participating loan

Cantalapiedra Arenas, Mario

Type of loan to companies characterized by the participation of the lender in the profits of the company financed, plus the collection, generally a fixed rate, with a funding formula intermediate between the capital and the loan long-term. Its basic regulation is contained in Royal Decree-Law 7/1996 of 7 June, on urgent fiscal measures and promotion and liberalization of economic activity and the subsequent Law 10/1996, of December 18 urgent tax measures on correction of intercompany domestic double taxation and on incentives for the internationalization of companies. Based on this law the main characteristics of participatory loans are removed:

- They have a long maturity, so long investment fund company, and usually a long waiting period on repayment of principal.
- The lender receives a floating rate determined by reference to the evolution of the activity of company, hence considered "participatory". The criteria for determining this development is broad and can refer to the net profit to turnover, the total assets or any other freely agreed by the contracting parties. In practice usually set by reference profit or turnover, still common capped this participatory interest rate is set. Also usually it agreed upon fixed rate independent of the evolution of the activity.
- They have a range of enforcement subordinated to any other claim or obligation of company, ranking just ahead of the partners in this, allowing the company to maintain its borrowing capacity and takes the lender to take a similar risk of owners. Usually it required that the company holds own funds above a loan, so the lender is assured not to risk her in the project.
- Are considered net for the purpose of capital reduction and liquidation of companies under commercial law, something that is particularly important in case of unfavorable economic situation of the company, allowing delay settlement recovery by offering more opportunities for heritage.
- You can only cancel in advance if offset by an extension of the same amount in the capital of the company. Thus, the company is undercapitalized and injury prevents other creditors have it. The parties may agree on a penalty clause in case of early repayment.
- Accrued interest, both fixed and variable, on the participating loan are considered deductible for purposes of the taxable corporate income tax starting borrower.
It has traditionally been a type of loan lenders linked to public capital, as the case of the National Innovation Company SA (ENISA) in Spain, although it can also be issued by private entities.

College Acceptance Rates: What Are Your Real Chances Of Getting Into College?

College acceptance rates are higher, but enrollment rates are getting lower, making the chances of getting into college a whole lot easier. But is this good news for parents and students?

Reuters, the news agency, has an article whose headline indicates that college rejection rates are simply a myth. There is truth in the fact that acceptance rates appear to be encouraging for applicants; note I underscored the word "appear." And we all know that appearances can be deceiving, which makes a documented fact a weak fact, that is, one that cannot be taken seriously.

Let's examine each of the article's points regarding the "myth."

1. The article suggests that over 75% of students who apply to college are accepted. Does it mean that a parent has little reason to be concerned about their little Johnny being accepted to where he applies? By contrast he has a 25% chance of being rejected by those same schools. Sure the odds are in the student's favor, which suggests that both the student and the parent have nothing to worry about. Right?

Let's apply these odds to a medical template. If you were diagnosed with cancer and your doctor said you really didn't need treatment because the odds against you are "only 25%," that there was a 75% success rate of your cancer evaporating if you had no treatment of any kind, what would your reaction be? I thought so: you'd be seeking the best medical advice you could find to decrease the 25% to zero. ZERO. If a college admissions expert told you to apply this analogy to your chances of getting into college - and a right-fit college - what would you conclude? (Please be patient - I'll return your call.)

2. The article fails to mention the drop-out rates of students who are accepted, which makes you think that the student went to the wrong college. Why? Because they actually didn't qualify academically (28%), but the college accepted Johnny anyway, or the parents simply realized later that a college's long-term commitment (4-6 years) is not affordable (38%).

Conclusion? The parents didn't have a clue of what a real college-fit meant, both academically and financially, and they didn't determine well enough in advance if college was genuinely affordable. A no-nonsense hard-bitten college admissions consultant, who could have raised all the red flags in advance and made the proper recommendations, wasn't even considered as a factor in the family's research of colleges. (Please be patient - I'll return your call.)

3. The article mentions that 76% of admission directors are "concerned" about achieving their college enrollment goals. All the more reason to apply anywhere and just wing it. Right? Incredibly in the same paragraph of the article, these same admission directors said that one out of three were offering bigger discounts (read: scholarships and grants) to attract more students.

Okay, so by contrast that means that two out of three admission directors are NOT offering more scholarship money to attract more students. Does that mean that MOST admission directors are not so concerned after all? Looks like it to me. And should a parent be worried that the odds of getting more financial aid are against them? Sure looks that way. (Please be patient - I'll return your call.)

Such articles from news agencies like Reuters are misleading, and when I wanted to add this article to their comments section, which had "no comments" so far, a notice came up on the screen that discussion of this topic was now "CLOSED."

There's always the other side of a story and I wanted to offer it here.

The author is a college planning consultant who works directly with the student to gain admission into a right-fit college. He is also a life-long marketer whose stealth strategies are highly effective and the parent gets plenty of help paying for college.

The author refuses to take on any client whose only purpose is to get their child into an Ivy League school. But he will take your call and give you a free 30-minute consultation on the phone or by Skype.

His website: http://www.planning-for-college.com

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Education, the Key to Self-Reliance and Growth

Education is increasingly becoming an expensive concept, even for those born with the proverbial "silver spoon"!

Education is seen as a fundamental birthright of children according to the Constitution or Charter of several nations and while free education is accessible in certain regions of the world up to a basic level, higher education is not within easy reach to millions of students around the world.

Student funding or loans for student offered by banking and financial institutions have hitherto provided the means for many students from developed countries to pursue their dreams of a coveted education. In recent years, micro-finance and co-operative societies are extending these facilities to students from poorer or developing nations, thereby granting them the means to fulfill their academic qualifications and pursue a career of their choice.

The basic premise of this kind of loan is the financial help for books and study material, tuition fees and living expenses. The terms of student loans differ vastly from other types of loans, for one the interest rates are much lower and loan-terms are extended; secondly, the repayment schedule is usually deferred till the student completes his or her education and finds a means of employment to repay the loan.

The International Scenario

In Australia, students are funded through the HECS-HELP (Higher Education Loan Program) Scheme. This funding is repaid over a scheduled period of time through a supplementary tax program, based on a taxable income scale.

In the United Kingdom, education loans are the primary responsibility of the state-owned Student Loans Company. Under this scheme, interest is calculated on principal loan amount from the time of receipt; however repayment begins in the tax or financial year of course completion by student. The student finance or loan package includes tuition fee and maintenance grant.

There are two types of education loans in the United States; private student loans and the federal government's federal loans. In some instances, student loans can be offered as a financial aid package that could cover grants, scholarships and work-study programs. Federal loans form a great majority of student loans and fall under 'subsidized' and 'unsubsidized' brackets. Subsidized loans are interest-free for the duration of the study course of the student.

Federal student loans are far less expensive when compared to private student loans and can be paid back under the Income-Based Repayment plan where the loan amount is paid back based on how much the student earns and not on the actual amount owed. This option, however, does not apply to private student loans.

Most colleges and universities in the US are covered under the Federal student loan program. It is not uncommon for colleges and universities to have their own loan assistance departments and financial consultants who can meet with students and offer expert counseling or advice on the type of loan and repayment choice to make.

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FAQs for Perspective Sonography Students

Here is a list of frequently asked questions about sonography education.

How do students find the CAAHEP accredited programs?

There are two simple ways to find schools with sonography programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP). One method is to review the list of eligible schools found on the school list page. The interactive chart lists schools by state and city. The chart also notes the degrees and concentrations offered at each school. It has school contact information and indicates whether a program is also ARRT recognized. The second method is to browse the CAAHEP website that provides links to CAAHEP accredited programs.

What are the program requirements to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

Each program develops its particular prerequisites for the course of study that must be completed. The sonography program prerequisites and general requirements are influenced by CAAHEP minimum requirements for accreditation and the type of degree, diploma or certificate that will be earned upon program completion. Sonography students will complete didactic and clinical training, unless applying to a one-year certificate program and can document eligible clinical training or experience. In that case only course work is required. Required college-level course topics include science, math, communication plus medical imaging and patient care specific topics.

What is the sonography program admission process?

Each program has its own admission process, but there are typical steps students can expect to take. Many programs have limited enrollments so it is important to start the application process well in advance of the program start date. The first step is verifying that admissions requirements can be met in terms of high school completion, previously completed college level courses, and grade point average. The application process will include completing a set of admission forms and submitting documentation concerning degrees, field experience and references. An in-person interview might be required, but as a minimum there will be written questions to answer or an essay to write. Reviewing sample interview questions is helpful.

