Four Questions to Ask When a Debt Collector Calls

For some, receiving a debt collection call can cause panic to rise. For others, it can bring on a sense of resignation. For still others, it can create an urge to put their proverbial heads in the sand. While any of these reactions is understandable, none serve a useful purpose. Instead, a practical, reasoned approach will result in a more successful outcome. A good place to start is by asking yourself four questions:

1. Is the debt collector calling the right person? All too often, bill collectors call the wrong person. This could be for any number of reasons. For example, a debt buyer typically purchases charged-off debt for pennies on the dollar, and receives very little information about the consumers who owe the money. Debt collectors may wrongly call people who have the same name, who have a phone number once owned by the person who owes the money, or lives at the same address as the person who owes the money. If the debt collector has a wrong number, tell him so, and begin noting the dates and times of the calls. You could have a case against the debt collection agency if the calls persist.

2. Is the debt mine to pay? There could be a number of reasons why you're not legally responsible for the debt. It could be that the debt is very old, and is past the statute of limitations in your state. If that's the case, the debt collector cannot take you to court in order to get you to pay. It could be that the debt is that of a relative or someone who is recently deceased. With few exceptions (such as if you cosigned for the debt), you're not responsible. If you suspect that debt is yours to pay, ask for a validation notice just to be sure. The debt collector must send you information proving that the debt is valid.

3. What are my options? If the debt is valid, you have a number of options - but doing nothing is never a good option. If you have the money to repay the debt, negotiate a settlement with the debt collector - but get the terms in writing. There is a huge turnover in that industry, so the person you're dealing with this week might be gone next week. In addition, never give a debt collector your bank information or other payment information. Instead, insist on sending money orders via mail. If you don't have the money to repay the debt, say so. If the debt collection agency files suit against you, go to court to defend yourself. If you don't show up, a judge will likely enter a judgment in the debt collection agency's favor, meaning that they could garnish your wages or freeze your bank accounts. If you go to court, chances are that you'll prevail.

4. Do I need an attorney? If you suspect that a debt collector has crossed the line by harassing, threatening, or embarrassing you, consult a fair debt attorney. You may be able to sue the debt collector in court. You shouldn't have to pay attorney fees or court costs, as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act says that unscrupulous debt collectors have to pay those costs. Also, keep in mind that if you have an attorney, all communication from a debt collector must go through your attorney. In other words, the debt collection calls and letters will stop.

Sergei Lemberg, Esq. is the Principal of Lemberg & Associates, a law firm practicing fair debt collection law, lemon law, and other consumer law.

Reasons to Take Out a Home Equity Loan

With all of the different types of loans available to consumers, how do you know which one is right for you? There are several things that you should consider. What do you want the money for? How will you repay the loan? Which rates are the best? This article will take a look at some of the reasons that taking out a home equity loan might work out for you. With the proper research you will be able to decide if a home equity loan is right for your situation. This type of loan is actual a loan that you will take out with your home as the collateral. The loans typically have a fixed interest or the option to have a variable interest rate.

You can also get either a full loan or a line of credit that allows you to only borrow the amount that you will need. Knowing this information, there are many reasons to choose this loan.

One reason that people may choose this loan over other types that are available is because the money is there. Since you are talking it out against your home, you are able to access the money a lot easier than if you were to go through another loan.

The loan will also help lower the amount of taxes that you pay every year. If you happen to take out home equity then you are able to write off the interest that incurs therefore pay lower taxes every year. Who wouldn't want to save on their taxes?

What about paying for college? Economic times have been hard and it may have been difficult for you to put aside as much money as you originally intended. Well, now you can have another way to help pay for your child's future rather than starting them a life of debt. You will also have the flexibility to pull the money out in one lump sum or gradually pay their tuition over time. You determine how much you want to take out.

Speaking of you being able to decide which type of equity that you want, after you decide on a loan or line, you will be able to also set the terms of the loan. This lets you be in more control of you financial future versus other options that are out there.

Now let's talk about some of the other reasons people may want to take out some of this money. You have a life to live and things can always happen. You never know when you will need to make home repairs and sometimes they can be costly. Or, what about taking a family vacation? Think about all the memories that you can make with your family by borrowing a little bit more money. Finally, since the rates are a little better on these loans, why not consolidate you other bills that have higher interest rates? Yep, that is right you can do that. It is just smart. If you owe the money anyway, why not owe a little less because you have better interest rates?

MaryLou Walston
Home Equity Loan Rates
Home Loan

What's Involved in Getting a Personal Loan When You Have Bad Credit

You may think that just because your credit isn't the best that you won't qualify for a loan. You would be wrong if you thought that because the truth is there are plenty of banks out there that give bad credit personal loans. There are some things that you have to consider when you are in need of one so let's take a look at them in more detail.

The first thing you should know is that not everyone is going to offer you a loan. You have to do your homework and find places that offer them for people in your situation. That doesn't mean that you have to find a needle in a haystack or anything close to it. It just means that you will have to do a little research to find one.

The biggest thing that you have to realize is that you will most likely be paying a higher interest rate. This should not come as a surprise because that is just how these things work. People with good credit get better interest rates and that is how it has always been. You should be prepared for this when you go in to apply for a loan. You should also know that some will be secured while others are unsecured. This simply means that you may have to put up collateral (secured) or not (unsecured). Collateral can be your house, car, or any valuable item that you own.

