Tips To Stretch Your Student Loan

Student loans have come up as a boon for many meritorious students, who otherwise would not have got a chance, to go for further studies. So, if you are a student, considering going to university, then a student's loan can be of great help, if you do not have enough savings to support your studies. Now, when you decide to opt for a student's loan, then in that case, you need to consider a number of aspects. As it is, you will have to make sure that you have your finance under control.

The following are some of the tips, in regard to your student's loan, which can be of help for you:

1. The internet can prove to be a great source of information in this regard. It can furnish you with several web sites, which provide downloadable student finance guides, apart from advice on how to keep your finances in the right track. Apart from that, the internet can also help you to compare the various student loan options. So, you can use the internet to compare the different loans which are available to you and select the best student option.
2. Apart from that, you can also take a few steps, to reduce your financial burden by dropping your studies for one or two years and go for a job. This way, not only would you gain a bit of experience, but would also earn a few bucks. Now, the more the savings you have, the lesser is your dependence on student loans. Further, you also lower your expenditure on interests.
3. You can also opt for some part time jobs, while you are continuing studies. Now, before you opt for a part time job, you need to be sure that, it does not affect your studies; otherwise the entire purpose of a student loan would be lost. So, a part time job can help you to cover a major portion of your expenses, so that your savings remain intact, to provide succor to you on rainy days. Of course, you may at times make some withdrawals from your savings, but, it would be far less than what you may actually do, otherwise.
4. However, the key to managing your student loan lies mostly in your own capability to keep your own finance in proper shape. So, if you keep a tight vigil on your personal finance, then there are high chances that you will be able to take care of your student's loan effectively.
5. Apart from that, you should also be varying of too attractive offers. This is because; a student loan which promises you the moon is most likely to be accompanied by hidden charges. It is therefore; better to stay away from such offers so that you do not fall into any kind of trap.

Student loan is an effective way of pursuing your higher studies. However, while you are going about with your educational loan, it is better to do some prior research, before you go for it.

Simple Money Rules

Ever since man moved beyond the barter system and discovered the wonder called MONEY, his life had never been the same. The importance of money has grown manifolds and various forms evolved in due course. From being just an exchange instrument in the ancient times, to its current status, where it plays a vital role in survival and power play as well; money has come a long way.

So, you do not need to be a Sherlock Holmes, to figure out the importance of money. In fact, you would have already known, if you are caught in a very difficult monitory situation. It is therefore very important to manage your finance in a proper way.

The following are some of the tips which can help manage your finance in a proper way:

1. First and foremost get rid of your debt burden as soon as possible. For this, you should avoid making the mistake of remaining content by paying the minimum payment amount. You must always remember the more you pay, the better it gets for you. Therefore, pay more than the minimum requirement and pay it on time. This is because, if you do not pay on time, a finance charge will be added onto the total, making it all the more difficult for you.
2. It is also advisable to avoid using credit cards, to save yourself from incurring huge debts; and even if you do, then make sure that you use them only in case of acute emergency. Avoid additional purchases, until you are in a position to pay for them in cash.
3. It would be beneficial on your part to see to it, that you are maintaining your records properly. Set up your own objectives and make diligent efforts on your part to fulfill them. You can also take the help of various soft wares which are available in the market, which can help you in achieving your targets. Keep track all your accumulated debts and list them according to a priority basis. You should always make sure that you put the debts with the highest interest rates on top, and use as much of your income as possible in paying off these debts.
4. Do take good care to prepare your budget and make sure that your budget is on the right track. Always make sure that you are not exceeding your budget. Fix your purchases on a priority basis, starting with bare necessities.
5. Always make some savings on a regular basis. This should be one of your priorities; and however hard it may appear to you, making a saving should be of utmost importance for you.
6. Make sure that your business accounts are separate from your personal account. This way, you will be able to keep track of your finances separately. Intermingling your business and personal accounts, would be the last thing that you should do.

