than it was a couple of years ago. <br /><br />Ultimately, the markets now are primarily driven by the end-user, who is not willing to buy luxury houses. After all the rate of interest on home loans has shot up from 6-7 per cent to 11-12 per cent in the past 3-years, and a buyer thinks twice before borrowing at such rates. <br /><br />Future Outlook<br /><br />As for the coming months, the industry experts &quot;feel good&quot;. At first, they say that the demand for residential properties in Gurgaon would gradually pick up with festive season in the offing.#p##e#<br /><br />Secondly, almost all the major banks like SBI, ICICI, BoB have announced for a cut in interest rates anywhere from 50 to 75 basis points, and they are coming up with quite a variety of lucrative offers as well. Over that the developers are also open on cutting prices of their units for the sake of making a deal and it is turning into a buyer\'s market, says a group of brokers from Gurgaon. <br /><br />Perhaps, the combination will drive at least the end users to spur demand and the markets may take spark with positive trends coming back in place, they feel. ?| <br /><br />George Gonigal is a property dealer, providing here the best and latest info on <a href=\"http://property.magicbricks.com/newproperty/locality/propertyrates-Bang.html\">Bangalore Properties</a>.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('199','33','<p>You\'ve no doubt heard of property being sold for the back <em>taxes</em> owed on it, often for pennies on the dollar. If you haven\'t, simply stay up late one evening and keep your television on; you\'ll probably run across at least three or four infomercials touting someone\'s secret method of quickly getting rich by buying and selling such properties. This method of real estate investment ?just one of many ways available to invest in real estate &quot;paper&quot; -- as you probably suspected, is not quite as easy <em>or</em> risk-free as they so confidently make it seem. </p>\r\n<p>Paper real estate investment is a huge and diverse field. Besides the time and effort necessary to locate and analyze properties, the one big difference that distinguishes investing in paper from traditional real estate ownership is <em>control</em> ?or in this case, the lack of it. When you put your money into paper real estate, as with buying <em>stocks</em>, you are no longer in absolute control of your investment. When you own stock, although you have an equity stake in the issuing company, your investment is at the mercy of corporate leadership and management, as well as the performance of the organization as a whole. Similarly, owning real estate paper subjects your investment to a myriad of government entities and regulations on the federal, state and local levels. You can\'t just plunk down your money for a tax certificate, for instance, and immediately begin doing whatever you\'d like with the subject property. The system doesn\'t work in that manner. </p>\r\n<p>Perhaps the most common ?or at least, the most well-known ?area of all paper real estate investments is that of purchasing tax deeds or certificates at real estate tax sales. Although many investors have certainly made substantial amounts of money in this field, as stated previously, it\'s <em>not</em> extremely easy, it\'s <em>not</em> risk-free, nor is it always a particularly quick way of turning a profit. But, of course, it can be done. Let\'s take a look at the basics of this method of real estate investing. </p>\r\n<p>To begin with, it\'s important to know that <strong>tax liens</strong> take precedence over all other liens, and governments at all levels (federal, state, and local) can and do seize and sell property for unpaid taxes. But there are rules and regulations that must be followed (lots and lots of them); and to make things even more fun, they\'re different in each state. For example, some states issue tax deeds, while others issue tax certificates when a property is seized and sold for back taxes. </p>\r\n<p>In states that provide <strong>tax deeds</strong> to the tax-lien buyer, the deeds are issued at the tax sale auction (although sometimes they\'re held unrecorded). Deeds either wholly or conditionally transfer title to the subject property from the tax-delinquent owner to the successful bidder. In cases where the portion of property taxes is not paid along with the monthly mortgage payment (a <em>PITI</em>, or principal-interest-taxes-insurance, payment), the successful bidder is most often the first-mortgage holder. Furthermore, federal statutes provide that if government-insured financing (an <em>FHA loan</em>, for example) is in place on a property that\'s sold at a tax sale, the government agency has one full year in which to redeem it. In other words, don\'t count on moving in or immediately selling such a property the day after you purchase it at the auction. </p>\r\n<p>In some states, after the tax deed has been issued, the successful bidder must then contend with the state\'s <em>statute of redemption</em>, which is a law that allows the delinquent owner to reclaim the property by paying all back taxes, expenses, and accrued interest within a specified period of time. In most states, all lien holders of record must be served notice, and they are also given the opportunity to redeem the property prior to the expiration of the redemption period. Once the deed is actually issued to the new owner, all prior liens are extinguished. </p>\r\n<p>In those states that issue certificates, forfeiture of property for tax delinquency does <em>not</em> convey ownership to the subject property. Instead, a <strong>tax-lien certificate</strong> creates a first-priority lien on the property with the right of <em>foreclosure</em> ?again, subject to the state\'s statutory right of redemption. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>The buyer of the certificate pays the outstanding tax and other expenses. He or she must then wait through the redemption period. In order to redeem the property during that time, the delinquent owner must pay the certificate holder the full amount that was paid for the tax certificate, along with interest and sometimes expenses and penalty fees. The interest rate on tax lien certificates is set by each municipality and is often quite high, typically in the range of 15- to 20 percent, and can sometimes be even higher. If the tax-delinquent owner or another party with a possible legal interest in the property (such as an ex-spouse, an heir or perhaps a contractor holding a mechanic\'s lien) does not redeem the tax certificate within the allotted time, the certificate holder must then initiate foreclosure proceedings. These proceedings are the means by which title will actually convey to the certificate holder. </p>\r\n<p>However, even when foreclosure proceedings are complete, there still may be claims against the property or other problems in getting clear and marketable title. If this occurs, the investor must go to court for a <em>&quot;quiet title&quot; action</em> (which is a court procedure to establish ownership of real property when it\'s under dispute). If the court\'s decision favors the certificate holder, then he or she will receive clear title to the property; if it rules differently, he or she will lose the real estate and all money that\'s been invested in it. </p>\r\n<p>Many people who invest in tax certificates have absolutely no plans to take over ownership of their subject properties. They buy the certificates to take advantage of their high interest rates, with the full expectation that the delinquent owners will redeem them. However, tax certificate holders do face the risk of time and money that would be required to refurbish and resell the property if the owner does not redeem it. But many investors don\'t look at that as much of a risk considering the very high profit potential in a property bought for no more than the amount of the unpaid taxes.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('200','33','The process of buying a new home can be tricky but this needn\'t always be the case. <br />Firstly you will need to work out how much you can afford to spend on a potential property.<br />You will need to look into how big a mortgage you can afford whilst still retaining some financial comfort. Any savings you can offset against this will help greatly. <br /><br />Remember to factor in costs such as; valuation, surveys, land registry fees and any mortgage and solicitors fee\'s you may incur. <br /><br />Here are 4 factors to consider when beginning your search for the perfect property. <br /><br /><strong>1. Which search method to choose?</strong><br /><br />The property market to some can be a minefield; there are many search options for you to choose from and a vast array of property for you to peruse. <br /><br />The traditional methods include trawling through the property pages of your local newspapers and utilising local or national estate agents to find property in your prospective search area. You could have a look around estates in an area you are considering to spot houses for sale and contact the estate agent they are using. Of course this all takes time and these day\'s you have the internet on your side. Many private vendors now <a href=\"http://www.diypropertyshop.co.uk/\">sell property online</a> effectively cutting out the middleman and saving large amounts of money traditionally paid to the estate agent.<br /><br />There are many online property shops which allow private vendors to <a href=\"http://www.diypropertyshop.co.uk/\">sell property privately </a>for relatively tiny listing fees (especially when compared to estate agents fees).<br /><br />Once you\'ve decided on your search method or perhaps a combination, you can start your search for your dream property. <br /><br /><strong>2. Deciding on a property</strong><br /><br />Now you\'ve sorted out your finances, have a figure in mind and decided on a search method you are ready to begin viewing some property. Before you do you will need to decide what type of property you are looking for. Do you have dreams of buying a renovation project and building it into the house of your dreams or would you simply like to move into a modern house where putting your stamp on it involves merely a few pot\'s of paint and some selective furnishings?<br /><br />You should be aware that the majority of property on the market will fall into three distinct categories; freehold, leasehold and common hold. Taking the first of the three, freehold; this is a property whereby you will own outright the property and its grounds. With leasehold properties you may have to pay a ground rent as the land on which the property was built does not come in the property deeds. Lastly we have common hold, a typical example of this type of property would be a flat that itself is freehold but comes with shared access or ownership of common parts of the building. <br /><br /><strong>3. The offer</strong><br /><br />After you have viewed several properties and made a decision on one you may now wish to make an offer. You may want to offer the asking price or you may prefer to go in lower if you feel the property does not justify it\'s asking price or the market is weak enough to warrant this. Generally it is best to offer the price you think the market in that area demands for that type of house. You should compare other similar property in the same street if possible to get an idea of how much to offer. You should now contact the estate agent or seller to state your offer and await a decision. You may have to increase your offer several times to find a price both parties agree on.<br />It is important to remember you offer is not legally binding and will usually be subject to a survey.#p##e#<br />Once you have an offer accepted you should consider having a survey actioned as once you have completed the final purchase and taken delivery of the keys any repair work you find will be your responsibility. <br /><br /><strong>4. Contract exchange and completion</strong> <br /><br />Once you have agreed on a completion date with the seller and all checks have been carried out to your satisfaction you can ask your solicitor to draw up the final contract.<br />Once you have signed and exchanged this with the seller you are ready for completion.<br />I would advise that you ensure the seller has final meter readings taken and informs the utilities companies that you are the new owner to avoid any confusion over bills at a later date.<br /><br />You should consider at this point arranging some form of home insurance or buildings and contents cover if you have not already been asked to do so by your mortgage provider. (A mortgage provider can insist that you have building cover in place before they will release the funds to you.)<br /><br />On the day of completion the mortgage provider will release the funds to you and you can now transfer these into the seller\'s bank account. The deeds to the property should be handed over to your solicitor and the key\'s to yourself by an agreed time. And this is ultimately as far as I can guide you; all that remains is to wish you many happy years living in the house of your dreams.<br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('201','33','Along the Gulf of Mexico, hurricane season 2007 includes a welter of Tampa foreclosure homes awaiting new owners. Tampa, the third largest city in Florida, is part of a four county spread including St Petersburg and Clearwater, that is known as the Tampa Bay Area and houses more than 2.7 million residents. Hillsborough County alone listed over 1000 new foreclosure filings in July, 1 for every 486 households.<br /><br />Sellers in Tampa struggle to get interest in their properties, close to 20 months of housing inventory across the Bay area means buyers have never fared better in terms of negotiating power. There are still plenty of new construction units, and sellers less under pressure are pricing keenly. . Still, buyers are not much in evidence.<br /><br />The locals have become accustomed to foreclosure notices, notices of pending auction dates for auctions at the county courthouse, and foreclosure terminology. Neighbours, friends and family all know someone who has received a Lis Pendens, or notice of a pending lawsuit. The secret is out; home owners of all income brackets, in all neighborhoods across the Bay, may include those who are feeling the squeezing effect of readjusting mortgages. <br /><br />The general knowledge about foreclosure has increased, but few understand that now is the right time for buyers of foreclosures, when prices are believed to be nearing the bottom of the housing market decline, or how the best of discounts can be obtained by taking advantage of the impact Florida State Law has on the foreclosure timeline.<br /><br />Florida is a Mortgage state, foreclosure takes place through the courts, and the timeline average is 135 days to the sale date assuming no delays. This allows 4 months for a buyer to search listings and title, find the property with some equity or ability to yield equity through seeking discounts from lenders, and conclude the purchase with the best outcome for the seller<br /><br />Housing in Tampa Bay is still comparatively affordable in Florida terms. Expect foreclosure sales prices to reflect this attraction to a greater degree. Expect that the relatively inexperienced buyer of a foreclosure property in a good location, prepared to stay in his new home through the next 4 to 7 years, or to rent it out at attractive rates should he need to move earlier, will build a significant level of equity at the end of the period, as housing prices ride back up the other side of the cycle.<br /><br />Philip Smith is the writer of http://www.Foreclosurehomestampa.com. Your Source of <a href=\"http://www.foreclosurehomestampa.com/\">Tampa Foreclosure Homes</a> online.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('202','33','Let us look at the history of Davison County. For hundreds of years the location was a hunting route for Native Indians and later for Europeans. Before 1700 Sapona Indians lived on the banks of the Yadkin River that is now the western border of the county. The region was then settled by the Germans and the English. The settlers were attracted by the land, the forests and the streams. Davidson County as it is today was created from the Rowan County in 1822. It is named after the Revolutionary War general William Davidson. In the mid 1800a??s gold and silver were mined in the county. Originally the county had only two villages, Lexington and Clemmonsville. The settlement developed later. The 522 square mile county is now a modern and progressive society. You could easilt find and buy a luxury home at Davidson County, North Carolina.<br /><br />Davidson County has something for everybody. For those interested in art, there are art galleries. The Childress Vineyards is a good destination for those who like wines. There is a Richard Childress Racing museum for speed lovers. The region feature es the Boonea??s Cave Park, an ideal destination for a trek or for a picnic. There are two museums that depict the history of this region. The High Rock Lake is an excellent spot for water sports. There are many places to shop at. The region is known for its handcrafted furniture. And the best attraction fir foodies could be the Lexington type of barbeque.<br /><br />All these factors should have you feeling very comfortable while buying a luxury home at the Davidson County in the center of North Carolina. The county also has a few large employers for people in search of local jobs and good school and college facilities for those concerned with educational facilities for their children.<br /><br />When you look for a house in Davidson County, you might compare floor plans, photographs and prices available from the agents. You have the option of buying new home or of looking for a resale. There are many planned communities to choose from. Your luxury home could have a country club or a golf club kind of setting, according to your preferences.<br /><br />When you look for a luxury home, you will probably find a club neighborhood to be the right choice. A luxury home at Davidson County will have access to a golf course and to a pleasant social life. Other than security, the landscape is impressive. The locations have proximity to stores. Elders can go to the nearby church and schools for the kids are accessible. It also has safe playgrounds, swimming pools and, indoor and outdoor sports facilities.<br /><br />For the given price, a luxury home at the Davidson County, North Carolina is definitely a dream buy.<br /><br /><br />About Author: Planning to buy Luxury Homes in Davidson County, Winston Salem area, Lewisville, Clemmons, Buena Vista, Advance, Pfafftown, Rural Hall or either in Forsyth County, Davie County, Surry County, Stokes County or Rockingham County of North Carolina, contact Arshi Paul. You can reach Arshi at (336) 287 7193 or by visiting our website: <br /><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http://www.nc-homes-search.com/\">http://www.nc-homes-search.com/</a><br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('203','33','I know the mortgage loan business is in a state of flux right now (See my August 3 post to <a www.jalone.com=\"\" id59.html=\"\" href=\"a??\">Keep it Real in Sacramento,</a>a??Two years of changea??) but why would a once reliable lender drop the ball when dealing with clients. A lender I referred not only to Randi and Tony but to my sister and her husband has embarrassed me by all of a sudden stopped returning calls and emails. Leta??s face it if you are in the market for a loan these days and reading and hearing about lenders going out of business, loan programs vanishing and a host of other negatives about the mortgage loan industry the last thing you want is your contact and guide through the loan process to disappear. That is exactly what happened to Randi and Tony. <br /><br />During this time, the folks at Centex were pressuring Randi &amp; Tony to use their lender. Because they had been working with my recommended lender, leta??s call him Mr. Dufus, they felt a certain loyalty to him and wanted to confirm the loan he had suggested and make sure it would be available when they closed on the new home. After repeated attempts, they finally got back a long email with several paragraphs about the changes in the loan business and demise of American Home Mortgage. It boiled down to Randi and Tony having no confidence in Mr. Dufus and his ability to get their loan completed and maybe as important his availability to answer questions when they had them. <br /><br />Centex was offering a nice incentive to use their lender but Randi and Tony wanted to at least compare it to a loan they could get on their own. I called Vivian Lawrence who I have known for a few years and who had just started her new business, Vantage Lending. Within a couple of hours Vivian had found something new that looked good to Randi and Tony and by the next day they had a a??Good Faith Estimatea?? that outlined the loan program and was easily comparable to what the <br />Centex lender was providing. Although the final decision has not been made, it appears the incentive offered by Centex to use their lender is quickly recovered in the higher interest rate loan.<br /><br />This is a case where one experienced and usually reliable lender seems to have been frozen like a deer in the headlights because of the changes going on in the industry while another decides this is the right time to start her own business. To Vivian Lawrence at Vantage Lending, thank you to stepping up and helping me save my reputation with my clients. With this kind of service during a difficult time I know you will be successful. To you, Mr. Dufus, you have lost two loans and a great referral source. I hope you get the new world figured out before you lose more.<br /><br />Note: Vivian and her business are so new, I dona??t have any links to give you but if you are interested in contacting her you can reach her by <a href=\"a??Julie@jalone.com\">email.</a><br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('204','33','Standing at 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West is one of Torontoa??s true tributes to innovation, renovation, and high-class living, the Tip Top Loft condominium complex. The exclusive lofts that are part of this buildinga??s appeal are unique in several aspects in comparison to other Toronto condominiums; they are located right on Lake Ontario within local proximity to the Martin Goodman Waterfront Park and trail system, as well as all of the excitement that makes up the atmosphere of the Toronto waterfront. The building is within walking distance to Ontario Place and a quick ferry ride from Toronto Island. The condos themselves are also unique; two stories high on average, they are spacious and comfortable with a soft loft appeal.<br /><br />Therea??s no doubt that many aspects of the modern Tip Top Loft building are unique, but in fact the singularity of this complex stretches right to the very foundation of the building itself. The Tip Top Loft condo complex is not just a testament to the luxury of high class living, but also to the innovation and ingenuity that keep the city of Toronto in the limelight as one of the most cutting edge locations in North America. It is one of the historic buildings in the city that enjoys a long history and a place in the cultural and commercial history of the city.<br /><br />Residents of the Tip Top Loft complex can chalk up the incredible location, with its gorgeous view and easy access to all amenities, to the fact that the building itself was originally commercial in nature. It was constructed in 1929 by contracting company Bishop and Miller for the Tip Top Tailor clothing company, one of the largest mena??s clothing chains in Canada. Classified as an Art Deco building, the Tip Top structure was used both for office and warehouse purposes. At a time when highways and super freeways did not cross the landscape as it is today, access to the waters and ports of the Great Lakes was a huge commercial advantage, thus the location of the building proved to be invaluable.<br /><br />With the Great Depression, Tip Top Tailors and others fell on hard times, and were forced to downsize as well as to review company policy. The company was sold to Dylex, who were interested in the chain and its potential, rather then any of the buildings the chain owned. The result was a rejuvenation of the corporate side, but this did not extend to the real estate holdings, and buildings like the warehouse were allowed to degenerate.<br /><br />The move to conserve space, the appeal for the modern individual of a manageable living area, as well as skyrocketing real estate prices would all combine, bringing new life for the building, which was sold to Context Development Inc in 2002. The company renovated the historic structure into the high-end condominium building it is today, registering the complex in 2006.<br /><br />Today, these condos (including the additional three floors of two storey units) are some of the most in demand pieces of real estate in Toronto.<br /><br />Toronto is one of the world\'s most livable cities with a clean environment and a high standard of living, making <a href=\"http://www.findmeacondo.com/\">new condominium Toronto</a> prime real estate.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('205','33','<p>Let the madness begin all over again! Resale activity for the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is just starting to heat up. Most heard about the Hard Rock last year when the property shattered nearly every single real estate record in San Diego history. The Hard Rock sold all of their available suites in about 7 hours. Hundreds of persons who had put in a reservation to purchase had to be turned away. Making this even more shocking is the fact that this occurred at a time when the San Diego real estate market was in a downturn. </p>\r\n<p>This spoke volumes about the strength of the Hard Rock brand and the intelligence behind the condo hotel concept.</p>\r\n<p>Fortunately for many who got shut out last year, this amazing property is again available to the general public. The Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is ready for operation and the resale action is in full swing. A handful of the original purchasers who bought in the preconstruction phase are now making their suites available for purchase.</p>\r\n<p>The Hard Rock Hotel is San Diegoa??s only 4 star branded condo hotel. You can chill out in a cabana by the rooftop pool. Nosh on Asian fusion at Nobu. Skip the line into the newest of Rande Gerber\'s ultra lounges and bars. Sample LA\'s hottest gourmet yogurt at Pinkberry or choose Maryjane\'s for your favorite comfort foods. It\'s life behind the velvet ropes and you\'re invited.</p>\r\n<p>Other amenities include:</p>\r\n<p>1&middot; Landscaped rooftop pool deck<br />2&middot; Outdoor music venue that can accommodate up to 2000<br />3&middot; Intimate indoor music venue that can accommodate up to 800<br />4&middot; World-class, full service Rock Spa<br />5&middot; 40,000 sq ft. indoor and outdoor meeting space<br />6&middot; 9000 sq ft main event room that accommodates up to 1000 guests<br />7&middot; Fitness center</p>\r\n<p><br />Suites range from studios to Rock Star suites. The studios are luxurious and spacious and come with rock and roll artwork and a wet bar filled with the finest liquors. Ita??s the ultimate place to chill out, share a cocktail, and feel good about life. The rock star suites are on another level entirely. Some come with fireplaces and Jacuzzis. A handful of the Rock Star suites even come with outdoor patios that are larger than your average apartment. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>So, if you are interested in getting in on the VIP list and would like to consider purchasing at the hottest spot in town, you can now do so. One site that allows you to view all of the available suites is PremiumCondoHotels.com To take a look at whata??s currently available, check out: <a href=\"http://www.premiumcondohotels.com/pages/hard-rock-hotel-san-diego.php\">http://www.premiumcondohotels.com/pages/hard-rock-hotel-san-diego.php</a></p>\r\n<p>The properties will likely be snapped up quickly, considering that many people were not able to purchase in the preconstruction stage. And now that hundreds of guests will be spending the night and falling in love with the Hard Rock VIP experience, one can only imagine that the demand will grow even more.</p>\r\n<p><br />Todd Peterson is the President and founder of the popular real estate site, PremiumCondoHotels.com</p>\r\n<p>Visit <a href=\"http://www.PremiumCondoHotels.com\">http://www.PremiumCondoHotels.com</a> to learn more about the condo hotel industry.</p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('206','33','Vital and so valuable; those are the essentials offered up by foreclosure listings services. Yes, ita??s all a matter of public record and some drive-by research; maybe a photo or two and you could get it yourself. If you take that approach the best deals will go to the competition, and some of that competition will be both experienced and highly successful in sorting out the wheat from the chaff so to speak.<br /><br />What are those essentials you need to make an informed selection of foreclosure properties that are going to be worth your time to investigate seriously? Whether you are after a family home, or are a first time buyer of foreclosures for income generating purposes or a newcomer to this market as an investment, those essentials are the same. What stage of foreclosure is the property in, and depending on the particular stage in the process, whata??s the value of the liens recorded against that property, what date for the auction, and who is the seller.<br /><br />If the property that attracts you is in pre foreclosure then you are going to be trying to contact the borrower in default. That party could be a motivated seller, but there are many who have not yet come to grips with a possible sale as a way out of their financial problem. By knowing the total of the debt recorded against the property, some comparable prices for fit to resell, same neighborhood stuff, you can calculate whether the owner has equity or is under water. These are all factors in a pre foreclosure that help you determine your strategy and price for the offer. Knowing the date of the auction or sheriff sale gives you an idea of the time you may have to negotiate discounts with junior lien holders and create equity. Alternatively if you decide to bid at auction, you will focus on the time you have to inspect the home and raise your finance for the day or shortly after if your bid is successful. Red alert! Your listings service will alert you to State foreclosure laws about redemption rights. Knowing the auction date helps you be the first in with an all cash almost unconditional offer to the lender/owner when the property fails to sell above the upset price at the auction. <br /><br />Finally, if you are looking at listings that say the property is REO, then you know you are at the end of the process, the foreclosed property is being offered for sale from the lender or institutional inventories of repossessed property, some of which failed to sell at auction or shortly after. Many of the REO offerings require bid submission through a real estate agent, there may be pre set limits to price adjustments (and your agent may be close enough to the bank or lender to know those policies) and although the title is clear, you need to check out the a??as isa?? condition thoroughly.<br /><br />So much to see, so much to learn and more, and maybe time yet to take advantage of this buyera??s market. Well worth investing in a foreclosure listings service first.<br /><br />Philip Smith is the writer of http://www.foreclosurelistingsnationwide.com. Your Source of <a href=\"http://www.foreclosurelistingsnationwide.com/\">Foreclosure Listings</a> online.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('207','33','Condo hotels are one of the most exciting segments of the real estate market. It seems like every month, another big brand like Trump or Ritz Carlton is developing a new condo hotel in a major resort or urban destination.<br /><br />A condo hotel operates just like any hotel you might be familiar with. The only difference is that each room is individually owned. The paying hotel guest would have no idea that the hotel is a condo hotel. From appearances sake, there is no difference.<br /><br />As an owner, you take fee simple title. So, you own it outright. Just like you would own the home you currently reside in. The difference is that you would have a highly skilled management team overseeing your property and handling all aspects of the daily operation and rental. Condo hotels are designed for 100% hassle free ownership. <br /><br />Of course, as an owner of the condo hotel, your visit would likely entitle you to various benefits and first in line privileges not made available to the average guest. You would be entitled to a truly remarkable visit.<br /><br />Some have suggested that condo hotels are the best area of real estate to get involved with, short of commercial development. To back up this statement, they point to hard evidence that is readily available a?? historical appreciation comparisons. Ita??s not uncommon to find branded condo hotels appreciating at a greater rate than the traditional real estate in the same market.<br /><br />One of the few downsides to owning a condo hotel is that most are not meant for residency. A lot of condo hotels have usage restrictions that limit you to a couple of months of total usage throughout the year. With that said, most people do not buy condo hotels with the idea of residency in mind, so this restriction rarely affects any potential buyer.<br /><br /><br />Todd Peterson is the President and founder of the popular real estate site, PremiumCondoHotels.com<br /><br />Visit his website http://www.premiumcondohotels.com to see the latest condo hotel listings, pricing for suites, and photos of all the condo hotels in the world. You can also sign up for a Free Property Alert and be among the very first to be notified when a new condo hotel is announced.<br /><br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('208','33','Golfing in a specially-designed golf course is great, and taking delight of golfing in a course planned by Nicklaus Design is certainly greater. Just imagine the fun of playing golf in the courses designed by Nicklaus himself! Well, it will be an experience beyond description. And you can have such delight if you come to Polaris World. Each and every establishment of Polaris World has more than one golf course designed by Nicklaus.<br /><br />Spain intrigues visitors from all over Europe because of its climate, beaches, accommodations, villas and golf courses. But when once-neglected coastal villages gave way to luxurious tourist spots, the attraction of the country increased manifold. Besides the long sandy beaches, the country now boasts of accommodation that any lover of luxury living cannot pass by without giving a glance. And <strong>Polaris World</strong> has its share of property in most of the famous establishments in Spain. <br /><br />Throughout the year, a mild weather prevails over Spain, and the coastal areas particularly enjoy better weather condition. In winter, the temperature revolves round 18?o Celsius and in summer 30 Celsius?o. So, in summer it is never too hot, not is it too cold in winter. The fact that the sun shines more than 300 days in the year makes the country enjoyable enough. And living in specially-landscaped <strong>Polaris World</strong> in such an amazing climate is really an allurement hard to resist. <br /><br />If vacationing and living in this world of tranquillity and festivity is something to die for, then the prospect of investing in <a href=\"http://www.yourkeytospain.co.uk/developments/costa-calida/polaris-world.htm\">Polaris World</a> property is not less lucrative. The demand of property in these specially-designed places is ever-increasing. Hence, making an investment there comes with huge profit within a short time. There are agents to provide guidance on properties with high business potential. <br /><br /><strong>About The Author </strong>: Brittney Jackeline is a well known professional writer. She has won appreciation especially for good writing about Real Estate topic like <a href=\"http://www.yourkeytospain.co.uk\">Spanish Property</a>.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('209','33','When searching for a neighborhood that is just right for you, there are various aspects to consider like school, land, shopping, and of course, location. Balancing these aspects to make the right real estate decision takes some prioritization, and with the help of a real estate agent, you can sort through these things.<br /><br />As the old saying goes, the three most important facts for selecting the right neighborhood are location, location, location. So, what about location? It is indeed a very important fact in the selection of your new home because a really nice, attractive, affordable home in the wrong neighborhood can be an expensive formula for disaster for you. The selection process is a critical key step for success. Use your real estate agent and their resources. They can provide you a lot of very useful information as you evaluate your needs and match those needs with the various sections of the city and the homes available within these neighborhoods. <br /><br />So, how do you evaluate your needs? Begin by asking yourself some important questions about your current lifestyle and your future, desired living conditions. A summary of the answers to these questions will help you determine where you might want to live in this community and why. Remember, this is the time to decide what your criteria will be for evaluating and shopping for the right Neighborhood for you. Make a list, prioritize, and discuss this with your real estate agent.<br /><br />The following are some questions you may want to consider as you look at the neighborhood in general: Are schools important? Do you need to be near shopping centers? How close do you need to be to your place of work? Is public transit necessary? How much are the school and property taxes? What about resale value? What is the history of home values for this section of town? What are some of the projections for growth or new developments in the area? What kind of neighbors do you want to live near? What are the things that are most important for you? Once you have defined the criteria for selecting a neighborhood take the next step and look at the homes within the pre-selected areas. How do they fit with the home you want? <br /><br />To answer this question, you may first have to determine what style home will you enjoy? Is land important? Do you want a large lot or a very small yard? Is a pool important? What about landscaping? Do you want a single floor or multistory house? Are you only interested in a home or would you consider a condo? Once you determine the answer to this question set, then you must decide if the houses in the selected neighborhood match your preference for a home.<br /><br />As you can see, the selection of the right neighborhood involves a lot of careful thought and consideration of a wide variety of questions. Since good realtors are familiar with the different areas in the community, your real estate agent can be very helpful. They can supply you with information about taxes, values, future developments, history of home sales, school systems, and many other important data sets and facts. As we have discussed, there are many factors to consider when finding the right neighborhood. Careful consideration and planning will reap satisfaction and success in the selection of your future neighborhood.<br /><br />Located in central Texas <a href=\"http://www.escapesomewhere.com\">Austin Real Estate and Properties</a> works to provide their customers with honest and experienced advice. Their website allows clients to search the <a href=\"http://www.escapesomewhere.com/realestate_searchthemls.html\">Austin MLS</a> along with a <a href=\"http://www.escapesomewhere.com/real_estate_calculator.html\">Mortgage Calculator</a><br /><br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('210','34','<p>Every share of <strong>common stock</strong> represents a proportional ownership, or <em>equity</em>, in a company. If a company has only one share of common stock and an investor owns it, the investor owns the entire company and is entitled to one hundred percent of the company&rsquo;s profits. If a company has 100,000 shares of common stock and an investor owns one of them, then the investor owns 1/100,000th of the company, and as such, has an interest in 1/100,000th of the company&rsquo;s profits. </p>\r\n<p>Common stock has a number of advantages which make it a desirable investment vehicle, some of which are listed below: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>Common stock has the potential for delivering very large gains, unlike <em>bonds</em>, <em>Certificates of Deposit</em>, or some other alternatives. Annual returns-on-investment (ROIs) of over 100% have occurred on a somewhat regular basis. </li>\r\n    <li>The potential loss from stock purchased with cash is limited to the total amount of the initial investment. This is considerably better than that of some leveraged transactions, where the maximum loss can well exceed the total of the funds invested. </li>\r\n    <li>Stocks offer limited legal liability. Passive stockholders (those who take no active part in the running of the company) are protected against any liability stemming from the company&rsquo;s actions beyond their financial investment in the company. </li>\r\n    <li>Most stocks are very liquid; in other words, they can be bought and sold quickly at a fair price. </li>\r\n    <li>Although past performance is not a guarantee of future performance, stocks have historically offered very high returns in relation to other investments. </li>\r\n    <li>Stocks offer two ways for their owners to benefit, by <em>capital gains</em> and with <em>dividends</em>. As previously stated, each share of stock represents partial ownership in a company. If the company becomes more valuable, so will the ownership interest represented by each share of stock. This appreciation of the stock&rsquo;s value is known as a capital gain. In addition, if the company earns more profits than it needs to support its maintenance and growth, it may elect to distribute the excess to its owners, the shareholders. The periodic distributions of profits are called dividend payments. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>While there are numerous advantages, common stocks, like all investments, have some distinct disadvantages which investors must remain aware of: #p##e#</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>Since common stock represents ownership of a business, stockholders are the last to get paid, like all other owners. A company must first pay its employees, suppliers, creditors, maintain its facilities and pay its taxes. Any money left can then be distributed among its owners. </li>\r\n    <li>While shareholders are company owners, they do not enjoy all of the rights and privileges that the owners of privately held companies do. For example, they cannot normally walk in and demand to review in detail the company&rsquo;s books. </li>\r\n    <li>Investors in a company may not know all that there is to know about the company. This limited information can sometimes cause investment decision-making to be difficult. </li>\r\n    <li>Stock prices tend to be volatile. Prices can be erratic, rising and declining quickly. Such declines often cause investors to panic and sell, which actually only serves to lock in their losses. </li>\r\n    <li>Stock values can sometimes change for no apparent reason, which can be quite frustrating for the investor who is trying to anticipate the stock&rsquo;s behavior based on the actual performance of the company. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>In Part 2 of this series, we&rsquo;ll explore the various kinds of common stocks.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('211','34','<p>Most investors focus their attention on finding stocks that will go up in value. However, it&rsquo;s just as possible to make money from stocks whose values are declining. In order to profit from this circumstance, investors perform what&rsquo;s called &ldquo;<em>shorting</em>&rdquo; stock. Shorting a stock means to sell shares which an investor doesn&rsquo;t own, but has temporarily borrowed. </p>\r\n<p>The investor&rsquo;s hope is to borrow the shares of stock, sell them at a high price, wait for the price to fall, buy them back at the lower price, return the borrowed shares to their original owner, and pocket the profit. The profit, in this case, is the difference in price between when the investor &ldquo;sold high&rdquo; and then &ldquo;bought low&rdquo;. </p>\r\n<p>Let&rsquo;s take a look at an example. Investor Q believes that ABC, Inc.