You should also understand how the lender determines if you are eligible or not. The first and most important criterion is your current financial situation. They will check your credit report and score to determine your eligibility. They will also look at your income and what your bills are. Once they approve you, you will agree to the terms and basically sign off on it. You will then get the money you requested and pay it back according to the payment terms in the agreement. The good thing is that if you meet the terms and pay them on time it will only help your current financial situation. Paying off a loan will help your credit score so the next time you may get a better rate.

Understanding bad credit personal loans will go a long way when you are in need of one. Make sure you do your homework to find the right lender and once you agree to the terms you are on your way to restoring your credit.

To learn more about bad credit personal loans please visit this link!

Learning To Budget - What's the Best Way to Budget Money?

Managing your money is easier said than done. But the best part is, you don't have to be a rocket scientist. Only simple skills are required: basic math of addition and subtraction. Everybody has it. The only thing missing is that you are not doing it.

Perhaps you are brought to this article because you want to know how to handle your hard-earned "dough". You haven't managed your money properly until you have started making your financial plans. The next thing you need to learn is how to create an effective budget that is tailored to your unique self.

Create an Effective Budget. How do you create one? There are so many advisers around telling you how to prepare it. The bottom line is the fact that it needs to be up and running and created specifically for you, otherwise it is just a waste of your time. You need to create a budget that is simple and effective. A useful budget that is aligned to your needs.

Save. As the saying goes, always save for the rainy days. Even the ants stock up their food during the summer. You should start to save money too. But the sad truth to most of us, almost nothing is left after paying those pesky bills. Your budget is your most helpful tool, it gives you an idea much you will be spending in the future and that in return provides you a sneak peek if there will be extra money left in your pocket.

Did I mention that your budget has to be written? When you design your own, write down all your income and subtract your bills or expenses. Please remember that one of the important factors of creating a budget is that it allows you to identify your expenses ahead of time. The difference between your earnings and budgeted spending is the overage or shortage amount. Recording your checks is not budgeting. It is an example of your actual financial event that has transpired. A budget is your monetary plans before it hits your checkbook.

Your budgeting goal needs to realistic. Recognize only the income that you will actually earn. Making one may sound complicated to others but it is simple once you get used doing it. As a reminder from the author, "Budgeting is always a battle you wage against your own self. Therefore, always plan and be prepared."

Copyright 2012 Theresa Pacheco. All rights reserved.

Please visit my website on how to budget effectively:

4-Steps to Budget Your Paycheck Effectively: http://thegirls.hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Budget-My-Income

The Effects of Paying High Gas Prices: http://thegirls.hubpages.com/hub/Gas-vs-Bus

Rules, Guidelines and Tips for Filing Bankruptcy in Maryland

While bankruptcy is federally legislated, filing bankruptcy in Maryland and in other states is different in terms of specific local regulations, codes and requirements. Not only that, but all Maryland bankruptcy lawyers will tell you that codes are frequently updated and revised, making it challenging for the average individual to try to handle on their own. Here's a quick guide to some of the regulations and rules for filing bankruptcy in Maryland.

So, just how much different can filing bankruptcy in Maryland be compared to other states and districts? The handy PDF guide from the District of Maryland United States Bankruptcy Court website, MDB.USCourts.Gov, is 186 pages in length. That's a nearly impossible collection of specifications, rules and guidelines for anybody to sort through on their own, and that's why the experience, expertise and intimate knowledge of the code of seasoned Maryland bankruptcy lawyers is so crucial.

There are certain key points in terms of eligibility though that are easier to understand. One key difference in different locales is the amount of property or assets eligible to be protected. When filing bankruptcy in Maryland, an individual is generally allowed to protect up to $12,000 of property. Married couples can double that to $24,000.

Depending on personal circumstances, there may be different allotments, but that's the standard. However, if you have not lived in Maryland for at least two years prior to filing, you may not be eligible for these exemptions at all.

It's also important to know the straight fees involved when filing bankruptcy in Maryland. To file Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Maryland, for example, there's a petition fee of $306, and Chapter 13 carries a petition fee of $281. All motions, appeals, documentation requests and other filings carry their own additional fees however. Many Maryland bankruptcy lawyers include these fees in what you pay to them, while others may tack it onto their charges for handling your case.

Another useful guideline is the time frame that you can expect your case to be handled in. Generally, a discharge when filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Maryland will be entered within 90 days of filing the petition, while the case will remain open for six months, according to the Maryland State Bar Association.

Ultimately, working with Maryland bankruptcy lawyers will be the best way to make the proceedings go as smoothly as possible, while ensuring that your best interests are protected. Filing bankruptcy in Maryland can be handled on your own, but Maryland bankruptcy lawyers are well versed in all of the latest regulations, the specific codes and requirements, and the exact processes involved to make sure that a favorable outcome is achieved.

When you're ready to find a high quality, affordable bankruptcy attorney in Maryland, visit the Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein, LLC, at BrandonBernsteinLaw.com. You'll be able to rest easy with a bright, secure financial future when you choose Mr. Bernstein's firm to help you as your new Maryland bankruptcy lawyers.

This article does not represent legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. Always consult with an attorney before making any legal or financial decisions.

Your Credit, Your Money, Your Life - Special Report About Credit And How It Affects You!

Credit report information
Details about your financial behavior and identification information are contained in your personal credit report. This consumer-friendly report is sometimes called a credit file/report or a credit bureau. A copy of your credit report makes it easy for you to understand the information a lender would be seeing if they review your credit history. The typical consumer credit report includes four types of information.

By law, a credit report cannot disclose certain medical information (relating to physical, mental, or behavioral health or condition). Although they do not generally collect such information, it could appear in the name of a data furnisher (i.e., "Cancer Center") that reports your payment history however. If so, those names display in your report, but in reports to others they display only as medical payment data. Consumer statements included on your report at your request that contain medical information are disclosed to others.

