Personal Finance Tips
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Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Debt-Relief-Solutions.com. He provides more debt relief, consolidation and credit counseling information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Most families in America today have a credit card; some have two or more. The type of credit card you own, gold, platinum, ext, is almost a status symbol in society. The concept is a good one, using your good credit to purchase big-ticket items that you may need time to pay for. If used wisely, credit cards can be a dependable resource, however, sometimes we are unaware of the fact that we are overspending. Some may think that if they are able to make the monthly payments, then their debt is under control. This is not always the case. These are some signs that you may be in or going in the direction of having a major financial crisis.

* You use your savings to pay monthly bills.

* You pay only the minimum monthly payments on any of your credit cards.

* You take out cash advances to pay your credit card bills, or other bills that you may have.

* You are over or nearly over your credit limit on one or more credit cards.

* You have been turned down for loans.

* You receive calls or letters from collection agencies.

If you think that you may have a debt problem, there is help. Credit counselors are trained to help you get out of debt in a very short period of time. Some can even help to make you debt free in as little as 18 months. Your individual situation may take more or less time. Even if you have good credit but have made unwise choices while using your credit card and you want to preserve your good credit, you mat benefit from credit counseling. Many credit counseling agencies will provide you with a free debt analysis to help you understand what actions that you can take to reestablish your credit without bankruptcy.

This summary of the Fair Credit Reporting Act will explain what you can legally do if you want to repair your own credit report. No matter what you hear, you can dispute credit information on your credit report if you understand the legal rights you have under this law.

Read the full article here.

Angelina Rosario of ampmcash.com has written a comprehensive article about payday loans.

Read the full article here.

Angelina Rosario of ampmcash.com has an article which thoroughly describes the payday loan process.

Read the full article here.

Paul Davis over at A-1 Debt Solutions has some sound advice on how money problems can be solved.

"Are you one of the millions of Americans that are deep in debt and need help getting out? If you are, you are not alone. We understand your situation, and want to provide you the guidance you need to help you get on the right track.

Head on over to the CreditShack.org.

Never fear - there's hope for the comfort-challenged.

The major credit card companies will be introducing "contactless credit cards" over the next few months. These cards do not require the user to insert the card into a reader when they make a purchase. Instead, they can simply wave the card over the reader.

Read more...

For years, major credit card companies have allowed cardholders to make minimum payments of 2% of the outstanding balances on their credit cards. Having customers pay the minimum doesn’t reduce the balance by very much, but when the 18-30% interest rates that many credit cards charge is applied, the result is a profitable ones for the banks that issue credit cards. A balance of $1000 can take nine years to pay off at 20% interest if the borrower only pays the minimum due each month.

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The recently passed Bankruptcy Abuse prevention and Consumer Protection Act will make it harder for people with problem debt to have their debt eliminated through filing for bankruptcy. This new legislation will make it harder to have debts wiped out by the courts, and will require more debtors to pay back some or all of their debts. Considered by many to be a gift from Congress to the major credit card companies, this new law has many people rightly concerned about how to best deal with their debt problems.

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A De Forest, Wisconsin man reveals the ultimate 4-step process for breaking through to amazing success at lightning speed. Matt Hurtado's report, How to Get Money Fast, Applying One Simple Secret Than Never Fails, reveals his discovery based on the study of over 200 prosperity teachings.

Visit his website at MattHurtado.com and sign-up for his newsletter, "Gangster Money!"

Caveat emptor!

With the recent changes in the bankruptcy laws many Americans feel a heightened sense of urgency to address their debt. The politicians in Washington are clearly bent on taking control out of the hands of average Americans and putting decisions about their finances in the control of credit card companies. The new laws remove discretion from the debtor to choose the form of bankruptcy they prefer and instead rely on simplistic ‘tests’ and ‘formulas’” to make that determination. The new laws also allow the creditors more leverage to contest decisions that were assigned to bankruptcy trustees.

According to Kenneth Priore, an attorney in California and a principal in a professional debt solutions company, New Leaf Financial, “Congress and the president have made a grave mistake in making bankruptcy a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution.” Mr. Priore went on to ad, “People shouldn’t make the same mistake by rushing into any course of action to resolve their debts.”