What type of financial aid is available?

Students can apply for all available financial aid that includes federal and state grants and loans, scholarships, work-study, veterans' benefits, or a mix of resources. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASA) application is used to apply for federal loans and grants. The financial information provided by the student on the application is used by the school to determine how much the financial assistance the student qualifies for from all sources. Financial aid counselors at the schools help students assemble a funding package from available financial resources, including school-administered scholarship money. The student can also apply independently for private scholarships or bank loans.

How does one become a certified Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

The primary certifying entity for ultrasound technicians is the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The sonography credentials that can be earned by passing designated ARDMS exams are Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Registered Vascular Technology, Registered Diagnostic Cardiac, and the recently added Registered in Musculoskeletal. Other certifying entities include Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). In all cases, students must meet minimum educational and experience requirements for exam eligibility. An explanation of the certifying entities is found on the webpage HERE.

Is additional education required after becoming a certified sonographer?

Periodic certification renewals are required by each certifying organization. To maintain ARDMS credentials requires certified sonographers to complete 30 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits every three years. The CME credits must be earned by completing classes or workshops offered by the certifying entity's accepted or approved sponsors. Some accepted CME sponsors charge a fee, but there are also sponsors offering free CME credits. As credits are completed, the student must update their online documentation. ARRT and CCI also have re-credentialing requirements.

Does each state require licensing of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?

Oregon and New Mexico have passed laws requiring licensing of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. West Virginia and New Jersey are having an ongoing discussion concerning adding a licensing requirement for ultrasound technologists. Other states are likely to follow suit. Employers in all 50 states and the states themselves recognize the ARDMS certification, and over 30 states recognize ARRT's credential. It is important that sonographers stay abreast of state licensing laws to ensure compliance in the future.

If you want to know more detailed information about ultrasound education, visit our website. You will also get a school list of accredited sonography schools by region.

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At Home Reading Is Important

Why Reading is Important

One of the most important skills any child will learn is how to read. Studies have shown that in countries where students show very high levels of reading comprehension and proficiency, also have high levels of proficiency in science and math. This is easy to understand because if one is unable to read and understand, one cannot possibly do homework without help, read a science lesson, study for a test or know how to approach a mathematical word problem.

It Takes Practice to Read

Any new skill should be practiced in order to be mastered, reading is no exception. Reading has several different interrelated elements to learn, which include word comprehension, decoding, vocabulary and fluency, making it a very complex skill. Even though children have plenty of opportunities to practice reading while in school, any extra time they can practice at home is also very helpful. The more a child practices a new skill, the easier that new skill will become.

Simple Ways You Can Encourage at Home Reading

The following are some ways you can encourage your children to read at home.

• Create a "literate home" -

A literate home is a home that presents reading opportunities all around. Have age-appropriate books and magazines, cookbooks, chapter books and picture books available for your child at all times. Look for ways to emphasize how important reading is, for example if your child asks a question, you can reply by saying, "Let's look that up." Use high quality websites, a thesaurus, or a dictionary to find and read about subjects which interest your child.

• Create a Book Nook -

If there is a cozy place in your home or your child's room, create a book nook as a special hide-away for reading. Get a book shelf, find out your child's favorite books and authors, and stock the book shelf with them. Add to the nook a soft afghan, a few fluffy pillows, or a bean-bag chair; anything that makes the area appealing and cozy. Keep your children on their toes by sometimes sneaking some new books into the nook that you know they will love.

• Go High Tech -

Many of today's children are interested in electronics. Use this interest to focus them on reading through magazines and books. Your child can also download interesting magazines and books to an e-reader like the Kindle or iPad, and some libraries also loan them out as downloadable books.

• Set a Good Example -

The first step is telling your child about how important reading is, but another step that is equally important is showing them by your own actions. Have discussions with your child about the books you read and why you like them. Invite your child to see what you view on the internet such as the weekend weather, the kind of bird you saw outside on the window sill, or how to make s'mores. There are many ways to show your child how rewarding reading can be.

When you make reading an important part of the everyday life of your child, you will improve their ability to learn. Additional information about how important reading at home is and the many ways you can incorporate it into your child's life can be found on the PBS website, Reading Rockets. Your child's teacher may have given your child some vocabulary words as homework for the upcoming week.

Private School Jacksonville, Hendricks Day School focuses on teaching your child how to think. Contact us for a tour of our school in Jacksonville: 904-720-0398.

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Learn Special Effect Photography

It can take years and a pile of student loan debt to learn the art of special effect photography. Once you know the techniques used, you can take amazing photographs. In today's internet and social media based world, there is more call than ever for trick shots like invisible person shots, multiple exposure panorama shots, star trails, and more.

It doesn't take expensive digital cameras or overpriced computer programs, it takes knowledge. The professionals know these tricks. They make a living taking special effect photographs while you are still stuck in your dead end job. This simple guide will have you learning what you need to know to use photography to change your life.

You can avoid the college route and try to teach yourself, but it will still take you years of trial and error. There is no need to spend years as an "amateur photographer" when you could jump right into the world of professional photography. These tricks will allow you to take photos that leave people wondering "How did he do that?"

Besides special effects, this guide will also teach you tricks to improve standard photography. There are lots of ways to make money if you know your way around a camera. Photography is an in demand field. There is lots of money that can be made as your own boss. Wedding photographer, baby photos, senior pictures, prom pictures. The list goes on and on.

Not only will you learn these are simple, easy to learn techniques, but you will also get access to advance techniques. Mixing your simple tricks with simple computer programs and yield an even broader array of effects. Learn how to make breathtaking shots with streaks of light or multiple copies of the subject person.

Photography can be a lifestyle. You don't have to get up in the morning and sell your time working nine to five. You can travel and get paid for it. Turn your dream vacation into a photography assignment and you'll start living a life most only dream about.

Modern technology has leveled the playing field. You no longer need to spend a fortune on expensive camera equipment and film development. This simple guide is all you need to set off on your new adventure. A whole world is waiting for you.

I never thought I could achieve what I did in such a short span of time. Now that I know the secret, I feel obligated to share that with you.

Start on your new path today. On sale for a limited time only, and when it's gone, it's gone, so don't delay, click here now. http://tinyurl.com/lnj9ygr

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Things You Need to Know - Before Breaking an Apartment Lease

Have you now decided to move out of your parents place and rent out an apartment all on your own? Are you aware of all the responsibilities for paying your rent on time and consequences of breaking the lease?

When you sign an apartment lease, you are entering a legally binding agreement which cannot be taken lightly or easily broken. Remember the time when you signed an agreement that you will pay off your student loans, once you graduate? It's somewhat of a similar concept.

There could be various reasons why you may want to break your apartment lease before it officially ends. One of the main reasons is when people find a job and must relocate there. Other reason maybe when a family purchases a house and they need to move out of their apartment, as soon as possible. Another very common reason is when someone loses a job and they have to move in back with their parents or friends and cannot afford to pay all the rent.

Some folks just think that they can simply walk out of their lease and in fact some do exactly that. However, they later realize that this move will haunt them for many years to come and it won't be very pleasant.

First of all, breaking your lease early will cause some serious legal problems. You could get sued by your landlord very easily. Landlord will also go after your credit and this blemish will stay on your credit report for 7 years. It will cause you tremendous problems when you'll try to get a mortgage or a car loan. You would be denied it or offered a very high interest rate.

When you break your lease early, your landlord will certainly not return your security deposit back to you. Some folks don't care about it because some may only have a small deposit, but others may seriously regret it, as their their security deposit could be much larger, like $700 to $2000.

Therefore, now you may ask yourself a question, is it really worth to be hot-headed and break your lease and face all these consequences or perhaps there could be another way out?

One way to avoid all these issues is to grab your leasing agreement and read entirely to see if you may work out an "assignment of lease". If you cannot find this clause in your leasing contract, call your landlord and ask the following question "If I need to leave before my lease is up, can i find a replacement tenant and do an assignment of lease?" Most likely, your landlord will allow it.

If you find someone to take over your apartment lease, your landlord will allow your to leave without any penalties, lawsuits, blemishes on your credit and will even return your security deposit, considering you have not damaged the apartment.

There are a few lease management companies who help with a replacement tenant search, but only a few do an amazing job.

Find out more on how to find someone to take over lease, so that you can find a common solution for you and your landlord.

Take Over Lease is a full management leasing company who finds tenants in as little as 48 hours. Visit http://www.takeoverlease.us to find out more info.