Public record information in some states may also include overdue child support. Bankruptcy information can remain on your credit report up to 10 years; unpaid tax liens can remain for up to 15 years; other public record information can remain up to seven years.

Credit information includes specific account information, such as the date opened, credit limit or loan amount, balance and monthly payment and payment pattern. The report also states whether anyone besides you (a joint account holder or cosigner, for example) is responsible for paying the account. Active positive credit information may remain on your report indefinitely, while most negative information remains up to seven years. The most important factors to look for on your credit report are as follows:

Account Name/Number
Balance
Status (Collection, Chargeoff, Previously Late, Paid, etc.)
Credit agencies listing the item
Imortant Dates (Open date, Close Date, Activity dates)

Most important above all is your credit score. This number gives you a indication of your "credit health".

300-499 - Terrible
500-599 - Poor
600-650 - Fair
650-699 - Good
700-850 - Excellent

Personal information is also contained in your report and can include your name, current and previous addresses, telephone number, reported variations of your Social Security number, date of birth and current and previous employers.

Two main factors determine your overall credit strength and are considered by all lenders and creditors before approving you for a specific rate. The worse these two factors are, the worse rate you get, or the more often you will be turned down all together for loans and credit lines:

Credit Score (as determined by your both your positive and negative credit history)
Debt to Income Ratio

No one can improve your debt to income ratio, only you can. It basically means how much money you make versus how much you already have credit you have extended

If you have a low credit score however, this will also be one of the biggest reasons why you will always pay more to get less. Or worse, why you will get denied for the loan, or credit line you want. It is so important to your financial health to raise your credit score and improve your credit situation if you have poor or even just a few marks against you on your credit report.

You will save more (tens of thousands over a period of years) and you will always be able to have more than someone with poor credit. It's just a simple truth.

There are several ways you can raise your credit score and improve your credit. The most popular and by far the fastest is to use a trusted credit repair service.

After many requests to research the top credit repair companies available online, this is what we found... There are many options available and it does not surprise us to see many "every day" people get taken by false claims and empty promises. If you're unhappy with your credit, and you're looking for a little help, then you'll be glad to know that we've saved you the time, and bypassed the headaches of looking for the best affordable option.

If you are making payments on a car, you are probably paying between $4,000 and $8,000 more in interest just for having bad credit. This added interest shows up every month in a higher payment. Take a look:

$30,000 car paid over five years:
Credit Status Rate Payment Cost of
Bad Credit
Excellent 5% $566.14 $0.00
Mildly Damaged 8% $608.29 $2529.00
Damaged 12% $667.33 $6071.40

So many people just live out their lives with poor credit and low credit scores. They don't even realize how much it is costing them, and worse yet, they don't even know credit repair is available.

Thank you for viewing my article I am author Rob Lingham and here is a recognized leader in credit repair, They have put together one of the most complete solutions for repairing your credit the very best that I could find anywhere. They take care of everything for you. EVERYTHING. http://freecreditscorefix.blogspot.com

Regaining Your Financial Future Through Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Life changes all the time. One minute you are high on life, planning a wedding, buying a new home, furnishing it and racking up credit debt like no tomorrow. You are on top of the world. You are working in a position that gives you freedom and an unlimited expense account with an impressive salary. Your beautiful wife has put her career on hold as she is expecting baby number two. This is it you are living the ultimate dream in life. What happens next is unforeseeable and devastating.

The big boss is in from out of state. He is very sorry but the company is looking to merge and with the merge many positions are going to be eliminated, yours being one of them. You have three week severance coming and a small amount of money in savings. It is possible you might be okay if you are able to find another position paying around the same amount.

Three weeks later you are still scouring leads to find a position. You know it will be impossible to live off of less than you were previously making, several places have offered however you know that with your current debt that is not a feasible option at the moment.

After months of looking for a new position, getting further and further behind in on you payments you are left with few options. You decide to take a position making less money and are incredibly nervous about making your mortgage, paying school loans, making minimum payments on your credit cards let alone having any money left over for groceries or necessities for your family. This is when you realize that meeting with a bankruptcy attorney might be the best option for you and your family in the current circumstance that you are in.

Life changes it happens so fast that often there is little to know time to prepare. We are not taught to live with these thoughts in our heads. Few people do. Chapter 7 bankruptcies are a legitimate way to regain balance in your financial life and to move forward. Primarily chapter 7 bankruptcies are seen as a straight forward, simple and inexpensive way to clear unwanted debt and get a fresh start.

If you find yourself in a situation that is close to what I described above it is wise to seek out bankruptcy information. You might find that it is exactly the help you need to get through this patch of time in your life that is overwhelming. Individuals, after going through the chapter 7 bankruptcy process share stories of a weight being lifted off their shoulders as the trustees dismiss the financial burden of credit card debt, over extended mortgages and home loans. Bankruptcy attorneys do not judge. They work for you to come up with a feasible solution regarding the overwhelming debt you have accumulated. The best option in a time of uncertainty is to gather information and resources to help alleviate your worry and improve your family's situation.

If you have enjoyed this article on chapter 7 bankruptcy from Kevin Germain visit http://www.michiganbankruptcylawcenters.com today where you will find useful information on bankruptcy.

What's the Difference Between a Logbook Loan and a Payday Loan?

You need to borrow some cash - fast.

Perhaps you've been refused by your bank or building society. Perhaps you've got a poor credit history, such as CCJs.

