The Christmas holiday is near and it's unavoidable to spend for new clothes, gifts and for parties. It might really be costly, but the thought and happiness of being with your friends and family during the holidays would suffice the amount of money that you are going to spend. However, it seems to still be more enjoyable when you know that you are able to save some money even during the holidays. Here are some interesting tips to help save money this Christmas:
1. Check out for discounted deals
During the holiday season, many establishments offer discounts and promos to attract customers. By looking for these establishments, you can make sure to save some money that you can use for other purposes.
2. Make a detailed menu
Planning your menu for the holidays will also be a good way to help you save some money. Having a detailed list of all the ingredients that you will need would mean that you don't have to go back and forth to the grocery store. Sometimes, you will also earn discounts when you buy in bulk orders rather than buying per piece.
3. Avoid using credit cards
Credit cards are good when you need something to help you in case of emergencies. But it won't be helpful if you will be using it on a daily basis. Always remember that when you are using your credit card, the money that you spend isn't really yours but it is the money being loaned to you by the credit card company which makes it your debt. In this case, prepaid debit cards or prepaid credit cards could help save you more since you will be cautious to spend too much when you know that the money is your own and may affect your savings in case of overspending.
There are still many ways to save money this Christmas. Just open your eyes to different opportunities and be careful with your spending. Christmas is a wonderful holiday to spend but it doesn't mean that you have to end up full of debt.
Philbert Manalo is an SEO expert and article writer working for different companies and websites.
One of the sites that he is working on is http://www.readydebit.com, a site that offers prepaid debit cards that may be able to help customers save their money.
For more inquiries on helpful prepaid credit card or prepaid debit card for your needs, you may call 866-465-1645 or send emails to contactus@readyfinancial.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philbert_Manalo
Showing posts with label Ways to Save. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ways to Save. Show all posts
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
6 Tips for Spending Less and Saving More
One of the biggest problems when it comes to financial success is holding on to the money you have. They don't know how to manage their spending habits. With the right habits you will go along way towards paying the
bills and being able to afford the things you want as well. At first it will seem difficult to limit your spending habits but overtime you'll be able to break bad habits and develop new ones.
Credit Cards
Credit cards can be very useful at times but are also often the cause of overspending. It's best to try and avoid using them and pay cash whenever possible. This will help you avoid making a purchase unless you actually have the money available. If you must use a credit card be prepared to pay the balance off monthly. This will save a lot of money because you'll be avoiding interest charges. Transfer and already existing card balance to a card with a lower interest rate, and try to find a card that doesn't charge an annual fee.
Phones
Some people will spend hundreds of dollars a month on phone charges alone. Limit your phone use to off peak hours. Check with your provider and find out when you have cheaper or unlimited calls.
Coupons
Check the sales page in you Sunday paper. Don't throw away coupons. Saving a few cents here and there may not seem like much, but once again you'd be surprised how much this can add up to be overtime. Many stores will double or triple the amount of the coupon. This technique can save you up to 20 or 30 dollars every time you go to the grocery store.
Pay Yourself First
When configuring your budget, plan for your savings first. You will grow wealthier every month if you set aside money for yourself first. Decide on a set amount that you will pay yourself. It doesn't have to be much. 5 to 10 percent of every paycheck will do. Then, deposit the amount into a savings account before paying any bills.
Do this at the beginning of the month. If you wait until the end of the month, you'll probably end up over spending and you won't have any left to save. Paying yourself first will give you an organized way to make your money grow.
Penny Pincher
If you really want to save be as cheap as possible. Don't feel embarrassed to pick up pennies off the street. Put all the spare change you accumulate in a can or jar. After a period of time count it and roll it up.
You may find that you have an extra 30 or 40 bucks just in spare change.
Get all you can out of any product you purchase. Turn bottles upside down and drain them to get every last bit out of it.
Don't buy name brand items just because you think they're better. For the most part they're really no different and you can save a fortune.
Try and use everyday household items as replacements. Try using ammonia instead of fancy floor cleaners. If your furniture needs some polishing, a mix of white vinegar and vegetable oil makes a great polish replacement. For a freezer bag, use empty chip bags and close with masking tape or any bowl with a lid, such as a margarine tub will due in a pinch.
Often overlooked
With many things in life it takes time to see significant results and most people just don't have the patience for it. If you learn to become patient you'll see the results and you'll be much happier in the long run.
When creating a budget don't think you can set it once and forget about it. Things change and some times it needs to be adjusted. A budget is created using a set of expenses and income figures that are subject to change. As the figures change, so should the budget
While everyone remembers the holidays they forget to plan for them. Set-aside some money for presents, food, parties, etc. These items should be factored in when making a budget and saved for throughout the year.
Finally when planning a vacation people remember to factor in the cost for travel and accommodations but they underestimate money needed for food, entertainment, and spending money. Keep in mind that all the resorts and tourists areas are double or triple what you would normally pay.
bills and being able to afford the things you want as well. At first it will seem difficult to limit your spending habits but overtime you'll be able to break bad habits and develop new ones.
Credit Cards
Credit cards can be very useful at times but are also often the cause of overspending. It's best to try and avoid using them and pay cash whenever possible. This will help you avoid making a purchase unless you actually have the money available. If you must use a credit card be prepared to pay the balance off monthly. This will save a lot of money because you'll be avoiding interest charges. Transfer and already existing card balance to a card with a lower interest rate, and try to find a card that doesn't charge an annual fee.
Phones
Some people will spend hundreds of dollars a month on phone charges alone. Limit your phone use to off peak hours. Check with your provider and find out when you have cheaper or unlimited calls.
Coupons
Check the sales page in you Sunday paper. Don't throw away coupons. Saving a few cents here and there may not seem like much, but once again you'd be surprised how much this can add up to be overtime. Many stores will double or triple the amount of the coupon. This technique can save you up to 20 or 30 dollars every time you go to the grocery store.
Pay Yourself First
When configuring your budget, plan for your savings first. You will grow wealthier every month if you set aside money for yourself first. Decide on a set amount that you will pay yourself. It doesn't have to be much. 5 to 10 percent of every paycheck will do. Then, deposit the amount into a savings account before paying any bills.
Do this at the beginning of the month. If you wait until the end of the month, you'll probably end up over spending and you won't have any left to save. Paying yourself first will give you an organized way to make your money grow.
Penny Pincher
If you really want to save be as cheap as possible. Don't feel embarrassed to pick up pennies off the street. Put all the spare change you accumulate in a can or jar. After a period of time count it and roll it up.
You may find that you have an extra 30 or 40 bucks just in spare change.
Get all you can out of any product you purchase. Turn bottles upside down and drain them to get every last bit out of it.
Don't buy name brand items just because you think they're better. For the most part they're really no different and you can save a fortune.
Try and use everyday household items as replacements. Try using ammonia instead of fancy floor cleaners. If your furniture needs some polishing, a mix of white vinegar and vegetable oil makes a great polish replacement. For a freezer bag, use empty chip bags and close with masking tape or any bowl with a lid, such as a margarine tub will due in a pinch.
Often overlooked
With many things in life it takes time to see significant results and most people just don't have the patience for it. If you learn to become patient you'll see the results and you'll be much happier in the long run.
When creating a budget don't think you can set it once and forget about it. Things change and some times it needs to be adjusted. A budget is created using a set of expenses and income figures that are subject to change. As the figures change, so should the budget
While everyone remembers the holidays they forget to plan for them. Set-aside some money for presents, food, parties, etc. These items should be factored in when making a budget and saved for throughout the year.
Finally when planning a vacation people remember to factor in the cost for travel and accommodations but they underestimate money needed for food, entertainment, and spending money. Keep in mind that all the resorts and tourists areas are double or triple what you would normally pay.