&rsquo;s <em>common stock</em>, which is selling at $60 per share, is overvalued. He therefore borrows one thousand shares of ABC from another investor who owns the stock. Q then sells the borrowed shares for $60 each. The borrowing of the shares is usually facilitated by the brokerage firm that the investor uses to execute the short sale. </p>\r\n<p>After selling the stock, its value falls to $40 per share. At this point Q repurchases the thousand shares, returns them to their original owner, and retains a profit of $20 per share, less the expenses of margin interest and transaction fees. </p>\r\n<p>Shorting stock must always be done in a <em>margin account</em> in order to protect the party who lends the shares. A margin account is a brokerage account in which the broker lends the account holder cash with which to buy securities. Because of investing with the use of leveraged money, possible gains and losses are substantially increased. In our example above, because investor Q is shorting one thousand shares of a $60 stock, he would have to deposit $30,000 into a margin account (fifty percent of the value of the shorted stock). When the shares are actually sold, the proceeds of $60,000 would bring the margin account&rsquo;s balance up to $90,000. This serves as collateral for the short sale by insuring that the party who shorts the stock, in this instance Q, has the funds available and ready to repurchase the shares so that they can be returned to their original owner. </p>\r\n<p>In a short sale, the investor loses if the price of the stock rises instead of falls. Going back to investor Q, if after he had sold the shares their price rose to $75, he would have suffered a loss of $15 per share (in this instance $15,000). Because there&rsquo;s no limit to how high the value of a stock can rise, shorting a stock is considered to be riskier than buying a stock. The most that an investor can lose by buying a stock is 100% of his or her investment (for instance, if the stock&rsquo;s value becomes completely worthless). However, if an investor shorts a stock and its value suddenly skyrockets, the loss suffered can be substantially more than the investor&rsquo;s original 100%.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('212','34','<p>we saw that stock represents an <em>equity</em> share, or ownership, in a company. We also discussed some of the advantages and disadvantages of owning <strong>common stock</strong>. Let&rsquo;s continue by looking at the various types of common stock that are available: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li><em>Blue chips</em> - Blue chips refers to the stock offerings of the country&rsquo;s largest and most prestigious companies. Due to their already large size and market share, these companies sometimes don&rsquo;t have the potential for further substantial internal growth. On the other hand, they won&rsquo;t be going out of business anytime soon. They are considered to be relatively low-risk, low-reward investments. They rarely have to raise additional capital, and they usually generate excess cash. As a result, blue chip companies generally pay dividends to their shareholders. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Utilities</em> - These are the stocks issued by power and water companies. They usually have limited competition, and as such, enjoy somewhat monopolistic conditions. For example, most homeowners have only one choice from which to purchase their power services. Because of these prevailing conditions, utilities are considered low-risk investments. They&rsquo;re also closely regulated with regard to the prices that they are allowed to charge for their services and the return which they are allowed to earn. Thus, they also offer a fairly low reward. But like blue chip companies, they are generally considered to be very stable and safe investments. Most utilities distribute a relatively high percentage of their earnings in the form of dividends. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Established growth</em> - These companies are large enough to be well-established and even well-known, but are small enough to still have the possibility of substantial future growth. They&rsquo;re usually currently profitable, but may need to raise additional capital to sustain their growth. The earnings that these companies generate are usually reinvested for further expansion and, as a result, they don&rsquo;t usually pay dividends to their shareholders. However, the shareholders do often reap benefits in the form of capital gains. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Emerging growth</em> - Emerging growth companies are relatively small and have the potential for substantial future growth. These companies will generally need to raise additional capital to support their growth and expansion. They, therefore, will not pay dividends. Many times they can offer very attractive returns but they also have additional risk. This can often be attributed to the fact that successful management of rapid corporate growth and its inherent risks can be very challenging and complicated, and many management teams may not quite be suited for the task. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Penny stocks</em> - These are by far the most speculative. They generally trade for less than $5 per share. These stocks represent ownership in companies which may still be in the research and development stage of their first product. They may also be offerings of companies that have suffered severe financial setbacks and are barely surviving. While almost always losing money, they carry a great deal of risk, and they tend to be very illiquid. There is generally a high failure rate among these companies. </li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('213','34','<p><strong>Stocks</strong> and <strong>bonds</strong> are two of the most common investment securities available. They, along with <em>mutual funds</em>, are generally considered to be staples of a well-diversified, solid investment portfolio. We will attempt in this article to focus on the basics of stocks and bonds. Let&rsquo;s begin with a look at bonds. </p>\r\n<p>A <strong>bond</strong> is actually an IOU, an acknowledgment by the issuer that money has been borrowed and is to be paid to the holder of the bond at a specified rate over a predetermined period of time. The price paid (or, the amount loaned) for a new bond is called the <em>face value</em> or <em>principal</em>; this amount is paid back at the end of the time period, also known as the <em>maturity date</em>. </p>\r\n<p>The interest that the bond pays is called the bond <em>yield</em>; it&rsquo;s expressed as a percentage of the bond&rsquo;s face value. For example, a $5,000 bond with an eight-percent yield would pay $400 in interest per year. The interest can be paid out in yearly payments, or <em>coupons</em>; bonds that do not pay out yearly but instead pay the principal and all accumulated interest at maturity are known as <em>zero-coupon bonds</em>. </p>\r\n<p>Federal governments, municipalities, and individual companies are all major bond issuers. Because bonds promise to pay back an investor&rsquo;s principal plus a fixed rate of interest, they are generally considered to be less risky than stocks, which could either grow at unpredictable rates or lose value. However, bonds are not totally risk-free, because the issuer could default on the loan if it is not able to make the payment at maturity. Only bonds issued by the U.S. government avoid this risk. </p>\r\n<p>A <strong>stock</strong> is a share of ownership, or <em>equity</em>, in a company. An investor who owns stock in a company is a part-owner of that company, along with all the other stockholders. As such, they have a claim on the company&rsquo;s assets, as well as voting rights in company matters. </p>\r\n<p>Unlike bonds, stocks do not guarantee a certain amount of return on investment; in fact, they guarantee no return at all. In other words, it&rsquo;s possible to lose all or part of the investment. A stock&rsquo;s <em>return-on-investment (ROI)</em> must therefore perform better in order to compensate for this greater risk to the investor&rsquo;s money. Stock ROIs come in two forms: dividends and capital gains. <em>Dividends</em> are payouts to stockholders from company profits. <em>Capital gains</em> accrue when the value of the stock increases above its purchase price, thereby increasing the value of the investment. </p>\r\n<p>Historically, stocks have outperformed bonds and all other investment vehicles over the long term. Since 1926, stocks have averaged a yearly rate of return of ten percent. No other investment has done this. While those returns are not guaranteed for the future, it&rsquo;s generally concluded that investing in a wide range of stocks (called <em>diversification</em>) over a long period of time should give similar results since the market can be expected to continue to perform as it has in the past.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('214','34','<p><strong>Convertibles</strong> are hybrid securities; in other words, they combine the characteristics of two different types of investment instruments. Hybrids are found in two basic forms: convertible bonds and convertible preferred stock. These bonds and preferred stock can be exchanged for (or, <em>converted</em> to) a specified number of the issuing company\'s <em>common stock</em> shares at the option of the convertible holder. There are also other less-common types of combination securities, such as payment in kinds (PIKs) and hybrid convertibles, to name a few. Each of these different types of securities has conversion options or relationships to other types of securities or assets. </p>\r\n<p><em>Convertible bonds</em> are long-term debt instruments that have many of the same features as regular <em>bonds</em>. They\'re generally issued with a face (or <em>par</em>) value of $1000 and come with a maturity date (assuming that the conversion is never exercised). Issuers may pay interest on the bonds semiannually or annually. Some issues also have call provisions, which the issuers often use to force the bondholders to convert the bonds. This is advantageous for the issuer because once the conversion is made the issuing firm no longer has to repay the debt. </p>\r\n<p>By issuing convertible bonds, companies can tap into additional credit markets more easily. Due to the conversion feature, companies can issue convertible bonds with lower <em>coupon rates</em> (the bond\'s stated rate of payable interest) than they could on regular bonds. Additionally, convertible bonds are usually subordinated to the issuing company\'s other outstanding debt issues. Investors are willing to accept lower rates and lower-quality debt in return for the possible appreciation of the issuing company\'s stock. In other words, investors are willing to sacrifice some current income for the possibility of future capital gains. Convertibles generally appeal to investors who may be somewhat nervous about investing directly in a company\'s common stock. This is because convertibles typically fall less in down markets than do stocks (however, they also rise less than stocks when markets are going up). </p>\r\n<p>To understand convertible securities, let\'s use this example: a corporation needing to raise capital decides that because the market price of its common stock is already low, it doesn\'t want to issue more shares. To raise the desired amount of cash, the company would have to issue many more shares of stock, which would dilute earnings further for their existing shareholders. Furthermore, a regular debt issue (normal bonds) would also be too costly because the company would have to offer a coupon rate competitive with existing comparable corporate debt issues. </p>\r\n<p>Instead, the company decides to use a $1,000 par value convertible bond issue that, because of the conversion feature, investors will accept at a lower coupon rate. In order to do this, the company must evaluate the current market price of its common stock to determine the number of shares that each bondholder will receive through a conversion. For instance, if the company\'s stock is currently trading at $14 per share, it may decide on a <em>conversion price</em> of $20 to make the bonds more appealing to investors. The <em>conversion ratio</em> ?the number of common shares received for each bond ?would therefore be 50 ($1,000 face value of the bond divided by $20 conversion price = 50 shares per bond). The convertible can be valued relative to the conversion value of the stock or as a straight bond. In reality, investors use both of these factors when evaluating the worth of a convertible security. </p>\r\n<p><em>Convertible preferred stock</em> is similar to convertible bonds. The holder of the convertible has the option to convert each share of <em>preferred stock</em> into a fixed number of shares of the issuing company\'s common stock. However, the conversion ratio for convertible preferred stock is typically small; it may even be as low as one for one. Unlike the interest payments of convertible bonds, dividends are paid only if the company\'s board of directors declares them. Although the number of convertible preferred stock issues has increased over the years, they\'re generally not as popular as convertible bonds. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p><em>Hybrid convertibles</em> are debentures of one company that are convertible into the common stock of another company. Companies that have accumulated a substantial number of shares of a different organization can issue hybrid convertibles as a way of raising capital. Investors purchasing such issues should not only perform their due diligence to ensure that the debt of the issuing company is attractive, but that the equity and potential gains of the convertible company are appealing, as well. </p>\r\n<p>Another type of combination security is the <em>payment in kind</em>, or <em>PIK</em>. In some respects, PIKs resemble zero-coupon securities in that interest (or dividends in the case of preferred stock PIKs) isn\'t paid out in cash to the investor in the early years. Instead, it\'s paid in the form of additional securities of the underlying issue. For bonds, interest paid is in the form of additional bonds; for preferred stock, dividends would be in the form of more preferred shares. </p>\r\n<p>PIKs tend to carry higher coupon rates to entice investors to buy. However, investors should examine the issuing company\'s financial status very carefully in order to determine the solidity of the organization and whether it\'s likely to still be solvent in future years. It must be remembered that with higher returns always come higher risks. </p>\r\n<p><em>SIRENs</em>, or <em>step-up income redeemable equity notes</em>, are convertible bonds that come with two coupons. The first coupon carries a below-market rate of interest. After a few years, the coupon increases to a higher rate that remains in effect until the bond\'s maturity. SIRENs have a convertible provision that allows holders to convert the notes into the issuer\'s common stock at a price determined by the issuer. This is known as the <em>conversion price</em>. As is characteristic with other convertibles, if the price of the common stock goes up, the holders stand make a profit. Conversely, if the stock goes down in value, holders of SIRENs are protected with a floor price on their notes, but they will nevertheless earn less than they would on a similar conventional bond.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('215','34','<p><strong>Municipal bonds</strong> are <em>debt obligations</em> of states, cities, and other public subdivisions. Most, but not all, of them pay interest that is exempt from federal income taxes. This interest is also often exempt from state and local taxes. A small proportion pays taxable interest or interest that is subject to the <em>alternative minimum tax (AMT)</em>. Municipal bonds can be purchased through nearly any brokerage company. Investment companies that hold portfolios of municipal funds can also enjoy the tax-exempt income that they provide. </p>\r\n<p>Municipal bonds are a favorite investment of individuals who are looking for ways to lower their tax bills. States, counties, and cities have met this demand by annually issuing tens of billions of dollars in new tax-exempt bonds which are used to finance road construction and maintenance, schools, bridges, hospitals, water systems, and numerous other projects. The tax changes that took effect in 1986 closed many tax loopholes but left municipal bonds as one of the few tax-friendly investments still available to individuals. </p>\r\n<p>Municipal bonds are virtually identical to <em>corporate bonds</em> issued by businesses and <em>government securities</em> issued by the U.S. Treasury. Each bond represents money borrowed by the issuer who pledges to repay the principal amount of the debt (also known as its <em>face value</em>, or <em>par value</em>) to the bondholder on the specified maturity date. In return for the use of the lender’s money, the issuer promises to pay the lender a specific amount of annual interest in equal semi-annual payments. The periodic interest that’s paid is determined by the bond’s principal amount and by the <em>coupon</em> interest rate. For example, a $5,000 face-value bond with an 8% coupon pays $200 in semi-annual interest, or $400 per year, as long as the bond remains outstanding. Interest payments stop on the day that the bond is redeemed and the principal amount returned to the bondholder. The interest payment dates and maturity date are both established at the time the bond is issued. </p>\r\n<p>Municipal bonds are almost always issued in $5,000 denominations, which means that they are bought and sold in $5,000 minimums and multiples of that. You can’t ordinarily invest as little as $1,000 or $2,000 directly in municipal bonds; however, you can acquire indirect ownership by purchasing shares of investment companies that hold them. </p>\r\n<p>Most municipal bonds pay interest that is not included in the bondholder’s taxable income. Tax exemption applies to federal income taxes and, usually, to state and local taxes as well. This is the reason that they remain such an attractive investment. The bondholder is required to list on IRS Form 1040 the amount of tax-exempt income that’s received, but this is for informational purposes only and does not affect his or her tax liability. </p>\r\n<p>The tax exemption of municipal bonds applies only to interest income and not to any <em>capital gains</em> that may be earned from selling the bonds at a higher price than was paid to buy them. Ownership can also result in capital losses if their value declines and they are sold for less than what was paid for them. Realized gains and losses in the value of municipal bonds are treated for tax purposes in the same manner as gains and losses in corporate bonds and <em>common stock</em>. </p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('216','34','<p>Investors who desire a higher rate of return than that offered by <em>Treasury securities</em>, and are willing to expose themselves to more risk in order to obtain it, often consider investing in <em>bonds</em> issued by <em>corporations</em>. While corporate bonds pay a higher interest rate than do government offerings, they also are inherently riskier instruments because they stand not on the faith of the federal government but upon the financial strength and integrity of the company that issues them. </p>\r\n<p>Why do companies choose to issue bonds instead of raising the capital that they need from other sources? There could be a number of reasons. Listed below are just a few possibilities: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>Bond buyers are often willing to lend companies money for longer periods of time than are banks. Most banks don\'t want to make business loans of longer than about five to seven years. Since banks generally borrow money from depositors for short periods of time, they don\'t want to re-lend it for longer periods. Companies, however, frequently want to borrow money for terms as long as 20 years and, therefore, have no alternative other than to issue bonds. </li>\r\n    <li>Companies often don\'t want to dilute the percentage ownership of their existing common stock by issuing additional shares. So instead, they issue debt in the form of bonds. </li>\r\n    <li>Sometimes the rate at which companies can borrow money in the bond market is the lowest-cost source of financing available. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>When a company elects to issue corporate bonds, it can either sell the bonds to the general population by way of <em>public offering</em>, or it can sell them to a limited number of banks, insurance companies, pension planners, and other institutional investors via <em>private placement</em>. </p>\r\n<p>In a public offering, the company (generally with the help of an investment bank) prepares a loan document known as a <em>bond indenture</em> that details the terms of the loan that it\'s seeking from investors. This document can be quite lengthy and complex (500-plus pages of legal jargon are not common). The bond indenture also explains any covenants (or promises) that the borrower makes to the lenders. These covenants fall into two general categories: affirmative and negative. <em>Affirmative covenants</em> are the promises that the company makes regarding things it will do. Typical affirmative covenants include promises concerning: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li><em>What it will do with the proceeds.</em> For example, will the company use the money to make acquisitions, build a new plant, or for working capital? The company is obligated to use the proceeds from the sale of bonds for whatever purpose it states it will use them for in the indenture. </li>\r\n    <li><em>The steps that it will take to protect investors.</em> For instance, the company may agree in its indenture to maintain a certain debt-to-equity ratio, to not pay dividends if the company\'s cash reserves drop below a certain level, etc. (It\'s clear to see that the interests of bondholders and stockholders are often opposed. Shareholders typically want to pull money out of their companies, while bondholders want money to stay in the company to secure their debt.) #p##e#</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Typical <em>negative covenants</em> include the following types of promises: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li><em>The company will not issue additional bonds that are more senior to the debt.</em> Most lenders want guarantees that if they lend the company money by buying its bonds, the company won\'t follow suit by issuing new bonds or obtaining bank financing that\'s senior to their bonds. </li>\r\n    <li><em>The company will not to change its corporate structure or state of incorporation.</em> State laws vary widely with regard to the level of protection afforded lenders; therefore, bondholders often insist upon protection against the possibility of a company changing its state of incorporation. </li>\r\n    <li><em>The company won\'t dispose of any significant assets.</em> Lenders want companies to agree not to sell assets, because of the possibility that the sale proceeds could be misspent instead of acting as security for their loans. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Generally speaking, most investors lack the time and expertise required to read and understand all the provisions of the indenture, much less monitor whether the company adheres to its various covenants. They instead tend to rely upon the opinions of bond experts when determining which offerings have more attractive terms than others. </p>\r\n<p>To monitor whether the company adheres to its covenants on an ongoing basis, each public offering is assigned a <em>corporate trustee</em>, which is often a commercial bank. Bondholders can have legal recourse against the trustee if it fails to notice a violation of a loan covenant that consequently causes a bondholder loss.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('217','34','Part 2: Understanding Bond Yields and Interest\r\n<p>In Part 1 of <em>Trading in the Fixed Income Market</em> we discussed the market valuation of bonds. However, the first thing that investors usually want to know when considering buying a bond is actually the amount of return that can be expected. In other words, &ldquo;What does the bond <em>yield</em>?&rdquo; Unfortunately, this isn&rsquo;t quite as simple a question to answer as it may first seem, because a bond has a minimum of two yields: its current yield and its yield to maturity (YTM). In order to illustrate these two yields, let&rsquo;s examine an 8% $1,000 bond with a time to maturity of 10 years. </p>\r\n<p>The bond&rsquo;s <em>current yield</em> is calculated by dividing the annual interest that the bond pays by the bond&rsquo;s current price. (Interest: 8% annually of $1,000 = $80.) If, for example, the bond was currently selling for either a <em>discount</em> of 91 or a <em>premium</em> of 114 (91 points x $10 and 114 points x $10; which would be $910 and $1,140; respectively) the current yield would be respectively: </p>\r\n<center>$80 / $910 = .0879 = 8.79%<br />$80 / $1,140 = .0702 = 7.02%</center>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, a bond&rsquo;s current yield doesn&rsquo;t take into account the fact that when the bond matures it will return its <em>face value</em> (in our example above, $1,000) to its investor, regardless of the price that the investor paid for it. If the bond was purchased for $910 and held until its maturity, the investor would not only earn $80 per year in interest, but would also receive a gain of $90 over the ten-year holding period ($1,000 received at maturity minus the $910 purchase cost). Likewise, if purchased for $1,140, the investor would lose $140 over the ten-year period. </p>\r\n<p>The yield measure which takes into account the effect of gain or loss over the investment period until bond maturity as well as the interest the investor receives along the way is known as the <em>yield to maturity</em>. Intuitively, a bond purchased at a discount to its par, or face, value will have a YTM which is higher than its current yield. A bond bought at a premium to its par value will have a YTM that&rsquo;s lower than its <em>coupon</em> yield. Taking again our bond from the example above the YTM would be: <br /><br />9.41% if the bond was purchased for $910<br />6.11% if it were purchased for $1,140#p##e#</p>\r\n<p>Investors normally make decisions about which bonds to invest in based on their YTMs. Because the YTM is a complex calculation which involves trail and error, it&rsquo;s usually accomplished with the help of a programmable business calculator. </p>\r\n<p>Bonds pay interest in <em>arrears</em>; in other words, they pay interest only after it&rsquo;s earned. If our $1,000 bond pays interest in March and September, the March interest payment would compensate the investor for lending the issuer money from the previous September until March. The September interest payment compensates the investor for the loan of the money from the previous March until September. </p>\r\n<p>Even though bonds pay interest only in arrears, the investors who own bonds earn interest for each day that they own them. When bonds are traded, the seller of the bond is entitled to receive any interest which has been earned but hasn&rsquo;t yet been received. Going back to our bond which pays in March and September, if the owner sold this bond in June, he or she would be entitled to receive the interest earned from March (when the last interest payment was made) until the day that the bond was sold. This interest -- which has been earned to date but not yet received -- is known as <em>accrued interest</em>.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('218','34','<p>Despite the fact that <em>stocks</em> have historically outperformed <em>bonds</em> over long periods of time, the savvy investor should still consider bonds as part of a well-rounded portfolio. Comparing the characteristics of the two will show why. </p>\r\n<p>Common stocks represent ownership in a corporation; whereas bonds are literally IOUs, thereby making bondholders creditors of the company. Stockholders, as owners of the corporation, have a claim to income and assets and are entitled to voting rights. However, with regard to income and assets, common stockholders stand last in line in their right to share. Shareholders are only entitled to receive dividends after the bondholders and preferred stockholders have been paid. Similarly, in bankruptcy, the claims of bondholders ?as creditors -- are settled first, and common stockholders are last for the collection of any remaining proceeds from the liquidation of assets. </p>\r\n<p>Bonds have a maturity date, at which time the instrument is paid back at par (face) value, which is typically $1000 per bond. The longer a bond\'s maturity, the greater its risk to the investor. Thirty-year <em>corporate bonds</em>, for example, are riskier than 30-year <em>U.S. Treasury bonds</em> because the interest and principal payments for the T-bonds are backed by the U.S. Government. Anything could happen within a 30-year period to force a corporation into bankruptcy before their bonds can be redeemed. However, in the event of a default, the corporate bondholder still has a priority claim over the common stockholder, and the bondholders\' claims would have to be paid before any proceeds are paid to the stockholders. </p>\r\n<p>Going further, investors in common stocks aren\'t guaranteed dividends. Dividends on common stock are declared at the discretion of the company\'s board of directors. If corporate earnings decline or the board decides to use the money for other purposes, dividends may be reduced or not paid at all. Bond investors, on the other hand, can generally count on a steady stream of interest income. Thus, investors who cannot tolerate a reduction or termination of current income should be wary of all but the most stable common stocks. </p>\r\n<p>Historically, investors have been greatly attracted to common stocks for their ability to provide <em>capital growth</em> (which is an increase in the selling price of an asset over its purchase price) over long periods of time. Bonds, too, offer the potential for capital appreciation; however, investors usually buy bonds primarily for current income. </p>\r\n<p>Also, due to the higher volatility of stocks over bonds, the prudent investor might not want to be overly-committed to stocks. During the seventy years since 1926, stocks have been roughly three times more volatile than bonds. And as an added advantage, those in high tax brackets may be able to reduce their federal, state, and local taxes by investing in municipal and government bonds. </p>\r\n<p>Investing in the stock market does offer the potential for the long-term growth of a portfolio. Investors who have the luxury of a long time horizon (five- to ten years or more) and don\'t need the income from their investments may be well-served with good stocks. Investing in the bond markets provides for current income. These investments are more suitable for those individuals who are risk-averse or have shorter time horizons before the need of their money.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('219','34','<p>A stock\'s <strong>beta</strong> is a comparative measure of how the stock performs relative to the market as a whole. The basic premise is that a rising market generally tends to boost most stock values with it, while a falling market is apt to lower them. The beta is a calculated method of determining just how close the correlation between the two is. </p>\r\n<p>To begin with, the market itself has been assigned a beta value of 1; in other words, its movement is exactly equal to itself (a 1:1 ratio). <em>Stocks</em> may have a beta value of less than, equal to, or greater than one. For example, if a stock has a beta of more than one ?1.5, for instance ?it indicates that when the market moves up or down, that stock is also likely to move up or down, but at a rate of 50 percent more than the market. Let\'s assume for a moment that the stock market rose 20 percent last year; the stock with a beta of 1.5 would have increased its value by about 30 percent, or approximately 50 percent more than the market\'s 20 percent rise. Similarly, if the market had fallen 10 percent instead of rising, that same stock would likely have fallen about 15 percent in value (note that this is still 50 percent more than the value of the market\'s movement). </p>\r\n<p>Now let\'s examine a stock that has a beta of less than 1: this stock can be expected to fluctuate <em>less</em> than the market as a whole. For instance, if a stock has a beta of 0.75, it will react 25 percent less strongly than the average ups and downs of the market. Using our 20 percent market-rise example again, the stock with a beta of 0.75 would rise in value by around 15 percent (or three-quarters of the market\'s rise). Again, if the market instead had fallen by 10 percent, the same stock would probably have fallen about 7.5 percent (three-quarters of the market\'s movement). Additionally, stocks can also have a negative beta; such securities would tend to move in the opposite direction of the market. </p>\r\n<p>In general, securities that possess high betas are good to have when the market is rising; unfortunately, they can wreak havoc on a portfolio when the market is moving in the other direction. Conversely, betas of less than 1 are better in falling markets; they tend to not drop in value as severely (but neither do they gain as much in good markets). </p>\r\n<p>However, if conventional wisdom holds that if, over time, stocks of good companies do well and stocks of bad organizations perform poorly, why should the beta matter at all? The answer is because many experts are of the opinion that the entire market dictates approximately 70 percent of an individual stock\'s movement whether up or down, while the company\'s actual performance accounts for the remaining 30 percent. Therefore, if an investor is evaluating a given stock for his or her portfolio and wants to gauge its potential volatility in relation to the market as a whole, understanding the beta is invaluable.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('220','34','<p>If you\'ve read the article <em>Dividends and Dividend Investing</em>, you probably agree that the process seems to make good sense. But as is the case with so many investment instruments, you\'re may also be wondering what to do if you\'re just starting out and don\'t have a huge chunk of money, or you\'ve been saving for years but still don\'t have the $50,000 to $100,000 that\'s generally recommended to open a brokerage account for a diversified portfolio of individual <em>stocks</em>. After all, everyone has to <em>begin</em> somewhere. How can you grow your wealth without already having considerable wealth to get you started? </p>\r\n<p>Fortunately, there is a way to put the power of dividends to use while you\'re just getting started on building your nest egg. Most corporations that pay cash dividends offer some form of <strong>dividend reinvestment plan</strong>, or <strong>DRIP</strong>. These plans allow current shareholders to reinvest their dividends directly with the company in order to buy additional shares of stock. Many companies also offer direct share purchase plans, which allow investors who aren\'t yet shareholders to buy stock directly from the company so that they also can begin taking advantage of the reinvestment plan. A DRIP\'s features and services can vary with its issuing company. You should therefore read the disclosure information before investing in any particular plan. The disclosure should detail all necessary information, such as how to enroll, the number of shares needed to open an account, how to sell shares, and any fees or charges that may apply. </p>\r\n<p>DRIPs came into being in the 1960s and have been gaining popularity with investors since then. But they\'re also quite popular with the companies that offer them, as well. By issuing new shares of stock, a company can raise capital from investors who are joining the plan. And because the company can pay the plan\'s participants their dividends in the form of newly-issued stock rather than cash, the plan can also help to conserve the organization\'s liquid assets. </p>\r\n<p>One of the main advantages that DRIPs provide to investors is their affordability. Some plans allow an initial investment of as little as the cost of a single share of stock. After enrollment, the investment can be increased with small deposits and even purchases of fractions of shares; and because purchases are made directly through the plan, brokerage fees are eliminated. Some companies also offer a discount on the shares purchased with reinvested dividends. While some brokerage firms may too allow shareholders to reinvest their dividends at no cost, they will charge commission fees for the purchase of any shares bought in excess of the dividend being reinvested, as well as the initial shares that were purchased. </p>\r\n<p>Dividend reinvestment plans are a very effective way to introduce the discipline of a <em>systematic savings</em> and investment program to your <em>budget</em>. Many plans facilitate this by encouraging you to schedule automatic deductions from your checking or savings account. However, even without adding additional cash to the plan, reinvesting your dividends each quarter will still provide you into the two most important benefits of saving systematically: <em>the magic of compounding</em> and <em>dollar cost averaging</em>.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('221','34','<p>Why do so many investors choose to risk their money in the stock market? There are many other investment vehicles out there, including real estate, precious metals, rare artwork and the like, all vying for every investment dollar. But investing in stocks offers a number of advantages. Among them are the relatively low commission costs; the ease with which they can be safeguarded; the <em>transparency</em> of the market (meaning that market prices can quickly and readily be determined); the speed at which securities can be bought and sold; and, most certainly, their track record. Over the long term, investing in stocks has proven to be an excellent way to outpace inflation. Additionally, stocks can pay in two different ways. </p>\r\n<p>Many <em>common stocks</em> and all <em>preferred stocks</em> pay <em>dividends</em>. Most declare the dividend to be paid annually, but actually make their distributions on a quarterly basis. The amount and timing of dividend payments are at the discretion of the corporation\'s board of directors. Most profitable corporations share their profits with their investors by paying them a cash dividend. However, there is no law that states that a company must pay a dividend on its common shares, even if the company is profitable. Dividends on common stock are flexible, but companies generally attempt to maintain a fairly even flow of them, increasing the dividend when the company enjoys a growth in net earnings and reducing them in leaner times. </p>\r\n<p>Stocks that pay out a fairly generous dividend are known as <em>income stocks</em>. These are generally popular with individuals or institutions that are satisfied with the stock\'s rate of return in and of itself, particularly if it exceeds the return currently offered by savings accounts or <em>Certificates of Deposit</em>. Yet, while the receipt of income is important to many investors and sometimes the only reason for purchasing a stock, others hope to acquire an additional return in the form of capital gains. </p>\r\n<p>When a stock is purchased at a given price, then subsequently sold at a higher price, the resulting profit is known as a <em>capital gain</em>. Companies that are expected to grow over time are known as <em>growth stocks</em>. Many growth stocks pay out very little in dividends or none at all. Investors often buy such stocks with the anticipation that their per-share value will increase over time as the company prospers. When stocks that have been held for more than a year are sold at profit, the profit is known as long-term capital gains. Profits realized from the sale of securities that were held for one year or less are called short-term capital gains. A capital gain will also result from a <em>short sale</em> that occurs when a security is first sold and subsequently purchased (or covered) at a lower price. </p>\r\n<p>While certain stocks are definite dividend-payers with little chance for growth in share price (known as <em>cash cows</em>), and others offer small dividend potential but a good chance for capital gains (venture capital or start-up companies, for example), many stocks &ndash; perhaps even most -- offer possible profits through a combination of both dividends and capital gains. Most well-rounded portfolios have a balance between income producers and stocks with capital gains potential. Ultimately, that\'s why stocks are purchased: for solid returns through sound investment.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('222','34','<p>It\'s a fairly straightforward connection to make that <em>stock</em> prices are somehow related to a company\'s earnings. But exactly what makes stock prices move, and how? It\'s important to understand the answers to these questions so that you can develop a reliable <em>investment strategy</em>. The fact is that a stock\'s price rises or falls based on changes in the <em>market\'s perception</em> of the stock\'s future earnings and the <em>confidence</em> (or lack thereof) investors have that those earnings will be achieved. If stock prices reacted solely based on a company\'s meeting or missing its earnings goals, then a company that missed its goal or estimate for its <em>earnings per share (EPS)</em> by just one penny, for example, should see its stock price go down by roughly the same percentage amount. For instance, let\'s say that ABC Corporation was expected to make 12 cents per share in the second quarter, but only made a profit of 11 cents; it missed the estimates by about 8 percent. Consequently, it would be reasonable to expect the company\'s stock price to drop by about the same amount ?8 percent. But in the real world, the actual occurrences are often dramatically different. </p>\r\n<p>A company that misses its estimates by a penny can see its stock price drop by 30-, 40-, or even 50 percent or more. Why such a drastic decline? Because of fear among investors that the current quarter\'s lower earnings may be an indication of bad things to come for the company; for instance, the company\'s targeted earnings growth may not be achievable. In other words, investors may fear that what the company had anticipated as a 20 percent growth rate for the next few years may turn out to be only 10 or 15 percent. This perception, whether rational or not, lowers investors\' <em>confidence</em> in the company\'s future earnings potential, and this lowered confidence is often reflected in remarkable drops in the price of the stock. </p>\r\n<p>If you think that a 30- to 50 percent drop in stock price is a rather stiff penalty to pay for a company that missed its earnings goal by only one penny in one quarter, you must keep in mind that the size of the drop is relative to the change in expectations of future company growth. If the fear is that a company\'s growth rate is slowing from 20 percent to 10 percent ?in effect, decreasing by one-half ?then you can see that it\'s not unreasonable to expect a drop of 50 percent or even more in the company\'s stock price. </p>\r\n<p>So, current earnings are only the most visible piece of the market\'s valuation of a stock. The two major cornerstones are the market\'s perception of future earnings and investors\' confidence that those earnings will be achieved. <em>Market perception</em> is influenced by many factors. A favorable research report with high projected earnings can make the market take notice of a company. The release of a new product or the arrival of a new and aggressive management team can also gain the market\'s attention. All of these events would be perceived as fueling future earnings, and this perception would be reflected in the company\'s <em>price-to-earnings (P/E)</em> ratio. Price-to-earnings is the company\'s stock price divided by its most recent earnings; literally, the P/E is what the market has agreed to pay for the company\'s future earnings, which is based on the market\'s perception of what those earnings will be. However, those perceptions of a company\'s potential can quickly change, resulting in a dramatic effect on the price of its stock. When a company fails to meet the market\'s expectations, the drop in stock price can be crushing. </p>\r\n<p>Although market perception can change radically and quickly, the change in stock price often takes place over time as a wave of knowledge moves through the market. At first, the knowledge or concern is limited to a few people, such as analysts who follow the stock closely and favored investors. The wave then spreads as the information becomes more public. Eventually, clients further down the pecking order are informed by their brokers. The revised estimates then hit the media, at which time the general public becomes aware of the \'new\' information. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>The first sign that the revised information has become public may be a sharp drop in the stock\'s price. In fact, the stock might gap up or down, opening 10- to 20 percent higher or lower than it closed the day before. But it may take several weeks or months for the full effect of the change in market perception to be reflected in the price of the stock. One reason for this delay is that institutional investors take a long time to build (or sell off) a position in a stock because of the size of their holdings. So even though the wave of knowledge began with that first nugget of information, the change in market perception won\'t be complete until the institutions have opened or closed their positions. </p>\r\n<p><em>Investor confidence</em> is the other crucial factor in the structure of stock valuation. To maintain a stock\'s valuation, confidence that future earnings will actually occur is just as important as the market\'s perception that the EPS growth rate will be high. It should be obvious that an investor would be willing to pay more for a stock that he or she is confident will continue to grow at a rate of 20 percent than one in which such certainty didn\'t exist. </p>\r\n<p>Confidence is based on a company\'s past performance, and it usually doesn\'t come or go quickly. Once a company has a history of consistently meeting or exceeding its earnings projections quarter after quarter, investors become confident that it will continue to do so. For instance, if a company has grown at a rate of 20 percent per year for a number of years, it becomes easy to believe that it\'ll continue to do so if that\'s what the analysts are projecting. A strong earnings history provides confidence in the projected future earnings. This confidence in the company\'s future earning ability is reflected in a higher P/E; in other words, a higher stock price compared with current earnings. </p>\r\n<p>The combination of market perception and investor confidence in the future earnings growth of a company is what drives stock prices and thus P/E ratios. Changes in either or both create a change in the price of the company\'s stock, whether up or down. </p>\r\n<p>For a discussion of some of the events that can influence investor outlooks, please read the article <em>How Events affect Perception and Investor Confidence</em>.