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Administrative Wage Garnishment Hearing

A court judgment is not needed before collecting payment from wage garnishment, and up to fifteen percent of your disposable pay is up for garnishment, however you are entitled to thirty times the minimum wage, which is $7.25 an hour.

You are allowed to challenge a garnishment based on your income, employment status, and other reasons. It is important that you challenge your garnishment as quickly as possible, therefore increasing your chance of successfully challenging garnishment against you.

Once you receive your notice of garnishment against you, you have 30 days before garnishment begins. You are then notified about requesting a hearing where you may present evidence and give reasons as to why garnishment should not be allowed against you. By successfully requesting a hearing within the thirty day period of notice, your garnishment is put on hold. However if you are past your thirty day limit, garnishment will be seen through, and will end if you win your hearing.

You must have a valid reason as to why the garnishment against you is invalid for you to be able to request a hearing. Reasons as for requesting a hearing include but are not limited to; your have indeed repaid the loan in garnishment and you do not owe any money, you were relieved of your last job involuntarily and have held a steady job for less than twelve months, you are in the process of paying back your loan under a repayment agreement, or you have filed for bankruptcy.

It is important that the Department of Education or a guaranty agency notifies you before beginning wage garnishment on your student loans, for if not, you may use that as a reason to appeal your garnishment. You must also be offered the choice to challenge the garnishment or amount of wage garnishment or terms of the repayment schedule for the garnishment to be seen through.

If you are concerned or worried that you may be at risk for wage garnishment, it is important to contact your loaner or a student loan help center. Either may provide you with helpful information.

There is no quick fix for paying off your student debts, but student loan forgiveness programs can greatly help you. With the use of student loan forgiveness programs you will find yourself on the road to paying off your student loans at your own pace. For more helpful tips and information on paying off your student loans check back frequently on our blog.

Bruce Mesnekoff invites you to get more Student Loans information, tips and advices at http://brucemesnekoff.com/ and http://studentconsolidationservices.com/

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The Smart Woman's Guide to Planning for Retirement by Mary Hunt - Personal Finance Book Review

Money maven, Mary Hunt, returns with a new book, "The Smart Woman's Guide to Planning for Retirement," to help women prosper financially in the New Year and beyond. While geared toward females, men can also benefit from Hunt's money knowledge, honed after she amassed over $100,000 in debt earlier in life; and took 13 years to erase.

"Have you had a retirement wake-up call?" Hunt asks early in the book. "I can promise you they intensify with age."

Hunt sites a 2012 survey that found that 92 percent of women of all ages do not feel educated enough to reach their retirement savings goals.

Saving for retirement requires determination and hard work; and Hunt believes women can succeed. "If we lack confidence, it's because we lack knowledge and desire, certainly not because we lack intelligence and ability," Hunt says.

Time trumps all factors when saving for retirement. The sooner you start, the better. But, Hunt emphasizes, regardless of what stage you are in life, you must begin now. "It's only too late if you don't start now. No matter where you are or how little you think you have, start now. Today. Start. Saving." Take baby steps to produce long-term results.

Hunt's teachings feature:

Retirement Savings Plan. Hunt promotes a six-step Retirement Savings Plan, which includes:

Build an emergency fund. Also known as a Contingency Fund. Save money for life's unexpected expenses (car repairs, home repairs, etc.) This money needs to be liquid (easily accessible within two or three days), safe from erosion (build in a risk-free savings account) and able to fund at least six months of living expenses should a job loss or other compromised income event occur.

Get out of debt. Eliminate all unsecured debt (credit card debt, student loans, personal loans). Hunt says they're like cancer stealing your future. Incorporate Hunt's Rapid Debt-Repayment Plan (RDRP) to abolish the debt.

Own your home outright. Buy half as much house as your mortgage approval. Make monthly mortgage payments equal to the full approval amount to own your residence in half the time. Fiercely protect your home equity (the difference between your home's market value and mortgage balance). Avoid taking a home equity loan or line of credit, which resets the clock on a thirty-year mortgage.

Consider hiring a financial planner once debt is eradicated or managed, a respectable amount in savings is amassed, retirement funds are growing, or an IRA inheritance or other cash windfall appears.

Hunt describes three types of financial planners:

Commission-based. This planner doesn't charge based on time, but by selling investment products. He or she earns commissions on those sales.
Fee-based. This planner works on a fixed fee or charges by the hour. Fees are stated up front and the planner is a registered investment advisor (RIA). They're required by law to meet fiduciary standards, making them responsible for putting the best interests of their clients first.
Combo. This planner is a combination of the first two. Clients pay a fee, fixed or hourly and the planner earns commissions when the client buys financial products based on their recommendations.
Choose a financial planner with at least five years experience Hunt suggests. Ensure they act in your best interests, and can explain financial concepts on your level. Be wary of any planner who claims to be able to beat the market. Ultimately, collaborate with a planner; yet make your own investment decisions. Hunt underscores that, "An advisor's or planner's primary loyalty will be to the hand that feeds her. That is simply human nature."

Hunt educates in a conversational tone, avoiding jargon, charts and mind-numbing data, which makes for an engaging read. A Christian, she teaches faith-based money management. Hunt believes that God is the source of all life's blessings, including money. An employer, spouse, investments, trust account, parents or any other entity are the channels through which money flows, but not the ultimate source. She's making reasonable preparations for retirement without obsession; and trusting God for the outcome.

While having a retirement nest egg is important, Hunt reminds readers there is more to life than money. Health, spirituality, nurturing relationships, staying active, continual learning and volunteering are some attributes of a well-balanced existence.

Decade-by-decade financial planning, the five necessary tools for a money management system, investment basics (automate all payments to avoid not making monthly contributions (out-of-sight, out-of-mind), reverse mortgages, and parents paying for their children's college education (not required), are other money-saving/building topics addressed in the book.

Anyone committed to improving their financial fitness in 2014, will reap life treasures, beyond the bounds of cash, by inheriting Mary Hunt's money practices.

To establish your baseline financial status, and/or monitor your progress, order your free credit reports from the three big credit companies: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, visit: Annual Credit Report.

Timothy Zaun is a blogger, speaker and freelance writer. Visit him online at http://timzaun.com.

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Is Unemployment Becoming Systemic?

Five Years Ago Professionals Over 55 Were Unprepared To Find A New Job.

We acknowledged that executives and managers forced into early retirement or who had simply had their positions eliminated were ill-prepared to conduct their own job search.

The basic reasons for the challenge were threefold:

They were unaware that 80% of senior positions were never advertised, but were filled by referral through professional-level networking, a skill not shared by everyone!
They held naïve ideas about the costs of conducting a job search and the need to budget for expenses, from meeting fees to transportation, etc.
These long-term employees were inadequately prepared for an effective job search primarily because they had failed to assemble a "library of accomplishments" structured for use in cover letters, interviews and networking meetings (think: "elevator pitch").
There are at least a dozen other contributing factors, but these were the three important ones we found to apply most frequently.

Five years ago our basic contention was that even "over-age" applicants could find positions if they did a good job of conducting their own professional-level job search. We backed up the claim by offering a 65-page course for free via the internet.

What Has Changed?

A lot has changed since 2008. Much has worsened, leading to what may be systemic unemployment for older workers.

The technology juggernaut hasn't slacked off; if anything it's accelerating, eliminating traditional jobs and creating new ones.
The political gridlock in Washington still ignores a steadily crumbling infrastructure.
The academic version of the "military/industrial complex" is churning out ever more college graduates that can't write a coherent letter -- but who are cheap to hire.
It's no wonder our industry leaders are frustrated and desperately recruiting from abroad to fill the emerging tech savvy jobs.

Baby-Boomers Have Entered the Picture.

Where does this leave the early retirees and the Baby Boomers who are looking retire over the next two decades -- some 10,000 of them a day!?

For those still fortunate enough to have retirement accounts intact, they'll be living longer than they planned. For those not so fortunate, they'll be looking for some way to support themselves in their not-so-leisure years.

Some will take jobs for which they are over-qualified (and thus under-paid), out of a need for a sort of security.

Some will become reluctant entrepreneurs - and begin training to get new skills.

Where Will They Get the Help They Will Need to Succeed?

In many larger cities there are good programs available through the partnership of the Small Business Administration and "SCORE" (Service Corps of Retired Executives). Here the pool of retired executive talent is broad enough to cover a variety of business categories (although a retired executive may or may not have any real experience with a start-up business).

