We start the year with good intentions, don't we? As you approach 2008, here is a guide for tackling the items that will improve your financial life. Instead of becoming overwhelmed, approach the year in "month-sized" portions.
January
Planning Idea: Have changes in your personal situation occurred in 2007? Did you get married, have a child or grandchild, become widowed or divorced- there may be important new legal and financial considerations that now come into play. These might include adjusting your budget or reviewing beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts, property ownership, providing for children's welfare, estate planning, and payroll deductions.
February
Planning Idea: Give thought to your estate plan-to how you intend your assets to be distributed at your death. Federal estate tax may be a factor. Estate tax will apply for 2008 if net assets left to persons other than your spouse or charity exceed $2,000,000. And if it's been awhile since you have reviewed your estate planning documents, then you must see an attorney to ensure that everything is up to date.
March
Planning Idea: How are you doing on your retirement funds? Review the asset allocation of your portfolio. Contact a Financial Advisor for professional advice in determining how much you should be saving and what the best investment vehicles are.
April
Planning Idea: Prepare a Location List - a comprehensive list of all your accounts, financial and otherwise, and all Internet usernames and passwords. Keep it in a secure location to avoid identity theft.
May
Planning Idea: Evaluate the protection of your assets. Review your Homeowners Insurance; Car Insurance; Investment Property/ Casualty Insurance. Perform an inventory of your non-financial assets (home, furniture, cars, personal belongings) to ensure that your property insurance coverage is adequate for your assets.
June
Planning Idea: This month, review your life, health, and disability insurance policies. Make sure you have adequate coverage. Consult with your insurance advisor as to the appropriate amounts for your age and income. Consider getting Long Term Care Insurance.
July
Mid-Year review: Compare January- June income and expenditures with your budget. Make adjustments as appropriate.
August
Planning Idea: Order a copy of your credit report. A federal law allows you to get a free copy of your credit reports once a year; read it carefully and report any discrepancies to the appropriate agencies to ensure accuracy.
September
Planning Idea: Request a Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement from the Social Security Administration. Which summarizes your social security earnings history and provides an estimate of the benefits to which you are entitled.
October
Planning Idea: Discuss with your family your wishes concerning health care and funeral arrangements. Not a pleasant task, but it is important that others know your wishes should you be incapacitated. Create an Advance Directive to document your decisions.
November
Planning Idea: Start your year-end planning now. Estimate your taxes due for the year, and determine what steps you should take before year end to minimize them. Consider making charitable contributions before year-end.
December
Planning Idea: Consider paying tax-deductible expenses prior to year-end, contact your tax professional for guidance. If your estate planning indicates a potential estate tax liability, consider making gifts before year-end to minimize estate taxes. You can give away $12,000 a year to each of a number of donees free of gift tax.
Let The Teens Manage Their Money
One of the reasons why teens love to work is that they want to have their own income. Teens want to have discretionary funds they can use without their parents poking at them and auditing all their cents. If the parents would let their teenagers manage their own money, they should be ready to give them advises on money management such as budgeting and fund management. In this way, they can be sure that their teens will not just squander their money on less important things.
The following may help the teens manage their money:
Teach the teens to save
Encourage the teens to open a savings account to deposit their earnings. Even just a few dollars a week will be good enough. If their parents are giving them allowances, they can talk to them and ask them to set aside some dollars in the bank. When the time comes that they need to withdraw, they will be amazed to see how much money they have saved.
Teens must spend wisely
The biggest nightmare among the teens is to wake up with nothing to spend, yet the next allowance is still a few days away. They will be forced to borrow and this will only add more problems. Spending wisely is a must especially to those with tight budget. If the school is just a walking distance, they should be happy to take a walk and enjoy that needed exercise. Need to go dating? Why not ask their crushes to have a chat with them in the park, this way they don't need to spend much. A can of soda could do the trick.
Introduce the teens to fund management
There are many plans of fund management that are available to teens. With a few dollars, the teens can have the opportunity to increase their money under the watchful eyes of money experts. This will also add pride to the teens for having invested money like what the grownups did. In addition, requiring them to pay taxes out of their investment will make the teens contributors to the national coffers.
Get a checking account
Getting a checking account will teach the teens some financial responsibility. Just imagine the teens issuing some checks for their purchases and or services they acquired. Knowing that a bouncing check would have legal repercussions, the teens will be extra careful in handling their finances.
Let them get credit cards
The feel in getting credit cards nowadays is greatly different as compared many years ago. Before, a person is jubilant when his application is approved because it proves that he is credit worthy. Today, credit card offers are numerous that it will make the eyes bulge. The teens must be extra cautious on the type of cards they will apply. The benefits are vaguely explained in the ads or in the emails when credit card companies promote these cards. Most often, actual charges and interest rates are hidden, only to make the teens sorry for just freely making purchases. Credit cards are there to allow the teens to purchase, but they have to purchase only those things that are needed. They must avoid being compulsive buyers.
The following may help the teens manage their money:
Teach the teens to save
Encourage the teens to open a savings account to deposit their earnings. Even just a few dollars a week will be good enough. If their parents are giving them allowances, they can talk to them and ask them to set aside some dollars in the bank. When the time comes that they need to withdraw, they will be amazed to see how much money they have saved.
Teens must spend wisely
The biggest nightmare among the teens is to wake up with nothing to spend, yet the next allowance is still a few days away. They will be forced to borrow and this will only add more problems. Spending wisely is a must especially to those with tight budget. If the school is just a walking distance, they should be happy to take a walk and enjoy that needed exercise. Need to go dating? Why not ask their crushes to have a chat with them in the park, this way they don't need to spend much. A can of soda could do the trick.
Introduce the teens to fund management
There are many plans of fund management that are available to teens. With a few dollars, the teens can have the opportunity to increase their money under the watchful eyes of money experts. This will also add pride to the teens for having invested money like what the grownups did. In addition, requiring them to pay taxes out of their investment will make the teens contributors to the national coffers.
Get a checking account
Getting a checking account will teach the teens some financial responsibility. Just imagine the teens issuing some checks for their purchases and or services they acquired. Knowing that a bouncing check would have legal repercussions, the teens will be extra careful in handling their finances.
Let them get credit cards
The feel in getting credit cards nowadays is greatly different as compared many years ago. Before, a person is jubilant when his application is approved because it proves that he is credit worthy. Today, credit card offers are numerous that it will make the eyes bulge. The teens must be extra cautious on the type of cards they will apply. The benefits are vaguely explained in the ads or in the emails when credit card companies promote these cards. Most often, actual charges and interest rates are hidden, only to make the teens sorry for just freely making purchases. Credit cards are there to allow the teens to purchase, but they have to purchase only those things that are needed. They must avoid being compulsive buyers.
Top 4 Tips to Finding Your Unclaimed Money
Find Your Unclaimed Money
When searching for your unclaimed money there are a few things you should know to ensure you FIND ALL the MONEY owed to you:
Most unclaimed money searched are conducted by entering your name and searching to see if there is money reported as unclaimed money under your name. Search by your legal name AND variations of your legal name. Bradford Jones may be listed as Brad Jones or B. Jones. When you search a good database they will do this for you automatically.
Don't Look Only in Your State!
Many people look only in their states database for unclaimed money. The problem is, companies do not always report your money in your state of residence. This is especially true if the company that turned over the money did not have an address for you or it is an inheritance. Search in a database that has money from ALL STATE and FEDERAL databases This will give you a wide search, without you having to individually search 60+ databases!