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('223','35','Contemplation about your death is never pleasant, but doing the wise thing by foreseeing the possible circumstances of your demise and impact on your family is an honorable act. A last will is a document/form that will ensure your wishes are upheld upon your death.<br /><br />The most important reason why you probably want to make a perfect last will and testament is because you want your loved ones to inherit your precious wealth. You can also use a last will to determine whom the legal guardian(s) for your children will be. A tax efficient last will can help ensure your wealth is mainly transferred to your loved ones by allowing you to name an executor of your will. The executor will ensure the application of the will.<br /><br />There are a few basic things you should consider while making your will. Make your will at a young age before your so old or become so senile that it could be argued you were too mentally incompetent to execute your last will and testament. Also, remember to always date your last will since a newer last will always cancels out the older last will and testament. Finally, its best to keep your last will as simple, precise, and as easy to read/understand as possible.<br /><br />Whomever the will is for (the &quot;testator&quot;) must sign their last will and testament in the company of at least two witnesses who are not beneficiaries of the will and can attest to it. Each page of the last will and testament must be signed by the testator, numbered, and dated accordingly (any corrections must be countersigned). <br /><br />It is best to keep the will in a safe place you and the beneficiaries know about; typically this is a bank vault. Any signed copies can be held by an advocate. Codicils can be attached to it and read out to make changes in the will. Although, if there are too many changes it\'s best just to write a new will.<br /><br />The main contents of the will are:<br />1) Name and home address<br />2) Short descriptions of your assets<br />3) An alternative beneficiary in case the first one becomes deceased before you.<br />4) Gifts to people<br />5) If desired, the cancellation of debts<br />6) Name of the executor to manage your estate<br />7) Name of the guardian to look after your minor child(ren).<br />8) Your signature<br />9) And, the two witnesses signature\'s#p##e#<br /><br />Appointing a guardian is important if you have minor children. If you do not appoint a guardian the state will appoint one for you and this can mean CPS (Child Protective Services) in some cases. The guardian for the minor must be over 18 years of age. The guardian must also be previously consulted about your decision to appoint him/her as the guardian.<br /><br />An executor\'s job is to pay off taxmen, creditors, cancel credit cards, subscriptions and distributes the testator\'s assets according to his/her will. The executor can be a spouse, a friend of yours, a family member, a trust company, or a lawyer.<br /><br />You could start getting ready to write your will today by taking an inventory of your assets, and who receives them. Consider your family\'s future liabilities in the case of death, and decide for yourself if you want to do the honorable act.<br /><br />This article has been brought to you by Legal Forms Bank .Biz, a leading provider of <a href=\"http://www.legalformsbank.biz\">legal forms online</a>. Download your state\'s specific do it yourself <a href=\"http://www.legalformsbank.biz/will.asp\">Last Will and Testament</a> form and/or <a href=\"http://www.legalformsbank.biz/promissory.asp\">promissory note form</a> online today.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('224','35','<p>There are four ways to transfer property at the death of the owner. Only one is through probate. The other three are the result of an arrangement or disposition made by the deceased during his lifetime but designed to cause a transfer upon his or her death. These transfer methods include: (1) contractual arrangements, such as <em>life insurance</em>, where the promise of the other party to the contract involves a payment or transfer to beneficiaries designated by the deceased upon his or her death; (2) joint ownership, where upon the death of one of the joint-owners the jointly held properly passes to the other; and (3) living trusts. </p>\r\n<p><strong>1. Contractual Arrangements</strong> </p>\r\n<p>Contractual arrangements that can avoid probate include life insurance policies and company benefit plans, although the average person tends to overlook these items as possible probate-avoidance vehicles. When you pay insurance premiums, for instance, you\'re transferring funds to the life insurance company and the company agrees to pay the death proceeds to your named beneficiary. Meanwhile, assuming that you retain ownership of the policy, you can have access to it\'s cash value (if it\'s a <em>whole life</em> policy) during your lifetime, and upon your death the proceeds are paid directly to your beneficiary without the need for the probate process. There is, in effect, a legal contract between you and the insurance company, so no court or other outside party needs to be involved to authorize payment of the proceeds to the person named (unless you name your estate as the beneficiary). </p>\r\n<p>Generally speaking, there are four reasons that you would name your estate as beneficiary of your life insurance policies: to make the proceeds available to contestants of the will and creditors of your estate; to increase the probate costs and attorney fees; to be sure that there will be a substantial delay before your beneficiaries receive any money; and to ensure that the proceeds will be subject to estate or inheritance taxes. In other words, there are no good reasons that you should name your estate as the beneficiary of your life insurance policies. </p>\r\n<p>Another example of a contractual arrangement that avoids probate would be certain company benefits that are paid after the employee s death, under an agreement or contract between the employee and the employer. For instance, a contract might provide that upon the employee\'s death his (or her) spouse will receive $20,000 per year for five years. These amounts are paid directly to the spouse (or other named beneficiary) and do not pass through probate, since there was a contractual agreement to pay them to a specific person or persons after death of the employee. </p>\r\n<p><strong>2. Joint Ownership</strong> </p>\r\n<p>Joint ownership of property is probably the most popular way of avoiding probate and transferring property at death, though this popularity may not be entirely justified. The basic operating principle behind a <em>joint tenancy</em> between two owners is that on the death of one, the survivor automatically owns the entirety of the jointly held property. In a way, it can be thought of as a sort of inheritance (though it is not an inheritance by law). #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>From a legal standpoint, a valid joint tenancy is not a transfer at death at all, but rather the result of a lifetime transfer that vests (or becomes) the property of the succeeding survivor by operation of law. In other words, the property really already belonged to the survivor, subject only to the claim of the other joint tenant. The property, therefore, is not inherited because it is already owned. When a joint tenant dies, his interest and any claim he might have held in the joint property disappears, so the property ?which already belonged to the survivor subject to the claim of the deceased ?is now the survivor\'s free and clear of any claim. This transfer of ownership is said to take place automatically by operation of law and therefore needs no outside action or verification by probate courts, lawyers, deeds, or the like. It can be quite a smooth transition from one tenant to another, assuming, of course, that there are no objections. Unfortunately, where money and emotions are concerned, this is hardly always the case. The fact of the matter is that joint tenancies suffer as many challenges inside the courts as they enjoy popularity outside because the creators of the joint tenancies treat them in such an arbitrary fashion. This, in turn, makes them quite vulnerable to attack. </p>\r\n<p>Using joint tenancies to avoid probate can be quite risky. They not only invite litigation when there\'s even the slightest question of the deceased\'s intent, but (depending on the size of the estate) they can also produce extra taxes and administrative (probate) fees ?the very things that it was hoped the joint ownership would avoid. For example, it\'s quite possible (and not at all uncommon) that a disgruntled heir or an aggressive executor can take the position that the jointly held property should be probated because it was not a \'true\' joint tenancy. </p>\r\n<p>Another risk of joint tenancy is the simultaneous death of the joint owners. Basically, such an occurrence would have the effect of converting the joint tenancy into a <em>tenancy in common</em>. This would result in one-half of the property passing through the probate estate of each joint tenant, bringing about extra fees, delays and taxes, unless the will or trust of one of the joint tenants contained a provision dealing with simultaneous death. </p>\r\n<p><strong>3. Living Trust</strong> </p>\r\n<p>Simply stated, a <em>living trust</em> is a trust created during your lifetime that usually provides for the disposition of assets that are contained in the trust at the time of your death. For instance, you could structure your living trust to pay out all income to you during your lifetime and, upon your death, whatever is left in the trust would transfer to your spouse. Since there has been a lifetime transfer of the property to the trust, and since the trust provides what is to be done with the property upon your death, there would be no need for the probate court to be involved in the transfer of those assets after you move on. For a more in-depth discussion of this topic, please read the article <em>Living Trusts</em>.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('225','35','First of all a security system is not an alarm system, although the alarm system plays an important part in the overall security plan. In fact,no single component should be seen as most important, although as I will explain some measures provide greatest value for the security money you will be investing. The first step though is a survey of the premise, including how it is used, for what purpose and by whom, and of course the physical layout. Risk factors and loss potential are scrutinized as these greatly influence the budget. <br /><br />Barrier security will be the first step in the implementation of the security system and devices such as window bars, security gates, security film, security grilles and good locks provide the greatest value for the money you will be investing. Barrier security can also be achieved through installation of security films which are fitted onto existing glass, security films such as Profilon tm, made by Haverkamp in Germany provide a near invisible coating that transforms glass into transparent armor. Security films are especially useful for strengthening glass in offices and homes. Typically thicker films work best for security applications and fourteen mil security film is currently consider minimum for commercial applications. <br /><br />Security films work best on larger surface areas. Installation is very important and is as important to the barrier security as the choice of film. The glass type is also important with ordinary annealed glass as the design favorite. However if possible the glass should be changed to a laminated glass as that is the best substrate for security film. Installing on tempered glass should be avoided due to break characteristic of that glass. This is of utmost importance as door glass must conform to a safety code and that is almost always done with tempered glass and forced entry through glass accounted for two thirds of all break-ins. Unless the glass is changed to annealed or laminated glass single pane commercial doors should not be fitted with security film. It simply will not work. The mechanical bond of security film to the edges will add to or decrease the value of security film as barrier security and if possible security film should be fitted under the glass retaining stops. <br /><br />To increase the effectiveness of security film in the security system the alarm system should include glass break detectors of the dual technology type or signature type. Very loud siren horns and or strobe lights outside over the glass is an excellent way to augment the effectiveness of security film in the security system.<br /><br />The first line of protection in barrier security are the locks and their effectiveness as a security barrier depends entirely on the small details of the installation. Burglar bars, window bars, security bars, different names same meaning are available over the counter or custom built in many shapes and sizes. Window bars are probably the best single investment of barrier security and because burglar bars have been used in the security system for thousands of years many examples of good design are readily available. Security bars are especially useful for protecting basement windows or for protecting windows in warehouses as they provide visual deterrence as well as providing barrier security. A visual display of security is very useful when planning a security system as opportunistic thieves can be easily persuaded to move elsewhere by carefully planned barrier security. <br /><br />As risk increases the security system becomes layered so that thieves are forced to spend valuable time after detection but before penetrating the barrier security to get to the reward. #p##e#<br /><br />Planning and designing an effective security system is as much art as science, but more than anything else involves common sense and while there is temptation to rely on high technology the opposite is true. The best system is simple and relies heavily on barrier security with electronic systems as back up.<br /><br />Summary: What to know when planning and building a security system. From glass break protection to providing better barrier security, this article will teach you the basics of what you need to know when planning a security system.<br /><br />About Author: Jim Reym of Perfect Defence Inc. has been in the <a href=\"http://www.perfectdefence.ca/\">security industry</a> for over 30 years. During this time he has acquired a large amount of knowledge and expertise in the industry. To view more information about security please visit <a href=\"http://www.perfectdefence.ca\">www.perfectdefence.ca</a>.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('226','35','<p>All parents and grandparents universally want to ensure that no matter what circumstances arise, food, clothing, shelter, and education will be provided for their children and that special opportunities or problems can be adequately addressed. But it doesn\'t take a great deal of professional training to recognize that from such provision can often arise difficult situations: the average parent is quite aware that it\'s generally unwise to give most young people unregulated access to large sums of money ?for example, the proceeds of a <em>life insurance</em> policy. By placing funds earmarked for child rearing into a <em>trust</em>, there can be rules and strings attached to the use of those funds. To increase the chances for success in such an endeavor, the parents can also include in the trust document personalized guidance for the <em>successor trustee</em> in administering the funds. (It\'s assumed in an instance like this that the parents need a third-party successor trustee because both of them have died.) </p>\r\n<p>If more than one child is involved, there are at least two broad options for handling trust assets: there can be a division into totally separate trust shares for each child, or the trust can continue as one fund for the benefit of all of the family children. In either case, at specified ages (such as twenty-one, twenty-five, thirty-five or whatever age is chosen by the parents), a total or partial distribution of trust assets can be administered. By the time the children reach that age, it\'s of course hoped that they\'ll be mature enough to spend or invest the money wisely. </p>\r\n<p>The &quot;single fund&quot; approach offers the advantage of more flexibility in dealing with emergencies, special needs, or opportunities wherein one child might require more than the others. This is generally the philosophy that most parents adopt while both are alive. The drawback of this approach, however, is that it puts an extra burden on the successor trustee. He or she could be called upon to face financial decisions that even parents often find among the most difficult to make in raising a family. </p>\r\n<p>The &quot;one share per child&quot; trust option sidesteps problems such as those. In this approach, the trustee\'s hands are effectively tied. He or she cannot give more to one child than to another. Unfortunately, whether that actually works out to be a good thing or not cannot be predicted. There are really no \'cookie-cutter\' answers. Each family\'s situation and members must be evaluated individually. For this reason, the client ?not the attorney ?should decide matters such as these. </p>\r\n<p>Trust provisions for minors and young adults deserve careful thought by parents and grandparents. When establishing the trust, practical issues that may arise must be addressed in order to avoid confusion in the event that the parents are no longer there. Of course, it\'s hoped that at least one ?if not both ?of the parents are around throughout their youngsters\' childhood, rendering this issue irrelevant. However, it\'s wise to plan for the worst while hoping for the best. A trust can ensure that the children receive funds in a responsible manner should anything happen to the parents.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('227','35','<p>Estate Planning, put simply, is the process of arranging onea??s affairs for when they pass away. This can usually be accomplished through the use of living trusts and wills. To most, the concept of estate planning sounds relatively straightforward. You probably feel that you should dictate how and to whom your assets are distributed after you pass away, with little concern for any other issues that may arise.</p>\r\n<p>The reality of estate planning, however, is not always so simple. There are a number of factors to consider when preparing an estate plan, including, but by no means limited to, the following:</p>\r\n<p>The value and types of your assets<br />Your current and future income<br />Your distribution desires<br />Your mental and physical condition<br />Other objectives, such as leaving a legacy, providing for a charity, taking care of your children or grand-children, or proving for someone with special needs</p>\r\n<p>The most common estate planning instruments are wills and living trusts. There is a common misconception about the need to have a living trust. Many assume that they only need a simple will to best take care of their affairs when they pass away, and that only the wealthy need to have a trust. While this may be true in some instances, it often also leads to unexpected results.</p>\r\n<p>Wills</p>\r\n<p>A will is a document that lists how you would like your estate and affairs handled upon your death. The process by which this is accomplished is called probate, which is when a will is submitted to a court for administration after your death. The executor of the will, usually a person named in the will, is responsible for managing the affairs of the estate as it progresses through probate. The court will oversee your estate, payment of your outstanding obligations, and distribution of your assets according to the terms of your will. This process typically takes a number of months at a minimum to complete, usually involves your executor having to hire an attorney to handle the entire process, and is quite expensive for the estate. Further, since your will is submitted to the court, it becomes a public record for the entire world to see, which is problematic for those who desire a sense of privacy over their financial affairs.#p##e#</p>\r\n<p>Living Trusts</p>\r\n<p>A living trust is also a document that details how you would like your estate and affairs handled after your death. However, unlike a will, a living trust does not require your heirs to submit to the probate process. The trustee of the trust, usually the person or company identified in the trust to handle the affairs of the trust, is responsible for managing the trust estate until the trust terminates pursuant to the terms of the trust. The terms of the living trust usually describe how one\'s assets are to be distributed. Further, this distribution can occur over many years if you so desire, thereby allowing you to retain a measure of control over your assets even after your death. You may also be able to place other restrictions over your assets, which can help to protect the assets from the creditors of your heirs or to ensure that your goals and objectives are met. Moreover, since your living trust is not submitted to a court, the terms of your living trust are kept out of the public domain.</p>\r\n<p>Which Do You Need?</p>\r\n<p>The determination of whether to choose a living trust or a will depends on a number of factors. In general, in Nevada, the main factor to consider is the value of an estate. For persons who do not own any real property and have an estate worth less than $20,000.00, the entanglement of the probate process is minimal. In such a scenario, only an Affidavit of Entitlement is needed to transfer assets. For people in this category, it is usually recommended to have a simple will. For those who own real property or have an estate worth more than $20,000.00, probate can get more complicated and costly. In these situations, it is usually advantageous to have a living trust. While it is usually less expensive to prepare a will than it is to create a living trust, this minimal savings is more than offset by the expense and burden of probate. However, as with most things that deal with your legal rights, your unique present and future state of affairs will dictate how you should best plan your estate.</p>\r\n<p>In general, the main advantages of having a living trust instead of just a simple will are as follows:</p>\r\n<p>1. Minimize Probate - If properly funded, probate can be minimized, if not entirely avoided, by using a living trust.<br />2. Tax Planning - There are limits on the exemptions one can claim from your estate having to pay Federal Estate Taxes.* For married couples, proper use of certain clauses in your living trusts can maximize the benefits of these exemptions, thereby saving more money for your heirs. *For 2007 &amp; 2008, the annual Federal Estate Tax Exemption is $2,000,000.00 per person. It is $3,500,000.00 per person for 2009. The exemption is unlimited for 2010. However, unless Congress adopts new limits, the Federal Estate Tax Exemption in 2011 will only be $1,000,000.00 per person.) <br />3. Protect Assets - While the creator(s) of a living trust generally will not be able to protect their assets from their own creditors simply by placing their assets into a living trust, with proper drafting, you can protect the assets included in the living trust from the creditors of your heirs. <br />4. Special Circumstances - One of the better features of living trusts are their flexibility. You can prepare a living trust to accommodate all types of unique situations, such as the special needs of an heir, desire to regulate the manner in which distributions are made to an heir, etc. . .#p##e#</p>\r\n<p>Lastly, in order to take full advantage of the benefits of a living trust, it is vitally important to make sure that the trust is properly funded. This ensures that all relevant assets are included in the trust. If not done properly, a situation can arise where one\'s heirs may have to probate an estate even though there is a living trust, which completely circumvents one of the main advantages of having a living trust.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('228','35','<p>State and local <em>probate</em> laws and practices can vary greatly, making it virtually impossible to compile a precise list sequencing the duties and steps that an executor must follow. Detailed printed instructions regarding local protocols are generally available from the probate court in whose jurisdiction the death occurred. With that caveat in mind, presented here is a list of basic actions that would doubtless need to be performed for the vast majority of <em>wills</em>. The first few items should be given your initial attention, since without them you won\'t be able to accomplish much else. The rest of the list can then be taken care of thereafter, in no particular order. But before you do anything at all as an executor, it would probably be wise to get some fundamental advice from an attorney. </p>\r\n<p><strong>General first steps.</strong> </p>\r\n<ol>\r\n    <li>Obtain a reasonable number (at least ten or so) of certified copies of the death certificate, with raised seal. The attending funeral director can likely be instrumental in helping you get them shortly after the funeral. You\'ll need them for many purposes, and there isn\'t much you\'ll be able to do without them. </li>\r\n    <li>Begin recording a time sheet of the hours that you spend on official executor duties. This is good documentation to have whether or not you ultimately take any compensation for the job. </li>\r\n    <li>Secure the deceased\'s residence and other property, if necessary, and ensure that all hazard and liability insurance is maintained in full effect. </li>\r\n    <li>If applicable, notify the automobile insurance company immediately if a new driver will be using the deceased\'s vehicle, pending a formal transfer of title. </li>\r\n    <li>Arrange for forwarding of the deceased\'s mail. </li>\r\n    <li>Cancel or remove the deceased\'s name from <em>credit card</em> accounts and destroy the cards. </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p><strong>Probate the will.</strong> </p>\r\n<ol>\r\n    <li>Obtain, fill out, and file the <em>Petition for Probate</em> (or the equivalent document in your particular locale) with the probate court. You\'ll need one of the certified death certificate copies and money for filing fees. The court may also inquire as to the general nature and value of the decedent\'s probate assets and the identity of the next of kin. If there seem to be no problems, the court will issue an order &quot;admitting the will to probate.&quot; This order will formally appoint the executor (the decedent\'s nominee, if there are no reasonable objections), and also generate a certified court document, often known as the <em>Letters Testamentary</em>. Be sure to request at least ten copies of this document, as well. You\'ll need one for each financial institution that you\'ll have to deal with. </li>\r\n    <li>Send copies of the will by certified mail to all beneficiaries, as well as to the deceased\'s spouse and all children, whether they are particularly named in the will or not. </li>\r\n    <li>Arrange for a notice to creditors to be placed in a newspaper publication. </li>\r\n    <li>Based on the size of the estate and the number or type of beneficiaries, determine if a streamlined probate procedure is available. If there is, it will probably be necessary to have all of the beneficiaries sign a form indicating that they agree to it and waive their rights to a formal hearing. </li>\r\n    <li>File paperwork for allowances or set-aside amounts, if appropriate, for a surviving spouse or children. #p##e# </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p><strong>Organize the estate\'s finances.</strong> </p>\r\n<ol>\r\n    <li>Apply for an <strong>Employer Identification Number (EIN)</strong> for the estate. Open an estate <em>checking account</em> using the EIN. If you anticipate any significant amount to be in the account for longer than a few weeks, consider opening an interest-bearing account or a <em>money market mutual fund</em> to hold those proceeds.\r\n    <p>Contact each financial institution at which the deceased held an account to determine the number and balance at the date of death for all accounts there. You\'ll need at least the Letters Testamentary along with a certified copy of the death certificate. If other documents are required, the particular bank will apprise you. </p>\r\n    <p>Some states require a release from the state taxing authority before account proceeds can be made available. This is typically not very difficult to obtain, especially if the beneficiaries are all either children or the spouse of the deceased. </p>\r\n    <p>If any of the accounts are <em>IRAs</em>, there should be beneficiaries already named on them. You as executor will have no authority over an IRA account unless the deceased named his or her own estate as beneficiary. Practically speaking, however, you should advise the IRA beneficiaries (who, more often than not, are likely to also be beneficiaries under the will) to contact the bank for the necessary forms to submit in order to claim their money. Again, they too should expect to have to show at least the certified death certificate. Additionally, try to reconcile any differences between what you expected to find in the accounts and what was actually there. For example, if you have account statements from the previous year that show four <em>certificates of deposit</em> at XYZ Bank but only one is reported there currently, it\'s reasonable to assume that the others were probably cashed in or rolled over. </p>\r\n    <p>You\'ll also need to obtain permission to open any safe deposit boxes that the deceased had. Again, local procedures can vary widely, so it\' most prudent to simply ask the bank what they will need to let you in. Whether required or not, as an added precaution you should have a witness accompany you when inspecting the contents of the box, if there\'s any likelihood whatsoever that your veracity might be challenged by an interested party. </p>\r\n    </li>\r\n    <li>Notify the <strong>Social Security Administration</strong> of the decedent\'s death, and be prepared to return or refund any check received for the month of the death. </li>\r\n    <li>Calculate a projection of the estate\'s cash flow over the next few months using the best estimates that you have available, so you\'ll have a general idea of the estate\'s financial condition. List all fees, expenditures, and bill payments that you know will be coming due, and be sure to include a reserve amount for unanticipated expenses (because you <em>will</em> have some). Cash on hand (such as the deceased\'s checking account) and expected income (for instance, insurance settlements payable to the estate, final paychecks, etc.) should also be accounted for and listed with a future date. The same should be done for other assets such as CDs and financial accounts that will be liquidated during subsequent months and deposited into the estate fund. #p##e# </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p><strong>Real estate and personal property.</strong> </p>\r\n<ol>\r\n    <li>Obtain a formal appraisal of all real estate, and request the value as of the decedent\'s date of death. </li>\r\n    <li>Make an inventory list of all tangible household personal property along with their value. Generally, the value of this property at an estate auction can be used. If there won\'t be a sale, your honest and reasonable &quot;best-guess&quot; estimate of value will usually be acceptable. How detailed and itemized the inventory list must be can vary, depending largely upon the attitudes of the other interested parties. Typically, property of this type ?clothing, personal effects, furniture and the like ?can be lumped together into a few broad categories. However, if there seems to be mistrust among the beneficiaries or even insinuations of misconduct, you should make a videotaped inspection of the deceased\'s residence and property, again with a witness.\r\n    <p><em>Collectibles</em> and big-ticket items such as vehicles should be listed separately. If at all possible, use some well-known benchmark or reference (such as the &quot;blue book&quot; for a car) to determine value. But if the beneficiaries are likely to be suspicious or critical, it might be wise to consider a formal appraisal of collectibles and other valuables. It\'s important ?and much less troublesome ?that everyone feel confident in the values assigned to all pertinent items. </p>\r\n    <p>One way of making a difficult task easier if you anticipate having trouble evenly distributing household items that are not specifically listed in the will might be to use a coin flip or the drawing of straws to decide. On each turn, the beneficiaries could decide to choose something of sentimental importance or cash value. This will likely achieve about as fair and equitable a result as any other procedure and, even more importantly, the process itself is transparent and will go a long way toward extinguishing quibbles among touchy heirs.</p>\r\n    </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p><strong>Final debts and distributions.</strong> </p>\r\n<ol>\r\n    <li>Pay all of the decedent\'s legitimate final bills from the estate checking account. </li>\r\n    <li>Pay all applicable taxes. Tax returns that may have to filed and paid include final-year federal and state individual income taxes, estate income tax (if the estate itself earns more than $600 per year in interest and other income during the period of probate administration), and state inheritance or estate taxes and federal estate tax, if applicable (these should be handled by an estate tax professional, even if you do the others yourself). </li>\r\n    <li>When all debts and obligations of the estate are satisfied, divide the remainder according to the will. </li>\r\n    <li>Keep a record of everything you\'ve done and be prepared to make a final accounting or report to the court if required by law, or if requested by a beneficiary. </li>\r\n</ol>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('229','35','Valfrejus forms part of the &quot;Croix du Sud&quot; ski area. This huge ski network comprises of five main ski resorts: Valloire, Valmeinier, Orelle, Bardonecchia and Valfrejus. Of significant interest to investors is that the giant French company Transmontagne has bought both ski lift systems in Valfrejus and Bardonecchia (on the Italian side - and part of the Winter Olympics 2006). Transmontagne\'s recent 3.5m euro investment in new ski lifts at Valfrejus, is the first stage in the plan to link the two ski areas together (please see map). <br /><br />Valfrejus also includes the nearby ski resorts of Aussois and La Norma on its lift pass. Bardonecchia, in any event, is a 10 minute drive through the Frejus tunnel. Orelle linking into the Three Valleys (World\'s largest ski area) is less than 20 minutes drive. Add the whole of the &quot;Milky Way&quot; ski area on the Italian side, plus neighbouring Valloire &amp; Valmeinier - and you have access to more than 2,000km of ski pistes within 20 minutes. <br /><br />Prices remain low today by Alpine standards. At our first prime located project next to the piste we can offer the apartments like a?? 1) Apartment 304 - Two bedrooms plus third bunk room, private balcony, sleeps 8 - 45sqm: 163,538 euros. 2) Apartment 403 - Two bedrooms plus third bunk bedroom, private balcony, sleeps 8 - 44.74sqm: 154,640 euros. 3) Apartment 104 - One double bedroom plus one bunk bedroom, private balcony, sleeps 6 - 35.49sqm: 125,683 euros. Prices for all apartments include all furniture. Underground or covered Parking is additional at between 4,000 - 8,000 euros. <br /><br />Valfr??jus offers you 47 pistes with 70km of runs today between 1550m and 2737m. A very reasonably priced lift pass gives access to piste ranging from gentle greens on the Plateau da??Arrondaz a?? perfect for absolute beginners, to challenging reds and long cruising blues for intermediates and improvers. The nearest airports are Turin (Italy) 1.5 hours, Lyon (France) 1.5 hours, Chambery (France) 1 hour, Grenoble (France) 1.5 hours &amp; Geneva (Switzerland) 2 hours.<br /><br />Construction will start in May 2007 and will be completed by December 2007. Keep yourself ready for next Winter\'s skiing. A 2% deposit is required to secure a reservation, followed by stage payments throughout the construction process. Mortgages quotations are available on request. <br /><br />Please contact us for your chosen Apartment Number floor-plans and further reservation details. #p##e#<br /><br />Andrew Scriven<br />General Manager<br />UK Overseas Limited<br />16 Nicolaou Nicolaides Avenue,<br />Office 102, Suite 6, Megaro Tryfonos,<br />8107 Paphos, Cyprus<br />Tel: 08701 14 98 07 Fax: 08701 14 98 09<br />Mobile: 00357 99318527<br />andrew@ukoverseas.com<br />http://www.ukoverseas.com/<br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('230','35','<p>One of the unfortunate facts of life for the elderly is the possibility of the degeneration of health to the point of mental and physical incapacity. Although the terminology may vary somewhat from one state to another, the concept of <strong>guardianship</strong> usually refers to the overall care and custody not only of a person who requires protection, but of his or her property as well. Alternately, <strong>conservatorship</strong> typically refers to the custody and control only of the protected person\'s money and property. Both guardianship and conservatorship involve and are the result of a court proceeding. They\'re generally considered to be the least desirable alternatives to using a <em>durable power of attorney for health care</em> (also known as a health care proxy, among other similar titles) or <em>living trust</em> to plan for the eventuality of disability. </p>\r\n<p>The relationship of the guardian or conservator to the person in his or her care (known as the <em>ward</em>) is much like that of a parent to a child. The law does not take lightly the decision to relieve an adult of his or her independence and impose such a relationship. For this reason, the process of obtaining court appointment as a guardian or conservator usually involves considerable time and expense. </p>\r\n<p>Typically, an office in the local county courthouse handles matters of guardianship; oftentimes, it\'s a function of the <em>probate court</em>. The first step in the process is to file a petition to the court requesting to be appointed guardian on someone\'s behalf. In some areas the hiring of an attorney is not a legal requirement, but it\'s usually advisable nonetheless. </p>\r\n<p>The next step is the one that is the invariable source for the unavoidable delays that occur during the process. Although most people are motivated by honorable motives, the court must decide whether a full guardianship is necessary or if it can be limited to the ward\'s person or to his property alone (the latter case, again, being a conservatorship). The court will generally require a hearing, at which time an evaluation of the disabled person by medical and/or mental-health professionals must be presented. The petitioner seeking guardianship is often the one who must arrange and pay for these examinations and reports. </p>\r\n<p>If the guardianship petition (or conservatorship, depending on the court\'s judgment) is granted, in most jurisdictions the court will also appoint a lawyer to represent the disabled person and require periodic reports from the guardian. This is a further safeguard to ensure that no competent person is forced into a guardianship situation because he (or she) is too weak or intimidated to voice his objection. The court must also determine who is the most appropriate and capable person to serve as guardian or conservator, and what sort of authority that person should be granted. Once the guardian (or conservator) has been appointed, he or she must make periodic reports to the court about the care that is being given to the ward and how the ward\'s money and assets are being managed.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('231','35','Copyright 2006 Ronald Hudkins<br /><br />The whole concept of estate planning has a couple of primary aims: 1) making sure that your assets are distributed where and how you want them to be, and 2) ensuring that your loved ones are cared for and able to comfortably live out their lives after you are gone. If you consider your pets as part of your property, to whom do you leave them ? and the obvious answer is to someone who won\'t immediately haul them to the nearest shelter and drop them off.<br /><br />Providing for your beloved pets may be more complicated than it sounds. There is much to be considered. For example, who will take your dogs and cats in and provide for them with the same loving care you have shown them? Who will develop the same kind of close relationship that your animals are used to sharing with you? Your son may not want a cat that insists on sleeping on his head or your daughter may abhor a dog that sheds all over her chic apartment.<br /><br />Choosing an appropriate caregiver requires some careful thought and planning. First, you must make certain that whoever is going to care for Bootsie or Fluffy or Shadow, actually likes them and wants to have them around. Sure, a few thousand dollars to provide for Spot\'s care over the next 15 years is a huge incentive ? big enough to have all kinds of people professing their love and admiration for your friend in fur. While your next door neighbor may genuinely care for Callie the cat and all of her progeny into perpetuity, what happens when the kitty litter budget runs out? If you leave Fergus the dog to your cousin Harold, along with $10,000 to provide Fergus with the best of everything, what\'s to guarantee that Harold won\'t buy himself the best of everything and let Fergus eat cheap kibbles? What if there is simply nobody to leave Callie or Fergus to because you have no children and don\'t trust the neighbors?<br /><br />Pet care businesses are springing up and advertising their facilities as havens for pets with money. It sounds good in print, but what happens when the facility is full, Sparky is getting old and there is still a few thousand left in Sparky\'s care account. If Sparky were to depart a little early, there\'d be room for another wealthy resident and Sparky\'s assets would revert to the care facility.<br /><br />That\'s precisely why, over the past few years, estate planning for pets has taken a whole new twist. Many people don\'t consider their cat or dog as property, but as their best friend, not to be subjected to the twisted machinations of those bent on exploitation. Rather than leaving the pets to someone to be cared for from their assets, some pet owners are choosing to leave the assets to their surviving pets, or at least to make certain the pets are cared for throughout their lifetimes through the mechanism of a trust.<br /><br />In fact, a trust may be the only way of insuring that your pet receives the love and care to which he or she is entitled after you are gone, particularly if the trust stipulates that any money left over after the pet dies is inherited by a third party rather than the caregiver. The caregiver then has sufficient incentive to keep the pet in question alive and well as long as possible.<br /><br />Several states already recognize and enforce pet trusts and others will inevitably follow. If your aim is to make certain your pets are not just cared for, but pampered just as you would pamper them, talk to your estate planner about setting up a trust specifically for that purpose.#p##e#<br /><br /><br />------<br /><br />About Ronald E. Hudkins;<br />Ronald Hudkins is a retired U.S. Army Military Police member that was assigned as a staff researcher. He has coordinated with military and criminal investigators, set on court marshals and worked closely with the Staff Judge Advocate Generals Office (JAG). He has a keen sense of legal matters - their interpretation, initiatives and guidelines. For imperative financial planning needs he suggests his book &quot;Asset Protection and Estate Planning for All Ages.