MoneyAndBudgetTips.com

Junk Debt Buyers Target the Wrong People

moneyguy — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 23:26:26 +0000

Junk debt buyers are increasingly hounding consumers, trying to convince them that they need to pay debts that they never incurred. Typically, junk debt buyers purchase old debt that’s been written off by the original creditor; often, they purchase debt that’s already been repurchased by another buyer. They might purchase $1 million worth of debt for $50,000 or less. What they receive for their money is usually a database that contains consumer names, amounts allegedly owed, and perhaps an old address or phone number.

Debt buyers then put technology to work for them, using data mining techniques to get a bead on the consumer. All too often, though, the results are anything but reliable. They might have a record on John Rowe from Greensville, but go after Jack Rowe from Greenstown.

In other words, debt collectors call the wrong people, tell them that they owe money, and try and coerce them into a “deal” whereby the amount will be reduced if they pay immediately. It’s easy to see why this method is effective. If a debt buyer cons just a few dozen people into paying up, he’s made a profit.

In the process, a debt collector may try to extract additional information from the consumer, such as his or her Social Security number, place of employment, or other data that will support the debt collection agency’s efforts to track the consumer down. It’s within your rights – and in your best interest – to refuse to supply a debt collector with additional information. He’s basically on a fishing expedition.

It’s also important to demand a validation of the debt. Because debt buyers often have scant information about the original debt, they’re often unable to validate the debt. Once you ask for debt validation, they’re not allowed to contact you until they provide it in writing. If they do provide validation, carefully go through your records and credit reports to see if you might have incurred the debt. If the debt is not yours, dispute the debt. If the debt is yours, see if it’s beyond your state’s statute of limitations. If so, the debt is uncollectible.

When you want the debt to be validation or when you want to dispute a debt, it’s important to do so in writing. Send the letter via certified mail, with a return receipt requested. In the meantime, keep a log of all the communication you receive from the debt collection agency. Note the days and times you receive calls, who called, and what was said. Similarly, keep all written communication (including the outer envelopes) and note the dates you received the letters.

When debt buyers go after the wrong consumer, it’s known as zombie debt collection. If you’re the victim of zombie debt collection tactics, know that you’re protected under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The FDCPA doesn’t only apply to those who owe money; it applies to everyone.

-
About the Author:
Sergei Lemberg, Esq. is the Principal of Lemberg & Associates, a law firm specializing in fair debt collection law, lemon law, and other consumer law.
Article Source

Scholarship Searches – Worth A Full Time Effort

moneyguy — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 01:16:41 +0000

Scholarship searches really overwhelm students and with so many sites and offers, they are simply left out thinking whether you should even apply or not. It is always better to start your search when you are a high school senior if you need money to pay for your college. For the students who have already joined the college, the search becomes difficult because the options left out are few. So, it is better you start your search as early as possible. You can search and keep the list with you in which you can write about the scholarships, their requirements and the deadlines of each of them.

When you will go for a scholarship search, you will need few things to keep in mind so that you end with a good option. Look for the scholarships and see whether there requirements set for that scholarship program matches with your abilities. This will give you an idea whether you can apply for that scholarship or not and also whether the scholarship award is enough to accomplishing your academic dream. Once assured, you can apply for that scholarship when time comes.

Scholarship searches means time involvement and you should be ready for that. Some students opt for full time and part time jobs so that to fund their college education. From the point of view of money, it is good, as you will have money to spend on your educational expenses and meet other everyday expenditure too. But your studies will get hampered. You will not be able to attend classes and give sufficient time for your studies. Whereas, scholarships can be lucrative especially if you are able to win a few of them together. You do not even have to pay them back after completion of your studies.

Just like any other scholastic work, you might need a coach here to help you perform searches. You can join the legitimate websites that offer free service to the students and help them find suitable scholarships and good colleges too. By starting scholarship searches early in your high school you will find that possibilities are wide.