How to Save Money on Local and Long-Distance Phone Service
Communicating with friends, loved ones, business clients and anyone who will pick up the phone and listen to you shouldn’t be difficult or expensive. How many times have you opened your phone bill and seen charges
that you have no idea where they came from or what they mean? After my telephone company debited my checking account twice, took 4 months to repay me, “accidentally” interrupted my DSL connection, as well as added a service without my consent, I was seriously looking for alternative ways to avoid dealing with a traditional telephone company and service.
Some of my friends have started using their cell phone service as their regular telephone service, but I didn’t feel like maneuvering the ins and outs of roll-over minutes, peak hours and charging the battery. So, when I heard of a way to avoid the tight grip of traditional phone companies, I investigated further. A cheaper way to place phone calls can be accomplished through VoIP technology.
How Does a VoIP Phone Service Work?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, which involves the transfer of data across the Internet. VoIP systems take analog signals (such as the voice) and turn them into digital data that travels throughout the World Wide Web. When switching to this digital land of communication, a wealth of possibilities can be explored. Some of the many actions made possible through VoIP systems include the transfer of voicemails as email attachments, which makes message retrieval possible from any computer.
What You Need For VoIP Service
An Internet connection that can reach speeds of up to 90 Kbps (kilobytes per second) is needed to switch to VoIP service. For those of you who are wondering, there are 8 kilobits in 1 kilobyte. Since dial-up is unable to reach the speeds offered through broadband Internet, you will need to receive your Internet connection through cable or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line).
VoIP Phone Service: The Perks
Cheaper monthly phone bills
· Don’t have to pay for extra features, such as call waiting, 3-way calling and call-forwarding
· VoIP phones are portable and can receive/place calls from any worldwide high-speed Internet connection
· Check your voicemail from any computer
· Up to 75% savings on local, long-distance and international calling (depending on service plan)
· No more paying government taxes or surcharges
Yes, There Are a Few Disadvantages
Let’s say you’re in a snowstorm and the power lines are out. Just as with a cordless phone, which functions through the use of electricity, your VoIP will also be affected in the same way. Since your phone service is connected through the Internet, when the Internet is interrupted, so is your VoIP service. Additional details to keep in mind before switching to a VoIP phone is that some services do not offer access to directory assistance or 911 emergency access. Before choosing a VoIP service plan, these are some of the things you may want to look into.
VoIP Phone Service: The Cost
VoIP subscription services require the purchase of a service plan from a VoIP provider. Some companies have been known to offer unlimited yearly local and long-distance phone service for less than $200. The total cost to use VoIP technology depends on the way you wish to receive and place your calls. This will determine the necessary accessories you will need, which may include:
1) Broadband Internet (Cable or DSL) Subscription
2) An adapter to connect your already existing telephone to VoIP services
3) VoIP headsets and handsets with USB connection
4) Software that turns your computer into a telephone (with the use of speakers and microphone)
5) VoIP phone (We all know the saying “you get what you pay for” and the same is true when purchasing a VoIP phone. Various phone models can cost as little as $25, but to really benefit from long-term product use and improved voice quality, the more reliable selections are priced above $100. Don’t be surprised if you come across models costing $1500 (usually geared towards business consumers).
The market is booming with VoIP phone options, offering an array of features for both personal and business consumers.
a) Desktop Hands-Free: Some can be connected and powered through an USB cable, such as a VoIP desktop hands free phone, which eliminates the use of a mouse for placing and ending phone calls.
b) Cordless: There are cordless VoIP phones, offering features like multiple expansion handsets, 2-way paging and handset speakerphone.
c) Business: Business VoIP phones use Ethernet cable for connection to an office network.
d) Wireless: There are also VoIP phones that provide wireless capabilities. They can be used in the office and home, as well
as any public location supplying WiFi access.
Test Out the VoIP Phone Service For FREE
You can easily test out the difference between traditional telephone service and VoIP technology by placing a PC-to-PC call for free. Numerous companies offer free VoIP software, which enables your computer to place phone calls across the Internet. The set-up is easy and takes about 3-5 minutes to complete. A popular free download for this service is called Skype 2.5 (http://www.skype.com).
The Catch: Calls can only be placed to computers that possess downloaded VoIP software and you cannot place phone calls to regular telephones. But this is free and it doesn’t matter if you call a computer in Seattle or China; it is still free.
VoIP Service Plan Example: Vonage
Let’s take a brief look at what Vonage has to offer customers who wish to make the switch towards VoIP technology. Vonage uses an analog phone with a broadband phone adapter to provide service.
Requirements: Broadband Internet (Cable or DSL); Vonage Phone Adapter (free with service plan); any touch-tone, corded or cordless phone
Features: All service plans include voicemail, caller ID w/ name, call waiting, call forwarding, 3-way calling, call transfer, repeat dialing, call return and more (for no extra cost).
Vonage Service Plans
1) Residential Basic 500 Minutes Plan
Cost: $14.99/ month
Details: 500 minutes of local and long distance.
Call anywhere in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.
3.9¢ per minute after the first 500 monthly minutes.
2) Residential Premium Unlimited Plan
Cost: $ 24.99/month
Details: Unlimited local and long distance.
Call anywhere in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Just added free calls to Italy, France, U.K., Spain and Ireland.
3) Small Business Basic 1500 Minutes Plan
Cost: $39.99/month
Details: 1500 minutes of local and long distance.
Call anywhere in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico for business customers.
3.9¢ per minute after the first 1500 monthly minutes.
Receive a free, dedicated fax line.
4) Small Business Premium Unlimited Plan
Cost: $49.99/month
Details: Unlimited local and long distance.
Call anywhere in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico for business customers.
Just added free calls to Italy, France, U.K., Spain and Ireland.
Receive a free, dedicated fax line.
Companies Offering VoIP Service
For those who are interested in comparing VoIP service plans, you can check out the following companies:
· Adwell Communications: Offers VoIP services using phone, PBX or computer to make and receive calls
· AT&T CallVantage Service: VOIP plans includes unlimited calling within USA and Canada
· BroadVoice: VoIP provider using a supplied broadband phone adapter
· CallDaddy: Pre-paid VOIP services
· Callserve: Software download for PC-to-Phone service (outbound calls only)
· Dialpad Communications, Inc.: Monthly billing and pre-paid PC-to-Phone VoIP services, as well as broadband telephone adapter options (no PC needed).
· Lingo, Inc: Plans offer unlimited calls to U.S. and Canada using any phone (with provided adapter). Some plans offer unlimited calls to Europe, Asia, Mexico.
· RhinoBell: Offers PC-to-phone, phone-to-phone using device service
· Skype: Peer-to-peer Internet voice service for Mac, Windows and Linux
· Voiceglo: VoIP service with both free and paid plans. Some plans require phone adapters or USB phones.
· VoicePulse: VoIP service offering phone-to-phone (with device).
that you have no idea where they came from or what they mean? After my telephone company debited my checking account twice, took 4 months to repay me, “accidentally” interrupted my DSL connection, as well as added a service without my consent, I was seriously looking for alternative ways to avoid dealing with a traditional telephone company and service.
Some of my friends have started using their cell phone service as their regular telephone service, but I didn’t feel like maneuvering the ins and outs of roll-over minutes, peak hours and charging the battery. So, when I heard of a way to avoid the tight grip of traditional phone companies, I investigated further. A cheaper way to place phone calls can be accomplished through VoIP technology.
How Does a VoIP Phone Service Work?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, which involves the transfer of data across the Internet. VoIP systems take analog signals (such as the voice) and turn them into digital data that travels throughout the World Wide Web. When switching to this digital land of communication, a wealth of possibilities can be explored. Some of the many actions made possible through VoIP systems include the transfer of voicemails as email attachments, which makes message retrieval possible from any computer.
What You Need For VoIP Service
An Internet connection that can reach speeds of up to 90 Kbps (kilobytes per second) is needed to switch to VoIP service. For those of you who are wondering, there are 8 kilobits in 1 kilobyte. Since dial-up is unable to reach the speeds offered through broadband Internet, you will need to receive your Internet connection through cable or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line).