&quot; Additionally, he offers a Free Newsletter, Articles and Shoppers Ultimate Link Page at his web site: <a href=\"http://www.assetprotectnow.com/\">http://www.AssetProtectNow.com</a><br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('232','35','<p><strong>Charitable remainder trusts</strong>, or <strong>CRTs</strong>, are similar in concept to <em>charitable gift annuities</em>. However, instead of purchasing an annuity contract directly from a charity, the CRT donor sets up a trust and transfers an initial sum into it, typically in excess of $100,000. The donor then collects taxable annual payments from the trust\'s principal and earnings. Upon the donor\'s death the leftover trust principal goes to a charity or educational institution. All CRTs are irrevocable; the donor cannot take his or her money back if circumstances (or the donor\'s mind) change. </p>\r\n<p>CRTs allow the donor &ndash; not the charity &ndash; to choose the amount that he or she will receive each year. A fixed dollar payment can be received from the trust annually for life (known as a <em>charitable remainder annuity trust</em>, or <em>CRAT</em>), or a fixed percentage of trust assets valued each year (a <em>charitable remainder unitrust</em>, or <em>CRUT</em>) may be selected. As with the gift annuity, a financial calculation based on an IRS-designated interest rate is used to determine a current value of the estimated trust remainder that the nonprofit beneficiary will receive when the trust ends. The donor can take that amount as a charitable deduction on his or her income tax return in the year the CRT is created. </p>\r\n<p>The CRUT is the more popular version of the CRTs because it has features that make it particularly suitable for <em>retirement</em> planning. For instance, it offers a degree of inflation protection. As an example, if the trust payout is eight percent annually, then as the trust (hopefully) grows in value each year, so will the dollar amount of the donor\'s annual draw. The CRAT, in contrast, makes the same annuity payment to the donor every year for life. </p>\r\n<p>Additionally, the CRUT &ndash; unlike the annuity trust &ndash; is not required to dip into trust principal if investment income isn\'t sufficient to make an annual payment to the donor (although the trust can be drafted to do so if the donor desires it). Many people choose investments that don\'t produce current income so that the trust can grow over the long term, such as undeveloped land or growth stock in a company that doesn\'t pay dividends. These donors likely don\'t need the extra income until retirement, and would prefer to have as much money available at that time as possible. As such, the CRUT can be written to allow any accumulated shortfalls in the annual payout to be made up in later years. Moreover, the donor can make additional contributions to the CRUT (which can\'t be done with the CRAT) whenever he or she has money available to do so. These features give the CRUT added value as a retirement-savings vehicle. </p>\r\n<p>For individuals who may not be inclined to set up a charitable trust of their own, all of the recognized charities maintain their own trusts, otherwise known as <em>pooled income trust funds</em>. With these trusts, the donor does not have the option of choosing the timing or amount of his or her payout. The charitable organization manages the pooled income fund and each donor receives a check for his or her proportional share of the fund\'s income for that period.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('233','35','<p>Estate planning is generally not the most popular topic for discussion among families. And although no time may seem like a good time to discuss the subject, it must be considered that there is always a best time for it, and that time is the present. Just consider the alternative; if something unexpected were to happen to you or your spouse, do you really want those decisions to have to be managed then? In this article we’ll suggest the basic items which are necessary for a reasonably sure estate plan. Of course, your personal financial situation may dictate that you include other items tailored for the benefit of your family and your estate. Seek the assistance of a good estate planning attorney; the fees that he or she charges could be recovered many times over in the amount of estate taxes that are saved. </p>\r\n<p>A <strong>will</strong> is a legal document that tells everyone, including the courts and all of your family and heirs, how and to whom you want your assets distributed after you’re gone. It dictates what assets are to be given to whom, what to do with your remaining property (such as selling it, giving it to charity, or using it to pay any remaining debts that you may have), who will care for your minor children as their legal guardians, and who will be your executor (the person who carries out your will’s instructions). A will can be very simple or extraordinarily complex. You can do it yourself or have one drawn up by an attorney. If you die without a will to direct the courts, you die <em>intestate</em>, meaning that your state’s laws and the court system will determine who get’s what of yours, and it may be drastically different from your intentions. </p>\r\n<p>Naming a <strong>guardian</strong> for you children can, quite understandably, be a very uncomfortable thing to do. But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s very important and should be taken care of ahead of time. You’ll want to choose someone that you trust, who is in good health, and has sufficient resources to provide for your kids. You also should consider someone who is generally of like mind as yourself, so that they will bring the kids up in much the same manner, and with the same values, as yourself. </p>\r\n<p>A <strong>durable power of attorney for finances</strong> is a document that gives a person of your choice the right and ability to make financial decisions on your behalf should you becomes incapacitated and unable to do so. That person can access your accounts and sign your checks in order to pay your bills, buy and sell stocks for your portfolio if you have one, and see to all of your other financial affairs. Having a durable power of attorney can save you, your heirs and your estate from a costly court proceeding to determine guardianship. Many people choose a spouse or adult child, a trusted friend, or a family attorney to give this responsibility to. </p>\r\n<p>Just as a durable power of attorney for finances gives a person the right to handle your financial affairs if you can’t do so, a <strong>durable power of attorney for health care</strong> (also known as a <em>health care proxy</em>) gives to an individual of your choice the right to make medical decisions for you if you can’t make them for yourself. A <strong>living will</strong> is another document that would be very useful; it tells your loved ones, along with healthcare providers, how you wish to be cared for should you become terminally ill, including instructions about your preferences for life support equipment. In some states both of these instruments have been replaced with a single document known as a <strong>medical directive</strong>. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>Go through and <strong>organize your important documents</strong>. Get everything in order and keep them in a safe place. Some documents may be fine in a desk drawer; others may need to be kept in a fire-retardant safe. As you’re organizing and implementing your estate plan, don’t neglect to let you children and other primary heirs know where your important papers are should they become needed. Your attorney should also have copies of these documents for safekeeping. </p>\r\n<p>Lastly, <strong>schedule regular estate checkups</strong> with your estate planning attorney. Every two to three years should typically be sufficient to verify that your estate decisions are still appropriate.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('234','35','<p>A <strong>charitable gift annuity</strong>, or <strong>CGA</strong>, is a contract between an individual donor and a religious, charitable, or educational institution. Relatively simple to design and implement, they\'re offered by the vast majority of recognized nonprofit organizations. The organization receives an initial investment of money or property (typically <em>stocks</em>, <em>bonds</em>, or real estate) from the donor and assumes responsibility for managing the investment from that point forward. The nonprofit entity also agrees to make fixed payments from received the principal and its earnings every month for life to the annuitant (usually the donor) or a specified beneficiary. Additionally, couples can select a joint (also called a <em>two-life</em>) annuity, in which payments are made to one person for the duration of his or her life, and upon death the payments continue for the life of the second (or survivor) beneficiary, typically a spouse. The annuity payments can be chosen to begin immediately, or they can be deferred until a later time &ndash; such as, for example, when needed for retirement. In return, the charity keeps whatever remains of the originally invested property upon the payees\' death (or deaths). </p>\r\n<p>As with commercial <em>annuities</em> issued by <em>life insurance</em>, companies, the rate of interest paid by the annuity is based upon the age of the beneficiaries. The older the annuitant, the higher the annuity rate offered by the charity. This is done due to the shorter life expectancy of the older annuitant because, on average, fewer payments will be necessary to encompass the full life of older annuitants as compared to younger ones. Likewise, rates on one-life annuities tend to be higher than those of annuities covering two lives, again due to fewer payments being likely. The payments are backed by the assets of the charitable organization issuing the gift annuity. They are not guaranteed in any form by the federal government. However, regulations in several states require the organization to maintain an adequate level of funds in reserve to meet its obligations. The donor should also be aware that CGAs are irrevocable; once made, they cannot be changed. </p>\r\n<p>Because of the gift involved, charitable gift annuities generally will not pay a rate as high as those of typical commercial annuities. CGA rates, however, do compare favorably with a number of other fixed-income alternatives, such as <em>certificates of deposit</em>, <em>money market mutual funds</em>, and some bonds. Other CGA advantages include: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>A relatively low minimum investment requirement &ndash; typically five- to ten thousand dollars. </li>\r\n    <li>No medical underwriting requirement. </li>\r\n    <li>Payments to the second beneficiary of a two-life annuity begin upon the death of the primary beneficiary, thus avoiding lengthy and expensive <em>probate</em>. </li>\r\n    <li>The funds or property given in exchange for a CGA are removed from the donor\'s estate and therefore not subject to estate tax. However, in the case of a joint annuity when the second beneficiary is not the primary beneficiary\'s spouse, gift taxes could become involved. </li>\r\n    <li>A current income tax deduction for the <em>estimated value of the balance of the annuity</em> that the charity will receive after the last beneficiary has died. </li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('235','35','<p>Due to recent legislation, there\'s now a way in some states that makes it possible to transfer your <em>stock</em>, <em>bond</em>, and <em>mutual fund</em> assets directly to your beneficiaries outside of probate and without the necessity of a <em>trust</em> or <em>will</em>. You can designate beneficiaries for any one or more of your individual or joint non-retirement accounts that are held by a securities broker or mutual fund company which offers a <strong>Directed Beneficiary Arrangement (DBA)</strong>, regardless of your state of residence. Upon your death (or the death of the last surviving joint owner, if your accounts are jointly registered), ownership of these accounts will be transferred directly to the beneficiaries that you specify ?avoiding <em>probate</em> and without the formalities and expense of a trust. </p>\r\n<p>Under a DBA, you retain complete lifetime control over your accounts. Your designated beneficiaries have no rights to the accounts until after your death or the death of the last surviving owner. You can also change your beneficiaries or revoke the arrangement at any time simply by writing to the mutual fund or broker. </p>\r\n<p>The way that DBA-covered accounts are taxed remains the same; they\'re taxed in the same manner as accounts not covered by a DBA. You remain subject to current income tax on any earnings, and the accounts will generally also be subject to estate tax upon your death. You should incur no gift taxes as a result of the arrangement, because the beneficiary is changeable at any time. </p>\r\n<p>Probate, the court-supervised process of collecting and distributing a person\'s property after death, can be a financially- as well as emotionally burdensome ordeal. There are three unfortunate consequences of having your assets probated under the jurisdiction of the court: first, probate is time-consuming. According to a survey of attorneys across the country, the time required to probate a will can range up to five years. </p>\r\n<p>Second, probate attracts unwanted publicity. Private matters become public headlines. Also, from probate court records, lists of widowed spouses are compiled and sold to unscrupulous individuals who prey on beneficiaries to scam them out of their money. </p>\r\n<p>Third, probate can be quite costly. In the case of very small estates ($10,000 to $20,000), it can average 20 percent. On somewhat larger estates in the $100,000 range, expenses can run about 10 percent. For larger estates, the percentages charged are smaller, but the amounts taken can be very large. </p>\r\n<p>It can be very much to your advantage to avoid the time, publicity, and expense involved in the probate process. The main advantage of a DBA is its simplicity, but it is not meant to be a substitute for a comprehensive estate plan. A DBA allows you to transfer assets directly to your chosen beneficiaries simply by completing a short form. However, unlike a will or trust, the DBA does not permit you to impose special terms or conditions on the way in which your beneficiaries receive and use those assets, nor does it enable you to take advantage of sophisticated <em>estate-planning</em> techniques that could substantially reduce the burden of taxes on your estate.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('236','36','One of the best things to have happened to people in today\'s age is the coming up of insurance service. Without any doubt, it can be termed as the best service of modern times. Especially life insurance, for it helps one\'s family after the person has faced untimely death. <strong>Life insurance</strong> is particularly helpful to families where there is only one bread winner. It guarantees that even after the demise of the only earning member of the family, the family does not feel any financial crunch.<br /><br />Imagine, otherwise, the plight of such a family whose only earning member has faced sudden demise. Needless to say that the financial condition of such a family would take a beating. Thanks to life insurance, such families can take a sigh of relief that at least on financial front they would not have to worry. The relevance of such a service like life insurance can be most realized in today\'s times. Simply because the rate of accidents have risen immensely, especially in the UK in the past decade. This has lead to more and more casualties, which make life insurance more and more relevant. <br /><br />However, to gain maximum from life insurance, one would do well to understand that certain precautions are necessary while opting for it. For example, one must ensure that the policy comes to life as soon as it is signed. One would also do well to find out what the formalities are that the family members will have to go through before they get the amount. One would also do well not to default on monthly premium as well as not to provide any wrong information to the insurance company, for acts like these can lead to the disqualification of the policy.<br /><br />If the above mentioned precaution is taken, then one can be rest assured that <a href=\"http://www.look4insurances.co.uk/lifeinsurance.php\"><strong>Life Insurance UK</strong></a> can indeed prove to be a very worthy investment for future. <br /><br /><br /><strong>Allan Elvin</strong> is an MBA in Finance and has a rich experience of writing on topics related to finance. He professes special interest and expertise in <a href=\"http://www.look4insurances.co.uk/lifeinsurance.php\">Life Insurance uk</a> and in guiding you on its various details.<br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('237','36','Do you need a chunk of cash, like ... soon?<br /><br />Quick-turning single family homes is an excellent way to generate four and five figure paychecks within thirty to sixty days. Great stuff! The key to it working though is buying cheap.<br /><br />The cheaper you buy the house, the hotter the deal is, the quicker your retail investor wants to close, the sooner you get paid. So, how can you generate a steady flow of motivated sellers calling you with houses you can buy cheap, cheap, cheap, you can quick-turn for quick cash.<br /><br />The first thing to do is think about is who is going to be motivated enough to sell their house as cheap as I want to buy it. By far the biggest motivator for selling cheap is vacancy. When a house is vacant it costs the owner money and it deteriorates in value every month it is not occupied.<br /><br />Another motivator is the house being in bad condition. Poor condition takes the house out of the general retail market and severely reduces the potential buyer pool. If no-one want the house the price must come down.<br /><br />Next, draw up a marketing plan for the lead sources you can tap that will produce owners of vacant homes in poor condition. It doesn\'t have to be slick or sophisticated, a yellow pad is fine. Simply list out the lead sources you are going to use, and next to each lead source put a deadline for having them implemented and producing leads.<br /><br />Here are 7 lead sources for houses you can quick-turn to generate quick cash.<br /><br />1) Banks: These are the ultimate motivated sellers. Their charter with the government requires them to keep properties they take back at a low level, so they are constantly trying to move REO property off their books. You could say that banks are junker factories. Their whole process just produces vacant, ugly houses you can quick-turn. The foreclosure process causes neglect and sometimes willful damage from the original owner. The bureaucratic processes once the bank owns the property means it is sitting vacant for months, being neglected, often vandalized. Then it is listed by a realtor who prices it unrealistically high, and it sits vacant for another six months, continuing to deteriorate. If retail buyers even look at it they quickly eliminate it from consideration, realizing it requires more work to be livable than they are willing to do. So the property sits on the market even longer, vacant, deteriorating more, and finally comes to the notice of investors.<br /><br />2) Realtors: For a start, almost all banks have their properties available through realtors, so if you want to make offers on bank owned property you have to team up with a good realtor. But (good) realtors are also highly networked and are constantly working to achieve the hallowed status of generating 100% of their business through referrals. This comes from them having high integrity and delivering on their word. Developing a relationship with a good realtor results in a steady stream of junker listings, from all types of sellers, not just banks.#p##e#<br /><br />3) Flyers: After working with a good realtor and making offers it won\'t be long before you identify the areas of town where most &quot;deals&quot; are located. Once you have defined this area, call it &quot;Junkerville&quot;, you can now focus on it because it will provide the highest return on your time and advertising dollars invested. Your goal for Junkerville is to achieve &quot;top-of-mind awareness&quot; with all it\'s residents and extract every opportunity that comes up. You want to be a household name in this area with your name associated to ?buying quick for cash\' in everyone\'s mind. One of the best ways to flush out motivated sellers in Junkerville is with flyers. Use flyer distribution companies to put your flyer on every door in the target area. Use college students if no distribution companies exist in your town. A flyer drop once a month is good, twice a month is better.<br /><br />4) Signs: Signs are a powerful tool for generating leadflow. Now that you have identified Junkerville, put signs high up on telephone poles in the high traffic areas. Gold 12 x 18 coroplast signs with horizontal ribbing are best.<br /><br />5) Classified Ads: Locate the local newspaper (probably a weekly) that is distributed in Junkerville and place a classified ad in this publication. Use the ad copy, Quick Cash for your house. Any condition. Call Now: xxx-xxx-xxxx, all bolded. Make it a five line ad rather than a three line ad with the top line and the bottom line empty, so your ad stands out. Local papers have cheaper rates so cost for this should not be an issue. You may be surprised to find you are the only quick-turn entrepreneur advertising there. Resist the urge to advertise in large daily papers that are distributed all over the city and more expensive<br /><br />6) Display Ads: Place a 3 x 2 display ad in the local paper servicing the Junkerville area. The best display ads are in an editorial format that makes it look like one of the stories published by the paper. Use a powerful, benefit-telegraphic headline and do your utmost to have the ad placed in the top right corner of the right hand page as close to the front of the paper as possible.<br /><br />7) Postcards: Direct mail is a very useful tool for lead generation because it allows you to target so precisely. Postcards are very effective direct mail pieces because they are cheap and don\'t require opening. They are ideal for delivering the message of ?Quick Cash for your house.\' There are two ways to use postcards to generate quick-turn deals:<br /><br />i) Saturation mailing within Junkerville to flush out motivated sellers. Call the Postmaster at your local post office to find out the zip code and carrier routes within Junkerville. The call your title company and get them to generate a list of all of the names and addresses for houses within those zip/carrier routes (use a list broker if your title company won\'t provide this for you). Send the list and the postcard template to a mailing service to print and apply the mailing. If you trust the mailing service vendor, let him deliver the batch to the post office, if not, pick up the completed postcards, check they are all there and post them yourself.#p##e#<br /><br />ii) Targeted mailing to foreclosures outside of Junkerville. Preforeclosure is a hotly contested area so it pays to target more precisely to a specialized niche so you can appeal directly to their special problem with your mailing piece. The easiest way to create equity in deals you can quick-turn is to target houses with big seconds in default. The sellers are unable to sell because they have no equity, sometimes negative equity, the lenders holding the 2nds are in a no-win situation, about to be foreclosed off and losing their entire investment. These are relatively easy deals to negotiate. Get your title company to generate the list for you (hire a student to go to the Clerk\'s Office daily to compile the day\'s filings for you if your title company won\'t give you the list) then mail them weekly until the foreclosure sale.<br /><br />Putting all of these lead sources into play will generate a steady, if not overwhelming, flow of highly motivated sellers calling you every day. Once you have this leadflow coming in it\'s important to adopt a mindset of &quot;next&quot;. Don\'t get hung up on any one seller.<br /><br />If they are hot, they\'re hot. They want out, you buy cheap, quick-turn, get paid. If they\'re not, &quot;next&quot;. You are sifting for gold and may have to float 20-30 offers before one is accepted and you have a deal. With experience that number will come down to about one in ten.<br /><br />Use these 7 sources to keep your leadflow high, sift for gold, and watch your chunks of cash come tumbling in.<br /><br /><br />------<br /><br />Ben Innes-Ker is a <a href=\"http://www.motivatedsellermagnet.com\">real estate investing</a> warrior and author of the Motivated Seller Magnet - Automatic Lead Generating System. He is constantly refining his marketing systems to make his investing more profitable with less effort. He shares these unique systems with his Power Marketing Members. To receive your free report on how to create a steady stream of motivated sellers, go to <a href=\"http://www.motivatedsellermagnet.net\">http://www.motivatedsellermagnet.net</a>.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('238','36','<p>Many people are under the mistaken impression that <strong>estate planning</strong> is only for the older generation. But the truth is that everyone needs some form of estate planning. It should be part of a well-conceived overall financial plan for anyone who owns assets, such as real property. And it\'s absolutely essential if you have children. </p>\r\n<p>If you really don\'t own much property, a simple <em>will</em> or <em>trust</em> may be enough to satisfy your needs. If your assets are substantial or your situation somewhat complex, you might require a small booklet of documents to accomplish your goals. Most people, however, will fall somewhere between those two extremes, needing no more than a handful of carefully-crafted estate-planning tools to achieve their objectives. </p>\r\n<p>Listed below are a dozen good reasons why <em>everyone</em> should have a comprehensive, up-to-date estate plan that addresses their own unique social and financial concerns: </p>\r\n<ol>\r\n    <li>To ensure that your estate is transferred to those that you want to receive it upon your death. </li>\r\n    <li>To reduce or eliminate the burden of estate- and other taxes on your spouse, children and other beneficiaries. </li>\r\n    <li>To assure the prompt, economical and private distribution of your estate without the excessive involvement and expense of courts, attorneys and others. </li>\r\n    <li>To ensure that your desires and preferences are honored if you should become incapacitated. In most states, you can designate a personal guardian to carry out your wishes. </li>\r\n    <li>To arrange for the support and care of minor children in the event of a parent\'s death. </li>\r\n    <li>To reduce or eliminate the likelihood of disputes over the distribution of your estate. </li>\r\n    <li>Estate planning can be combined with savings-, investment-, retirement- and long-term care planning, as well as <em>inter vivos</em> (during your lifetime) gift-giving to individuals and organizations; to form a comprehensive tax-saving financial plan for the preservation of your wealth, the protection and continued operation of your business; and the accomplishment of other goals. </li>\r\n    <li>If you have <em>life</em> and <em>disability insurance</em>, they should be part of an estate plan. In addition to providing for the payment of your debts and the support of your family in the event of your death, these tools can also help you plan for your later years while you\'re still here. </li>\r\n    <li>As part of your estate plan, you can choose an executor and/or trustees to carry out your wishes. You can make arrangements with this person to minimize expenses, so that your estate doesn\'t have to pay exorbitant administration costs, leaving more for those that you intend to receive it. </li>\r\n    <li>Your estate plan can also provide for your funeral arrangements, so that your wishes are carried out, and the burden on your family is eased during that difficult time. </li>\r\n    <li>Your estate plan can benefit a charitable, educational, or religious cause, while at the same time easing the tax burden on your estate. </li>\r\n    <li>Estate planning can also have benefits today. Some types of trusts provide current income-tax deductions. Other instruments can aid in planning for your kids\' college tuition or the care of elderly parents. And not to be overlooked, the work necessary to complete an estate plan requires that you organize your records and financial life, which is always desirable and advantageous. </li>\r\n</ol>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('239','36','Often Wrong, But Never In Doubt<br /><br />Posted On: Wed, Oct 10, 2007<br /><br />Author: Monty Guild &amp; Tony Danaher<br /><br />Fall is here but the living is easy. Contrary to many past September to October time frames, this past September and the first few days of October have been very pleasant for investors. <br /><br />Several markets that we follow are at new highs, including Hong Kong, China, Brazil, India, Singapore and others. Gold is at a multi-year high, oil is doing very well, as are base metals. Clearly, things are salutary for global investorsa?|unless you are in mortgage debt and other related problem areas. It seems obvious that, as predicted, investors have sought solace in global fast growing markets like those mentioned above. <br /><br />Of course, one reason that all of these markets are doing well is that the U.S. dollar is doing so poorly. When the dollar falls, many investors seek to protect themselves from a declining dollar by investing abroad or in commodities.<br /><br />It can be fun to laugh at the foibles of others, but ita??s not so much fun to be confronted by our own foibles. Although we have had a good run of luck on our predictions for the last few years, I am sure we will someday miss a big one. Thus, I offer the following with the assurance that we can be wrong.<br /><br />OFTEN WRONG, BUT NEVER IN DOUBT<br /><br />A lot of western politicians are convinced that the emerging economies are all driven by exports, and this belief has found its way into the public perception of the world in the U.S. and Europe. <br /><br />The fact that this is incorrect has little to do with its public acceptance. In our opinion, this misconception is potentially very dangerous (&quot;nothing exists, except believing makes it so&quot;) as it can cause problems worldwide. If anti-free trade legislation is pushed and more free trade legislation is ignored, we run the danger of deeply damaging the world trade system, reducing economic growth, and damaging the rising standards of living globally.<br /><br />Here are a few facts that people seem to either ignore or are ignorant of: <br />1. Chinaa??s growth is not coming from exports, it is mostly coming from domestic demand for goods, services and infrastructure (85% of their economic growth is domestic).<br />2. Indiaa??s imports exceed their exports.<br />3. The low and falling U.S. dollar will soon start to impact U.S. exports (by increasing them) and U.S. imports (by diminishing them).#p##e#<br /><br />In summary, people who are worrying about U.S. importing too much are fighting the last war....Those that think that as soon as if we curb our imports of toys from China and T-shirts from Pakistan, the U.S. industrial base will be reinvigorated. Perhaps then, the world will buy shoes made in New England, textiles made in South Carolina, and autos made in Michigan....Unfortunately, this is highly unlikely to happen. For example, Japanese cars cost more than comparable U.S. cars, and have for years.....but the Japanese sell more cars in much of the U.S. because they are perceived to be of better quality. The same is true with Japanese consumer electronics and Korean ships, etc.<br /><br />While it may be hard to admit, it looks like the best solution may be for U.S. and European consumers to learn to live within their means, consume less and import less of what they probably do not need.<br /><br /><br />MANY COUNTRIES HAVE SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUNDS....THESE ARE PROVIDING A SOURCE OF CAPITAL FOR GLOBAL MARKETS<br /><br />These funds will provide a huge demand for stocks, bonds and commodities worldwide. They total about $1.9 trillion currently and are expected to grow at $1.2 trillion per year, rising to almost $8 trillion by 2011.<br /><br />Sovereign wealth funds exist so countries like those in the Middle East, Singapore, Russia, China and others can diversify their assets out of their home country and benefit from investing abroad to try and capture some global growth for their national funds.<br /><br />Obviously, those countries with economic growth and positive current account balances and balance of payments are more likely to have larger and growing sovereign wealth funds. It is believed that China will have half a trillion per year to add to their fund.<br /><br /><br />A few additional points on SWFa??s:<br />These are generally not good for the U.S. dollar as the money will be exiting the dollar to be invested abroad. It is positive for foreign currencies and gold. <br />The funds will go for growth assets, not just conservative assets. They will invest in commodities and stocks as well as more conservative bonds. <br />Most of the money will be managed by outside managers, as most countries do not have the large investment management skill set to manage the funds internally. So we look for the global investment management industry to get an additional several billion dollars of revenue per year. #p#ҳ#e#<br /><br /><br />IN ADDITION CHINA IS LAUNCHING QDII FUNDS<br /><br />QDII stands for qualified domestic institutional investors. These companies are mainly insurance companies, banks and investment managers that are allowed to subscribe to new funds being organized to take money out of China for investment. Although the public will not be allowed to invest abroad for a while yet, these institutions are getting a head start.#p#ҳ#e#<br /><br />It is estimated by a major bank that these funds will total about $120-$180 billion in the next 12 months. Half of which will go to Hong Kong (which would represent about 11 days trading volume) in the next year.<br /><br />The big question: Will the money leaving China be accelerating or will the government stop the growth of these QDII\'s?<br /><br />It is our opinion that the QDII\'s will grow as China has a huge problem with its stock market going up too much and too rapidly. The QDII route is a way to send funds out of the country and cool off the red hot Chinese stock market where massive funds are chasing a limited number of stocks.<br /><br /><br /><br />INDIA......NEW MANUFACTURING JOBS<br /><br />Prime Minister Singh has presided over a period of considerable growth in industrial production (an area where India historically has greatly lagged China). Indian industrial production grew by 12.5% last year and 40% of top multinationals plan to start manufacturing in India by 2012.<br /><br />This is a big need in a country where 14 million new workers enter the work force every year. Economists believe that much more manufacturing must be done in India. <br /><br />Fifty years of Fabian socialism is gradually being dismantled to allow this to happen. Because India is a democracy, and because the forces of radical socialism have important constituencies in India, the country has been torturously slow to abandon this absurdly ineffectual economic model, but finally, that is happening.<br /><br /><br /><br />GOVERNMENTS MUST IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF LIVING OF THEIR CONSTITUENTS - A RULE OF LAW ALLOWS THIS TO HAPPEN<br /><br />A client of ours who just returned from Asia shared some astute observations on this subject. Here is part of our response to his letter questioning if Asian countries share the same rule of law as Europe and North America #p##e#<br /><br />In our opinion, the perception of the rule of law exists in every country. However, changing circumstances and unforeseen pressures often force governments or people in developed countries and in emerging economies to change the rules in the middle of the game. People are protected to one extent or another by the laws that governa?|.until the laws are changed or are deemed unenforceable.<br /><br />China has the rule of law, but their logic is different than ours. Can it be OK to cheat a foreigner investor if it allows more Chinese to be employed...but not OK if it hurts the Chinese image or Chinese investors? Ita??s a big country with a lot of different powerful influences. A great book about doing business in China and all of its pitfalls is &quot;Mr. China&quot; by Tim Clissold.<br /><br /><br />In China, we have found that if we can choose investments where our clients\' best interests are congruent with the best interests of powerful (or numerous) Chinese interests, we are more likely to be profitable and avoid fraudulent or shady schemes. In our experience, if you have no fellow investors who are Chinese, the investment is less likely to prosper. We believe it is more problematic for Chinese to cheat a fellow Chinese than to cheat foreign investors.<br /><br />For this reason, Chinese companies listed in Hong Kong or Singapore are better to own than those only listed in the U.S. or in Europe. The best investments in our opinion, are those which trade in both China (at one price) and in Hong Kong or Singapore (at a much lower price for the exact same ownership percentage).<br /><br />As for India, in our opinion India has good rule of law, but it is better to avoid family owned small companies. In general, the big companies are too big to be petty, and do small dishonest things. India has excellent accounting and a British style legal system, although court cases can take forevera?|up to 10 years or more. We are actually more comfortable investing in big family companies or technologically driven companies run by a group of non-related Indian techies. <br /><br />The most corrupt part of India is the civil service bureaucracy, so we try to avoid government owned companies.<br /><br /><br />Overall, we think China and India will continue to grow without any major problemsa?|.in great part because they both have to. By this we mean they have to improve the standard of living of their constituents or lose power. Both countries have seen what happened in the former Soviet Union, where the economy did not provide a rising standard of living for its people. Eventually, after the people realized most everyone else on earth was making progress and they were mired in the status quo, the people voted with their feet. They either left the countries or lobbied hard for a new type of government. #p#ҳ#e#<br /><br />China will use its iron hand in a velvet glove approach to foster growth. The fact that the China is producing a tangible increase in the standard of living for many hundreds of millions of its people buys it a lot of time.<br /><br />India, is smart and well educated at the top. Politics is notably backward in the countryside, but even there it is beginning to dawn on politicians that the Indian people will get a lot richer by working with the west, and dismantling the absurd Fabian socialist economic structure that they erected after independence fifty plus years ago. #p#ҳ#e#<br /><br />Indiaa??s social system and religious diversity is another consideration. Interestingly enough, Prime Minister Singh is a Sikh, which is a non Hindu, non Muslim religion represented by only about 5% of the population. India has been dealing with terrorism for about 700 years, so they have a lot of experience with the issue.<br /><br />The bottom line is that increasing the standard of living for their populations is the only option for a government that desires any modicum of progress, harmony and increasing power. We acknowledge that popular revolt and governmental change could easily take place in smaller countries, which is why we have stuck to more stable countries such as Singapore, India and China along with Korea and Japan for investments.<br /><br />Thank you for listening. Please contact us if we can be of service.<br /><br />Guild Investment Management, Inc., is a registered investment advisor. All material presented herein is believed to be reliable. Investment recommendations and opinions expressed in these reports may change without prior notice.<br /><br />You can also read our past periodic market and economic commentary articles by going to the Commentary Archive on our web site www.guildinvestment.com. <br /><br />These articles are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a solicitation, offering or recommendation of any security. Guild Investment Management does not represent that the securities, products, or services discussed in this web site are suitable or appropriate for all investors. Any market analysis constitutes an opinion that may not be correct. Readers must make their own independent investment decisions.#p##e#<br /><br />The information in this article is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation, or which would subject Guild Investment Management to any registration requirement within such jurisdiction or country.<br /><br />Any opinions expressed herein, are subject to change without notice. In addition, there are many market, currency, economic, political, business, technological and other risks that are beyond our control. We make reasonable efforts to provide accurate content in these articles; however, some content and some of the assumptions, formulas, algorithms and other data that impact the content may be inaccurate, outdated, or otherwise inappropriate. In addition, we may have conflicts of interest with respect to any investments mentioned. Our principals and our clients may hold positions in investments mentioned on the site or we may take positions contrary to investments mentioned. <br /><br />Guilda??s current and past market commentaries are protected by copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act, you must not copy, frame, modify, transmit or distribute the market commentaries, without seeking the prior consent of Guild.<br /><br />FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT HTTP://WWW.GUILDINVESTMENT.COM AND HTTP://WWW.HOWTOINVESTGLOBALLY.COM <br /><br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('240','36','The temperature is continuing to rise in the Dubai property market, with hot new developments selling out in hours. But as speculators buy and sell property frantically, banks and builders try to slow the market down. Just how stable is the property market in Dubai? <br /><br />Never has there been such an ambitious and creative drive to establish a property market as has been witnessed in Dubai over the past three years. Running short on oil reserves, Dubai\'s crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed Al Marktoum, set out to turn Dubai into the financial, commercial and tourism capital of the Middle East and in the space of three years he has more than succeeded. The country\'s GDP has expanded by 17 per cent over the past year and HSBC Bank estimates that there is $42.5 billion worth of projects under construction, compared with $20 billion for the rest of the neighboring oil states put together. <br />Real Estate and Tourism have become the driving force of the New Dubai since the Freehold title was introduced in fact the owner of a freehold title of real estate in Dubai does enjoy the most superior form of private ownership. <br /><br />A freeholder is considered to be the absolute owner of the land and buildings comprised in his title; he has the right to occupy, use and enjoy his property forever (&quot;in perpetuity&quot;) or until he transfers the title to a new owner, and his heirs are entitled to inherit his title upon his death. Nevertheless, a freeholder does not have total freedom to do what he wishes on his land. <br /><br />It is possible for the prospective buyer to give Power of Attorney to a person to handle all the aspects of the purchase on their behalf. It is not necessary that one has to be present in Dubai to conclude the deal. But it is advisable that they check all the documentation and ensure that everything is clear before signing the deal. <br /><br />Choose a realtor who has time to run through all the developments on their books, has an overall understanding of the Dubai market, a local office, knowledge of the legal framework, concise brochures, models and floor plans, details of the contract as well as schedule of payment terms. It is beneficial to have a look at all the developments in Dubai to determine which one fits your needs from a perspective of timescale to completion, cost and purpose (i.e. investment or residential, freehold /leasehold). If you are not getting sufficient information from your realtor, fine one that is more experience.<br /><br />The short-term rental market in Dubai has proved to be one of the most profitable investment due the high shortage and high prices of Hotel rooms. Investing in the Dubai real estate market for the purpose of renting out your property as a holiday home is a very intelligent strategy however a professional management company shall be involved.<br /><br />Alessandro Dubaldo is the managing director at www.dubaifurnishedapartments.com offering a wide selection of <a href=\"http://www.dubaifurnishedapartments.com\">Dubai Hotels</a> and <a href=\"http://www.dubaifurnishedapartments.com\">Dubai apartments</a> on short term rental on daily, weekly or monthly basis.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('241','36','<p>With the cost of higher education today (and with all expectations pointing to prices only rising in the future), it\'s understandable that parents find themselves looking under every rock and in every cranny for ways to help fund their kids\' collegiate expenses. Of course, there are numerous loans, financial aid, and <em>college-funding programs</em> available for virtually every student. But here are some tips and suggestions ?some you might have thought of, some not ?that may allow Junior and The Little Princess to actually help you foot the bill for their degrees. A word of warning, though: some of these points may be a little more popular with your prospective student than others. </p>\r\n<p><em>Enroll in community college.