Legal : Lemon Laws Protect The Consumer

Lemon Laws Protect The Consumer

By Keith George

Lemon laws are United States’ Laws designed to protect the rights of consumers. They are usually used for vehicles but apply to all commercial articles. In this article we will concentrate on Lemon Laws as applicable to vehicles. A lemon is a term used to describe a new vehicle that needs excessive repair even though it is new. It has to meet the following criteria:



Age. Usually for vehicles less than a year old.



Warranty. Usually within the warranty period. In some states the warranty period is not recognized and the cases may be entertained even if the vehicle is out of warranty period depending upon the discretion of the court. The rights of consumers by virtue of Lemon laws may exceed the warranties given by the manufacturer.



Repairs. The vehicle needs frequent identical repair, usually at least 4 times. The repairs should be major repairs that affect the operation, safety and value of the vehicle.



Down Time of the Vehicle. If the vehicle is down for more than 30 days in a year due to defect then it comes under the ambit of lemon laws. The 30 days need not be consecutive days.



The lemon laws cover only new vehicles and not used vehicles. The vehicle owners should note few points that help in proving the case in court.



Repair Order. A repair order should be obtained for every repair visit. The repair order should detail date, problem or diagnosis and attempted repair on the vehicle.



Purchase documents. Purchase documents like contracts, warranties, bills etc should be preserved.



Lemon Law Notice. A lemon law notice should be served to the manufacturer for a refund or a replacement vehicle. The manufacturer should respond within 30 days. For normal wear and tear in the lemon vehicle there should be no deduction from the manufacturer.



Manufacturer’s Arbitration Program. Some states make it mandatory to use the manufacturer’s arbitration program if available before suing them in court.



Attorney. Utilize the services of an attorney as they are aware of the details of the laws. Many lawyers work on contingency basis, which means that you pay the lawyer if you win the case. Usually the courts award double the cost of the vehicle plus the cost of litigation if you win. Most such litigations are settled outside the court, so it is wise to hire a competent lawyer who can negotiate to your benefit.



As with most laws, Lemon laws vary from state to state, however the principle remains the same, which is protection of the consumer’s interest.



About the Author: Keith George always writes about valuable news & reviews. A related resource is Lemon Laws Further information can be found at Trends & News



Source: www.isnare.com

Legal : Medical Malpractice – Is The Nhs The Worst Offender?

Medical Malpractice – Is The Nhs The Worst Offender?

By Lucy Bartlett

Doctors sued by patients, insurance companies sued by doctors and doctors sued by insurance companies; nowadays, this is the prevailing situation in the Health care industry. Greater responsibility or the lack of it, rather than negligence is implicated by the word “malpractice”. In the US a specific medical malpractice law is in force to bring justice to the patients. In UK, a doctor will be liable only when proved to have not acted in accordance with the medical body’s opinion. In a lengthy and complicated battle, patients who feel that they are treated wrongly or given misinformation about illness can approach the law for compensation.



Every year, thousands of people are facing death due to medical errors which can be prevented with little bit of effort. Instead of reforming the medical system to prevent these pointless injuries and deaths, the rights of injured persons to get full recovery from the law is being limited by the efforts of insurance companies and doctors.



Even clinics, hospitals or medical corporations can be sued for the mistakes committed by their employees under “vicarious liability”. We associate the expression “medical malpractice” with doctors in general but in can be caused by any medical service provider such as nurses, therapists and dentists.



The patient who suffers damages due to medical malpractice should prove that the doctor or any other medical service provider failed to do what a prudent health care provider in a similar field would have done under similar or same circumstances. Because of this breach, the patient suffered damage or loss and fairly reasonably the defendant should pay for the damages caused by malpractice.



Medical malpractice claims are filed nearly ten times less frequently in Great Britain than they are in America. Compared to American patients, the British patients normally adopt a less adversarial stance towards medical malpractice.



It is mostly patients taking treatment through NHS that normally complain about not getting correct medical treatment, environment and building where healthcare is provided, lack of or incorrect information, inordinate delay and staff behaviour. These types of complaints should be lodged within six months from the time of treatment.



To end on a lighter note, a cancer victim who was told that he is expected to live only 3 more months, gave up his well paying job and prepared himself to face the impending death. (Un)fortunately, he outlived all the predictions and sued the hospital claiming compensation for the loss of his well paid job. A medical association spokesman found this astonishing and commented that people these days sue for anything!!



Find more info at http://www.onlinelawsuitresource.info



About the Author: Lucy Bartlett is a proud contributing author. Find more articles here. For more info visit Lawsuit Resource or Malpractice



Source: www.isnare.com

Legal : When Do You Need Mesothelioma Attorney

When Do You Need Mesothelioma Attorney

By NamSing Then

Mesothelioma is a type of preventable cancer that is caused by inhaling the dust or particles of the deadly mineral Asbestos. The symptoms range from shortness of breath, chest pains, and persistent cough in the early stages to abdominal pain, swelling and tumors growing in the tissues that surround the heart and if left untreated could cause death within 24 months.



It has a long latency period in that the symptoms of the disease can take many years to manifest, making both diagnosis and effective treatment very difficult. Therefore, people who worked with asbestos industry perhaps thirty or forty years ago are only now being diagnosed with this disease.



Many employers and manufacturers knew about the dangers of asbestos when they exposed employees to this material, but deliberately kept quiet and as the effects of this exposure are coming to light, these companies are being forced to pay out millions to sufferers. As more cases of Mesothelioma are reported, a wide range of lawyers and law firms have started to specialize in Mesothelioma law suits to get victims and their families the compensation they deserve.



Choose an attorney immediately after diagnosis, because there is a time limit set with regards to how long you have to take action against the Company. This varies from State to State and failing to adhere to this could render your case ineligible.



Look only for those experienced in dealing with Mesothelioma lawsuits as they will have the resources and contacts to deal with your case quickly and efficiently. You can search the Internet for a suitable attorney as this will enable you gauge how much experience each lawyer had in dealing with these lawsuits.



You need to discuss your case with your Attorney threadbare who will then evaluate your case and provide you with the options like whether you should pursue your case and if so which direction to take it in. as he should present a water-tight case.



Many attorneys will arrange for out of court settlements with substantial compensation payments, wherein you will not have to pay your attorney since a percentage of the compensation claimed will be collected by the attorney as contingency fee. And if they are not successful in getting compensation then you do not have to pay anything.



Even when the symptoms do become evident, they are so generalized and non-specific that they could be put down to any number of more common diseases which makes it difficult for your attorney to prove that it indeed was Mesothelioma and so also you could be unsure of when and where you were exposed to asbestos and your attorney will need to hire someone to look into this.



About the Author: NamSing Then is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his other websites Lawyer, DUI Lawyer and One Stop Information



Source: www.isnare.com

Legal : The Legal Finance Industry

The Legal Finance Industry

By Mark Little

Imagine a place where one could receive a cash advance on a personal injury case, Make No Monthly Payments and have all Fees Forgiven if the Case Does Not Settle. LOSE the Case, KEEP the Money.



Relief is at hand. 99% of injured victims do not realize that they can collect money before their case settles and neither do their attorneys. They can receive money before the case has even come to trial. They can use the money to Pay medical bills, pay attorney fees, Buy food, keep from Loosing the Car, Home and their Life. They can use the money for whatever the need may be.



It’s exasperating to see clients who have a good case but rush to settlement in order to relieve the terrible stress of personal debt. Insurance Companies continually take advantage of a plaintiff’s precarious financial position to obtain lower settlements.



The need for pre-settlement funding services has been present for years. Plaintiffs frequently have financial hardships that need to be alleviated before their cases settle. Sometimes even attorneys have a need for cash prior to receiving their portion of a case settlement. However, only recently have avenues opened to allow effective addressing of this need.



The point is that some personal injury victims need money and need it now...not later!



The most exciting part of receiving a pre settlement cash advance is that it is not a loan; it is a cash advance on a qualified pending lawsuit. The Legal Finance Funding sources are not lenders. If the plaintiff does not win the case, they owe nothing…. Yes you read this right. LOSE THE CASE, OWE NOTHING! The money is theirs to keep! This can be a needed peace of mind a personal injury victim can find comfort over. Most are suffering enough already.



It must be understood that most people in this situation have no other choice but to accept a low settlement for a case that could be worth hundreds of thousands if not millions. That’s why litigation finance lenders are prepared to advance cash now.



This will enable the plaintiffs and attorney's to level the playing field by providing money for living expenses, money for medical bills, money to give staying power to get the settlement that is deserved. If the case is accepted the funding sources are prepared to advance funds within 48 hours of obtaining the necessary information from the attorney.



The funding sources do not care how much money a plaintiff has or does not have. Also the plaintiffs credit is not important to them either.



They take cases purely on the merits of the claim. If the funding sources attorneys research the claim and consider it viable, they will give a lump sum cash advance. It’s that simple.



