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Monday, February 2, 2009

Stock Tips For The Beginners

By John Border

We all dream of the day when we can be in our house sitting on a sofa sipping nice tea along with an assortment of cookies and in the meantime you know that every minute there is money rolling into your bank account . Talk of good times and if wishes were horses then everybody would ride them.

Yes, in theory the above can be true but there are two ways to do that , the first one to start a company, make it profitable, sell a a majority share to somebody else then reap the fruits of your labor through that minority holding in that company. The other way is less labor and you can get started with as little as $1000.

High and high gain is the mantra. Buy the stocks at low price and then wait to sell at a higher price. Also do not worry about how much stock holding that you have in the company. You are still an owner with limited shareholding.

Before taking the plunge try to know how the stock markets work and what is the better way to invest in the stock markets. It takes some time and patience to understand and you will be a winner once you know how to play the game.

Let us get the initial understanding of what is a stock? I will take an example of a company called XYZ, newly formed and into the business of selling shirts. This company XYZ will need money to buy machinery, raw material, pay for employees salary etc and the money will come in the form of loans, money from friends and family and also you sell some part of the company to other persons or companies. How do you part with ownership of the company is that you create shares or parts of the company for say $10 each .

Let us say you create 100 shares of the company , that means the total share capital of the company is $1000. Now ideally to maintain a majority shareholding XYZ company can sell 49 shares and still be a mahority shareholder.

Assuming you have $1 shares and 51 shares in a company ABC then you can sell those shares at a much better value than $1 value if the stock market thinks that the company is going to make good profits and they eare willing to pay you a higher pricer than the original value.

Stock exchange and stock markets are a lesson you need to know before you start investing.

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Learning How To Become A Well-Endowed Wealth Wonk

By Chris Channing

The majority of the population isn't likely familiar with the way of life that a Wealth Wonk foregoes. Wealth Wonks are able to turn profits in the worst of economies, but not without effort and training. The path in becoming a Wealth Wonk may be a long one, but is every bit of rewarding as it is long. The prize at the end of the road far outweighs the time it takes to become financially stable for the rest of one's life.

The Wealth Wonks that have gotten where they are today have scaled mountains by making informed decisions on their investments. The perfect investment is going to be one that has a high return, little to no risk, and minimal investment. Interference from lenders or government operations should also be minimal if a concern at all. It's hard to find such investments in the real world, but investments should be compared to this perfect "meter stick" in order to judge a investment's worth.

Wealth Wonks also tend to make smart buying decisions that deal with credit. Banks and lenders are overjoyed to lend out the money they achieved through deposits, as they get a hefty interest return in the end. Wealth Wonks looking to make it big in the long run will, instead of obtaining loans to pay for something such as a car, save up the money and buy it outright. It may take a longer time, but it has been proven to dramatically increase one's chances at striking it big.

Jumping on the bandwagon isn't always a good idea, but it has proven to make some quite the pretty penny. Knowing when trends are going to falter and when they are just beginning is key in making money from following the crowd. A key example is in stocks, where many investors buy a stock as it starts to rise, and most will sell when it starts to drop. Obviously, holding onto a stock too long will result in certain negative impact on one's investment.

The proper Wealth Wonk isn't going to consider things in short-term effect: indeed, most are already planning their retirement funds by the time they reach their 20's. Planning is the key action here, in which all aspects of one's finances can be foreseen and accounted for. Thus, the intellectual Wealth Wonk is logical in what he or she invests in, and weighs all possibilities in each financial decision made.

Becoming a wealth wonk is a long road for those who are just starting out in building a financial empire. There are books to be read, published magazines to keep up to date on, and a wealth of information found online to browse through. And if one is a physical learner, getting personalized help over the Internet is an option in becoming a financially intelligent Wealth Wonk.

Final Thoughts

Wealth Wonks are hard to spot amidst so much troubles with the economy, but they do indeed prevail even under trying conditions. To become one of the elite, go online to see how you can secure your finances for a better future today.