VoIP Phone Service: The Perks
Cheaper monthly phone bills
· Don’t have to pay for extra features, such as call waiting, 3-way calling and call-forwarding
· VoIP phones are portable and can receive/place calls from any worldwide high-speed Internet connection
· Check your voicemail from any computer
· Up to 75% savings on local, long-distance and international calling (depending on service plan)
· No more paying government taxes or surcharges
Yes, There Are a Few Disadvantages
Let’s say you’re in a snowstorm and the power lines are out. Just as with a cordless phone, which functions through the use of electricity, your VoIP will also be affected in the same way. Since your phone service is connected through the Internet, when the Internet is interrupted, so is your VoIP service. Additional details to keep in mind before switching to a VoIP phone is that some services do not offer access to directory assistance or 911 emergency access. Before choosing a VoIP service plan, these are some of the things you may want to look into.
VoIP Phone Service: The Cost
VoIP subscription services require the purchase of a service plan from a VoIP provider. Some companies have been known to offer unlimited yearly local and long-distance phone service for less than $200. The total cost to use VoIP technology depends on the way you wish to receive and place your calls. This will determine the necessary accessories you will need, which may include:
1) Broadband Internet (Cable or DSL) Subscription
2) An adapter to connect your already existing telephone to VoIP services
3) VoIP headsets and handsets with USB connection
4) Software that turns your computer into a telephone (with the use of speakers and microphone)
5) VoIP phone (We all know the saying “you get what you pay for” and the same is true when purchasing a VoIP phone. Various phone models can cost as little as $25, but to really benefit from long-term product use and improved voice quality, the more reliable selections are priced above $100. Don’t be surprised if you come across models costing $1500 (usually geared towards business consumers).
The market is booming with VoIP phone options, offering an array of features for both personal and business consumers.
a) Desktop Hands-Free: Some can be connected and powered through an USB cable, such as a VoIP desktop hands free phone, which eliminates the use of a mouse for placing and ending phone calls.
b) Cordless: There are cordless VoIP phones, offering features like multiple expansion handsets, 2-way paging and handset speakerphone.
c) Business: Business VoIP phones use Ethernet cable for connection to an office network.
d) Wireless: There are also VoIP phones that provide wireless capabilities. They can be used in the office and home, as well
as any public location supplying WiFi access.
Test Out the VoIP Phone Service For FREE
You can easily test out the difference between traditional telephone service and VoIP technology by placing a PC-to-PC call for free. Numerous companies offer free VoIP software, which enables your computer to place phone calls across the Internet. The set-up is easy and takes about 3-5 minutes to complete. A popular free download for this service is called Skype 2.5 (http://www.skype.com).
The Catch: Calls can only be placed to computers that possess downloaded VoIP software and you cannot place phone calls to regular telephones. But this is free and it doesn’t matter if you call a computer in Seattle or China; it is still free.
VoIP Service Plan Example: Vonage
Let’s take a brief look at what Vonage has to offer customers who wish to make the switch towards VoIP technology. Vonage uses an analog phone with a broadband phone adapter to provide service.
Requirements: Broadband Internet (Cable or DSL); Vonage Phone Adapter (free with service plan); any touch-tone, corded or cordless phone
Features: All service plans include voicemail, caller ID w/ name, call waiting, call forwarding, 3-way calling, call transfer, repeat dialing, call return and more (for no extra cost).
Vonage Service Plans
1) Residential Basic 500 Minutes Plan
Cost: $14.99/ month
Details: 500 minutes of local and long distance.
Call anywhere in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.
3.9¢ per minute after the first 500 monthly minutes.
2) Residential Premium Unlimited Plan
Cost: $ 24.99/month
Details: Unlimited local and long distance.
Call anywhere in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Just added free calls to Italy, France, U.K., Spain and Ireland.
3) Small Business Basic 1500 Minutes Plan
Cost: $39.99/month
Details: 1500 minutes of local and long distance.
Call anywhere in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico for business customers.
3.9¢ per minute after the first 1500 monthly minutes.
Receive a free, dedicated fax line.
4) Small Business Premium Unlimited Plan
Cost: $49.99/month
Details: Unlimited local and long distance.
Call anywhere in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico for business customers.
Just added free calls to Italy, France, U.K., Spain and Ireland.
Receive a free, dedicated fax line.
Companies Offering VoIP Service
For those who are interested in comparing VoIP service plans, you can check out the following companies:
· Adwell Communications: Offers VoIP services using phone, PBX or computer to make and receive calls
· AT&T CallVantage Service: VOIP plans includes unlimited calling within USA and Canada
· BroadVoice: VoIP provider using a supplied broadband phone adapter
· CallDaddy: Pre-paid VOIP services
· Callserve: Software download for PC-to-Phone service (outbound calls only)
· Dialpad Communications, Inc.: Monthly billing and pre-paid PC-to-Phone VoIP services, as well as broadband telephone adapter options (no PC needed).
· Lingo, Inc: Plans offer unlimited calls to U.S. and Canada using any phone (with provided adapter). Some plans offer unlimited calls to Europe, Asia, Mexico.
· RhinoBell: Offers PC-to-phone, phone-to-phone using device service
· Skype: Peer-to-peer Internet voice service for Mac, Windows and Linux
· Voiceglo: VoIP service with both free and paid plans. Some plans require phone adapters or USB phones.
· VoicePulse: VoIP service offering phone-to-phone (with device).
Sunday, 19 December 2010
time Saving Tips from Bank of America ~ $50 Gift Card Giveaway!
Time flies when you are having fun – or just plain ridiculously busy. How do you accomplish everything on your list and still stay sane?
Here are a few time saving tips – please share ways you save time & energy in this chaotic season!
1. Make sure it’s in stock: Nothing wastes more time than driving from store-to-store in search of a specific item. Do yourself a favor and call ahead or better yet check store inventory online before you leave home. Many major e-tailers offer customers the convenience of purchasing items online and then picking them up in-store…some with express pick-up lines.
2. Wrap it up: Socialize and wrap up your holiday duties by inviting your friends over to chat, nosh and yes, wrap gifts! Everyone brings a roll of wrapping paper, ribbons and other decorative elements to share with the group. Also, watch for “free gift wrapping” promotions from online merchants. Sometimes you may have to spend a certain amount to get the promotion to kick in, but it may be worth it given the time you’ll save on the backend.
3. Babysitting or playdate exchange: Gain kid-free time to make your way through your holiday to-do list by coordinating a playdate exchange with another family.
4. Bank Online – Lots of places (including Bank of America) offer the simplicity of online bill pay. No more addressing envelopes and writing checks!
WIN IT!
One Mama Dweeb reader will win a $50 preloaded Bank of America Gift Card!
Required Entry: (must be done first or entry will not count)
Give me one thing you do to save time during the holidays.
Extra Entries: (1 each unless specified, leave a separate comment for each thing you do)
* Subscribe to Mama Dweeb via e-mail (envelope icon in sidebar)
* Follow Bank of America Tips on Twitter
* Vote for my kid’s Santa pic - 2 extra entries per vote!! (you can vote once every 24 hrs per facebook account. Comment here each time you vote)
* Post my Holiday Gift Guide Button on your blog or share this giveaway on facebook – 5 extra entries! (Leave URL of where to find the button or your facebook name. Button grab code is in my sidebar)
* Enter any of Serendipity Mommy’s current Giveaways. (leave a comment here for each giveaway you enter)
* Follow MamaDweeb on Twitter and tweet: (2 tweets per day at least 1 hr apart. Leave URL of your tweet in the comment)
You may use this as your tweet:
Did you enter to #win $50 Bank of America gift card#giveaway from MamaDweeb? enter here ~ http://bit.ly/hwTMfK
Giveaway ends 12/23 11:59 pm CST. Winner will be picked via “and the winner is” plugin and have 24 hours to respond by email before it goes into a live giveaway. Giveaway open to USA only addresses.
