You might think that deciding to refinance a mortgage requires only a quick comparison of loan interest rates. Unfortunately, that’s not really true. Refinancing is trickier than that! Fortunately, three useful rules of thumb can often help you make sense of refinancing opportunities.
Rule 1: Don’t Ignore Total Interest Costs
You really want to use refinancing as a way to reduce the total interest cost you pay. While that sounds simple in principle, it is sometimes difficult to do. The interest costs you pay are a function of the interest rate, the loan balance, and the loan term period.
When people refinance, they tend to focus solely on the loan interest rate. But they often don’t pay as much attention to the loan term or the loan balance.
When you use refinancing—even refinancing at a lower interest rate—to increase your borrowing or to extend the time over which you borrow, you often aren’t saving money.
Rule 2: Trade Expensive Money for Cheap Money
For refinancing to make economic sense, however, you do need to swap higher interest rate debt for lower interest rate debt. This calculation, however, is tricky. To make an apples-to-apples comparison, you must look at the annual percentage rate that will be charged on your new loan—this is the best measure of the new loan’s interest rate cost—and then compare this to the loan interest rate on your old loan.
You don’t want to compare interest rates on the two loans nor do you want to compare annual percentage rates on the two loans. Again, just to make this perfectly clear: You want to compare the loan interest rate on the old loan to the annual percentage rate on the new loan.
When the annual percentage rate on the new loan is lower than the loan interest rate on the old loan, then you are truly paying a lower interest rate.
Comparing annual percentage rates with loan interest rates seems confusing at first. But note that you would pay only interest on your old or current loan, so that’s all you need to look at in terms of its costs. With a new loan, however, you would pay both interest and any origination or closing cost fees. The annual percentage rate wraps the interest rate charges and setup charges, origination charges, and closing cost fees into one interest rate-like number.
Rule 3: Don’t Lengthen the Repayment Period
Be careful that you don’t extend the length of time you borrow by continually refinancing. For example, one common rule of thumb states that every time interest rates drop by two percentage points, you should refinance your mortgage. However, there have been times in recent history when following this rule would have had you refinancing your mortgage every few years. This could mean that you would never get your mortgage paid off. If you refinanced every few years, you would suddenly find yourself still 30 years away from having your mortgage paid.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Christmas Ornaments - Make Your Own with Beads and Pipe Cleaners
Christmas ornaments made from ordinary pipe cleaners and inexpensive acrylic beads are very pretty and easy to make. They look quite impressive yet are easy enough for small children to make. This is one Christmas craft idea to use again and again. Older people will enjoy making this Christmas craft, too, which can be varied to make a number of different sparkling ornaments for your Christmas tree.
To make the bead and pipe cleaner ornaments, you need common pipe cleaners in desired colors and acrylic beads. Two types of beads are particularly effective when strung on pipe cleaners. One type are called sunburst beads, but are also known as paddlewheel beads, snowflake beads, or starburst beads. These beads have six faceted paddles spaced equally around a center that contains the hole for stringing. When several of these sunburst beads are strung consecutively, they fit against each other in an interlocking pattern.
The other type of bead that is also effective for this Christmas craft is called the tri bead or propeller bead. It has three rounded bumps arranged around the stringing hole. Like the sunburst beads, the tri beads interlock when strung consecutively. For the most sparkly and attractive Christmas ornaments, get tri beads and/or sunburst beads in translucent colors of red, green, and clear. The tri beads can also be found in metallic gold and silver which can be used in this Christmas craft as well.
Pipe cleaners can be found in silver and gold tinsel as well as chenille of all colors. For the Christmas craft, the best colors to use are the metallics and Christmas colors. The beads cover the pipe cleaners, but the ends will need to be twisted together and made into hangers, so they show.
Anyone, even small children, can string these beads on pipe cleaners. Bend up the end of the pipe cleaner so the beads don't fall off. The pipe cleaner works like a needle, making a needle unnecessary. For best results, show the children how to alternate colors when stringing, or start a pattern of three colors. When the beads are strung on the pipe cleaners, they can be bent into different Christmas shapes. For instance, string red and clear beads alternately, then bend down one end of the pipe cleaner for a candy cane shape. Or alternate red and green beads and form a circle for a wreath. Use red pipe cleaner to form a small bow to decorate the wreath. Form a hanger for the Christmas craft or simply slip the circle over a branch of the tree.
If you experiment with clear beads and silver pipe cleaners, you can make some beautiful snowflake or star ornaments. Snowflake designs can be twisted of silver pipe cleaner only, without the beads for a simple but pretty decoration.
Bead and pipe cleaner ornaments are a Christmas craft you will find yourself using every year. Children and their parents will both appreciate this simple yet pretty Christmas craft.
About the author:
To make the bead and pipe cleaner ornaments, you need common pipe cleaners in desired colors and acrylic beads. Two types of beads are particularly effective when strung on pipe cleaners. One type are called sunburst beads, but are also known as paddlewheel beads, snowflake beads, or starburst beads. These beads have six faceted paddles spaced equally around a center that contains the hole for stringing. When several of these sunburst beads are strung consecutively, they fit against each other in an interlocking pattern.
The other type of bead that is also effective for this Christmas craft is called the tri bead or propeller bead. It has three rounded bumps arranged around the stringing hole. Like the sunburst beads, the tri beads interlock when strung consecutively. For the most sparkly and attractive Christmas ornaments, get tri beads and/or sunburst beads in translucent colors of red, green, and clear. The tri beads can also be found in metallic gold and silver which can be used in this Christmas craft as well.
Pipe cleaners can be found in silver and gold tinsel as well as chenille of all colors. For the Christmas craft, the best colors to use are the metallics and Christmas colors. The beads cover the pipe cleaners, but the ends will need to be twisted together and made into hangers, so they show.
Anyone, even small children, can string these beads on pipe cleaners. Bend up the end of the pipe cleaner so the beads don't fall off. The pipe cleaner works like a needle, making a needle unnecessary. For best results, show the children how to alternate colors when stringing, or start a pattern of three colors. When the beads are strung on the pipe cleaners, they can be bent into different Christmas shapes. For instance, string red and clear beads alternately, then bend down one end of the pipe cleaner for a candy cane shape. Or alternate red and green beads and form a circle for a wreath. Use red pipe cleaner to form a small bow to decorate the wreath. Form a hanger for the Christmas craft or simply slip the circle over a branch of the tree.
If you experiment with clear beads and silver pipe cleaners, you can make some beautiful snowflake or star ornaments. Snowflake designs can be twisted of silver pipe cleaner only, without the beads for a simple but pretty decoration.
Bead and pipe cleaner ornaments are a Christmas craft you will find yourself using every year. Children and their parents will both appreciate this simple yet pretty Christmas craft.
About the author:
"Women and Divorce: How Women Should Protect Themselves Financially Regarding Divorce"
Women who believe a divorce is a possibility or who think that their husband will be asking about getting a divorce at some point should put their emotions aside and plan "just in case" their intuition is correct that a divorce may be coming in the near future. If women who believe that the "divorce discussion" may be lurking, they should make it a point to look for solid signs that their husband will indeed ask for a divorce...then they should plan accordingly.
Women who think that they are signs that her husband may ask for a divorce but haven't thought about it deeply or who think that a divorce would better suit them rather than their husbands, should view the situation realistically and as stoically as possible. This will ensure that plan they take is calculated, logical and will benefit them based on what they want the end result to yield.
Often times women refuse to think that a divorce could happen to them and one day their husband comes home and says "There's something I have been meaning to talk to you about..." or "I think we should get a divorce." or something similar. If the situation has reached this point, its too late for women to start planning for their financial future after divorce.
So what do women who think a divorce is eminent or who want a divorce for themselves do in order to ensure they aren't left in financial ruin?
There's certainly a myriad of tactics that can be used and each woman's situation is different regarding divorce, but here's some tactics that will help:
Women and divorce tactic 1:
Once women validate their own reasons for divorce and are sure that divorce is the right path, they should make a plan and keep it to themselves. They shouldn't let anyone know what they've decided to do. They should not tell their friends, co-workers, or family...no one.
And they certainly shouldn't lead on to their husband that they want a divorce if they are the ones who will be making the first move to end the marriage.
Women and divorce tactic 2:
Women in divorce should realize that the plan they take may require several months to implement and they should be patient and plan logically. Women should learn how much money it would take to support themselves (and children if the situation warrants it), how much money is actually available to them now, and how they can adjust their lifestyle to make sure they can financially survive.
Women and divorce tactic 3:
Women who may be facing divorce should look at the household wills. In some cases, it may be legal to take someone out of a will or put someone into a will without that person knowing.
Women and divorce tactic 4:
Women who want to plan for divorce should try to put away cash in the event something dramatic happens unexpectedly. Bit by bit, putting cash away somewhere in a place that cannot be found by heir husband will allow women to make sure they can survive in the event of "unforeseen circumstances".
Women and divorce tactic 5:
Women who plan on getting divorced should document any events that will strengthen their case against their husband. Occurrences such as physical abuse, verbal abuse, mental abuse, and drunken stupors that end in embaraasment or abuse are examples or instances that should be documented because these happeneings strengthen any case the women have against their husband.
Women and divorce tactic 6:
Women who know that divorce is in their future should do all they can to decrease liabilities and increase their access to money. This includes paying down mutual debt, establishing credit of their own if they do not have credit already, and making sure that the mortgage (if there is one) is paid down as much as possible.
Women and divorce tactic 7:
Women who are serious about getting a divorce or who think that their husband might ask for a divorce in the future should gather all documents that have to do with anything financial that has their name listed. They should make a list of all these items with financial institution name, address, account number, balance, interest rate, etc.
Knowing exactly what is at stake financially will help alleviate surprises later.
Planning a divorce can be as painful for women as it can be for men. Generally, women aren't the breadwinners (although things are getting a lot closer to being 'new age' than in previous decades) and getting surprised with divorce papers can have long term financial affects to women who don't plan accordingly and protect themselves financially.
About the author:
Women who think that they are signs that her husband may ask for a divorce but haven't thought about it deeply or who think that a divorce would better suit them rather than their husbands, should view the situation realistically and as stoically as possible. This will ensure that plan they take is calculated, logical and will benefit them based on what they want the end result to yield.
Often times women refuse to think that a divorce could happen to them and one day their husband comes home and says "There's something I have been meaning to talk to you about..." or "I think we should get a divorce." or something similar. If the situation has reached this point, its too late for women to start planning for their financial future after divorce.
So what do women who think a divorce is eminent or who want a divorce for themselves do in order to ensure they aren't left in financial ruin?
There's certainly a myriad of tactics that can be used and each woman's situation is different regarding divorce, but here's some tactics that will help:
Women and divorce tactic 1:
Once women validate their own reasons for divorce and are sure that divorce is the right path, they should make a plan and keep it to themselves. They shouldn't let anyone know what they've decided to do. They should not tell their friends, co-workers, or family...no one.
And they certainly shouldn't lead on to their husband that they want a divorce if they are the ones who will be making the first move to end the marriage.
Women and divorce tactic 2:
Women in divorce should realize that the plan they take may require several months to implement and they should be patient and plan logically. Women should learn how much money it would take to support themselves (and children if the situation warrants it), how much money is actually available to them now, and how they can adjust their lifestyle to make sure they can financially survive.
Women and divorce tactic 3:
Women who may be facing divorce should look at the household wills. In some cases, it may be legal to take someone out of a will or put someone into a will without that person knowing.
Women and divorce tactic 4:
Women who want to plan for divorce should try to put away cash in the event something dramatic happens unexpectedly. Bit by bit, putting cash away somewhere in a place that cannot be found by heir husband will allow women to make sure they can survive in the event of "unforeseen circumstances".
Women and divorce tactic 5:
Women who plan on getting divorced should document any events that will strengthen their case against their husband. Occurrences such as physical abuse, verbal abuse, mental abuse, and drunken stupors that end in embaraasment or abuse are examples or instances that should be documented because these happeneings strengthen any case the women have against their husband.
Women and divorce tactic 6:
Women who know that divorce is in their future should do all they can to decrease liabilities and increase their access to money. This includes paying down mutual debt, establishing credit of their own if they do not have credit already, and making sure that the mortgage (if there is one) is paid down as much as possible.