Don't Be A Selfish Searcher
Search the names of family and close friends to see if they are owed money as well! Chances are they haven't looked for themselves.
Use a QUALITY database when you conduct your search
A "quality" database is a database that
- Has money from ALL STATE and FEDERAL databases
- Searches your name AND name variations for you
- Updates its database frequently
- Provides information on claiming your unclaimed money
- Offers you a Free Search
to see if there is any money owed to your name before you have to enter the database
Searching for your unclaimed money does not have to be difficult. Following the above tips will help ensure you find the unclaimed money owed to you and your family!
When searching for your unclaimed money there are a few things you should know to ensure you FIND ALL the MONEY owed to you:
Most unclaimed money searched are conducted by entering your name and searching to see if there is money reported as unclaimed money under your name. Search by your legal name AND variations of your legal name. Bradford Jones may be listed as Brad Jones or B. Jones. When you search a good database they will do this for you automatically.
Don't Look Only in Your State!
Many people look only in their states database for unclaimed money. The problem is, companies do not always report your money in your state of residence. This is especially true if the company that turned over the money did not have an address for you or it is an inheritance. Search in a database that has money from ALL STATE and FEDERAL databases This will give you a wide search, without you having to individually search 60+ databases!
Don't Be A Selfish Searcher
Search the names of family and close friends to see if they are owed money as well! Chances are they haven't looked for themselves.
Use a QUALITY database when you conduct your search
A "quality" database is a database that
- Has money from ALL STATE and FEDERAL databases
- Searches your name AND name variations for you
- Updates its database frequently
- Provides information on claiming your unclaimed money
- Offers you a Free Search
to see if there is any money owed to your name before you have to enter the database
Searching for your unclaimed money does not have to be difficult. Following the above tips will help ensure you find the unclaimed money owed to you and your family!
Medical Expenses - Save Money and Be Prepared
Setting Up An Account
The first thing you need to do is to set up a savings account for medical expenses. Most banks and financial institutions allow you to associate one or more savings accounts to your checking account so you can transfer money from one account to another in order to build up savings for whatever purpose you choose.
Setting up an account for medical expenses will let you be prepared for unexpected circumstances. Moreover, the savings account will pay you an interest rate for the money deposited on a monthly basis. Though the interest rate may not be as high as that of Certificates of Deposit, truth is that the money deposited into your savings account is freely available whenever you need it while with CDs you need to wait till the term ends in order to collect your money.
Setting A Percentage Of Income Aside
Each month you need to set aside a portion of your income and deposit it into this new account. The amount of money you can set aside doesn't have to be fixed but it should be a small percentage of your income every month. For instance, you may destine 2% of your income (before costs and taxes) and let it build up on that account as time passes.
If for any reason, on a particular month you can't deposit that percentage or you can only set aside a smaller amount, you need to compensate the following month by making some sacrifice and setting aside a bigger amount. It shouldn't take you more than two months to compensate any reduced or missing deposit. That way you will soon build up enough savings to afford any medical procedure and save money on it by paying in cash upfront.
Seizing The Benefits Of Tax Deductions
Payments made to physicians and medical companies that do not imply certain elective treatments are tax-deductible up to a specific amount and therefore, when the time comes, you can save thousands of dollars on taxes by taking advantage of these deductions.
If you are not sure on how to do this or you don't do your taxes, then you can easily check with your accountant which type of deductions you can benefit from. Chances are that if a professional is already taking care of your finances, you are already utilizing these deductions, but nevertheless, you don't lose anything by asking.
The first thing you need to do is to set up a savings account for medical expenses. Most banks and financial institutions allow you to associate one or more savings accounts to your checking account so you can transfer money from one account to another in order to build up savings for whatever purpose you choose.
Setting up an account for medical expenses will let you be prepared for unexpected circumstances. Moreover, the savings account will pay you an interest rate for the money deposited on a monthly basis. Though the interest rate may not be as high as that of Certificates of Deposit, truth is that the money deposited into your savings account is freely available whenever you need it while with CDs you need to wait till the term ends in order to collect your money.
Setting A Percentage Of Income Aside
Each month you need to set aside a portion of your income and deposit it into this new account. The amount of money you can set aside doesn't have to be fixed but it should be a small percentage of your income every month. For instance, you may destine 2% of your income (before costs and taxes) and let it build up on that account as time passes.
If for any reason, on a particular month you can't deposit that percentage or you can only set aside a smaller amount, you need to compensate the following month by making some sacrifice and setting aside a bigger amount. It shouldn't take you more than two months to compensate any reduced or missing deposit. That way you will soon build up enough savings to afford any medical procedure and save money on it by paying in cash upfront.
Seizing The Benefits Of Tax Deductions
Payments made to physicians and medical companies that do not imply certain elective treatments are tax-deductible up to a specific amount and therefore, when the time comes, you can save thousands of dollars on taxes by taking advantage of these deductions.
If you are not sure on how to do this or you don't do your taxes, then you can easily check with your accountant which type of deductions you can benefit from. Chances are that if a professional is already taking care of your finances, you are already utilizing these deductions, but nevertheless, you don't lose anything by asking.
Get On the Prosperity Train or Sink on the Debt Boat!
We are facing a critical economic and financial situation in our country today, and unless the majority of us make some serious adjustments to our financial situations, we are going to sink. I am not saying anything that most people don't already know, however, it seems that for many of us, things have to get so bad before we even acknowledge that there is a problem...well, HOUSTON, there is a problem.
I heard that the Chinese have the same word for "Crisis" and "Opportunity." For everything that is going on in the world right now, especially the economic turmoil in America, there are ways to take advantage of the situations. However, most important is taking care of our own situations first. The majority of people in America are drowning in debt, as is our government. A really good way to help this situation is to start a home-based business and start building and structuring longer-term wealth, because if most people continue the paths they are on, surely they will sink.
It comes down to each person really taking a hard and honest look at their situation and making a decision. The reality is that the government is not going to take care of us. Our companies are not going to take care of us, so it is up to us to take care of ourselves. We have all heard the statistics of Social Security and other government programs that are already way-overextended, and there is no way they can sustain the current load for much longer, never mind the fact that Baby Boomers are just going to be cashing in on their benefits in increasing numbers daily.
The bottom line is that if we want to prosper in these turbulent times, we have to become entrepreneurs, if not already, and create our own way. There are endless opportunities out there, most of which are bogus. It takes a discerning eye to spot what is real and what is not, and this is a search that more people would benefit greatly by doing.
We have the power to create our own freedom. The laws of the land are more favorable to home-business owners than to employees in many ways. Given the major economic trends that are occuring, the home-based business industry is only going to get hotter and hotter. Did you know that there will be a projected 80 million people in America alone looking for a business over the next 3-5 years? You could be one of them!
I heard that the Chinese have the same word for "Crisis" and "Opportunity." For everything that is going on in the world right now, especially the economic turmoil in America, there are ways to take advantage of the situations. However, most important is taking care of our own situations first. The majority of people in America are drowning in debt, as is our government. A really good way to help this situation is to start a home-based business and start building and structuring longer-term wealth, because if most people continue the paths they are on, surely they will sink.