With the help of the above tips, you would hopefully be able to mange your finances properly and keep your finances in great shape.

Tips To Offer Seller Financing Safely

In recent times, we have been witness to a number of changes, as far as the real estate sector is concerned. In the last few years, there has been a steep rise in the number of real estate financing by sellers. As a seller, you may like to extend credit to the buyer of your property. There may be several reasons to it, such as higher price, a good return on your money, a faster sale and to sell a property that is otherwise difficult to sell. Most people however, opt for seller financing, in order to avoid the involvement of the third party. The buyer may save a few bucks and the seller is not at a loss.

Now, although, you may be thinking in lines of seller financing, it would be better, to avoid any kind of haste. As it is, you should consider a number of steps, to make sure that, you are not at a loss. The following are some of the factors, which you need to consider, while you opt for seller financing:

1. The first thing, that you must make sure, is to ask for a large down payment. A large down payment would help you, to lower the risk involved with seller financing. As it is, it is one of the most effective ways to avoid risk in seller financing; and not always possible to get.
2. Make sure, that you have ample security or collateral, to fall back upon, in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Most sellers opt for huge security, or collateral, in case the buyer is not in a position, to make a large down payment. Usually, the collateral is in the form of mortgage on the other property of the buyer. Collateral would lower the risk involved in seller financing and you will have a provision for succor, in case, the buyer does not pay up.
3. Another important aspect in case of seller financing is that of credit check. Make sure, that you have satisfied yourself properly in regard to the credit score of the buyer. This is one of the most important things to do, in order to satisfy you about the credibility of the buyer. By way of credit check, you can reduce your chances of losses by a large margin. Also, it needs to be mentioned here that, type of bad credit is also very important.
4. You should also consult an attorney to formulate the clauses of the contract. This would also be a great step. An attorney would help you incorporate clauses in your contract, by which, you would be able to lower your scope for incurring losses.
5. Another important factor is that of instincts. Your instincts can play a very important role in the entire process of seller financing. Make sure that you are selling the property to the right person. Your instincts can be your best friend, in selecting the right buyer.

Seller finance is a very sticky stuff and hence, you must take proper care in selecting the right person for extending seller finance.

Tips To Stretch Your Student Loan

Student loans have come up as a boon for many meritorious students, who otherwise would not have got a chance, to go for further studies. So, if you are a student, considering going to university, then a student's loan can be of great help, if you do not have enough savings to support your studies. Now, when you decide to opt for a student's loan, then in that case, you need to consider a number of aspects. As it is, you will have to make sure that you have your finance under control.

The following are some of the tips, in regard to your student's loan, which can be of help for you:

1. The internet can prove to be a great source of information in this regard. It can furnish you with several web sites, which provide downloadable student finance guides, apart from advice on how to keep your finances in the right track. Apart from that, the internet can also help you to compare the various student loan options. So, you can use the internet to compare the different loans which are available to you and select the best student option.
2. Apart from that, you can also take a few steps, to reduce your financial burden by dropping your studies for one or two years and go for a job. This way, not only would you gain a bit of experience, but would also earn a few bucks. Now, the more the savings you have, the lesser is your dependence on student loans. Further, you also lower your expenditure on interests.
3. You can also opt for some part time jobs, while you are continuing studies. Now, before you opt for a part time job, you need to be sure that, it does not affect your studies; otherwise the entire purpose of a student loan would be lost. So, a part time job can help you to cover a major portion of your expenses, so that your savings remain intact, to provide succor to you on rainy days. Of course, you may at times make some withdrawals from your savings, but, it would be far less than what you may actually do, otherwise.
4. However, the key to managing your student loan lies mostly in your own capability to keep your own finance in proper shape. So, if you keep a tight vigil on your personal finance, then there are high chances that you will be able to take care of your student's loan effectively.
5. Apart from that, you should also be varying of too attractive offers. This is because; a student loan which promises you the moon is most likely to be accompanied by hidden charges. It is therefore; better to stay away from such offers so that you do not fall into any kind of trap.