Women and divorce tactic 7:
Women who are serious about getting a divorce or who think that their husband might ask for a divorce in the future should gather all documents that have to do with anything financial that has their name listed. They should make a list of all these items with financial institution name, address, account number, balance, interest rate, etc.
Knowing exactly what is at stake financially will help alleviate surprises later.
Planning a divorce can be as painful for women as it can be for men. Generally, women aren't the breadwinners (although things are getting a lot closer to being 'new age' than in previous decades) and getting surprised with divorce papers can have long term financial affects to women who don't plan accordingly and protect themselves financially.
About the author:
Top 10+ Ways to Jumpstart your New Year’s Finances
Of course, these don't have to be done in any particular order!
Just pick one or two that particularly apply to your situation.
* Create your 2004 filing system. This might include new file folders, a new box to hold them or space in a filing cabinet with easy access.
* Set up a folder to collect all the important 2003 tax documents which will be arriving soon. Sure to arrive at your house are W-2s, 1099s, mortgage statements, etc.
* Set up an appointment with your tax professional early so you get the appointment of your choice. This also gives you a deadline to get your information ready! If you're self-employed, the next quarterly estimated tax payment will be due on January 15.
* Review last year's investments especially in your 401(k), IRA's etc. Find out what financial planning resources your company or 401(k) plan administrator offers and set up an appointment to talk to them. For non-company portfolios, talk to your investment advisor. You have until April 15 to make contributions to IRA type accounts (check with your tax preparer for eligibility).
* What about Quicken or Microsoft Money? If you don't use software to balance your checkbook, pay your bills and keep track of your savings and investments, this is a great time of the year to get started. My personal favorite is Quicken and for small businesses, you might consider Quicken Home and Business. If you are a small business with Payroll needs, check out QuickBooks.
* Medical Insurance reimbursements. If you haven't submitted all your medical bills to your insurance provider, now is the time to do so.
* Will and Estate Planning. No one likes to think about dying, but the best thing you can do for your family is to make sure they are taken care of by creating a will and making sure you have adequate life insurance. Think how easily you'll sleep knowing you have provided for your family even if you are no longer there.
* Speaking of insurance… If you haven't reviewed your health or home and auto policies in the last couple of years you might find you can save money and/or have better coverage. For example, if you still have a $250 deductible (which was my first deductible in 1979!), you will probably save by increasing it to $500 or $1000. Try to set aside some of your savings for deductibles in case you need them.
* Create your own Anti-Emergency Fund! We all know those car and home repairs, school fees, medical expenses and vacations are going to happen. Why not determine how much you'll need and save 1/12 of it each month? To read more go to: http://www.phelps-creek.com/archives/Anti-Emergency.htm.
* Holiday Bonus or Money Gifts If you received a financial gift this holiday season, hold on to it for at least 30 days while you decide what you really want to spend it on. All too often financial windfalls are spent before they even arrive. Consider dividing it into thirds: 1/3 to the past, 1/3 to the present and 1/3 to the future. Past might include paying down debt, present could be something you need or want now and future could be retirement, college savings, or a special vacation
* Financial Goals for next year. Think about where you want to be next year at this time financially. If you want to save $1000, put aside $2.74 each day and you'll be there! Break down your financial goals into monthly, weekly and daily amounts and watch how quickly your savings will grow. Read more about it at: http://www.phelps-creek.com/archives/PDQFactor.htm.
Happy New Year!!!!!
(c) Phelps Creek Financial Coaching - All Rights Reserved
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About the author:
Just pick one or two that particularly apply to your situation.
* Create your 2004 filing system. This might include new file folders, a new box to hold them or space in a filing cabinet with easy access.
* Set up a folder to collect all the important 2003 tax documents which will be arriving soon. Sure to arrive at your house are W-2s, 1099s, mortgage statements, etc.
* Set up an appointment with your tax professional early so you get the appointment of your choice. This also gives you a deadline to get your information ready! If you're self-employed, the next quarterly estimated tax payment will be due on January 15.
* Review last year's investments especially in your 401(k), IRA's etc. Find out what financial planning resources your company or 401(k) plan administrator offers and set up an appointment to talk to them. For non-company portfolios, talk to your investment advisor. You have until April 15 to make contributions to IRA type accounts (check with your tax preparer for eligibility).
* What about Quicken or Microsoft Money? If you don't use software to balance your checkbook, pay your bills and keep track of your savings and investments, this is a great time of the year to get started. My personal favorite is Quicken and for small businesses, you might consider Quicken Home and Business. If you are a small business with Payroll needs, check out QuickBooks.
* Medical Insurance reimbursements. If you haven't submitted all your medical bills to your insurance provider, now is the time to do so.
* Will and Estate Planning. No one likes to think about dying, but the best thing you can do for your family is to make sure they are taken care of by creating a will and making sure you have adequate life insurance. Think how easily you'll sleep knowing you have provided for your family even if you are no longer there.
* Speaking of insurance… If you haven't reviewed your health or home and auto policies in the last couple of years you might find you can save money and/or have better coverage. For example, if you still have a $250 deductible (which was my first deductible in 1979!), you will probably save by increasing it to $500 or $1000. Try to set aside some of your savings for deductibles in case you need them.
* Create your own Anti-Emergency Fund! We all know those car and home repairs, school fees, medical expenses and vacations are going to happen. Why not determine how much you'll need and save 1/12 of it each month? To read more go to: http://www.phelps-creek.com/archives/Anti-Emergency.htm.
* Holiday Bonus or Money Gifts If you received a financial gift this holiday season, hold on to it for at least 30 days while you decide what you really want to spend it on. All too often financial windfalls are spent before they even arrive. Consider dividing it into thirds: 1/3 to the past, 1/3 to the present and 1/3 to the future. Past might include paying down debt, present could be something you need or want now and future could be retirement, college savings, or a special vacation
* Financial Goals for next year. Think about where you want to be next year at this time financially. If you want to save $1000, put aside $2.74 each day and you'll be there! Break down your financial goals into monthly, weekly and daily amounts and watch how quickly your savings will grow. Read more about it at: http://www.phelps-creek.com/archives/PDQFactor.htm.
Happy New Year!!!!!
(c) Phelps Creek Financial Coaching - All Rights Reserved
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About the author:
Three Rules of Thumb for Mortgage Refinancing
You might think that deciding to refinance a mortgage requires only a quick comparison of loan interest rates. Unfortunately, that’s not really true. Refinancing is trickier than that! Fortunately, three useful rules of thumb can often help you make sense of refinancing opportunities.
Rule 1: Don’t Ignore Total Interest Costs
You really want to use refinancing as a way to reduce the total interest cost you pay. While that sounds simple in principle, it is sometimes difficult to do. The interest costs you pay are a function of the interest rate, the loan balance, and the loan term period.
When people refinance, they tend to focus solely on the loan interest rate. But they often don’t pay as much attention to the loan term or the loan balance.
When you use refinancing—even refinancing at a lower interest rate—to increase your borrowing or to extend the time over which you borrow, you often aren’t saving money.
Rule 2: Trade Expensive Money for Cheap Money
For refinancing to make economic sense, however, you do need to swap higher interest rate debt for lower interest rate debt. This calculation, however, is tricky. To make an apples-to-apples comparison, you must look at the annual percentage rate that will be charged on your new loan—this is the best measure of the new loan’s interest rate cost—and then compare this to the loan interest rate on your old loan.
You don’t want to compare interest rates on the two loans nor do you want to compare annual percentage rates on the two loans. Again, just to make this perfectly clear: You want to compare the loan interest rate on the old loan to the annual percentage rate on the new loan.
When the annual percentage rate on the new loan is lower than the loan interest rate on the old loan, then you are truly paying a lower interest rate.
Comparing annual percentage rates with loan interest rates seems confusing at first. But note that you would pay only interest on your old or current loan, so that’s all you need to look at in terms of its costs. With a new loan, however, you would pay both interest and any origination or closing cost fees. The annual percentage rate wraps the interest rate charges and setup charges, origination charges, and closing cost fees into one interest rate-like number.
Rule 3: Don’t Lengthen the Repayment Period
Be careful that you don’t extend the length of time you borrow by continually refinancing. For example, one common rule of thumb states that every time interest rates drop by two percentage points, you should refinance your mortgage. However, there have been times in recent history when following this rule would have had you refinancing your mortgage every few years. This could mean that you would never get your mortgage paid off. If you refinanced every few years, you would suddenly find yourself still 30 years away from having your mortgage paid.
Rule 1: Don’t Ignore Total Interest Costs
You really want to use refinancing as a way to reduce the total interest cost you pay. While that sounds simple in principle, it is sometimes difficult to do. The interest costs you pay are a function of the interest rate, the loan balance, and the loan term period.
When people refinance, they tend to focus solely on the loan interest rate. But they often don’t pay as much attention to the loan term or the loan balance.
When you use refinancing—even refinancing at a lower interest rate—to increase your borrowing or to extend the time over which you borrow, you often aren’t saving money.
Rule 2: Trade Expensive Money for Cheap Money
For refinancing to make economic sense, however, you do need to swap higher interest rate debt for lower interest rate debt. This calculation, however, is tricky. To make an apples-to-apples comparison, you must look at the annual percentage rate that will be charged on your new loan—this is the best measure of the new loan’s interest rate cost—and then compare this to the loan interest rate on your old loan.
You don’t want to compare interest rates on the two loans nor do you want to compare annual percentage rates on the two loans. Again, just to make this perfectly clear: You want to compare the loan interest rate on the old loan to the annual percentage rate on the new loan.
When the annual percentage rate on the new loan is lower than the loan interest rate on the old loan, then you are truly paying a lower interest rate.
Comparing annual percentage rates with loan interest rates seems confusing at first. But note that you would pay only interest on your old or current loan, so that’s all you need to look at in terms of its costs. With a new loan, however, you would pay both interest and any origination or closing cost fees. The annual percentage rate wraps the interest rate charges and setup charges, origination charges, and closing cost fees into one interest rate-like number.
Rule 3: Don’t Lengthen the Repayment Period
Be careful that you don’t extend the length of time you borrow by continually refinancing. For example, one common rule of thumb states that every time interest rates drop by two percentage points, you should refinance your mortgage. However, there have been times in recent history when following this rule would have had you refinancing your mortgage every few years. This could mean that you would never get your mortgage paid off. If you refinanced every few years, you would suddenly find yourself still 30 years away from having your mortgage paid.
You Might Want A Mobile Home
Why Look At Mobile Homes For Sale?
There are mobile homes for sale, for much less than stick-built houses, in most areas of the country. Despite the persistent predjudice against them, and sometimes against their residents, mobile homes are the cheap housing choice of millions. The advantages are not always obvious, but they are real.
First of all, let's acknowledge the big "truth" about mobile homes and appreciation or depreciation. It is true in most areas that mobile homes in parks go down in value over time. That's why I don't recommend buying in a park, unless you absolutely can't buy real estate, and you have done the math to see if you are better off than renting a nice apartment. To "do the math" consider lot rent, payment, and the remaining value of the mobile when you put it up for sale, minus what you will still owe, when you are likely to move. These are guesses, but still better than nothing if you are as objective as you can be.
Mobile Homes For Sale With Real Estate
When looking at mobile homes for sale on land, however, you are looking at an entirely different investment. My mobile home in Michigan doubled in value in the twelve years I lived in it. That's because even as the home deteriorated a little over time (don't all houses?), the value of the land continued to rise. You also can do what you like with the home when you own the land. For example, I took in more money from my home than it originally cost, by renting out a room or two over the years.
As mentioned, mobile homes usually sell for much less than other houses, and this means not lower payments. Also, because of the shortened amortization and lower loan amount, you will often build equity faster in a mobile home than in a more expensive house. A quick example follows, for the skeptical among you.
Equity Building With Mobile Homes
If you buy a house with a $100,000 mortgage loan amortised over 30 years at 6% interest, you'll have a payment of $599.60. Of the first payment, $500 will go towards interest, $99.60 towards principal. In other words, you only built equity of $99.60 (I'm ignoring appreciation, but only for the moment).