It comes down to each person really taking a hard and honest look at their situation and making a decision. The reality is that the government is not going to take care of us. Our companies are not going to take care of us, so it is up to us to take care of ourselves. We have all heard the statistics of Social Security and other government programs that are already way-overextended, and there is no way they can sustain the current load for much longer, never mind the fact that Baby Boomers are just going to be cashing in on their benefits in increasing numbers daily.
The bottom line is that if we want to prosper in these turbulent times, we have to become entrepreneurs, if not already, and create our own way. There are endless opportunities out there, most of which are bogus. It takes a discerning eye to spot what is real and what is not, and this is a search that more people would benefit greatly by doing.
We have the power to create our own freedom. The laws of the land are more favorable to home-business owners than to employees in many ways. Given the major economic trends that are occuring, the home-based business industry is only going to get hotter and hotter. Did you know that there will be a projected 80 million people in America alone looking for a business over the next 3-5 years? You could be one of them!
How to Choose Your Bank
There are a lot of options to consider when choosing a bank. Now days, there are more options, services and accounts than ever to choose from. It can be confusing when deciding where to start. If you do a little research and possibly a little visiting, you can find a bank that fits your needs and goals.
If you find yourself in a financial binds pretty often, then you may want to choose a bank that offers something like a payday loan or a cash advance. These can be helpful if you're finding yourself making late payments on loans or credit cards. They can help you out of a financial bind and help you to avoid late fees and bad hits on your credit. Just be aware of the terms and try to make all of your payments on time. It's also important to make more than the minimum payment whenever possible to avoid putting bad information on your credit report.
If you qualify, then overdraft protection is a great thing to have on a checking account. Overdraft protection usually is a line of credit extended to you that can cover bounced checks or overdraws on your account. Overdraft protection can allow you to pull more out of an ATM than you actually have in your account. This is helpful when you're in need, but be careful not to abuse the privilege. Even with overdraft protection, you can incur substantial fees every time you dip into your overdraft account.
Sometimes the charges go directly on to a credit card. This can seem advantageous, but each overdraft generally comes with a fee and shows up as a cash advance on your credit card. Cash advances from a credit card aren't usually calculated at the same annual percentage rate as a regular purchase. Cash advances from your credit card are usually at the highest interest rate available to the credit card company. Keep track of your account. If you know that you're getting close to emptying your checking account, it might be a good idea to use your credit card if possible. This way, you're only charged the regular APR with no extra fees. This can save you from going more deeply in debt than you can handle.
Savings accounts are really useful ways to save money. It helps your credit score to have a checking and a savings account. Savings accounts usually have more strict guidelines on how often you can take money out than checking accounts do. This can be beneficial if you're serious about saving. Savings accounts can also be used as overdraft accounts and often don't have fees associated with the first few overdraft withdrawals. Be careful not to deplete your savings and try to have regular amounts of money going into savings at set intervals. A good option is to have an automatic draft from your checking to your savings happen on the same day that your paycheck goes into the bank. This way you don't ever see the money available in your checking and you don't make it an option not to save.
If you find yourself in a financial binds pretty often, then you may want to choose a bank that offers something like a payday loan or a cash advance. These can be helpful if you're finding yourself making late payments on loans or credit cards. They can help you out of a financial bind and help you to avoid late fees and bad hits on your credit. Just be aware of the terms and try to make all of your payments on time. It's also important to make more than the minimum payment whenever possible to avoid putting bad information on your credit report.
If you qualify, then overdraft protection is a great thing to have on a checking account. Overdraft protection usually is a line of credit extended to you that can cover bounced checks or overdraws on your account. Overdraft protection can allow you to pull more out of an ATM than you actually have in your account. This is helpful when you're in need, but be careful not to abuse the privilege. Even with overdraft protection, you can incur substantial fees every time you dip into your overdraft account.
Sometimes the charges go directly on to a credit card. This can seem advantageous, but each overdraft generally comes with a fee and shows up as a cash advance on your credit card. Cash advances from a credit card aren't usually calculated at the same annual percentage rate as a regular purchase. Cash advances from your credit card are usually at the highest interest rate available to the credit card company. Keep track of your account. If you know that you're getting close to emptying your checking account, it might be a good idea to use your credit card if possible. This way, you're only charged the regular APR with no extra fees. This can save you from going more deeply in debt than you can handle.
Savings accounts are really useful ways to save money. It helps your credit score to have a checking and a savings account. Savings accounts usually have more strict guidelines on how often you can take money out than checking accounts do. This can be beneficial if you're serious about saving. Savings accounts can also be used as overdraft accounts and often don't have fees associated with the first few overdraft withdrawals. Be careful not to deplete your savings and try to have regular amounts of money going into savings at set intervals. A good option is to have an automatic draft from your checking to your savings happen on the same day that your paycheck goes into the bank. This way you don't ever see the money available in your checking and you don't make it an option not to save.
Making Money Fast With a Garage Sale
So, you have an emergency and need some money fast. How can you make money quickly with what you have? A garage sale can be a great way to make some money fast while getting rid of extra items in your house. It will take some work, but it will be worth it to get through the crisis. Having a successful garage sale has become a science to some, so there is a lot of information available online. This article will give you some basic tips and tricks so that you have a smooth operating garage sale experience.
Step one is to set a date and advertise. You can place an ad in your local paper if you wish. If you are looking for cheaper options, consider searching the web for free sites to announce your garage sale. Tell all of your friends, family and co-workers to spread the word for you. A lot of grocery stores have bulletin boards where you can post a flyer letting people know where and when the garage sale will be, as well as what big ticket items you'll be selling.
The next step is to make signs. Use clear, big, bold letters to write your address and draw really big arrows leading people to your house. Bright poster board is a great option when trying to get the attention of people driving down the road. Make sure that you put an arrow at every turn going through your neighborhood. Make everything match if possible. If your sign off of the main road is bright orange, then use bright orange to make your arrows so that people know that they are still going the right way. Make sure that you don't post on traffic signs or light poles without permission from the highway commission, because it could be illegal and will point police directly to your house. Ask permission from your neighbors before placing signs in their yards and make sure that you take them down immediately after the garage sale.
Collect everything that you can from around your house, including worthless knick-knacks that you don't believe anyone would want. You'll be surprised what people will buy. Go in with other families if you can. The bigger the garage sale, the better. Price items clearly with bright stickers. Make everything as cheap as possible and be willing to haggle. Use different colors for different families if you need to. Collect a lot of cash change before the big day. You'll need a lot of one dollar bills, fives, tens and lots of coins. Use a cash box if you can. It's generally not a good idea to accept checks. Not only might the check not be good, but your bank could charge you a fee for presenting them with a check that bounces.
Put everything out on sturdy tables and be prepared for people to flood into your yard. As soon as the ad hits, or people see you putting up signs, they'll want to be the first ones there. If you don't make enough money from your garage sale to get you through an emergency, you may consider a payday loan or cash advance to get you through.
Step one is to set a date and advertise. You can place an ad in your local paper if you wish. If you are looking for cheaper options, consider searching the web for free sites to announce your garage sale. Tell all of your friends, family and co-workers to spread the word for you. A lot of grocery stores have bulletin boards where you can post a flyer letting people know where and when the garage sale will be, as well as what big ticket items you'll be selling.
The next step is to make signs. Use clear, big, bold letters to write your address and draw really big arrows leading people to your house. Bright poster board is a great option when trying to get the attention of people driving down the road. Make sure that you put an arrow at every turn going through your neighborhood. Make everything match if possible. If your sign off of the main road is bright orange, then use bright orange to make your arrows so that people know that they are still going the right way. Make sure that you don't post on traffic signs or light poles without permission from the highway commission, because it could be illegal and will point police directly to your house. Ask permission from your neighbors before placing signs in their yards and make sure that you take them down immediately after the garage sale.