Don't despair - there are many loan providers who will lend you money. Two of the most popular types of loans are logbook loans and payday loans. So, which one should you take out? Which one is best for you?

We'll help you decide. We'll start with a quick outline of each type of loan...

Logbook loans

These are a quick and relatively simple way to get credit. They're suitable for those with a poor credit history, as there is usually no credit check involved. As long as you're over 18, a resident of the UK and you own a car or other vehicle, you could borrow up to £50,000 depending on its value. Here's what you need to do:

• visit a local branch with your vehicle
• show proof of ownership, tax, insurance and MOT
• collect your money when your loan is approved
• leave your logbook with the branch as security
• pay off the loan in instalments, while continuing to use your car as normal
• receive your logbook back once the money is fully paid off
• make sure you don't default on the loan, or you could lose your car

Payday loans

Just like logbook loans, these are a quick and relatively simple way to get a loan, even if you've got a poor credit history. They're short term loans, usually taken out for an amount up to £1,000, and paid back on the date that you get your next pay check. Here's what you need to do:

• find the right payday loan provider for you
• apply for a loan and provide evidence that you have a job and a bank account
• agree to the loan terms, sign your online contract and receive your money
• pay off the loan on your next payday

So, what's the difference between payday loans and logbook loans?

Amount borrowed: payday lenders usually only lend up to £1,000, while logbook lenders can lend much more - about 75% of the value of your car.

Interest rates: logbook loans generally have lower APR or interest rates. This means that, if you pay your logbook loan back over the same period as a payday loan, you'll end up paying much less interest.

Speed of loan: while both types of loan pay you the money on the same day once approved, payday advances tend to be paid into your bank account, so can take a few days to clear. However, logbook loans can be paid in cash, so if you need the money urgently, it's a good choice.

Repayment period: if you want to pay your loan back over a longer period than a month, you'll have more flexibility with a logbook loan. Payday loans usually (but not always) have to be paid back on the date of your next pay check.

Employment: if you don't have a job, you won't be able to get a payday loan. A logbook loan is, therefore, the logical choice, as long as you own a car.

Remember...

While both logbook loans and payday loans are good options if you've got bad credit, they do have relatively high interest rates. Therefore, what you decide, make sure you can afford to pay your loan back, and make sure you do so as quickly as possible, ideally within a month.

My name is Charlotte and I am a Copywriter for Logbook UK. I have ten years experience within the financial industry.

The Hottest Internet IPOs of 2011 - Who Went Big and Who Went Home

Over 24 Internet companies launched IPOs last year in the US alone according to Renaissance Capital. 2011 included four of the five largest US Internet IPOs ever - Bankrate, Groupon, LinkedIn and Zynga - raising $2.4 billion. However if you bought Internet or social-media IPO stocks in the past couple of years, you have probably lost money. According to Birinyi analyst Kevin Pleines, 18 of the 30 stocks are below their IPO price and 24 of the 30 are below their opening price on their first day of trading.

The slump has been attributed to slow growth in the U.S. economy and sovereign debt in countries including Greece and Italy. The economic concerns caused market volatility that made pricing IPOs difficult.

Internet IPOs from 2011 performing include Angie's List, Bankrate, Cornerstone OnDemand, LinkedIn and Zillow. OnDemand Media, Groupon, and Pandora are all well below IPO prices. The large China IPOs RenRen and Tudou are well listed prices as well.

Angie's List
Contractor and healthcare provider review site Angie's List waited 16 years before going public on November 17th. The IPO price was $13 and it rose to over $18 on the first day of trading. It closed at $16.42 on December 14th but had dipped below the IPO price early in the month. The company is not profitable.

Bankrate
Bankrate (RATE) has a long track record of operation since its founding 35 years ago. The company collects bank interest rates data and information on 300 other financial products from 4,800 banks and distributes to several newspapers and online publications. Bankrate Inc.'s initial public offering drew a weak response on the first day of trading as investors worry of high debt, past governance issues and lofty valuation.

Cornerstone OnDemand
The on-demand talent management company (US:CSOD) jumped 46.7% to close at $19.07 as its initial public offering. Cornerstone offers software-as-service that allows businesses to train employees and track their performance of their employees.

LinkedIn
This business-to-business social networking company went public on May 19th at $45 a share. On the first day, the stock rose to almost $110. At the time LinkedIn's underwriters - Bank of America, Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley - were criticized for setting the price so low. Analysts suggested LinkedIn should have been priced at $90 a share. However, LinkedIn is one of the few Internet companies that has never dipped below its initial offer and closed at $65.95 on December 14th, so perhaps the underwriters were correct in their conservative pricing. LinkedIn states that it has been profitable since 2006.

Zillow
This company provides real estate market information for consumers and real estate professionals. It was listed on July 20th when it was priced at $20 and went as high as $44. For most of September it ranged between $35 and $37.50 but closed at $22.13 on December 14th. Zillow became profitable in its first quarter as a public company.

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Whether your goal is to be acquired or to be more profitable this quarter, we provide planning to keep your business on track and bookkeeping services that streamline the journey.

To demonstrate our commitment our bookkeeping service is packed with extras, such as a 30 day money-back guarantee and free quarterly business consultancy from one of our practitioners.

Visit our website and chat to us live or follow us on Twitter.

Sometimes You Really Should Look A Gift Horse In The Mouth

Times are tough and we all get very excited when we find or receive a little bit of unexpected money. This could be $10 from a scratch off card, finding that you had a security deposit that you are receiving back, or even receiving an unexpected check for a refund from the IRS. While it can be exciting to find some extra money it is not always a good idea to accept the money without first asking a few questions.