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Bad Credit Could Mean No Student Loan For You

By Tim Beachum

Not many young people care too much about their credit let alone worrying about the intricacies of student loans. After all they have enough to worry about with watching television and gossiping about who is dating whom. Then they find out that because of their substandard credit that they do not qualify for the standard student loans. This is the first devastating blow of reality. Its understandable why most young people would be a little discouraged.

If you should find yourself in this predicament the first thing that you should do is start hunting down a co-signer. In most cases you are met with rejection when you approach someone to be a co-signer. However when asking someone to co-sign for a student loan they are usually a little more acceptable. Make sure that you approach your prospect with your career plans in hand.

If you do land a qualified cosigner this works out to your advantage. The financial institution will take the cosigners credit score into consideration. Thus landing the student a better loan with a lower interest rate. If a student has a poor credit score chances are this may be the best route for you.

BUT what if you have contacted every individual that you could think of. You have knocked on every door and still you have no luck finding a cosigner. Do not jump ship just yet you still have other options. Try giving your local banks and other financial lenders a call. Chances are that they have some sort of program that will fit your current situation. The downside is your interest rates are going to be sky high.

Once you finally find a loan that works for your situation dont start to think about it to deeply. Thinking about those high interest rates is not where your focus needs to be at this point in your life. Look at it this way - most college courses take 4-5 years for a student to complete. This is more than enough time for you to reestablish your credit at which time you can refinance your high interest rate loan for one with a much lower rate.

There is one more option I would like to make you aware of. That option is known as a combination loan or a combo loan. What it does is allows the student to consolidate all of their debts and apply for one big loan that will cover everything. By using the combination technique chances are you will end up with a fairly lower interest rate.

Hold on a second! Stop the presses! I almost forgot about two loans that are primarily geared towards those that may be having some financial hardships. Those loans are known as the Stafford Loan and The Perkins Loan.

Please realize that at first all of this may seem a bit overwhelming. The truth of the matter is its nothing more than a mere numbers game. If you go on the Internet and apply for every student loan and scholarship program that you could find you would be astounded at the numbers. The fact of the matter is if you just continue applying for several scholarships and loans, I can pretty much guaranteed that at the end of the day you will be approved for a few of them at least. Whatever you do keep the faith and dont give up, who knows you may just get a free ride regardless of your financial situation.

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How To Deal With A Bankruptcy And Come Out On Top

By Chris Channing

Bankruptcy, the act in declaring that one is unable to pay their bills, is no light decision. It means that, on average, one won't be able to make use of their credit or sometimes even get a job or living arrangement without difficulty for a period of 10 years. Obviously, avoiding a bankruptcy should be a top priority.

The first step in avoiding a bankruptcy is avoiding spending money. Studies show that most of those who are in bankruptcy are young, have made poor buying decisions, and have more than one credit card. The logical thing to do is to either return or sell items bought on shopping sprees to help pay debts, and then learn better budgeting practices as time wears on. In some cases, counseling may be required as shopping can be additive.

Even when few options present themselves, there are ways to bypass a bankruptcy when all seems lost. Going to see a financial adviser is one method of getting an all-around solution to a very big problem. Budgeting solutions, debt consolidation, and refinancing can all be done through advisers who have the contacts needed to change the outlook of a consumer's debt.

Refinancing a debt is another opportunity for those in hopeless situations. If interest rates are the primary reason of one's inability to catch up with their finances, talk to lenders or credit companies to help bring the rates down through refinancing. It doesn't always save a substantial amount of money with smaller debts, but can help greatly with large debts.

Consolidating a debt is what happens when one takes debts from many companies or lenders and creates one single debt. This is usually the result of a lender offering a consolidation package, which allows for smaller individual payments but usually extends the life of a debt. It also gives the lender a cut in the form of more interest rates to pay, but debt consolidation still makes a debt more affordable when there isn't enough money to live on after paying bills.