For many, the solution will be private: seminars, on-line training courses or private coaching.

The question is, will they get legitimate help or fall victim to the growing number of charlatans or private training schools best known for bilking the government and leaving would-be students with oppressive student loan debt?

Let's hope it's not the latter.

Author Joseph A. Krueger has trained hundreds of executives in professional job search techniques. He has now turned to meeting the needs of those for whom employment is no longer an option -- that is, those too young to retire but too old to hire. His website http://www.entrepreneursmarketingmachine.com provides perspective and training, including a new course specifically for entrepreneurs, called "Making It In Your New Business."

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New Years Resolution: Fix Your Credit In 2014

I pose a suggestion on a new years resolution. It's not too late to start, and I even offer advice on how to achieve it. This is a resolution, if executed, will impact probably most if not all of the other resolutions you have either already made or had in mind.

Fix Your Credit

The national average credit score is 634, which falls into the "poor" category. That means, the majority of American's have bad credit. This is attributed to by a lot of things such as:

1) It's not taught in school.

2) There isn't a focus on credit until you need it. (ie: mortgage, auto loan)

3) It isn't something most people truly understand.

Still, fixing your credit score will impact your other resolutions such as, getting that new car you wanted, getting the job you actually like, or getting the house you've always wanted. So, that being said, let's talk about how.

Pay loans early and make double payments: If you can't afford double payments, then early payments are key. This feeds into your good credit history and builds upon what you have. Creditors like this.

Setup auto bill pay on all of your credit cards and bills: Late payments are often not the cause of not having the funds, rather forgetting to pay the bill all together. Late payments are a killer on a credit history and drain your credit score right down.

Don't close old credit cards: You want to increase your average age of open credit lines. I know that there is an itch to just close a credit card after you've paid it off, especially if it has a speckled past, but don't do it. Keep it open and in good standing.

Variety: Having multiple types of credit cards is key. You don't want to have too many, but a credit card and a store credit card or two is important to have. Add this to your auto loan and mortgage and perhaps even a student loan and you have a decent variety of credit out there.

Request higher limits: You can and should call your credit card company once every 6 months to increase your credit card limit. Having a higher limit helps boost your credit score and credit grade. The more available credit to you, the better. Lenders like this.

Request a lower APR: You can also contact your credit card company and request for them to lower your APR. This is not unheard of and sometimes works.

Don't max out your cards: Maxing out your credit cards is a bad thing. Carrying around max debt is viewed in a very negative light by potential lenders.

Use your credit: The above being said, you do want to utilize your credit. Having a 0% utilization rate on your total available credit is a bad thing, just do not exceed 30% utilization if you can avoid it.

BONUS TIP: Figure out your debt to income ratio. This will set you up good for the new year and help you identify how much money you can throw at your debts.
Want to know more about what your credit grade is, how to impact it immediately, and how to increase your credit score? Want to save money on expensive credit repair agencies? Check out: Fix My Credit University [http://www.fixmycreditu.com/]

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Ten Tips to Get Out of Debt and Stay Out of Debt

We've all heard the simple, common sense suggestions that financial advisors put out there everyday to provide tips on becoming debt-free. Don't get me wrong; I'm not suggesting that these typical everyday tips don't work. They most certainly do. However, in addition to these redundant tips (which will be found in this article in abundance), there are other ideas that are not always visited by the so-called "pros."

Unfortunately, many of the financial gurus we count on for advice don't understand that some people are beyond the average consumer's debt problems. Luckily for you, I will address the needs of the average consumer, as well as those of individuals who are in way over their head, and don't see any light at the end of the tunnel.

Stop Using Credit Cards and Start Budgeting

Whatever it takes. If you need to cut up your credit cards, do it. I do, however, suggest keeping one card available (tucked away in a drawer, and not carried with you at a high-temptation store) for emergency purposes only. But, stop using credit cards to live. Instead, set a budget for yourself, using your available cash only. If this is impossible, stay tuned; there will be additional advice forthcoming. If this goal is attainable, though, consider the following:

Housing expense should not exceed 35% of your net monthly income.
Debt, including credit cards, medical bills and student loans should not exceed 15% of your net monthly income.
Entertainment, clothing, groceries and all that goes along with living should not exceed more than 25% of your net monthly income.
Transportation expenses, including auto loans, gas and auto insurance, should not exceed 15% of your net monthly income.
And finally, savings. This is your key to at least some level of comfort. Try, try, try to save at least 10% of your net monthly income.
Again, please know that I understand this budget may not work for everyone. If you fall into a category where you're too far in debt, you will need to look at more extreme measures, which will be visited later in this article.

Work With Your Creditors to Reduce Interest Rates

If your interest rates are 20%-30% it is absolutely necessary to call your creditors to negotiate reduced interest rates. I'm a realist, and I know that not all creditors will agree to do so; however, it's worth the phone call. If your creditors refuse to work with you it might force you to look into more extreme measures. You might want to mention this to whomever it is you're negotiating.

Increase Your Monthly Cash Flow

If you have things lying around your house, which you doubt you'll ever use again, perhaps your trash can become someone else's treasure. Consider eBay or Craigslist. If this isn't an option, perhaps you can look at the possibility of taking on a part time job.

Prioritize

Okay, admittedly, this is one of those "simple minded" tips, but it is indeed valid. If you have credit card debt and/or medical debt, it may be time to make some changes and re-prioritize your lifestyle. Cut corners wherever you can. Pack those lunches, clean your own house, consider cutting out movies and dinner. Also, these days a lot of people are spending money on extracurricular activities for their kids. While I completely understand this (I'm a mother, after all), is there a program that might be a little less expensive for your child? I have personally paid for private lessons for my kids when I couldn't afford it. Looking back, it was a mistake.

Chip Away at Your Debt

You should always be paying more than the minimum payments on your credit card accounts if you can. But, if you find yourself in a position where you have an extra paycheck or a little overtime, take that money and put it toward your debt. Putting this extra money toward the highest interest cards will help you to effectively eliminate your debt.

Don't Freak Out

While debt can be quite burdensome, don't let it consume your every thought. No matter what amount of debt you have, and what your income is, there is a solution for you. If the standard traditional budgeting won't work for you, there are alternatives, which will be discussed shortly.

Get Organized

Being organized and knowing where to find everything you need will give you a feeling of control. Whether you use a file cabinet or a collapsable file folder, be sure to place your statements and other important documents where you're sure to find them. Label each file folder and place these documents in alphabetic order. I know it sounds silly, but feeling as though you have some control does empower you.

Be Open to the Idea of Eliminating Toys

I know it sounds unpleasant, but if eliminating a jet ski, snowmobile, boat, camper, jewelry or extra car can provide you peace of mind, do it. There is plenty of time to make these purchases later in life, when you're in a better place financially.

Take a Look at all of Your Options

As I stated previously, traditional budgeting may not work for everyone. If you're too far in debt and don't see yourself ever eliminating your debt, it might be time to consider other alternatives, such as consumer credit counseling, credit card debt settlement and, finally (ouch!), bankruptcy.

Consumer credit counseling is a program whereby you will sign up with a firm, which will negotiate reduced interest payments on your behalf. You will then send one payment to this agency, and they will distribute the re-negotiated payments to your creditors. Typically, this type of program takes approximately five years to complete. Obviously, this doesn't work for everyone, because oftentimes the reduced interest and payments don't do enough to relieve consumers of their financial hardship. This is, however, an option worth looking into.

Credit card debt settlement is a program designed for consumers and small businesses who simply can't crawl their way out of debt. This type of program is one where your creditors will accept reduced payoff amounts on your credit card balances. For instance, if you owe $10,000 to a creditor, an experienced negotiator may very well get this creditor to accept $3,000-$5,000 as settlement in full. Of course, this program is not painless (none of them are), but it can save you thousands, and even tens of thousands of dollars, and eliminate your debt in as little as eight months, depending on your personal situation.

And finally, the dreaded bankruptcy. Yes, this is a scary thought, but if none of the above options is a good fit for you, unfortunately, you may simply not have a choice. I suggest that you look into the aforementioned options. If they simply won't work for you, contact three different bankruptcy attorneys in your area, who are willing to offer a free consultation, and determine if bankruptcy is your best route.

Breathe

Yes, take a deep breath. Don't panic. One way or another, you will get out of debt. Reach out for assistance from a professional. While there are many people not to be trusted, there are as many, of not more, who are here to help and will certainly point you in the right direction. I wish you the very best to resolve your outstanding debt.