About the Author: Mark Little is President of Diversified Funding Services, Inc. He can be reached at 877-816-2274. Website Click Here and the Company blog Click Here



Source: www.isnare.com

Legal : Hiring The Best Lawyer

Hiring The Best Lawyer

By Robert Michael

When you need to obtain a lawyer you want one who has an area of expertise in the field of which you need legal representation.



There are many different reasons why some one can be need of a lawyers service. That is why there are so many different lawyers to chose from. There are many areas of law in which a lawyer can specialize. You wouldn't hire a tax lawyer to represent you in a car accident case.



Depending on your legal situation you may or may not need a lawyer. Some small claims court cases are easily handled by your own representation. This is why most lawyers offer free consultation services. It is after the initial consultation a lawyer can decide whether it is worth it for you to obtain their services. If it is decided you are in need of their service they then will present the cost of retaining their services. Retainer fees are the first payment just to obtain their service. They will also be able to tell you how much your total cost will be.



Some lawyers work on what is called contingency. Contingency is what the lawyer will earn if your case is won. There is usually no up front costs for this. The way it works is your lawyer will take around 33% of the money awarded to you in your case. So if you had a case that was for an award amount of $1500.00 your lawyer will take about $500.00 or so.



Hiring the right lawyer can be the key to winning your case, especially if you have a strong case. Some things you would want to know about your lawyer are their credentials. You would want to know how many cases they have won, their amount of court room experience, have they settled a lot of cases out of court and are they licensed to represent you in your state. You should feel comfortable and confident with the lawyer you chose. You should feel that you trust your lawyer can adequately handle your case. You could ask to see if they have a portfolio to help you determine whether they are good enough for you to hire.



Most people don't ever anticipate a need for a lawyer so it is hard for them to know what to ask and do before obtaining their services. Unless you are a Business Corporation or proprietor you wouldn't really already have your own lawyer. So if you find your self in need of a lawyers service you should ask them the right questions. Also remember this is something they may affect you financially or criminally. You don't want a lawyer who takes on multiple cases at once for really low rates. You should feel that they are focused on your needs and are determined to win you case. You also want them available to answer your questions when you are feeling uncertain about your suit.



Remember this can be a win or lose situation and if you don't chose wisely you may regret it.



About the Author: Robert Michael is a writer for Db Lawyer which is an excellent place to find lawyer links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.dblawyer.com



Source: www.isnare.com

Legal : Bogus Lawyers And Attorneys On The Loose

Bogus Lawyers And Attorneys On The Loose

By Jason Murphy

Beware: fake lawyers and attorneys are everywhere. People read about it on papers, watch it on late-night news, but still many fall into the trap set by these crooks. Well, it is interesting to note that these fakes are as good as they can get. Most of the time, they possess the power of the gab and exhibit linguistic knowledge in lawyer lingo and stuff but these don't mean they're authentic. These wannabes often win the trust of clients because they claim to be an alumni of such and such prestigious law universities. They also brag about their supposed excellent track record in winning the cases of their clients. Sometimes, they may also charge slightly cheaper legal fees to attract clients. Now, clients who are gullible enough would instantly entrust them their life and death cases with high hopes of winning. For ordinary folks, fake lawyers and attorneys can be extremely hard to tell, or sometimes, clients notice the signs only too late -- when the client gets to spend the rest of his waking hours in jail (even if he's innocent) and waste a fortune paying a bogus lawyers.



Well, I don't know anyone who is willing to be tricked by these boguses so I guess everyone wants to stay away from fake lawyers and attorneys at all cost. I read about this fake female lawyer in Prattville who was actually just a mere sophomore student in a law school. She passed herself as a practicing lawyer and represented her sister in court. I don't know if she was just desperate to save her sister from criminal offenses for substance abuse or she wanted her sister to save money for legal fees. This bogus lawyer, Melissa Kent, was on a bad luck because the judge officiating the case turned out to be the very same judge who sentenced her guilty of dope charges a few years ago. Also, the lawyers from the other side of the fence noticed Kent's somewhat unprofessional demeanor. For sure, a lawyer sporting nail polish in wild color is one thing to arouse suspicion. But then, lawyers initially dismissed the notion thinking Kent is a practicing lawyer in other state. When confronted, Kent immediately confessed she was, indeed, a fake.



Fake lawyer Kent's offense only costed her a three-day jail term and a whopping $1,000 bond, maybe because she didn't attempt to further salvage her case by insisting she's a real lawyer. She was at least honest enough to admit her misdemeanor up front. However, the judge, lawyers and attorneys conducting the case were naturally appalled for the time dealing with a bogus lawyer. It was a good thing her client was a family member (but investigations showed her sister is oblivious with Kent's stunts). However, people should remember that based on this case, when it comes to legal services, it is best to research or ask friends for references. While there are several lawyers and attorneys who very well know how to defend a client for the win, there are also fakes who are just out to leave clients with regret and displeasure.



About the Author: For more valuable information on Lawyers and Attorneys, please visit http://www.contactlawyers.com



Source: www.isnare.com

Legal : Mesothelioma Lawsuits – Road To Justice For The Unfortunate Victims

Mesothelioma Lawsuits – Road To Justice For The Unfortunate Victims

By Fred Lindell

What are mesothelioma lawsuits and how do they arise?



Mesothelioma lawsuits are filed by the victims of mesothelioma to avail reparations for medical expenses, pain & suffering and loss of income associated with the growth of this disease. Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer, which is inflicted by exposure to asbestos most frequently used in industrial and residential places till the late seventies. The numbers of mesothelioma victims were on the rise as the employers continued using these hazardous materials despite knowing the harmful consequences of them. Thus the poor workers, who were ignorant of the potential health risks that they were about to confront, were the unfortunate victims.



In case the victim dies there is a provision that one of the family members or the executor of his estate can file the lawsuit. On the other hand a family member who has contracted the disease from the victim of mesothelioma can also file a lawsuit.



Thus, if an individual is victimized owing to the negligence of another person, he has absolute right to take legal actions in the court of law for compensation. An individual needs to first consult with an attorney who deals with asbestos litigation and on his discretion the victim can file the suit.



How long does the process take and what are the end results?



These lawsuits tend to be cumbersome and longwinded. It could also stretch to years even to reach any settlement. Again all lawsuits are not necessarily longwinded; some of them take lesser time. However, in some of the cases the victims receive negligible amount of money, most of which are used to meet the lawyer’s and the court’s expenses. Nevertheless victims of mesothelioma should exhibit their rights and fight for their compensation. Again, mesothelioma lawsuits are generally settled out of court before they are set for trail. This actually makes more sense because it curtails court expenses for both the parties.



What can you do if you are uncertain about exposure to asbestos?



If you don’t know where and when you were exposed to asbestos, you should speak to your lawyer who will help you out. The lawyer may possibly hire a professional investigator who can make the necessary investigations so as to find out where the exposure had occurred and who are the ones that can be held responsible.



How much do you have to pay?



Factually, you need not pay unless and until you receive your compensation. It is only then that your lawyer shall take a percentage out of the compensation as his remuneration.



How much can you expect as compensation?



Well it depends on how creditable your case is. You will find that past settlements amounted to quite a ransom. But in the recent past with the subsequent increase in the number of mesothelioma lawsuits, there is a sleek chance to realize the entire amount.



The history of mesothelioma lawsuits



According to U.S mesothelioma history, the first ever mesothelioma lawsuit was filed in 1966 against the careless use of asbestos. But unfortunately the verdict went against the case. For the second time, another suit was put forward for a co-worker and this time the case was won. This gave impetus to all those helpless victims who craved for justice as innumerable mesothelioma lawsuits cropped up simultaneously.



Mesothelioma lawsuits also tells us that how ignorant people were initially about the causes and the aftereffects of the deadly disease. But now with the intervention of the law firms the victims of mesothelioma are provided with all-round assistance as regards lawful solutions to their righteous problems.



About the Author: Fred Lindell is a successful writer and publisher of health related issues, for more informative articles go to http://www.mesotheliomaplaza.com



Source: www.isnare.com

Debt Management Guide

By Mansi Aggarwal

Debt management as the name suggests is all about ways and means to manage your debts. Debt management has become very important these days when people are reeling under huge debts. This is mainly because of numerous people applying for loans or planning to get instant cash in some or the other way. As both personal and corporate debt levels are increasing each day, bankruptcy too is becoming a very common phenomenon.



However there are several ways to debt management.



• At first you must try not to spend too much of money over your usual balance.



• Secondly avoid the credit card usage as much as possible. If you are badly in need of a credit card, opt for one that has minimum interest rates.