Of course, spending money isn't always the problem in the equation. Making money, whether employed or not, is what should be targeted after expenses are lined out. obtaining a second job if employment is had is always a good idea. Otherwise, applying for government benefits of unemployment or disability can help alleviate the blow of debts that comes each month.

Final Thoughts

Bankruptcy may seem like an easy way out, and indeed it can be, it will have long-lasting effects that should be considered. Talk to a financial aid to find out more information on your options.

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Mortgage marketing

By reklicom

Now is not the time to sit and wait for the best possible price. Have a serious talk with your real estate agent. Having experienced buying/selling transactions in your area, he or she can help you price your home accordingly. He or she can also help ensure that your buyers are pre-approved and stay pre-approved throughout the entire transaction.

Then, in 2006, a slowdown in real estate led to a deterioration of home values, an increase in inventories, and ultimately to today's tightening of credit guidelines, leaving many investors unable to sell or refinance out of their existing positions. Many Americans who had tapped into their equity were suddenly tapped-out and overextended as home values fell. Foreclosures followed in record numbers and a re-valuation of mortgage bonds and other financial instruments created the credit/liquidity domino effect we're now experiencing.

Unfortunately, it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better. According to the latest estimates, over 2 million subprime and Alt-A adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) holders will face payment increases of up to 30%-100% when their loans reset in the next 2 to 18 months. These loans make up less than 40% of the total mortgage market, but the negative effects, as we have seen, of increased foreclosure activity can have a ripple effect throughout the industry and around the globe.

Borrowers with less-than-perfect credit: Each week it seems lenders are shedding more and more mortgage products. Many lenders have stopped offering No-Doc loans and are reducing all forms of Stated-Income loans. While it might be challenging, borrowers with credit issues need to see a loan expert. Often they have credit repair resources and other strategies to help you reach your financial goals.

Thou shalt continue to feed thy prospect list. Suspects most surely become prospects, who then become your mortgage customers. Your mortgage customers then generate referrals that create more prospects and the cycle begins anew. For thousands of years, this marketing process (also known as prospecting) has governed all types of marketing activities, and it will continue to do so for another thousand years.

Thou shalt not quit. Remember that Moses and the Israelites wandered the desert for some 40 years and did not give up. You owe it to yourself and your mortgage business to try any new marketing program or idea at least three or four times before moving on. Your contact or prospect could have been out of town the first time you ran it, and on vacation the second. Repetition is always your best friend.

This means that, for any Americans looking to buy, sell, or refinance a home, they are confronting a very different market from the one that existed just 6-12 months ago.

Thou shalt respect and honor not only these humble Commandments, but all of the rules, regulations, and laws of the land that govern both you and your Mortgage Business. You'll notice in all of this, there's nothing mentioned about reading your FHA manual, or the marketing book you just purchased, or the self improvement book that's been sitting on your book shelf the last year or so.

These ideal lending conditions persisted for several years, supported by high demand, historical real estate data, home prices, and massive trading volume/profits on mortgage-backed securities and other financial instruments on Wall Street.

Buyers: Get pre-approved by your mortgage professional. While there are a lot of great deals out there, getting credit is becoming tougher and tougher, and it's taking longer and longer to complete a transaction. Remember, what you qualify for today could change tomorrow in a volatile market. For those looking to refinance, keep this in mind. There is no time to delay! Communicate with your lender. Don't do anything that could negatively affect your credit, and make sure you get all your documentation in on time.

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What are the bankruptcy law changes?

By Josh Ramos

Despite the negative consequences of filing for bankruptcy, many Americans are able to find a fresh start when they decide file. However, many people have been told by well meaning friends or advisers that bankruptcy is no longer available in most situations.

Despite what you may have been told, bankruptcy is still available. Most people who would have qualified previously will still be eligible under the new bankruptcy law.

Much of the confusion comes as a result of the new bankruptcy reform which was passed by Congress and signed by President Bush in 2005.