</em> Cash-conscious students who spend their first two years attending a community college may be able to save as much as fifty percent on their tuition bill and still receive a solid, accredited education in the basic courses, which is what they\'d be studying during their first two years at a traditional four-year institution anyway. In addition, community college students (most of whom are commuters) don\'t have to pay for room, board and other costs associated with on-campus living. Students who do well academically in community college are also more likely to qualify for a favorable financial aid package, or perhaps even an academic scholarship to the four-year college. And, the community college environment can help to ease the transition from high school for many students. </p>\r\n<p><em>If not community college, at least attend a public school.</em> Although public universities may not necessarily carry the status of an Ivy League institution, they also don\'t carry the staggeringly high price tag. Generally speaking, private colleges can cost as much as twice that of public universities; they also tend to be subject to larger tuition hikes. </p>\r\n<p><em>Live on campus and eat in the cafeteria.</em> Unless they\'re splitting the cost of off-campus housing and food with several others, dormitories are the most economical housing option for college students. Additionally, off-campus living can be more expensive because students have to contend with paying for utilities, trash collection, and other related expenses that are automatically taken care of in the dormitory. Meal plans can also be very handy for budget-minded college students. </p>\r\n<p><em>Get a part-time job.</em> Though undoubtedly one of the less-favored choices of the list by your future doctor or lawyer, this activity can prove invaluable, nonetheless. When students are able to handle some of their own expenses, it helps to build discipline, maturity, and self-reliance. A job can also provide experience that could be added to a resume`, along with contacts who can be of help when the student is ready to venture out into the real world. </p>\r\n<p><em>Get good grades.</em> Students who earn below a &quot;C&quot; in a course are often required to retake it (when it\'s needed for the advanced field of study); that, of course, means paying for the class again. And don\'t forget that scholarships can be earned at any time during the college career, not just before the freshman year. Good study habits can pay dividends in more ways than one. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p><em>Buy and sell used textbooks.</em> Nowadays, a single textbook can easily cost $100 to $150 or more for some courses. Multiply that by the average number of five courses per semester (for full-timers), plus the fact that some courses require more than one book, and you could easily be looking at a $600 to $1,000 bill. Most schools, however, have a buy-back policy at the end of the semester. If the course is being offered again and the same text is being used, the campus bookstore will refund a portion of the purchase price in exchange for the book (in good condition, of course). Students who signed up for the course in the future can purchase the used texts and save money, as well. </p>\r\n<p><em>Join the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).</em> High school students or graduates who are college-bound can apply for this program. They can receive financial assistance that covers a full four-year tuition, textbooks, and fees. An ROTC scholarship is not required for participation in the Corps, however.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('242','36','If your home does not conform to the modern living standards, you can consider home improvement. There are many ways in which you can improve your home. The fa?&sect;ade and outside walls of your home holds out a lot to the outer world. You can ensure that they are well maintained and provide a better view to an outsider. <br /><br />Inside the home, tiles, roofs, fireplaces, baths, kitchens, doors and windows, extensions and conservatories, etc., should be in line with modern day requirements. Lighting is very important part of the interior d??cor. You should make it a point to fix all the designer lights in your home. If your home is decades older, you need to plan every possible change. Also, take care of the financial aspects because an old home may require a lot of money. <strong>Home improvement loans</strong> can help you out in case of scarcity of funds. <br /><br />Your home improvement plan should suit your purpose. If you are interested in selling your home, it should be presented well to a prospective buyer. Never follow the idea of a distress sale even if your home is in dilapidated condition or you are absolutely in urgent need of money. Rather, take out home improvement loans and make your home presentable. The buyer always wants to find value for his money and a nicely presented home will work for you. <br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.ask4loan.co.uk/bad-credit-home-improvement-loans.html\">Home improvement loans</a> are available with many lenders. Depending upon the enormity of your home improvement plan, you can choose between a secured or an unsecured credit arrangement. In the former case, you will have to pledge your home. But, it will help you in getting a big loan amount. You can also seek help from a professional advisor regarding which loan to take. <a href=\"http://www.ask4loan.co.uk/bad-credit-home-improvement-loans.html\">Unsecured home improvement loans</a> can get you up to ?25,000. If you want credit for short term period, you can consider these loans. <br /><br /><strong>About The Author</strong>: The author is a business writer specializing in finance products &amp; has written authoritative articles on the finance industry. He has done his masters in Business Administration &amp; is currently assisting <a href=\"http://www.ask4loan.co.uk/bad-credit-home-improvement-loans.html\">Home Improvement Loan</a> &amp; <a href=\"http://www.ask4loan.co.uk\">Personal Loans</a> as a finance specialist.<br /><br />For more information related to loans please visit: <a href=\"http://www.ask4loan.co.uk\">http://www.ask4loan.co.uk</a><br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('243','36','<p>It often seems as if <em>saving</em> money is an extraordinarily difficult task, but it isn\'t. All it really takes is a little ingenuity mixed with a health dose of self-discipline. If you sit down and truly brainstorm, you\'ll be able to come up with a host of ways to give your savings program a charge. Here are just a few ideas to get the creative juices flowing: </p>\r\n<p><em>Pay cash as often as possible.</em> Keeping <em>credit card</em> purchases to a minimum will help you to distinguish between things that you want and what you really need. And, needless to say, by using cash you eliminate finance charges. </p>\r\n<p><em>Put the money from your next raise into your savings.</em> If you\'re used to living on a $40,000 salary and you receive a 5 percent raise, take that $2,000 and stick it into your savings or retirement account. You won\'t miss it because you never had it. </p>\r\n<p><em>Continue to \'pay\' for debts that you\'ve already paid off.</em> When you finish paying off a credit card debt or car loan, don\'t put the extra money back into your checking account, where it\'ll certainly vanish just like the rest of your funds. Since the expense is already factored into your <em>budget</em>, deposit the would-be payments into a mutual fund or other savings plan. </p>\r\n<p><em>If both of you work, live on one income.</em> If at all possible, adjust your standard of living so that you can use one partner\'s paycheck for living expenses and the other for savings. This can rapidly build your nest egg, and also ease the transition during tough times. If one partner loses their job, bills will continue to be manageable; the only thing that you\'ll have to cut back on temporarily is the money that you put away into savings. </p>\r\n<p><em>When you substitute a cost-cutting measure for a big expense, make sure that you\'re really saving money.</em> For instance, if repairing your old jalopy will run you $2,500 and possibly more down the road, it might be more prudent to buy a new, less maintenance-intensive car (but one that comes with manageable monthly payments). </p>\r\n<p><em>Make your cash hard to get to.</em> Don\'t keep a lot of extra money in a savings or checking account. Instead, put any additional spare cash into a bank <em>Certificate of Deposit</em>, which penalizes ?and thus deters ?you for early withdrawal. But be sure that you really aren\'t going to need those funds; otherwise, you\'re shooting yourself in the foot. </p>\r\n<p><em>Pay yourself back with interest.</em> When you absolutely must withdraw money from your savings, return the borrowed amount as soon as possible, along with a little bit extra. You pay everyone else interest, why not yourself? </p>\r\n<p><em>Adjust your withholding.</em> If you get a tax refund every year, or if your income has dropped, chances are that you\'re allowing too much to be taken from your paycheck. Increasing the number of withholding exemptions on your W-4 will increase your take-home pay, along with the amount of money that you can use for your own savings. </p>\r\n<p><em>And last, but certainly not least, don\'t forget to reward yourself.</em> When you\'ve reached your savings goal for the year, treat yourself and your family with any extra savings that\'s left. This will give you an incentive to keep saving in the future, and keep you refreshed and upbeat about your financial picture and life in general.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('244','36','When most people are looking for a new car, one of the options that they think about is whether or not a car lease would be more beneficial and cost effective for them than purchasing the car. There are many schools of thought about this and many differing opinions, but what it comes down to is that there is no right or wrong answer that applies to everyone, because everyone\'s situation and needs are different.<br /><br />When you sign on for a car lease, it means that your payments are going to reflect the amount of depreciation of the car over the term of the lease. For example, if the car you are looking at has a sticker price of $30,000 and you sign up for a one year car lease, the dealership estimates that this vehicle, after two years of use and about 24,000 miles, can be sold for say $20,000, assuming a modest dealer profit is included there as well. So your lease payments would be based on $10,000.<br /><br />Granted, this is a very simplistic look at how lease payments are calculated, but this is pretty much the bottom line. Based on this, you can see that choosing a vehicle for your car lease that has a great resale value is going to keep your lease payments much lower than a car that depreciates much more quickly and does not have a good resale value.<br /><br />The miles that you plan to drive the car that you put on lease is critical, since one of the major factors that influences the car\'s resale value will be the number of miles on the car. Most lease programs allow you about 12,000 miles per year. It is very important that you are able to come up with a very good and very accurate estimate of the number of miles you will drive the car over the lease term, since that will have a major impact on the amount of your monthly lease payment.<br /><br />If your planned usage of the car is to drive more or less than the standard number of miles per year, talk to your dealer about that. If your usage can be committed at 9,000 miles per year instead of 12,000 then your lease payments will be lower because the car will have fewer miles on it at the end of the car lease term, thereby giving it a higher resale value. But if you realistically plan to put 18,000 miles a year on the car, be VERY sure to mention that also. Your lease payment will go up, but that is much better than being assessed for excess mileage at the end of the lease, where excess mileage may be charged at a rate as high as 30 cents per mile!<br /><br />In a car lease, you do not own the car and will never have title to the car. In essence, you are doing a long term rental of the car. But you still need to make the payments, and you are responsible for car insurance on it. And since you do not own the car, you will need to carry full insurance coverage on the car, including collision coverage. You are also responsible for repairs to the car, including things that are not covered under warranty, as well as &quot;consumable&quot; things such as tires, wiper blades, oil changes, etc.<br /><br />The beauty of a car lease is that at the end of the lease, you turn in the car and can walk away. You don\'t have the hassles of trying to sell it yourself, and can turn right around and lease a brand new car.<br /><br />A car lease may be right for you but make sure you understand how a lease works and what the restrictions are so that it does not cost you more than a purchase would have!<br /><br />For more insights and additional information about a <a href=\"http://www.car-loan-resources.com/car-leasing.php\">New Car Lease</a> as well as getting a free no-obligation car loan or lease quote, please visit our web site at http://www.car-loan-resources.com');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('245','36','As you begin to read through this informative article, give each point a chance to sink in before you move on to the next.<br /><br />Owning a home is one of the most important decisions in anyonea??s life. Owning a house is also a big pecuniary commitment on your part, so any pecuniary decision linking your home should not be full lightly. When the right flash grants itself, refinancing the home may be a good pecuniary move. However, choosing the best home refinancing exchange can be very puzzling.<br /><br />When choosing your home refinance grant, you have to respect a number of points. You necessity to respect whether the time is right to concern for a home refinance credit. In most of the suitcases home vendors make the decision to refinance their homes just to unite in low appeal tariff. Even if the grant appeal cherish is low, it may not be cautious to refinance the home in particular situations. Let us confer about some of the factors that will help you to make the right decision about home refinancing.<br /><br />Why And When to respect Home Refinance<br /><br />We have had a lot of fun during the first portion of this article and hopefully you feel as though you have a firm grasp on the topic.<br /><br />The focal analyze behind home refinancing is the pecuniary expansion. Refinancing means uniting in a minor appeal cherish, and minor appeal cherish credit in veer means your vital monthly payments are minor. Hence you get mega coins in your abridged. There are some average situations where home vendors may respect a home refinancing credit:<br /><br />* When a home vendor finds that his flow advance cherish is more than 2 percentage pointa??s upper than the flow appeal cherish for a parallel credit total and the being in subject has no meaning of goodbye the house in the near coming.<br /><br />* The home vendor had enough insight to go for an Adjustable velocity advance (ARM) and now requests to swap to a rigid cherish credit to unite in minor tariff for the long designate. With refinancing, he is projected to get a better ARM with a minor appeal cherish and openly more promising refund designates.<br /><br />* When the home vendor requests a shorter credit phase so that he can become the finished vendor of the home more cursorily.#p##e#<br /><br />* When the home vendor requests to operate the fairness cherish accumulated on his goods.<br /><br />If you are respecting a home refinance because of any of the above-mentioned analyzes, you should take the next points into expectation before selecting a lending visitors:<br /><br />* Try to evoke whether your flow advance credit is vacant through a refund penalty. If yes, the new credit will not present any mega ordinary pecuniary expansion.<br /><br />* Never care those lenders who junk to impart you with the complete information on application and last outlay. They cultivate to oblige cryptic fees that can rip you off of the savings expansion from refinancing in the long run.<br /><br />* When you choose on a certain credit outcome, try to unite in the cherish for at slightest 60 time. But if you perceive that the credit is vacant to veer out to be bad at last you have the right to deny it inside three commerce time.<br /><br />We hope that you have found this article interesting and eye catching to say the least. Its objective is to entertain and inform.<br /><br />Steven Bank writes for <a href=\"http://www.home4refinanced.com\">http://www.home4refinanced.com</a> where you can find out more about <a href=\"http://www.home4refinanced.com\">Home Refinance and other topics</a>.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('246','36','A loan can be a good source of supplementing your funds. But, it should also be backed by an equally good purpose. Taking a loan for your daily requirements or for unnecessary purposes might ruin your financial health. You should exercise some restraint as well as caution when taking out loans. <br /><br />Some times, it is seen that people take out loans for repaying their debts through debt consolidation. This is a good way to manage your finances and simplify your debts. You can reduce your multiple instalments to single repayment. But, the benefit of debt consolidation could be enjoyed only if you do not start borrowing again, at least till the time you recover fully from your lean financial period. Britons intensively use personal loans for the purpose of debt consolidation. <br /><br /><strong>Personal loans</strong> are even available for your day to day expenditure. But, you should avoid it and not allow it to become your habit. Do not make these loans your weakness. You should use them whenever you are in genuine need and not for every other reason or excuse. If you are sensible with your debts, you should consider two main things when seeking loans. First, consider the rate of interest and compare loans. Always compare on the basis of annual percentage rate (APR). It indicates the total cost of loan including all charges and fees. The second thing is to be careful of the small print. <br /><br />An agreement for <a href=\"http://www.ask4loan.co.uk\">personal loans</a> usually contain some small print stipulating the terms and conditions. There may be restrictions even on some of the <a href=\"http://www.ask4loan.co.uk\">best personal loans</a>. For example, the lender may have provided for early repayment penalties. <br /><br />Many borrowers pay off their loans earlier than fixed. This gives lender a chance to penalise the borrowers for early repayment. Although there are many regulations for making averts clear, fair and not misleading, you should still be cautious on this front also. <br /><br /><strong>About The Author</strong>: The author is a business writer specializing in finance and credit products and has written authoritative articles on the finance industry. He has done his masters in Business Administration and is currently assisting <a href=\"http://www.ask4loan.co.uk/personal-loan.html\">Compare Personal Loans</a> &amp; <a href=\"http://www.ask4loan.co.uk\">Personal Loans</a> as a finance specialist.<br /><br />For more information related to loans please visit: <a href=\"http://www.ask4loan.co.uk\">http://www.ask4loan.co.uk</a><br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('247','36','Before we begin, know that our goal is to give you as much useful information as we can fit on our page.<br /><br />When youa??re forecast to refinance your home mortgage, make certainly to deem these four important equipment to uncertainly it will not basis any troubles afterwards:<br /><br />* Learn the provisos of your creative mortgage<br /><br />Before store ping around for the appropriate home mortgage lender, uncertainly that your creative mortgage does not have pre-payment penalties or any kind of early bribe penalty.<br /><br />No matter what you though about the first part of this article, the second part is bound to blow you away.<br /><br />Many people refinance their home mortgage not intended that they will be exciting for a pre-payment penalty. These penalties generally scope from six months up to three times, bonus another penalty for early bribe.<br /><br />While penalty total varies, the normal pre-payment penalty totals to a six-month meaning of mortgage concern. In order to validate refinancing mortgage mortgages with pre-payment penalties, you neediness to have significant payment and concern savings.<br /><br />* amplify your options<br /><br />In order to uncertainly youa??re receiving the buck tempo in the promote, operate for pre-esteems to numerous different lenders. However, make certainly that the lender is not appealing out your believe annals during an original pre-esteem application.<br /><br />Be attentive that every time your believe annals is appealed, it faintly reduces your believe notch. When your believe annals has too many study, this may preclude you from refinancing your mortgage mortgage with a low tempo.<br /><br />In addition, assess different lender offers concerning concern tempo offerings and ultimate overheads. Recollect that these two factors will basically change your lender diversity. Want a lender with doable tempos to extend your mortgage refinancing profit.#p##e#<br /><br />* want your lender<br /><br />Once you have compared different lenders, you can now tolerate your diversity of lender to appeal your believe annals. Then, make certainly to get the concern tempos and ultimate overheads into script. Ask your lender to impart you with a quotation in momentum of all doable overheads knotty with your mortgage.<br /><br />Ask for information about whether the refinancing mortgage, which you will be receiving, has pre-payment penalties. Most lenders vacation this important information out, intended they might scare regulars away.<br /><br />In refinancing home mortgage, make certainly you store around and assess different lending options. Do not grab the first opportunity that comes before you. Be a smart consumer and refinance your home mortgage with the buck tempo doable.<br /><br />When we learn, we continue on a path of growth. Therefore, learning about this subject has already helped you more than you know.<br /><br />Steven Bank writes for <a href=\"http://www.home4refinanced.com\">http://www.home4refinanced.com</a> where you can find out more about <a href=\"http://www.home4refinanced.com\">Home Refinance and other topics</a>.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('248','36','You must have come across many several types of loans and mortgages services offered by banks, financial institutions and private creditors; but ever heard of reverse mortgage. Well, reverse mortgage is offered to senior citizens who are in a need of financial support and do not want to depend on any family member or a friend in exchange of their home. Hence, Texas reverse mortgage is a kind of loan designed for elderly who face financial crunches and are unable to lead a happy and stable life.<br /><br />Texas reverse mortgage allows you to access the equity that has accumulated in your home with no repayment as long as you live in your home. If you are in a need of money and do not want to sell your house also then it is advisable to approach Texas reverse mortgage. For the eligibility for this loan, you or the borrower should be of more than 60 years in age and owe a house so that you get all the benefits of this program. Moreover, you or the borrower receives the payment in a form of tax free monthly income, lump sum distribution, or can also opt for a combination of these two services. Thus it is a safe bet for you as the loan is federally insured for seniors. <br /><br />The other benefits attached to Texas reverse mortgage are that you can actually enhance your quality of life and meet your needs and desires comfortably. Moreover, you do not have to make payments till you are living in your house. In fact, you also retain title to the home and maintain the benefits of home ownership. The biggest benefit of Texas reverse mortgage is that it allows you to maintain financial independence! What more can one wish for living the life king size! Reverse mortgage can also enable you to payoff existing mortgage and increase your monthly income. You can also do many things that have been on to your mind for long but you were unable to commit them because of the financial restraints you were facing. However, not now, with the assistance of Texas reverse mortgage program you can get your house renovated or repaired, pay off your arising debt, cover your medical expenses or even fund your long-term care programs. <br /><br />In fact, there are so many things you can do with your reverse mortgage income, such as buy equity rich plans, life insurance and investment policies, family gift plans or even purchase your own retirement home. Yes, you can make things happen, thanks to Texas reverse mortgage services. Besides, these dream coming true realities, you should make an informed, wise decision to obtain this loan and conduct researches from various clients the company has served or the people who have taken the loan. Well, many loan providers also conduct counseling sessions on Texas reverse mortgage for its clients because of the credit involved. Hence, it provides an opportunity to the older to live with pride and restores their lost smile in one go! So hurry up and fix an appointment with your mortgage company that offers you Texas reverse mortgage services.<br /><br /><br />Antonio Redford is a legal expert. He gives advice to clients who are looking for expert counsel on reverse mortgage. For more queries about reverse mortgages loan,American reverse mortgage, <a href=\"http://www.reverse-mortgage-seniors.com\">Texas reverse mortgage </a>and visit <a href=\"http://www.reverse-mortgage-seniors.com\">www.reverse-mortgage-seniors.com</a>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('249','36','This fascinating thrill ride is filled with all the twists and turns of exciting information, so be sure to hold on for this bumpy ride!<br /><br />The refinance bubble seems to be near bursting. Rising delinquencies, bankruptcies and foreclosures are making home mortgage refinance a fewer rewarding than before. Are you part of the sub-prime home mortgage refinance scenario? Then its time to take a good hard look at tide trends.<br /><br />Rising valid estate expenses<br /><br />The valid estate market has seen a steep awaken in the worth of houses - with the answer that the standard home buyer cannot provide to splurge such a high sum on owning a new home. Even those people who are making monthly payments towards the home mortgage refinance are discovery it increasingly testing to manage with rising wortha??s. Advantage duty have shot up, expand tipping the scales against the homeowners desire.<br /><br />We have had a lot of fun during the first portion of this article and hopefully you feel as though you have a firm grasp on the topic.<br /><br />Why the rapid awaken?<br /><br />There are many reasons why profit duty and associated valid estate expenses have escalated. For starters, the sub prime markets borrowers typically comp awaken those who have already been abandoned as per other more stringent eligibility criteria in the prime market. This means the sub prime home mortgage refinance lenders recommend them loans at relatively easier criteria some of them may even entail feeder documentation and background checks on the borrower. Even those borrowers who have a relatively minor position make possibly standard under the sub prime market home mortgage refinance lending treat.<br /><br />The valid estate segment is hurting<br /><br />Delinquencies and duck patterns are at an all time high. Foreclosure and true Estate Owned is a regular phenomenon this time in the home mortgage refinance scenario. Why this is incident can be predominantly attributed to the re-adjustment in duty. Mostly the sub prime home mortgage refinance lenders draw borrowers with a low promotional tariff. When this tariff shoots up after the promotional rostrum, ita??s a nightmarish position for borrowers and lenders. The borrower finds it improvising to pay up and the lender finds it almost improvising to regain the money. This is also known as grasping lending ita??s fully related to hunting for a victim by luring with dative duty of profit. Once the unsuspecting shopper has been wedged in the web, threes no breakout and the home mortgage refinance lender remove every promising money from the borrower. What this means from a long duration perspective is that investors consume believe in the home mortgage refinance lending troupe. This can assume the prime market and potentially modifying borrowers may not modify in the prime market. This way home sales deteriorative and valid estate suffers.#p##e#<br /><br />Emergent competition<br /><br />With the current decline in home sales, most home mortgage refinance lenders are doubtful on imminent profit margins. They desire to be fewer optimistic about the imminent trends in the sub prime market. However this has not clogged lenders from angrily competing with each other. In statement, competition has now escalated because in the falling home mortgage refinance market, every lender needs to make a rapid dollar or two.<br /><br />In closing, it will benefit you to seek out other resources on this topic if you feel that you dona??t yet have a firm understanding of the subject matter.<br /><br />Steven Bank writes for <a href=\"http://www.home4refinanced.com\">http://www.home4refinanced.com</a> where you can find out more about <a href=\"http://www.home4refinanced.com\">Home Refinance and other topics</a>.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('250','36','Common principles do exist when it comes to all forms of insurance. In fact, when people think of insurance, they tend to think of the same things regardless of what kind of insurance you\'re talking about. Harm might occur to you, your property, or your loved ones, and having an insurance policy in place to protect you from such unfortunate incidents is not only a good idea, it can literally save you financially.<br /><br />Most people understand this basic idea behind insurance and even accept it as part of modern life. What they sometimes don\'t understand is the extent to which not only just about everything can be insured, but certain things have to be insured when it comes to running your business.<br /><br />We\'ve all heard of examples where, say, a Hollywood celebrity had their legs insured, or even a super-model had their body and face insured. As easy as it might be to laugh of such notions, these people are in fact engaging in good business practice. They have assets that are vital to their flow of income. If anything unfortunate may happen to such assets that would jeopardize that flow of income in any way, they could literally face financial ruin. Protecting the loss of those assets, even if we\'re talking about legs or faces, is just smart. It\'s why these people get insurance. <br /><br />There is absolutely no reason why this principle shouldn\'t be applied to things like small business insurance, for example. In fact, when focusing on small businesses, the need for insurance is probably that much more vital. A Hollywood star will probably still have financial means at their disposal even if they didn\'t have insurance in the event of a disaster. Most small businesses simply don\'t have that luxury. If something happens, and you don\'t have small business insurance to cover yourself, don\'t count on Hollywood or anyone else to bail you out. You\'ll be on your own. <br /><br />Now, there are various things that a business owner needs to be aware of when tying to get properly insured. There are the basics a?? things like coverage of your property and assets such as office equipment and even accounts receivable. There are things that are not so basic, such as liability arising for causing injury or harm to someone who will end up suing you for all their trouble. There are even things that get more complex such as errors and omissions insurance and professional liability, where just the perception of a wrong done can cost you in dollars and reputation. <br /><br />It\'s not just about the wisdom of getting insurance. It\'s often about legally being required to getting insurance. This is where something like workers compensations kicks in. Yes, that\'s right a?? workers compensation. It might be comforting to think that it\'s something the big companies have to give out to their employees. It also might be comforting to simply not know about it, even if it is the particular law in your jurisdiction. Yet, the risk of not addressing this aspect of insurance can not only put a huge dent in your bank account, it can even potentially put you in prison. It\'s why workers compensation insurance is something every small business owner has to look into before they start hiring people. The consequences of not doing so are significant. <br /><br />Indeed, workers compensation forms a critical part of the history of insurance. Long before the host of Entertainment Tonight made news for insuring her legs, governments in the industrialized world were putting into law requirements that employers insure their workers in cases where they\'re responsible for injuries or harm done on the job or premises. It has been a significant step in the history of insurance, one which has had a great impact today for those seeking small business insurance, too. #p##e#<br /><br />It\'s why it\'s so important for managers and business owners to be aware of the issues involved when someone makes a claim. Generally speaking, there exist a whole range of things for which the employer is responsible under workers compensation guidelines. Even if you had absolutely nothing to do with a person getting sick, you\'re still responsible for compensating that person for time lost as a result of that illness. It\'s why a good small business insurance package needs to take these things into consideration in order to be considered the right policy for you. <br /><br />There is a whole range of other things for which you could be responsible for as well a?? under the law. As with so many claims regarding insurance, you may not even have ever dreamed of the possibility or have foreseen certain things coming. But that\'s why a proper insurance package that includes workers compensation is necessary. These kinds of packages would cover injury, illness, mishaps, accidents a?? even off premises but done in conducting work for your business. Getting yourself fully insured in this regard is absolutely vital. <br /><br />Another reason it\'s vital is, as already alluded to, you might not even see some of these claims coming. You can prepare for the worst when it comes to how you conduct your business. But you simply cannot account for all the things that can happen to people related to what you do. Somebody might even show up one day with a cast on their foot and say it happened while they were at work. They didn\'t report it at the time, you didn\'t think it could happen, but they\'ve got a doctor\'s report that says the opposite, and you could be stuck with the bill. Without small business insurance that includes workers compensation, it\'s a scenario you won\'t be prepared for, and could cost you dearly. <br /><br />About the author<br />James Cochran is the founder of Business Insurance Now, a web-based <a href=\"http://www.businessinsurancenow.com/workers-compensation-insurance.aspx\">workersa?? compenstation insurance</a> agent. Business Insurance Now and Techinsurance have grown to become America\'s leading online provider of commercial insurance and <a href=\"http://www.businessinsurancenow.com\">workers comp insurance</a> for a wide range of small businesses, currently serving more than 12,000 business clients throughout the US.<br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('251','36','One can turn expensive debts into a single, affordable monthly payment. Are you among the growing number of individuals who are bearing bad debt burden? Consider a debt solution to fight out your bad credits and debt.<br /><br />Debt Consolidation loan for bad credit is your debt solution. As it helps you merge all your loans including credit cards, store cards, unsecured loans, educational loans etc into one easily manageable loan, it works wonders with any kind of loan. When you choose to consolidate debt, you enjoy lower interest rates and reduced monthly repayments. <br /><br />With us you enjoy the convenience of applying for a bad credit debt consolidation loan UK online and the confidence of having secured the best debt consolidation deal in UK from our wide network of reputed lenders. You no longer have to waste your time and money looking for a debt consolidation loan UK deal for you needs! Simply find it online.<br /><br />Benefits of considering consolidation for bad credits!<br /><br />Lowest interest rates<br />Reduced monthly payments<br />Increased savings<br />Know well in advance when you will be debt free<br />Improve your credit rating<br />Simple, fast and straightforward service <br />No administration costs<br /><br />Secured way of dealing with your debts is debt consolidation loan for bad credit. With your collateral backed up, you can safely club your multiple debts into one, and get a single lower payment. When you avail a debt consolidation personal loan to consolidate debt, you refinance your monthly outgoings into one affordable monthly repayment which is easy to manage! Every year thousands of people clear their debts and fulfill their financial obligations by availing a personal loan to consolidate debt.<br /><br />If you are still unsure about which option is right for you, seek advice from our specialist advisors. they will help analyze pros and cons of all your options and guide you according to your financial situation. <br /><br />Add some hope to your financial life. Your bad credits will soon be improved and brought back to normalcy. Reach out to the debt consolidation experts and get your queries handled in a professional manner. The loan experts will review your enquiries in a short time and get back to you with relevant information to help you make the best informed choice. <br />Debt free life is a positive life in all respects, and one that most people strive for. #p##e#<br /><br />Debt Consolidation bad credit loan helps you live a debt free life really soon! It wona??t take debt experts long to find the best debt consolidation loan UK deals, similarly it wona??t take you long to fill an online simple application form. Without any wastage of time, or running around, you can get rid of your debts, easily.<br /><br />Content Developer for finance sites. Get free Bad Credit Help with <a title=\"Bad Credit help\" href=\"http://www.www-debtuk.co.uk/debt-settlement.htm\">Bad Credit help</a>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('252','37','Government&rsquo;s the world over are never known for their efficiency so dealing with government sponsored organisations can be frustrating and a lengthy process. Some people are therefore deciding to bypass the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) with their financial complaints and instead directly sue the finance companies.\r\n<h3>What Is The Financial Ombudsman Service</h3>\r\nThe FOS was set up by law to help settle individual disputes between businesses providing financial services and their customers. Complaints can cover a wide range of financial matters - from insurance and mortgages to savings and investments. The service is free to consumers but they must have initially complained to the finance company in question. Over the last few years there has been an explosion in complaints to the FOS and many consumers are starting to become concerned by how long an average complaint process is taking. They also feel rightly or wrongly that in many cases the complaint process is akin to a &lsquo;show trial&rsquo; in that many of the decisions are predefined.\r\n<h3>Take The Matter Directly To The Courts</h3>\r\nCompanies don&rsquo;t like court action because it means they have to pay out for expensive solicitors. It&rsquo;s therefore not unheard of for people to settle out of court before it&rsquo;s cheaper than defending the case. Some forward thinking consumers are basically saying to hell with the FOS and so are suing the finance firms directly. Taking a company or an individual to Court is pretty easy these days and everything can be done online - HM Courts Website\r\n<h3>Do You Have To Employ A Solicitor</h3>\r\nThe Court procedure is actually not as tricky as many make out, most of it is about following simple procedure . We know of one consumer who successfully defended himself over a travel insurance complaint by relying solely on the excellent book Small Claims Procedure: A Practical Guide by Judge Patricia Pearl which is available from Amazon. Note, that the Citizens Advice Bureau will also offer you free advice.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('253','37','<p>If you think that any of the following scenarios sounds like it could apply to you, then be especially careful and think seriously about seeking legal counsel. The issue of unknown debts can be quite complicated, especially if you reside in one of the nine <em>community-property states</em>: Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. All of the other states are called <em>common-law states</em> and treat marital income differently than the community-property states do. </p>\r\n<p>Many individuals have found themselves in very difficult situations because they didn\'t know about the debts that they had incurred due to the actions of another person ?generally a spouse or business partner. Whether you\'re a man or a woman, it\'s possible that you could be in debt and not even know it. Here are some of the most common debts that can avail themselves when you least expect: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>If you\'re married and live in a community-property state, you are not only the recipient of half of your spouse\'s earnings, but also of half the personal debt accumulated during your marriage, whether it was accrued with or without your knowledge. In other words, if your spouse obligates him- or herself for a business or personal debt, it\'s likely that you\'re legally responsible for half of that debt, even if you had no knowledge of it and would have never agreed to it. Additionally, you may owe one-half of the debt that your spouse has personally guaranteed, such as office or equipment leases. Again, this holds true even if you didn\'t know about the obligation and signed nothing approving it. </li>\r\n    <li>You may be responsible for one-half of any <strong>Internal Revenue Service (IRS)</strong> obligations while you are married, even if you didn\'t personally participate in the actions that caused the debt and didn\'t know anything about it. As far as the IRS is concerned ignorance is not a valid excuse, although it does incorporate <em>innocent spouse legislation</em> to help provide some relief. </li>\r\n    <li>You may have liability if you serve on a board of directors and the organization is sued, even if it\'s a nonprofit organization such as a school. </li>\r\n    <li>If you have minor children and they have <em>credit cards</em>, this could mean that you\'ve extended tacit approval for their charges, whether knowingly or not. If your kids run up bills that they can\'t pay, you may be liable for the charges. </li>\r\n    <li>If you\'re in an automobile accident and the injuries exceed the limits of your policy, you can be sued for damages. The same holds true for <em>homeowner\'s insurance</em> and accidents. </li>\r\n    <li>If you\'re divorced, you may still be liable for joint accounts. You must actively close them or ask in writing to be removed from them.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>It\'s vitally important that you understand the financial assets and debts of anyone that you have a partnership with, whether that partnership is personal or business-based. You must also be aware that there are ways to protect yourself from unforeseen liabilities. These can include setting up <em>corporations</em> to contain debt and protect personal assets, pre-nuptial agreements to define individual liability and asset distribution, and legal agreements and insurance to protect yourself from possible lawsuits.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('254','37','The internet on one hand is great but on the other it&rsquo;s a real den of thieves. There are scams around every corner and it seems that almost every other email is trying to con us to reveal out personal login/username (for EBay, Paypal or Natwest) alongside other information such as Credit Card numbers.\r\n<h3>Don&rsquo;t Get Scammed - How To Use The Internet As An Advantage</h3>\r\nSo the scammers, shysters and thieves love the internet because it has opened up a whole new avenue of profit for them. Not only can they be located in dodgy countries they can also target anyone and everyone on the planet. But law abiding citizens can also use the internet to their advantage because we now have at our fingertips <strong>the most powerful research and communications tool every developed.