Marie Megge is a consultant in the credit services industry. Over the past several years she has assisted hundreds of individuals, families and small businesses in resolving their debt-related matters. For more information regarding credit and debt settlement visit http://www.donaldsonwilliams.com

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What Is the TDSR Framework and What Are the Effects on Borrowers?

In Singapore, TDSR stands for Total Debt Servicing Ratio. The government of Singapore created the TDSR framework to make sure that the people, residents or permanent residents eligible to borrow money or even the foreigners, are not borrowing money from lending or financial institutions beyond their capacity. Currently, the government implemented only a 60% TDSR. This is the highest TDSR anyone interested to borrow may receive.

How does this TDSR regulation work?

All your credit card, student loan, personal loan, car loan, and other debts will be taken into account and included in the computation of your housing loan repayment. The total debt repayment you are allowed in a month is only 60% of your income. This means that if you are planning to buy a home using a real estate mortgage, you need to complete the payments on your other debts first, or at least bring it down to a level that you can put some space for your monthly housing loan amortization.

How does this affect the borrowers?

The TDSR has a very restrictive rule. The method of determining your loan repayment takes into consideration your other unsecured loans. The range of debts factored here is much wider than other servicing ratios, such as the DSR and the MSR. This means that investing could be a problem here when you don't have the spot cash to put up with your planned real property investment. Of course, this totally depends on how high or low are your outstanding home loans. The government just wants to ensure that you are borrowing and spending within your means.

What about stress test?

The stress has now been standardized and then you either get the 3.5% for residential properties or the 4.5% for commercial properties. How does the stress test work? The lenders or banks are authorized to perform a stress test on you. This means that they may implement using the current rate or a bit higher to evaluate if you are able to handle sudden changes in the interest. In other words, the government implemented rule of 60% TDSR is necessary for you to be able to handle any sudden rise of the interest rates. This idea significantly affects the total amount any borrower may avail from the bank regardless of the total outstanding debt.

Is refinancing becoming a problem after the TDSR implementation?

Loan accounts before the implementation of the TDSR were able to obtain bigger loan amounts. Usually, the home loan mortgage interest rates take a hike after three years. Because of this trend, most borrowers usually switch to another loan package before the end of the third year. With the current TDSR, they were unfortunately stuck with the bank and of the higher interest rates.

Borrow less and prepare for your home loan

The best way to apply for a home loan is to prepare a year before actually closing your real estate deal. This would mean paying your unsecured loan and freeing yourself from any other kinds of debt as much as possible.

Is the loan tenure stressful enough for you?

With the TDSR, any age of the borrowers and co-borrowers should be computed on an average. This means that the mean age of a 25 and 45 partners would be treated by the banks as the age of 40.

We are a Singapore home loan and Compare Home Loan consultancy firm offering free expert advice on compare home loan mortgage financing packages using the most advanced loan analysis system.

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Will the US Government Face a Bankruptcy Filing?

The whole world is on fire financially and the US is not immune from the problem. It seems the government has a spending problem and not a debt problem. The United States is quickly burning through its budget to quickly run into the debt ceiling once again. In fact, when Congress would not agree on raising the debt ceiling in October 2013, the government shut down for almost a month. What Congress did after much political pressure was just kick the can down the road to readdress it in 2014. Immediately after the re-opening of the government, it was interesting to see how the Government continued to spend even though it was closed down. It was reported that they spent $600 billion during that time they were closed and it was just added to the debt that would be pushed down the road. Right now, if it wasn't for their ability to print money, the US would be filing bankruptcy in some international court if they could. Shadow Stats reported that the true deficit was $6.8 trillion in 2013 alone. This is now what they are reporting that the US government is on the verge of a bankruptcy filing because of their spending addiction.

When Congress amended the bankruptcy code back in 2005, they added a pre-bankruptcy credit counseling course and a post bankruptcy financial management course. Instead of having people filing bankruptcy take these courses, maybe it should be a prerequisite for running for office. My grandfather used to always say, "When you're pointing the finger at someone there or three pointing back at you." Politicians are always pointing the blame at everyone else as they continue to make backroom deals to benefit their political career. As the financial crisis continues, many Americans are struggling to make ends meet. Even though the number of those filing bankruptcy has declined in the last year, many experts are thinking that this is the calm before the storm. If a kid is going to school, they should consider being a bankruptcy attorney as that is the only trade that looks to be recession proof in the future. That might be the only way they can keep themselves out of bankruptcy and pay off the expensive student loans. Not to change the subject, but student loan debt is also another bubble that is on the verge of bursting. But student loan debt has now surpassed the $1 trillion mark and is continuing to grow. Since the loans are guaranteed and nobody can walk away from them not even in a bankruptcy filing, they are very easy for students to over educate themselves. What follows is a life of slavery to their student loans.

Not only the federal government and states, but local municipalities are also facing bankruptcy filing as pension obligations are coming due. It's like the whole world went crazy over the last 20 years and promised employees something they could never fulfill. In what world does a person receive 90% of their pay and retire at 50 years old? Only in America. It's really no surprise that cities in California are starting to file bankruptcy for these mistakes they made. This debt crisis is running through the entire fabric of the American culture. The idea of being debt free and saving has become so passé. Our impatient culture refuses to wait for anything. Why would you wait when you can buy it now and pay for it later?

The author is a professional that formed FilingBankruptcyPros.Com which provides information for debtors considering filing bankruptcy under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy and helps individuals stop foreclosure and eliminate their debt by putting them in touch with a local bankruptcy attorney.

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Pros and Cons of Credit Cards for College Students

If planning on attending college in the near future, it certainly helps to look at the availability of the credit cards especially intended for the college student. A well-managed credit card account is likely to offer a variety of advantages, from helping to buy essential supplies to creating a healthy credit record. Here are several of the major pros and cons of relying on this finance option -

Pros of a student credit card

Applying for the student credit cards offers the opportunity to shop for goods or services online, get insurance against purchases, avoid the need to carry a large sum of money, and have that extra financial cushion in the event of an emergency. A variety of custom-made cards are created specially to match the needs of the college student, and widely advertised at the campuses and online.

Also, a credit card used in a sensible fashion is certain to help with building a positive credit history for the future. Once graduated, a great credit score is certain to help when it comes requiring the finances for buying a new car or apartment. It is crucial to maintain the clean credit report to get in a position of getting approved for the more attractive loans and interest rates. A credit report with frequent instances of late payments is certain to make it significantly more difficult to get access to the desired loan options and related benefits.

Cons of a student credit card

A negative aspect of the student cards is certain to relate to the different charges that might be applicable. If the balance on the card isn't paid down at the end of each month, this can mean having to pay high interest rates. Also, many of these cards come with annual fees, which can range in the region of $35 to $100.

So, to limit the charges on the card, it certainly helps if the college student is able to get in a position of clearing the balance when receiving the monthly statement. A poorly maintained account with unpaid bills could result in the account being suspended and the student getting a poor credit report.

Prior to signing up for a student credit card it certainly helps to carefully study the interest rates and penalties that might be applicable in the event of late payments. Only take advantage of the cash advances provided by these cards if you're certain of being able to make the prompt payments on receiving the monthly statement.

Get a lot more information on the most enticing credit cards for college students with the most attractive all-round packages.

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Millenials, It's About Time You Started Saving

If you've just recently graduated and have landed your first full-time job, you might think it is a bit soon in your career to start concerning yourself with your savings and investments. Unfortunately, that couldn't be further from the truth - regardless of how you approach at it, the earlier that you start saving, the more of a financial cushion you'll have later on in life. Plus, determining how to properly handle the money you have now will make make things much easier later if you, say, want to buy house or want to devise a retirement plan. Initiating prudent financial habits brings lasting rewards later in life; these initial budgeting habits will hopefully help you create a bit of financial security for yourself so you can start to invest in your future.

Cover your bases.

When you begin considering long-term career goals, be certain you have a financial strategy in place that addresses your current situation. For some millenials that should include paying off any private/federal student loans you may be obligated to. With an interest rate of 5-6% or more, it's very important to take care of these loans as soon as possible-especially considering federal student loans are often the most difficult ones to pay off. There are many laws currently in effect that actually make it rather difficult to forgive federal student loans in the instance of bankruptcy. Of course, no one should actually be planning on eventually going bankrupt, but the key to a financially secure future is to address financial struggle before other obligations make your life get even more frustrating. You don't want past debt hovering over your head while you're planning a family or putting a down payment on home.