Student loan is an effective way of pursuing your higher studies. However, while you are going about with your educational loan, it is better to do some prior research, before you go for it.

What Factors Determine Interest Rates

While we talk of debts, whether in the form of credit card debts, or in case of loans; a major aspect is that of interest rates payable. As it is, the interest rates fluctuate from borrower to borrower. This depends a lot on your ability to pay, as well as your credit worthiness. So, if you are in the fixed income category, then there are high chances that you will be required to pay a lower rate of interest than a person who does not belong to a fixed income category.

As it is, your credit worthiness is the most important factor in determining the interest rate, which is going to be applicable to you. As it is, every body would like to pay as less as possible. Yet most people end up paying huge sums of interests, mainly because, their credit scores are not good enough. It is therefore; better to get your credit score in good shape.

As it is, there are several factors, which determine your interest rate, as well as your creditworthiness. The following are some o the factors, which determine the interest rates payable on your debt:

1. The first factor, which determines the interest rate, is whether you make timely payment on your debt or not. Punctuality in payment is a very important factor in deciding the interest rate applicable to you. Even if you do not belong to a fixed income category, but if your past record boasts of timely and punctual payment, then you can easily negotiate your way into availing the lowest interest rates for yourself.
2. Another important factor is that of the amount of payment that you are making. If you are satisfied by paying just the minimum amount required, then it might not go down too well with your credit rating, simply because, all the unpaid amount, which is due, would add to the principle amount and you will have to pay interest on it as well. This is likely to pose problems for you in future. If you make payments more that the minimum amount, then you will do a great favor to your credit rating.
3. Along with this, it is also important as to how much of the credit limit offered to you, is being utilized by you. So, if you are utilizing around thirty to forty percent of your credit limit, then it creates an image of sensibility and responsible behavior on your part. This too would be very effective in deciding the interest rate which would be applicable to you.
4. Your source of income is also an important factor in determining your interest rates. People with small and medium sized business are more likely to pay a higher rate of interest, unlike people with fixed income.

The above aspects, if taken care of properly, would be quite helpful in availing the lowest interest rates. As it is, it is always better to pay less. So, why pay more, when you can settle for less.

What is a Credit Crunch?

Credit crunch or credit crisis refers to a reduction in the availability of credit. Sometimes, it is characterized by a sudden change in credit policies, whereby, stiffer conditions are imposed in regard to obtaining loans from the banks. When such a condition occurs, the small and the medium sized entrepreneurs are the worst hit lot. With lending institutions, as well as investors opting for less risky investment options, while the small and medium sized enterprises are clearly left to fend for themselves. Most times, we see a sharp decline in availability of credit, often diminishing the relationship between credit availability and interest rates.

It is not known, as to who coined the term credit crunch, for the very first time. However, it is extensively used to describe a situation, where credit is not readily available and investment capital is difficult to obtain. A credit crunch is marked by banks and financial institutions becoming wary of extending loans to corporations. This results in huge amounts of debt products for borrowers. The sub prime mortgage crisis is a recent example of credit crunch, featuring contracted credit availability in global markets and banking systems. The main reason for this situation was attributed to the failure of mortgage companies, investment firms, as well as government-sponsored enterprises.

Several reasons are attributed to the situation called credit crunch. Most of the times, such a situation, has been said to be a direct result of huge bad debts. In order to keep up with the competition, most lending institutions lower their criteria for credit. This leads to many inappropriate debts, as a result of which, credit crunch occurs. Although this is not the only reason; but definitely it is one of the most common reasons.

Another reason for this might be anticipation in regard to fiscal, as well as monetary regulations. As a result of this anticipation, most lending institutions feel wary of extending credit to corporate, especially small and medium sized firms. Several monetary policies, such as change in interest rates as well as changing the reserve requirements are responsible in a big way.