• Nowadays the most basic and widely used method of debt management is debt consolidation. Debt consolidation refers to the consolidation of one’s debt into a single account. Debt consolidation helps taking out a loan to pay off many other debts. Consolidation companies such as ABSA, Ned bank, Old Mutual Bank, First National Bank etc. usually offer debt consolidation loans. Since the debt consolidation loans form a part of home loan they are offered at low interest rates. As a result more and more people are attracted towards these loans.



But the fact is that loan consolidation too comes at a price. Though it may relieve you of your repayment amount and terms yet finally you end up paying more by way of interest rates or service charges. So you should always think before going for debt consolidation.



• If the debt consolidation process does not suit your condition then repaying with a windfall, if you happen to receive one, or drawing up a debt reduction plan are other alternatives to it.



• You must try and understand the debt to income ratio. Debt to income ratio will help you know about your financial health. This can tell you about your debt paying capacities. With little intelligence the individual borrowers can calculate this ratio for themselves. The main point of concern in calculating this ratio is to find out how much of your monthly income is available to meet a monthly debt obligation after paying off all regular fixed monthly expenses.



• Learning about home equity loans is also a wonderful idea. Home equity is the difference between the unpaid balance of your mortgage amount and the fair market value of your house. Home equity loans can be effective in paying off your debts because of their lower interest rates and tax benefits. A home equity loan is ideal if you have to meet timely expenses such as college tuition fees, installments of you car, refrigerator, electricity bills etc.



There are two types of home equity loans in which either you can pick up the complete loan amount upfront and pay it back gradually in installments or you can use it as a credit line drawing money as and when you need it. The upfront home equity loans are beneficial for paying off huge debts such as medical bills, car purchase etc.



• However auto loan, subsidized student loan etc. are other cheaper options available.



About the Author: Mansi gupta recommends that you visit http://www.debtconsolidationlowdown.com/debt_management/index.html for more information on Debt Management.



Source: www.isnare.com

Legal : Medical Malpractice: What To Look For In An Attorney

Medical Malpractice: What To Look For In An Attorney

By Jason Hanson

The concept of shopping for an attorney can seem foreign to many people, particularly those with little contact with the law. To many, the law seems an incomprehensible enigma filled with Latin jargon, a complex judicial system, and high stakes all around.



But, like all industries, the law, and in particular medical malpractice representation, is a commodity. And like all commodities there are a few high quality providers and a great many shabby ones. Unfortunately, finding a good medical malpractice attorney isn’t quite as a simple as finding a cheap price, rather, it’s a lot like finding a good car mechanic.



But at least with a car mechanic you can have some judge as to the quality of his work by whether your car runs at the end of the day. In medical malpractice litigation by contrast, you will never know if you got the best settlement or damages which you could have. So, the only recourse is to do your due diligence beforehand and do sufficient research to make sure that your attorney is decent.



Here are a few ground rules:



1. Experience matters



If your attorney is very young, then he is probably simply too young to be any good. Being a Plaintiff’s attorney (which is what you are asking him/her to be) is an extraordinarily difficult task which involves a lot of experience and know-how. While the defense typically has an army of young attorneys which are all capable in their aspect of the case, the Plaintiff’s typically have 2 or 3 attorneys which must run the whole case. So, if you meet an attorney who has been practicing for less than several years, do not hire him/her to head up your case.



2. Always well funded



A good Plaintiff’s attorney is always well funded. Most Plaintiff’s attorneys will offer to take your case on contingency (which means they get nothing if you don’t win). That also means, that your attorney needs to have enough money to fight a very long time for you. If the defendant recognizes that your Plaintiff’s attorney is short on cash, the Defendant will simply threaten to stretch out the case indefinitely, forcing your attorney to settle at a price much below what you could get otherwise. Verify this information by asking them what information they can provide you on the average length of the case, how much they expend, as well as intangibles like the appearance of the office.



3. Look for Summer Associates



A Summer Associate is a law student who works at a law firm during the summer. You may not know where the good firms are, but these students sure do. Summer associates are paid well, so this is a good indicator of a strong Plaintiff’s firm if they have a number of Summer Associates. Not every good Plaintiff’s attorney has these, however, so don’t scratch a firm off on this basis alone, just take it as one indicator.



4. Payment Arrangement



In any decent Medical Malpractice suit, the attorney will always ask to be paid on contingency. This means that the attorney will take a cut of your winnings. This percentage will vary on the size and type of case, but always remember that it is negotiable. If an attorney ever asks for you to put up money up front or pay hourly, then do not use him/her as your medical malpractice attorney. If you shop around and multiple attorney’s all tell you that they will only take your case on an hourly rate, you can rest assured that your case will be an uphill battle. It may be better just to drop it than fight it at all.



About the Author: Jason Hanson recommends you contact the Law Firm of Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook, and Brickman if you need a medical malpractice attorney. Learn more at http://www.rpwb.com/medical_devices/.



Source: www.isnare.com

Legal : Why Get An Adoption Attorney?

Why Get An Adoption Attorney?

By Williams J

We live in a world governed by laws. These laws are there to give our chaotic world a sense of order.



These laws may sometimes seem to only complicate things. However, the creation of these laws has one objective in mind and that is the assurance of the progress of civilization.



The most miniscule things that we do nowadays have at least one law attached to them. Even adoption has specific laws attached to it. Gone, theoretically, are the days when a child left on your doorstep could be taken in as your own and no one would question your right to.



The laws involving adoption are complex. You need help in order to guide you through the maze of words and terminologies and conditions.



That's where an adoption attorney comes in.



What are the advantages in hiring an adoption attorney?



Here are some of them:



1. Specialization -as we all know, the law has a lot of aspects, and each aspect presents its own complication. While some lawyers may be gifted with the ability to successfully practice different types of the law, the fact is that you need someone who specializes in adoption.



An adoption attorney brings to the table this specialization. This assures you that he is a master of the adoption game. That he/she focuses on this aspect of the law alone assures you that he/she has a very specific knowledge of it.



An adoption attorney can help you much better than a lawyer-of-all-trades can.



2. Explanation -an adoption attorney will be able to reveal to you the different complications and solutions of adoption clearly.



An adoption attorney can show you the big picture. With the help of an adoption attorney, you can understand what you are up against and how to get past every roadblock.



A clear-cut explanation is what you need, not some vague reassurance that everything will be alright.



This explanation can and will be provided to you by a good adoption attorney.



3. Plan -a good adoption attorney can help you formulate a plan in order to make your adoption work. He/she takes into consideration every potential problem and every probable solution.



An adoption attorney plans every move and every contingency involved in your case.



As they say, fail to plan and you plan to fail.



4. Contacts -a good adoption attorney, of course has contacts. Remember the adage "It's not what you know but who you know"?



An adoption attorney can make use of those contacts in order to get you the best weapon that you can have information.

Contacts can also help make the case easier for you.



Two heads are better than one, after all.



But how do you find an adoption attorney?



Here are some tips:



1. Look early -if you are thinking of adopting, hiring an adoption attorney early in the game will help you with your plans. This way, he can help you with your plans right from the very beginning.



2. Talk to people -other people have experienced adopting. What you need to do is talk to different people in order to get their opinions on different adoption attorneys.



This would get you a valuable in-depth look at the problems you might face in hiring an adoption attorney. It would also help you take advantage of any information regarding adoption.



About the Author: http://justadoptiontips.com is a free information site that offers articles and resources on Adoptions. If you want to read or share information on Legal, you're always welcome!



Source: www.isnare.com

Credit Reports Guide

By Mansi Aggarwal

Big and small loans have become quite a commonplace these days. Borrowing money has also become quite frequent with the advent of credit cards. As more and more people are banking on loans and other money borrowing techniques to accomplish their tasks, in order to save themselves from deceit banks and other money lending organizations have started enquiring about the individual’s history first.



The information so sought by banks and such organizations is in the form of a credit report. For any lender/s a credit report is the ideal way to determine a person’s creditworthiness. A credit report is a document that lists the concerned person’s credit history, employment and residence history. The personal details so mentioned in the report are the details filled by the person in his credit application. The report is created and updated using information from banks, traders and other creditors. Credit report also lists any judgments, tax liens, bankruptcies or similar matters of public record entered against the individual. In simple terms the report also records the number of times your credit report has been sought whether by a lender, service provider, landlord or employer which remains for up to two years.



Reflecting on a person’s past credit structure, a credit report thus enables a creditor to assess the ability of a person to repay the loan or make timely payments. This makes it easy for him to decide whether the loan is to be sanctioned in favor of the person or not.



But the fact is that a credit report can never be made available to any organization without the consent of the person being reported on. Moreover there are times when reporting agencies refuse to provide credit reports or investigate credit disputes, saying that they cannot identify the consumers. They ask the consumer to mail the copies of ID and utility bills or any other important documentation. Also for men and women in military it is even more difficult to get their own credit reports and many a times when you are overseas, it is just impossible to get that.