Anyone who has ever taken out a loan knows that they have to fill out a great deal of paperwork in order to try and borrow some money. When you are finally approved for your loan you will eventually receive a check for your funds. Up to this point you should be able to cancel the loan without any penalties, but the minute you endorse the check and deposit it you are accepting responsibility for all of the terms and conditions listed in your loan papers. Most loans contain an origination or processing fee plus interest at a minimum. Even if you deposit the check and turn around and write a check in the full amount and mail it back you may still be responsible for the fees.

The IRS deals with their checks much like a bank would in the loan process. Everyone is supposed to have their taxes filed and paid by April 15th every year unless they have an extension. Any money that has not been paid at this point is subject to have penalties and interest charged against it until the IRS receives their payment in full. Most people believe that once they pay their taxes on or before April 15th they will not have to worry about the IRS again for another year. This is actually far from the truth!

The IRS is well known for not being on top of everything, and it quite often takes them a good amount of time before they realize that a mistake has been made. An excellent example of this is that you are a model citizen, you get your taxes done on time, you pay what you owe, and then you are fortunate enough to get some sort of refund check from the IRS a few months later. You will most likely want to run to the bank and deposit it, but that is actually a very unwise thing to do.

Did you know that if the IRS sends you a check and later finds out that it was a mistake that you will be held responsible? That is right, not only will you be responsible for paying back the full amount of the check, but you may also be responsible for paying penalties and interest on that money from the time that you deposited the check until you pay it back in full.

It does seem rather unfair that the IRS is able to get away charging these penalties, but unfortunately they are the IRS and they are right until you can prove them wrong. And that can sometimes take a lot of time, angst and possibly professional fees! The best course of action when you receive a check from the IRS is to wait to deposit it until you are able to speak with the person that prepared your taxes. If they take a look at the check and compare notes with the income tax return that you filed and everything looks okay, then you should be safe to deposit the check. But if they feel that it is a mistake on the IRS's part, it is better to mail the check back to the IRS, citing your reasoning.

Brent Ross, CPA, is president of Brent Ross & Associates, CPAs, LLC. If you would like Brent to help you with your game plan dealing with the IRS he can be reached at 904-448-6408, or click here to email Brent.

Visit our website to learn more about our firm and services - http://www.brjaxcpa.com.

Personal Finance - Keeping Your Commitment to Financial Freedom

Achieving financial freedom requires a commitment and consistency over time. This is the reason so many people have problems achieving success, and this is true when it comes to more than just finances. Being consistently focused and disciplined is difficult for people who are trying to lose weight or to achieve greater confidence as well. So what makes all the difference when it comes to keeping your commitment instead of letting yourself get distracted or losing your motivation? It all starts with having a specific plan for dealing with the things which typically cause people to back out on their commitments.

In this article, we'll be looking at some of the common obstacles to keeping your commitment and what you can do about them...

Common Reasons People Give Up Before Achieving Financial Freedom
As you are reading this list of obstacles, rate yourself on a scale from 1-10 (one being the worst and ten being the best) as to how much improvement you need in that specific area. Remember, there are no right answers, only honest ones:

1. Lack of specific knowledge of what to do
2. Lack of focus
3. Lack of a written plan
4. Procrastination
5. Impulsive spending habits
6. A Poor Attitude towards wealthy people
7. Giving into the influence of others

So how did you do? If you scored yourself less than five on one or more of these, it's time to start working on a solution to the problem BEFORE it occurs. If you scored less than 5 in two or more areas, you can wisely select one area to correct and then tackle another area. This is simple advice, but it's powerful. The key to sticking with a commitment is to deal with problems up front and the best time to start that is RIGHT NOW. As the saying goes: "The best defense is a good offense,"...and this is certainly true when it comes to sticking with a commitment to financial freedom.

Another thing to remember is that your goal is more important than your plan, so keep your plan flexible and be willing to change it if things go ill. Don't be so obsessed with your plan that you aren't willing to alter it when things aren't working, it's the end result that you're after. If you keep your plan flexible and remain dead set on achieving your objective and dealing with problems before they occur, you'll be well on your way to reaching your goal and freedom.

You can take control of your financial life in just 7 STEPS, and be well on your way to financial freedom and peace of mind. Click here for your FREE ebook on Personal Wealth Building ...and prepare for a more financially secure future.

How to Protect Your Phone Number From Debt Collectors

Most collectors just fire up their Googles and find scrap numbers on the internet. But usually these numbers are too old or were cross referenced wrong by data miners. The biggest mistake they make is when they use the address reverse look up. They punch in the address and a phone number pops up. However most likely that number was changed to either a new cell phone dropping the land line or land line number switch.

These calls harass more than try to help a debtor.

Ever say to a collector, "I cannot pay this month or the next or never?" Then they by a script tell you that you are a worthless deadbeat? Sorry that's not service and this terminates the call right now. Generally its never wise to even speak to a debt collector as they will ruin your credit whether you pay or not and they lie, cheat, and steal.

The evasion process

Land lines

If your already getting calls to this number it's too late. However you can privatize a phone by changing the land line number or getting a cellular service. If you choose to get a new land line or cell follow my steps in protecting a new number. If you choose a cellular in addition to the land line, let the land line be the debtor phone that can handle all the spam. If you choose just to change the land line only please take all the necessary steps to protect it from getting into the wrong hands.

Cell phones

If your already getting calls to this, you can use the built in blocker or if you have a smart phone download a blocker. I recommend Call Control available on the Android Market. It can block calls and texts. It may not be totally necessary to get a land line or another cell to segregate spam from legitimate calls as this is costly to you. As long as the blocker works your in good hands. Personally this isn't good enough in my books. Next section explains how to PREVENT a collector form snatching your number in the first place.