Beyond paying off your debt from loans, it is also necessary to put away emergency savings. At some point in the near future, you will probably get hit with some totally unanticipated expenses. If you have to pay for serious vehicle repairs or an unexpected vehicle medical procedure, you'll be able to thank yourself for setting the funds aside to begin with, and effectively saving yourself from extra debt.

Factor in your future goals.

Even if you don't have your whole life mapped out, chances are you've got somewhat of a notion of what your biggest interests and priorities are. If you'd like to travel the world while you are still young your saving approach is probably going to look quite different than if your ultimate goal is to enjoy an early retirement. Imagining your professional goals will help decide how much you need to save every pay period. Some people have even advised young people to save as much as an entire third of their paychecks, with others suggesting that putting away at minimum 10 percent is a good way to start saving. Whatever amount you decide on, be sure to put aside finances for whatever your important goals are (from owning a home, to traveling the world, to having your dream wedding) every month so that none of your goals are overlooked.

The best part about practicing good saving habits is that you won't start getting used to a way of life that you later find out is too expensive. It's definitely easier to start lean and work toward a more extravagant life than it is to get rid of what you used to love.

Frank Stafford currently writes freelance for tax lawyers in the city of Dallas, TX. With a history in business and a degree from SMU, Frank lends practical financial/budgeting advice to his peers across the web. He currently writes for medical professionals, lawyers, and even prominent attorney Joe Garza - Attorney at Garza & Harris Ltd.

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Filing Bankruptcy on Student Loans - I Don't Think So

Over the last 20 years, the US has put a high priority on higher education. Everyone wants their kids to go to an Ivy league university and get a high-paying job after graduation. The only problem with this theory is it doesn't work. There aren't any high paying jobs available to college graduates these days. In fact, the unemployment rate of new college graduates is around 40% when these kids get out of school. To add insult to injury, they will be burdened with student loans from this expensive education. Many unaware young adults think they can file for bankruptcy and eliminate these loans, not so. Sure education is good but not when it leads to filing bankruptcy. The problem is when young adults are saddled with student loans, the minimum wage job they can get isn't enough to help them survive. So now you have a new generation of college graduates sleeping on mom's couch while they're filing for bankruptcy to get rid of other debt they can't afford to pay because of the student loans.

Many of these students continue their education to avoid paying the student loans. There are many young college graduates applying at big-box retailers that have PhD's and master's degrees. It's not that they didn't want to get out of school and get a job, but when they found out that no jobs were available, they double downed and went back to school to further their education. One thing that many people don't know is student loans aren't paid back while the individual is going to school. So many are now becoming professional students as they're racking up huge amounts of debt. The student loan debt has gotten to such exorbitant amounts, it is now called a bubble by many experts. This debt has now surpassed $1 trillion in the US. This is just plain old crazy, what happened to the days when kids went to junior college for two years and transferred to a four year university, working their way through school waiting tables. Back in those days, kids emerged from school being debt free. There are multiple people here to blame when it comes to this topic. First, there has been a high priority but on higher education all the way from K. through 12. It has been pounded into the kids heads that they won't be anything unless they get an expensive education. Second, the government has made these guaranteed loans available for anyone and everyone that asks for one. Consequently, many of these individuals don't realize what they're getting into and find themselves changing careers early in life while not making enough money to live and pay these loans back.

Now, when a young in debt adult decides to file bankruptcy, the first question they will ask the bankruptcy attorney, is it possible to wipe out student loans in the bankruptcy discharge? When the bankruptcy attorney says no, they will probably follow up with they heard it was possible because they read it on the Internet. Technically, it is possible, but the burden of proof is pretty extreme for an individual to be able to include them in their bankruptcy filing. The person will need to show that they never will be able to pay these loans off. So as a rule of thumb, a bankruptcy attorney will look at the person's age and physical condition. Just because someone can't get a job isn't a good enough reason to discharge these loans. Usually, it will take someone suffering a catastrophic accident or illness where they become disabled or someone is becoming elderly and no longer in the job market. It's probably much easier to find the elusive Chupacabra in the wilderness. In other words, it's next to impossible to file bankruptcy on student loans.

The author is a professional that formed FilingBankruptcyPros.Com which provides information for debtors considering filing bankruptcy under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy and helps individuals stop foreclosure and eliminate their debt by putting them in touch with a local bankruptcy attorney.

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What Can A Guru Teach You About Real Estate

I have been involved in real estate for over 20 years. During that time I have been a loan officer, real estate broker, investor and managed a property management company. In addition I have spent thousands of dollars on books, resources and classes taught by the so called real estate 'gurus" of our day. I believe anyone who is serious about a career in this field does just that. But I now have insight based on my experience as a real estate professional which I want to share with you.

Guru's are those people who have been involved in real estate in some capacity and now have achieved a certain level of "success' whereby they have shifted from investing full time to teaching. They write books, conduct seminars and offer personal mentoring to students. By themselves these items are good. But let's examine what you typically pay for when you enlist the help of a guru.

1) The focus is on marketing heavily to an unsuspecting public - they buy infomercials and spend a ton on pretty packaging. They use commercials and websites to promote their supposed expertise.

2) The material offered is very basic - the information you get from these gurus is available on the internet. They seldom get into anything deep and stay on the surface with what they share. Even after spending all that money on a seminar the truth is most students make no money after completing these programs.

3) The pricing is ridiculous - when you consider hundreds of dollars for CD programs, thousands of dollars for seminars and tens of thousands for mentoring, the price points are way out of line. The only person making money is the guru. Instead of making money from real estate, they make their money from being a guru.

4) The success of the program is always dependent on the student - guru's would have you to believe that if you fail, its your fault. That is a prevalent concept with people who focus on sharing information. But if you took a driving class and at the end couldn't drive or our children went to school and at the end couldn't read, is that only the student's fault. Guru's need to take responsibility for the information they are charging so much for.

5) Everyone acts like they have the latest "concept' in investing - there is very little new under the sun. Don't get caught up in thinking that someone has some "new" concept that will revolutionize real estate. Remember, if the guru could make a ton of money with the concept they are teaching you, they would teach less.

Finally, many gurus end up bankrupt. Look them up after a few years and see for yourself.

http://www.drjeffwrites.wix.com/drjeffknows

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Questions Answered

Have you recently gone through a chapter 7 bankruptcy? Are you considering filing for bankruptcy? If so, you likely have a lot of questions and concerns. This is completely normal, and in fact it is a sign that you are approaching your bankruptcy in a smart and responsible manner. You should speak to your bankruptcy attorney to find out all of the details and rules that apply to your particular case, but what follows is a brief look at some of the most common questions people filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy may have.

Will Bankruptcy Wipe Out Everything?

As your bankruptcy attorney will tell you, chapter 7 can discharge most personal debts, but there are some that cannot be forgiven. Non-dischargeable debts include child support, alimony, taxes, student loans, and debts stemming from illegal activity. The good news is that chapter 7 can essentially wipe out everything else. That means any secured debt can be discharged in most states.

Will Chapter 7 Stop Foreclosure?

This is another popular question clients usually ask their bankruptcy attorney. The short answer is yes. Chapter 7 has what is known as "the automatic stay," which prevents the creditor from foreclosing on your property during the bankruptcy process. The only catch is that the lender can actually apply for relief from the automatic stay and continue the foreclosure process if approved by the court. Your bankruptcy attorney will work with you to reach a settlement with your creditor if this is the case.

Can I Get Credit After Chapter 7?

You can receive credit after going through chapter 7, but your bankruptcy attorney will warn you that you are likely to receive poor rates and fees. Credit companies will likely start you off on a secured credit card before allowing you to pursue other options.

Will Bill Collectors Stop Calling?

By law, your bill collectors and creditors are required to stop calling and soliciting you while you are in the bankruptcy process. Your bankruptcy attorney and trustee will be the ones dealing directly with your creditors. By filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy, you are essentially setting up a temporary safeguard around yourself.

What if I Forget Something?

One fear many people have is forgetting to list a creditor on the chapter 7 bankruptcy papers. You will have the chance to file a timely amendment if you omit a creditor, but work carefully with your bankruptcy attorney to not forget anything the first time around. It is advisable to list all creditors, even if you don't think you owe them anything at all.