</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Does an investment proposal sound a little too good to be true? </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Then use the internet to do some research and digging and see what you can find out </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">If the proposal or investment idea is so good and/or lucrative then you can bet others will be debating its finer points </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">But more importantly, if it&rsquo;s a scam then on message boards and internet sites there&rsquo;s likely to be some real warnings </li>\r\n</ul>\r\nFor example, if someone conned by the cold calling offshore brokers had searched Google for both the &lsquo;broking company&rsquo;s&rsquo; name and the company they were pushing then there&rsquo;s better than a 95% chance that on some message board or internet site there would have been warnings.\r\n<h3>Where To Find Information On The Scams</h3>\r\nGoogle is your number one friend for research but also check out this excellent website on scams &ndash; <blockquote>www.quatloos.com </blockquote>It&rsquo;s a educational website (published by US non-profit company) covering a wide variety of financial scams and frauds, including wacky &ldquo;prime bank&rdquo; frauds, exotic foreign currency scams, offshore investment frauds, tax scams, &ldquo;Pure Trust&rdquo; structures and more. Another good site for stockmarket related &lsquo;investments&rsquo; is the message board www.trade2win.com/boards/');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('255','37','<p>Today <em>financial advisors</em> can be found in any city, in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges. Some may be worth their weight in gold; others might not be worth wrapping in tin foil. But regardless of the advisor, you should remember one thing: only trust what they say if you completely understand what it is that they\'re saying and if you know how every decision will affect you. </p>\r\n<p>This is not to say that advisors aren\'t looking out for your best interests; as a matter of fact it\'s quite the contrary. The vast majority of advisors are very professional, and they want to help you. But advisors don\'t always understand each particular situation, and they are not always right. For instance, financial advisors may assume that if we want to buy a house well above our means, we know what we\'re doing. We, on the other hand, assume that our advisors will tell us if we\'re about to do something stupid. </p>\r\n<p>Financial advisors generally fall into two categories: fee-based and commission-based. If you\'re just beginning with investing and financial planning, you\'ll probably be more comfortable with a fee-based advisor. That way you\'ll know what the advice is costing you as well as be assured that the advisor has no ulterior motive to sell you unwanted or unnecessary products. Of course, always be sure to ask for an estimate and term sheet before you agree to any consulting relationship, whether it\'s with a solitary advisor or an investment firm. </p>\r\n<p>Incidentally, it\'s also wise to keep in mind that when you receive mailings or electronic statements, it\'s up to you to check the activity section of those statements regarding any <em>investments</em> that you have. This has become more and more important because investment firms increasingly are taking the stance that any mistake not caught within thirty days is no longer their responsibility. This means that an inaccurate entry of $1000 instead of $100 could end up being your tough luck, even if it was the investment firm\'s error. </p>\r\n<p>No one cares as much for or has as vested an interest in your financial future as you do, so if you\'re using an advisor, whenever a decision or piece of advice is offered to you ask this bottom-line, rubber-meets-the-road question: &quot;Is there anything about this decision that you\'d want me know if I was your brother (or father, mother, sister, wife, husband, son, Aunt Agnes, etc.)?&quot; Then be quiet and listen intently to his or her answer. </p>\r\n<p>The responsibility is on you to make sure that your money is managed properly and that you have the appropriate types of <em>insurance</em>, investments, and <em>retirement</em> plan. You need to be knowledgeable of and involved in the big-picture plans as well as the mundane details that will get you where you\'re looking to go. For example, you need to know exactly where your money is invested and what type of return it\'s earning. You need to know the details of all your insurance policies. And you need to know your credit scores and what you owe on each of your credit accounts. In other words, you need to be fully aware of your entire situation. Regardless of whether you employ an advisor or not, the responsibility for your financial well-being ultimately rests with you.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('256','37','This website has long been warning about the perils of investors dealing with offshore \'brokers\' who cold call you offering quick, easy and fantastic profits normally on shares in go-go sectors like technology, drugs or mining/oil. Most of these \'brokerage\' companies are in fact nothing more than scams who exist only to steal money. So when the customer wires money, <strong>usually to a Far Eastern Bank</strong> (The Bank of China in Hong Kong is a favourite) it will be the last they ever see of it. Some of these scammers just disappear when the money has been wired but others are altogether more sneaky and will try and work a longer term scam on the assumption that if someone has fallen for their tricks the first time, there\'s a good chance that they\'ll do so again. Of course the trick to any successful double scam is to make sure the customer never actually realises he\'s been scammed in the first place.\r\n<h3>Regulation S Shares</h3>\r\nTo try and placate an original \'investor\' and give him the illusion he hasn\'t been setup the scamming brokerage firm will furnish him with what are called \'<strong>Regulation S Shares</strong>\'. Regulation S shares are shares in US companies which can be sold to non-US customers living outside the US. This type of stock is a perfect tool for the scammers because the companies that issue them are themselves generally suspect - very small, are often late with issuing accounts (if at all), highly speculative, non regulated, almost impossible to find information on etc. Now whether the investor actually gets Regulation S shares or just a fake share certificate is another debate altogether.\r\n<h3>Be Wary Of Any Company That Offers To Deal In Regulation S Shares</h3>\r\nRecently there have been a number of internet sites that have sprung up offering to help investors sell Regulation S type shares. But we would strongly anyone who is thinking about doing business with any of these firms to do as much research into them and their backgrounds as possible. This research is even more critical if the firms in question are <strong>NOT</strong> located in your own country <strong>AND</strong> regulated by your Country\'s own financial Regulator.\r\n<h3>Some Ideas For Researching These Regulation S Brokerage or \'Stock Exchange\' Sites</h3>\r\n<strong>1 - Get Researching</strong> Remember the internet is your friend when it comes to research and people who don\'t take the care to fully investigate who they\'re doing business with can often encounter problems. <strong>2 - Google Is A Real Friend &amp; Ally</strong> Always do a Google search on any financial firm you\'re about to do business with unless they\'re a well known brand Type in the company\'s website address into Google and take a great deal of interest in the other websites that are linking to them - financial sites should be linking to financial sites etc For example, if you type in the name of any brokerage company in your own country you\'ll see many hundreds of links coming from all sorts of legitimate sites within that industry Of course, if you find a site where other related sites are not linking to them there might be a reason BUT we would still advise extreme caution <strong>3 - No Address on Website</strong> As a very firm rule of thumb we would strongly advise everyone never to do business with any financial firm that doesn\'t publish its address on its website Can you imagine a regulated brokerage or financial firm in your own country trying to hide this information? Ask yourself the possible reasons for not publishing such fundamental information especially for a firm dealing with client money A cynic would argue strongly that financial firms that hide this information <strong>have a strong reason for doing so</strong> But if a firm which you are not sure about does list its address then again do some digging with Google on the address and more often or not you&rsquo;ll find it&rsquo;s nothing more than a rented maildrop#p##e# <strong>4 - No telephone number</strong> Again, why would anyone contemplate doing business with a financial firm <strong>that doesn\'t publish a telephone number on its website</strong> Also, if a suspect firm does list a telephone number make sure you call it a few times Does a receptionist answer it with the company\'s name \'<em>Good morning, </em>Acme<em> brokers how can I help you</em>\' or do you get an answerphone or worse, an answerphone that never announces the name of the company you\'ve actually called <strong>5 - A Website That Tells You A Lot About Nothing</strong> If you surf on some of these Regulation S sites you&rsquo;ll soon see that most of them tell you a lot about pretty much nothing They drone on about Regulation S type shares, Institutions, \'global clients\' etc but in reality they talk very little about the company in question, who it is, where it\'s located, how it conducts and operates its business etc You\'ll also see that for many of the sites the copy is extremely disjointed and seems to indicate that its been collated from a number of different sources then just bolted together, hardly the professionalism one would expect from a financial company .\r\n<h3>How A Potential Regulation-S Scam Might Work</h3>\r\nSimple, it would likely use the \'<em><strong>advance fee\'</strong></em> strategy where greed will play the dominant role and hook. It might work something like this - An investor who was scammed out of some money some months ago will be contacted saying that the Regulation S shares he thought were perhaps worthless are in fact worth say $25,000 This is because some \'<em>global high flying businessman\'</em> is trying to make a bid for the firm and is willing to pay a significant premium for all the shares BUT, due to some sort of legal technicality the shares cannot be \'released\' (often called the \'legend) until some sort of \'bond\' is paid by the investor Remember, that the person on the other end of the phone will be an <strong>extremely skilful salesman and we admit that many times their stories are almost perfect</strong> The salesman might ask for say $5,000 so the shares \'<em>can be released</em>\' etc Many will fall for this (especially the ones who fell for the first scam) because they\'ll view that \'investing\' $5,000 to make $25,000 (the bond of course will be \'refundable\'!) is an excellent investment But more often than not the investor will find himself out of pocket again......');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('257','37','<p>A financial planner will help to guide you along the pathway to enduring financial stability. A good advisor looks at the big picture, evaluating where you are presently in order to design a plan to get you where you want to be in the future. But do you really need a planner, or can you do the job yourself? </p>\r\n<p>In order to answer that question, you must take stock of your own desires and goals, as well as your likes and dislikes, your patience level and personal tolerances. If you have a basic working knowledge of financial matters, of investments, tax strategies and the like, you may feel comfortable enough to go it alone. There are tremendous amounts of information available through books, trade magazines, and of course, the internet. Software is readily available to help you calculate and make important decisions; online personal help is also available through membership websites and self-help groups. If you are inclined to roll up your sleeves, study and learn, and do the work yourself, the tools are certainly available. </p>\r\n<p>If, however, you have neither the aptitude nor desire to develop and implement your own financial plan, then you’ll certainly want to the engage the help of a qualified advisor. But how do you choose? How do you know which planner is right for you? </p>\r\n<p>The first thing you’ll need to do, again, is examine your own financial position and goals. Also, you’ll want to determine your own risk tolerance level. When your investment holdings take a downturn, will you lose your hair or will you be able to ride it out? And, you’ll need to know exactly what you want from your planner. </p>\r\n<p>After completing your self-exam, begin shopping around for a good financial planner. One of the best ways to find what you’re looking for is word-of-mouth. Ask your family members, friends and business colleagues for the names of planners they’ve used or recommend. Narrow your list to several of the top candidates. </p>\r\n<p>Once you have your prospects, set up interviews with each one. Make a list of questions to ask. And be sure that this initial consultation is free of charge. Remember, you are interviewing them regarding the possibility of hiring their services. You want to make sure that you’re comfortable with him or her; that their investment philosophy is in tune with your own. If your tolerance for risk is low, you don’t want to hire an investment planner who is aggressive about high-yield, high-risk stocks and bonds. </p>\r\n<p>During the interview, take note of the advisor’s answers to your questions. Do they seem knowledgeable and honest? Are they straightforward concerning different types of investment strategies? Do they give you the pros and the cons? Do they listen intently as you describe your own financial situation and goals? Again, you must have a comfort level about this person’s philosophy and fiduciary commitment. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>Before making a final selection, be aware of the various methods of charging fees that planners use. Once you’ve made your choice, do a background and credentials check. Ask to see the planner’s <em>Form ADV</em>. If the advisor is a stockbroker, you’ll also want to check the <em>Central Registration Depository (CRD)</em> records as well. If they’re a lawyer or accountant, check your state’s board associations for those particular professions. And last but certainly not least, contact the <strong>Better Business Bureau</strong> for any complaints that may have been lodged against the planner. </p>\r\n<p>Be thorough in your search. Do your homework. Your money’s worth the effort to find the right financial planner to help you reach your goals.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('258','37','<p>Perhaps one of the worst things that you could ever do is to put your signature on a document that you don\'t fully understand. Whether it\'s a tax return, a lease agreement, or any other type of contract, you could be paying a high price for your mistake for years to come, which is something you simply can\'t afford to do. It doesn\'t matter if you\'re single or married, with or without kids, employed or working in your own home-based business. You must pay critical attention to your financial affairs and to every document that you sign. </p>\r\n<p>Some of the most common ways that people can hurt themselves by not carefully considering what they sign include the following: </p>\r\n<p><em>Mortgages.</em> Do you understand the points, interest rate, and prepayment penalties? Do you know your current payoff amount and what you have built up as equity? Additionally, are you aware of every additional property that your spouse owns, and of any liabilities that you may have concerning them? </p>\r\n<p><em>Leases.</em> Are you signing a personal guarantee? This could mean that you will have to personally pay for a significant lease if your business &ndash; or your spouse\'s &ndash; fails. </p>\r\n<p><em>Income tax returns.</em> Understand what you\'re signing, especially if you have no individual income but are signing a joint return. The <strong>Internal Revenue Service (IRS)</strong> will hold you responsible for any amounts owed. Many spouses spend years paying off IRS debts because they didn\'t pay attention to this. Even if you file separate returns, you may be liable for your spouse\'s debt. </p>\r\n<p><em>Credit cards.</em> Be fully aware of the interest rate, due date, penalties, and any membership fees of your credit cards. If you have joint accounts with your spouse, make sure that they\'re being paid promptly. </p>\r\n<p><em>Investment or banking accounts.</em> Are you checking your monthly or quarterly statements to ensure that there are no errors? It\'s your responsibility &ndash; and in your best interest &ndash; to check for accuracy. </p>\r\n<p>It\'s absolutely mandatory to read and understand any document that pertains to your personal finances, and &quot;I didn\'t have time&quot; or &quot;I didn\'t know&quot; simply are not acceptable excuses. If you\'re under pressure to sign something and are unsure of its implications, be very cautious. You must remember that every document may have financial consequences, even if the document is not specifically financial. Never let anyone press you into signing something that you don\'t understand. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>If you\'re in doubt about anything, seek advice from an expert. The money for professional legal or financial advice will be well spent, and the counsel could potentially save you significant amounts of money later. If you\'re not completely satisfied with the advice that you\'re given the first time, seek additional help until you are satisfied and comfortable. Never let someone intimidate you into thinking that any question you ask about a document is superfluous, stupid, or a waste of time. After all, it\'s your money that may be on the line. </p>\r\n<p>Remember, it\'s possible for one signature to have a lifetime of repercussions. Make sure that you understand each and every potential consequence and weigh your decisions carefully before you sign anything.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('259','37','<p>Whether you&rsquo;re just starting out or you&rsquo;ve been around the block a time or two, you should be considering your financial future. Where will you be in two years, in ten, in thirty years? How would you like to retire? Your window of opportunity closes a little more with every day that you put off actively shaping your own financial well-being. And you don&rsquo;t need to be an expert investor or financial planner in order to start. As a matter of fact, here are four steps anyone can take right now that will provide a solid base on which to build. They&rsquo;re so simple that they&rsquo;re often overlooked. Don&rsquo;t overlook them now; time is marching on:</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>Don&rsquo;t forget to pay yourself. You pay everyone else; it&rsquo;s time to start putting money away for you. It doesn&rsquo;t take much. If you put just $10 a week into a savings account that pays 3% interest, after a year you&rsquo;d have over $520. After 5 years your account would be worth over $2,800. That&rsquo;s the magic of <em>compound interest</em>, a concept which has made many people very rich. Put it to work for you. It doesn&rsquo;t have to be a lot; it just has to be consistent. You wouldn&rsquo;t even notice $10 a week, so why not do it? It&rsquo;s almost like free money. And you could certainly find an instrument that pays more than 3% along the way. </li>\r\n    <li>Buy insurance. Sure, rates can be high and you&rsquo;re struggling to stay within your budget as it is. Well, as you get older, life insurance rates only go up, so they&rsquo;ll never be as inexpensive as they are right now. And a catastrophic accident can wipe out a family&rsquo;s assets very quickly. Life insurance is one of the key factors in planning for your family&rsquo;s security and financial well-being. You really can&rsquo;t afford not to be without it. </li>\r\n    <li>Pay off your high-interest debt; better still, get out of debt altogether! If you own a home, change your non-deductible debt to tax-deductible debt through a home equity loan. But whether you own a home or not, take steps to not only pay down, but to eliminate your debt once and for all. That&rsquo;s a major cornerstone of true financial freedom. You can start immediately, right where you are. Develop a plan to pay more than just your minimum payments, beginning with your higher- interest debts. And don&rsquo;t continue digging the same debt hole as you&rsquo;re climbing out of it. Adopt a &ldquo;below your means&rdquo; mentality and much faster than you would have imagined, those debts will have melted away. </li>\r\n    <li>Build an <em>emergency cash</em> fund. Again, just like paying yourself, put a little bit away consistently. If you get unexpected money in the form of a bonus or gift, deposit it into the fund. It&rsquo;s good to have an amount equal to at least several months&rsquo; income socked away in order to be able to take care of any unforeseen circumstances. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>There, that wasn&rsquo;t difficult at all, was it? The beginnings of a financial plan that anyone can implement. As you become more financially savvy, you&rsquo;ll be able to incorporate other savings and investment vehicles which will accelerate you down the road to total financial independence. But start these today, right now! You&rsquo;ll be glad you did.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('260','37','<p>Achieving financial security requires a disciplined, systematic approach to investing. Yes, investing. Unless you already have extremely deep pockets, the chances of you ever reaching your financial goals rest on one of two things: 1) Winning the lottery, or 2) Putting your money to work for you and making it grow (in other words, <em>investing</em> it). And since hitting the Pick 6 is not really a truly dependable way of planning your financial future, if you re serious about retiring comfortably you re going to need some way of growing your nest egg. </p>\r\n<p>If you participate in a <em>401(k)</em> plan at work, or even if you own a <em>Certificate of Deposit</em> at your local bank, you ve already entered the realm of investing. Now all that you have to do is form your financial objectives, obtain the knowledge you need to sort through the various investment vehicles that are available, and develop a well-designed investment plan that will meet your goals. Sounds simple, doesn t it? Once you do a little homework, it really isn t very difficult at all. </p>\r\n<p><em>Saving</em>, where safety of your money and conservatism are important, differs from <em>investing</em>, which involves taking a certain amount of risk with your money in pursuit of higher returns. Investment programs involving <em>stocks</em>, <em>bonds</em>, and <em>mutual funds</em> have delivered higher returns over time than FDIC-insured savings accounts, but they also will decline in value periodically, and are not FDIC-insured. Saving generally is designed for short-term needs. The long-term focus of your financial plan should consider commitments made for five years or more. For example, many investors set retirement and the funding of their children s college education as their highest-priority objectives. </p>\r\n<p>Your long-term investment program should be constructed on a savings foundation that holds sufficient funds for short-term needs. Short-term monies are those which you may need within five years. Goals may include an <em>emergency cash reserve fund</em>, savings for a car or home, or a vacation fund. Financial planners typically recommend an emergency fund of at least six months worth of living expenses. If you re self-employed or already retired a year s worth might be even more appropriate. The amounts of other short-term goals that you may have can then be added to that. </p>\r\n<p>Your short-term savings should be accessible and safe. Many investors choose money-market funds, CDs, Treasury bills, and short-term bond funds as their short-term vehicles. Bank CDs pay a fixed rate of interest and the principal is guaranteed by the FDIC, but if you were to take the money out due to an unexpected need you could incur a penalty for early withdrawal. Money-market fund yields tend to fluctuate and are not government-backed, but they are quickly available if the need arises and they offer competitive market returns. T-Bills pay a fixed rate of interest and are guaranteed by the U.S. government. Short-term bond funds typically pay a slightly higher return and are an option for investors who are willing to take a small amount of risk. </p>\r\n<p>In Part 2 of this series, <em>Asset Allocation</em>, we ll look at the classes of assets that you can acquire and how you might allocate those assets in your financial plan.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('261','37','<ul>\r\n    <li><strong>401(k) Plan</strong> - A <em>qualified retirement plan</em> established by employers which allows eligible employees to make salary-deferred (salary-reduction) contributions on a pre- or post-tax basis. Employers may make matching or partially-matching contributions to the plan on behalf of eligible employees; they may also add a profit-sharing feature to the plan. Earnings accrue on a tax-deferred basis. (See also <em>Employee Contribution Plan</em>.) </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Blackout Period</strong> - 1. A temporary period of time in which enrollment access to a company retirement or investment plan is limited or denied. 2. A period of time during which employees of a company with a retirement or investment plan cannot modify their plans. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Cafeteria Plan</strong> - An employee benefit plan which allows its members to choose from a variety of benefits to formulate a plan that best suits their individual needs; also known as a <em>flexible benefit plan</em>. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA)</strong> - A tax-deferred account created by the U.S. government to assist families in funding higher-education expenses. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Distribution</strong> - A withdrawal of assets from a retirement account that are then paid to the account owner or beneficiary. The account owner (or beneficiary) may be required to pay income tax on distributions received during the year. Early-distribution penalties may also apply if the distribution occurs while the account owner is under the age of 59&frac12;. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Early Withdrawal</strong> - The removal of funds from a fixed-term investment before its maturity date, or the removal of funds from a tax-deferred investment account or retirement savings account before a prescribed time, such as the account owner\'s attainment of a minimum age requirement. An early withdrawal fee is usually imposed, which acts as a deterrent to frequent withdrawals before the end of the early withdrawal period. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Employee Contribution Plan</strong> - A company-sponsored retirement plan which allows employees to make salary-deferred deposits (contributions) into an account; some companies match those payments. (See also <em>401(k) Plan</em>.) </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Estate</strong> - The overall planning of a person\'s wealth, including the preparation of a will and the planning of taxes after the individual\'s death. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Heir</strong> - A person who inherits some or all of the estate of a recently deceased person. The legal successor is usually related to the deceased by a direct bloodline or has been designated in a will or by a legal authority. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Individual Retirement Account (IRA)</strong> - A retirement investing tool that can be either an &quot;Individual Retirement Account&quot; or an &quot;Individual Retirement Annuity&quot;. There are several different types: <em>Traditional IRAs</em>, <em>Roth IRAs</em>, <em>Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees of Small Employers (SIMPLE) IRAs</em>, and <em>Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRAs</em>. Traditional and Roth IRAs are established by individual taxpayers; Roth IRA contributions are not tax-deductible. SEPs and SIMPLEs are retirement plans established by employers, with individual participant\'s contributions being made to their own SEP- and SIMPLE IRAs. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Intestacy</strong> - The condition of dying without a legal will, upon which the government assumes responsibility and determines the method by which assets are to be distributed. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Keogh Plan</strong> - A defined-benefit plan or defined-contribution plan established by a self-employed individual for him- or herself and his or her employees. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Lump-Sum Distribution</strong> - A one-time payment for the entire amount due (or full distribution of funds made during the same tax year), rather than breaking payments into smaller installments; some lump-sum distributions receive special tax treatment. #p##e#</li>\r\n    <li><strong>Matching Contributions</strong> - A type of contribution that an employer chooses to make to his or her employee\'s employer-sponsored retirement plan, based on elective deferral contributions made by the employee. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Overcontribution</strong> - Any contribution to a tax-deductible retirement savings plan which exceeds the maximum allowed contribution for a given period of time as determined by the retirement plan\'s registrar; they are usually subject to some form of monetary penalty intended to reduce their occurrences. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Pension Fund</strong> - A fund established by an employer to facilitate and organize the investment of employees\' retirement funds contributed by both the employer and employees. The fund is a common asset pool meant to generate stable growth over the long term, providing pensions for employees when they reach the end of their working years and begin retirement. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Pension Plan</strong> - A retirement plan (often tax exempt) into which an employer makes contributions for his or her employees. Many pension plans are being replaced by the 401(k).</li>\r\n    <li><strong>Qualified Retirement Plan</strong> - Also known as a <em>Qualified Plan</em>, a plan which meets specific requirements set forth in the Internal Revenue Code and, as a result, is eligible to receive certain tax benefits. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Revocable Trust</strong> - A trust in which provisions can be altered or canceled by the grantor. During the life of the trust, income earned is distributed to the grantor, and only after death does property transfer to the beneficiaries. This is the opposite of an <em>Irrevocable Trust</em>, which cannot be modified or terminated without the permission of the beneficiary. </li>\r\n    <li><strong>Rollover</strong> - 1. The process of transferring the holdings of one retirement plan into another without suffering tax consequences. 2. The process of reinvesting funds from a mature security into a new issue of the same or similar security. </li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('262','37','Part 1: Identify Your Direction\r\n<p>This article is about goal-setting. If you’re saying to yourself “I don’t need to do that? “That stuff doesn’t work? “Why waste the time; let’s move on to Step 2? or any such like-minded thought, then you should pay particular attention because you’re in the overwhelming majority of the population. Did you know that, according to professional Financial Planners, less than one-third of their clients actually have any clearly-defined financial goals? And that’s just people who have even bothered to talk to a Financial Planner at all. Do you think the rest of the general populace has implemented a financial game plan? Probably not. And how are most people retiring? Generally, they’re retiring with less than three months?salary in the bank and counting on Social Security, if they’re retiring at all. If that’s not the picture you want to see yourself in, then you’ll need to follow a different path. Remember, like actions produce like results. </p>\r\n<p>Research studies show that goal-setting works. Regardless of the topic, establishing a well-defined goal helps you to focus your energies and actions in the direction that you want to go. Simply stated, if you have no target then that’s exactly what you’re going to hit, nothing. Without a definite direction you’ll proceed in, well, no definite direction. </p>\r\n<p>The question, therefore, which must be answered is, “What do you want?? What is it that you want your money to do for you? Do you want to buy a house? Houses? Send the kids off to college? How about retirement? Would you like to retire early? And how comfortably? These are the things that you, and your spouse if you’re married, must sit down and think seriously about. Once you have these answers, you’ve accomplished the first step. Make sure that you write them down; it will help you to more clearly define them by making them more visible in your mind’s eye. </p>\r\n<p>You’ve got your paper in front of you with your goals clearly written. Now you’ve got to formulate a plan to help you reach those goals. It’s good to have big goals; in fact, it’s encouraged. But they can sometimes seem daunting once you’re looking at them in ink. It may be difficult to see how you’ll ever be able to reach them. That’s why it’s advisable to break up the pathway to your objectives into short-term and long-term goals. For instance, you may want to buy a home in five years and you want to have $15,000 for a down payment. For most people that’s quite a sizeable sum of money to have to save. But you take out your calculator and come to the realization that if you can put away $47 a week and get 8% interest on your savings, in five years you’ll have reached your goal. $47 a week seems much more manageable than $15,000. And that’s the very point. When you break down your long-term objectives into manageable and measurable short-term steps, you’ll find that you’re building habits of success in reaching your goals as well as discipline, and you’ll always be moving in the direction that you’ve set for yourself. </p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('263','38','<p>Years ago, people would work for the same company for thirty or more years and then retire with a gold watch and a lifetime pension. They trusted that the company, and their retirement benefits, would always be there. But times have changed. It\'s now incumbent upon you to establish and look after your own retirement plan, and that\'s a big responsibility. How does your company\'s <em>401(k) plan</em> look? How is it performing? Here\'s a general checklist of a few things, good and not-so-good, to be on the lookout for. </p>\r\n<p>Telltale signs of a good 401(k) plan: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>Your company offers at least a half-dozen investment options. </li>\r\n    <li>You can enroll after six months or less of employment. </li>\r\n    <li>Your company pays its matching 401(k) contributions in cash. </li>\r\n    <li>You\'re allowed you to direct the investment of the company\'s matching contributions. </li>\r\n    <li>You can call or go online to check your account balance or transact other business. </li>\r\n    <li>You can roll money from a former employer\'s 401(k) into your current one. </li>\r\n    <li>Your company actively provides educational tools; for example, newsletters, software, workshops, etc. </li>\r\n    <li>You have ready access to independent financial advisors. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Some warning indicators that your 401(k) account may be in trouble: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>Your company is having financial difficulties. </li>\r\n    <li>You\'ve asked for, but never received, a summary plan description, or you can\'t get any information on the investments in your plan. </li>\r\n    <li>Your company has never sent you a statement showing the money that you and your employer have contributed to your account. When you do get a statement, the numbers don\'t match the deductions taken from your paycheck. </li>\r\n    <li>Most of the 401(k) assets are in a single investment managed or selected by the plan <em>trustees</em>. </li>\r\n    <li>You notice that the plan investments have changed, but you were never notified. </li>\r\n    <li>Your money has been moved into different investments without your instruction. </li>\r\n    <li>The stock market is up, but your account balance is way down. </li>\r\n    <li>Your account is constantly being adjusted, such as for error corrections. </li>\r\n    <li>The major plan overseers (the <em>administrator</em>, trustee, <em>record keeper</em>, or <em>investment manager</em>) change more than once every two years. You don\'t recognize the plan\'s trustee; it\'s not a financial institution. </li>\r\n    <li>There are large discrepancies between the <em>Summary Annual Report</em> and the <em>Form 5500</em> (the annual report filed with the <strong>IRS</strong>) from one year to the next. #p##e#</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>In addition, here are a few questions you might consider asking concerning your 401(k). Pay careful attention to the answers that you receive. </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>Are the statements that you receive clear, logical, and understandable? Do they show plainly what your plan owns? </li>\r\n    <li>Do you feel comfortable that your overall communications with the financial consultant are good and that the consultant attends to your questions and needs promptly? </li>\r\n    <li>Is your 401(k) plan\'s performance roughly in line with what you expected, or is the fund apparently doing much better or much worse, and why? </li>\r\n    <li>Is the investment style and strategy that you understood would be used in the management of your assets continuing to be exercised? </li>\r\n    <li>If there are investment restrictions in your guidelines, are they being adhered to? </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Remember, it\'s your retirement money. Don\'t be afraid to ask questions. If you don\'t like the answers that you get, or you get no answers at all, contact the <strong>U.S. Department of Labor\'s</strong> <strong>Employee Benefits Security Administration</strong>.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('264','38','<p>In the past, one of the biggest aggravations of <em>Social Security</em> was getting an accurate estimate of the benefits you could expect to receive after retirement. But the agency has streamlined the process and greatly simplified the paperwork of your account. An entire rundown of your benefits is spelled out in a document called the <em>Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement</em>, or more simply known as your <em>Social Security Statement</em>. By law, you should automatically receive a Statement annually if you have a Social Security Number, are age 25 or older, have any job earnings on record and are not already receiving benefits (including <em>Medicare</em>). You can also request a Statement at any time on the SSA\'s website. When you receive your Statement, it should contain this list of estimates: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>Your monthly retirement benefit amount from Social Security, at your stated retirement age. To arrive at this figure, the Social Security computer assumes that your future annual earnings (net inflation) will rise at the national average of 1% per year. The earliest that you can start to receive your check is at age 62 ?if you\'re willing to settle for 70- to 75% of what your benefit would be if you continue to work until you\'re 65. </li>\r\n    <li>The <em>full retirement age</em> (FRA) benefit you could get by waiting until age 65 to retire. Under Social Security regulations, 65 was the standard retirement age until the year 1999. After that year, the age for collecting a full benefit amount began to rise at the rate of nearly one month per year. For example, a person born in 1942 must now wait until ten months after his or her 65th birthday in order to be eligible for full retirement benefits. The full-benefit age will continue to increase until it reaches age 67 in 2027, where it will remain. </li>\r\n    <li>The larger benefit available to people of your age who continue working until they reach age 70. </li>\r\n    <li>Your survivors\' monthly benefits if you die during the current calendar year. Children of Social Security taxpayers are likely to be eligible for these benefits until they reach age 18 or 19, generally depending on when they finish high school. A spouse who stays at home with the children can also collect survivors\' benefits until the youngest child turns 16. By taking an outside job, however, a widow or widower will probably forfeit Social Security income. </li>\r\n    <li>Your disability benefits if you are unable to work for at least a year or if you\'re terminally ill. Disability benefits also include income for dependent children. </li>\r\n    <li>A year-by-year breakdown of your earnings that were subject to Social Security taxes and the Social Security taxes that you paid. Since the Social Security Administration has certainly been known to make occasional errors in figuring benefits, you should check the numbers on your Statement against your own earnings records. The Statement will also explain briefly what it takes to become eligible for benefits. Basically, you must work for ten years to earn retirement benefits, and you generally must work at least five of the last ten years to claim disability benefits.</li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('265','38','<p>It\'s a sad fact that few <em>401(k) plan</em> participants are even aware that they can make investment allocations or otherwise direct the way that their plan contributions are invested. Of those that do know, most simply don\'t know how or where to begin. </p>\r\n<p>The vast majority of plan participants have no other investing experience. Few have ever heard of or even considered the theories and concepts behind investing. The little information that they may have generally comes from television, newspapers and magazines, or co-worker conversations. And most of that is erroneous, sensationalized, and lacking any real theoretical foundation. </p>\r\n<p>Often, the plan contribution election forms are presented to new employees along with all of the other new-hire paperwork -- insurance documents, confidentiality agreements, W-2 forms and the like -- all to be completed and returned the next day. Daunting legal jargon and overriding priorities of the moment may force a selection of anything which sounds familiar, usually the first low-risk, fixed-income vehicle that\'s available. And that last-minute, afterthought attitude toward one\'s retirement funding is exactly what has led so many people into the position of having to struggle during their latter years, and has postponed, if not cancelled completely, even the very notion of being able to retire. </p>\r\n<p>But take heart; if you were pressured into making an immediate decision concerning your plan options, all is not lost. Most plans allow the freedom to transfer between investment options on a daily basis if you want to. Of course, this freedom isn\'t meant to be used to chase the latest <em>hot pick</em> or attempt to <em>time the market</em>. (Both of these strategies have an extremely low probability of success and are ineffective in adding value to your investment portfolio.) Rather, it\'s to provide you the opportunity to <em>rebalance</em>, or correct your choices, as you become a more informed and experienced investor. </p>\r\n<p>In order to make informed choices, you\'ll need to educate yourself on some basic investing concepts. You must also become familiar with the specific rules of your 401(k) plan. If you don\'t already have one, get a copy of your plan\'s <em>summary plan description (SPD)</em>. Seek out a plan representative or financial consultant who can explain the various investment alternatives to you. You\'ll also want to know how the plan is monitored. Most programs have a long-term, systematic method of monitoring investment progress. If you\'re going to take an active role in directing your investments, you\'ll need to know how you can receive periodic performance results. </p>\r\n<p>Many participants are under the impression that the money in their 401(k) accounts is insured against loss. Well, that\'s true and false, depending on the type of loss that\'s being referred to. Once your money enters the 401(k) trust, it\'s protected by insurance against fraud, embezzlement, or any other criminal activity. However, your funds are not insured against investment losses. The only way to protect against market losses and still achieve a reasonable growth rate of return is by creating a portfolio with an optimal combination of investments for your specific level of <em>risk</em>. Remember, the higher the expected growth of the investments, the higher exposure to risk you\'re going to have. The lower the risk, the lower your expected return will be. But keep in mind another very powerful element; namely, the risk of not having enough money to meet a financial goal, such as your retirement.