Collect everything that you can from around your house, including worthless knick-knacks that you don't believe anyone would want. You'll be surprised what people will buy. Go in with other families if you can. The bigger the garage sale, the better. Price items clearly with bright stickers. Make everything as cheap as possible and be willing to haggle. Use different colors for different families if you need to. Collect a lot of cash change before the big day. You'll need a lot of one dollar bills, fives, tens and lots of coins. Use a cash box if you can. It's generally not a good idea to accept checks. Not only might the check not be good, but your bank could charge you a fee for presenting them with a check that bounces.
Put everything out on sturdy tables and be prepared for people to flood into your yard. As soon as the ad hits, or people see you putting up signs, they'll want to be the first ones there. If you don't make enough money from your garage sale to get you through an emergency, you may consider a payday loan or cash advance to get you through.
Payment Protection Providers
No matter what you buy, it's likely that some choices will be, if not disasters, certainly poor. For example, that pair of jeans that doesn't fit is likely to end up in the back of the closet and never worn.
Although poor choices are a part of life, in some cases, they are more important than they are in others. For example, mortgage payment protection insurance is much more important than a simple ill-fitting pair of jeans. It can leave you covered in times of distress if you have the right cover, or you can be high and dry with no place to go if you don't. Therefore, it's important for you to know what you're looking for when you make your choice. Although you can cancel, it's likely to come with a penalty if you cancel outside of the stated cancellation period.
The marketplace has many payment protection providers to choose from. Each can vary in terms of what they offer and how much they charge, but it should be relatively easy to decide whom you want to insure with. To start, provide some basic information about your needs, and the rest should be fairly simple.
What Are You Looking for?
There are three main types of mortgage payment protection available. Most insurers will be able to provide you with all three of them, but some may be more knowledgeable in one type that in others. Therefore, it's best if you know which type of coverage you're looking for before you shop for a provider. The types of insurance are:
* Unemployment and incapacity. With this type of insurance, you're covered if you lose your job, or if an illness or accident leaves you unable to work for an extended period of time. This is the most comprehensive and is the one that will protect you the most, so it's likely that you'll want this one.
* Unemployment only: This type of insurance will cover you if you lose your job, but it will not cover you for any other kind of job loss; for example, if you become injured on the job or become ill and cannot work because of either of these reasons, this type of insurance will not cover you.
* Incapacity only: Just like it sounds, this type of insurance will cover you if you become ill or injured and cannot work, but it will not cover you if you lose your job to some type of unemployment scenario. This type of insurance does work for those who are self-employed, since they are typically only classified as unemployed if they stop trading altogether and not if they're simply having a lull in business.
The Best Payment Protection Providers
There are literally thousands of payment protection providers available, whether on the high street or online. However, it might surprise you to know that you are likely to find your best choice online. In addition, you likely save money on premiums by shopping online for your provider as well.
One of the best providers is British Insurance. They have been awarded the 2007 What Mortgage Best Buy and are also recommended by the website MoneySavingExpert. If you wish, use Google to find other providers and do your own homework. In this way, you'll know just what types of payment protection insurance are out there through the different providers.
Although poor choices are a part of life, in some cases, they are more important than they are in others. For example, mortgage payment protection insurance is much more important than a simple ill-fitting pair of jeans. It can leave you covered in times of distress if you have the right cover, or you can be high and dry with no place to go if you don't. Therefore, it's important for you to know what you're looking for when you make your choice. Although you can cancel, it's likely to come with a penalty if you cancel outside of the stated cancellation period.
The marketplace has many payment protection providers to choose from. Each can vary in terms of what they offer and how much they charge, but it should be relatively easy to decide whom you want to insure with. To start, provide some basic information about your needs, and the rest should be fairly simple.
What Are You Looking for?
There are three main types of mortgage payment protection available. Most insurers will be able to provide you with all three of them, but some may be more knowledgeable in one type that in others. Therefore, it's best if you know which type of coverage you're looking for before you shop for a provider. The types of insurance are:
* Unemployment and incapacity. With this type of insurance, you're covered if you lose your job, or if an illness or accident leaves you unable to work for an extended period of time. This is the most comprehensive and is the one that will protect you the most, so it's likely that you'll want this one.
* Unemployment only: This type of insurance will cover you if you lose your job, but it will not cover you for any other kind of job loss; for example, if you become injured on the job or become ill and cannot work because of either of these reasons, this type of insurance will not cover you.
* Incapacity only: Just like it sounds, this type of insurance will cover you if you become ill or injured and cannot work, but it will not cover you if you lose your job to some type of unemployment scenario. This type of insurance does work for those who are self-employed, since they are typically only classified as unemployed if they stop trading altogether and not if they're simply having a lull in business.
The Best Payment Protection Providers
There are literally thousands of payment protection providers available, whether on the high street or online. However, it might surprise you to know that you are likely to find your best choice online. In addition, you likely save money on premiums by shopping online for your provider as well.
One of the best providers is British Insurance. They have been awarded the 2007 What Mortgage Best Buy and are also recommended by the website MoneySavingExpert. If you wish, use Google to find other providers and do your own homework. In this way, you'll know just what types of payment protection insurance are out there through the different providers.
Preventing Debt
The best way to prevent going into debt is by not going into debt in the first place. Like it is always said, prevention is the best cure. It works both in the health sector as well as the financial one. In order to keep from getting sick, it is best to live your life so you do not get sick in the first place. In your financial world, if you live your life responsibly and within your means, you can enjoy the peace of mind that goes along with it.
A budget is your key to success with preventing debt. A budget will show you what you can actually afford to spend. Take an inventory of all your income then subtract your debts. This will include all debt servicing payments, child support, or other things that take money away each month. You may find that you do not have as much as you thought after subtracting what you pay out. On the contrary and hopefully, you may have more than you thought. A budget will be your strongest aid in helping determine your financial well being.
Some expenses will be discretionary and other non-discretionary. Discretionary items are items that you have say over how much you spend. Discretionary items are going out to eat, clothing and entertainment expenses. Anything that you can control the expense is a discretionary expense. On the other hand, a non-discretionary are expenses that are for the most part fixed. Expenses such as mortgages and car payments are examples of non-discretionary items. It would be wise to concentrate lowering your discretionary expenses as you start out on your path to being debt free or controlling your debt.
Once you have some preliminary numbers down, you will need to work on what luxuries you can do without. Do you get a manicure every month? Or perhaps weekly? Is this something you really need? Do you smoke or drink? You could possibly save hundreds, not to mention your health, just by cutting these two things out. There is nothing good to say about smoking, but with moderation, drinking is not necessarily a negative behavior. But chances are, you could save some easy cash if you do it in moderation or not at all. Do you eat out at work? Could you pack your lunch instead? Maybe take some leftovers from the dinner you made the night before? These simple things will help tremendously on keeping within your budget and not living beyond your means.
The money you will be saving can go towards paying off your smaller or higher interest rate debts first. You would be surprised how this would add up. If you prefer, you can put it in savings account and pay a lump sum to the credit card. It makes absolutely no sense to keep it in a savings account and not pay off the debt. Chances are you are getting 3% or less on your savings and paying double digit interest on your credit cards. If you pay off your credit cards with the savings, it is the equivalent
of getting an automatic hike in your savings interest, which means more money in your pocket eventually.