I was given the products for my review and all opinions are totally mine!
Here are a few time saving tips – please share ways you save time & energy in this chaotic season!
1. Make sure it’s in stock: Nothing wastes more time than driving from store-to-store in search of a specific item. Do yourself a favor and call ahead or better yet check store inventory online before you leave home. Many major e-tailers offer customers the convenience of purchasing items online and then picking them up in-store…some with express pick-up lines.
2. Wrap it up: Socialize and wrap up your holiday duties by inviting your friends over to chat, nosh and yes, wrap gifts! Everyone brings a roll of wrapping paper, ribbons and other decorative elements to share with the group. Also, watch for “free gift wrapping” promotions from online merchants. Sometimes you may have to spend a certain amount to get the promotion to kick in, but it may be worth it given the time you’ll save on the backend.
3. Babysitting or playdate exchange: Gain kid-free time to make your way through your holiday to-do list by coordinating a playdate exchange with another family.
4. Bank Online – Lots of places (including Bank of America) offer the simplicity of online bill pay. No more addressing envelopes and writing checks!
WIN IT!
One Mama Dweeb reader will win a $50 preloaded Bank of America Gift Card!
Required Entry: (must be done first or entry will not count)
Give me one thing you do to save time during the holidays.
Extra Entries: (1 each unless specified, leave a separate comment for each thing you do)
* Subscribe to Mama Dweeb via e-mail (envelope icon in sidebar)
* Follow Bank of America Tips on Twitter
* Vote for my kid’s Santa pic - 2 extra entries per vote!! (you can vote once every 24 hrs per facebook account. Comment here each time you vote)
* Post my Holiday Gift Guide Button on your blog or share this giveaway on facebook – 5 extra entries! (Leave URL of where to find the button or your facebook name. Button grab code is in my sidebar)
* Enter any of Serendipity Mommy’s current Giveaways. (leave a comment here for each giveaway you enter)
* Follow MamaDweeb on Twitter and tweet: (2 tweets per day at least 1 hr apart. Leave URL of your tweet in the comment)
You may use this as your tweet:
Did you enter to #win $50 Bank of America gift card#giveaway from MamaDweeb? enter here ~ http://bit.ly/hwTMfK
Giveaway ends 12/23 11:59 pm CST. Winner will be picked via “and the winner is” plugin and have 24 hours to respond by email before it goes into a live giveaway. Giveaway open to USA only addresses.
I was given the products for my review and all opinions are totally mine!
Time saving With Bank of America and $50 GC Giveaway
Bank of America has made it their priority to save you time this Holiday Season.
They have created tools such as
* Bank on the go: It’s easy to set up mobile banking and secure access to your money wherever you are. Download the mobile banking app and you can check balances, transfer money, pay bills, and locate ATMs. Sign up for text banking and you’ll be able to send a text message to get your balance instantly in a reply.
* Make quick and easy deposits: Holiday means a lot of extra work, so eliminate the labor of depositing checks. With Bank of America’s Deposit Image ATMs, you simply feed checks or cash into the ATM with no envelopes or deposit slips required. You get images of your checks and a list of cash deposited on your receipt as proof.
* Save a trip to the bank: Don’t worry about making an extra stop to the bank during all of your holiday shopping. Keep track of your spending by using Bank of America’s online banking: set up alerts, check balances, and transfer money.
As a Customer of Bank of America I really enjoy Using the online banking. I can check my balance whenever necessary from the comfort of my own home. With so many great deals this season its nice to know what I have available and know I have not overdrawn my account. I also think is is really great that I can make a deposit right through the ATM. This has really helped me save time and enjoy shopping so much more this season.
Check Out www.bankofamerica.com/solutions in your post so your readers can find more tips and information.
WIN IT
One Lucky winner will win a $50 Preloaded Bank of America Gift Card. To help with shopping or extra expenses this holiday season.
1. You Must be a public follower of this Blog.
AND
2. you must tell me What are some ways you get back time during the busy holiday season?
*You MUST include your e-mail so I can reach you if you win*
EXTRA ENTRIES
1. Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your post so I can check it out. (Facebook does not count as a blog post) (10 entries)
2. Sign up/subscribe to my newsletter (Click the subscribe button on my right side bar above the word sponsors where it says sign up for my newsletter.) If you already subscribe just say so. ( 5 entries)
3. Grab my button and tell me where to find it (5 entries)
4. Follow me on twitter @theethertons or click on the follow me button on my right side bar and leave me your twitter name. If you already follow just say so that counts as well. (5 entries)
5. Tweet about this Giveaway (can be done twice a day) Must wait at least an hour between tweets. Leave the link to your tweet. (5 entries)
"RT #Win a $50 Bank of America Gift Card @theethertons http://tinyurl.com/2bbjdjx #giveaway
6. If you added my holiday button before 9/30 and commented on the extra entries post (5 entries)
Add my holiday button now and leave a link (1 entry)
7. Follow Bank of America Tips on twitter HERE (5 entries)
8. Enter one of my other current giveaways (2 entries each giveaway entered)
Contest ends 12/24/10 at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted by email. Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. US ONLY!
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Bank of America and received a Bank of America preloaded gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
This contest is hosted and fulfilled solely by The Etherton's.
They have created tools such as
* Bank on the go: It’s easy to set up mobile banking and secure access to your money wherever you are. Download the mobile banking app and you can check balances, transfer money, pay bills, and locate ATMs. Sign up for text banking and you’ll be able to send a text message to get your balance instantly in a reply.
* Make quick and easy deposits: Holiday means a lot of extra work, so eliminate the labor of depositing checks. With Bank of America’s Deposit Image ATMs, you simply feed checks or cash into the ATM with no envelopes or deposit slips required. You get images of your checks and a list of cash deposited on your receipt as proof.
* Save a trip to the bank: Don’t worry about making an extra stop to the bank during all of your holiday shopping. Keep track of your spending by using Bank of America’s online banking: set up alerts, check balances, and transfer money.
As a Customer of Bank of America I really enjoy Using the online banking. I can check my balance whenever necessary from the comfort of my own home. With so many great deals this season its nice to know what I have available and know I have not overdrawn my account. I also think is is really great that I can make a deposit right through the ATM. This has really helped me save time and enjoy shopping so much more this season.
Check Out www.bankofamerica.com/solutions in your post so your readers can find more tips and information.
WIN IT
One Lucky winner will win a $50 Preloaded Bank of America Gift Card. To help with shopping or extra expenses this holiday season.
1. You Must be a public follower of this Blog.
AND
2. you must tell me What are some ways you get back time during the busy holiday season?
*You MUST include your e-mail so I can reach you if you win*
EXTRA ENTRIES
1. Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your post so I can check it out. (Facebook does not count as a blog post) (10 entries)
2. Sign up/subscribe to my newsletter (Click the subscribe button on my right side bar above the word sponsors where it says sign up for my newsletter.) If you already subscribe just say so. ( 5 entries)
3. Grab my button and tell me where to find it (5 entries)
4. Follow me on twitter @theethertons or click on the follow me button on my right side bar and leave me your twitter name. If you already follow just say so that counts as well. (5 entries)
5. Tweet about this Giveaway (can be done twice a day) Must wait at least an hour between tweets. Leave the link to your tweet. (5 entries)
"RT #Win a $50 Bank of America Gift Card @theethertons http://tinyurl.com/2bbjdjx #giveaway
6. If you added my holiday button before 9/30 and commented on the extra entries post (5 entries)
Add my holiday button now and leave a link (1 entry)
7. Follow Bank of America Tips on twitter HERE (5 entries)
8. Enter one of my other current giveaways (2 entries each giveaway entered)
Contest ends 12/24/10 at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted by email. Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. US ONLY!
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Bank of America and received a Bank of America preloaded gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
This contest is hosted and fulfilled solely by The Etherton's.