Lately it has been seen that access to credit information is proving to be a bone of contention for the businesses and consumers. Some big fish in this market such as Equifax, Experian and Trans Union are planning to introduce their own multi-agency credit score to outwit each other.



Every such company aims to make profits by providing accurate and instant credit information to the consumers. But unfortunately most often the results are disastrous in the form of inaccurate credit reports, identity theft and huge fees for credit monitoring after the consumer’s identity has been made available to thieves.



However a lot of nuances can be prevented if the consumer is cautious. After an individual gets his report, he should study it thoroughly. Anything negative on the report should be corrected right away, like the unpaid bills. Once you have paid the dues, let the concerned business notify the credit-reporting agency of it.



The accuracy of the report i.e. opening of any new account, charges you did not make or negligence or crime you are not responsible for etc. should also be carefully checked. If there is any fault, immediately report the concerned credit report agency about it.



About the Author: Mansi aggarwal recommends that you visit http://www.creditcardlowdown.com/credit_reports/index.html for more information on Credit Reports.



Source: www.isnare.com

A Crash Course On Understanding Financial Statements

By I Henman

Financial statements (or financial reports) are a record of a business’ financial flows and levels.

The big four statements are:



1. Balance sheet which describes a company's assets and liabilities.



2. Income statement which describes a company's income and expenses.



3. Statement of Cash Flows which describes how corporate operating, investment, and financing activities have affected the company's cash position.



4. Statement of Retained Earnings which describes changes to shareholders equity (for example a payment of dividend).



Because these statements are often complex an extensive set of Notes to the Financial Statements and management discussion and analysis is usually included. The notes will typically describe each item on the Balance Sheet and Income statement in further detail. In many cases the notes are much longer than the financial statement they are elucidating.



If a company has extraordinary items that affect the balance sheet or the shareholders equity position it will usually include a Other Comprehensive Income Statement, which describes the adjustments to made. Examples of Other Comprehensive Income include revaluation of corporate assets away from their stated cost, as well as accruals for liabilities.



Income Statement: An income statement, otherwise known as a profit and loss statement, is a summary of a company’s profit or loss during any one given period of time, such as a month, three months, or one year. The income statement records all revenues for a business during this given period, as well as the operating expenses for the business. It is very important to format an income statement so that it is appropriate to the business being conducted. Income statements, along with balance sheets, are the most basic elements required by potential lenders, such as banks, investors, and vendors. They will use the financial reporting contained therein to determine credit limits.



Statement of Changes in Financial Position: A statement of changes in financial position (also referred to as the Cash flow Statement) reports the amount of cash coming in (cash receipts) and the amount of cash going out (cash payments or disbursements) during a specified period. Business activities result in either a net cash inflow (receipts greater than payments) or a net cash outflow (payments greater than receipts) during a period. The cash flow statement shows the net increase or decrease in cash during the period and the cash balance at the end of the period. It explains the causes for the changes in the cash balance. The cash flow statement covers a span of time.



Balance Sheet: A balance sheet, in formal bookkeeping and accounting, is a statement of the book value of a business or other organization or person at a particular date, often at the end of its "fiscal year," as distinct from an income statement, also known as a profit and loss account (P&L), which records revenue and expenses over a specified period of time.



Assets: Any item of economic value owned by an individual or corporation, especially that which could be converted to cash. Examples are cash, securities, accounts receivable, inventory, office equipment, real estate, a car, and other property. On a balance sheet, assets are equal to the sum of liabilities, common stock, preferred stock, and retained earnings.



From an accounting perspective, assets are divided into the following categories: current assets (cash and other liquid items), long-term assets (real estate, plant, equipment), prepaid and deferred assets (expenditures for future costs such as insurance, rent, interest), and intangible assets (trademarks, patents, copyrights, goodwill).



Liabilities: A liability is a present obligation of the enterprise arising from past events, the settlement of which is expected to result in an outflow from the enterprise of resources embodying economic benefits.



Owner's Equity: Total assets minus total liabilities of an individual or company. For a company, also called net worth or shareholders' equity or net assets.



About the Author: For more information on Business Ideas and Oppurtunitues, visit our website Home Businesses
http://www.thehomebusinessstudio.com



Source: www.isnare.com

Credit Counseling Guide

By Mansi Aggarwal

With the advent of credit cards, upcoming money lending organizations, online strategies to acquire instant cash etc., a steep rise is observed in the number of people running into debts. Almost half of the American population is burdened with debt that has been incurred with some or the other type of loan.



But if there are ways to run into debt, there are measures to come out of it and even prevent it. One of the preferred and common method is credit counseling. Since debt is a major problem nowadays in America, the credit counseling services have popped up all over the country. Some of these services are free while the others are not. But the aim of either is to get people out of debt and so relieve their anxiety.



Many people opt for the credit counseling services to pay off their debt and build their credit. A credit counseling service works in a very set or planned manner. Once you sign up with such a service, it begins calling around and negotiate new payback terms with your creditors. Most often the service succeeds in getting low interest rates but on the same hand in closing an account. This is because no creditor will give you little or no interest so you can get out of debt and then allow you to draw full advantage of that by spending more money through it.



So once the credit counseling service negotiates terms for payback, they start a payment system with you. In this system rather than sending separate checks every month to several different creditors, you will be required to send just one check directly to the credit counseling service. This money will go into a trust account and then the credit counseling service pays your creditors for you.



So since the credit counseling service company negotiates lower interest rates, you can save good amount of money every month. For if the interest rates are high, more and more money is accumulated for payment each month. The counseling service is thus beneficial in lowering your interest rates to a great extent.



Another merit is giving just a single check each month. This proves not just convenient to the person concerned but also save the trouble of keeping a record of details of all the checks sent.



Finally the credit counseling services enable you to ward-off your dents and build up your credit. The timely and regular payments will definitely improve your credit ratings. Eliminating your debt will also help you in future when you go to apply for a new loan etc.



But credit counseling has several shortcomings too. Firstly, all the accounts involved in this process will be closed. Moreover you will not be allowed to apply for a new credit card while you are in the program. So if you are under good amount of debt and avail the credit counseling service for few years, you will not have a credit card for those many years. So keep this thing in mind prior to opting for a credit counseling service.



About the Author: Mansi gupta recommends that you visit http://www.debtrelieflowdown.com/credit_counseling/index.html for more information on Credit Counseling.



Source: www.isnare.com

Insurance : Insurance Credit Scoring: An Ethical Issue

Insurance Credit Scoring: An Ethical Issue

By Elbert Hamilton

Credit scoring is a method of determining the likelihood that credit users will pay their bills. Fair, Isaac began its work with credit scoring in the late 1950s and, since then, scoring has become widely accepted by lenders as a reliable means of credit evaluation. A credit score attempts to condense a borrower’s credit history into a single number. Fair, Isaac & Co. and the credit bureaus do not reveal how these scores are computed. The Federal Trade Commission has ruled this to be acceptable.



Isn’t it interesting that the score most important in our financial lives, our consumer credit score does not even contain full disclosure? As stated above the Federal Trade Commission has ruled that it is ok for Fair Isaac & Co not to disclose the algorithms used in this process, but what about consumer rights. While it is important to understand what a FICO score is, it is not the main issue of this paper, insurance rates are. So where is the connection? All the public knows is that Fair Isaac tells us there is a high correlation between people with bad credit and high risk drivers. This notion is insane and from what I can see from this black box approach, there is no real causation between the two. This type of reasoning is similar to convicting a person of something before they have even committed a crime. For instance, let’s say I do a study and that study shows there is a high correlation between criminals and people with bad credit. Is this to say that just because you have bad credit you are more likely to commit a crime and therefore you should be profiled or perhaps locked up because you are a risk to society?



This system is discriminating against minorities, disabled and in my case college students among others. Fair Isaac & Co claims that they cannot show the sophisticated algorithms they use to calculate these correlations and scores because they fear that they would be giving up valuable proprietary information that was very costly to develop and maintain. What about the cost to consumer’s who may be paying higher rates or in worse cases even denied insurance based on these practices.



The Equal Credit Opportunity Act forbids creditors from considering race, sex, marital status, national origin, and religion, but if we don’t even know how these companies are calculating these scores, how in the world could we possibly know whether or not they are discriminating. This smoke and mirror approach is what many government agencies do to subtly discriminate and extort money from the American.



What about extortion? As I reflect on this topic extortion comes to mind. Webster defines extortion as to “obtain by force or compulsion.” By using such unfounded tactics consumers are forced into paying the higher rates. First of all, 90% of all insurance companies use this procedure; secondly in the interest of society legislation requires all Americans with cars to have car insurance. Living in a country where it is virtually impossible to live without a car doesn’t this present some force to pay the rates? Also, lets say you cannot afford to buy a car with cash, in which case you could obtain liability insurance alone and save quite a lot of money; but instead you take out a loan, the bank will require you to obtain full coverage auto insurance to cover them until you pay off the loan. While this case may not represent an extreme case of extortion it does give reason to ponder the connection.