-
About the Author:
Carl Evangelista helps you with a step-by-step guide to obtaining scholarships for any need. Whether you’re looking for scholarship research, proposal writing tips, or just to see if there is a scholarship that fits your needs. For more info visit www.scholarshipsorgrants.com
Article Source

Unemployed Loans: Excellent Reach of Acquiring Funds Quickly

moneyguy — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 12:54:35 +0000

When we are in this world we have to carry out at least our daily needs whether we have steady source of earning or out of job because nobody can live without the basic necessities of life. Now what to do when one is out of income source or unemployed. Noticing the condition of countries like U.K. these figures have been rising at rapid pace regarding unemployment problem. With a yearly escalation rate of around 2.7% the count of unemployed has reached a figure of around a million because of basic reason of loss of jobs. And most of the U.K inhabitants go through this difficult phase. It is very easy to get a loan only for the people who have a job but for those who are unemployed, the processing of availing a loan is quiet burdensome. But the good thing is that it is not so any more because now lenders are ready online to provide loan to unemployed people also because they have lunched a loan scheme that is unemployed loans. These loans have mainly tailored for unemployed individuals who need cash. So, if you are an unemployed and are craving for cash, get the help of these loans and solve your worries instantly.

As loans for unemployed are tailor-made for jobless people hence, there is no call of income proof and also no need to pledge anything as collateral against the loan amount. Thus, people without job can borrow unemployed loans to pay off their pending bills and improve their financial status as well. Unemployed loans can also be acquired for debt consolidation that helps jobless people to enhance their credit score.

Unemployed loans are accessible even by those who have bad credit because there is no credit check with these loans. They are approved very fast for your abrupt or unexpected requirements such as medical expenses, emergency repairs of the home or any other need. Once you are approved for the loan, your bank account will be blessed with your required loan amount. It hardly takes few minutes after the approval to get the money deposited directly into your checking account.

-
About the Author:
Kerrry Thomas has got expertise in writing blog and articles as well as press release on unemployed loan. Therefore, he is a prominent loan consultant. But right now Unemployed, Unemployed Loans, Unemployed tenant loans, Loans for the unemployed, in order to share his achieved experience to the present generation. Visit http://www.unemployedloans4uk.co.uk.

Article Source

The capped mortgage

moneyguy — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:15:07 +0000

There are many different types of mortgage available and it can be confusing to know which is right for you but for first time buyers and those who are not into taking risks when it comes to interest rates, a capped mortgage might well be the best option. So what is a capped mortgage and what benefits can it offer and to who? A capped mortgage is essentially a combination of the best bits of the fixed and variable rate mortgage types; as with a tracker mortgage, when you choose a capped rate mortgage you will start out on a variable rate but unlike a tracker mortgage where your repayments are controlled by interest rates no matter how high or low they go, with a capped mortgage repayments are controlled by interest rates but only up to a pre-agreed and arranged level. This means that while your repayments will go up and down, they will never go above a certain level and you won’t get any nasty surprises, essentially meaning that you get the sense of security associated with a fixed rate mortgage. But don’t jump into a mortgage on the basis that it sounds like a good deal, make sure that you get sound financial advice from professional mortgage brokers that you can trust or that have been recommended to you. The things to think about when it comes to deciding whether a capped mortgage is right for you are as follows: • Make sure that you understand the rate at which you start off paying with the capped mortgage deal on offer, ideally this should be low if it is to be worthwhile so do a comparison between the starting rate of the capped mortgage and the other types of mortgage you are considering.
• Ask the mortgage broker to define exactly when the capped rate will end so you can judge whether this is likely to be just before interest rates rise again.
• Check that you are happy and can afford to settle the mortgage repayments even at the cap, in other words at the highest these repayments will be during the agreed period. As with all financial discussions, it is important to fully understand your options before you commit to anything by signing on the dotted line; a reputable whole of market mortgage broker should be able to put you in the picture when it comes to the different types of mortgage and which ones are available to you.
-
About the Author:
Jamie Francis is an experienced author having worked in various fields including technology for many years.
Article Source

Free Scholarship

moneyguy — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:30:52 +0000

Many scholarships are available for students who wish to pursue their education further. If you are looking for a free scholarship to apply, you will have to research well and make some preparation regarding the application process. Make sure you are well aware of the field of education and the subject in which you wish to major and then look for the options that are open for you on Internet. When you are making use of Internet, keep in mind that you log on to only legitimate websites. It is important that you read and understand the application procedure.