How to apply for scholarships and financial aid
Finding the financial help you need for college.
A college education can increase your chances of earning a high income in a job you love. It can also be very expensive, especially if you are attending an out-of-state or private college or living away from home. Here's how to apply for the student financial aid you need to afford a college education.
How much do you need?
If you want to get started figuring out how to fund your college education, our interactive College Funding Tool will help you find the right college financial aid package for you. Start the journey here.
Federal financial aid
Depending on your need, you may qualify federal financial aid. This could be in the form of a subsidized student loan, meaning the federal government pays for your interest while you are in school. With unsubsidized loan, you pay for the interest that accumulates while you are in school, though you may be able to defer all payments until after you graduate.
In order to apply for government financial aid for education, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you are in school. You can find the information about FAFSA and the form at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Types of federal financial aid
1. Stafford loan
- Taken out by students
- Available both subsidized and unsubsidized
- Don't begin paying back until after you have left college
- Top interest rate set at 6.8% through 2013
2. Parent PLUS loan
- Taken out by parents
- Designed to make up the difference between Stafford loan and the education cost
- No grace period (interest charges and repayments begin after money is dispersed).
3. Perkins loan
College Savings Tip #1
If you or your children are still several years away from college, consider saving for education in a 529 savings plan. The principal grows tax deferred and can be used for tuition, educational costs, food and lodging.
Calculating your family contribution
Parents are expected to help pay for their dependent children's education, and student financial aid is calculated to take this into account. The estimated family contribution is based on the size of your family, and your family's income and non-retirement savings. Use this calculator to estimate your expected family contribution.
Scholarships
Scholarships are usually awarded to students with high grades or special skills, and they don't have to be repaid. Even if you cannot find a scholarship to fund your whole education, you may receive smaller amounts that can help you limit your debts. To find scholarships, check with the colleges you are applying to, or search online. Two good sites to check are Fastweb, which has a database of more than 1.5 million scholarships, and the College Board, which surveys 1,200 sponsoring organizations each year to create its scholarship search engine.
Private student loans can help make up the difference if these funding sources aren't sufficient, however the interest rate may be much higher than federal loans. If you want to limit your debt, consider working part time while in school. In addition to the income you'll earn, your job may give you valuable work experience for your future career.
Source: http://learn.bankofamerica.com/articles/money-management/how-to-apply-for-scholarships-and-financial-aid.html
College Student Credit Cards
If you are a student that is looking to build your credit history while earning rewards from everyday purchases then college student credit cards are what you are looking for. Student credit cards are a great way for a student to start building their credit history while they are still in college. These types of credit cards also offer special features to their users such as fraud protection, travel accident insurance, auto rental insurance and travel emergency assistance just to name a few. You can also receive discounts and rewards for purchases made at select merchants and retailers. Rewards can be earned when you shop at select book stores, record stores, video rental stores and movie theaters with certain cards. Select college student credit cards also reward their users for on-time payments and maintaining a high GPA with bonus rewards points that can be for discounts towards purchases.
Citi mtvU Platinum Select Visa Credit Card for College Students
If you are a college student that is looking for a credit card that offers great rewards while building your credit then the Citi mtvU Platinum Select Visa card is perfect for you. The points earn from this card can be redeemed for gift cards, CDs, VIP mtvU Spring Break Passes, tickets to the MTV Video Music Awards, airline tickets and discounts on purchases at the MTV online store and the MTV New York City Store. Users will earn 5 points per dollar spent at participating restaurants, bookstores, record stores, movie theaters and video rental stores. College students using this card can also earn 25 bonus points for making payments on time and up to 2000 extra pints per semester for maintaining a high GPA. This card offers many platinum benefits along with an interest free introductory period and no annual fees.
reasons to bank online
almost everybody is banking online nowadays. but there are those who still doubt the whole system. here are a few reasons why you should get over your doubts and try banking online:
Avoid bounced check fees. Average overdraft fees run about $28 (bankrate.com) and can be as high as $35 from your bank alone. Not to mention fees from the party to whom you wrote the check. Banking online allows you to move funds quickly, easily and from anywhere to cover a written check. Overdraft protection is still a good idea, for it lowers the cost and eliminates the third-party fee. But it may not work for very large checks and even a series of $10 fees for protected accounts can get expensive.
Earn more interest. With online banking, you can "stash your cash" in a higher yielding savings or money market account and transfer it as needed to cover a series of bill payments or ATM debits. You can usually transfer across institutions, such as your brokerage account. Also, keeping less in your checking account may help you or family members control spending.
Easier to catch errors. It happens. I once learned of a woman who thanks to online banking found out that her lender was still billing her when in fact she had paid off the loan. And don't forget about convenience. I make fewer trips to my bank or ATM, and can manage my checking balance and transfer funds from anywhere. Since most of us are making greater use of ATM cards, the online "view" is more current and relevant. It takes far less time for me to review my account activity.
Online checking paves the way to online bill payment. The savings in time and money begin to compound. Now you save postage, avoid merchant and credit-card late fees and at the same time improve your expense tracking.
Bottom line: if you're still in manual mode, you may be spending more than you need to. More importantly, you're falling farther behind the larger "bank from anytime, anywhere" curve.
source: by: Jennifer Openshaw http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/story.aspx?guid=%7B658D92E4%2D2F64%2D4518%2DAD6A%2D85A7B9D10314%7D&siteid=rss
Avoid bounced check fees. Average overdraft fees run about $28 (bankrate.com) and can be as high as $35 from your bank alone. Not to mention fees from the party to whom you wrote the check. Banking online allows you to move funds quickly, easily and from anywhere to cover a written check. Overdraft protection is still a good idea, for it lowers the cost and eliminates the third-party fee. But it may not work for very large checks and even a series of $10 fees for protected accounts can get expensive.
Earn more interest. With online banking, you can "stash your cash" in a higher yielding savings or money market account and transfer it as needed to cover a series of bill payments or ATM debits. You can usually transfer across institutions, such as your brokerage account. Also, keeping less in your checking account may help you or family members control spending.
Easier to catch errors. It happens. I once learned of a woman who thanks to online banking found out that her lender was still billing her when in fact she had paid off the loan. And don't forget about convenience. I make fewer trips to my bank or ATM, and can manage my checking balance and transfer funds from anywhere. Since most of us are making greater use of ATM cards, the online "view" is more current and relevant. It takes far less time for me to review my account activity.
Online checking paves the way to online bill payment. The savings in time and money begin to compound. Now you save postage, avoid merchant and credit-card late fees and at the same time improve your expense tracking.
Bottom line: if you're still in manual mode, you may be spending more than you need to. More importantly, you're falling farther behind the larger "bank from anytime, anywhere" curve.
source: by: Jennifer Openshaw http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/story.aspx?guid=%7B658D92E4%2D2F64%2D4518%2DAD6A%2D85A7B9D10314%7D&siteid=rss
Online Banking
Online banking is a trend that has emerged recently. Learn more about the pros and cons of this easy service.
Have you ever found yourself rushing to pay your bills on the weekend because you were too busy during the week? What if you urgently need to send money to a sick relative late at night? There is a relatively new financial service that can come to your rescue called 'online banking'. Read on to learn more about it.
What is online banking?
Online banking is a service provided by a bank to customers, so that they can access their accounts over the Internet, through a secure website. The simplest thing one can do, using this service, is to view the status of their accounts as well as any transactions that have been carried out. Besides checking your account details, an online banking service also allows you to transfer money between multiple accounts as well as carry out electronic transactions. Many banks even allow you to pay some of your bills online, for a small fee.
What are the advantages of online banking?