When founding the Pew Law Center, Mr. Pew's vision is of a premier, client oriented law firm that is designed to consistently exceed client expectations and achieve stellar legal representation. As a leading Peoria bankruptcy lawyer, he has worked tirelessly in order to clients resolve their debts, stop foreclosures and repossessions, while getting back on track to a bright financial future. His diverse background and experience allows his to provide real world answers and practical solutions to complicated problems.

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Two Types Of Uninsured

As of this week, we have officially entered a new phase of the rollout of the Affordable Care Act.

Up until now, the arguments have largely been ideological and based on educated guesses. Critics and supporters alike have had little in the way of objective data with which to make their points.Applying logic to how the law would likely play out and seeing how it would actually play out are not quite the same.

The data we have waited for has finally begun to arrive, however. Earlier this week, administration officials released the latest enrollment figures for health insurance purchased through the government exchanges. Unsurprisingly, the numbers show that older, and potentially sicker, Americans make up more than half of those who have enrolled in the first three months of the program. Administration officials reported that 55 percent of them were between the ages of 45 and 64. Only 24 percent were between 18 and 34.

Brendan Buck, a spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said, "There's no way to spin it: youth enrollment has been a bust so far," The New York Times reported. (1) The law's detractors point out that, if the demographics don't change, the law will quickly become financially unsustainable.

Even Obama administration officials could not do much beyond promise that they would become more aggressive about youth outreach efforts, and claim that the numbers were "solid, solid news" for the Affordable Care Act. (1) The fact that people can sign up at all might be seen as a step in the right direction, after the disastrous fumble that was the HealthCare.gov launch in October. Still, these numbers underscore the law's most fundamental problem.

There are two kinds of uninsured people: those who were uninsured because they could not get insurance due to a pre-existing condition, and those who did not want insurance at the price it was offered because they gave higher priority to other uses for their money.

Obamacare guaranteed that the first group would flock to its plans with the requirement that insurers not turn away those with pre-existing conditions or other risk factors. This might have worked if the second group, largely younger and healthier, had also flocked to the program to subsidize group one.

The problem is that the second group, for the most part, hasn't shown up. The law's penalties are largely toothless. And as health insurance gets more expensive, even a larger penalty will remain substantially less than the cost of a year's worth of premiums. Some people like their odds of remaining healthy; others are just healthy enough that, when they must choose between competing priorities, insurance is one that they let slide. The Affordable Care Act is not forcing them to do otherwise, and this will mean that insurance is only going to get more expensive.

It is also worth noting that nearly 80 percent of those who selected a plan qualified for federal subsidies. This suggests the converse; those who don't qualify for subsidies largely stayed away. In addition, as The Washington Post's Sarah Kliff observed, insurance rates are set on a state level, so the ratios state-by-state are even more important than the national figures. (2)

Insurance works because a large pool of insured can affordably pay for the subset of those who actually get sick. If we know that insurers can't turn us away when we are already ill, the incentive for paying while healthy declines. As fewer healthy people pay in, the cost goes up, making insurance even less attractive for those who don't yet need it. The law is speeding up this process, and we can see it in action.

The administration will almost certainly try to delay the inevitable consequences of this "adverse selection," the term actuaries use when insurance is bought only by those who are unusually likely to need it. Officials will doubtless pressure insurance companies not to raise premiums as soon, or by as much, as the companies would otherwise prefer. But eventually, insurance companies will have to raise those rates to survive. Either that, or the law will somehow have to change to get the voluntarily uninsured on board. Simply raising awareness among healthy young people - many of whom are grappling with student loan debt and an unemployment rate still substantially higher than that of the general population - will not be enough.

A large group of people don't want this insurance, and it is unlikely they will want it more as it becomes more costly. The sick and the subsidized will keep signing up, while the healthy or unsubsidized stay away. This lopsided state of affairs can't last. But if we don't want it to end with the health insurance industry crumbling, we will have to arrange things so that the group who doesn't want this insurance does not have any option other than to take it.

Sources:

1) The New York Times, "Older Pool of Health Care Enrollees Stirs Fears on Costs"

2) The Washington Post, "One in four Obamacare enrollees are young adults. That's below the target."

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Don't Put Saving Ahead of Online Cash Advance Payoff

It is important to pay off your safe online cash advance and credit card debt while you are saving. For those of you who think that saving is more important, you will want to reevaluate your thinking. It doesn't mean that saving money is not a priority budget payment. What it does say is that paying off debt should not be less important.

An emergency savings account is one of the best assets you can own. It will be there to help you when money emergencies pop up. It will save you from having to use credit cards or a fast cash advance online in order to support extra costs when the budget cannot keep up. The down side to having your money in a savings account is that that it will earn less than 1% interest each month. Investing money will make your money work for you, but you need to have some kept out in order to have immediate access for urgent payments. Earning 1% is still better than paying 15%-30% on debt payments.

If you put all your excess cash into the savings account, you will still be losing money each month. You have to get rid of your debt in order to make more money. Well, it isn't actually making money, but it will be wasting less. If you look at how much money you are spending on interest each month you can start to imagine what your finances could look like. The struggle to save for emergencies will no longer be a battle. You will also begin to consider investing some.

Keep both debt payoff and your savings a priority. While you do this, it is important to stop using your credit cards and find another way to make your payments rather than using online direct cash advance loans as your fallback money support system. This doesn't mean that using third party money is taboo. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do, but if you work at preventing reliance or at least find other options which could be used instead it will be well-worth your time. Consider it one more way to save. You worked hard for your income, why should you give it away? It will definitely lower the final cost for your purchases. What is a sale if you end up paying more in the end?

Here is another advantage to paying off your debt as soon as possible. You will be rebuilding your credit score for future money needs. Once you get all your bad debt paid off, your status will put you in line for low interest offers. Your future money needs may end up costing you much less. This is very important for those who may be looking into buying a new home or car in the new future. It would also help those who have private student loans and may want to consider consolidation. So much relies on your credit score. It is important to protect it the best you can. A savings account will not make a primary impact on improving your score. Bank account information is not recorded. Cash advance online help will not bring you score down unless the loan goes into default; an important detail to remember when outside emergency cash assistance is needed. You may pay a little more for your loan in the short-term, but the long-term results will repay you in the end.

Tackle your debt head-on while you save. Make a plan which will cut back on costs and boost your payments into both. The more you can get into your savings the sooner you will support unexpected costs. It doesn't make sense to build more debt while trying to payoff others. If you do have to reach outside the budget to support expenses, do what you can to make it the minimal amount and get it paid off quickly. Stick to it, you will get there.

Spotya! Cash Advance Loans does not advocate using a payday loan for just any type of spending. Visit http://www.spotya.com for more information on payday loans.

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How The Student Loan Debt Relief Programs Can Help Graduates With Outstanding Credits

In a Forbes article last 2009, a 2008 College Board study showed that two out of every three undergraduates will leave their college or university with some kind of student debt. And a more terrifying research shows that an average college or university's graduate's loan debt is around $ 26,000.

With such statistics, education really can be a very expensive commodity nowadays. And though education is always said to be a "right" for everyone, the sad reality today is with the costly course fees alone, education is becoming more and more of a "luxury" now.

The young ones, on their own or supported or encouraged by their families, still do strive and work hard to complete a college degree. And in the USA, they do this by applying for and using either a federal or private student loan, and sometimes, even a combination of the two.

In case a student decides to go for a federal loan, the federal government will subsidize or pay the interest on the loan while the borrower is still in school. In a federal loan, the interest rate is mostly fixed and it will permit the borrower to limit the amount to be repaid monthly based on his or her earnings. If the student decides to take out a private loan, the funds will be provided by a bank, credit union or any financial institution. Private loans, unfortunately, do not come with flexible repayment terms or any kind of protection, such as an insurance, that are typically included in federal student loans.

To help graduates ease the burden of exorbitant and multiple student loan repayments, several programs were initiated. Students and graduates with federal loans can enroll in alternative repayment programs, such as Income-Based Repayment. This program will help them get a more affordable plan using the student or graduate's income as percentage for their loan repayment.

Lastly, borrowers, more often than not, will have more than one student loan to their name. And because of this, they will have a hard time keeping track of each one and ensuring on-time payment of all these loans. To assist graduates with these financial difficulties, they can avail of any of the available student loan debt relief programs so that they can also have loan consolidation. Loan consolidation means that multiple loans are combined into just one, single loan. And because there is only a single monthly payment to keep track of instead of several, a borrower can have a much easier time managing the repayment of his or her loans.

If you are a graduate with outstanding student loans, get useful advice and help on http://usstudentloanconsolidation.org/.