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('266','38','<p>You\'ve worked hard for a long time, paying contributions into your employer\'s retirement plan and this country\'s social system throughout your working years. You\'ve earned the benefits of these programs; they\'re paid to you because you labored for them. And if you\'re an older American facing retirement and a fixed income, there\'s a good chance that you may need all of the financial support that these programs are designed to provide. What\'s more, you\'re entitled to it. Listed below are a number of major issues that you\'ll need to consider as you move closer and closer to retirement. </p>\r\n<p><em>If you\'re age 55 or older and not yet retired, you\'ll need to:</em> </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>Find out at what age you\'ll become eligible for <em>Social Security</em> retirement benefits. </li>\r\n    <li>Learn how much your Social Security retirement benefits will be reduced if you retire early, or increased if you retire later. </li>\r\n    <li>Determine how much income you can earn without affecting your Social Security benefits. </li>\r\n    <li>See whether you can claim civil service retirement benefits if you\'ve ever worked for the federal, state, or local government or any public agency or institution. </li>\r\n    <li>Check the rules of your private <em>pension</em> plan (if you worked for a private company that had a pension plan, or if you belonged to any union), including whether your pension will be affected by your Social Security benefits. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p><em>If you\'re within six months of your 65th birthday, you\'ll need to:</em> </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>Obtain a current estimate of what you\'ll receive in retirement and dependents benefits from Social Security; your civil service retirement system; any private-company pension plan that you\'re entitled to; and, if you\'re a veteran, the <strong>Department of Veterans Affairs</strong>. </li>\r\n    <li>Be ready to claim your <em>Medicare</em> coverage as soon as you become eligible. </li>\r\n    <li>Look into ways to supplement your Medicare coverage, including <em>Medigap</em> insurance, a Medicare Managed Care Plan (also known as <em>Part C</em>), and a Medicare Drug Coverage Plan (<em>Part D</em>). </li>\r\n    <li>Check your eligibility to receive medical-bill assistance from <em>Medicaid</em> if you have very few assets and a low income. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p><em>If you\'re 65 or older and retired, you\'ll need to:</em> #p##e#</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>If you have very few assets other than your home and a low income, determine if you\'re eligible for Medicaid or expanded Medicare coverage for prescription drugs. Also, see if you qualify for financial assistance from the <em>Supplemental Security Income (SSI)</em> program. </li>\r\n    <li>Arrange for your access to medical treatment, after familiarizing yourself with Medicare\'s rules as well as those of your Medicare Managed Care- or Medigap insurance plan. </li>\r\n    <li>If you\'re a veteran, see if you can claim financial or medical benefits from the VA. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p><em>If you\'re partially or totally disabled because of a physical or mental condition, you\'ll need to:</em> </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>Look into whether you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits. </li>\r\n    <li>Determine if you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you have very few assets and a low income. </li>\r\n    <li>If you\'re a veteran and your physical condition is in any way related to your service time, determine if you qualify for veterans\' disability benefits and medical care. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p><em>If you\'re a surviving spouse or former spouse of a worker who\'s of retirement age, you\'ll need to:</em> </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>Learn whether you\'re eligible for Social Security or civil service survivors and dependents benefits. </li>\r\n    <li>Obtain an estimate of your own retirement benefits, and compare them to estimates of survivors or dependents benefits. </li>\r\n    <li>Investigate the pension plan rules of any company or government entity at which your spouse was employed for more than three years. </li>\r\n    <li>If you or your spouse is a veteran, check into whether you\'re entitled to any veteran\'s benefits. </li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('267','38','<p>The <em>Social Security</em> system began in 1935 as a pension program, with receipts to be held in trust for future beneficiaries in much the same way as a corporate <em>pension</em> plan. That did not last very long, however, and the system was quickly transformed into a pay-as-you-go format, with current workers\' contributions paying for current retirees\' benefits. As time has elapsed, little real relationship continues to exist between the dollar amount contributed by a worker and the benefits that he or she receives. Benefits have been gradually extended to many who have not contributed into the fund, and since 1972 benefits have been increased each year according to adjustments in the <em>Consumer Price Index</em>. Although often looked upon as providing only retirement benefits, the system also affords benefits to survivors of deceased participants as well as to participants who become disabled. </p>\r\n<p>The increases made in Social Security benefits along with the annual adjustment in payments for inflation had the effect of almost bankrupting the system. However, legislative changes were enacted in the early 1980\'s to increase mandatory fund contributions (Social Security and a part of <em>Medicare</em> are funded by payroll deductions of 12.4% and 2.9%, respectively, with employer and employee splitting the costs evenly) and to gradually extend the retirement age to 67. Additionally, a portion of some recipients\' benefits became taxable. These changes brought the system back into solvency, and were also successful in building up fund reserves to ensure payment of benefits to present as well as future participants ?at least, relatively near-future participants. </p>\r\n<p>The problem of the Social Security system running out of money is quite complex. Indeed, the system has grown so large over the years that it has its own set of rules. As workers\' Social Security payments are made into the <strong>U.S. Treasury</strong>, they\'re invested exclusively into non-marketable <em>Treasury-issued debt</em>. The funds are then spent by the Treasury for general government purposes. In other words, the money received is spent and replaced in the trust fund by a Treasury IOU to be paid at some future point in time. </p>\r\n<p>Clearly then, the Social Security trust fund is not simply a large pot of money available for purpose of paying beneficiaries. Current public contributions are spent by the government for whatever purposes the government deems necessary. More accurately, the trust fund can be viewed as a totally separate account on the government\'s books, reflecting the government\'s promise to pay future benefits by means of taxing or borrowing as needed. Proposals to use the trust fund for other purposes would have the effect of merely transferring the obligation to pay the IOUs to another program; future tax revenues or borrowing would doubtless still be required to pay for the alternative uses. And plans to reduce the Social Security payroll tax would simply reduce Treasury receipts that are currently spent, thereby decreasing only the growth of the pool of IOUs in the fund. The government\'s obligation to pay Social Security beneficiaries is prescribed by law and therefore must be met ?in other words, the spending is mandatory.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('268','38','<p>There\'s really very little a doubt left about it. In order to achieve financial independence and freedom, the average American is going to have to take some degree of <em>risk</em>. With life spans, and thus retirement years, getting longer and <em>Social Security</em> not even coming close to providing enough for most people to live on (it was never really meant to), it\'s necessary to realize that the time to provide for one\'s later years is right now. </p>\r\n<p>But what do you do? Where do you start? Well, you can begin by looking at how long you have before you reach retirement and how much money you\'re going to need when you get there. If you can first determine your projected monthly retirement expenses along with income, then you\'ll easily be able to see any shortfall. A shortfall is the difference between the amounts that you\'ll realistically need to have and what you anticipate that you actually will have. You\'ll also need to determine how much you can begin <em>investing</em> with. </p>\r\n<p>Let\'s say that you figure out, for example, that you\'re going to have a shortfall of about $300,000 and you have 20 years left before reach retirement age. You have $50,000 from the sale of a piece of property available to invest. In this situation, most people would plunge into one of the &quot;hot&quot; investments advertised in a money magazine, or seek the help of a traditional financial advisor, stockbroker, or <em>financial planner</em>. But if you take one of these approaches, you could still have a problem. This is because most investment sales organizations operate within the framework of <span style=\"FONT-STYLE: italic\">pretax returns</span> and <em>relative performance</em>. </p>\r\n<p>Most investors use the model of <em>total return based on historical performance</em> as their primary, if not only, financial gauge. But total return is nothing more than a visual display of the past; it\'s not an indicator of the future. And historical performance only reveals a small amount of the information that you actually need to know. </p>\r\n<p>For instance, a stockbroker may show you a dollar goal projection, illustrating the magic of compounding using the historical rate of return of 10 percent (and all the while selling that 10 percent figure as conservative). At 10 percent, your $50,000 would grow to $336,000 in 20 years and $872,000 in 30 years, which sounds impressive. But something important has been overlooked, and it\'s the fact that total return drastically overstates the future purchasing power that you\'ll have because it ignores such things as <em>taxes</em>, <em>fees</em>, and <em>inflation</em>. </p>\r\n<p>And these oversights can make a world of difference. With typical taxes of 2 &frac12; percent along with broker\'s fees of 2 &frac12; percent, your 10 percent return assumption is now reduced to 5 percent. Doing the math, your $50,000 after 20 years would not be worth $336,000, but only $132,000. Subtract 3 percent for inflation, and real dollar projections would drop to a meager $74,000. Without taking all factors into consideration you could literally be hundreds of thousands of dollars off your mark and not have the time needed to make it up. </p>\r\n<p>Your objective, therefore, should be to focus on the dollar amount that you\'ll need and on the total <em>after-tax</em> return; after-tax meaning after fees, after expenses, after anything and everything that stands in the way of you reaching your goal. Endeavor to control everything that\'s in your power to control. Make sure that you understand what combinations of investments will give you the highest probability of making up any shortfalls while reducing your costs as much as possible. It\'s up to you to operate your investment program with full awareness of all tax and fee consequences.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('269','38','<p>Are you thinking of early retirement? It\'s not for everyone, of course; some simply can\'t afford it. For instance, you might not be able to leave your career early if you\'re facing tuition bills for your children\'s education well into your fifties. Or, your <em>pension</em> may be inadequate (or nonexistent) if you work for a small firm or have done a considerable amount of job-hopping during your working years. Some people are psychologically unprepared for early retirement: you may not be ready to give up the camaraderie of business associates or to spend a lot more time with your spouse (nor may he or she be ready to spend a lot more time with you!). Sometimes, one spouse may want to retire early while the other one doesn\'t. Fear of boredom can be quite daunting for those who have no earthly idea how they would be able to occupy their days without the pressure of pending deadlines. </p>\r\n<p>However, for those intrigued by the concept of early retirement, the main prerequisites are preparation, creativity and dedication. You\'ll have to reposition your <em>investments</em> while working to amass the assets needed for the retirement age that you select. Quitting early obviously means that your savings will have to last longer than otherwise. For example, assuming a 4% average annual return after inflation, if you want to retire at age 55 you\'ll have to accumulate $560,000 in order to collect $30,000 a year until age 90, compared with only $468,000 if you waited until age 65 to quit. What\'s more, you\'ll also have ten fewer years in which to accrue that additional cash reserve. Shrewd investing alone may not get it done; indeed, there could well be some necessary trade-offs that you\'ll have to contemplate in the future. You might have to make a few sacrifices either before or after you retire &ndash; such as cutting back on luxuries or entertainment expenses. </p>\r\n<p>The more creative you are early on in the process, the less frugal you\'ll have to be down the road. For instance, try to devise ways of building your own retirement <em>annuity</em>, not through an insurance company but from your own skills. Consider what you could do right now that would bring in a steady annual income after you retire. You may be able to turn a hobby that you\'ve been tinkering with into a sideline business. Or, you might buy rental property today with a mortgage that you\'ll pay off by the time you retire, thus practically guaranteeing a fairly substantial positive cash flow. </p>\r\n<p>The expertise that you\'ve gained over the years could also be turned into a lucrative occupation. But <em>consulting</em>, which is the most popular form of post-retirement entrepreneurship, ideally requires building contacts and a reputation before stepping away from your current employment. Trying to market yourself as a consultant after you quit working can end up taking more time than you spent at your old job. So, if your dream of independence involves running your own business, do yourself a favor by starting right now. Even if you\'re not contemplating a second career, you should start gearing up today to make sure that you have enough money to make your retirement comfortable.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('270','38','<p>There are many people who are concerned about whether <em>Social Security</em> will be available for the multitude of baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964. In just a matter of a few years, the first of the lot will begin retiring. As the population ages, the strain on the Social Security system will become tremendous. </p>\r\n<p>But even if the system is alive and well and doing fine, there&rsquo;s another problem that must be addressed. You don&rsquo;t have to be a certified financial planner to realize that Social Security isn&rsquo;t going to be enough to live on when you retire. It will only provide a minimal portion of your needed retirement income. The program is meant to supplement your income from savings, pensions, and investments. For a typical worker, Social Security will replace about 43% of his or her current income. It&rsquo;s not very likely that you&rsquo;ll be able to live on less than half of what you now make, especially in the future when costs will undoubtedly be even higher than they are now. </p>\r\n<p>Studies have shown that if you made <em>minimum</em>-wage earnings all your life, your Social Security benefit will replace about 59% of your preretirement wages. And if you made the maximum wage subject to Social Security taxes, your benefit would be less than 25% of your preretirement earnings. Of course, if you earned considerably more than the maximum amount, your benefit would be an even smaller percentage of those earnings. </p>\r\n<p>The current age at which you&rsquo;ll receive full Social Security benefits is 65. Your benefits will be lower if you begin collecting them at age 62. If you began at 62, your benefit check would be roughly 80% of what it would be if you had begun collecting at 65. If the official retirement age moves above 65, you&rsquo;ll get even less than 80% if you start collecting at age 62. </p>\r\n<p>Retiring before age 62 and not collecting benefits at all can also cause other problems. Your Social Security benefits are based on your five highest wage years, so not working in the years prior to retirement age could ultimately lead to a lower benefit check. Assuming your wages are generally increasing and you aren&rsquo;t exceeding the maximum wages for Social Security purposes, ending your working career early may hurt you down the road, even if you wait until age 65 to start collecting. </p>\r\n<p>In order to see where you are and how much you can count on from Social Security, you should get a copy of your <em>Personal Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statement</em>. This report gives you a listing of the earnings credited to your Social Security account. It also tells you the benefits that are payable on those earnings. You can order your Statement, as well as find lots of valuable information on the <strong>Social Security Administration website</strong>. </p>\r\n<p>When you receive your Statement, make sure that all of the information on it is correct. And be sure that you&rsquo;re being credited with all of the money that you&rsquo;ve earned so that you&rsquo;ll get all that you&rsquo;re entitled to in benefits. You&rsquo;ll need every penny because Social Security alone won&rsquo;t be enough for most people to live on. That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s absolutely imperative that you already have a financial plan in place for your later years. If you don&rsquo;t, get started on it now. Right now.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('271','38','Part 2: Vesting and Distribution Options\r\n<p>In Part 1 of this series, we discussed the types of <strong>pension</strong> structures that are available. We also defined the role of the <strong>Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)</strong>. In this article, we shall look at pension <em>vesting</em> as well as the <em>options</em> that you may have for the distribution of your pension benefits. </p>\r\n<p>With any pension plan, you must be concerned with vesting. <em>Vesting</em> is the amount of time that you must work in order to earn a non-forfeitable right to your accrued benefit. Once you are fully vested, the accrued benefit is yours, even if you cannot collect it at that particular moment in time. The plan will have rules which stipulate when the employer’s contribution will vest. </p>\r\n<p>All pension plans must comply with the <em>Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)</em>, which establishes guidelines regarding pensions and other matters, such as minimum standards for vesting. Individual plans may provide for a different standard, as long as it’s more generous than the minimum required by ERISA. </p>\r\n<p>Generally, there are two types of vesting schedules. One is a <em>seven-year graded schedule</em>, which provides for the following vesting levels: up to three years of employment, vesting is at 0%; at least three years but less than four, vesting is 20%; at least four but less than five, 40% vesting; at least five but less than six, 60% vesting; at least six but less than seven, 80%; and at least seven years of employment; 100% or full vesting. </p>\r\n<p>The second type of vesting schedule is known as <em>cliff vesting</em>. In essence, cliff vesting is all-or-nothing. For example, a five-year cliff vesting schedule would stipulate that the full benefit must vest once the employee has completed at least five years of service with the employer. If he or she leaves before that time, all of the pension benefits are forfeited. </p>\r\n<p>If you’re looking forward to receiving a pension from a defined benefit plan, it probably will not do you much good if you’ll be retiring early. With many plans, you can’t begin receiving benefits until you reach a traditional retirement age. If you are allowed to collect early, the amount will probably be much less than it would be had you waited. Also, with many plans, you have the option of receiving a lump-sum distribution of your benefit. </p>\r\n<p>Some experts recommend taking a lump-sum distribution and rolling it over into an IRA. With the proper investments, they feel that you may be able to make much more each month than you would in pension benefits. Another argument in favor of taking a lump-sum payout is the survivorship issue. For example, with some plans, you may qualify for a pension after seven years, but benefits for your spouse aren’t guaranteed until you’ve been employed for a longer period of time. As a result, if you die before that time period your spouse will not be able to collect. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>This issue differs from the <em>pension max</em> scenario. Here, the employee opts to take a larger monthly pension benefit. In exchange for this larger pension check, however, the spouse gives up any survivor pension, which could cause serious financial problems when the employee is deceased. </p>\r\n<p>If you’re not married or your spouse is entitled to a survivor’s pension, the lump-sum payout may not be the best option for you. For example, if you’re scheduled to receive a fixed income for life from a defined benefit plan, even a modest one, then you can build the rest of your investment portfolio around it. You’ll be able to reduce your risk by <em>diversification</em>. The pension can be used as the conservative element of your investment portfolio. You can then supplement it with riskier, and potentially more lucrative, investments.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('272','38','<p><strong>Retirement plans</strong> generally allow employees to postpone paying taxes on income that they defer for their elder years. Many companies, especially smaller ones, have replaced their <em>defined benefit</em> retirement plans (<em>pensions</em>, for example) with those identified as <em>defined contribution</em> plans, such as <em>401(k)s</em>. These programs shift the majority of the responsibility for funding an employee\'s retirement directly to the employee. With a defined contribution plan, the employee decides what, and how much, to invest in, as well as whether or not to participate in the program at all. The risks inherent in this type of approach are that the employee may choose not to take advantage of the 401(k) plan, and that he or she may invest their money in the plan too aggressively or conservatively, thereby hindering the accumulation of the finances needed for retirement. </p>\r\n<p>Defined benefit plans guarantee monthly benefits to employees ?the benefit is \'defined\', or spelled out. The employers decide how the pension funds are to be invested, and they are responsible for investing the money prudently. Employees who take part in the plan become <em>vested</em> -- or, entitled to the benefits that they\'ve earned -- typically after one- to five years of employment. The size of the employee\'s benefit usually depends upon the number of years that he or she has worked, along with his or her average earnings during the last few years of employment. </p>\r\n<p>With defined contribution plans, employees can put away any amount of money up to a fixed percentage of their earnings. In other words, the contribution is \'defined\'. Most employers ?over ninety percent of those that offer 401(k) plans -- match those employee contributions with smaller amounts, up to a percentage (typically six percent) of the employee\'s salary. With this type of plan, the employee is not guaranteed a certain amount to be received at retirement. The amount that the employee gets will depend upon how much is put into the plan and how those funds are invested. The employee, therefore, must see to it that investing is done wisely and according to his or her own retirement goals. </p>\r\n<p>Employees in defined contribution plans typically have at least three choices of where to put their money: <em>stocks</em>, fixed-income investments (such as <em>bonds</em>), and a combination of stocks and bonds (also known as a balanced fund). Many defined contribution plans also allow the employee to borrow money from their plan account before they reach retirement age. As long as it\'s paid back, no income taxes are incurred on the borrowed funds. </p>\r\n<p>Some other types of defined contribution plans include <em>403(b) plans</em> for employees of nonprofit, charitable, religious, or educational organizations; <em>Section 457 plans</em> for state and local government employees; and <em>federal thrift savings plans</em> for employees of the federal government. <em>Keogh plans</em> (also known as <em>HR-10</em> plans) are for self-employed workers, including freelancers who may be covered by retirement plans from their employers. <em>Simplified Employee Pensions (SEPs)</em> are similar to other defined contribution plans, but require much less paperwork. Individuals need not be self-employed to participate, and they can be set up in the same year that contributions are made. <em>SIMPLE (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees)</em> plans are designed for small business. Because of their streamlined features, they aren\'t subject to the rigorous qualification requirements of other tax-qualified retirement plans. Their costs are, therefore, considerably less.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('273','38','<p>Choosing the right investment can dramatically help your 401(k) account to grow faster. But there is one more choice that you may have to make that’s just as important to its continued healthy development, and that’s <em>allowing</em> it to. Most plans permit you to borrow against your account balance for compelling circumstances. But those compelling reasons may reduce the amount that you’ll be able to draw someday from your 401(k). If retirement, early or otherwise, is your dream, you can’t view your 401(k) just another liquid savings account. </p>\r\n<p>Some financial experts encourage borrowing from your 401(k). They’re convinced that these plans are the perfect source of funds to pay for major expenditures that crop up during your lifetime. Many people, for example, borrow from their retirement fund to pay for their children’s education. </p>\r\n<p>Despite the advantages of borrowing from your 401(k), it can be a major detriment to your retirement planning. Statistics show that working women over the age of 25 change jobs roughly every five years. Job changes such as this have a significant impact on the growth of retirement plans. If you leave your job (whether due to your choice or your employer’s), you’re obligated to repay any outstanding loans; some plans require repayment within 30 days. Failing to pay the loan back would likely be viewed as an early distribution from your account and therefore be subject to a ten-percent penalty. </p>\r\n<p>Also, you should bear in mind that you may not be eligible to participate immediately at your new place of work. Many companies don’t allow new employees to participate in their 401(k) plan for at least one year. That’s one full year of building toward your retirement that’s gone down the tubes, and that opportunity is extremely difficult to make up for. On a positive note, more companies have reduced or eliminated the waiting period to enroll in their plans. </p>\r\n<p>Although you‘re always vested for the funds that you have contributed into the plan, it’s likely to take a while before you’re fully vested for your employer’s contributions. You might have to wait five years or longer before you reach that status, which is even more time taken away from growing your account at full strength. Before taking a different job, you should consider how much you could lose from your 401(k). </p>\r\n<p>Before you borrow money from your retirement plan, stop and remember that it <em>is</em> your retirement plan. That’s what it’s there for. Every time that you take money away from it, you throw away the most precious commodity that there is in retirement planning -- <em>time</em>. The more time that you give yourself to build your retirement nest egg, the more likely you are to reach your financial goal and provide yourself with the type of lifestyle that you desire. If borrowing from your 401(k) is an absolute necessity, then by all means, go ahead and do it. But don’t do it without exploring every other alternative beforehand. Remember, it’s likely to cost you.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('274','38','<p>For many busy working-class people, saving money and thinking about setting up a retirement plan is the last thing that they want to consider. They\'re pulling in a decent paycheck, spending it on bills and a few pleasurable activities, and because they\'re young and energetic, they\'re confident that this status quo will continue for as long as necessary. </p>\r\n<p>Eventually, however, they begin to come to their senses ?perhaps because of maturity, perhaps by embryonic thoughts of their own mortality ?and the realization that nothing lasts forever, and that all things change. At this time, investing a portion of their salary toward their future wellbeing becomes a top priority. Well, as the old saying goes, better late than never. </p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, most of these people willingly hand over the critical element of retirement planning to someone else ?whether it\'s the government through <em>Social Security</em>, their company\'s <em>pension</em> plan, a <em>401(k)</em> or a similar arrangement administered by some financial \'expert\'. But the lessons of history (especially recent history) clearly show that many of those retirement vehicles administered by so-called experts come with serious caveats. The Enron and WorldCom meltdowns continue to speak volumes for the security (or lack thereof) of any company pension plan. And as for Social Security, (when you\'re ready for it), the best that you\'ll be able to reasonably expect is that it will provide you with a modest supplement; at worst it will be nothing more than a few weeks of grocery money. </p>\r\n<p>The point here is this: unless you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you absolutely need to begin investing to protect yourself and your family in your retirement years. Statistics show that for roughly ninety-five percent of all retirees, there are no golf club memberships or exciting vacations to exotic places that you always dreamed of seeing. They\'d like to help their children buy their first home, but the truth is that they\'ve had to tighten the belt dramatically to keep their own. They\'d love to start a fund for their grandkids\' college education, but they just don\'t have it to spare, ever. It should not be that way. </p>\r\n<p>Think about this simple illustration: many people would agree that the most successful investment they ever made was been the purchase of their home. Over the years of ownership they witnessed how their equity position in their house continued to grow and grow. They didn\'t need to do anything special for it to happen; they only had to stay invested for the long term. For these same people, however, they never truly understood what they were not only seeing, but living. They never equated the underlying principle of this profitable real estate investment with the rest of their investment portfolio (if they even had one). The proof was before their very eyes: long-term investing for retirement works very well, and it needn\'t be ultra-risky to provide good returns. </p>\r\n<p>If you haven\'t begun investing for your future, what are you waiting for? Every day that passes is time that you can\'t get back, and when investing over the long haul, time is your greatest ally. Educate yourself, develop a plan and implement it not only for yourself, but also for your family\'s future financial security.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('275','38','<p>For the vast majority of people, having a <em>401(k)</em> retirement plan is essential to their future financial health. As a matter of fact, a 401(k) is so vital to a comfortable retirement that possibly the most important thing for most people who are eligible to invest in such plans is to know what mistakes they should avoid making. Listed here are six of the most common 401(k) mistakes that people make. Don\'t repeat them in your investment program. </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li><em>The first (and possibly worst) mistake: investing in volatile securities (such as <em>stocks</em>), then selling in a panic if their prices decline.</em> In other words, the worst mistake is for a novice to make an investment which is suitable only for sophisticated investors. Stocks can be great investments ?for those who are experienced in the stock market and are equipped with the proper <em>risk tolerance</em>. </li>\r\n    <li><em>The second (and also quite expensive) mistake: not taking advantage of a 401(k) plan when one is available.</em> Many millions of eligible Americans have not elected to participate in their employer-sponsored plans. This represents a golden opportunity to procure help in building a substantial retirement fund, an opportunity that daily slips further away from those that may need it the most. Studies have shown that the well-to-do are roughly twice as likely to participate in salary-deferral plans as the less well-to-do, which would probably benefit more. </li>\r\n    <li><em>The third mistake: not taking advantage of employers\' contributions.</em> Many companies match their employees\' contributions up to a certain amount. For instance, if the employee contributes 3 percent of his or her salary to the 401(k) plan, the employer may match that contribution by adding an extra 1.5 percent to the employee\'s account. That\'s an immediate <em>fifty percent</em> return on the invested money, and it\'s free! Not to mention the fact that the matching funds compound right along with the employee\'s contributions. Yet many people don\'t even put the minimum amount of money into their 401(k) plans that would be matched by their employers. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Mistake number four: not putting away more money.</em> Studies have found that only about one-third of active participants contributed the maximum that they could (the maximum that\'s tax-deferred can change yearly in line with inflation). The least that a savvy employee should contribute is the amount that will be matched by his or her employer\'s contribution. Again, it\'s senseless to turn down free money. </li>\r\n    <li><em>The fifth mistake: not putting enough money into the stock market.</em> Yes, Mistake No. 1 above warned of investing in the stock market. It\'s volatile; it can rise and fall with alarming quickness. It can drop in value and remain down for extended periods of time. Yet, over the years, the stock market has rewarded investors more generously than fixed-income investments (<em>bonds</em>), <em>cash equivalents</em> (such as money market funds), precious metals, antiques and collectibles, and most other vehicles. To be invested exclusively in the safest assets available will only serve to guarantee that the employee will earn much lower returns than if his or her portfolio were properly allocated to include at least some riskier investment options. </li>\r\n    <li><em>And, mistake number six: putting too much money into the employer\'s stock.</em> Actually, the real mistake here is not being fully <em>diversified</em> -- not having enough money in a variation of different investments. The company may be a fantastic place to work; fair, generous, and a home away from home. It may be a thriving enterprise, making huge profits; the stock may even be selling for less than it should. Regardless, it\'s still a bad idea ?and goes against one of the first tenets of prudent investing -- to have one stock dominating the investing portfolio, even if that stock can be bought cheaply.</li>\r\n</ul>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('276','38','Part 1: The Defined Benefit Plan\r\n<p>You&rsquo;ve finally reached that magical day: <em>retirement</em>. You have a fixed and final retirement sum in your account. Now the question is, &ldquo;What&rsquo;s the best way to take my money?&rdquo; And the answer is a very definite and firm, &ldquo;It depends.&rdquo; Realistically, it depends on two things: 1) the type of pension plan that you have, and 2) the system you choose for taking your money out. In this article, we&rsquo;ll focus on <strong>defined benefit retirement plans</strong>, which include most corporate pensions. </p>\r\n<p>The defined benefit plan is the classic pension plan. You receive a taxable monthly income for the rest of your life. Corporate pensions are usually always a fixed monthly amount, which virtually guarantees the perpetual erosion away of your money&rsquo;s purchasing power. Government pensions, on the other hand, often come with an annual cost-of-living adjustment which may or may not keep par with inflation. </p>\r\n<p>Before you receive your first benefit check, you may have two choices to make. The first involves whether the pension will cover you alone or your spouse along with you. If you choose coverage for your lifetime only you&rsquo;ll receive a larger monthly check. But once you die, the pension stops and your spouse gets nothing. If your spouse doesn&rsquo;t need your pension then that won&rsquo;t be a problem. However, if your spouse will depend on that money, then it should cover both of your lives. Although not as big, a two-life pension (joint and survivor) will still provide much-needed benefits for your spouse. </p>\r\n<p>The second choice you&rsquo;ll need to make is whether to take your pension in a lump sum or as a monthly income. Many times, monthly payments are your only choice; some employers, however, offer the option of lump sums. If your company is somewhat shaky financially, then take the lump sum, unless your pension is fully guaranteed by the <strong>Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)</strong>. Some other suggestions follow to help you decide which choice may be best for you. </p>\r\n<p>If you&rsquo;ll depend heavily on your retirement money, take the monthly pension. Even though it&rsquo;s wearing away by inflation, the payment will last for life. If you take the lump sum and invest it, you may not be able to make it last. </p>\r\n<p>If you&rsquo;re an inexperienced investor, take the monthly pension. A <em>financial planner</em> might be able to show you, on paper, that you could get a higher income by investing the lump sum&hellip;assuming he&rsquo;s right. But what if he isn&rsquo;t? What if the planner&rsquo;s investments fail? If you&rsquo;re not experienced, it&rsquo;s unlikely that you&rsquo;ll know whether you&rsquo;re getting good advice or not. And with <em>investments</em>, sometimes even good advice doesn&rsquo;t work out. </p>\r\n<p>If you&rsquo;re a good investor, consider taking the lump sum. But before you do, ask your company what <em>discount rate</em> of interest they&rsquo;re using to determine the size of your lump sum. This is extremely important. In order to match what you would get from the company, you&rsquo;ll have to invest the lump sum at that same rate for the rest of your life. To improve your income, you&rsquo;ll have to invest it a higher rate. So unless you&rsquo;re absolutely sure that you can do better than the discount rate, go with the monthly pension.#p##e# </p>\r\n<p>If you have other sources of income, take the lump sum. You can roll it into a tax-deferred <em>IRA</em> and let it accumulate for your <em>older</em> age, giving you some protection against inflation. </p>\r\n<p>If you have enough money not to need an additional income stream, take the lump sum, roll it into an IRA and leave it for your children. </p>\r\n<p>If you&rsquo;re in very poor health and don&rsquo;t expect to live very long, take the lump sum. You can use it for larger payments if they become necessary because it won&rsquo;t have to cover a full life expectancy. </p>\r\n<p>One more thing &ndash; be sure to check the size of your pension if it&rsquo;s integrated with <em>Social Security</em>. This means that it&rsquo;s partly reduced by the size of your Social Security benefit. When making that reduction, companies estimate what your Social Security benefit will be. If they estimate too high, you&rsquo;ll end up being paid too little on your pension. </p>\r\n<p>In Part 2 we&rsquo;ll look at the choices available with <em>defined contribution plans</em>.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('277','38','<p><strong>Supplemental Security Income</strong> is a program jointly operated by the federal and state governments and administered by the <strong>Social Security Administration (SSA)</strong>. Its purpose is to guarantee a minimum level of income to financially-distresses older, blind, and disabled individuals. SSI eligibility is based entirely on age or disability, and on financial need as determined by both personal income and assets. As such, the applicant must be quite financially needy in order to qualify for SSI payments. In fact, income and assets must be so low that many people with no income other than Social Security retirement benefits are not eligible for SSI, while others receive only a small SSI supplement to their Social Security income. Unlike Social Security, SSI benefits do not depend on how long the recipient has worked or the amount that was paid into the Social Security system. </p>\r\n<p>There are four basic requirements that must be met in order to receive SSI cash benefits: </p>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li>The applicant must be 65 or older, or blind or disabled. </li>\r\n    <li>If the individual is a new applicant for SSI benefits, he or she must be a citizen of the United States, or meet strict requirements for longtime residency, military service, or political asylum- or refugee status. (Some legal permanent residents may also be eligible if they\'re blind or disabled.) </li>\r\n    <li>The applicant\'s monthly income must be less than a certain minimum amount established by the resident state. </li>\r\n    <li>The applicant\'s total assets must be worth less than $2,000 ($3,000 for a couple); certain items are excluded from this amount, such as a home and car. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>The complete eligibility rules are considerably more complex than those stated in the basic requirements; however, the complications usually always make it easier to qualify for SSI benefits. Generally speaking, the applicant is permitted to have more income and assets than the initial figures indicate. Additionally, applicants who qualify for SSI may also be eligible for <em>Medicaid</em> and food stamps, as well as free rehabilitation and home care programs. </p>\r\n<p>The amount of the SSI supplement can vary depending on the applicant\'s resident state, as well as the amount of his or her countable income. The basic federal SSI payments (effective January 1, 2007) are $623 a month for an eligible individual and $934 a month for an eligible couple. These figures are adjusted on January 1st of each year, with the amount of increase being dependent upon changes in the federal Consumer Price Index. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>A number of states pay supplements to the basic federal SSI amount. In these states, the supplement is added directly onto the federal SSI payment. This means that the applicant need apply only once &ndash; to Social Security &ndash; to receive both the basic amount and the supplement. Both amounts are included in one payment, which is administered by the SSA. The supplement amount differs for a single individual, a couple, or a person who is blind. The amount may also differ if the person lives in the household of someone else, in group living arrangements, or in a nursing facility. States in which the supplement is federally administered include California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont. (In several of these locations, the individual State administers the supplement for people living in certain residential settings, while the SSA administers the supplement for other residential arrangements.) </p>\r\n<p>Most other states also provide some kind of supplement to the basic federal SSI payment, but the types of supplements and rules for qualifying are administered solely by those states. These supplements must be applied for separately, at the social welfare agency of the applicant\'s county of residence.