Second scenario: Find a nice mobile home for sale, and borrow only $30,000, at 8% interest, amortised over 10 years. Note the higher interest - this is always the case with "factory built home mortgages." The shorter term is normal too, but least you'll own your home free-and-clear in 10 years instead of 30. Despite the higher interest and shorter term, the payment will be only $363.99, the first month only $200 will go towards interest. That means the other $163.99 goes towards principal. You bought more house (built more equity) in this scenario.
It's true that a mobile home on land might appreciate more slowly than a "regular" house, but the faster loan pay-down probably more than covers this factor. If you also chose to bank the difference in payments ($235.61 per month), you'd definitely be better off financially with the mobile home versus the more expensive home.
Pay less per month and build more equity! Don't expect your real estate agent to tell you this. Don't expect him to even agree with me after you explain it. I sold real estate years ago, and math skills were not part of the licensing requirements.
Mobile Homes For Sale; Other Advantages
Mobile homes are cheaper to maintain. Years ago I had a mobile home as a rental, and the furnace in it died. This is the most expensive repair you'll have in a mobile. I had to replace it for $1,200, but that was still less than a furnace for a larger home. Consider that for $200 you can tar the roof of your home, or $30 if you do it yourself, instead of $5,000 to re-shingle a traditional roof. The windows, plumbing, doors - all cheaper.
Property taxes will cost less, because they're based on the value of the property, and mobile homes for sale on land have lower value than stick-built houses. Insurance may cost less too, again because you are insuring less value. The only precaution to remember here is to be sure you can get insurance. Very old mobiles may be uninsurable in some areas.
Should You Buy A Mobile Home?
Don't buy a mobile home if prices for houses in the area are just as low. Believe it or not, this is the case in some areas. We bought a house near Butte, Montana for $17,500 - less than mobile homes for sale there. You can see a photo on our site http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com. Houses do generally hold up better. Then there are the issues of whether your own needs and predjudices will let you be comfortable in a mobile home. They are sometimes for sale in areas you don't want to live in (Certainly true of houses as well). These are personal things you have to consider.
The advantages are clear for many young people starting out. It may be their only option. It may be your better option. Besides a lower initial price, you get simpler, cheaper maintainance, lower monthly payments, less property tax, less for insurance, and faster equity build-up. So don't automatically pass on those mobile homes for sale when you're out home-hunting.
About the author:
There are mobile homes for sale, for much less than stick-built houses, in most areas of the country. Despite the persistent predjudice against them, and sometimes against their residents, mobile homes are the cheap housing choice of millions. The advantages are not always obvious, but they are real.
First of all, let's acknowledge the big "truth" about mobile homes and appreciation or depreciation. It is true in most areas that mobile homes in parks go down in value over time. That's why I don't recommend buying in a park, unless you absolutely can't buy real estate, and you have done the math to see if you are better off than renting a nice apartment. To "do the math" consider lot rent, payment, and the remaining value of the mobile when you put it up for sale, minus what you will still owe, when you are likely to move. These are guesses, but still better than nothing if you are as objective as you can be.
Mobile Homes For Sale With Real Estate
When looking at mobile homes for sale on land, however, you are looking at an entirely different investment. My mobile home in Michigan doubled in value in the twelve years I lived in it. That's because even as the home deteriorated a little over time (don't all houses?), the value of the land continued to rise. You also can do what you like with the home when you own the land. For example, I took in more money from my home than it originally cost, by renting out a room or two over the years.
As mentioned, mobile homes usually sell for much less than other houses, and this means not lower payments. Also, because of the shortened amortization and lower loan amount, you will often build equity faster in a mobile home than in a more expensive house. A quick example follows, for the skeptical among you.
Equity Building With Mobile Homes
If you buy a house with a $100,000 mortgage loan amortised over 30 years at 6% interest, you'll have a payment of $599.60. Of the first payment, $500 will go towards interest, $99.60 towards principal. In other words, you only built equity of $99.60 (I'm ignoring appreciation, but only for the moment).
Second scenario: Find a nice mobile home for sale, and borrow only $30,000, at 8% interest, amortised over 10 years. Note the higher interest - this is always the case with "factory built home mortgages." The shorter term is normal too, but least you'll own your home free-and-clear in 10 years instead of 30. Despite the higher interest and shorter term, the payment will be only $363.99, the first month only $200 will go towards interest. That means the other $163.99 goes towards principal. You bought more house (built more equity) in this scenario.
It's true that a mobile home on land might appreciate more slowly than a "regular" house, but the faster loan pay-down probably more than covers this factor. If you also chose to bank the difference in payments ($235.61 per month), you'd definitely be better off financially with the mobile home versus the more expensive home.
Pay less per month and build more equity! Don't expect your real estate agent to tell you this. Don't expect him to even agree with me after you explain it. I sold real estate years ago, and math skills were not part of the licensing requirements.
Mobile Homes For Sale; Other Advantages
Mobile homes are cheaper to maintain. Years ago I had a mobile home as a rental, and the furnace in it died. This is the most expensive repair you'll have in a mobile. I had to replace it for $1,200, but that was still less than a furnace for a larger home. Consider that for $200 you can tar the roof of your home, or $30 if you do it yourself, instead of $5,000 to re-shingle a traditional roof. The windows, plumbing, doors - all cheaper.
Property taxes will cost less, because they're based on the value of the property, and mobile homes for sale on land have lower value than stick-built houses. Insurance may cost less too, again because you are insuring less value. The only precaution to remember here is to be sure you can get insurance. Very old mobiles may be uninsurable in some areas.
Should You Buy A Mobile Home?
Don't buy a mobile home if prices for houses in the area are just as low. Believe it or not, this is the case in some areas. We bought a house near Butte, Montana for $17,500 - less than mobile homes for sale there. You can see a photo on our site http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com. Houses do generally hold up better. Then there are the issues of whether your own needs and predjudices will let you be comfortable in a mobile home. They are sometimes for sale in areas you don't want to live in (Certainly true of houses as well). These are personal things you have to consider.
The advantages are clear for many young people starting out. It may be their only option. It may be your better option. Besides a lower initial price, you get simpler, cheaper maintainance, lower monthly payments, less property tax, less for insurance, and faster equity build-up. So don't automatically pass on those mobile homes for sale when you're out home-hunting.
About the author:
Life insurance: why there’s no need to be a desperate housewife
Contemplating what may happen to your wife (or husband) and children if you die is not likely to be a thought you wish to contemplate. However, avoiding the issue may make life more difficult for your family after your death.
Life insurance looks set to make a comeback in the UK, after a period of neglect by consumers who were simply occupied with affording a home. The stabilising of the UK house market has made many consumers take a broader view to their personal finances.
LifeSearch (a life insurance broker), in the September issue of Money Observer, highlighted a few common mistakes people make when buying life insurance:
* Believing life insurance is relevant to everyone
Life insurance is only relevant to people who have financial dependents. If you have no financial dependents, it might be more appropriate to consider income protection or critical illness insurance.
* Paying too much for life insurance
According to Money Observer, research for Sainsbury’s Bank Life Insurance revealed that many people take life insurance policies from their mortgage providers and as a result could be paying too much.
* Opting to buy joint life insurance policies instead of single life insurance policies
The advice to married couples is to avoid taking out joint life insurance policies which pay out when the first spouse dies over the term of the policy, but not on the second. Single policies could provide additional cover by paying just an extra £3-4 a month.
* Missing out on a trust
The Tax Man can claim up to 40% of your life insurance payout as inheritance tax. According to Money Observer, those with assets totalling £275,000 or more (including a house) are especially prone to tax inspection. Writing your policy in trust is a way to avoid this and as a trust does not have to go through probate, beneficiaries of the policy will receive the payment without delay.
* Only insuring the main earner
Whilst it is important to cover the main breadwinner, by neglecting to additionally insure the housewife or househusband may result in extra child care costs. Family income benefit (FIB) may be an appropriate policy to put in place.
* Opting for a lump sum over income
If your dependents are likely to require an income, then buying a policy that pays out a lump sum is a mistake. Many people invest lump sums for an income, but when they invest it, they have to pay tax. Family income benefit provides a larger payout – tax free, though the majority of banks and building societies do not offer FIB, so ask an Independent Financial Advisor for recommendations.
* Not proving full medical records or detailing comprehensive medical history
Failure to disclose a complete picture of your health, no matter how trivial, could invalidate a claim later on.
There’s no excuse for not conducting your own homework, as there is an abundance of information available online. Sites such as moneynet, provide not only price comparison research on difference life insurance products, they also offer downloadable consumer product guides. Lowermybills.com proffers a similar service stateside.
Resources:
Life insurance looks set to make a comeback in the UK, after a period of neglect by consumers who were simply occupied with affording a home. The stabilising of the UK house market has made many consumers take a broader view to their personal finances.
LifeSearch (a life insurance broker), in the September issue of Money Observer, highlighted a few common mistakes people make when buying life insurance:
* Believing life insurance is relevant to everyone
Life insurance is only relevant to people who have financial dependents. If you have no financial dependents, it might be more appropriate to consider income protection or critical illness insurance.
* Paying too much for life insurance
According to Money Observer, research for Sainsbury’s Bank Life Insurance revealed that many people take life insurance policies from their mortgage providers and as a result could be paying too much.
* Opting to buy joint life insurance policies instead of single life insurance policies
The advice to married couples is to avoid taking out joint life insurance policies which pay out when the first spouse dies over the term of the policy, but not on the second. Single policies could provide additional cover by paying just an extra £3-4 a month.
* Missing out on a trust
The Tax Man can claim up to 40% of your life insurance payout as inheritance tax. According to Money Observer, those with assets totalling £275,000 or more (including a house) are especially prone to tax inspection. Writing your policy in trust is a way to avoid this and as a trust does not have to go through probate, beneficiaries of the policy will receive the payment without delay.
* Only insuring the main earner
Whilst it is important to cover the main breadwinner, by neglecting to additionally insure the housewife or househusband may result in extra child care costs. Family income benefit (FIB) may be an appropriate policy to put in place.
* Opting for a lump sum over income
If your dependents are likely to require an income, then buying a policy that pays out a lump sum is a mistake. Many people invest lump sums for an income, but when they invest it, they have to pay tax. Family income benefit provides a larger payout – tax free, though the majority of banks and building societies do not offer FIB, so ask an Independent Financial Advisor for recommendations.
* Not proving full medical records or detailing comprehensive medical history
Failure to disclose a complete picture of your health, no matter how trivial, could invalidate a claim later on.
There’s no excuse for not conducting your own homework, as there is an abundance of information available online. Sites such as moneynet, provide not only price comparison research on difference life insurance products, they also offer downloadable consumer product guides. Lowermybills.com proffers a similar service stateside.
Resources:
How To Get Your Your Money And Debt Under Control
REPRINT GUIDELINES
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How To Get Your Your Money And Debt Under Control
- by Steven Erlick MA
(c) Steven Erlick. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.BookShaker.com
===========================================================
If you are struggling with money and debt here are some
things you can do to help. Admit to yourself that you have
to much debt. It is very easy to strugle on each month
robbing Peter to pay Paul without getting to grips with the
problem. If you are spending more than 10%-15% of your
income (excluding a mortgage) on debt repayments you are
probably financially stretched. List out how much you owe
on credit cards and loans etc. It will come as a shock so be
prepared! Also list out what the repayments are on each.
Check if your spending on debt servicing is higher than 10-
15 % of your income.
If it is, here are some options to sort out the problem. If
you can, increase your income. You may be eligible for
government money such as tax credits or help with council
tax or rent if you are on a low income. Alternatively you
may be able to get a part time job or rent out the spare
room.
If it is not possible to increase your income you need to
look at ways of reducing your spending. Are there things you
can cut down on? Start buying cheaper products at the
supermarket. It is amazing how much your grocery bill can be
reduced by buying "own brands".
If increasing your income or reducing your expenditure is
not possible or insufficient then write to the people you
owe money to and explain the situation and ask them to
suspend the interest so that you can start to reduce what
you owe them. This is known as an informal arrangement.