Going into debt is one of the easiest things a person can do. We are constantly tempted with buying things we do not need. It is much more difficult but rewarding to say no to the pressures and stay debt free. Stay away from the high interest credit cards that are making banks rich. Make yourself rich instead.
A budget is your key to success with preventing debt. A budget will show you what you can actually afford to spend. Take an inventory of all your income then subtract your debts. This will include all debt servicing payments, child support, or other things that take money away each month. You may find that you do not have as much as you thought after subtracting what you pay out. On the contrary and hopefully, you may have more than you thought. A budget will be your strongest aid in helping determine your financial well being.
Some expenses will be discretionary and other non-discretionary. Discretionary items are items that you have say over how much you spend. Discretionary items are going out to eat, clothing and entertainment expenses. Anything that you can control the expense is a discretionary expense. On the other hand, a non-discretionary are expenses that are for the most part fixed. Expenses such as mortgages and car payments are examples of non-discretionary items. It would be wise to concentrate lowering your discretionary expenses as you start out on your path to being debt free or controlling your debt.
Once you have some preliminary numbers down, you will need to work on what luxuries you can do without. Do you get a manicure every month? Or perhaps weekly? Is this something you really need? Do you smoke or drink? You could possibly save hundreds, not to mention your health, just by cutting these two things out. There is nothing good to say about smoking, but with moderation, drinking is not necessarily a negative behavior. But chances are, you could save some easy cash if you do it in moderation or not at all. Do you eat out at work? Could you pack your lunch instead? Maybe take some leftovers from the dinner you made the night before? These simple things will help tremendously on keeping within your budget and not living beyond your means.
The money you will be saving can go towards paying off your smaller or higher interest rate debts first. You would be surprised how this would add up. If you prefer, you can put it in savings account and pay a lump sum to the credit card. It makes absolutely no sense to keep it in a savings account and not pay off the debt. Chances are you are getting 3% or less on your savings and paying double digit interest on your credit cards. If you pay off your credit cards with the savings, it is the equivalent
of getting an automatic hike in your savings interest, which means more money in your pocket eventually.
Going into debt is one of the easiest things a person can do. We are constantly tempted with buying things we do not need. It is much more difficult but rewarding to say no to the pressures and stay debt free. Stay away from the high interest credit cards that are making banks rich. Make yourself rich instead.
Payday Cash Loans - What You Need To Know About Cash Advance Payday Loans
When you need emergency cash, the most common place to turn is payday cash loans. A cash advance is just quick and easy. A poor credit score will never stand in the way of guaranteed payday loans.
Using the Internet has big advantages because it's so fast and easy to apply online, without the need to travel across town to a payday loan company; and often you can easily get a one hour loan. You can get a no bank statement loan almost within an instant and using what is called a faxless payday loan. Once you're approved for a payday cash advance, they'll electronically deposit the money directly into your checking account. You can even get payday loans with no checking account from some lenders. These loans may be right for you if you need a little money for a short period of time.
The reason why these loans are so popular is that they allow you to get your money quickly and with minimum fuss. The payday cash loan companies help thousands of people every day with their short term money problems. Paperless payday loans are just as the name suggests; there is no paperwork involved in the application process.
Payday cash loans or cash advances are lifesavers for short-term, small cash problems. With cash advance payday loans, there is no credit check. The average borrower is employed and who uses the paycheck to take care of emergency needs.
Emergency payday cash loans or cash advances help you pay your mortgage, auto loan, or any number of other bills that you just can't handle because of an unseen expense or two. The new online payday loans work just like the traditional payday advance loan. Most of them can offer a short-term instant loan to anyone over 18 years of age who has an active bank account and steady job.
To process payday loans quickly and conveniently, clients must provide a few personal details, their online contact email address and bank and employment information. Returning customers can receive even higher loans in the future. They are available nationwide and you can get the money directly deposited into your bank account very quickly.
Payday cash loans are the fastest way to obtain an electronic deposit to your checking or savings account, so you can avoid costly bounced check or late payment penalties. They work like this: you fill out an application and provide the lender with items such as paycheck stubs and a photo ID. With a 100% online pay day loan approval process there is no need to leave your computer to get a cash advance because your request is generally instantly processed on a secure server and your personal payday advance is wire transferred to you quickly.
You should be aware that the interest rate on a payday loan may be 500% per year or more; so make sure that you'll be able to pay it back to avoid any further cost. You can check around for low fee payday loans also because it's a very competitive market. Most loan companies online, who provide next day cash advances and faxless loans, do so with no credit check. Hard to believe but you can apply over the Internet for a loan and get approval in as little as 30 seconds sometimes.
Whether you have bad credit, slow credit or no credit there are cash advances available to you. Payday loans are lifesavers for short-term, small cash problems: a good solution for anyone who needs a fast, easy and confidential way of getting emergency cash.
Using the Internet has big advantages because it's so fast and easy to apply online, without the need to travel across town to a payday loan company; and often you can easily get a one hour loan. You can get a no bank statement loan almost within an instant and using what is called a faxless payday loan. Once you're approved for a payday cash advance, they'll electronically deposit the money directly into your checking account. You can even get payday loans with no checking account from some lenders. These loans may be right for you if you need a little money for a short period of time.
The reason why these loans are so popular is that they allow you to get your money quickly and with minimum fuss. The payday cash loan companies help thousands of people every day with their short term money problems. Paperless payday loans are just as the name suggests; there is no paperwork involved in the application process.
Payday cash loans or cash advances are lifesavers for short-term, small cash problems. With cash advance payday loans, there is no credit check. The average borrower is employed and who uses the paycheck to take care of emergency needs.
Emergency payday cash loans or cash advances help you pay your mortgage, auto loan, or any number of other bills that you just can't handle because of an unseen expense or two. The new online payday loans work just like the traditional payday advance loan. Most of them can offer a short-term instant loan to anyone over 18 years of age who has an active bank account and steady job.
To process payday loans quickly and conveniently, clients must provide a few personal details, their online contact email address and bank and employment information. Returning customers can receive even higher loans in the future. They are available nationwide and you can get the money directly deposited into your bank account very quickly.
Payday cash loans are the fastest way to obtain an electronic deposit to your checking or savings account, so you can avoid costly bounced check or late payment penalties. They work like this: you fill out an application and provide the lender with items such as paycheck stubs and a photo ID. With a 100% online pay day loan approval process there is no need to leave your computer to get a cash advance because your request is generally instantly processed on a secure server and your personal payday advance is wire transferred to you quickly.
You should be aware that the interest rate on a payday loan may be 500% per year or more; so make sure that you'll be able to pay it back to avoid any further cost. You can check around for low fee payday loans also because it's a very competitive market. Most loan companies online, who provide next day cash advances and faxless loans, do so with no credit check. Hard to believe but you can apply over the Internet for a loan and get approval in as little as 30 seconds sometimes.
Whether you have bad credit, slow credit or no credit there are cash advances available to you. Payday loans are lifesavers for short-term, small cash problems: a good solution for anyone who needs a fast, easy and confidential way of getting emergency cash.
Payment Protection Providers
No matter what you buy, it's likely that some choices will be, if not disasters, certainly poor. For example, that pair of jeans that doesn't fit is likely to end up in the back of the closet and never worn.