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Collection of Tax Return and Refund Tips for 2014

For most Australians tax time is about maximising your tax refund by legitimately claiming on everything you are entitled to. That said make sure you collect a list of everything you are entitled to claim on so you can get the most out of your tax return.

Some things you may be able to claim on:

Educational Tax Refund:

Student Union and course fees. (This does not included HECS/HELP loans)

Text Books, Stationery, photocopying.

Home office expenses, software related to study, printer cartridges, internet access.

Interest on borrowing to purchase computers or to pay fees.

Depreciation (Decline in Value), e.g. computers, fax machines, etc

Secretarial expenses e.g. typing of assignments.

Travel

Accommodation and meals if they were away from home overnight on connection with work related study activities.(detailed notes below.)

Computer Software and Hardware depreciation

Income protection insurance:

If you have income protection insurance, the ATO allows you to claim this as a work-related expense.

Uniform Claims:

Costs of purchasing and maintaining work eligible uniforms and/or protective clothing can be claimed in this section by including a description of the expense and the claimed amount.

Eligible clothing includes:

Items which are required to wear that have your employer's logo permanently attached

A compulsory uniform that identifies you as an employee of an organisation such as police uniforms, paramedics, defence force.

Occupation-specific clothing such as a traditional nurses uniform, chef pants etc

Maintenance of the clothing includes the cost of renting, repairing and cleaning.

If your claim for laundry is below $150, no written documentation is required. The tax office considers a reasonable basis to calculate the claim as $1 per load of work-related clothing, or 50 cents per load if other laundry items were included.

All Australian resident taxpayers are liable to tax a 1.5% medicare levy based on their taxable income during the year should that income exceed pre determined thresholds that apply to both individuals and families. There are some specific situations where individuals may be entitled to an exemption from this levy.

Private Health Insurance does not reduce or remove the Medicare Levy, it does however limit the Medicare Surcharge which applies to higher income individuals and families who do not maintain adequate Private Health

Insurance Cover.

If your taxable income is over $50,000 in the 2013 tax year you are likely to have to pay the Flood Levy. If you earn over $100,000, this equates to $250 plus 1 cent for every dollar over $100,000. So for example if your taxable income was $120,000 your Flood Levy would be $450.

Please note these are just a few useful tips I have collected.

Tax Returns Brisbane [http://www.gtsaustralia.com/]

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They Did It With Nurses, Now Academia Is Doing It With Electrical Engineers Too

As I hang out in the local Starbucks, I see so many students studying to become nurses, the competition is tough indeed, they are studying their butts off assuming there will be a shortage of jobs in that sector and they will be gainfully employed as soon as they graduate - not so fast. Yes, let's talk about this shall we?

You see back in 2000 we heard for at least a decade that nursing and medical jobs were where the good job openings would be. What happened? Well, the Health Care Corporations made out like bandits due to oversupply, thus, lowering costs, but the students who graduated not all got jobs, but they did get stuck with the student loans. Worse, many of the "for-profit" colleges that offered nursing programs because the government policy folks claimed there was a shortage ended up getting sued by the government regulators for their marketing when those jobs were not available.

Meanwhile, all the public colleges and universities offering nursing programs skated, even though they did the same thing, again, because the policy makers made such a big deal of the impending shortages. Now we hear we need more mathematicians, scientists and engineers, that there are and will be huge shortages - really? I question that.

There was a rather scary article in Computer World on January 16, 2014 titled; "What STEM shortage? Electrical engineering lost 35,000 jobs last year - Will the Internet of Things create jobs in the U.S. or offshore?" by Patrick Thibodeau which stated;

"Despite an expanding use of electronics in products, the number of people working as electrical engineers in U.S. declined by 10.4% last year. The decline amounted to a loss of 35,000 jobs and increased the unemployment rate for electrical engineers from 3.4% in 2012 to 4.8% last year, an unusually high rate of job losses for this occupation. There are 300,000 people working as electrical engineers, according to U.S. Labor Department data analyzed by the IEEE-USA. In 2002, there were 385,000 electrical engineers in the U.S."

Now then, could it be that due to the fact that larger companies want to lower costs, and realize they can get foreign student 3-engineers out of school for the price of one that they don't really want US electrical engineers, that coupled with the reality that most things are not made in the US anymore, so why have homegrown engineers when you can have in-country engineers in the places these companies have outsourced to? Look, I understand the global picture and reality, but graduating more engineers into jobs that do not exist, isn't a long-term solution, nor is it fair to the individuals graduating. Please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Career Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net

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Guidelines You Must Follow When Buying Flats

There are certain guidelines you must never forget to follow when purchasing flats. Following those guidelines will not only allow you to buy a flat that meets your requirements in the best possible manner, but will also allow you to get the true value for your money.

Buying to Rent Out

If you live in a busy city, buying flats to let is a good way of earning money. When you buy a flat to let, you must make sure that it has all the amenities that most people living in your city need. First, you will need to decide whether you want to rent out the house to students or single individuals who prefer staying groups or you want to rent out the house to a family. You should choose the location of the flat based on the kind of people you want as tenants. For instance, if you want to rent out your property to students, you should buy a flat near eminent schools, colleges or universities of your city. Individuals planning to let their home to officer goers, on the other hand, should buy residential properties near their city's business district. If you want to rent your home out to a family, you should not buy a house that is not near the marketplace, hospitals and schools. The next thing you will need to decide is: how much money you will be investing for making the purchase. Remember, if the location of the flat is good and you have the right strategies ready, you will not need to wait much for getting back the amount invested.

Buying to Live In

The factors you need to consider when purchasing a flat to live in are: how many members you have in your family, how many children and elderly individuals are there in your family, how much money you will be able to spend and in which part of your city you want the new flat to be in. Individuals who are not keen to use their savings for purchasing the dwelling can submit a loan application to their bank. People with impressive credit history usually do not need to wait much to get their loan application sanctioned.

Buying to Sell

The rules you must follow when making this type of purchase are absolutely different from those you would have needed to follow for making purchases for the above mentioned purposes. When buying to sell, you should purchase a flat located in a developing region of your city. The prices of houses and other real estate properties in such regions tend to rise with time.

This article is authored by a reputable real estate developer. His company is currently building many flats in Baner Pune. You can also contact him for buying properties in Balewadi Pune.

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Bankruptcy - Consumer Vs Non-Consumer Debt

There is still the belief among many that the 2005 amendments to the Bankruptcy Code make it more difficult for consumers to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection.

It is important to note that the majority of the 2005 amendments apply to consumer debtors and consumer debt. The majority of the amendments do not apply to individuals with primarily non-consumer debt.

Although to some extent it may be true that the 2005 amendments make it more difficult for consumers to file for bankruptcy, you need to look deeper into the nature of your debts.

Means Test (prior to 2005 there was no means test): One of the major changes of the bankruptcy code for 2005 was the instituting of a means test. Simply put, a debtor or a debtors' household earnings which are more than the average household in their respective geographical location, has to provide detailed financial information with respect to the six-month period immediately preceding the filing the bankruptcy petition. If they pass the means test, a debtor is eligible for Chapter 7. If you do not pass the means test, you are not eligible for Chapter 7 and other options must be evaluated.

Most people don't realize that the means test only applies to individuals with primarily consumer debt.

What are consumer debts?

Consumer debts are debts that have been incurred by an individual primarily for a personal, family, or a household purpose (credit card charges at your electronic stores and clothing stores).

What are non-consumer debts?

Non-consumer debts are debts that are incurred with an eye towards profit and not primarily for personal, family or household purposes, such as individual debts incurred as a result of a business or investment properties. Other examples are: personal guarantees of business loans, lines of credit, etc. for your business.

Many courts have held that certain income taxes and medical debt also fall in this category of non-consumer debts. There was also a recent decision that non-dischargeable student debt should not be viewed as consumer debt given that the individual incurred the student loan debt with an eye towards profit (if the debtor became a dentist, he would be incurring the debt for a profit purpose notwithstanding the fact he did not complete his education).

Why is all of this important?

It is very important to have a qualified bankruptcy attorney evaluate your case and your specific debts. This is to ensure that the attorney has the correct information to make the determination of whether the new 2005 laws apply to your case or not. It may be that the means test does not apply to your case, thereby making it easier to qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

For this reason, I do not go over a potential client's case over the phone, a detailed consultation is needed (which is free of charge) to assure the best service and advice is provided to my clients.

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