More formally you can arrange for a legally binding
agreement with your creditors called an Individual Voluntary
Arrangement. This will often reduce the total amount you owe
by a considerable amount. The other main way of getting rid
of uncontrollable debts is bankruptcy, this has been made
easier and simpler of late. You should get some advice about
these options from the local Citizen's Advice Bureau.
The main thing to do if your are struggling financially is
to do something about it, before it gets worse.
===========================================================
Debt is not your fault. Learn how to get out of it and
prosper. The acclaimed Debt-Busting Manual "Debt-Free For
Life: Prosperity For the Rest of Us" is available here...
http://www.bookshaker.com/product_info.php?products_id=115
===========================================================
Keywords: debt,debt-free,change,transform your
life,transform your debt,prosperity,debt free,money,control
money,control debt
About the author:
===========================================================
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
You are free to publish the following article in its
entirety in your eZine or on your website. Our only
condition is that you MUST keep the information about the
author,(c) notice and resource box at the end intact.
Please let us know when you use an article by
sending us an email... mailto:howto@leanmarketingpress.com
Use this article to make money - sign up here...
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Word Count: 356
Character Width: 60
Resource Box: Debt-Free For Life
===========================================================
How To Get Your Your Money And Debt Under Control
- by Steven Erlick MA
(c) Steven Erlick. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.BookShaker.com
===========================================================
If you are struggling with money and debt here are some
things you can do to help. Admit to yourself that you have
to much debt. It is very easy to strugle on each month
robbing Peter to pay Paul without getting to grips with the
problem. If you are spending more than 10%-15% of your
income (excluding a mortgage) on debt repayments you are
probably financially stretched. List out how much you owe
on credit cards and loans etc. It will come as a shock so be
prepared! Also list out what the repayments are on each.
Check if your spending on debt servicing is higher than 10-
15 % of your income.
If it is, here are some options to sort out the problem. If
you can, increase your income. You may be eligible for
government money such as tax credits or help with council
tax or rent if you are on a low income. Alternatively you
may be able to get a part time job or rent out the spare
room.
If it is not possible to increase your income you need to
look at ways of reducing your spending. Are there things you
can cut down on? Start buying cheaper products at the
supermarket. It is amazing how much your grocery bill can be
reduced by buying "own brands".
If increasing your income or reducing your expenditure is
not possible or insufficient then write to the people you
owe money to and explain the situation and ask them to
suspend the interest so that you can start to reduce what
you owe them. This is known as an informal arrangement.
More formally you can arrange for a legally binding
agreement with your creditors called an Individual Voluntary
Arrangement. This will often reduce the total amount you owe
by a considerable amount. The other main way of getting rid
of uncontrollable debts is bankruptcy, this has been made
easier and simpler of late. You should get some advice about
these options from the local Citizen's Advice Bureau.
The main thing to do if your are struggling financially is
to do something about it, before it gets worse.
===========================================================
Debt is not your fault. Learn how to get out of it and
prosper. The acclaimed Debt-Busting Manual "Debt-Free For
Life: Prosperity For the Rest of Us" is available here...
http://www.bookshaker.com/product_info.php?products_id=115
===========================================================
Keywords: debt,debt-free,change,transform your
life,transform your debt,prosperity,debt free,money,control
money,control debt
About the author:
===========================================================
Financial Back-to-School Basic for Mom and Dad
(ARA) - Each fall, millions of moms and dads spend countless hours purchasing back-to-school necessities for their children. While some parents equip their child with the latest gizmo -- a personal digital assistant (PDA) or cell phone, for example -- most know that “the basics” like paper, pencils and folders are essential learning tools to secure their children’s future.
Unfortunately, many parents ignore a simple financial back-to-school basic. They often buy the latest gadget for their kids but then fail to carry a critical component for their family’s future and their children’s education -- namely, adequate life insurance coverage.
“If a parent is worried about his or her child’s education, he or she should also worry about having the financial protection underpinning those plans that life insurance can offer,” says Todd Gillingham, JD, CLU, ChFC, a partner with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. “Without adequate insurance protection, every parent’s best laid education plans will fall apart under the financial burden left on their surviving children.”
Regardless of your income or assets, life insurance is the key to protecting the financial future of your loved ones and “should be the foundation on which other goals are built,” says Gillingham.
Surveys show that roughly one-third of American adults have no life insurance protection and, of those with coverage, nearly one-third have coverage that is less than one time their annual income -- not nearly enough for long-term family protection. Four in 10 single parents have no life insurance coverage of any kind. Perhaps this is why the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education found that nearly half of Americans (48 percent) say they are worried that if they die tomorrow their loved ones would not be financially secure.
“Various funding vehicles such as 529 plans and Coverdell education accounts can often grab the headlines,” says Gillingham. “While these are important ways of saving, they can lead parents to mistakenly ignore their life insurance needs. Such an oversight can be financially devastating.”
Without the protection life insurance offers, financial security is often illusory. In the case of premature death, life insurance helps families pay for living expenses -- including mortgage and education payments -- when the income of a loved one is lost. Without this protection, the resulting financial stress frequently undermines all other goals.
Beyond daily expenses, life insurance protects against sharp reductions in future pension and social security payments by replacing assets cut short by premature death. For example, anticipated assets in an individual’s retirement plan may be reduced by 50 percent or more simply because the individual’s death interrupts the long-term growth of the assets within the individual’s plan. Business owners and those with significant assets also use life insurance to pass those assets to their children in a tax-efficient manner or as a vehicle for charitable gifts to nonprofit organizations. Without life insurance’s special tax privileges, many families would lose the family business or not be able to leave a lasting legacy to the cause or organization of their choosing.
“These benefits aside, the fundamental reason for life insurance remains the protection of your family and your financial programs,” says Thrivent Financial’s Gillingham. “Death often strikes when we don’t expect it, so goals that require continuing funding such as a child’s education are especially vulnerable to death’s effects.”
While shopping for school supplies this fall, remember this back-to-school lesson -- the essentials come first. Says Gillingham, “adequate life insurance is one back-to-school basic parents should simply not live without.”
To learn more, contact a financial services professional, or visit www.thrivent.com/insurance/life.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Unfortunately, many parents ignore a simple financial back-to-school basic. They often buy the latest gadget for their kids but then fail to carry a critical component for their family’s future and their children’s education -- namely, adequate life insurance coverage.
“If a parent is worried about his or her child’s education, he or she should also worry about having the financial protection underpinning those plans that life insurance can offer,” says Todd Gillingham, JD, CLU, ChFC, a partner with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. “Without adequate insurance protection, every parent’s best laid education plans will fall apart under the financial burden left on their surviving children.”
Regardless of your income or assets, life insurance is the key to protecting the financial future of your loved ones and “should be the foundation on which other goals are built,” says Gillingham.
Surveys show that roughly one-third of American adults have no life insurance protection and, of those with coverage, nearly one-third have coverage that is less than one time their annual income -- not nearly enough for long-term family protection. Four in 10 single parents have no life insurance coverage of any kind. Perhaps this is why the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education found that nearly half of Americans (48 percent) say they are worried that if they die tomorrow their loved ones would not be financially secure.
“Various funding vehicles such as 529 plans and Coverdell education accounts can often grab the headlines,” says Gillingham. “While these are important ways of saving, they can lead parents to mistakenly ignore their life insurance needs. Such an oversight can be financially devastating.”
Without the protection life insurance offers, financial security is often illusory. In the case of premature death, life insurance helps families pay for living expenses -- including mortgage and education payments -- when the income of a loved one is lost. Without this protection, the resulting financial stress frequently undermines all other goals.
Beyond daily expenses, life insurance protects against sharp reductions in future pension and social security payments by replacing assets cut short by premature death. For example, anticipated assets in an individual’s retirement plan may be reduced by 50 percent or more simply because the individual’s death interrupts the long-term growth of the assets within the individual’s plan. Business owners and those with significant assets also use life insurance to pass those assets to their children in a tax-efficient manner or as a vehicle for charitable gifts to nonprofit organizations. Without life insurance’s special tax privileges, many families would lose the family business or not be able to leave a lasting legacy to the cause or organization of their choosing.
“These benefits aside, the fundamental reason for life insurance remains the protection of your family and your financial programs,” says Thrivent Financial’s Gillingham. “Death often strikes when we don’t expect it, so goals that require continuing funding such as a child’s education are especially vulnerable to death’s effects.”
While shopping for school supplies this fall, remember this back-to-school lesson -- the essentials come first. Says Gillingham, “adequate life insurance is one back-to-school basic parents should simply not live without.”
To learn more, contact a financial services professional, or visit www.thrivent.com/insurance/life.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Prenuptial Agreements: Protecting Your Financial Security
The decision to get married is a big one in anyone's life. Nowadays, it is common for people, men and women alike, to secure themselves a career and a stable financial background. No one wants to be poor, and everyone wants to provide for their family. This method of thinking is very positive, producing quality families that are self-reliant and responsible.
With the responsibility of marriage comes the forethought to the marriage. No, I'm not talking about rings and wedding receptions, I'm talking about financial security for both the parties involved. If you are one of these forward thinking people who are entering into marriage only after having secured a good career with a solid income and a secure financial portfolio, then you need to consider the other securities about marriage.
Think of marriage as being similar to a contract you sign with your employer. You sign this contract promising to provide certain services, different levels of employment and responsibility, things you can do, things you can't and won't do. This is common in the workplace to sign these types of contracts. Marriage should be entered into in much the same fashion, with forethought and planning about who is responsible for what and when, where, how and why. If you enter into the contract with x-amount of assets, you should be entitled to leave with the same number that you came with, plus half of whatever you and your spouse accumulated together.
This may sound like you are splitting hairs with your spouse and you're probably afraid that your spouse will think that you don't trust them. It's not about trust. It's about responsibility for yourself, your actions and protecting yourself from the actions of others. Likewise for your spouse, a prenuptial agreement will cover their assets as well as yours. Everyone wins, no one loses what isn't rightfully theirs and your marriage starts out with the boundaries set regarding these sticky financial issues.
The real truth is that your spouse will likely be happy that you brought up the idea of a prenuptial agreement; chances are they are thinking of the same thing. It's only fair to protect 'what's mine is mine', especially when you have worked so hard to achieve these things.
As a fiscally responsible married couple, or couple about to be married, it's only fair that you are both upfront and honest with each other about your full intentions before you say I do. These discussions do, at some point, have to include finances. Who exactly is going to be responsible for the payments on the mortgage? Are they to be made equally? Who is going to front the money for the down-payment? If only one person is fronting the money to purchase a house, is that money considered a 'marital asset' or does that money essentially belong to the spouse who originally fronted the money? This is only a very slight glimpse at the questions you and your spouse should answer before the 'do you promise to honor and keep her…for richer or for poorer…until death do you part' question comes up.
Notice that "for richer or poorer" is mentioned in wedding vows. When the person performing your wedding ceremony asks this question, you and your spouse can both honestly answer "I do" if you have a prenuptial agreement, because you have already talked about the tough stuff. You can now sit back and enjoy your marriage to it's fullest without any of the worries that will have been washed away with your prenuptial agreement. Both of you can sleep easy, and live fully, by signing an agreed upon prenuptial agreement.
About the author:
With the responsibility of marriage comes the forethought to the marriage. No, I'm not talking about rings and wedding receptions, I'm talking about financial security for both the parties involved. If you are one of these forward thinking people who are entering into marriage only after having secured a good career with a solid income and a secure financial portfolio, then you need to consider the other securities about marriage.
Think of marriage as being similar to a contract you sign with your employer. You sign this contract promising to provide certain services, different levels of employment and responsibility, things you can do, things you can't and won't do. This is common in the workplace to sign these types of contracts. Marriage should be entered into in much the same fashion, with forethought and planning about who is responsible for what and when, where, how and why. If you enter into the contract with x-amount of assets, you should be entitled to leave with the same number that you came with, plus half of whatever you and your spouse accumulated together.
This may sound like you are splitting hairs with your spouse and you're probably afraid that your spouse will think that you don't trust them. It's not about trust. It's about responsibility for yourself, your actions and protecting yourself from the actions of others. Likewise for your spouse, a prenuptial agreement will cover their assets as well as yours. Everyone wins, no one loses what isn't rightfully theirs and your marriage starts out with the boundaries set regarding these sticky financial issues.