Convenience: Online banking saves you the hassle of having to wait in a queue. You can access your account and make transactions whenever you like. This way, you do not have to wait until you get some free time off work, or spend your weekend writing checks and queuing up at the bank to deposit them. It also saves time. Just sit down in front of your computer and open up a webpage with your account details on it. In a span of a few minutes, you can check your account details and carry out a transaction. There is no need to manually go through your chequebook. Moreover, you avoid the bother of requiring stamps and envelopes to mail cheques to different places.
Organisation: Online banking simplifies your job of having to shuffle through stacks of paper every month, trying to tally receipts with bank statements. Instead, you can just create a spreadsheet on your computer and enter your expenses and account balances on it. Using simple addition, the computer can automatically tally up both of them and check to see if they match.
Reduced paperwork: With online banking, you are able to avoid the headache of dealing with the papers that tend to accumulate using a regular banking service. Since you can check your account whenever you wish, there is no need for regular bank statements to be sent to you. If you pay bills or make purchases online, you will not have to sign any receipts.
Confidentiality: You can carry out all your transactions in the privacy of your own home. This means no one is likely to find out your account number or password unless you yourself give it to them. You also do not have to worry about losing your receipts or about dishonest storekeepers acquiring your credit or debit card details.
source: http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/07/18/news0956.htm
Have you ever found yourself rushing to pay your bills on the weekend because you were too busy during the week? What if you urgently need to send money to a sick relative late at night? There is a relatively new financial service that can come to your rescue called 'online banking'. Read on to learn more about it.
What is online banking?
Online banking is a service provided by a bank to customers, so that they can access their accounts over the Internet, through a secure website. The simplest thing one can do, using this service, is to view the status of their accounts as well as any transactions that have been carried out. Besides checking your account details, an online banking service also allows you to transfer money between multiple accounts as well as carry out electronic transactions. Many banks even allow you to pay some of your bills online, for a small fee.
What are the advantages of online banking?
Convenience: Online banking saves you the hassle of having to wait in a queue. You can access your account and make transactions whenever you like. This way, you do not have to wait until you get some free time off work, or spend your weekend writing checks and queuing up at the bank to deposit them. It also saves time. Just sit down in front of your computer and open up a webpage with your account details on it. In a span of a few minutes, you can check your account details and carry out a transaction. There is no need to manually go through your chequebook. Moreover, you avoid the bother of requiring stamps and envelopes to mail cheques to different places.
Organisation: Online banking simplifies your job of having to shuffle through stacks of paper every month, trying to tally receipts with bank statements. Instead, you can just create a spreadsheet on your computer and enter your expenses and account balances on it. Using simple addition, the computer can automatically tally up both of them and check to see if they match.
Reduced paperwork: With online banking, you are able to avoid the headache of dealing with the papers that tend to accumulate using a regular banking service. Since you can check your account whenever you wish, there is no need for regular bank statements to be sent to you. If you pay bills or make purchases online, you will not have to sign any receipts.
Confidentiality: You can carry out all your transactions in the privacy of your own home. This means no one is likely to find out your account number or password unless you yourself give it to them. You also do not have to worry about losing your receipts or about dishonest storekeepers acquiring your credit or debit card details.
source: http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/07/18/news0956.htm
Growth ahead for more diversified game industry
By Kiyoshi Takenaka - Analysis
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The video game industry looks set for at least another year or two of strong growth, driven by geographical expansion, a strong hardware lineup and growing pool of casual gamers, industry executives said.
In a move to capitalize on emerging economies, Sony Corp's (6758.T) game unit said at the E3 video game trade show this week it will launch operations in Argentina, Columbia and Peru by March 2009, its first step into the South American market.
Rival Nintendo Co Ltd (7974.OS) aims to start offering its Wii console in China this year.
Hardware makers' broader reach beyond the established markets of North America, Europe and Japan would open up new business opportunities for hundreds of software makers and follow the lead of other technology sectors turning to emerging markets for growth.
"Game makers like us are now trying to get into such vibrant regions as Latin America, Eastern Europe, Russia and Asia," Konami Corp (9766.T) Executive Corporate Officer Kazumi Kitaue said on the sidelines of the E3.
"With the overall market expanding like this, we should be able do better and better if we really buckle down."
Another growth driver is the widest variety ever of game hardware available, which caters for a broader range of game players and enables software publishers to create multiple revenue streams from a single title.
Microsoft Corp's (MSFT.O) Xbox 360, Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii compete with one another for dominance in the console market. The biggest seller of all time, last generation's Sony machine, the PlayStation 2, is also still thriving.
"This creates a very favorable business environment for software makers," he said.
Global video game sales are likely to grow 15.2 percent this year to $48.3 billion this year, followed by a 9.3 percent rise to $52.8 billion in 2009, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers estimates.
RECESSION-PROOF
The industry is also benefiting from a new group of casual, or light, gamers, as Nintendo has broadened the gaming population beyond the traditional user base of young males with its intuitive, easy-to-use games such as "Wii Sports."
"The Wii ... has opened up an entirely new set of gamers that weren't there before," Electronic Arts Games Label President Frank Gibeau said.
"If you look at the DS and the Wii they are just adding people to the pie," he said.
Underscoring Nintendo's smash success, operating profit at the creator of such iconic game characters as Mario and Zelda more than doubled in the year ended March 31.
source:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUKN1736434220080718?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The video game industry looks set for at least another year or two of strong growth, driven by geographical expansion, a strong hardware lineup and growing pool of casual gamers, industry executives said.
In a move to capitalize on emerging economies, Sony Corp's (6758.T) game unit said at the E3 video game trade show this week it will launch operations in Argentina, Columbia and Peru by March 2009, its first step into the South American market.
Rival Nintendo Co Ltd (7974.OS) aims to start offering its Wii console in China this year.
Hardware makers' broader reach beyond the established markets of North America, Europe and Japan would open up new business opportunities for hundreds of software makers and follow the lead of other technology sectors turning to emerging markets for growth.
"Game makers like us are now trying to get into such vibrant regions as Latin America, Eastern Europe, Russia and Asia," Konami Corp (9766.T) Executive Corporate Officer Kazumi Kitaue said on the sidelines of the E3.
"With the overall market expanding like this, we should be able do better and better if we really buckle down."
Another growth driver is the widest variety ever of game hardware available, which caters for a broader range of game players and enables software publishers to create multiple revenue streams from a single title.
Microsoft Corp's (MSFT.O) Xbox 360, Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii compete with one another for dominance in the console market. The biggest seller of all time, last generation's Sony machine, the PlayStation 2, is also still thriving.
"This creates a very favorable business environment for software makers," he said.
Global video game sales are likely to grow 15.2 percent this year to $48.3 billion this year, followed by a 9.3 percent rise to $52.8 billion in 2009, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers estimates.
RECESSION-PROOF
The industry is also benefiting from a new group of casual, or light, gamers, as Nintendo has broadened the gaming population beyond the traditional user base of young males with its intuitive, easy-to-use games such as "Wii Sports."
"The Wii ... has opened up an entirely new set of gamers that weren't there before," Electronic Arts Games Label President Frank Gibeau said.
"If you look at the DS and the Wii they are just adding people to the pie," he said.
Underscoring Nintendo's smash success, operating profit at the creator of such iconic game characters as Mario and Zelda more than doubled in the year ended March 31.
source:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUKN1736434220080718?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0
How to Research Loan Modification Companies Wisely
The current mortgage and foreclosure crisis has been a boon for loan modification companies. This is an area of the economy that is growing exponentially as more and more Americans face foreclosure and financial ruin. This can be good news for many distressed home owners, but finding a reputable one can be tricky. Unfortunately, many of the dishonest folks who contributed to the current crisis will be looking to cash in on this as well.
There are some very simple and straight forward things to look for when researching loan modification companies to that you are not the victim of a fraudulent or less than honest company. By taking care to research loan modification companies before you begin the process you increase your chances of getting a good loan modification that will keep you in your home and financially solvent.