Although poor choices are a part of life, in some cases, they are more important than they are in others. For example, mortgage payment protection insurance is much more important than a simple ill-fitting pair of jeans. It can leave you covered in times of distress if you have the right cover, or you can be high and dry with no place to go if you don't. Therefore, it's important for you to know what you're looking for when you make your choice. Although you can cancel, it's likely to come with a penalty if you cancel outside of the stated cancellation period.
The marketplace has many payment protection providers to choose from. Each can vary in terms of what they offer and how much they charge, but it should be relatively easy to decide whom you want to insure with. To start, provide some basic information about your needs, and the rest should be fairly simple.
What Are You Looking for?
There are three main types of mortgage payment protection available. Most insurers will be able to provide you with all three of them, but some may be more knowledgeable in one type that in others. Therefore, it's best if you know which type of coverage you're looking for before you shop for a provider. The types of insurance are:
* Unemployment and incapacity. With this type of insurance, you're covered if you lose your job, or if an illness or accident leaves you unable to work for an extended period of time. This is the most comprehensive and is the one that will protect you the most, so it's likely that you'll want this one.
* Unemployment only: This type of insurance will cover you if you lose your job, but it will not cover you for any other kind of job loss; for example, if you become injured on the job or become ill and cannot work because of either of these reasons, this type of insurance will not cover you.
* Incapacity only: Just like it sounds, this type of insurance will cover you if you become ill or injured and cannot work, but it will not cover you if you lose your job to some type of unemployment scenario. This type of insurance does work for those who are self-employed, since they are typically only classified as unemployed if they stop trading altogether and not if they're simply having a lull in business.
The Best Payment Protection Providers
There are literally thousands of payment protection providers available, whether on the high street or online. However, it might surprise you to know that you are likely to find your best choice online. In addition, you likely save money on premiums by shopping online for your provider as well.
One of the best providers is British Insurance. They have been awarded the 2007 What Mortgage Best Buy and are also recommended by the website MoneySavingExpert. If you wish, use Google to find other providers and do your own homework. In this way, you'll know just what types of payment protection insurance are out there through the different providers.
Although poor choices are a part of life, in some cases, they are more important than they are in others. For example, mortgage payment protection insurance is much more important than a simple ill-fitting pair of jeans. It can leave you covered in times of distress if you have the right cover, or you can be high and dry with no place to go if you don't. Therefore, it's important for you to know what you're looking for when you make your choice. Although you can cancel, it's likely to come with a penalty if you cancel outside of the stated cancellation period.
The marketplace has many payment protection providers to choose from. Each can vary in terms of what they offer and how much they charge, but it should be relatively easy to decide whom you want to insure with. To start, provide some basic information about your needs, and the rest should be fairly simple.
What Are You Looking for?
There are three main types of mortgage payment protection available. Most insurers will be able to provide you with all three of them, but some may be more knowledgeable in one type that in others. Therefore, it's best if you know which type of coverage you're looking for before you shop for a provider. The types of insurance are:
* Unemployment and incapacity. With this type of insurance, you're covered if you lose your job, or if an illness or accident leaves you unable to work for an extended period of time. This is the most comprehensive and is the one that will protect you the most, so it's likely that you'll want this one.
* Unemployment only: This type of insurance will cover you if you lose your job, but it will not cover you for any other kind of job loss; for example, if you become injured on the job or become ill and cannot work because of either of these reasons, this type of insurance will not cover you.
* Incapacity only: Just like it sounds, this type of insurance will cover you if you become ill or injured and cannot work, but it will not cover you if you lose your job to some type of unemployment scenario. This type of insurance does work for those who are self-employed, since they are typically only classified as unemployed if they stop trading altogether and not if they're simply having a lull in business.
The Best Payment Protection Providers
There are literally thousands of payment protection providers available, whether on the high street or online. However, it might surprise you to know that you are likely to find your best choice online. In addition, you likely save money on premiums by shopping online for your provider as well.
One of the best providers is British Insurance. They have been awarded the 2007 What Mortgage Best Buy and are also recommended by the website MoneySavingExpert. If you wish, use Google to find other providers and do your own homework. In this way, you'll know just what types of payment protection insurance are out there through the different providers.
Preventing Debt
The best way to prevent going into debt is by not going into debt in the first place. Like it is always said, prevention is the best cure. It works both in the health sector as well as the financial one. In order to keep from getting sick, it is best to live your life so you do not get sick in the first place. In your financial world, if you live your life responsibly and within your means, you can enjoy the peace of mind that goes along with it.
A budget is your key to success with preventing debt. A budget will show you what you can actually afford to spend. Take an inventory of all your income then subtract your debts. This will include all debt servicing payments, child support, or other things that take money away each month. You may find that you do not have as much as you thought after subtracting what you pay out. On the contrary and hopefully, you may have more than you thought. A budget will be your strongest aid in helping determine your financial well being.
Some expenses will be discretionary and other non-discretionary. Discretionary items are items that you have say over how much you spend. Discretionary items are going out to eat, clothing and entertainment expenses. Anything that you can control the expense is a discretionary expense. On the other hand, a non-discretionary are expenses that are for the most part fixed. Expenses such as mortgages and car payments are examples of non-discretionary items. It would be wise to concentrate lowering your discretionary expenses as you start out on your path to being debt free or controlling your debt.
Once you have some preliminary numbers down, you will need to work on what luxuries you can do without. Do you get a manicure every month? Or perhaps weekly? Is this something you really need? Do you smoke or drink? You could possibly save hundreds, not to mention your health, just by cutting these two things out. There is nothing good to say about smoking, but with moderation, drinking is not necessarily a negative behavior. But chances are, you could save some easy cash if you do it in moderation or not at all. Do you eat out at work? Could you pack your lunch instead? Maybe take some leftovers from the dinner you made the night before? These simple things will help tremendously on keeping within your budget and not living beyond your means.
The money you will be saving can go towards paying off your smaller or higher interest rate debts first. You would be surprised how this would add up. If you prefer, you can put it in savings account and pay a lump sum to the credit card. It makes absolutely no sense to keep it in a savings account and not pay off the debt. Chances are you are getting 3% or less on your savings and paying double digit interest on your credit cards. If you pay off your credit cards with the savings, it is the equivalent
of getting an automatic hike in your savings interest, which means more money in your pocket eventually.
Going into debt is one of the easiest things a person can do. We are constantly tempted with buying things we do not need. It is much more difficult but rewarding to say no to the pressures and stay debt free. Stay away from the high interest credit cards that are making banks rich. Make yourself rich instead.
A budget is your key to success with preventing debt. A budget will show you what you can actually afford to spend. Take an inventory of all your income then subtract your debts. This will include all debt servicing payments, child support, or other things that take money away each month. You may find that you do not have as much as you thought after subtracting what you pay out. On the contrary and hopefully, you may have more than you thought. A budget will be your strongest aid in helping determine your financial well being.
Some expenses will be discretionary and other non-discretionary. Discretionary items are items that you have say over how much you spend. Discretionary items are going out to eat, clothing and entertainment expenses. Anything that you can control the expense is a discretionary expense. On the other hand, a non-discretionary are expenses that are for the most part fixed. Expenses such as mortgages and car payments are examples of non-discretionary items. It would be wise to concentrate lowering your discretionary expenses as you start out on your path to being debt free or controlling your debt.