Insurance companies tout themselves as representing peace of mind, protection and security, but at what cost. Over the past 10 years, I have spent roughly 20,000 dollars in car insurance, what have I claimed? Easily less than half and I totaled a car. Is insurance just a form of legalized gambling protected by government? The McCarran-Ferguson Act of 1944 exempts the insurance industry from antitrust laws, so here we are again without a choice; collusion is the rule not competition. Where are the ethics of lawmakers? Many states are screaming about this controversial issue and some states such as California have had some success, but with protection from top government what can consumers do?



I have personally written the Governor of Pennsylvania about the subject, one of my main questions was;



“I am a concerned citizen. Recently I noticed my car insurance rates increasing at a substantial rate. I investigated the situation only to find out that my credit rating was making the difference, not my driving record.”



The response I received from the Department of Insurance follows:



This letter is in reponse to your complaint filed with the Pennsylvania Insurance Dpartment through Governor Edward G. Rendell's correspondence office regarding the use of credit as an underwriting tool for automobile insurance in Pennsylvania.



I have read through your concerns and it appears that you are questioning the underwriting of automobile insurance. Specifically, the use of credit in determining eligibility. Many different factors go into the underwriting of an insurance policy, such as type of vehicle, drivers, location, etc. and most recently credit history. Pennsylvania law does not prohibit an insurance company fromusing credit as an underwriting tool so long as it is done within the first 60 days of writing a policy. Under the law, an insurance company is granted a 60 day window from the inception of a policy to determine whether or not the policy fits into the company's guidelines.



In your letter, you stated credit scoring in part of the rating structure and presumable must be approved by the Insurance Department. Actually, credit scoring is part of a company's underwriting guidelines and the Dapartment only regulates underwriting guideline to the extent they are not discriminatory.



Also, Federal law under the Fair Credit Reporting Act allows credit information to be used for underwriting financial and insurance transactions.



About the Author: Elbert Hamilton writes for http://www.carinsurancesold.info where you can find out more about car insurance and other topics.



Source: www.isnare.com

Insurance : Auto Insurance Background

Auto Insurance Background

By Gregory Mamnya

Auto insurance is a form of insurance aiming to cover the insured party against losses related with owning or driving vehicles. These could be car accidents and damages related with it to other cars and property, loss to car passengers, and damage to car owners itself.



There are numerous insurance companies offering auto insurance policy with their own cover schemes. Hence the real problem is to find out the best suitable provider which suits you the best. One of the basic things to be taken into consideration is the type of coverage you need.



Liability insurance is one of the most common types of auto insurance which is compulsory for all drivers it will cover up to its stated amount if accident caused harm to some other’s body or property and the driver of the vehicle was found to be liable for the accident. The auto insurance company will cover the injured accordingly to your insurance policy. But if the driver is injured in the accident he will not get any coverage.



But if the driver has comprehensive insurance it will cover also the risks to him and his own vehicle. This second popular type of auto insurance is called as the Full Insurance.



Before you purchase an auto insurance policy it is better for you to consider some important aspects.



One of the best ways to take a look at the status of auto insurance companies is by checking out online company reviews. Study the auto insurance policies to compare their rates before selecting a particular offer which suits you the best.



There are numerous websites offering instant auto insurance quote comparison services helping in the selection of the particular insurance provider.



Another important source of information is J.D.Power and Associates providing insurance companies rates according of variety of coverage, rates, claims processes, and customer service.



The financial strength of the insurer could be checked out by ratings from A.M./Best and Standard and Poor’s, which determine an insurance company’s ability to pay claims. It is the fact that most well-known insurance carriers are considered to be financially more reliable.



Finally, if you pay close attention to above pointed ways chances are good for you to find a good insurance coverage.



About the Author: Wawanesa Life Insurance, Auto Insurance, Property Insurance and more at http://www.wawanesa-insurance.net/



Source: www.isnare.com

Manage Your Debts Properly Through Credit Counseling

By Natasha Anderson

Are you confused with your numerous debts? Spending most of the salary for paying off it? Is your monthly budget being hampered for that? There is a solution for you… that is debt management credit counseling.



Debt management Credit counseling… What is that? How can it help me to manage my debts? … Such kinds of questions may arise in the reader’s mind. In that case, it is necessary to understand what debt management credit counseling is.



As the name refers, debt management credit counseling is a professional counseling service that is provided by various professional institutions. Such kinds of services help borrowers to manage their debts and come out of their debt burden. With this professional counseling, a borrower can pay off his debts with a smaller monthly repayment and lessen his debt burden.



It can be said undoubtedly that debt management credit counseling is the best resort that helps borrowers to stay away from all sorts of debt damages. Here, borrowers should be aware that how credit counseling works to manage debt problem.



• In these services, a credit counselor at first assesses the borrower’s situation and then he makes plan according to the assessment. After that, the plan assists the borrower to repay his all unpaid bills. Besides, creditors may take less than the borrowed amount along with a longer repayment period, as sometimes legitimate counseling service can convince them for that.



• Such kinds of services also remunerative for all borrowers, as they need not to pay their bills directly to their lenders. Instead of that, a borrower needs to pay a single amount to the credit counseling industry and then that single amount is distributed among his various lenders according to the agreement that have been arranged by the credit counseling company. So, with these services a borrower can set aside all sorts of debt difficulties easily.



At the same time, borrowers are advised to choose a credit counseling company wisely. Do remember that an unprofessional company can drag the borrower more into debt trap, instead of managing it. Furthermore, such kind of credit counseling company can mislead borrowers as well. So, choosing a right credit counseling company is the most important matter. And for that, a borrower can take help of local associations of credit counseling companies. Besides, taking some initiatives are mandatory, like



• Checking the reputation of the industry

• Checking their service period means how long they have been providing services

• Gathering their clients’ opinions and so on…



At last but not the least, at the time of appointment with any credit counseling company, all borrowers should present all documentations and paper works they have regarding expenditure, debts verification etc.



There is a very famous English proverb that there is an end of every tunnel. Same as, there is an end of all debt related confusion and puzzle. No doubt, with a proper debt management credit counseling service, borrowers can wave off their debt dilemma.



About the Author: After having herself gone through the ordeal of loan borrowing, Natasha Anderson understands the need for good quality loan advice. To find a Debt Consolidation Loan, debt management credit counseling, debt management UK that best suits your needs visit http://www.ukdebtconsolidations.co.uk



Source: www.isnare.com

Loan : Credit Repair Is Possible - Here's How To Do It

Credit Repair Is Possible - Here's How To Do It

By Conleth Onu

Credit is essential nowadays. If you have bad credit, it is often difficult to rent an apartment, purchase a home, or get any form of credit loans at all. Having good credit is important in today's time.



Many of us believe that once we have bad credit that we have to live with for at least seven years. Rest assured that this is not true. If you have defaults on your credit report, it is possible to have them removed.



The first step is to obtain copies of your credit report from the three major Credit Reporting Agencies - Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax.



Your credit report is not just a record of how you are currently managing your credit accounts. Your credit report is a history of everything you are doing with your credit now, and everything you have done in the past.



The credit reporting agencies, also known as, credit bureaus receive your personal information through the same lenders who grant you credit. The credit bureaus list this information on your credit report, and then sell it to credit grantors who wish to review your credit history before they decide to grant you credit.



Once you receive your reports from all of the agencies, review each report carefully to make sure that all the accounts belong to you. If you see any errors on your credit report make sure to take care of it right away by disputing the error with the Credit Reporting Agencies.



By law, when you dispute an item, the Credit Reporting Agencies are obligated to investigate the error.



If the error or negative information is found to be false or unable to be verified, it must be deleted or changed to reflect the status that you claim it should be.



There are many resources available on the Internet. It is up to you to research the marketplace carefully to find the best guides and resources that would lead you in the right direction to fixing your credit report.



About the Author: Conleth C Onu writes about credit repair and other topics. For more information on credit repair and credit repair resources, visit his website http://www.aboutcreditrepairadvice.com



Source: www.isnare.com

Loan : Debt Relief Guide

Debt Relief Guide

By Mansi Aggarwal

As leading life is becoming more and more costly, every now and then people are in need of money. According to the amount of cash and the time in within which they want it, they try to acquire money in the form of loans from banks, companies and other organizations. But most of the time, it becomes hard for them to repay the money so acquired. As a result people fall in to the trap of debts. For after a specific point of time, they are required not just the amount due, but also the interest charged on it.



Since huge debts can prove extremely fatal to an individual in many ways, it is very important that the person should think of debt management. Debt management is the only way to debt relief.



There are quite a few online guidance services that tell you about debt relief and debt free living. They suggest a step-by-step procedure for you. In the long run debt relief should be a part of your financial goals and objectives.