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('278','40','<p><em>Life insurance</em> is generally thought of only with regard to protecting the financial well-being of individuals and their families. But life insurance can play a major role in the financial stability of businesses as well. When analyzed, it’s clear that a business has the same basic insurance need as that of an individual: protection against premature death and the delivery of cash exactly when it’s required. This need for ready funds relates to the disposition of a business interest upon the death of a key person of that business. </p>\r\n<p>Businesses are generally organized in one of three ways: a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a corporation. The death of a proprietor, partner, or a key working stockholder would require the disposition of his or her business interest, just as any other asset. This can often result in the restructuring of the business, its sale or even liquidation. Unfortunately, the difference between a company\'s sale and its liquidation can be quite dramatic, with the sale usually resulting in the family receiving a fair market value for the business interest. <em>Liquidation</em>, on the other hand, is a forced sale that may bring only a small percentage of the business\' true value. In some situations liquidation of the business is mandated by law; but it is, nonetheless, the least desirable method of disposing of the deceased\'s asset. In order to avoid such an outcome, the sale or retention of the business would require proper planning and implementation of business agreements, a willing and competent successor or buyer, and sufficient cash with which to implement the transfer. Let\'s look at how the sole proprietor can protect his or her business interest with the strategic use of life insurance. </p>\r\n<p>A <em>sole proprietorship</em> is an unincorporated form of business whereby an individual, utilizing his or her own special talents and abilities, owns and manages a business. Even though this type of organization may have several employees, it’s the sole proprietor who is generally directly responsible for the success of the business. This individual has unlimited liability with regard to the business operation; creditors can claim both the owner\'s business as well as personal assets. When the sole proprietor dies the business also dies, and with it a source (many times the only one) of income for the family. Unless there\'s been adequate planning beforehand, the business may have to be liquidated for a fraction of its value in order to pay estate settlement expenses. </p>\r\n<p>Life insurance can be used to solve the problems created by the death of the sole proprietor. It can fund a <em>business continuation agreement</em> (also known as a <em>buy-sell agreement</em>) by providing necessary cash with which to keep the business operating until it can be sold at a fair market value for the benefit of the deceased’s family. Life insurance can also be used to provide funds for a competent employee or other qualified person to purchase the business from the surviving family members. </p>\r\n<p>In Part 2 of this article series we\'ll look at how life insurance can be used for the protection of partnerships and corporations.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('279','40','<p><strong>Insurance</strong><br />The word &quot;Insurance&quot; refers to the promise of repayment of the money in the case of any loss to the insurer. The insurer may be an individual or a company who have made prepayment to an insurance company for a secured life. Insurance also provides &quot;security against future loss&quot;. We cannot predict the timing and the occurrence of loss. So we need insurance plan in order to protect ourselves from the future loss. An insurance policy provides financial assistance to support medical, personal and social services. <strong>Types of Insurance</strong><br />Different types of Insurance plans are offered based on your needs. Some of them are<br />1.Life Insurance&nbsp;<br />2. Health Insurance <br />3.Dental Insurance&nbsp;<br />4. Property insurance&nbsp;<br />5. Automobile insurance <strong>Life Insurance</strong><br />Life insurance policy is sometimes referred as life assurance, provides reimbursement of money to the decedent\'s family or other designated. Life insurance gives security for you and your family. The life insurance may be permanent insurance or term insurance. The term insurance is somewhat expensive and complicated. Since the duration of this term insurance is limited to 1 to 10 or 20 years. If something happens to the insurer during this course of time, the death benefit is given to the recipient. If nothing happens at the end of term, they will not be benefited fully. Whereas the permanent life insurance is more secure and gives protection throughout the lifetime. If you cancel the policy then the accumulated cash will be yours and you can make use of it. <strong>Health Insurance</strong><br />Health insurance is a type of insurance, which covers medical costs of the insured when the insurer becomes sick or injured. Health insurance plans offered in two categories. They are individual and group insurance policy. The individual plans covers health costs for a single person whereas the group health insurance plan covers medical coverage for the entire family. <strong>Dental Insurance </strong><br />Like health insurance, dental insurance covers dental costs for an individual or group. The costs include normal dental care cost as well as damage to teeth in an accident. Most people in the United States are getting along with their health insurance plans from their employer. Whatever may be the type of policy, it provides you a financial aid for you and your child in future. Dental insurance covers both individual and group. The group dental is more economical and beneficial than the individual. <strong>Automobile insurance</strong><br />The insurance which legal liability against driver or incase of loss and damage to the vehicle. <strong>Property insurance</strong><br />Property insurance gives protection against your property. This includes specialized forms of insurance like fire insurance, flood insurance, earthquake insurance, home insurance etc. <strong>Need for Insurance.#p##e#</strong><br />For secure life, we require insurance plans. Because anything may happen tomorrow, the things are unpredictable. Insurance makes you to prepare for future. The health insurance plans are provided to in order to meet the expense of any health problem.Now a day\'s health and dental coverage for an individual/family becomes more expensive. So it is advisable to have a health insurance plan. You can get reasonable price on your individual health and dental plan through an employer. Whatever may be the insurance plans it provides &quot;protection against future loss&quot;.</p>\r\n<br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('280','40','<p>The cost of health care continues to spiral upward yearly. And just as every other segment of health care, the fees for dental services have skyrocketed as well. A good dental plan is not only important to your physical well-being, but it can also help to keep your financial condition healthy and strong. </p>\r\n<p>Before buying any dental coverage, it&rsquo;s essential that you do your homework. Study the plans of a number of coverage providers to see what&rsquo;s available. Find out what&rsquo;s covered in terms of diagnostic, preventive and emergency treatment, and in what amounts. If you already have a dentist, find out what insurance or discount programs, if any, that he or she is a member of. Determine what payment options your provider will accept. It&rsquo;s not unusual to find that you may have to pay for the services out of your own pocket, complete and submit a claim form, and then wait for a reimbursement. </p>\r\n<p>There are several different types of dental health plans that are available. <strong>Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMOs)</strong> are one form of coverage. These function in the same way that <em>healthcare HMOs</em> operate. The member pays a small monthly fee for coverage. The dental provider receives a monthly fee for each patient assigned to his or her office, regardless of what procedure is performed. The insured must select a dentist from the approved list of network providers. Some plans may have a yearly limit on the dollar amount of work that can be received. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Dental Preferred Provider Organizations</strong> also operate in the same manner as their regular <em>healthcare PPO</em> namesakes. The insured is not limited to the providers of the PPO network. He or she will, however, pay a larger out-of-pocket portion if service is acquired from a non-network provider. </p>\r\n<p>Supplemental dental insurance is just as its name implies: it is not meant to be your primary dental insurance. Rather, it\'s meant to help cover the costs associated with your dental needs which may not be covered by your primary health or dental coverage. Many employers only offer basic dental insurance. And since the average primary dental program usually only covers up to 50% of the costs of major procedures, supplemental insurance can help to relieve the potential financial burdens of these occurrences. </p>\r\n<p>Dental discount plans are designed to lower dental costs by negotiating discounts for their large membership bases. Discount plans are not actually insurance; they do, however, lower costs by passing the lower negotiated service rates on to their plan members. Members simply present their dental discount plan ID card, and are billed at the discounted price. Discount plans can be very cost-effective; with some charging as little as $5 per month per person covered. </p>\r\n<p>As with any other type of financial decision, the key is to shop and compare. Differences in plan coverage and cost can be quite significant. Take your time to find out what&rsquo;s offered, gather sound information, and then you&rsquo;ll be in a position to choose the coverage that best fits your needs and budget.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('281','40','<p>Auto insurance can be confusing and mind boggling sometimes and it\'s hard to determine exactly why some individuals are receiving rates which are lower than others. There are many factors which contribute to the rate of auto insurance, some you have control over and others you don\'t. Below you will find valuable information regarding the factors which are compiled in order to determine the rate of your car insurance. These will help you understand important aspects of auto insurance and why some individuals receive higher rates than others. Here are the top five factors which auto insurance companies will consider when determining your rate of insurance: </p>\r\n<ol>\r\n    <li>Age - Your age will greatly affect the rate of your car insurance. Teenagers and individuals who are just beginning to drive will have higher rates for no reason other than their age. There is nothing you can do about this, as you get older and become a more experienced driver your rates will go down. Although they will go down, they will not stay down. When you reach a certain age your car insurance rates will go back up because you are an elderly driver and your eyes and coordination may not be as effective anymore. </li>\r\n    <li>Auto Insurance Companies - This is a factor which you have control over. Some car insurance companies offer lower rates than others for many reasons. It is up to you to choose which one will benefit you the most both now and in the long run. </li>\r\n    <li>Gender - Whether you are male or female will also affect the rate of your car insurance. This is yet another factor which you have no control over. Females generally have lower car insurance rates because according to insurance companies men are seen as potential dangerous and careless drivers who are more likely to be involved in car accidents. </li>\r\n    <li>Type of Vehicle - As much as we would all love to be driving a shiny silver Porsche Boxter all around town, the insurance rates for these types of vehicles are unreal. If you want your auto insurance rates to be low, I would suggest driving a car with a lower price tag. The more money your car is worth, the higher your car insurance rate will be. </li>\r\n    <li>Driving Violations - This is another factor which you have control over. I know how tempting it is to race your friends the moment you get your license for the first time, but the amount of money you will pay in the long run hardly seems worth it. Any form of ticket you receive can potentially raise the rate of your car insurance. If you want to pay less for car insurance I would suggest abiding by the rules of the road. </li>\r\n</ol>\r\nAlthough these are the most important factors in determining your rate of car insurance, there are many other factors which also play a part in how much you will pay. Auto insurance is something we all have to pay for, but by researching and understanding the aspects of this form of insurance you are learning how to reduce your rate to your best ability.\r\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\r\n<br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('282','40','<p>Preserve memories with decorative picture frames. Picture Frames add exceptionality to pictures and keeps your pictures and memories evergreen. Picture frames provide support, protection and artistic veracity. The art of picture framing was instigated during the Renaissance period, due to the need to individualize and augment ingenious works. Picture frames are available in different shapes and materials from the simple design to the contemporary styles. The picture frames are either mass produced or custom made frames from professional frame makers. Picture frames are either square shaped, rectangular, oval or heart shaped. Picture frames can supplement the value or lessen the value of pictures based on the frames you choose. The picture frames are available in different materials which are usually made of silver, glass, enamel, digital photo frames, wood or even funky frames in classical or elegant styles. Some fun and fancy picture frames also available which is heart shaped porcelain or house shaped wood frame. The picture frames protects your photos and hidden memories from direct lights, moisture and natural acids in our hands. Picture frames also looks great for gifts. It will be majestic gifts for wedding or other occasions. Buy your pictures by keeping following features in mind. First decide what type of frame you want to buy, whether you need simple or ornamental frame .Secondly decide on color, style and materials of the frames and then price of the picture frames. Since both economical and expensive picture frames are available. Picture frames enhances elegance and splendor of your picture. The frames are also available as table tops or wall hangings. The table top picture frames are available in square, rectangular or oval shaped. The wooden hangings may be hand painted, carved or plain.</p>\r\n<br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('283','40','<p>Listed here are some of the most common provisions associated with <em>long-term care insurance</em>. Most current LTC policies today incorporate them or options for them. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Eligibility</strong> - Eligibility refers to the youngest and oldest ages at which LTC coverage may be obtained. Most policies\' minimum eligible ages are in the 50- to 60 year-old range, but some more recent policies have included a much lower minimum age limit, with several being as low as age 18. The upper age limits at which LTC policies can be purchased generally span from ages 69 to 89. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Renewability</strong> - Virtually all of the current generation of LTC policies are guaranteed renewable and thus can\'t be cancelled by the insurer except for nonpayment of premium. Although unable to cancel the policy, the insurer usually does, however, reserve the right to increase premiums in accordance with the policy\'s provisions. If premiums are increased, the increase will become effective on the policy anniversary date and will apply to the entire class of insureds, not just a single individual. </p>\r\n<p>Additionally, some LTC policies are <em>noncancellable</em>, which means that the insured has the right to continue the coverage simply by making the premium payments in a timely manner. When this is done, the insurer has no right to make any change in policy provisions and can neither decline to renew or change the premium rate at renewal for any reason whatsoever. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Premiums</strong> - Similar to <em>life insurance</em>, LTC premiums are generally based on an individual\'s age when he or she purchases the policy. Basically, the younger the person is at the time of purchase, the lower the premium. Additionally, premiums may vary according to the <em>elimination-</em> and <em>benefit periods</em> selected ?for example, the longer the elimination period, the lower the premium; conversely, the longer the benefit period, the higher the premium. Premium variations may further result from underwriting considerations, such as the risk factors associated with the applicant, including his or her current ability to perform normal functions or <em>activities of daily living (ADLs)</em>. If the applicant needs assistance with an ADL at the time of application the premium will be higher than it would be if he or she didn\'t require such aid. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Elimination Period</strong> - The elimination period can actually be thought of and defined as a &quot;time deductible.&quot; Similar to that of a <em>disability income</em> policy, no long-term care benefits are paid until the elimination period is satisfied. Most LTC policies provide for a period of time, usually expressed in days or months, at the beginning of a confinement episode in a long-term care facility, during which no benefits are payable. Such waiting periods are often thirty days or longer. Thus, after the insured has been confined to a nursing home for a term of thirty days (or longer, if required), LTC benefits would begin to be received. With all other factors being equal, the longer the elimination period the lower the policy\'s premium. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Waiver Of Premium</strong> - Nearly all LTC policies include a waiver-of-premium provision that takes effect after the insured has been confined for a specified period of time ?typically ninety days, but as long as 180 days with some policies. A few have no such provision, meaning that the insured will be required to continue premium payments no matter how long he or she is receiving care. When the waiver is applicable, premium payments generally resume when the care ceases. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p><strong>Benefit Amount</strong> - The applicant may be offered a choice of either the maximum daily benefit amount for a nursing home stay or covered home health care. Again, higher daily benefit amounts translate to higher policy premiums. </p>\r\n<p>Most LTC policies provide a specified daily benefit during confinement. Traditionally, this benefit has been provided as a maximum daily amount (in other words, reimbursement for charges up to the stated limit, but at a rate of no more than the daily limit). Benefit amounts typically range from $50 up to several hundred dollars per day. However, some insurers provide coverage on an &quot;expense-incurred&quot; basis ?which is full reimbursement for the actual charges incurred. The maximum policy benefit can be calculated by multiplying the full daily benefit by the total number of days in the benefit period. </p>\r\n<p>As an example, let\'s say that Jim has a long-term care policy with a 30-day elimination period, a daily benefit of $85 per day and a two-year maximum benefit period. His maximum policy benefit would therefore be $62,050 ($85 per day multiplied by 730 days). If Jim were confined to a nursing home for a total of six months, his benefit amount would be calculated as follows: for the first thirty days no benefit would be paid while the elimination period was being satisfied; for the next six months he would receive $85 per day; and his total benefit would be $15,300 ($85 x 180 days). If Jim\'s actual incurred charges were more than $85 a day, he would be responsible for paying the additional amount. </p>\r\n<p>Most policies specify the dollar amount per day that will be paid for skilled nursing care. Some may also include sub-limits for special types of care or services. For instance, the benefit for home health care or adult day care is usually a fixed percentage of the specified daily benefit, typically 50%. In addition, the policy may also include a deductible amount that must be satisfied before benefit payments begin. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Benefit Periods</strong> - The maximum period for which benefits are paid by long-term care policies can vary, typically from three to five years. Some policies, however, offer unlimited benefit periods. Others may contain both a maximum benefit period per confinement along with a lifetime maximum benefit period. The benefit period can also end when a specified maximum payout amount has been reached. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Care Level</strong> - Care level determines whether a policy will pay only if <em>skilled nursing</em>, <em>intermediate</em>, or <em>custodial care</em> ?as specified in the policy ?is required at the time the individual enters the nursing home. This is extremely important, since some policies pay only if intermediate or skilled care is involved, thereby excluding custodial care ?which happens to be the most common type of care required by elders. Better LTC policies will pay benefits regardless of the level of care required. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Hospice Care</strong> - This care is commonly offered as an optional benefit under LTC policies. The primary focus of hospice care is pain control, comfort and counseling for terminally ill patients and their families. A hospice is simply a facility whose purpose is to help terminally ill patients die with dignity and with as little suffering as possible. Typically, the expenses incurred from a hospice are room and board and medication for the alleviation of pain. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p><strong>Respite Care</strong> - Respite care is normally associated with hospice care. With this benefit, the patient is admitted to a nursing home for needed care for a short period of time, or the policy will cover the cost of replacing for a short period (a day or weekend, for example) the primary care giver ?usually a family member ?who\'s looking after an elderly person in the home. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Home Health Care</strong> - The majority of current LTC policies cover home health care as an alternative to nursing home care. Home health care is provided in the insured\'s home and must begin within a specified period of time following a nursing home stay. The home health care benefit is typically 50- to 60% of the regular daily nursing home benefit. Home health care is an extension of intermediate custodial care; in other words, the patient requires some health care, but is able for the most part to function without the need for confinement in a nursing home. This type of health care might include physical therapy and some custodial care, such as meal preparations. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Adult Day Care</strong> - Many of today\'s long-term care policies also provide for adult day care to allow the primary care giver to continue working at his or her regular job. Either provided in the insured\'s home or at a day care facility, adult day care is basically social and health care services for functionally impaired adults. Typically included are transportation to and from the day care center along with a variety of health, social and other related activities. This care usually also includes meals and certain medical services. Specialized care for Alzheimer\'s victims is generally also included in adult day care benefits. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Exclusions</strong> - A major advancement of current LTC policies is that most now cover Alzheimer\'s disease and other organic-based mental illnesses, which formerly were often excluded. Every insurance policy, however, has some exclusions. Each should therefore be studied carefully to determine what\'s covered and what is not. Typical LTC exclusions are wars and acts of war, alcohol or drug dependency, self-inflicted injuries, mental illness and nervous disorders with no verifiable organic cause, and treatment provided without cost to the insured (such as that received at a veteran\'s hospital). </p>\r\n<p><strong>Pre-existing Conditions</strong> - Most LTC policies don\'t cover conditions that existed during a specified period of time immediately before the policy effective date (usually six months). A few policies, however, do not have this exclusion. </p>\r\n<p><strong>Professional Care Advisor</strong> - Coverage may be provided for the services of a care coordinator to help design the most appropriate plan of treatment for the insured.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('284','40','If you\'re travelling to Europe then before you consider buying travel insurance check out the benefits of the FREE European Health Insurance card.\r\n<h3>The Free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)</h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">This small plastic credit card type card replaces the old E111 forms </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">As members of the European Union all citizens are <strong>entitled to use the other member states health services for free</strong> </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">All the major European countries are included in the scheme as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway &amp; Switzerland who aren&rsquo;t actually members of the EU </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">The card is valid for between 3-5 years </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">There is no family policy so every member needs a card regardless of age </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">The EHIC can be obtained from - </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul><blockquote>\r\n    <li type=\"circle\">Post Office branch </li>\r\n    <li type=\"circle\">Applying online at the Department of Health Website </li>\r\n    <li type=\"circle\">By phoning 0845 606 2030 </li>\r\n    </blockquote></ul>\r\n    <h3>Remember - It\'s Health Insurance Only</h3>\r\n    The new EHIC card will only cover you for health insurance and not therefore anything to do with general foreign travel such as flight delays or lost and stolen goods. You may well want to consider getting another travel insurance policy on top of the EHIC - Find.co.uk\'s list of Travel Insurance Companies Also, an important point to remember is the EHIC only offers the same medical cover that a citizen of that country receives which may not be as comprehensive as what the NHS offers back in the UK. But the good news is that we are talking about Europe here and not (with respect) a load of central African states so general health care is pretty good.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('285','40','<p>All state <strong>Workers Compensation</strong> laws incorporate four categories of benefits: disability (or loss of income) benefits, medical benefits, survivor (or death) benefits, and rehabilitation benefits. Let\'s look at each category. </p>\r\n<p><em>Disability benefits</em> provide compensation for the loss of income or earning capacity suffered by an individual who\'s injured in his or her occupation. How and in what amounts benefits are paid depend upon the severity and permanency of the injury. Payments can be made on a weekly- or lump-sum basis, or some combination of the two. For example, an employee temporarily unable to work due to a broken leg would most likely receive a weekly payment based on a percentage of his or her regular wages, subject to an upper limit. On the other hand, a worker who suffers a permanent loss, such as the amputation of a limb, would probably receive a lump-sum payment based on a predetermined schedule in the particular state\'s Workers Compensation law. </p>\r\n<p><em>Medical benefits</em> compensate for the cost of medical treatment resulting from a job-related injury. In most cases, Workers Comp pays for the full cost of the treatment. </p>\r\n<p><em>Survivor benefits</em> attempt to recompense the widowed spouse or other survivor of an employee whose death results from a work-related injury. The amount of the benefit would depend upon the deceased employee\'s earnings (subject to fixed minimum and maximum amounts), and the number of surviving dependents. A fixed amount is also available for burial expenses. Benefits would normally continue until the surviving spouse remarries or until the children reach adulthood. </p>\r\n<p><em>Rehabilitation benefits</em> are not specifically named in some state Workers Compensation laws. Nevertheless, rehabilitation is provided in every state since all accept the provisions of the federal <strong>Vocational Rehabilitation Act</strong>, which provides federal aid toward the benefit costs incurred. </p>\r\n<p>To be considered \'compensable\' as determined in Workers Compensation law, an injury must meet three basic criteria: it must be accidental, it must arise due to the individual\'s employment, and it must occur in the course of the individual\'s employment. Of course, accidental means that the injury was not intended to happen as far as the injured person is concerned. For example, getting hurt while falling from a loading dock would meet the criteria; however, injury resulting from deliberately jumping from the loading dock would not be covered. </p>\r\n<p>Additionally, the employment must be the source of the accident. For instance, if a welder is injured while welding on the job, then the injury is compensable ?if the third stipulation is also met; namely, that the injury arose in the course of employment. The time, place, and circumstances of the accident are important in determining whether it resulted from the employment or not. Again, if the welder were injured while welding at his place of employment, but the injury occurred after hours while doing something for his or her own personal use, the injury would not be compensable. </p>\r\n<p>All states also mandate Workers Comp benefits for <em>occupational diseases</em>; in most states they\'re eligible for the same compensation that applies to occupational injuries. However, in order to qualify under Workers Compensation law, the disease must arise from employment and also be attributable to causes or conditions characteristic of and peculiar to the particular employment, trade, occupation, or process. This requirement of peculiarity to a particular employment means that Workers Comp coverage doesn\'t apply for ordinary diseases to which the general public may be exposed. #p##e#</p>\r\n<p>It\'s possible that an employee could contract a disease that arises from and in the course of employment but is not an occupational disease. For example, a heart attack, ulcers, or alcoholism are not considered to be occupational diseases, yet employment may have played a significant part in inducing any of them. Individual states treat this type of situation differently; some may award compensation and others may not. </p>\r\n<p>Under Workers Compensation law, there are four types of disability: permanent total, permanent partial, temporary total, and temporary partial. The difference between permanent and temporary is as simple as their definitions ?the disability will either last forever or it won\'t. However, the difference between total and partial depends upon the disabled person\'s ability to work. If a worker is disabled to the point where no job can be performed, he or she is deemed to have a total disability. On the other hand, if the worker is disabled but capable of performing some task (even if it\'s not the same as the previous employment), this condition is considered to be a partial disability. </p>\r\n<p>A <em>permanent total disability</em> usually results in a complete and permanent loss of earning power, with no ability to perform any type of gainful employment. Many state compensation laws specify that certain injuries, such as the total loss of sight or loss of both hands or feet, constitute permanent total disability regardless of the insured\'s capacity to do some form of work. </p>\r\n<p>A <em>permanent partial disability</em> generally refers to a permanent physical impairment that leaves the individual incapable of performing his or her original job, but results in only partial loss of earning ability since other jobs can still be performed. In other words, the employee may be able to perform some other type of work. </p>\r\n<p>A <em>temporary total disability</em> usually refers to a total disability that lasts for a short period, after which the employee is fully able to return to work. For example, an individual strains his back while lifting a heavy box at work. After being in traction for four months he\'s able to resume his former job. </p>\r\n<p>Finally, <em>temporary partial disability</em> usually refers to a temporary disablement that allows the employee to continue in the same job, but with a reduced capability. If the worker in the above example had only twisted his ankle, he would likely still be able to perform some of his regular duties at work. </p>\r\n<p>State Workers Compensation laws are either compulsory or elective, with most being <em>compulsory</em>. This means that the employer must accept and comply with all of the provisions of the law. Conversely, if the state law is <em>elective</em>, then both the employer and employee have the option of either accepting or rejecting the law. </p>\r\n<p>Some state Workers Compensation laws are deemed compulsory for some specific types of work and elective for others. However, if an employer chooses to reject an elective Workers Compensation law, the employer is denied any rights provided under the law, and loses use of most pro-employer law defenses as well. </p>\r\n<p>It\'s important that everyone be aware of their own state\'s Workers Compensation provisions. More detailed information can be found at the <strong>U.S. Department of Labor\'s</strong> website and at WorkersCompensation.com.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('286','40','Which! the consumer magazine has recently branded life insurance products from Tesco and Virgin Money &lsquo;<em>at best average and at worst distinctly bad value</em>&rsquo;. The magazine examined life insurance products from &ndash;-\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Sainsbury&rsquo;s </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Marks &amp; Spencers </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Asda </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Virgin Money </li>\r\n    <li type=\"disc\">Tesco </li>\r\n</ul>\r\nSainsbury&rsquo;s was found to be the cheapest and as the opening quote states Which! magazine was pretty much unimpressed with both the Tesco and Virgin products. The consumer magazine also warned consumers that buying such products as life insurance from supermarkets means that no advice will be offered and therefore the consumer will have no recourse to the Financial Ombudsman if the policy proves to be unsuitable.');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('287','40','<ul>\r\n    <li><em>The cost of basic hospital services</em> - This includes a semiprivate room, food, emergency room, nursing, intensive care, ambulance service, medicines, X-rays and lab tests. Unless your plan deems it medically necessary, the extra cost of a private room will be yours. </li>\r\n    <li><em>The cost of surgery</em> - This should include surgeons, assistant surgeons, anesthesiologists, and outpatient surgery. The plan will cover the costs that are &ldquo;usual and customary&rdquo; for your area. </li>\r\n    <li>The cost of outpatient care - Many procedures that previously required hospitalization are now done on an outpatient basis. To prevent infections and other unforeseen effects, your policy should provide adequate home healthcare support. </li>\r\n    <li><em>At least part of the bill for home health care</em> - This should be covered if ordered by your doctor. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Most doctor bills</em> - In full or in part; again, the plan will only pay up to the &ldquo;usual and customary&rdquo; charges. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Good coverage for your children</em> - Stepchildren and foster children should also be included if you&rsquo;re responsible for their support. Be aware of how long your children can remain on your policy. Typically, they&rsquo;re covered up to age 19 if not full-time students, and anywhere from 21 to 25 if they are. Children with mental or physical handicaps who cannot support themselves should be covered permanently, as long as the disability occurred while they were insured. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Care for an infant from the moment of birth</em> - Generally, to have your child included on your health plan, you must notify the insurer of the birth within thirty days. The majority of group and individual plans provide infants with major medical coverage from the moment of birth; however, they may not cover therapy for all birth defects. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Part of the cost of convalescing in a nursing home</em> - After you&rsquo;ve had a hospital stay, but you still require nursing care. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Part of the cost of prescription drugs.</em> </li>\r\n    <li><em>Part of the treatment for mental problems, drug- and alcohol abuse</em> - This area of coverage has seen many recent cutbacks and is subject to strict oversight. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Most of the cost of incidental expenses</em> - These can include physical therapy, oxygen, durable medical equipment (DME), and the like. </li>\r\n    <li><em>Part of the cost of oral surgery</em> - Dental surgery generally isn&rsquo;t covered under standard health insurance plans, but can usually be included with a rider. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Finally, don&rsquo;t be satisfied by receiving just a sales brochure that states in advertising lingo that everything is covered. Everything isn&rsquo;t. Get a copy of the contract which shows exactly what&rsquo;s insured as well as how much of the expenses you&rsquo;re expected to pay.</p>');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('288','40','<p>Are you looking for ways to lower your Auto Insurance Premium? Auto insurance rates can spiral depending upon factors that include your age, past driving record, and other factors such as credit history. However, the trick is to find ways to lower the annual pay-off. We have pulled up for you the 5 quickest ways to lower your Auto Insurance Premium. Tip 1: Hike up your deductible Stop trying to get the lowest deductible\', instead go in for a comfortably higher out of pocket payment plan. Deductible\' is the amount that you would pay before your insurance policy kicks in. This is an easy way to reduce your periodic premium amount, however, be warned, in such a case, if something happens to your vehicle - you need to shell out more to cover the initial expenses, prior to going in for a claim. Tip 2: Park your vehicle in a garage One of the simplest ways to cut down on insurance premium is to park your vehicle in a garage, personal or commercial establishments. This helps in knocking off, in some cases, close to 20% of the premium. In a garage, the chances of your vehicle getting stolen or sideswiped are considerably lower. From a transaction perspective, parking in a garage could mean a difference between a preferred rate and a standard rate. Tip 3: Shop around and bargain Nothing beats the traditional shop around to bargain\'. Make sure you at least have three to four price quotes with you, prior to fixing on the service provider. Ensure that you are not shopping for price alone, but the whole deal. Tip 4: Take a Defensive Driving Course Not many people are aware of this. By volunteering for a state-approved defensive driving course, you can avail discounts in premium of up to 10%. However, do cross check with your insurer on this. Tip 5: Downsizing Coverage Well, downsizing coverage is perhaps the easiest way to lower your auto insurance premium. However, we suggest you to be careful and prudent, while taking this decision. This might save money, but, would also limit coverage.</p>\r\n<br />');
INSERT INTO `dede_addonarticle` VALUES('289','40','Most 18 year olds who are soon heading off on a Gap year before they start work or College usually have far more important things to worry about than Travel Insurance. Youngsters often believe they&rsquo;re invincible, and\r\n<ol>\r\n    <li>Insurance costs money which is likely to be in short supply on a holiday lasting many months or even up to a year </li>\r\n    <li>Health coverage is the most important part of travel insurance but there are also real risks towards personal property such as cameras, iPods and mobile phones etc. Remember, 90% of all Gap yearers will be living in cheap accommodation and travelling with rucksacks - perfect hunting ground for thieves </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h3>Look To Buy A Specialist Travel Insurance Policy</h3>\r\nNormal travel insurance policies only last for a certain period, perhaps a 2 week holiday etc. But even if you get a yearly policy then it will usually only offer cover for a maximum period of 30 days at a time. The important thing is to therefore get what&rsquo;s called an <strong>Extended Travel Policy</strong> or as some refer to it <strong>specialised travel insurance</strong>. Most, if not all Travel Insurance companies offer these types of policies these days.\r\n<ul>\r\n    <li type=\"square\">Find.co.uk list of all Gap Year Insurance companies &amp; brokers - <strong>Get special discount Online</strong> </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>10 Gap Year Insurance Points To Think About</h3>\r\n<ol>\r\n    <li>Do your research and don&rsquo;t buy the first or even second policy you find or are offered - <strong>This is very important</strong> especially if it\'s a travel agent trying to sell it because they\'re notoriously expensive </li>\r\n    <li>Gap Year insurance is popular these days so it&rsquo;s ok to buy on the interest where prices are cheaper, using a broker will cost more but a good broker will be able to tailor make a policy for specific needs </li>\r\n    <li>Don&rsquo;t buy a 100% worldwide policy if you&rsquo;re not going to certain countries, for example medical and legal costs are very expensive in the US so if you don&rsquo;t plan on visiting then make sure countries such as this are excluded </li>\r\n    <li>Look at the sports cover and see what&rsquo;s covered or not - If going to New Zealand or Australia there&rsquo;s a good chance you&rsquo;ll be partaking in bungee jumping, white water rafting and scuba diving etc - not all policies cover these and other outdoor activity sports. Other policies have restrictions such as what level of rapids are included/excluded (a rapid classes as \'1\' is little more than a fast flowing river but a class of \'4\' is getting into serious white water), policies might therefore cover only rapids 1-4 </li>\r\n    <li>Go visit the Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office (FCO) website and see if they&rsquo;re advising UK citizens not to visit certain countries such as in Africa or perhaps the Middle East &ndash; <strong>If the FCO advises against non-essential travel then your insurance policy won&rsquo;t be valid .#p##e#</strong></li>\r\n    <li>Make sure you have a copy of the insurance policy (also write down the policy number and helpline telephone number separately) and your parents have copies as well. It\'s also a good idea to swap photocopies with any friends you\'re travelling with </li>\r\n    <li>If you are going to claim against anything then all tickets, receipts and other pieces of proof must be kept. One idea is to post any relevant information home so you can&rsquo;t lose it </li>\r\n    <li>When sorting through different policies and quotes the <strong>most important thing is to look for medical cover</strong> (&pound;5 million cover is more than enough though) and not how much your personal possessions will be insured for although this is still relevant </li>\r\n    <li>It&rsquo;s tempting to try and make up a claim (iPod and camera were stolen) but you can bet that the insurance companies have heard it all before and know all the tricks so play it straight and don&rsquo;t try and get &lsquo;too clever&rsquo; - <strong>cheating an insurance company is a criminal offence</strong> </li>\r\n    <li>On an unrelated matter but a very useful tip - When it comes to money and withdrawing it from ATM machines consider opening an account with The Nationwide because not only do they offer excellent exchange rates but they charge <strong>no transaction fees</strong> which can save literally hundreds of pounds over the course of several months/a year </li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<ul>\r\n    <ul>\r\n        <li type=\"disc\">Also note that there\'s a new (legal scam) going on with credit/debit cards when trying to pay for things abroad, the shop/hotel/restaurant will often give you the chance to pay in two currencies, Sterling or that countries currency </li>\r\n        <li type=\"disc\"><strong>ALWAYS opt to pay in the local currency</strong> otherwise you\'ll get hit with nasty charges </li>\r\n        <li type=\"disc\">And if the place says the \'machine is broken\' and you can only pay in Sterling then 99% of the time it\'s rubbish, they\'re just trying to pull a fast one (this is because they\'ll receive part of the commission if paying in Sterling) #p#ҳ#e# </li>\r\n    </ul>\r\n</ul>');