The real truth is that your spouse will likely be happy that you brought up the idea of a prenuptial agreement; chances are they are thinking of the same thing. It's only fair to protect 'what's mine is mine', especially when you have worked so hard to achieve these things.
As a fiscally responsible married couple, or couple about to be married, it's only fair that you are both upfront and honest with each other about your full intentions before you say I do. These discussions do, at some point, have to include finances. Who exactly is going to be responsible for the payments on the mortgage? Are they to be made equally? Who is going to front the money for the down-payment? If only one person is fronting the money to purchase a house, is that money considered a 'marital asset' or does that money essentially belong to the spouse who originally fronted the money? This is only a very slight glimpse at the questions you and your spouse should answer before the 'do you promise to honor and keep her…for richer or for poorer…until death do you part' question comes up.
Notice that "for richer or poorer" is mentioned in wedding vows. When the person performing your wedding ceremony asks this question, you and your spouse can both honestly answer "I do" if you have a prenuptial agreement, because you have already talked about the tough stuff. You can now sit back and enjoy your marriage to it's fullest without any of the worries that will have been washed away with your prenuptial agreement. Both of you can sleep easy, and live fully, by signing an agreed upon prenuptial agreement.
About the author:
Is There Any Such Thing As Affordable Life Insurance?
Do you need affordable term life insurance? This seems to be the million-dollar question. When you want to purchase life insurance you often do not know how much you need or if there is such a thing as having too much life insurance. What constitutes affordable life insurance and how much you need is totally dependant upon your own situation.
Don't be fooled into determining the amount of insurance you should have to what your best friend or neighbour has. Remember, every situation is unique and your needs will be unique. Your need will be determined by what you wish to see happen in the event of your death. You do have to look at the life insurance cost of the premiums and decide how much you can afford from your monthly budget. There is affordable life insurance available at very low premiums and that will help your family out in the event of your death.
When considering what affordable life insurance is needed in a family situation, you need to do a life insurance comparison. This will help you get the most affordable rates and there are countless life insurance companies able to help you in this regard.
In order to determine how much life insurance you should have, a number of factors need to be considered. For a person with family needs, these may include such things as:
· Do you have dependants? If so, how long will they be dependant upon you?
· Do you have children? If so, how old are they?
· Do you want to insure your children have a post secondary education?
· Will your household income be greatly reduced upon your death? If so, how much income do you need to replace so your family maintains their standard of living?
· How long will you need to replace your household income?
· What taxes may be incurred upon your death?
· Do you need to cover debt obligations such as loans or a mortgage?
When you try to determine whether or not you can afford life insurance, think about whether or not your family can afford to be without affordable life insurance.
You can find affordable term life insurance, but you need to establish exactly what you need first.
About the author:
Don't be fooled into determining the amount of insurance you should have to what your best friend or neighbour has. Remember, every situation is unique and your needs will be unique. Your need will be determined by what you wish to see happen in the event of your death. You do have to look at the life insurance cost of the premiums and decide how much you can afford from your monthly budget. There is affordable life insurance available at very low premiums and that will help your family out in the event of your death.
When considering what affordable life insurance is needed in a family situation, you need to do a life insurance comparison. This will help you get the most affordable rates and there are countless life insurance companies able to help you in this regard.
In order to determine how much life insurance you should have, a number of factors need to be considered. For a person with family needs, these may include such things as:
· Do you have dependants? If so, how long will they be dependant upon you?
· Do you have children? If so, how old are they?
· Do you want to insure your children have a post secondary education?
· Will your household income be greatly reduced upon your death? If so, how much income do you need to replace so your family maintains their standard of living?
· How long will you need to replace your household income?
· What taxes may be incurred upon your death?
· Do you need to cover debt obligations such as loans or a mortgage?
When you try to determine whether or not you can afford life insurance, think about whether or not your family can afford to be without affordable life insurance.
You can find affordable term life insurance, but you need to establish exactly what you need first.
About the author:
Not Every Debt Negotiation Company Is Right For You - And That's The Truth
For those outside of the ‘wide breadth of consumer and credit card debt knowledge’ inner circle, the debt negotiation truth is this: not even the best debt negotiation companies may be right for you.
For starters, debtors have differing situations – one may be falling behind on his monthly mortgage payments, while another debtor is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy after seven renters moved out of his eight-unit rental property. Deciding on fine debt negotiation companies depends on your situation.
Have Debt Negotiation Companies Meet Your Own Criteria
Selecting a proven debt negotiation company is a part of the selecting a debt negotiation company truth. Notice their track record and verify their credentials by phone and in person regarding the number of negotiation clients they´ve served, rather than through the Internet chockful of potential debtor related scams.
In addition to a solid debt negotiation plan, the Grade A debt negotiation companies also throw valuable literature at you educating you about the intricacies of the game. The true companies should also offer credit counseling as well – planting you on the right pivot foot presenting you with a myriad of ways to control and manage your finances by exploring ways to negotiate debt.
The most bona fide way to pinpoint a debt negotiation company´s effectiveness is by finding out its reputation. If the company has been featured in a host of debt publications and newschannels, that is a plus.
Servicing a wide range of debtors nationwide (not limited to a couple of states) is also a criteria of the best companies. Find out the in & outs of all of the debt negotiation companies – and the truth shall come separating the scams from the real.
About the author:
For starters, debtors have differing situations – one may be falling behind on his monthly mortgage payments, while another debtor is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy after seven renters moved out of his eight-unit rental property. Deciding on fine debt negotiation companies depends on your situation.
Have Debt Negotiation Companies Meet Your Own Criteria
Selecting a proven debt negotiation company is a part of the selecting a debt negotiation company truth. Notice their track record and verify their credentials by phone and in person regarding the number of negotiation clients they´ve served, rather than through the Internet chockful of potential debtor related scams.
In addition to a solid debt negotiation plan, the Grade A debt negotiation companies also throw valuable literature at you educating you about the intricacies of the game. The true companies should also offer credit counseling as well – planting you on the right pivot foot presenting you with a myriad of ways to control and manage your finances by exploring ways to negotiate debt.
The most bona fide way to pinpoint a debt negotiation company´s effectiveness is by finding out its reputation. If the company has been featured in a host of debt publications and newschannels, that is a plus.
Servicing a wide range of debtors nationwide (not limited to a couple of states) is also a criteria of the best companies. Find out the in & outs of all of the debt negotiation companies – and the truth shall come separating the scams from the real.
About the author:
Paoers for Divorce
Paoers for your divorce are very important as they deal with legal matters. You should always have the right paoers for divorce to prevent any legal complications in the future. Your paoers for divorce should include provisions for child support, custody and property settlements. You need to focus on protecting your future by making sure that your divorce paoers are drawn up carefully.
As many legal technicalities are involved in most of the divorce proceedings, it is wise to retain a qualified Divorce Lawyer to prepare your paoers for divorce. When a Lawyer prepares your paoers for divorce, you need to have documents relating to Insurance, Tax Records, Birth, Marriage License, Loan Accounts, Pension Accounts, Vehicle Titles, Property Deeds and Titles and Mortgage Accounts.
Once your paoers for divorce are drawn up, you need to take them home and read them very carefully. You must know that your paoers for divorce are legal documents. Any stipulations in your paoers for divorce will affect you for a long time. If you feel uncomfortable with anything, or don't understand something contained in your paoers for divorce, discuss it with your lawyer before you sign anything.
After you sign your paoers for divorce, give it to the lawyer, so that he can take care of presenting it to the judge. He will file your paoers of divorce at the courthouse. If you have any received property, ask your lawyer to draw up a Quit Claim Deed; or a Title Change Claim, if you have a vehicle. This process of filling up the paoers for divorce may take time. But remember paoers for divorce can get you out of problems in the future.
About the author:
As many legal technicalities are involved in most of the divorce proceedings, it is wise to retain a qualified Divorce Lawyer to prepare your paoers for divorce. When a Lawyer prepares your paoers for divorce, you need to have documents relating to Insurance, Tax Records, Birth, Marriage License, Loan Accounts, Pension Accounts, Vehicle Titles, Property Deeds and Titles and Mortgage Accounts.
Once your paoers for divorce are drawn up, you need to take them home and read them very carefully. You must know that your paoers for divorce are legal documents. Any stipulations in your paoers for divorce will affect you for a long time. If you feel uncomfortable with anything, or don't understand something contained in your paoers for divorce, discuss it with your lawyer before you sign anything.
After you sign your paoers for divorce, give it to the lawyer, so that he can take care of presenting it to the judge. He will file your paoers of divorce at the courthouse. If you have any received property, ask your lawyer to draw up a Quit Claim Deed; or a Title Change Claim, if you have a vehicle. This process of filling up the paoers for divorce may take time. But remember paoers for divorce can get you out of problems in the future.
About the author:
Planning for Your Financial Future
Two heads are better than one, so sit down with your spouse and plan out your financial future together.
Prioritize your bills.
By determining which bills to pay in which order, you'll get in the habit of making sure your essentials are always paid first.
Be careful using credit. Sometimes a financial crisis will come not because of a layoff, but because you're overextended. Most people can afford to devote 10 percent of their net income (after taxes) to installment debt, not including mortgage or rent payments. If you pay out more than 15 percent, you need to cut back.
Establish an emergency fund. Open a savings account and start "paying yourself" 10 percent of each paycheck.
What happens if we run into an emergency and our emergency fund isn’t enough?
Don't panic. When facing a financial crisis, stay calm. This will help you think logically and you'll avoid unnecessary arguments with your spouse.
Quit spending money. When faced with a financial challenge, it's easy to use your credit cards. But you may run up your balance to the credit limit and not be able to afford the payments, which will result in a poor credit rating—something you won't want during a crisis time.
Prioritize your bills. Pay essential, or survival, bills first: food, mortgage or rent, utilities. Next, pay car insurance, medical needs, child support, and any loans such as automobiles and furniture that are secured as collateral.
Then pay the nonessential bills—those debts in which no immediate consequences occur if paid late: credit and charge cards, attorney, medical, and accounting bills, newspaper and magazine subscriptions, life insurance, childcare, gyms, or clothing.
Communicate with your creditors. If you can't pay your bills or can only pay a partial amount, your creditors may be able to help you to establish a repayment plan.
Some lenders will allow you to defer one payment a year, meaning the payment for that particular month doesn't have to be made. The deferred payment is added to the end of the contract.
Take notes of any conversations with creditors, listing the date and person with whom you spoke. Whatever arrangement you make, get it in writing from the creditor before you send in money.
Know your rights. Many collection agencies are in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. To get a copy of this legislation, visit www.ftc.gov. If you feel you've been violated, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at their website.
Find outside help. Many churches and Para church organizations run programs to help you navigate through financial troubles.
A debt management company may also be able to help you reduce your payments, lower your interest rates, and pay off your debt faster than trying to do it yourself.
Such companies can also negotiate with your creditors to bring your accounts current if they're past due.
Avoid bankruptcy. Bankruptcies should be your last resort. A bankruptcy can remain on your credit report for up to 10 years.
About the author:
Prioritize your bills.
By determining which bills to pay in which order, you'll get in the habit of making sure your essentials are always paid first.
Be careful using credit. Sometimes a financial crisis will come not because of a layoff, but because you're overextended. Most people can afford to devote 10 percent of their net income (after taxes) to installment debt, not including mortgage or rent payments. If you pay out more than 15 percent, you need to cut back.
Establish an emergency fund. Open a savings account and start "paying yourself" 10 percent of each paycheck.
What happens if we run into an emergency and our emergency fund isn’t enough?
Don't panic. When facing a financial crisis, stay calm. This will help you think logically and you'll avoid unnecessary arguments with your spouse.
Quit spending money. When faced with a financial challenge, it's easy to use your credit cards. But you may run up your balance to the credit limit and not be able to afford the payments, which will result in a poor credit rating—something you won't want during a crisis time.
Prioritize your bills. Pay essential, or survival, bills first: food, mortgage or rent, utilities. Next, pay car insurance, medical needs, child support, and any loans such as automobiles and furniture that are secured as collateral.