The best place to start is your own bank or mortgage company. If you are happy with them and feel that they have your best interest at heart you can simply apply for a loan modification process through them. Most major mortgage companies have loan modification departments for their borrowers. This is what will be keeping them in business. You may not have to look further than your current lender.
If this isn't the case and you need to find another company, you should first start by asking people you know about their experiences with other lenders and/or loan modification companies. People you trust will give you their honest feelings about their experiences. You can also research other well known banks and mortgage companies. Although these companies may have lengthy application requirements, in general they have solid practices that will help you to get a good loan. Look for companies that have good reviews and a good reputation.
Be wary of any company that guarantees any part or your loan modification. There are no guarantees in this process. The modifications made come from your unique circumstances and until the process has begun, no lender can honestly promise you anything. If you feel you are being sold a bill of goods, you probably are and should proceed with caution. A reputable company will be honest with you from the get go.
Do not pay any upfront fees for a loan modification. If a company wants an upfront payment or retainer fee just say no. With the federal loan modification programs currently in place, and many states mandating lenders to offer loan modifications to their clients, there is no need for upfront fees. This is a clear sign of someone looking to profit from your misfortune.
Finally, be sure that a loan modification company actually understands the process and has credibility. Many former bankers, investors and financial industry workers are starting up loan modification companies. It is one area that is actually seeing growth at the present time. This means that many unqualified people will be hanging out their shingles and start looking for potential customers. Being someone's guinea pig is probably not what you want for yourself given the potential outcomes of such a choice.
Finding a reputable loan modification company is the first step.
Then you need our home loan modification checklist to get you prepared
By Jon Higgins
source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Research-Loan-Modification-Companies-Wisely&id=2176352
There are some very simple and straight forward things to look for when researching loan modification companies to that you are not the victim of a fraudulent or less than honest company. By taking care to research loan modification companies before you begin the process you increase your chances of getting a good loan modification that will keep you in your home and financially solvent.
The best place to start is your own bank or mortgage company. If you are happy with them and feel that they have your best interest at heart you can simply apply for a loan modification process through them. Most major mortgage companies have loan modification departments for their borrowers. This is what will be keeping them in business. You may not have to look further than your current lender.
If this isn't the case and you need to find another company, you should first start by asking people you know about their experiences with other lenders and/or loan modification companies. People you trust will give you their honest feelings about their experiences. You can also research other well known banks and mortgage companies. Although these companies may have lengthy application requirements, in general they have solid practices that will help you to get a good loan. Look for companies that have good reviews and a good reputation.
Be wary of any company that guarantees any part or your loan modification. There are no guarantees in this process. The modifications made come from your unique circumstances and until the process has begun, no lender can honestly promise you anything. If you feel you are being sold a bill of goods, you probably are and should proceed with caution. A reputable company will be honest with you from the get go.
Do not pay any upfront fees for a loan modification. If a company wants an upfront payment or retainer fee just say no. With the federal loan modification programs currently in place, and many states mandating lenders to offer loan modifications to their clients, there is no need for upfront fees. This is a clear sign of someone looking to profit from your misfortune.
Finally, be sure that a loan modification company actually understands the process and has credibility. Many former bankers, investors and financial industry workers are starting up loan modification companies. It is one area that is actually seeing growth at the present time. This means that many unqualified people will be hanging out their shingles and start looking for potential customers. Being someone's guinea pig is probably not what you want for yourself given the potential outcomes of such a choice.
Finding a reputable loan modification company is the first step.
Then you need our home loan modification checklist to get you prepared
By Jon Higgins
source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Research-Loan-Modification-Companies-Wisely&id=2176352
Saturday, 18 December 2010
How the FDIC Affects Your Wallet
You might be surprised to learn that the FDIC is not funded by tax payer revenue, so it receives no Congressional appropriations. Rather, it’s funded by premiums that banks and thrift institutions pay for deposit insurance coverage and from earnings on investments in U.S. Treasury securities. With an insurance fund totaling more than $45 billion, the FDIC insures more than $5 trillion of deposits in U.S. banks and thrifts – deposits in virtually every bank and thrift in the country.
Banks and thrift institutions have to comply with a host of regulations and safe operating guidelines designed to protect depositors and their money. In many ways, the FDIC could be considered a consumer protection agency as it supervises and regularly examines insured banks to make certain they are operating in safe and sound ways, thus protecting customers and their deposits.
On October 3, 2008, FDIC deposit insurance temporarily increased to $250,000 per depositor through December 31, 2009, but there is legislation currently proposed in Washington to keep the $250,000 coverage permanent. Many experts believe this will pass with little resistance, but only time will tell.
Your money in savings, checking and other deposit accounts, when combined, is generally insured to $250,000 per depositor in each bank or thrift the FDIC insures. Deposits held in different categories of ownership – such as single or joint accounts – may be separately insured. Also, the FDIC generally provides separate coverage for retirement accounts, such as individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and Keoghs, insured up to $250,000. The FDIC’s Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator can help you determine if you have adequate deposit insurance for your accounts. We’ll cover ownership categories in more detail in our next installment.
The FDIC, Your Bank, and You
We’re launching our blog with a short series of posts dedicated to how we work with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, to protect your hard-earned cash. (With bank failures and economic doom-and-gloom all over the news we thought it a good place to start.) But before we get into specifics, we need to provide a brief history of the FDIC and its role as a consumer protector.
The FDIC was created as an independent agency of the federal government in 1933 in response to the bank failures of the 1920’s and early 1930’s. The FDIC is headquartered in Washington, D.C., but conducts its business in Utah from a field office in Salt Lake City. This field office works closely with the Utah State Department of Financial Institutions to oversee the safety and soundness of many of the state’s banks, including Western Community Bank. Since the start of the insurance program on January 1, 1934, no depositor has lost a single cent of FDIC-insured funds from a bank failure.
The FDIC insures deposits only. It does not insure securities, mutual funds or similar types of investments that banks and thrift institutions may offer. (See Insured and Uninsured Investments on the FDIC website to determine what is and is not protected by FDIC insurance.)
Upcoming installments will cover “How the FDIC Affects Your Wallet,” “How to Make the Most of FDIC Insurance Coverage” and “How the FDIC Affect’s Your Bank’s Service.” We hope these posts will help you gain a better understanding of how you can better protect your hard-earned cash, and how your bank is working to protect you.
Make the Most of FDIC Insurance
Our last post made reference to the FDIC’s Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator, or EDIE, to help you determine if you have adequate deposit insurance for your accounts. Today we’ll delve further into ways you can make the most of available FDIC deposit insurance coverage.
Perhaps one of the best features of FDIC deposit insurance is that’s free. You qualify for it simply by opening a qualified deposit account at an FDIC insured bank. How much insurance you can receive is a different matter. The amount of coverage is based on factors such as the amount of money you have in an insured bank, the type of account, and the kind of ownership category the account falls into.
You can never receive more money than you have in your deposit account. Traditionally, the FDIC has insured deposits up to $100,000 per depositor, but on October 3, 2008, FDIC deposit insurance temporarily increased to $250,000 per depositor through December 31, 2009. So this means if you and your family have $250,000 or less in all of your deposit accounts at the same insured bank or savings association, you do not need to worry about your insurance coverage – your deposits are fully insured. A depositor can have more than $250,000 at one insured bank or savings association and still be fully insured provided the accounts meet certain requirements
You may qualify for more coverage if you own deposit accounts in different ownership categories. The best source of information regarding ownership categories is the FDIC. So to help you determine how you can establish your accounts in the proper ownership categories and to help you maximize your coverage, we suggest you take some time to review the information on the FDIC’s insurance coverage info page.
Was this post helpful? Please leave us a comment below and tell us what you think of our blog, or to request information on another subject.