Words of the wise, if your not family oriented or have a lot of loved ones use the phones white listing to only accept calls/texts from "contacts only". This will prevent a collector from faking new phone numbers to get through your blocks.

Got a new number?

This is the fun part, making sure those scum don't find it!

Don't tell anyone who knows you by your real name

Don't give this number out to employers

Don't ever order anything with this number such as pizza or shop online!

Don't give it out to family members or anyone you used as a reference

Don't give it out to neighbors

If you can't live a life of an alias they might find your number BARELY

Do give this number out to trusting friends!

This is how I roll

I have a cell phone and an alias. They are friends. Everyone in town knows me as such. I also have a Google voice number that acts as my "land line". This number I don't give a hoot about. I give it to all creditors and sign up for EVERYTHING with it! If its spammed oh well it keeps them busy with that number while they are not calling my real personal number. I've never never never gave my real cell pone number to my family, employers or coworkers. And been doing this for 4 years! It works, and as always have a nice day!

http://www.billcollectorssuck.com

Awesome resources at your disposal for your fight to win needs!

Medical Bankruptcy: Who Is Affected?

At this time, there are many things that give a difficult to many individuals and also to families. It can be in the simple form of paying monthly bills and also the daily necessities of each family member particularly to those who need to go to school. And this is why there are an increased number of people who are filing for bankruptcy. Their main reason is because of the economy changes which affected their income or even experienced unemployment which is one of the common situations at this time.

If there are people who are filing for bankruptcy because of the tight situation they are in and for not having the capability to pay for the bills and other things that involve house payments, another kind of bankruptcy known these days is the medical bankruptcy. It is not a new that many individuals are also filing for this type or field, however with the entire bad economy situation the number of the people who filed for it also increased. Of course the unemployment the increased prices of products affected many families especially the ones who are in a tight budget and is only a minimum wager.

Medical bankruptcy is commonly filed by middle range families or the ones who only earns by the minimum wage. And being hospitalized even just for a few days could be very difficult for them because the laboratory tests, medicines, and confinement will surely cost a lot. To add more, having no insurance policy for your family could also be a problem, but then again acquiring insurance would also cost money and would be difficult to pay. And this is why many have resolved to the option of filing bankruptcy to aid the problem in the mean time.

On the other hand, it does not mean that a person who already has an active insurance policy would escape the grasp of bankruptcy. We all know that to be sick is very expensive. Once you get to the hospital, you will have to pay for a lot of transactions will really rip a lot from your income making you whole budget tight or not enough. If you are just in the hospital for a small check up is fine, however in cases that the person have to go through intensive examination and laboratory tests, it will absolutely cost a lot.

Filing for medical bankruptcy can be prevented by keeping your own self healthy and good condition. And by adding a personal insurance policy to the list could even lessen the chance for you to file for it. However, in cases that you have no other choice, keep in mind that this option is available for you to take but some consequences will be held. But as long as you prevent having medical problems, you can prevent uprising bills that can lead you to filing for it, but of course nobody could tell what is going to happen. That is why try to prevent it as much as you can even in your own simple ways.

Alison Gilbert writes about where you can get information about Medical Bankruptcy on her blog, visit the Medical Bankruptcy blog for more information about it.

Trading Forex Straight or Through Spread Betting?

The financial centres of the world engage in a variety of different trading activities, accounting for many billions and even trillions in assets on an ongoing basis. By far the largest portion of their trading business is in the currency markets, buying and selling foreign currencies to profit on their value. The natural fluctuation of exchange rates and their directly variable nature to economic activity and government policy make currency a good market for traders to be involved in, and as a particularly volatile sector of financial trading, makes for significant profits.

Aside from trading in the forex markets directly, traders can also take positions on a variety of different currency pairings through spread betting on the forex markets. While it might seem like an alternative of very little consequence, trading forex markets through a spread betting platform can actually be a significant financial and practical advantage for traders, using the same market basis for investing but without many of the disadvantages of straightforward forex trading.

First up, there's the leverage advantage. While forex is of course an extremely leveraged trading product, it often cannot compare to the benefits that arise from trading the same product through a spread betting platform. While forex trading involves leverage that is borrowed from the broker, spread trading is notionally a gambling product - the leverage manifests in payouts of many multiple times the original stake placed. This paves the way for spread betting positions to be more profitable in many cases than their direct counterparts in the forex market, depending on the degree of leverage you are permitted and can fund.

Perhaps a more interesting distinction between the two forms of investing is the tax treatment. Forex trading profits are taxable as capital gains or income, depending on the form they take, whereas spread trading income is not. This can save some 20%, or even 40%+ on trading profits - a significant financial incentive to choose a spread betting angle for your forex trading. In practice, the distinction between the two forms of trading can seem artificial, but with the tangible cost benefit at such significant levels as far as tax liability is concerned, it may make financial sense to opt for the spread betting option.

Aside from taxation benefits, trading forex through spread betting platforms also has another key advantage, in the form of a lack of financing costs. One of the major downsides of holding a forex position for any length of time is that considerable leverage attracts considerable financing costs, which come straight off your bottom line (or directly out of your pocket if your trade goes wrong or hasn't moved enough to cover the financing costs). With spread betting, there are no financing costs to be borne - only a small spread cost, which is factored into the transaction anyway and represents (usually) the full extent of costs and fees payable to the broker.