Then pay the nonessential bills—those debts in which no immediate consequences occur if paid late: credit and charge cards, attorney, medical, and accounting bills, newspaper and magazine subscriptions, life insurance, childcare, gyms, or clothing.
Communicate with your creditors. If you can't pay your bills or can only pay a partial amount, your creditors may be able to help you to establish a repayment plan.
Some lenders will allow you to defer one payment a year, meaning the payment for that particular month doesn't have to be made. The deferred payment is added to the end of the contract.
Take notes of any conversations with creditors, listing the date and person with whom you spoke. Whatever arrangement you make, get it in writing from the creditor before you send in money.
Know your rights. Many collection agencies are in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. To get a copy of this legislation, visit www.ftc.gov. If you feel you've been violated, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at their website.
Find outside help. Many churches and Para church organizations run programs to help you navigate through financial troubles.
A debt management company may also be able to help you reduce your payments, lower your interest rates, and pay off your debt faster than trying to do it yourself.
Such companies can also negotiate with your creditors to bring your accounts current if they're past due.
Avoid bankruptcy. Bankruptcies should be your last resort. A bankruptcy can remain on your credit report for up to 10 years.
About the author:
"The Power to Succeed"
It’s amazing how we fool ourselves... while at the same time believing we are doing what’s best.
Let me give you an example. I overheard a guy telling a group of friends, over drinks, how he had become fed-up with work. Guys being guys, they immediately started to come up with options to fix the problem – ideas like changing company and changing jobs. That was when the guy got all logical…
‘Yeah, but I need to pay the mortgage and my kid’s education and we’ve got a holiday planned for the Bahamas and…’
I interrupted. ‘How much do you need?’
‘A hundred grand a year,’ he replied.
‘What’s more important,’ I asked, ‘your happiness or the money?’
Of course he said happiness. Then he got all logical again. ‘But I can’t be happy unless I can pay the mortgage and give my kids the best and have great holidays.’
‘How many hours do you work?’
‘Around fifty.’
‘And how do you feel when you get home?’
‘Tired.’
‘What would your kids prefer, a father who is worn out for forty eight weeks of the year but has four weeks to entertain them per year or a dad who is a real Dad all year round?’
The conversation went on, me questioning, him justifying what he perceived as logic.
Yet it’s not logic, is it? It’s not logic to deny your heart’s desire to change life when it’s hurting you. The mortgage, the kid’s education, the holidays are just stuff. And, like most people find after a heart attack or a divorce or an accident, is that this ‘stuff’ is not that important. What’s important is something else…
Life!
The problem is we got “Conditioned Logic” – “logic” transferred to us by society: friends, family, schools, college, the media, religion etc. We took it all on and felt we had to behave in a “conditioned” way. The repetition of that conditioning is fine for a while, but when we end up doing something we don’t love, each time we do it takes a little of the soul away. Let me put it another way.
What gives you the power to succeed is what you perceive to be logic. Real power is not necessarily doing what society dictates. Real power is often something else. It is that knowing that comes from nowhere to tell you, you must do something different.
It might seem logical to have the house, the car, the private education, the holiday, but is it powerful. What is powerful is, to say I am not happy and things must change; I’m not killing myself for forty-eight weeks just for four weeks of pleasure; I’m not excited by my work and I’m willing to live in a smaller home if it means I can have more peace, less stress and fall back in love with my partner.
It’s not all about the stuff, is it? It’s about happiness and love; happiness and love of your partner; happiness and love of your children and family; happiness and love of your work. If you have that then you have it all.
Now that’s the power to succeed!
Does your current way of living support that?
Best wishes
Neil
About the author:
Let me give you an example. I overheard a guy telling a group of friends, over drinks, how he had become fed-up with work. Guys being guys, they immediately started to come up with options to fix the problem – ideas like changing company and changing jobs. That was when the guy got all logical…
‘Yeah, but I need to pay the mortgage and my kid’s education and we’ve got a holiday planned for the Bahamas and…’
I interrupted. ‘How much do you need?’
‘A hundred grand a year,’ he replied.
‘What’s more important,’ I asked, ‘your happiness or the money?’
Of course he said happiness. Then he got all logical again. ‘But I can’t be happy unless I can pay the mortgage and give my kids the best and have great holidays.’
‘How many hours do you work?’
‘Around fifty.’
‘And how do you feel when you get home?’
‘Tired.’
‘What would your kids prefer, a father who is worn out for forty eight weeks of the year but has four weeks to entertain them per year or a dad who is a real Dad all year round?’
The conversation went on, me questioning, him justifying what he perceived as logic.
Yet it’s not logic, is it? It’s not logic to deny your heart’s desire to change life when it’s hurting you. The mortgage, the kid’s education, the holidays are just stuff. And, like most people find after a heart attack or a divorce or an accident, is that this ‘stuff’ is not that important. What’s important is something else…
Life!
The problem is we got “Conditioned Logic” – “logic” transferred to us by society: friends, family, schools, college, the media, religion etc. We took it all on and felt we had to behave in a “conditioned” way. The repetition of that conditioning is fine for a while, but when we end up doing something we don’t love, each time we do it takes a little of the soul away. Let me put it another way.
What gives you the power to succeed is what you perceive to be logic. Real power is not necessarily doing what society dictates. Real power is often something else. It is that knowing that comes from nowhere to tell you, you must do something different.
It might seem logical to have the house, the car, the private education, the holiday, but is it powerful. What is powerful is, to say I am not happy and things must change; I’m not killing myself for forty-eight weeks just for four weeks of pleasure; I’m not excited by my work and I’m willing to live in a smaller home if it means I can have more peace, less stress and fall back in love with my partner.
It’s not all about the stuff, is it? It’s about happiness and love; happiness and love of your partner; happiness and love of your children and family; happiness and love of your work. If you have that then you have it all.
Now that’s the power to succeed!
Does your current way of living support that?
Best wishes
Neil
About the author:
Buying your First Home
can be exciting but there is a lot to know. Buying a home will depend on real estate laws and customs where you are located but there are basic steps that every first homebuyer needs to accomplish.
Step 1- Your Finances
Establishing credit is very important especially when you are looking to purchase a large investment like a house. Your credit reports reflects how you manage your finances. Study your credit report and your financial history so you are familiar with it before applying for a mortgage. These reports will be needed for the mortgage approval process in finding out the interest rate and other loan terms.
Step 2- Familiarize Yourself with the Mortgage Industry
Do your research. Finding the right loan and lender is extremely important to your home buying success.
Choose the lender that is best for your needs but be sure to understand the loan process as much as you can before talking to a lender so you don’t feel completely lost.
Step 3- get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Once you talk with a lender, you should be given an estimate of how much you can afford for a house.
Being pre approved can help you in a variety of ways. So if a home seller gets two offers, one being yours with a pre approved letter from your bank saying you have been approved for the amount offered, and then there is the other person with no letter, your chances of getting the house are much better.
Step 4- Determine what you Want and what you need
Buying a home isn’t as challenging as most think. If you familiarize yourself with the real estate market and narrow down what you want and need before buying house the process will run a lot smoother.
Be sure to understand agent duties and devotion because some real estate agents represent buyers, sellers, or both or depending on the state they can work as neutral facilitators for either party.
Step 6- Start Searching for your New Home
Your agent will most likely give you multiple listing sheets to review. You might have also picked up a real estate magazine in your area and found a house through that, shop online, or find ads in the newspaper. Other ideas can be driving around the neighborhoods that have houses for sale. Either way you look, consider these home buying search tools in your search.
Home Buying Search Tools
1. Consider houses that others may overlook
2. Get out there to see what’s out there
3. Look into public versions of multiple listing service web sites
4. Search for real estate agent web sites
5. Browse real estate search engines and networks
6. Find for sale by owner properties
7. Look at magazine and newspapers in print
8. Find foreclosed homes
Step 7- Handle Pre-Offer Tasks
When looking at houses be sure to look at its structure and features which can help determine if its something you want or not.
Step 8- put in an Offer
There's no one specific set of instructions that cover all the differences in real estate laws and customs that exist throughout the United States, so when putting in an offer on a house, it will depend on your location.
Step 9- House Inspections and Other Tests
Some states allow home inspections before the final contract is signed where as in other states inspections take place after the contract is signed. No matter when you have to do them, it's very important to decide which inspections and tests you want done.
Discuss with your real estate agent or if you don’t have one, then an advisor to find out when inspections should happen and if additional types of testing are needed for a specific area.
Step 10- Avoid having to Correct Last Minute Problems
As the closing date approaches, everyone involved in your real estate transaction should be checking the progress on a daily basis. That way if a problem arises it can be taken care of right away.
Step 11- Closing
Closing, also called settlement, is the event that transfers ownership of the property from the last owner to you.
Happy house hunting!
About the author:
Step 1- Your Finances
Establishing credit is very important especially when you are looking to purchase a large investment like a house. Your credit reports reflects how you manage your finances. Study your credit report and your financial history so you are familiar with it before applying for a mortgage. These reports will be needed for the mortgage approval process in finding out the interest rate and other loan terms.
Step 2- Familiarize Yourself with the Mortgage Industry
Do your research. Finding the right loan and lender is extremely important to your home buying success.
Choose the lender that is best for your needs but be sure to understand the loan process as much as you can before talking to a lender so you don’t feel completely lost.
Step 3- get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Once you talk with a lender, you should be given an estimate of how much you can afford for a house.
Being pre approved can help you in a variety of ways. So if a home seller gets two offers, one being yours with a pre approved letter from your bank saying you have been approved for the amount offered, and then there is the other person with no letter, your chances of getting the house are much better.
Step 4- Determine what you Want and what you need
Buying a home isn’t as challenging as most think. If you familiarize yourself with the real estate market and narrow down what you want and need before buying house the process will run a lot smoother.
Be sure to understand agent duties and devotion because some real estate agents represent buyers, sellers, or both or depending on the state they can work as neutral facilitators for either party.
Step 6- Start Searching for your New Home
Your agent will most likely give you multiple listing sheets to review. You might have also picked up a real estate magazine in your area and found a house through that, shop online, or find ads in the newspaper. Other ideas can be driving around the neighborhoods that have houses for sale. Either way you look, consider these home buying search tools in your search.
Home Buying Search Tools
1. Consider houses that others may overlook
2. Get out there to see what’s out there
3. Look into public versions of multiple listing service web sites
4. Search for real estate agent web sites
5. Browse real estate search engines and networks
6. Find for sale by owner properties
7. Look at magazine and newspapers in print
8. Find foreclosed homes
Step 7- Handle Pre-Offer Tasks
When looking at houses be sure to look at its structure and features which can help determine if its something you want or not.
Step 8- put in an Offer
There's no one specific set of instructions that cover all the differences in real estate laws and customs that exist throughout the United States, so when putting in an offer on a house, it will depend on your location.
Step 9- House Inspections and Other Tests
Some states allow home inspections before the final contract is signed where as in other states inspections take place after the contract is signed. No matter when you have to do them, it's very important to decide which inspections and tests you want done.
Discuss with your real estate agent or if you don’t have one, then an advisor to find out when inspections should happen and if additional types of testing are needed for a specific area.
Step 10- Avoid having to Correct Last Minute Problems
As the closing date approaches, everyone involved in your real estate transaction should be checking the progress on a daily basis. That way if a problem arises it can be taken care of right away.
Step 11- Closing
Closing, also called settlement, is the event that transfers ownership of the property from the last owner to you.
Happy house hunting!
About the author:
Life insurance – wise investment in personal finance or excessive caution
Life insurance is typically taken out to offer valuable financial protection for your family in the event of your death, upon which a payment is made to your financial beneficiaries, heirs or family members. The extent of this payment will depend on your insured sum and earnings. Life insurance and life assurance may be interlinked in advertisements, though bear in mind the two policies are different. Life assurance is a form of financial protection which is also an investment, as you should always get a pay-out at the end of the term of the policy. Life insurance on the other hand is simply financial protection for your family, avoiding the issue of debt in the event of your death.
According to an article by the Fair Investment Company, the British life insurance industry shrank to almost half the size of the pensions industry last year and according to the Association of British Insurers, less than 50% of UK households hold a life insurance policy.