Scholarships are the best way to arrange for finances for your education. It is free financial aid given to eligible and deserving students according to the sponsor. Private scholarships are found in abundance and so you have to go through the expectations of the sponsor first. If possible find the details of the sponsor and his intentions behind sponsoring students to help pursue their education. The objective behind every scholarship is helping students complete their education without any financial burden. But every sponsor expects and has its specific criteria to choose candidates.

Free scholarship programs are easy to apply. This does not mean that you will easily get the scholarship money also. Since the convenience and ease of application is offered to the students, the competition is tough. However, always watch out the deadlines and it is better to apply for the scholarships as early as you can. This not only saves you from talking any chance to miss the last date, it also leaves a good impression on the members of the selection panel.

Also, some of the scholarships are based on first come first serve basis. So, if you are late in applying for that, you will miss the chance. Furthermore, it is not necessary that since you have applied successfully for any scholarship, you will win the award money also. There are many factors that play their role in helping you get the free scholarship money and so do your best and apply for more and more scholarships.

The Coming Economic Collapse

moneyguy — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:19:05 +0000

In his book “THE COMING ECONOMIC COLLAPSE”, Dr. Stephen Leeb predicted that the U.S. economy was standing on the brink of the biggest crisis in its history (which is now here). As the fast-growing economies of China and India pushed global demand for oil beyond production capacity, Americans experienced an energy shortfall far worse than the one in the 1970s. The result has been severe financial hardship for most people and the concept of “Trickle Up Poverty” has been realized.

The result of this has been the inevitable destruction of the economy of the United States. This effort has not been due to the actions of one party or another but due to the complicit activities of leaders in both the Democratic and Republican parties. In particular, the Bush family led the charge. In Peter Schweizer’s book “Victory” about the late great President Reagan’s efforts to destroy the Soviet Union (their economy was destroyed by encouraging the Saudi’s to increase their oil production which caused the USSR to lose $1B per year in hard currency whenever the cost of Oil dropped $1/barrel) Mr. Schweizer documented how President Reagan’s VP at the time (George Bush Sr.) went behind the President’s back (at the encouragement of his Houston pals in the oil and gas business) and tried to encourage the Saudi royal family to slow down their production. Of course President Reagan found out about this and instead of demanding the VP resign from office simply dressed him down in front of his senior staffers.

So – our enemies (who are funded by our reliance on petroleum) have switched things on us and instead of us wrecking our enemies’ economy, our economy is in ruins. The only way out of this situation is to develop some type of renewable energy which will permit us to have sufficient electricity to convert to electric vehicles. Until we do so, we will be held hostage by those who wish to see our economy in ruins which is pretty close to that point now. Theodore (Ted) Sumrall

-
About the Author:
Dr. Sumrall is the President of The Institute for Energy Independence
Article Source

How Can Parabolic Solar Collectors Give You Cheaper Energy

moneyguy — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 03:06:11 +0000

Advances in parabolic solar collectors are happening much faster then expected. So fast, in fact, that they could soon make the idea of solar operated homes a normal occurrence rather than the oddity that it is now.

Students and researchers at MIT have been working on a novel design for parabolic solar collectors. These new collectors are capable of extracting an astounding amount of energy from the sun at an incredibly rapid rate. Think of focusing the sunlight through a hand held magnifying glass.

When the sunlight is focused right, eventually it will cause tinder to explode into flame. Compare that with what happens when you focus that same beam of sunlight through one of these newly designed parabolic solar collectors. Instead of waiting minutes for the tinder to catch flame, you will wait only seconds. This is the promise of how fast this new solar technology threatens to make the old solar technologies obsolete.