Trading forex straight and through spread betting each offer their own advantages depending on the exact nature of the transaction and the situation you find yourself in. However, if you're a straight forex trader who has avoided spread betting until this point for whatever reason, it might be worth considering making the switch for your next transaction.

Crisis in the Non United States of Europe

Twenty seven countries of Europe belong to the so-called European Union (EU). They include Germany, the UK, France, Italy and Spain. All of them are in the throes of an economic crisis. But right in the middle of Europe, there is a small country which is not a member of the EU yet is doing rather well - Switzerland. Why are all its bigger neighbours in trouble? There is a simple answer:

The dominant countries of the EU have allowed their dream of rivalling the USA as a powerful federal state to blind them to economic, democratic and political reality. They have taken their eyes off the ball.

The name of the game at the foundation of the EEC (European Economic Community, precursor to the EU) was economic cooperation between self-governing independent nations. The nations of Europe speak English, Spanish, German, French and Italian and the languages of many smaller countries. And they have diverse systems of government. So you cannot create a single patriotic nation like the United States of America just by sitting down and writing a European constitution. But this is what France and Germany have tried to do - they have created a European Parliament (EP) which aims to overrule centuries-old national parliaments. But it does not work. The people of Britain, for example, only become aware that it exists when they get a ballot paper asking them to elect their "MEP" from a list of candidates, few if any of whom are known to them. The turnout for the elections is small. A United States of Europe (USE) may be a reasonable aspiration, but only on a time-scale of many decades, one small step at a time, responding to democratic demand, not imposed on reluctant peoples.

Not satisfied with the paper European Parliament (which absurdly and expensively meets in two place, Brussels and Strasbourg), they have created a European Central Bank (ECB) to oversee a new "federal" currency, the euro. Of the present 27 member states of the EU, 17 discarded their national currencies for the euro. It was meant to be another step towards a federal Europe, but they have put the cart (a single currency) before the horse (democratic wish for federation). The result is an economic and political crisis.

This was foreseeable. How could you expect a single bank, the ECB, to protect the individual national interests of 17 different countries? Before the merging of currencies, each country had its own Central Bank which cooperated with its national government to regulate the currency according to the economic interests of that country. That power has now gone and we see the disastrous result in the present Euro Crisis. The interests of Germany and of Greece are in opposition. Germany experienced terrible inflation in the 1920s and is resolved never to let any such thing happen to them again. So they insist that the Greek government must balance its budget by cutting jobs and pensions, regardless of the political consequences. But Greece is already experiencing public protests against the cuts and wants the ECB to come to its rescue. At present there is deadlock. In the old days, Greece could have devalued the drachma to become more competitive and get growing again. Now they share their currency with Germany. The EU's solution to the problem seems to be to overrule Greece's hitherto sovereign government and let EU commissioners tell them what they must do.

Welcome to the burgeoning USE; farewell to European democracy.

I hope people prominent in public life will come to see it as a duty to tell us, clearly and concisely 'where they are coming from' - their 'My Credo in a Nutshell'.

My website will provide space for this. For the moment it carries those of Charles Darwin, Winston Churchill, Bertrand Russell, Albert Einstein and Pope John Paul II, written at critical points in their lives. Please go to http://www.mycian.com.

Not Collecting on the Account Receivables? Here Is What to Do

Running a business has many challenges and one of the major frustrations can be the collections process. You have accounts receivables you cannot collect on; the problem here is you have money but can't access. Small businesses cannot survive with uncollected accounts receivables. Small businesses sometimes face collections problems. Having a well planned, clear manner managing business accounts receivables makes a business avoid pitfalls problems related to collections. The most important factor to the success of a business is the accounts receivables management system which manages billing, collections and receivables. This needs to be set up and worked diligently. Non-payers are a risk to a poor set up system.

A business can have many customers but gets minimal income from these customers. This easily makes the business to shut down. A successful implemented collections management system for the business saves the business from such shutdown. What are the steps to ensure you implement a successful collections management system for the business?

Payment methods should be established from the first day of business. In setting up a business, think about how people are going to pay you. This depends mainly on the type of business and if your customers are people or companies or both. It is recommended you use established, easy means of payment for customers to use. This can be cash, checks, credit and debit, payment plans, online payment methods and any other external payment source. A business with more payment options is more helpful to customers. Some payment options such as credit and debit cards demands for premium payment.

Payment Processing rules: after a business has settled with the type of payment, the next step is to set up rules regulation acceptance and handling of payment options. For example, rules for accepting checks should be set. Employees may face a situation whether to do credit check on a new customer. When are customers allowed to do overtime? This shows clear rules must be set up to ensure every employee and customer knows and adheres to them. Sending out bills can be seen as a simple step but is overlooked sometimes in a small company. Sending out bills to customers who owe the business money is very important. This billing should be sent at least twice a month or more often to seriously recover lost money. This is a way for customers to have a reminder of the money they owe the business.

Accounts receivable aging report: this shows you when to send out bills and when to put forth stronger collection methods depending on the type of business, there are customers who don't pay on time of purchase and others who pay over time. Software account programs provide this help. Non-payers are a risk for they can easily bring about the shutdown of business. Therefore, don't be hesitant initiating collections proceedings. An account can be sent to a collections agency or small claims court. Decide the best depending on the type of account. Some customers are not serious and this type of action establishes a reputation your business is to be taken seriously.

I am a freelance writer who interest in writing about finance issue! You can read more about it by visiting my finance blog

Structured Settlements - Questioning Your Cash Options

The smart decisions we make are triumphs of judgments, while the bad decisions is an opportunity to learn. When it comes to structured settlements you may be questioning your cash options. If you have come into a lot of money, it would be beneficial for you to ask around about a structured settlement to consider for your future care and needs.