Debt relief planning is all about eliminating your debts as soon as possible and saving for your future and building a reserve fund. A practical budget should be made that talks about your realistic spending plans. This will let you meet all your goals, enjoy your present and also secure your future.



The process is simple. If debt elimination is the foremost thing that you want, pen down all your liabilities and then decide how much money you can spare. Check out your expenses like where and how much you are spending etc. Plan your expenditure in a way that your present as well as future is secured and life is balanced at both the ends.



If you find that your spending capacity is more than your earning capacity, the foremost step should be to dump your credit card. Though the plastic money has its own advantages, there are drastic demerits too. With a credit card in hand, you are too much liable to run into huge debts. Not using the credit card will encourage you to spend only what you have and nothing over and above that. For then $50 in hand will imply an expenditure of $50 only, not even a single dollar over it.



You should also try to develop the habit of saving money. Don’t forget the old saying ‘a penny saved is a penny earned’. On the same hand, cast aside a specific amount of money that you need to pay for paying off your debts. Once the money is through and you still have money left in hand, you can begin paying off your creditors, one at a time. This will not just make you confident but will also add to your credit, thereby helping you greatly in future.



About the Author: Mansi gupta recommends that you visit http://www.debtrelieflowdown.com/budgeting/index.html for more information on Debt Relief.



Source: www.isnare.com

Loan : Avoid The Pitfalls Of A College Student Credit Card

Avoid The Pitfalls Of A College Student Credit Card

By Bradley Carson

Everyone knows that earning a college degree increases your future earning potential by at least double over your working career. This fact hasn't been lost on the companies that market credit cards as evidenced by the number of credit card solicitations incoming college students receive in the mail almost daily. It is essential that you know how to handle this form of new-found freedom and the effects it can have on your future.



Most students get their first credit card either before they've entered their first day in college or during their freshman year. If used responsibly, a college student credit card can be as valuable a tool in setting up your financial future as that degree you'll get at the end of your college years. Just as that degree can help you land that new dream job, your credit history can be almost as important, as more and more employers are looking at credit reports when investigating new hires.



You need to know how you're going to use the card and how you're going to make that monthly payment. You must have a plan just like you do for your education, on how you're going to use and pay for that monthly bill.



When you chose which college to attend, you went through mounds of information for each school. The same caution should be used when picking your first college student credit card. Compare a number of credit card offers and their fine print, before you decide on which card is right for you



The benefits offered for college student credit cards are basically the same as any other credit card which include 0% APR introductory periods. Most issues have numerous special rewards. It's the fine print for each offer that is important. .



A typical student credit card offer includes a higher interest rate because of an unproven credit history. Because most students are either unemployed or working a part-time job, college student credit cards have lower credit limits, often starting at $300. Some offers require a parent or guardian to co-sign.



If you obtain a college student credit card, it's important to at least make the minimum payment every month and know the grace period and avoid late fees. Stay out of debt as much as possible by using the card within set limits.



It's best to use the card mostly for school supplies and basic essentials. Avoid charging say, a $1300 stereo or using your card for spring break. That puts an unnecessary burden on your ability to pay the amount back and can lead to a road of credit disaster. Used frivolously, it could take you years after graduation to pay that debt back.



By learning the basics of credit cards and how they work and using your college student credit card wisely, you will be taking a giant step into your financial future.



About the Author: Bradley Carson is the webmaster and editor of http://www.cards-king.com, where he shares his financial expertise and gives concise credit card information. See Brad's current recommendations of College Student Credit Cards



Source: www.isnare.com

Mortgage : Mortgage 101- Rental History

Mortgage 101- Rental History

By Steve Salzman

Every American teen dreams of the day he/she will leave their parents home and rent their first apartment. What a wonderful time it will be. Independence. There is no one to boss you around. Most people don’t plan for the future. Are you thinking a purchasing your first home? Are you currently renting an apartment? How are you paying? Check, Cash, or Money order?



The reality is that lenders for first time homebuyers want to see a 12 to 24 month rental history. If you’re renting from an apartment complex that has a management company onsite then lenders will accept their word. What happens if you’re renting from a private person that owns a couple of properties and is managing it themselves? The lender will want to see canceled checks for the last 12 to 24 months.



The reason for this is to see if you can pay on time. If your checks were dated before the rent was due then you’re a good candidate to pay your mortgage on time. But if you have inconsistencies in your rent payments the underwriter will have to make a decision based on certain guidelines. Underwriters are paid by the lender to ensure that the borrower will have the ability to pay the mortgage. If you don’t fit into their guidelines then you will not be able to obtain a mortgage. Are all lenders guidelines the same? No they are not. That is why it is better to go to mortgage broker than to a bank when getting a mortgage. Mortgage Brokers have many different lenders with different guideline criteria. One lender may accept a private Verification of Rent when another lender will not. Also, many mortgage brokers will know what lender that has less stringent guidelines over another.



So when considering purchasing a home make sure you have canceled checks proving your ability to pay rent on time. Cash and money orders will not be sufficient because those forms of payment can’t be proven like canceled checks.



About the Author: Steve Salzman is a Credit Specialist at American Independence Mortgage Company located in Chadds Ford,PA. He has been in the mortgage industry for the last 5 years. Steve has seen many different types of credit and has helped many people get their credit back on track. Visit his web site at http://www.freemortgagehelper.com.



Source: www.isnare.com

Loan : Manage Your Debts Properly Through Credit Counseling

Manage Your Debts Properly Through Credit Counseling

By Natasha Anderson

Are you confused with your numerous debts? Spending most of the salary for paying off it? Is your monthly budget being hampered for that? There is a solution for you… that is debt management credit counseling.



Debt management Credit counseling… What is that? How can it help me to manage my debts? … Such kinds of questions may arise in the reader’s mind. In that case, it is necessary to understand what debt management credit counseling is.



As the name refers, debt management credit counseling is a professional counseling service that is provided by various professional institutions. Such kinds of services help borrowers to manage their debts and come out of their debt burden. With this professional counseling, a borrower can pay off his debts with a smaller monthly repayment and lessen his debt burden.



It can be said undoubtedly that debt management credit counseling is the best resort that helps borrowers to stay away from all sorts of debt damages. Here, borrowers should be aware that how credit counseling works to manage debt problem.



• In these services, a credit counselor at first assesses the borrower’s situation and then he makes plan according to the assessment. After that, the plan assists the borrower to repay his all unpaid bills. Besides, creditors may take less than the borrowed amount along with a longer repayment period, as sometimes legitimate counseling service can convince them for that.



• Such kinds of services also remunerative for all borrowers, as they need not to pay their bills directly to their lenders. Instead of that, a borrower needs to pay a single amount to the credit counseling industry and then that single amount is distributed among his various lenders according to the agreement that have been arranged by the credit counseling company. So, with these services a borrower can set aside all sorts of debt difficulties easily.



At the same time, borrowers are advised to choose a credit counseling company wisely. Do remember that an unprofessional company can drag the borrower more into debt trap, instead of managing it. Furthermore, such kind of credit counseling company can mislead borrowers as well. So, choosing a right credit counseling company is the most important matter. And for that, a borrower can take help of local associations of credit counseling companies. Besides, taking some initiatives are mandatory, like



• Checking the reputation of the industry

• Checking their service period means how long they have been providing services

• Gathering their clients’ opinions and so on…



At last but not the least, at the time of appointment with any credit counseling company, all borrowers should present all documentations and paper works they have regarding expenditure, debts verification etc.



There is a very famous English proverb that there is an end of every tunnel. Same as, there is an end of all debt related confusion and puzzle. No doubt, with a proper debt management credit counseling service, borrowers can wave off their debt dilemma.



About the Author: After having herself gone through the ordeal of loan borrowing, Natasha Anderson understands the need for good quality loan advice. To find a Debt Consolidation Loan, debt management credit counseling, debt management UK that best suits your needs visit http://www.ukdebtconsolidations.co.uk



Source: www.isnare.com

Loan : Surefire Ways To Repair Your Credit

Surefire Ways To Repair Your Credit

By Conleth Onu

If you have bad credit, are in debt, or are tired of getting turned down for credit or loans, then this is for you. A lot of people assume there are no negative marks on their credit report, when in fact there may be errors contained in your report that you don't even know about.



Your credit history is a record of how you are currently managing your credit accounts and how you have handled your credit in the past. If you have bad credit, you may find it difficult to get loans, mortgages, credit cards, or do things that require a good credit history.



There are proven techniques you can use to get your life back together.



The first step is to review your credit report. Before you start guessing about your credit report, order a copy of your report. If you have been denied credit within the past 60 days, the credit bureau will provide you with a copy of your report free.



Once you have received your report, carefully review the items and note any inaccurate, incorrect, erroneous, misleading, or outdated information. If you are showing negative items you will want to have them removed.