The Princess and the Penny
Do you remember the story of the Princess and the Pea where a pea is placed below a ridiculous stack of mattresses to help a desperate prince determine if a traveler claiming to be a princess really is a princess? The prince thought if the woman could feel a pea through all those mattresses that she had to be a princess, because “only a princess could have skin so delicate” as to feel that small irritating pea under all of those mattresses. Sure enough, the woman proved to be a princess. She did not sleep all night because she could feel the tiny irritant under all the mattresses. Imagine what she would think today sleeping on one mattress with a penny-or a stash of money-stuffed under it.
Admittedly, this story is recalled in order to make a point: As bad as the economy is, or may get, the mattress is not the smartest way to save. If you don’t want to loose sleep over the safety of your money, or sleep with an annoying lump in your bed, do some homework and find a safe and secure bank where you can open a simple savings account. You will have greater peace of mind knowing your money is FDIC insured and that your bank is working hard to deserve your trust.
Remember that the bank failures you’re hearing about in the news are typically large banks, and that there are thousands of smaller institutions, like community banks, that continue to operate in safe and sound ways. What’s more, your local community bank is most likely owned, managed, and operated by people in your community who understand your needs, the local economy, and the issues that affect your neighborhood.
Resist the temptation to open a “restless-nights-sleep account” and open a simple savings account at a trusted local community bank instead. You’ll sleep better.
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Benefits of “Going Local”
“The past few years have seen increased emphasis on “going local,” or supporting local communities by consuming products that are produced and sold by independent organizations rather than big-box, franchised retailers,” according to American Fork City Councilman, Dale Gunther in an article published in the February 2009 Utah County Business Journal. “The trend has really taken off…because it helps local communities thrive by reinvesting local dollars at home.”
“While it’s natural to think of products such as produce and art as part of the “going local” movement,” Gunther continues, “one product that is often overlooked is the community bank. Yes, the community bank is indeed a local product that supports local communities.”
So what are some benefits to banking with a local community bank? Here are a few cited by Mr. Gunther:
- “Community banks are locally owned and geographically centralized. This means the money deposited by citizens in your town is generally loaned back to citizens in your town” – not citizens or businesses in other states or even counties.
- “Local management also means faster decision making and less red tape.”
- “At community banks, there are fewer layers to get to the top, which means you have easier access to executives.”
- The employees of community banks are almost always from the community. They “know the community and have been working at the bank long enough to know how to best meet the needs of the community. They know the market and have a vested interest in seeing the local economy succeed.”
- Smaller banks are better to work with you when you have problems with your account. “[They] work with you to avoid fees in the first place and, when incurred, they don’t sting as much as those of their bigger brethren.”
When you consider “going local,” do as Mr. Gunther suggests and “realize that as much as spending locally lifts communities, saving and borrowing locally does, too,”
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“How much should I have in savings?”
It’s not often that I read the magazines in the break room–partly because I could care less what’s going on with Brangelina or because I have no interest in making cupcakes look like butterflies. But I confess to opening the April 1, 2009 issue of Family Circle Magazine a few days ago and stumbling upon an article by Kate Ashford titled “Financial Planner.” The article was shorter (much shorter) than I expected, but there were some good bits of advice.
“Confused by the economy?” Ms. Ashford begins, then answers four (only four, mind you) finance-related questions. I’m not going to repeat them all–you can click the link to the article above if you want to read the entire piece. The third question and response is worth sharing here because I hear this question with some regularity when I’m in the bank, and when people I meet find out I work at a bank:
“Q. How much should I have in savings?
A} At least six months of living expenses. The general rule of thumb has always been that dual-income families should have three to six months of living expenses accessible in a savings account…But fewer than 40% of adults have enough in savings to tide them over for even three months, according to Bankrate.com. And now that the economy is so uncertain, experts are leaning toward six months. “If someone loses his job, it’s anybody’s guess how long it will take to become employed again,” says Donald E. Whalen, a certified financial planner in Alpharetta, Georgia. But don’t get overwhelmed by the thought of having to save so much money-”living expenses” doesn’t mean cash for leisure activities. It’s the money needed to cover bare essentials, like mortgage, food, and health insurance.”
To beef up your emergency fund:
A) Set up a weekly automatic debit from your checking account into a high-interest savings account, and increase the amount when you can.
B) Raise the deductibles on your home and auto insurance, or shop around for a better deal, and then stow the difference in a savings account.
C) When you finish paying off a credit card, keep making payments-to your emergency fund.
D) Try bundling expenses (like getting phone, Internet and cable from one company) then stash the savings.”
These are great ideas, and the emphasis is clear: Look for places to cut expenses and then save the money rather than spend it. For more ideas on how to save money, check out some of our past posts.
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Half-empty or Half-full?
The US Department of Labor released a report today stating that the national unemployment rate rose to 8.5% in March 2009 — the highest level since 1983. At the risk of sounding a little heartless: So what? What does this often quoted statistic mean to me and you? It’s 8.5% of what? How does Utah, or Utah County, or Orem, Lindon, Pleasant Grove, or American Fork fit into this statistic? These are all good questions that deserve some attention. So here goes…
The unemployment rate is a measure of the percentage of the work force that is unemployed at any given date–which means that 91.5% of the work force is still employed according to the March 2009 numbers.
How does this affect us locally? For simplicity’s sake, let’s take a look at February’s statistics, because we have them for the nation and state. In February 2009, the US unemployment rate (or sometimes called jobless rate) was 8.1%, which means that the 91.9% of the workforce who wanted to be employed had a job. The rate for the same period in Utah was 5.1% (or 94.9% employed). This puts Utah at number six on the list behind Wyoming (3.9%), Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa (4.9%) out of the 50 states and Washington D.C. In the Provo-Orem and Salt Lake City Metropolitan Statistical Areas, the rate was 5.2%. This places our local rate at 27 on a list of 372 other Metropolitan Statistical Areas.
We all know we’re in turbulent economic times, but in our neck of the woods we’re not being impacted as heavily as other areas of the country, and we’re not getting through it unscathed, either. Have we seen the worst of it? Probably not. Is the glass half-empty? No. There is still plenty to be thankful for, because it surely could be a lot worse for many more people.
Chances are high that you know someone who has been laid-off or needs a job. Do them a favor by keeping your ears and eyes open for opportunities, and let them know about what you see or hear. History tells us that communities that work together are usually better insulated against downturns as each member helps his or her fellow citizens. The situation will get better. At a recent event I attended, Steve Forbes, the Chairman and CEO of Forbes, Inc., and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Magazine, said, “The world can only end once–and this is not it.”
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Tax Fun Facts
Is it really fair to place the words “tax” and “fun” next to each other? We’ll let you decide, but with April 15th bearing down on us, here are some interesting–if not fun–tax facts to divert your thoughts for a few minutes and hopefully lift your spirits.
- The first property tax in the United States was in 1798.
- The first US income tax started during in the Civil War to help raise money back in 1862.
- The first federal tax office in the US was the Office of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue in 1862.
- The 16th Amendment, ratified in 1913, established the first permanent US income tax. Four states rejected the amendment: Connecticut, Florida, Rhode Island, and Utah, and two never considered/discussed it: Pennsylvania, Virginia.
- The Gettysburg address, one of the greatest speeches in U.S. history, has 269 words. The Declaration of Independence contains 1,337 words. The Holy Bible consists of 773,000 words. Yet there are over 7,000,000 (not a typo that is 7 million) words in the U.S. Tax Code (laws and regulations).
- There were 402 tax forms in 1990, by 2002 that number jumped to a staggering 526.
- The number of pages in the tax code and regulations went from 26,300 in 1984 to an astonishing 54,846 in 2003. There are 500 pages in a ream (standard package) of paper–that’s nearly 110 reams of paper! A ream is about two inces thick, so if you stacked all 54,846 pages on top of each other, you would have a stack of paper 220 inches high, or about 18 feet tall!!
- The IRS sends out over 8 billion pages in forms and instructions every single year, that’s nearly 300,000 trees. (Thankfully, they now use recycled paper).
- The easiest form, the 1040EZ, has 33 pages of instructions–ridiculous.
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