However, this doesn't mean that you can no longer declare bankruptcy. There are some additional hurdles to go through, but it probably is still an option for you. The main provision of the new bankruptcy law has to do with something called the means test. Basically, you have to prove that you really are not able to pay for your debts with your current income.

If your annual income is lower than the median income for your state, then you don't even have to worry about this so called bankruptcy means test. That's because if your income is very low, it's not hard to believe you when you say that you're broke. If your income is higher than the median, you will have to go through a more rigorous process to prove that you need to declare bankruptcy.

If you do have to go through the means test, that means that you'll have to go to greater lengths to document your income (as well as your expenses). You must be very careful in putting together these documents, because any errors can create a world of hassle for you down the road.

It may seem like a painstaking process, but your lawyer should be there to help you through the process. In case you're wondering about trying to declare bankruptcy on your own, let me save you the trouble. Don't even think about going it alone. The new bankruptcy reform makes things much more complicated even for lawyers, let alone lay people.

Of course, it helps to be as informed as possible before going to visit any lawyer. Reading more articles like this one will help you make a more informed choice and will help your visit with a lawyer go more smoothly. This can even end up being less work for the lawyer, which means a lower cost for you.

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The Reverse Mortgage and Worst Case Scenario

By Matt Vanrock

Even though people calling me know I make money from them using me to get a reverse mortgage they still want me to tell them they are making the right decision.

You may not believe this but I always say it is not a great choice for everyone. Its situational and some borrowers should simply walk away.

The reason most are calling me is that money is extremely tight. There are the exceptions who are looking for investment money but most need the money.

The typical MO of my customer is a fixed income through SS or retirement. A few are still working but looking to be done with that.

When they ask me their question Im primarily focused on their long term equity position in their homes. They may need that equity if a major financial issue presents itself.

Every day of our lives we roll the dice. Sometimes it comes up snake eyes and we must be there to answer the call.

Along these lines I like to see prospective borrowers use the mortgage intelligently to increase their disposable income and to use that income in the proper places.

The reason being is the house is going to be the biggest store of cash for any of these individuals. If that is floundered away they could be in a real bind later on when something big comes along.

For a very conservative perspective one should use the reverse mortgage when it is absolutely needed. If a mortgage exists maybe it is best to wait to refinance it with a reverse mortgage.

If there is no mortgage I like to see folks use the line of credit option and use their proceeds sparingly. By using proceeds this way interest accrues minimally against the equity of the home.

A real benefit of this LOC is it actually grows over time and benefits the borrowers. Any unused money in the LOC gains interest for the borrowers favor.

The whole point here is to be conservative with your biggest asset. If you need to take a trip or use a bit for fun money, do so. Life is for living, but use the rest frugally.

Using Debt to Income Ratios to Determine Buying Power

By Van Whalen

So, you want to know how much home you can afford. What I want to outline to you in this article is how lenders determine this. You don't necessarily have to speak to a loan officer to find out.

For a bank to loan money they determine your maximum house payment firstly by what is known as the front end ratio.

For any income determinants the mortgage company uses you gross income.

For FHA loans lenders like to see the ratio of the monthly payment of the house, including taxes and insurance, not exceeding 29% of your monthly gross income.

A thirty-three percent front end ratio is generally used as a basis for conventional loans.

For a lender to determine loan payment amount a prospective borrower must qualify on the front and back end.

The back end ratio is a compilation of all your monthly debt payments. Add your new house payment to those monthly debts and this percentage is your back end ratio.

You garden variety conventional will all a thirty three percent back end. FHA, as much as forty-one percent.

Where you can get into a little trouble in determining these ratios is factoring the proper income. Factoring monthly debt is a piece of cake comparatively.

Now, you may be lucky and get a salary. Well heck, just divide by 12 and you have a monthly income.. It's not so easy for the rest.

It runs the gambit from construction workers who make money based upon the economic environment, to hourly workers, to commissioned based folks who write off everything under the sun on their returns.