In a pure technical sense, this new technology is still considered to be in the research phase. Pupils and research investigators at MIT are refining and improving their working models. The rate of improvement has grown so rapidly, however, that it seems only a matter of time before the technology is unleashed on the world.

Besides from the fact that it is a huge advance over former means of amassing solar energy such as voltaic panels, the design is deceptively simple and the cost is extremely inexpensive. In essence the parabolic solar collector consists of a ten foot frame built of aluminum tubes with mirrors attached.

If polls are to be believed, this new technology has plenty of potential customers just waiting for it to hit the market. Millions of people who have been waiting years for the promise of solar technology for years but have been put off by the long payback periods of the technology.

If you install solar energy devices In the proper areas of the country, specifically those with a great deal of sunlight, your installation cost will probably be recovered in approximately ten years. The problem that stops most people is the huge upfront fee needed to pay for the solar panels and installation.

But what if the upfront costs of solar energy could be radically reduced? And, what if the payback time could be reduced as well? Then upgrading to a solar based house could easily become a no-brainer. And this is the promise of the new parabolic solar collector technology.

Politicians have been talking about renewable and green forms of energy for decades now. Regrettably, when it comes to politicians on the national scene,there have been only lukewarm endeavors to push the American citizenry towards adopting solar or other forms of energy. With the new advances at MIT and other places, however, the government may not be needed once knowledge of the new technologies reaches the general population and they begin to demand to see it in the marketplace.

-
About the Author:
Solar power is fast becoming a viable energy resource. For more info on solar panel electricity, solar hot water panel, and other solar power related articles, please see our website.
Article Source

Ready for Retirement? Thousands Aren't: Make Sure You're not one of them

moneyguy — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:41:51 +0000

As little as 5% of adults entering retirement feel ‘fully prepared’ says MGM Advantage Retirement Nation’s recent report, down compared to 2008 figures showing 39% ready to retire.

Only 15% took professional financial advice and 8% went to the bank to ask for help. 6% asked a friend what they should do. Just over a third of the 65 plus age bracket still in a job expected to continue working to 71 and 9% to the age of 80 and only 31% managed to rack up a savings pot to tide them over in retirement.

Hugely Worrying Because “so few are unprepared”

Craig Fazzini-Jones, MGM Advantage director, said: “It is hugely worrying that so many people nearing retirement are unprepared for the financial implications of this stage of their lives. Part of the problem is that relatively few people seek professional advice before they retire, but it’s crucial that people are extremely proactive in checking their finances at this time. This lack of financial planning means that more people will have to work longer to ensure that they have an adequate income in retirement.”

Release Cash from your House

Is your house worth a fair bit now since you bought it? If so, why not take some of the value out of it? Whatever you take out will be tax free.

And what could you do with it? Buy a car or caravan? Pay off some debts? Go away on a dream holiday, a cruise maybe? Take the grandkids away? Get that work done on the house? Pay out for a bit of help around the home? Give a bit of help to the family? Whatever you want to spend it on, it really doesn’t matter; you can take a lump sum or a fund to draw from whenever you want.

Managing Director of Bower Retirement Services Geoff Charles says: “It doesn’t matter what you want the money for, you can release cash from your home and spend it on what you like. Take what you need as a lump sum if that’s what’s best for you, or arrange for a fund to be set up and take from it what you need, when you need it.”

Equity release may involve a lifetime mortgage or home reversion plan. To understand the features and risks, please ask for a personalised illustration.

-
About the Author:
Bower Retirement Services is an FSA regulated independent financial advice company that offers specialist advice on equity release throughout the UK. For more information e-mail info@brsequity.co.uk or call 0800 4118668. Bower Retirement Services offers a no obligation initial consultation to homeowners considering Equity Release. Find out more by visiting http://www.brsequity.co.uk.
Article Source

Save on Your Magazine Subscriptions

moneyguy — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:39:08 +0000

If I told you that you could save up to 90% on something and not have to do extra work to save would you do it? Of course you would. Yet, many people still overpay for their favorite magazines by as much as 90%!