To dispute a negative item on your report, contact the credit bureau that supplied the report and tell them what information you believe is inaccurate. Send your letter by certified mail, return receipt requested. You do not want any creditor or credit bureau claiming they did not receive your request.



Once the credit bureau receives your dispute letter, they are obligated to investigate it and inform you of the results of the investigation. They must provide you with an updated copy of your report.



If you disagree with the outcome, you can add a consumer statement to your credit file. The law allows you to file a short statement of 100 words or less on your behalf. The credit bureau is obligated to provide that information to anyone reviewing your credit report.



You may ask that a corrected version of the report be sent to any businesses that received a report on you within the past six months. Job applicants can have corrected versions of their report sent to any employers who received a report for employment purposes during the past two years.



Here are several ways you can begin to rebuild your credit history:



Apply for a charge account at a local department store. Stores will often make you a loan, by means of a charge card. Make sure you will be able to repay the bills on time.



Ask a relative or friend with a good credit record to cosign on your application for a small loan. Pay back the loan exactly according to the terms.



Deposit funds with a financial institution to serve as a collateral for a loan or credit card.



Now that you have the right information, you can look forward to a brand new life with good credit.



About the Author: Conleth C Onu is the owner of http://www.badcreditrepairresources.com This site contains articles, tips and other resources on credit repair. Please visit his website to learn more about how you can repair your credit.



Source: www.isnare.com

Insurance : 20 Tips To Cheaper Car Insurance

20 Tips To Cheaper Car Insurance

By Elbert Hamilton

1. Buy from the internet.Most companies offer a discount for online applications as this is automated process and costs them a lot less to process your application, you can usually see discounts of 5%-10%.Click here to get a instant online insurance quote



2. Shop around.All insurance companies use different formulas to calculate your insurance premium by adding or detracting money after each question the ask you.By shopping around you could find big savings on your insurance premium.



3. Buy extra products.Most insurance companies also do other insurance products ie"Building's and content's insurance".Most insurance companies will give extra discounts for purchasing more than one product,by doing this you could save a fair amount on all your insurance premiums.



4. Pay your insurance premium in one go.By paying your insurance premium in full you can avoid paying costly interest charges that would be added if you paid your insurance premium by instalments.Some insurance companies may charge as much as 15% APR on instalments.You may even receive a discount for paying in full.If you can not afford to pay in full check out what rate a small loan would be you may still save some money.Fill out a online loan application.



5. Increase your voluntary excess.Your excess is the amount paid by you in the event of a claim,by increasing this your insurance company should reduce your premium.



6. Lower your annual mileage.Lowering your annual mileage can reduce your premium,most insurance companies will quote you for around 12,000 miles a year.Try and work out how many mile's you will do if it's likely to be less you may get a discount.Be honest about this as your insurance company may ask to see old MOT'S and service history to verify your mileage in the event of a accident.



7. Have a Alarm,Immobiliser or Tracker fitted.Theft of and from your vehicle play a major role in the calculation of your insurance premium.Having a alarm or immobiliser fitted will give you a small discount to your premium and having a tracker fitted could make you quite a saving.



8. Take the advanced driving test.Passing your advanced driving test will show your insurance company that you have extra skill when driving and are less likely to be involved in a accident.



9. Don't inflate the value of your car.Adding extra value to your car when you apply for your insurance quote will do nothing for you apart from increase you premium.In the event your car is stolen or written off you will only be paid the market value of your car at the time of your accident.



10.Look after your credit rating.Insurance companies are now looking at your credit score as part of the calculation for your insurance premium.Maintaining a good credit rating could avoid unnecessary additions to your premium.



11. Insure your car Third Party Only.Third party only is the minimum cover you are required to have by law it's also the cheapest.If your vehicle is of a low value then you could consider this type of cover.You need to remember that with this type of cover if you was to have a accident that any damage to your vehicle would not be covered for repair.



12. Keep a clean licenceInsurance companies take driving convictions very seriously and can dramatically increase your car insurance premium,by maintaining a clean licence proves to the insurance you are a safe and careful driver.



13. Remove any unnecessary drivers.If you have a young driver on your insurance policy that no longer use's the vehicle you should remove them as this will reduce your premium.



14. Young driver's add a older driver.Some insurance companies will reduce young drivers premiums if they have a older named driver on the insurance.



15. Build up your no-claims discountOne of the biggest factors affecting your car insurance premium is the number of years no-claim's discount.You could receive up to 75% discount for around 5 years of no claims.The more years you can stay claim free the safer driver your insurance company will see you as.



16. Protect your no-claims discount.Although this will increase your insurance premium if you have a lot of years of no-claims you may want to protect this as a small claim may increase your premium by up to 75%.



17. Buy a lower insurance group car.A very important factor to your insurance premium is what car you drive.Most insurance companies adopt the Association Of British Insurance Group Rating.This rates vehicle's from 1 - 20 generally speaking the higher the group the higher the premium.By buying a car with a lower group rating can lower your premium especially for young or inexperienced drivers.



18. Join a car club.If your vehicle is a classic or specialist consider joining a club related to your car most clubs offer insurance schemes which have very good premium rates.



19. Put your spouse as a named driver.Some insurance companies offer discounts when you add a spouse as a named driver as opposed to unmarried couples,they see marriage as a sign of stability and associate stability with safe driving and there for give you a discount.



20. Take pass plus.If you are a new driver consider taking your pass plus.some insurance companies could give you as much as a 25% discount and when you have just passed your test and have no no-claims this could make a considerable saving.



About the Author: Elbert Hamilton writes for http://www.carinsurancesold.info where you can find out more about car insurance and other topics.



Source: www.isnare.com

Loan : Repair Bad Credit With Debt Consolidation Loans

Repair Bad Credit With Debt Consolidation Loans

By Bill Smith

Bad credit? Debt consolidation loans are an effective strategy to help you overcome bad credit and get back on the road to credit health. Does it seem strange that a finance company would offer someone with bad credit debt consolidation loans? There are many credit and finance agencies that offer specific bad credit debt consolidation loans that will help you get all your debts into one manageable monthly payment and begin to repair your credit.



What are a "bad credit debt consolidation loans"?



There are two parts to that question. Let's address the first to begin with. The purpose of a debt consolidation loan is to combine all of the debts that you owe into one large debt. If you currently are carrying debt on several high interest credit cards, it makes sense to take out a lower interest loan for the total amount that you owe and use the money to pay off the balance of each credit card. Instead of making five payments each month at interest rates ranging from 9.9% to 29.5%, you'll be making one payment to the finance company - at rates as low as 6.2% interest (this morning's prime lending rate."



The second part of the question is the 'bad credit' debt consolidation loans part. Essentially, the loan is the exact same, as is the purpose - to get all your debts into one basket so that repayment is easier. The difference is in the interest rate. The lower your credit score, the more of a risk the lender assumes in loaning you money. Lenders offset the risk by charging you a higher interest rate when your credit score is lower. That interest rate is usually tied to the prime lending rate in some way - often 2-3 percentage points higher. The interest rate on a bad credit debt consolidation loan varies widely from lender to lender, though, so it's definitely in your best interest to shop around and get quotes from several different lenders before making a decision on a loan.



How a bad credit debt consolidation loan helps you (and your credit rating)



Besides the obvious benefit of lowering your monthly payments, a bad credit debt consolidation loan may have other benefits as well. Depending on the terms of the loan, it MAY reduce your overall debt. By trading in an adjustable rate revolving credit account for a fixed rate, lower interest fixed term loan (in other words, a loan that has a definite target repayment date), you could significantly decrease the interest charges that you'll pay on the money over the term of the loan. In addition, you've simplified your life - everything is due on one date in one payment. You'll even save money on postage every month!



As far as the effect on your credit score - your credit report will now show 5 paid off revolving credit accounts. It's a good idea to leave one or two of them open - both for emergency purposes and to benefit your available credit ratio (how much credit is available to you vs. how much debt you owe).



All in all, bad credit debt consolidation loans can be a very effective tool to help you lower your overall debt and increase your credit score.



@Copyrights 2005 - Bill A Smith is a credit counselor for ACS credit counseling. ACS provides credit counseling in the states of Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah. Through our partners, we cover Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Source: www.isnare.com

Real Estate : Zero Down Real Estate Investing

Zero Down Real Estate Investing

By Steve Gillman

Zero down? Why would a seller want to walk away from closing with nothing? Well, they wouldn't, and that brings up the most important point about real estate investing with no downpayment: The seller almost always needs cash at closing, but it doesn't have to be YOUR cash.



A Zero Down Example



I'm selling a small rental property right now, with payments of $400/month. The buyer has a good credit report, and the $5,000 downpayment covers closing costs and even a foreclosure, if necessary. So at this point, I don't care where he gets the downpayment. A $6000 cash advance on a low-interest credit card for example, would cost him about $135 per month, and give him enough for the downpayment and his closing costs.