Reduction in the market prices of overinflated value of assets, results in losses. As a result, there arises a situation, where we have foreclosures and bankruptcy mainly for those who entered the market pretty late.

A major impact of credit crunch is that, it affects not only borrowers and lending institutions, but also the financial scenario and the economy as a whole. As interest rates go up, it puts a brake on new investments and consumer demands, as a result of which, there is a slowdown in the economic growth. Lack of credit forces reconsideration of new deals. With the entire economy being affected, even sound borrowers may default due to sudden demand for repayment. This further causes panic and deteriorates the situation.

UK Bank Account

You need an account if you want to start a business in UK. Different banks have different plans. Some may offer you the basic facility while others may offer you some more services. Therefore to open accounts with a bank in UK take up some search.

Find out different banks operating in the financial market of UK. The next step is to find out the different types of account which they offer their customers. You can approach these banks in person or you can also search for the information online by browsing through the websites of these banks. Choose the option with which you are comfortable.

If you plan to visit the bank in person or call their customer care for the information then make sure you have a list of questions ready with you which you can ask the executives. This will help you to clear your doubts. You can inquire about:

• The interest rates
• The ATM facility
• Cheque facility
• Online facility
• Customer care support
• Loaning facility
• Withdrawal limits
• Overdraft limits offered
• Credit facilities given

Make sure that the bank you choose has its branches in different cities and locations and provides ATM facility in different locations in your city as well as other cities and countries.
Also consider the online facility which is offered by different banks today. The online facility helps you to access your account online and also pay to your client electronic cheques from anywhere and at anytime.

To open an account the banks ask you to submit some of the documents. For personal identity they ask for your passport. If you belong to a country in European Union then you will be asked to submit your driving license and your national identity card. For your residence proof the bank asks you to submit your tenant agreement or a letter from your employer which confirms your address and your employment status or a permanent address proof in the country of your residence.

Different banks accept different documents therefore it is wise to ask the executives in the bank for the documents which you require to start an account with them. The banks ask for the original documents and not the copy. So make sure you have all the original documents ready with you when you plan to open an account.

There are companies which help you to open an account with the bank. These companies provide you with the application form and also guide you with the process. For this they charge a fee. A business can open a partnership account, sole trade account or a corporate bank account. While an individual can open a basic bank account, a current account and avail the online facility.

US Bank Account

If you have your online business then it is beneficial to start an account with a bank in US. There are several reasons for this. The most important one is that if you run your own online business then it is most likely that about more than half of your customers will be US citizens who would be using credit cards or PayPal to pay online. This is true because about eighty percent of the online business is controlled by US.

To receive your sale amount you have to open an account with PayPal. PayPal provide their service to fifty countries worldwide. If you are not a resident of any of these nations then it will be a problem for you. Gain if you open a third party account or a one with a merchant banker then the process of money transfer is cumbersome which will take several weeks so that you receive the sales in the account of your native country bank. Not only this but also the transfer fee that you pay is huge which drastically reduce the profits.

Therefore it is wise to open an account with a bank in US and save yourself from all these situations.

The banking laws in US are very strict especially for the non US citizens. So, if you are not a US citizen then you have to be careful with the process. The Patriot law passed by the US government has made it extremely difficult for the non US citizens to open an account with the bank in United States.

Internet is the best resource to find out about how to open an account in US bank. Take the search. Search for the different banks operating in US. Visit their websites and find out the different facilities that they give to the non US citizens. If you have a work permit and are plan to stay in United States for few months related to your work then your employer can help you out with this.

If you run your own online business then the process is somewhat difficult for you. You should consult the officials of the banks operating in United States to clarify your doubts. You can also visit the frequently asked questions section of the sites of banks to find out the detailed information about opening an account.

As a business person you can also start with a current account or a brokerage account. But for the details you must consult an expert in the field in your home country and with the officials of the bank with which you are interested in opening an account.

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers compensation insurance is the cash benefit which your employer provides you in case you become disabled due to injury or illnesses while working and the injury or illness is related to your job.