Once you have some preliminary numbers down, you will need to work on what luxuries you can do without. Do you get a manicure every month? Or perhaps weekly? Is this something you really need? Do you smoke or drink? You could possibly save hundreds, not to mention your health, just by cutting these two things out. There is nothing good to say about smoking, but with moderation, drinking is not necessarily a negative behavior. But chances are, you could save some easy cash if you do it in moderation or not at all. Do you eat out at work? Could you pack your lunch instead? Maybe take some leftovers from the dinner you made the night before? These simple things will help tremendously on keeping within your budget and not living beyond your means.
The money you will be saving can go towards paying off your smaller or higher interest rate debts first. You would be surprised how this would add up. If you prefer, you can put it in savings account and pay a lump sum to the credit card. It makes absolutely no sense to keep it in a savings account and not pay off the debt. Chances are you are getting 3% or less on your savings and paying double digit interest on your credit cards. If you pay off your credit cards with the savings, it is the equivalent
of getting an automatic hike in your savings interest, which means more money in your pocket eventually.
Going into debt is one of the easiest things a person can do. We are constantly tempted with buying things we do not need. It is much more difficult but rewarding to say no to the pressures and stay debt free. Stay away from the high interest credit cards that are making banks rich. Make yourself rich instead.
How To Allocate Your Money for Maximum Returns & Minimum Risk
So with all these money multiplication strategies, where should you put your hard earned savings? How should you allocate your funds to generate maximum gains yet minimize your risks?
I am sure you have heard of the term 'don't put all your eggs in one basket.' Even though you are going to learn how to achieve minimum risk & maximum returns in each basket, it is still wise to allocate your funds into different instruments with different targeted holding periods. In times of emergency when you need the cash, you can be sure that all your funds are not stuck in one place.
Now, here is an important disclaimer. In most financial textbooks, they advise diversifying your funds into many different investment vehicles like bonds, stocks, mutual funds, money markets instruments as well as spreading your money across numerous different sectors and different countries to diversify your risks. To an average investor who has low financial competence and needs the wide diversification to lower risk, this makes sense. However, while this kind of broad diversification guarantees low risk, it also guarantees low returns of 5%-8%.
I personally do not follow this strategy. Warren Buffett advises that 'broad diversification is used by people to protect themselves against their own ignorance.' If you know what you are doing (high financial intelligence), you should concentrate your portfolio into equities (stocks & mutual funds) as they achieve the highest return. And you can achieve low risk not by simply spreading your money around, but by your competence of knowing which funds and stocks to pick.
So, the strategy I am going to share with you would be deemed highly risky by the general financial advisors and bankers. Again, it's because most investors lack the competence to do otherwise. However, with the strategies and knowledge you are gaining in this book, you will prove to yourself that it is actually low risk, high return strategy.
Knowing how to allocate the money you save is the single most important decision that will lead to your financial goals. You should take your monthly savings of 15-20% and allocate it to four money baskets. These are the security basket, growth basket, high growth basket and the luxury basket. Let me explain each of these.
1. Security Basket (Target Return of 1.5%-4.5%pa)
This first basket is as the name implies, for your security. The funds in this basket grow just enough to keep pace with inflation. However, they are there in case of emergencies. If you suddenly lose your job, experience a salary cut or suffer a setback in your business, you know that you will have access to these funds anytime to see you through.
This basket should include cash, fixed deposits/certificates of deposits, personal housing, insurance & capital guaranteed funds.
2. Growth Basket 1 (Target Return of 8.51%-20%pa)
This is the basket where you build your net worth & positive cash flow assets that will lead you to financial freedom. This basket is where you put your money into index funds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and mutual funds. You should also divide your funds between the US market and Asian markets. Although mentioned earlier that Asian equities have disadvantages, we cannot deny the huge growth opportunities that Asia offers (especially India and China).
3. Growth Basket 2 (15%-25%)
This is the basket where you ACCELERATE the building of your net worth & positive cash flow assets that will lead you to financial freedom. Once again, you should not have to touch this money for five to ten years to let the power of compounding work its magic.
This basket is where you put your money into a winning portfolio of ten to twelve company stocks. And again, you should hold some Asian stocks as well as US stocks.
4. Luxury Basket (0%)
Your luxury basket is where you save up to indulge in your dream assets. This is money that you can afford to spend on things that are fun like:
Upgrading to a dream house, luxury cars, jewelry, boats and other luxuries. Again remember from the chapter on 'How the rich manage their cash flow' that the money to be used for luxuries should not come from your primary source of income, but from the passive income generated from your positive cash flow assets.
I am sure you have heard of the term 'don't put all your eggs in one basket.' Even though you are going to learn how to achieve minimum risk & maximum returns in each basket, it is still wise to allocate your funds into different instruments with different targeted holding periods. In times of emergency when you need the cash, you can be sure that all your funds are not stuck in one place.
Now, here is an important disclaimer. In most financial textbooks, they advise diversifying your funds into many different investment vehicles like bonds, stocks, mutual funds, money markets instruments as well as spreading your money across numerous different sectors and different countries to diversify your risks. To an average investor who has low financial competence and needs the wide diversification to lower risk, this makes sense. However, while this kind of broad diversification guarantees low risk, it also guarantees low returns of 5%-8%.
I personally do not follow this strategy. Warren Buffett advises that 'broad diversification is used by people to protect themselves against their own ignorance.' If you know what you are doing (high financial intelligence), you should concentrate your portfolio into equities (stocks & mutual funds) as they achieve the highest return. And you can achieve low risk not by simply spreading your money around, but by your competence of knowing which funds and stocks to pick.
So, the strategy I am going to share with you would be deemed highly risky by the general financial advisors and bankers. Again, it's because most investors lack the competence to do otherwise. However, with the strategies and knowledge you are gaining in this book, you will prove to yourself that it is actually low risk, high return strategy.
Knowing how to allocate the money you save is the single most important decision that will lead to your financial goals. You should take your monthly savings of 15-20% and allocate it to four money baskets. These are the security basket, growth basket, high growth basket and the luxury basket. Let me explain each of these.
1. Security Basket (Target Return of 1.5%-4.5%pa)
This first basket is as the name implies, for your security. The funds in this basket grow just enough to keep pace with inflation. However, they are there in case of emergencies. If you suddenly lose your job, experience a salary cut or suffer a setback in your business, you know that you will have access to these funds anytime to see you through.
This basket should include cash, fixed deposits/certificates of deposits, personal housing, insurance & capital guaranteed funds.
2. Growth Basket 1 (Target Return of 8.51%-20%pa)
This is the basket where you build your net worth & positive cash flow assets that will lead you to financial freedom. This basket is where you put your money into index funds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and mutual funds. You should also divide your funds between the US market and Asian markets. Although mentioned earlier that Asian equities have disadvantages, we cannot deny the huge growth opportunities that Asia offers (especially India and China).
3. Growth Basket 2 (15%-25%)
This is the basket where you ACCELERATE the building of your net worth & positive cash flow assets that will lead you to financial freedom. Once again, you should not have to touch this money for five to ten years to let the power of compounding work its magic.
This basket is where you put your money into a winning portfolio of ten to twelve company stocks. And again, you should hold some Asian stocks as well as US stocks.