In this case, with rent around $600 per month, he would be okay. In some cases, however, that extra $135 might cause negative cash-flow. So be sure that however you do it, the numbers work. By the way, I would have set the payments at $350, if he had asked, because it's the price and the interest rate that are important to me.



Other Zero Downpayment Methods



While there are sellers (like myself) that are able to offer terms and low downpayments, usually you have to find a way to get at least 70% of the price to them in cash. Think in terms of how to get a primary loan, then how to raise the money for the remainder. A couple examples follow.



Some banks still do "no doc" loans, meaning they don't require verification of income, source of downpayment, etc. They generally loan only 70% to 80% of the property value, but if the seller is willing to take a second mortgage from you for the other 20% to 30%, you are in with no money down. The seller gets 70% or 80% in cash, plus payments for years to come. You'll have two payments, of course, so be sure the numbers work.



You can borrow against your home or other property to come up with downpayment money. If you borrow for a "vacation," and leave whatever you don't spend in your checking account for a while, you can use it without violating bankers rules about borrowing for a downpayment.



Even if you live in a small town, there are usually a few "note buyers." These are investors that buy land contracts, mortgage loans and other "notes" at a discount. If a seller takes a purchase money mortgage from you for $100,000, for example, a note buyer might pay him $85,000 for it. So how does that help you or him?



An example: A seller prices his property at $195,000, and expects to sell it for $180,000. You offer $205,000 in the form of a mortgage for $160,000, and another for $50,000. You have arranged for the sale of the first mortgage at closing for $136,000 to a note buyer. The seller gets that cash now, plus payments from you on the second loan for $50,000. Notice that this adds up to $186,000, which is more than he expected to get out of the deal.



These are just some of the ways you can buy with zero down. Real estate investing is about making the deal work for all parties. Find a way to get what you want, and get the seller what he wants. That is more important than having big cash on hand.



About the Author: Steve Gillman has invested in real estate for years. To learn more, and to see a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500, visit http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com



Source: www.isnare.com

Real Estate : How To Invest In Dirt Cheap Land Today That Will Explode In Value Tomorrow!

How To Invest In Dirt Cheap Land Today That Will Explode In Value Tomorrow!

By Tuks Engineer

What form of hands-off investment has on average returned over three times the profit of real estate investment (and completely shattered stock market returns) over the last two decades?



The answer is land investment. And despite the fact that returns on land investments have consistently been nothing short of spectacular, the future looks even brighter.



It’s a fact that land investment has returned (on average) over 900% for investors over a 20 year period and with a serious shortage of this natural commodity in several global spots such as the United Kingdom, the capital gains for shrewd investors are likely to get even bigger.



In this article we’ll look at the exact factors you should consider before purchasing land as an investment.



Land shares some interesting similarities with real estate when it comes to evaluating its potential for capital growth. In this segment we’ll look at how to assess land locations so that you choose the best plots of land that are likely to explode in value quickly.



Here are the two main factors that you must consider when evaluating potential land plots for investment:



1. Location, Location, Location (And Did I Mention Location?)



When you purchase a real estate investment, before taking on the property you will of course investigate its location thoroughly. Why? Because the location of real estate will have a large say in its capital appreciation as well as the rental yields it commands. It’s much the same with Land investment - while there are no yield considerations, the location of a plot of land will largely determine it’s appreciation in value. The location of land will determine its likelihood for planning permissions as well as the chances of it being bid on by a major developer. Location is key.



Here are some key considerations when determining the location value of a plot of land:



- Is the land close to major rail/road networks and does it connect two or more established communities? If the answer is yes then it’s more likely to receive the nod for planning permission and also has a far better chance of being tagged as a potential site for developers.



- Does the land have easy access to gas, electricity, water & other utilities? A developer is far more likely to build in a plot that has ready access to these utility networks. Additional utilities may include easy access to sewers.



- Is the land in a green-belt area? This is an area that’s government protected and green belt areas can have far greater problems in getting planning permission for development than non-green belt locations. Having said that, many green belt locations are increasingly being allowed to have land developed (due to the land shortage crisis) - if you’re planning to purchase green belt land then you can see if other green belt land in the area has been given planning permission for development. While there is no guarantee, this can be a good indicator that your proposed land investment could also get the green light for planning permission.



- Identify Town Growth Patterns - The potential land investor must have a skill for identifying in which direction a town or city is heading. Investing in land that’s not in the path of this growth could mean that the land will remain baron for a lot longer before the capital gains can be realised by way of a bid.



- Physical Characteristics Of Your Land - While this may not strictly be a location issue, there are several physical characteristics that your proposed land site will have that may affect it’s potential for development - the type of soil that your proposed land investment has may affect how it may be used for example. The surrounding views and whether it is on flat land or hills is a further consideration.



- Identify Towns That Have Been Tagged For By The Government For Housing Development - We already know that the government is committed to injecting billions of pounds into affordable housing. Purchasing land plots in specific areas that have been ear-marked for house-building is a further way of ensuring that you purchase land in an area that has an excellent chance of gaining planning permission, and ultimately attracting a developer who will purchase it from you.



- Make Use Of Government Departments - Call up councils where you are planning on purchasing land and ask them what their plans are for growth. Ask about new highways and infrastructure that may be on the agenda and if any greenbelt areas are likely to be developed in the near future.



- Affluence Of The Surrounding Area - Obviously, the more wealthy the area (and surrounding areas) of the location of your land, the more valuable it will be. In real estate, one effective strategy to identify properties with fantastic potential for capital growth is by identifying "spill-over" locations - these are areas that are relatively cheap to buy into but that neighbour property hot-spots. What tends to happen is that the value of these spill over areas tend to increase as people who cannot buy into the hotspot location are forced into the spill over regions. The same tactic can be applied with land investment.



- Is Your Land Close To Existing Developments? Land that is within close proximity to existing developments are more likely to get noticed by developers (and the green light for planning permission) than land that is slap bang in the middle of undeveloped green belt areas with sensational picture perfect views.



- How Well & At What Price Do The Houses/ Accommodation Near The Land Sell? If there are houses near the site of your potential land purchase then you should make enquiries as to how well the land in that locality sells. Research the most recent sales to determine the average prices. This should give you a fair indication of how well land in this area might perform as an investment.



2. Likelihood Of The Land Achieving Planning Permission



If the land you’re purchasing currently does not have planning permission, you must make an assessment of the likelihood of the chances of it receiving planning permission for development. Choosing land that is likely to receive planning permission is not an exact science (you need to have deduction skills to identify the land most likely to get permission). Here are some of the issues you must consider:



- Is The Land In A Greenbelt Area? Obviously, if the land is currently in the green-belt then there will be greater difficulty in getting planning permission. However, because of recent government intentions to develop (UK) land in the greenbelt, a lot of land categorised as green belt will still receive planning permission if certain conditions are met. A lot of these are discussed below.



- Proximity Of Land To Areas & Developments That Have Already Received Planning Permission - Land that is close to other land in the area that has already received planning permission may be more likely to receive the go ahead for development itself. In contrast, land that is not near any developed land or slap-bang in the middle of an area that is "prize countryside" is less likely to receive that elusive green light.



- Proximity Of Land In Areas Of High Development - Certain areas within the country have been tagged for development. These are areas that the government intends to develop - land in these areas are far more likely to get planning permission - if you inquire what the current areas are and focus on land purchase in these areas then you’re less likely to end up with land that is denied permission for development.



- Proximity To Land That Is Close To Motorways & Vital Utilities - In the last section we looked at how proximity to utilities and motorways are important RE the location of the land. Well these factors are also crucial in the land obtaining planning permission for development. A council is far more likely to grant permission to land that has immediate access to electricity, water, gas and transport links than land that does not have ready access to these utilities.



- The Requirement For Housing In The Area - This is linked, at least in part, to the proximity of land to areas of high development factor. Land investment in areas that urgently require new housing is far more likely to give a timely positive return than land investment in areas where no such need is identified (particularly if it is in the green belt).



- Proximity Of Land To Existing Towns & Villages - Land that is very close to existing communities stands a far better chance of gaining planning permission. There are many economies of scale for the council to allow land like this to be developed - for instance, required social services such as police, fire and medical facilities will already be in place.



It’s worth remembering that the value of land can increase spectacularly once planning permission is granted. Hence when you’re investing in land (either individually or as part of a group), your ability to identify land that’s ripe for planning permission is key.



Remember - Land is a commodity which is no longer made. There is no "competition" for it (it's an effective monopoly) and those investors who invest in land today may well achieve some truly outstanding returns tomorrow and long into the future.



About the Author: Visit The (Free) Secret http://Surefire-Winners.com Investment Site And Discover Exactly How To Pick Up Dirt Cheap Land Investments Today That Will EXPLODE In Value Tomorrow. http://www.surefire-winners.com/Land/landintro.htm



Source: www.isnare.com