In their most recent newsletter about this issue, the Association of British Insurers found that 25% of mortgage holders had insufficient life insurance to cover their debt. The ratio of new life insurance policies to new mortgage loans was apparently 68% in 1994, but by 2004 this had dropped by half to 33%.
The absence of mortgage life coverage poses a serious risk for the dependants of homeowners. If banks were to embark on wide scale repossessions as a result of this absence of life insurance, this would impose a risk on their loan books and reputations. The Association of British Insurers also state that one of the main reasons behind the increased gap between mortgage loans and insurance is the emergence of people remortgaging their property to take advantage of equity release through a rise in value, without insuring their borrowing. In their report it was stated that around 63% of new mortgage loans were remortgages or further advances, compared to 34% in 1994. Egg reported at around the same time, that three out of four of these new loan homeowners had no intention of insuring this additional debt. This is particularly worrying if couples are remortgaging their property later in life – towards retirement, given that should anything happen to the breadwinner, the partner would be left with significant debts without the capability of paying the loan back.
Reasons for the downward trend in life insurance take-up include:
* Relaxation in lending policy – increased competition in the mortgage market means that lenders are not forcing life insurance policies on their customers
* High house prices have stretched homebuyers, in particular first time home-buyers, in terms of their mortgage repayments, that the additional costs of a life insurance policy are deemed too expensive
* There are more households with no dependents
If you’re interested in researching a life insurance policy, make sure you shop around. UK websites such as moneynet ( http://www.moneynet.co.uk ) provide life insurance and life assurance information guides, as well as providing price comparison research for the different products. In the states, the website LowerMyBills.com also offers a similar service.
Because of the various factors listed above, people have also become less familiar with the term life insurance and without the awareness there is little recognition of the importance of this type of insurance. However as speculation increases that UK households are not coping with their debt, so should the awareness of life insurance as an essential product in the personal finance portfolio.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
About the author:
About Rachel:
According to an article by the Fair Investment Company, the British life insurance industry shrank to almost half the size of the pensions industry last year and according to the Association of British Insurers, less than 50% of UK households hold a life insurance policy.
In their most recent newsletter about this issue, the Association of British Insurers found that 25% of mortgage holders had insufficient life insurance to cover their debt. The ratio of new life insurance policies to new mortgage loans was apparently 68% in 1994, but by 2004 this had dropped by half to 33%.
The absence of mortgage life coverage poses a serious risk for the dependants of homeowners. If banks were to embark on wide scale repossessions as a result of this absence of life insurance, this would impose a risk on their loan books and reputations. The Association of British Insurers also state that one of the main reasons behind the increased gap between mortgage loans and insurance is the emergence of people remortgaging their property to take advantage of equity release through a rise in value, without insuring their borrowing. In their report it was stated that around 63% of new mortgage loans were remortgages or further advances, compared to 34% in 1994. Egg reported at around the same time, that three out of four of these new loan homeowners had no intention of insuring this additional debt. This is particularly worrying if couples are remortgaging their property later in life – towards retirement, given that should anything happen to the breadwinner, the partner would be left with significant debts without the capability of paying the loan back.
Reasons for the downward trend in life insurance take-up include:
* Relaxation in lending policy – increased competition in the mortgage market means that lenders are not forcing life insurance policies on their customers
* High house prices have stretched homebuyers, in particular first time home-buyers, in terms of their mortgage repayments, that the additional costs of a life insurance policy are deemed too expensive
* There are more households with no dependents
If you’re interested in researching a life insurance policy, make sure you shop around. UK websites such as moneynet ( http://www.moneynet.co.uk ) provide life insurance and life assurance information guides, as well as providing price comparison research for the different products. In the states, the website LowerMyBills.com also offers a similar service.
Because of the various factors listed above, people have also become less familiar with the term life insurance and without the awareness there is little recognition of the importance of this type of insurance. However as speculation increases that UK households are not coping with their debt, so should the awareness of life insurance as an essential product in the personal finance portfolio.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
About the author:
About Rachel:
Mortgage after Bankruptcy - Bankruptcy Discharged Yesterday? Purchase a Home Today!
So you have been through a bankruptcy and surely have been told to wait at least two years before applying for a home loan. Waiting two long years without any guarantee of being approved for a mortgage after bankruptcy can be disheartening. Fortunately, this advice no longer holds true.
Today, there is a growing realization of the need to offer home loan products that are specifically designed for borrowers with an imperfect credit or financial history. Mortgage programs have been created especially for borrowers who have gone through a bankruptcy. In fact, those with a bankruptcy discharged for even one day may apply for a home loan. That's right, if your bankruptcy was discharged yesterday, you can qualify for a mortgage today!
Now you are probably thinking that although you are eligible, it will be difficult to qualify. The truth is that qualifying is much easier than you think. The fact that you have been through bankruptcy is not even considered in the evaluation of your credit. Any liens, collections or judgments that appear on your credit report will also not be used in the evaluation of credit and will not need to be paid off.
What is important and what will be looked at is your credit score. Now here is the good news: with a minimum FICO score of 500, you are qualified to purchase a home with a 20% down payment. Having a credit score between 550 and 579 will allow you to borrow up to 95% of the purchase price; and with any score above 580, you are qualified for 100% financing.
With the competitive rates that are available on mortgage after bankruptcy programs, you are able to realize the dream of homeownership with a mortgage payment that is affordable and fits easily within your budget. Along with the traditional benefits of owning a home, such as equity building and tax benefits, you will most importantly be rebuilding your credit profile. Additionally, you may also benefit from the current strong housing market and its appreciating home values.
So now you know the following: that you can qualify for a home loan today, what the credit requirements for a mortgage are, and that you can rebuild your credit and financial life through homeownership. Gone forever are the days of waiting two years and living with the dim prospect of obtaining a mortgage after bankruptcy. You have worked hard to discharge your bankruptcy and have the fresh start that you were looking for.
There is empowerment that comes with the knowledge that you can purchase a home today even if your bankruptcy was discharged yesterday. So get qualified for a home loan, start searching for a home and begin packing those boxes!
About the author:
Find more great articles at http://www.marriedfinances.coma great online source for finance information.
Today, there is a growing realization of the need to offer home loan products that are specifically designed for borrowers with an imperfect credit or financial history. Mortgage programs have been created especially for borrowers who have gone through a bankruptcy. In fact, those with a bankruptcy discharged for even one day may apply for a home loan. That's right, if your bankruptcy was discharged yesterday, you can qualify for a mortgage today!
Now you are probably thinking that although you are eligible, it will be difficult to qualify. The truth is that qualifying is much easier than you think. The fact that you have been through bankruptcy is not even considered in the evaluation of your credit. Any liens, collections or judgments that appear on your credit report will also not be used in the evaluation of credit and will not need to be paid off.
What is important and what will be looked at is your credit score. Now here is the good news: with a minimum FICO score of 500, you are qualified to purchase a home with a 20% down payment. Having a credit score between 550 and 579 will allow you to borrow up to 95% of the purchase price; and with any score above 580, you are qualified for 100% financing.
With the competitive rates that are available on mortgage after bankruptcy programs, you are able to realize the dream of homeownership with a mortgage payment that is affordable and fits easily within your budget. Along with the traditional benefits of owning a home, such as equity building and tax benefits, you will most importantly be rebuilding your credit profile. Additionally, you may also benefit from the current strong housing market and its appreciating home values.
So now you know the following: that you can qualify for a home loan today, what the credit requirements for a mortgage are, and that you can rebuild your credit and financial life through homeownership. Gone forever are the days of waiting two years and living with the dim prospect of obtaining a mortgage after bankruptcy. You have worked hard to discharge your bankruptcy and have the fresh start that you were looking for.
There is empowerment that comes with the knowledge that you can purchase a home today even if your bankruptcy was discharged yesterday. So get qualified for a home loan, start searching for a home and begin packing those boxes!
About the author:
Find more great articles at http://www.marriedfinances.coma great online source for finance information.
Mortgage Refinance: 4 Ways To Know Its Time to Refinance Your House.
You may want to refinance your home for several reasons.
1)Mortgage Rates might be lower now. The biggest reason that people refinance their mortgages is to save money. No matter what has happened to you, there is always a good reason to start saving money. A lower rate on your mortgage can help you stretch out the payments so that every month you are paying less to live in your house than the previous month. When interest rates are low and you had previously locked your mortgage into a higher price, it might be a good idea to shop your rate around to see how low you can get it. The early 2000's have been an environment of very low mortgage rates which make it a good idea to shop around to see if you can refinance your mortgage.
2)You need money and need to stretch out your payments. Maybe you've recently filed for bankruptcy and therefore need more money to get back on your feet. Maybe you've switched jobs and therefore need to refinance your mortgage in order to make your monthly payments lower. No matter what people say, it's always a good idea to have more money in your pocket than less, isn't it? Refinancing your mortgage might be a good idea in this situation.
3)There may be better deals out there than you think there are. Finding a new mortgage company or bank to refinance your mortgage might be a good idea just to kick the tires of the industry and see if you could get a better deal. If you've been spending a lot of money and paying off the balances on your credit card on a monthly basis there is a significant chance that your credit score has increase recently. An overall better credit score is better for everyone including your lenders. If a new lender sees that your credit score has increased recently, she might be in a much better position to give you a better deal on your mortgage than you think. She could refinance your mortgage by shopping the deal around at more banks and finding the best one for you. Shop your refinancing around, it can't hurt.
4)Mortgage refinancing as a sound business decision. If you own a small business of any sort and need a capital infusion, then investigating mortgage refinancing might be a very smart thing to do. If your business is truly small and you run it out of your house, then the line between your personal and business expenses might be thinner than you are reasonably comfortable with. Clearing up a little extra capital, through refinancing your home, every month might be the difference between investing in some new small equipment and not investing. Everything that is an expense should be lowered if possible. Refinancing a mortgage might be a fantastic idea to increase capital reserves and to plan for future investments. Many business owners who work out of their homes constantly try to decrease their monthly payments so that when it comes time to pay their business bills, they have a little extra capital. Always check with a CPA or attorney to determine what is deductible and what isn't. But, more money is more money, even if you are lending it from yourself to your business
About the author:
1)Mortgage Rates might be lower now. The biggest reason that people refinance their mortgages is to save money. No matter what has happened to you, there is always a good reason to start saving money. A lower rate on your mortgage can help you stretch out the payments so that every month you are paying less to live in your house than the previous month. When interest rates are low and you had previously locked your mortgage into a higher price, it might be a good idea to shop your rate around to see how low you can get it. The early 2000's have been an environment of very low mortgage rates which make it a good idea to shop around to see if you can refinance your mortgage.
2)You need money and need to stretch out your payments. Maybe you've recently filed for bankruptcy and therefore need more money to get back on your feet. Maybe you've switched jobs and therefore need to refinance your mortgage in order to make your monthly payments lower. No matter what people say, it's always a good idea to have more money in your pocket than less, isn't it? Refinancing your mortgage might be a good idea in this situation.
3)There may be better deals out there than you think there are. Finding a new mortgage company or bank to refinance your mortgage might be a good idea just to kick the tires of the industry and see if you could get a better deal. If you've been spending a lot of money and paying off the balances on your credit card on a monthly basis there is a significant chance that your credit score has increase recently. An overall better credit score is better for everyone including your lenders. If a new lender sees that your credit score has increased recently, she might be in a much better position to give you a better deal on your mortgage than you think. She could refinance your mortgage by shopping the deal around at more banks and finding the best one for you. Shop your refinancing around, it can't hurt.
4)Mortgage refinancing as a sound business decision. If you own a small business of any sort and need a capital infusion, then investigating mortgage refinancing might be a very smart thing to do. If your business is truly small and you run it out of your house, then the line between your personal and business expenses might be thinner than you are reasonably comfortable with. Clearing up a little extra capital, through refinancing your home, every month might be the difference between investing in some new small equipment and not investing. Everything that is an expense should be lowered if possible. Refinancing a mortgage might be a fantastic idea to increase capital reserves and to plan for future investments. Many business owners who work out of their homes constantly try to decrease their monthly payments so that when it comes time to pay their business bills, they have a little extra capital. Always check with a CPA or attorney to determine what is deductible and what isn't. But, more money is more money, even if you are lending it from yourself to your business
About the author:
Mortgage Tips from Me to You
At some point in your adult life, you are likely to purchase a house of your own. Whether you are sick of renting, or you have decided to settle down and start a family, purchasing your first home can be an exhilarating and nerve-wracking adventure. In researching the best practices for new home buying, we decided to give you three of the most important tips.