One of the biggest benefits to a magazine subscription is convenience. Now, you won’t have to go out and buy your favorite magazines on magazines stores or stalls or grocery stores. Getting those magazine subscription monthly, bi-monthly or weekly without the hassle of going out (and even finding out that the magazine you are looking has not yet arrived or out of stock) could be the best reason for getting a magazine subscription.

Magazine subscriptions have other perks you might not think of. You will always get the latest editions as soon as they come out. No more trips to the bookstore only to be disappointed that your magazine has not come out yet. In addition, you will receive any special editions the magazine might have.

On top of the normal great deals, you can save even more by searching for discount magazine subscriptions and using coupons. Using coupon codes by searching the publishers name is one great deal that you should not miss out on. This can help you out by spending less money than you would have done when buying at stores. Often times you can find coupons and discounts to certain magazines. Certain stores often run sales up to 25% off already reduced prices.

Another thing to keep in mind when purchasing a magazine subscription is the number of issues you will receive a year. There are certain magazines that are published every week, others every month and some annually. For example, entertainment magazines are usually out every other week because of the never ending showbiz news so it will be wise of you to subscribe with these time frame. Health magazines on the other hand is preferably to be subscribed with annually, there are just a few advancement in medicine technology that you don’t need to have it delivered on your doorstep every month.

So remember, saving on your favorite magazine is simple. Once you find something you like to read consistently, sign up for a yearly subscription. Then, see if there are any coupons you can use to save even more. Finally, make sure you have plenty of time to read all your magazines that you can now easily afford.

-
About the Author:
Before you make your next magazine purchase, be sure the visit Coupon Mole to find any discount magazines that are available. Coupon Mole lists discount magazines to hundreds of popular magazines. If you are looking for printable coupons to other stores, Coupon Mole lists thousands of printable coupons and coupon codes to all your favorite retailers.
Article Source

Non-homeowner loans: Fulfil your dreams

moneyguy — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:04:14 +0000

Having not a home of your own may be troubling sometimes as one cannot get secured loans easily. Moreover, the rate of interest charged for these loans is usually higher than those for the secured loans. While one is living his life, sometimes he may be in need of money to satisfy his urgent expenses like consolidating debts, purchasing cars, pay-off home installments, education fee, exotic vacation expenses etc. as he cannot afford all the expenses from his fixed monthly income. In such a situation, one can look for a loan to satisfy his urgent expenses. But getting a loan is not at all easy for a non-homeowner as most of the lenders deny granting loans to non-homeowners. But, these days’ non-homeowner loans have been introduced to help those people take a loan who actually do not own a home of their own. These loans are specially meant for the non-homeowners like tenants and students.

Nonhomeowner loans are those loans that do not require any kind of security to be placed against the loan amount. These loans can be availed quickly as they do not involve paper-work. Thus, availing such loans does not consume much time. These loans have loan amount ranging from Ł1000 to Ł25000 and the loan repayment term is about 1 to 10 years. The lender is at complete risk as he does not have any kind of security in case the borrower fails to repay the entire loan amount by the time. In order to recover his risk to some extent, he imposes higher rate of interest on the loan. The loan repayment period is also shorter for these loans. The borrowers with bad credit record like arrears, defaults, late payments, missed payments, CCJ’s, insolvency etc. can also avail these loans without any kind of trouble. Before applying for these loans the borrowers must satisfy some conditions like he must be a trustworthy citizen of UK, must be 18 years old or above, must be having regular monthly income not less than $1000 and must have a valid bank account for the transactions to take place.

The borrowers must search on internet for the suitable loan deal by comparing the loan offers of different lenders available online. Online loan application process is very easy as it does not involve paper-work and is lesser time consuming. One can apply for these loans by sitting at his home only. He is no more required to stand in long queues for the sake of loan application process. The borrowers are now just required to fill an online application form with the required details and send that form to the lender online. The loan amount will be transacted to their account the same day or the very next day.

-
About the Author:
Calvin Mark is author of Non Homeowner Loans. For more information about tenant loans, loans for unemployed tenant visit http://www.nonhomeownerloans.me.uk
Article Source