Others work part time, and you can add many etc's here.

If you want to get a feel for the least a lender will offer you for income would be to average your tax returns for 2 years and divide by 24. This will be a start if you fit into the latter categories.

Most hate me for saying that to them, but lenders look at facts when determining how much they will lend to you. Especially today with all the financial turmoil.

If your situation didn't fit in my explanation bite the bullet and call a loan officer. Otherwise you can use this info as a rule of thumb.

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Stock Trading Course For Success In Online Investing At Home

By Walter Fox

Can we truly attain financial freedom? Lots of people wonder about this to the point of losing sleep over it. There is a lot of concern about the financial future in these days when so many people live hand-to-mouth with no job guarantees. The fact that major corporations are laying people off in droves does not add to worker confidence.

So, what do you do? First, understand that this does not have to be a time of worry. In fact, it can be a time of reflection. This could be the perfect time to turn your life in a new direction. You may actually find the financial freedom you have been seeking, and maybe more.

A lot of people wonder what it would be like to step out bravely and change their lives. One way to find out is to take up investing and trading. Surprisingly, lots of people are making quite a bit of money doing just that, and the best part is, they are doing it in their pajamas! Thatas right! They are working at home!

Investing and trading can not only bring you financial freedom, it can get you out from under your bossa thumb! Lots of people have turned away from the daily grind to take up investing and trading as their sole source of income. Another option is to use this opportunity to make extra income to pay off your debts or save for retirement.

If you have thought about investing in options online, you may want to consider a stock trading course. It is possible to begin without training, but not advisable. There are definitions and stock option strategies that you must first learn prior to taking investing money.

There are many online stock trading courses. The good ones teach you terms and definitions, option trading strategies, and all of the other steps and tricks known by the most successful options traders. The best courses take you by the hand and lead you through the interesting realm of online investing.

If you can find an experienced market investor to take your course from, that is a very good idea. A person with true experience can give you a lot more real insight and usable tips than someone whose only experience is teaching others what to do. An investor with experience can tell you first hand what works and what doesnat.

By investing in good training, you will have a definite edge. This planned and professional preparation will put you in a position of success before you begin. You will feel confident about your decisions, and you will know how to execute your choices. Don't rush in too quickly, though. Be cautious at first, in spite of your enthusiasm. Remember that there are no guarantees, so you will want to go into investing and trading

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Fast Ways to Send Money to the Dominican Republic

By Chloe Banks

There are numerous ways to send money to the Dominican Republic. The costs of these services vary, as do the level of security provided for the transfer of funds and amount of time it takes for the money to arrive.

In case of an emergency, a person sending money to the Dominican Republic may need to make the money available as quick as possible. It is important to know what options might work best when time is the most important factor in making a money transfer. The most important thing to remember is not to panic, but to prepare now to have everything in place to initiate a transfer when necessary.

In instances like this it may be easiest to send money using an online service such as ATM Cash, which allows you to send money 24/7 from your computer.

Another way to ensure a quick transfer of money to the Dominican Republic is ensuring the recipient has an ATM or debit card. If the recipient is someone trusted, it's often useful for them to have a bank card linked to your checking or savings account.

As long as your are comfortable with the cardholder having access to your account at all times, they could have a card and PIN number so that they could have access to cash through an ATM machine. For situations where you do not want the recipient to have unlimited access to the money, a pre-paid debit card is another way to go. It works just like an ATM card except that it is loaded with a specific amount of money.

Once that money has been withdrawn, the cardholder has no access to funds unless the person sending money refills the pre-paid card. The PIN number is given to the cardholder by the person sending money, so a phone call to notify the recipient that money has been added to the card is all it would require to gain access to the funds.

Another way to send money quickly is by opening an account with a bank that has branches in both the Dominican Republic and the U.S. This will help facilitate easier transfers.

The above steps are some ways that will help ensure that money arrives quickly when you need it.

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