All the employers have a legal and moral responsibility towards their employees to provide the best and safest work conditions to their employees and are thus liable for any form of injury which the employees face while performing their job.

But despite of the safe work environment injuries and accidents do occur. The workers compensation insurance at this place plays the role and provides the employer the necessary cover so that they can provide their employees the cash benefit for basic medical care. It thus protects the employer from the lawsuit due to accidents which might occur at the work premises. To understand the concept in a better way lets understand the workers who will be considered as the employees.

Who is an employee and who are covered by the workers compensation insurance?

An organization can have different types of employees. Some workers work on contract basis, some on daily wages, some on permanent basis and other on the casual basis. The trainees, deemed workers and the workers who receive wages in the form of commission also are considered as the employees of the organization. The employer is liable for the safety of his employees if the employee is working with him on contract, causal or a regular or permanent basis.

Who are not covered in workers compensation?

The employees who work with the organization as volunteers, workers who are working for the non profit organizations as volunteers and who are not engaged in the activities of distributing pamphlets, constructions cleaning the premises, clearing the snow and the likes. The individuals who perform religious duties are also not covered by this law.

According to the workers compensation law it is mandatory for every organization and every employer to provide their workers with the compensation in case they meet with an injury while at work. Every state has its own workers compensation law. Law also provide for specific exemptions such as the employer is not liable for the punitive injuries that might occur while at work. Besides, the injury should occur while at work and not away from it.

The workers compensation provides benefits in the form of cash benefits, supplemental benefits, medical benefits, death benefits and social security benefits. The cash benefits are paid only if the treatment and injury extends beyond fourteen days. And in case the employee dies due to injury or illness, the surviving spouse or the family member is given the benefit on a weekly basis.

Lifestyle Banking

Lifestyle is the manner of living which the individual adopts, and, which reflect the individual's values and attitude. Individuals can be grouped broadly into two categories depending on the way they spend. First category includes individuals who spend lavishly to maintain their lifestyle and the second category includes individuals who turn conservative with times and save for tough days. The individuals which fall in the latter category often practice lifestyle financial planning which deals with planning for the life which they want to have and not the life which they think they can afford to have.

What is lifestyle banking?

Lifestyle banking is the banking for you and me. The banks provide us the customized services according to our financial needs and situations. Every bank offers financial services which differ in some form or the other. And through lifestyle banking they tailor the services according to our financial needs and goals.

In this article I will talk about the loan programs especially the cash advance loans which the banks provide us so that we can manage our expenses to support our lifestyle.
We are fast getting conscious about our lifestyle and we are spending money to maintain it. The lifestyle moreover has become fast and hectic and we have no time to wait for the pay day. The banks have thus come up with the flexible loan plans to provide us with the necessary finances in our account so that we can manage to afford our rising expenses.

The lifestyle is hectic nowadays and we can't just afford to wait for the cash to arrive in our account. We cannot wait for the pay day either and we also cannot wait for the loan amount which takes few days to get credited to our account. The banks thus have come up with the solution. They offer fast loan approval. They offer cash advance loans which cost less than the other services of similar nature.

Moreover we are also conscious about our credit rating and for this also the banks are there who ignore the rating and provide us with the amount which we want desperately to fulfill our financial needs. Cash advance loans in fact are turning out to be a popular choice among different individuals. .

What are cash advance loans and how much amount do the banks approve?

These are the loans which the banks offer you without any credit checks. You apply for the amount and you deposit the post dated cheque for the amount that you borrow from your bank. The bank realizes the cheque from your account, on the date when you are liable to return the borrowed amount. Bank process the loan and you receive the loan amount within 24 hours.

For this service the bank charge a certain amount of interest which is usually fixed and same across the different banks offering this service. The upper limit of the amount which the banks lend is more or less same for different banks. Most of the banks offer you the amount which can be your disposable income less your liabilities.