Our first suggestion is to save, save, and save some more. The idea behind this is to enable you to make the largest initial down payment on your new home as possible. We know how difficult it can be to save, but this could save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to save thousands of dollars to use for your own ends, instead of paying it to some faceless bank in interest payments?
Secondly, try to educate yourself about the types of financing available. Shop around, or speak with a mortgage broker who can act on your behalf. In my opinion, your best bet is to lock into a fixed rate mortgage. A new home is very expensive, and you are likely to be short of cash for the first couple years. A fixed rate mortgage will provide you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what your mortgage payments will be each month. Remember, you can always renegotiate the terms of your mortgage at a later date. Ensure you have the stability you need to get off on the right start.
Lastly, be sure you have a proper home inspection done before you complete the transaction. If you feel the price of the house you are about to purchase is too good to pass up, it is probably is too good to be true. It is worth taking the time to ensure things are done properly. If you have to move fast for fear of missing out, make an offer, but ensure that your offer is conditional on upon a successful home inspection. Far too many first time home buyers have gone broke fixing repairs that should have taken care of by the previous owner. And, please, do yourself a favor and find an independent home inspector that doesn’t have a relationship with the real estate agent!
About the author:
Seymore Hennigan has worked in finance for many years. When he is not crunching numbers or advising his family and friends on investments, he writes freelance articles for mortgageguide101.com – an independent mortgage guide filled with extensive information about Saxon Mortgage - http://www.mortgageguide101.com/saxon-mortgage.aspx/,second mortgages - http://www.mortgageguide101.com/second-mortgages.aspx/,mortgages - http://www.mortgageguide101.com/and more.
Our first suggestion is to save, save, and save some more. The idea behind this is to enable you to make the largest initial down payment on your new home as possible. We know how difficult it can be to save, but this could save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to save thousands of dollars to use for your own ends, instead of paying it to some faceless bank in interest payments?
Secondly, try to educate yourself about the types of financing available. Shop around, or speak with a mortgage broker who can act on your behalf. In my opinion, your best bet is to lock into a fixed rate mortgage. A new home is very expensive, and you are likely to be short of cash for the first couple years. A fixed rate mortgage will provide you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what your mortgage payments will be each month. Remember, you can always renegotiate the terms of your mortgage at a later date. Ensure you have the stability you need to get off on the right start.
Lastly, be sure you have a proper home inspection done before you complete the transaction. If you feel the price of the house you are about to purchase is too good to pass up, it is probably is too good to be true. It is worth taking the time to ensure things are done properly. If you have to move fast for fear of missing out, make an offer, but ensure that your offer is conditional on upon a successful home inspection. Far too many first time home buyers have gone broke fixing repairs that should have taken care of by the previous owner. And, please, do yourself a favor and find an independent home inspector that doesn’t have a relationship with the real estate agent!
About the author:
Seymore Hennigan has worked in finance for many years. When he is not crunching numbers or advising his family and friends on investments, he writes freelance articles for mortgageguide101.com – an independent mortgage guide filled with extensive information about Saxon Mortgage - http://www.mortgageguide101.com/saxon-mortgage.aspx/,second mortgages - http://www.mortgageguide101.com/second-mortgages.aspx/,mortgages - http://www.mortgageguide101.com/and more.
Getting a Mortgage Quote Online
If you are interested in buying a home then you are certainly shopping for a mortgage quote from a variety of different lenders. This is important because when you have more than one mortgage quote you can compare the different lenders and find the one that is best for you. Frequently, the average mortgage quote online will be lower than the average mortgage quote from your neighborhood bank. Since every penny counts and you want to save as much money as possible, get a mortgage quote online as well as from your neighborhood lenders to find the best deal for you. The following suggestions will help you find a mortgage quote online as well.
Mortgage Quote Tip #1 Bid for Quotes
The best way to get a mortgage quote online is to visit the sites that ask for some general personal financial information and then submits it to various lenders. Then, all of the lenders respond with a mortgage quote for your personal financial situation. Once you receive the mortgage quote it is up to you to forget it or contact the lender that provided you with that particular mortgage quote.
Mortgage Quote Tip #2 Professionals
You want a professional and real mortgage quote, so make sure you are dealing with a professional company that will provide you with a legitimate mortgage quote online. If not, you will be wasting your time and risking your investment by dealing with a sketchy company.
Mortgage Quote Tip #3 Realistic
While you want the lowest mortgage quote possible, you need to make sure the mortgage quote is realistic within the scheme of things. If you receive a mortgage quote that is several percentage points lower than the lowest mortgage quote you have seen, you might want to question it. While there are many reputable online mortgage quote companies, there are those out there that are not professional.
About the author:
Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.mybestmortgage.infoa website specialized on Mortgage, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Mortgage. For more info on Mortgage visit: http://www.mybestmortgage.info
Mortgage Quote Tip #1 Bid for Quotes
The best way to get a mortgage quote online is to visit the sites that ask for some general personal financial information and then submits it to various lenders. Then, all of the lenders respond with a mortgage quote for your personal financial situation. Once you receive the mortgage quote it is up to you to forget it or contact the lender that provided you with that particular mortgage quote.
Mortgage Quote Tip #2 Professionals
You want a professional and real mortgage quote, so make sure you are dealing with a professional company that will provide you with a legitimate mortgage quote online. If not, you will be wasting your time and risking your investment by dealing with a sketchy company.
Mortgage Quote Tip #3 Realistic
While you want the lowest mortgage quote possible, you need to make sure the mortgage quote is realistic within the scheme of things. If you receive a mortgage quote that is several percentage points lower than the lowest mortgage quote you have seen, you might want to question it. While there are many reputable online mortgage quote companies, there are those out there that are not professional.
About the author:
Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.mybestmortgage.infoa website specialized on Mortgage, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Mortgage. For more info on Mortgage visit: http://www.mybestmortgage.info
Buying your First Home
can be exciting but there is a lot to know. Buying a home will depend on real estate laws and customs where you are located but there are basic steps that every first homebuyer needs to accomplish.
Step 1- Your Finances
Establishing credit is very important especially when you are looking to purchase a large investment like a house. Your credit reports reflects how you manage your finances. Study your credit report and your financial history so you are familiar with it before applying for a mortgage. These reports will be needed for the mortgage approval process in finding out the interest rate and other loan terms.
Step 2- Familiarize Yourself with the Mortgage Industry
Do your research. Finding the right loan and lender is extremely important to your home buying success.
Choose the lender that is best for your needs but be sure to understand the loan process as much as you can before talking to a lender so you don’t feel completely lost.
Step 3- get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Once you talk with a lender, you should be given an estimate of how much you can afford for a house.
Being pre approved can help you in a variety of ways. So if a home seller gets two offers, one being yours with a pre approved letter from your bank saying you have been approved for the amount offered, and then there is the other person with no letter, your chances of getting the house are much better.
Step 4- Determine what you Want and what you need
Buying a home isn’t as challenging as most think. If you familiarize yourself with the real estate market and narrow down what you want and need before buying house the process will run a lot smoother.
Be sure to understand agent duties and devotion because some real estate agents represent buyers, sellers, or both or depending on the state they can work as neutral facilitators for either party.
Step 6- Start Searching for your New Home
Your agent will most likely give you multiple listing sheets to review. You might have also picked up a real estate magazine in your area and found a house through that, shop online, or find ads in the newspaper. Other ideas can be driving around the neighborhoods that have houses for sale. Either way you look, consider these home buying search tools in your search.
Home Buying Search Tools
1. Consider houses that others may overlook
2. Get out there to see what’s out there
3. Look into public versions of multiple listing service web sites
4. Search for real estate agent web sites
5. Browse real estate search engines and networks
6. Find for sale by owner properties
7. Look at magazine and newspapers in print
8. Find foreclosed homes
Step 7- Handle Pre-Offer Tasks
When looking at houses be sure to look at its structure and features which can help determine if its something you want or not.
Step 8- put in an Offer
There's no one specific set of instructions that cover all the differences in real estate laws and customs that exist throughout the United States, so when putting in an offer on a house, it will depend on your location.
Step 9- House Inspections and Other Tests
Some states allow home inspections before the final contract is signed where as in other states inspections take place after the contract is signed. No matter when you have to do them, it's very important to decide which inspections and tests you want done.
Discuss with your real estate agent or if you don’t have one, then an advisor to find out when inspections should happen and if additional types of testing are needed for a specific area.
Step 10- Avoid having to Correct Last Minute Problems
As the closing date approaches, everyone involved in your real estate transaction should be checking the progress on a daily basis. That way if a problem arises it can be taken care of right away.
Step 11- Closing
Closing, also called settlement, is the event that transfers ownership of the property from the last owner to you.
Happy house hunting!
About the author:
Nathan Dawson writes for http://www.marriedfinances.comand http://www.successfulmarriageresource.com,great online sources for marriage and finance information.
Step 1- Your Finances
Establishing credit is very important especially when you are looking to purchase a large investment like a house. Your credit reports reflects how you manage your finances. Study your credit report and your financial history so you are familiar with it before applying for a mortgage. These reports will be needed for the mortgage approval process in finding out the interest rate and other loan terms.
Step 2- Familiarize Yourself with the Mortgage Industry
Do your research. Finding the right loan and lender is extremely important to your home buying success.
Choose the lender that is best for your needs but be sure to understand the loan process as much as you can before talking to a lender so you don’t feel completely lost.
Step 3- get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Once you talk with a lender, you should be given an estimate of how much you can afford for a house.
Being pre approved can help you in a variety of ways. So if a home seller gets two offers, one being yours with a pre approved letter from your bank saying you have been approved for the amount offered, and then there is the other person with no letter, your chances of getting the house are much better.
Step 4- Determine what you Want and what you need
Buying a home isn’t as challenging as most think. If you familiarize yourself with the real estate market and narrow down what you want and need before buying house the process will run a lot smoother.
Be sure to understand agent duties and devotion because some real estate agents represent buyers, sellers, or both or depending on the state they can work as neutral facilitators for either party.
Step 6- Start Searching for your New Home
Your agent will most likely give you multiple listing sheets to review. You might have also picked up a real estate magazine in your area and found a house through that, shop online, or find ads in the newspaper. Other ideas can be driving around the neighborhoods that have houses for sale. Either way you look, consider these home buying search tools in your search.
Home Buying Search Tools
1. Consider houses that others may overlook
2. Get out there to see what’s out there
3. Look into public versions of multiple listing service web sites
4. Search for real estate agent web sites
5. Browse real estate search engines and networks
6. Find for sale by owner properties
7. Look at magazine and newspapers in print
8. Find foreclosed homes
Step 7- Handle Pre-Offer Tasks
When looking at houses be sure to look at its structure and features which can help determine if its something you want or not.
Step 8- put in an Offer
There's no one specific set of instructions that cover all the differences in real estate laws and customs that exist throughout the United States, so when putting in an offer on a house, it will depend on your location.
Step 9- House Inspections and Other Tests
Some states allow home inspections before the final contract is signed where as in other states inspections take place after the contract is signed. No matter when you have to do them, it's very important to decide which inspections and tests you want done.
Discuss with your real estate agent or if you don’t have one, then an advisor to find out when inspections should happen and if additional types of testing are needed for a specific area.
Step 10- Avoid having to Correct Last Minute Problems
As the closing date approaches, everyone involved in your real estate transaction should be checking the progress on a daily basis. That way if a problem arises it can be taken care of right away.
Step 11- Closing
Closing, also called settlement, is the event that transfers ownership of the property from the last owner to you.
Happy house hunting!
About the author:
Nathan Dawson writes for http://www.marriedfinances.comand http://www.successfulmarriageresource.com,great online sources for marriage and finance information.
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