One option that may be presented to you by a financial adviser is to propose paying in recommended payments over a time, rather than one fixed sum after a plaintiff settles a case for a large sum of money. These payments can last over a period of time or extend through the claimants lifetime.

These well deserved, much-needed payments can change depending on the claimants needs which can include an immediate payment in order to cover for inevitable damages. Structured settlements are usually made through purchases from an annuity from a life insurance company.

A valuable advantage is tax deferment. If set up in an appropriate manner, it can greatly reduce a plaintiff's tax obligations. An added benefit of structured settlements is that you can assure yourself provided funds for future care and needs.

A disadvantage is that they are a fixed structure. It may not be to your best interests to settle in on this option of payment. You might want to start a new business or buy a new home, but you lack the assets. This keeps you in an avoidable situation until the next payments arrive.

Also, structured settlements do not work smoothly with investments. A lot of typical investments give long-term return than with annuities provided by the structured settlement system. In this case, you would be better off opting for a lump sum settlement.

Learn the availability of benefits that structured settlements can give you that best suit your needs. Ask all the questions to find out what is your best option. After all, one of the most important questions may be the one you are not asking. You can find out if a cash option for a structured settlement is best for you by seeking professional advice.

Information is a source of learning, but unless it is organized, processed, and available to the right people for decision making, it is more a burden than a benefit. There are decisions to be made if you have been a victim as a result of a wrongful injury. As a result of your injury, you may be awarded a settlement. If this is the case, and you still have questions regarding your award then you should obtain more information.

What is a structured settlement? They are set up when an insurance company or advisor offers you a cash settlement out of court in exchange for dropping the suit you have brought against their defendant. Through the settlement you would receive periodic instead of one lump sum.

Where does the funds from the settlement originate? The defendant in the case purchases an insurance annuity which is basically an investment with the insurance company. The idea behind this investment is that it will grow providing them with the funds they need to meet your financial obligations.

Are there any restrictions placed on structured settlements? There could be, it depends on the type of your contract. For example, if the law suit was on behalf of an injured child, the company may insist the funds only be used to toward the child's education. Or if the law suit was on behalf of an employee, the funds can only be exhausted on further required medical supplies or therapy.

Is there any way to terminate the structured settlement? It depends. Your original settlement agreement will have a termination date, when it has been paid. Or you can approach a structured settlement agency to purchase the annuities. The agency will take a share of the annuity and you will get the remaining funds. This allows you to also change to a lump sum if it better suits your needs.

A professional adviser is available for all your structured settlements questions and concerns. They can assist you in determining what is best for your situation. The information you obtain can help you in finding the best answers for your deciding on a structured settlement. The right answers can help you see the potential.

Kathryn Sias writes for the Sovereign Ground, a blog on http://www.sovereignfunding.com If you are holding onto an annuity or structured settlement and need some money quick, you can sell all or part of your settlement. Call David Springer at 1855-ego-cash now to get an honest, quick quote and cash.

5 Ways To Increase Your Financial Security

A recent million-dollar lottery winner made a shocking admission that reveals one of the five ways to increase your financial security. Alexandra Chaar was stunned to find out her lottery ticket made her an over night millionaire.

The waitress works at a Mexican restaurant in Clearwater, Florida. She's a straight-A student at St. Petersburg College and plans on using part of her lump sum winnings to pay for school. Chaar admitted she loved working and was not quitting despite her good luck.

Which illustrates one of the principles of financial success...

#1: Love what you do... and... do what you love.

When you work at something that motivates you it's a lot easier to excel. The longer you stay in a certain job, career or business the more financial stability and security you'll gain.

Here are four other principles to keep in mind:

#2: Save. Sure, everyone knows that but Americans simply don't save enough. A good idea is to set aside from 5% to 10% of your income in an interest-bearing account. The richest Americans save as much as 25% of their incomes. Of course, they have more so they can save more. But anyone can set aside even as little as 1% or 2% a year.

#3: Give. This may sound a bit contrary. You may have heard the saying, "To get, you must give."

What it means is this: Whatever you want more of try to give to others and you'll get back more than you give. In practical terms, you can support a charity. Give a few bucks directly to people who are hard on their luck. Even giving good actionable advice about money puts you in the mindset to have money come back to you.

#4: Diversify Income Sources. Do you depend on one paycheck from one job? If so, you're living on thin financial "ice". Should you lose your job then no income exists.

A smarter strategy is to build multiple income streams.

That's what rich people do. They invest in other businesses and companies so their money can make more money.

For instance, maybe you can set up a couple of websites selling products you already use and tell others about anyway. Might as well get paid for it.

Maybe you can take specific information about a topic you know a lot about and write a simple 50-page report that sells on Kindle. Signing up as a publisher through Kindle is free.

#5: Improve Your Money Consciousness. Without getting too metaphysical, the fact is people who make a lot of money have a single advantage over people who don't make a lot of money.

That advantage is simply: Financially successful people DO NOT harbor negative thoughts, feelings, beliefs and habit patterns about money. Rich people have a positive attitude about their finances that allows them to keep perpetuating financial security.

One good way to change your thinking about money is by learning to bring up... and... let go of all those negative thoughts. The more you purge your consciousness of the negatives the more money you are free to have.

John Anghelache is a self-help writer who discovered the 37-minute secret to Financial Security used by half the teachers in the blockbuster movie "The Secret"! You can read more about it by visiting http://www.RemoveYourLimitations.com