4. Luxury Basket (0%)
Your luxury basket is where you save up to indulge in your dream assets. This is money that you can afford to spend on things that are fun like:
Upgrading to a dream house, luxury cars, jewelry, boats and other luxuries. Again remember from the chapter on 'How the rich manage their cash flow' that the money to be used for luxuries should not come from your primary source of income, but from the passive income generated from your positive cash flow assets.
Useful Information And Advice College Financing Programs Recommend For You
College education is one necessity in life anyone desires to have. It is for sure that the higher you get with college education the better the job you will get in future. This also means a higher pay and a more comfy. But nothing good comes easily!
College Education is becoming so expensive and many are on the look out for extra finances just to meet this need. Did you know that this can easily be solved by getting enough information and advice on College Financing Programs? Well let me just make it clear for you. College Financing Programs gives you, as a college student, clear and detailed information on financing your college education. Do not go blindly into any kind of college financing without a clear mind on what it entails. This information is available for you and there are so many government and private college financial institutions offering the information.
You need a good plan for this so that even before going to the college of your choice you will smartly decide who should be your college financier basing on the requirements of that college. Your school adviser this time round is a key person you should consider talking to about college financing. He should explain in details on how college financing will help you go through the college life and just how it can affect you and your family while in college and after you are done with it.
Just like always, you will find so many documents to read and agree with, sign and apply. All this may lead to so much confusion in your mind. But many institutions offering college financing are a bit organized and just by following their guidelines, you will get there, believe me! For instance, the federal government has good quality online information with many defined links connecting to the ideal application forms that you submit to college financing institutions. In the college financing guide you will also learn of the available student loan programs, estimate the cost for college education; get info about the effects of defaulted loans and even funding alternatives.
Once you have made up your mind that you need a college financier the links to these college financing institutions will help you find the best and a step by step approved application process that will leave you smiling for achieving something.
And Just before I forget! let me give you my last word, that undeniably, university and college education is proving quite expensive these days, and for sure we all want to go through this education just to achieve more for the sake of our future and the generations to come. We are left with no choice but to comply with this changing and devastating stipulation. Well what do we do? Let us get positive and learn more about how we can finance this education however expensive it could get. So get this college financing information yourself so that when you go to look for the financiers you will have a concrete idea on what you expect and a better choice of college too.
College Education is becoming so expensive and many are on the look out for extra finances just to meet this need. Did you know that this can easily be solved by getting enough information and advice on College Financing Programs? Well let me just make it clear for you. College Financing Programs gives you, as a college student, clear and detailed information on financing your college education. Do not go blindly into any kind of college financing without a clear mind on what it entails. This information is available for you and there are so many government and private college financial institutions offering the information.
You need a good plan for this so that even before going to the college of your choice you will smartly decide who should be your college financier basing on the requirements of that college. Your school adviser this time round is a key person you should consider talking to about college financing. He should explain in details on how college financing will help you go through the college life and just how it can affect you and your family while in college and after you are done with it.
Just like always, you will find so many documents to read and agree with, sign and apply. All this may lead to so much confusion in your mind. But many institutions offering college financing are a bit organized and just by following their guidelines, you will get there, believe me! For instance, the federal government has good quality online information with many defined links connecting to the ideal application forms that you submit to college financing institutions. In the college financing guide you will also learn of the available student loan programs, estimate the cost for college education; get info about the effects of defaulted loans and even funding alternatives.
Once you have made up your mind that you need a college financier the links to these college financing institutions will help you find the best and a step by step approved application process that will leave you smiling for achieving something.
And Just before I forget! let me give you my last word, that undeniably, university and college education is proving quite expensive these days, and for sure we all want to go through this education just to achieve more for the sake of our future and the generations to come. We are left with no choice but to comply with this changing and devastating stipulation. Well what do we do? Let us get positive and learn more about how we can finance this education however expensive it could get. So get this college financing information yourself so that when you go to look for the financiers you will have a concrete idea on what you expect and a better choice of college too.
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There are several excellent strategies to saving money on groceries, depending on how you eat.
Regular Foods
If you eat commercially prepared foods, you can feed your family on pennies a day by taking advantage of coupons and refunds. By combining sales, manufacturer's and store coupons, you can get items for free, or even get paid to take them. Forget a savings of 25c off a tube of toothpaste. Stores have got awesome deals ripe for the taking, if you understand the concept. On foods you cannot get free, like meats and produce, there are great organizations out there that serve the general public (not low income folks) like Angel Food Ministries where you can get a box of restaurant quality meats, produce, and other staples, worth $50-75, for only $25. Many areas across the country also have the SHARE program, which provides heavy discounts on meats and staples in exchange for your involvement in your choice of volunteer work in your community.
Healthy Foods
Unfortunately, those of us who choose to eat organic or health foods do not have the ability to acquire food so inexpensively. There are relatively few coupons on the market for organic foods, as they are not advertised as heavily. But, there are other options!
1. Organic Co-Ops
Check out your local organic coops. This is where multiple families get together to share a wholesale organic purchase, usually produce.
2. Community Supported Agriculture, CSA
Check out the local CSA in your area. This is where you purchase, in advance, a share of a farmer's harvest. The food is healthy, fresh, and does not travel long distances so it can be ripened on the vine instead of picked early and artificially ripened.
3. Grow it Yourself
If you have the space, the most cost effective way to reduce your healthy food grocery bill is to grow/raise some food yourself. Victory gardens, herb gardens, fruit trees, chickens and even rabbits can be raised in a small location without a huge investment of money or time. You can even sell or barter excess foods.
No matter how you choose to eat, there are ways to cut down on your grocery bills. A few more tips:
-Menu Plan
-Write out a grocery list
-Shop alone (no hubby or kids)
-Do not grocery shop while hungry
-Take a certain amount of cash with you and leave your credit cards at home
Regular Foods
If you eat commercially prepared foods, you can feed your family on pennies a day by taking advantage of coupons and refunds. By combining sales, manufacturer's and store coupons, you can get items for free, or even get paid to take them. Forget a savings of 25c off a tube of toothpaste. Stores have got awesome deals ripe for the taking, if you understand the concept. On foods you cannot get free, like meats and produce, there are great organizations out there that serve the general public (not low income folks) like Angel Food Ministries where you can get a box of restaurant quality meats, produce, and other staples, worth $50-75, for only $25. Many areas across the country also have the SHARE program, which provides heavy discounts on meats and staples in exchange for your involvement in your choice of volunteer work in your community.
Healthy Foods
Unfortunately, those of us who choose to eat organic or health foods do not have the ability to acquire food so inexpensively. There are relatively few coupons on the market for organic foods, as they are not advertised as heavily. But, there are other options!
1. Organic Co-Ops
Check out your local organic coops. This is where multiple families get together to share a wholesale organic purchase, usually produce.
2. Community Supported Agriculture, CSA
Check out the local CSA in your area. This is where you purchase, in advance, a share of a farmer's harvest. The food is healthy, fresh, and does not travel long distances so it can be ripened on the vine instead of picked early and artificially ripened.
3. Grow it Yourself
If you have the space, the most cost effective way to reduce your healthy food grocery bill is to grow/raise some food yourself. Victory gardens, herb gardens, fruit trees, chickens and even rabbits can be raised in a small location without a huge investment of money or time. You can even sell or barter excess foods.
No matter how you choose to eat, there are ways to cut down on your grocery bills. A few more tips:
-Menu Plan
-Write out a grocery list
-Shop alone (no hubby or kids)
-Do not grocery shop while hungry
-Take a certain amount of cash with you and leave your credit cards at home
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