There are a myriad of options available to consumers. Credit counseling, debt settlement and equity loans all have a unique set of advantages and disadvantages and the consumer must understand these differences before making any decisions.

Mr. Priore further went on to outline the various options facing consumers. Credit counseling is the most traditional and conservative solution and may be an appropriate fit for those searching for a solution that is the least confrontational and easiest to implement. Mr. Priore noted, “Remember that credit counseling was started many years ago in concert with credit card companies…though it may lower your interest rates, and consolidate your bills to one payment, those are about the only advantages.”

Mr. Priore went on to discuss the attributes of debt settlement, a more aggressive approach which can lower the overall cost of the debt. “Debt settlement leaves financial control in the hands of the debtor; they can look at their finances and make the decision on how much they have to resolve their debt.” But Mr. Priore notes that this solution is not for everyone, “It takes someone willing to make a personal commitment to take advantage of this more aggressive option.”

Finally, Mr. Priore offered his viewpoint on equity financing, “The use of home equity to pay off unsecured debt is an option, and a very good one when the loss of income prevents utilizing another method of debt relief. Using equity to solve other debts puts your home and long-term financial health at greater risk.”

Before founding New Leaf Financial, Priore was a managing attorney for a third party litigation group for Charles Schwab, Inc. and counsel and chief compliance office to MVC Capital. Priore received his BA from Tufts University in 1991 and his JD from Tulane University in 1995.

Kate Jackson, of the original Charlie's Angels cast, has joined a critically needed national effort to help American’s control their day-to-day finances. Financially Strong America™ will launch on the National Cable Networks on the July 4th weekend. This revolutionary Edu-mercial™ will show viewers a simple, proven system to gain control over their money and their lives. While credit cards receive much of the blame for the personal debt crisis in America, FSA viewers will be shocked to learn that their checkbook is the true source of their money problems.

"Bankruptcy reform is getting a frightening amount of media attention these days", says a passionate Brett Saso, executive producer of the Financially Strong America series. "But what really frightens me is the complete LACK of focus on the root cause of the problem. The source of the America's bankruptcy crisis is very much repairable." Saso feels strongly that credit card companies have unfairly shouldered too much blame for the debt crisis. "The problem is very simple" continues Saso, "people have never been given a simple way to understand, plan, and control their money. Our spending planner system has been solving this problem for over 9 years now". Saso is proud to offer consumers the "basic" tools they so desperately need, "for about the cost of one bounced check!"

Kate Jackson called the FSA message and Saso's enthusiasm "infectious" and is very excited to be associated with the program. "With Kate Jackson as our celebrity co-host, we will have a tremendous impact on our viewers" beamed Saso. "Kate's image with the American public remains very strong; she is perfect for the message we must deliver".

As an additional benefit, consumers who register with FSA receive a free comprehensive review of their overall financial situation. This review identifies areas where financial services such as mortgage, insurance, financial planning may be beneficial to the consumer.

Thousands of consumer clients needing these professional services will be referred to the FSA national network of licensed service providers. Licensed service providers also promote FSA tools and systems in their local communities.

About Financially Strong America

Financially Strong America (FSA) is a production of Consumer Debt Solutions, Inc., an established 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a 9 year track record of helping consumers with money management and home ownership issues. CEO Brett Saso’s unique perspective and passion for family finance produces a fascinating interview for audiences ranging from housewives to bank presidents.

Companies wishing to provide financial services to FSA clients can learn about FSA Licensing procedures and timelines by contacting the offices Consumer Debt Solutions at 845-691-9600. Additional details can be found online at www.FinanciallyStrongAmerica.com.

Before becoming furious with your bank, it may be that the products you're using no longer meet your personal needs. If you have an established relationship with your bank, inquire about the other types of lower-cost checking and savings account products.

Learn more tips about how you can save money with your bank account.

Let's face it: Grocery shopping can take a bite out of your paycheck. While this isn't an expense that you can eliminate, there are ways to make it more affordable.

Read more about how to save on your grocery shopping.

Moving households, whether it is due to a job transfer or upgrading your home, and whether moving across country or across town, is an expensive proposition.

Even when a new employer sponsors a relocation, there are hidden or un-thought-of expenses such as tipping or registering your vehicle in a new state.

Here are six ways to reduce expenses during your next move:

Studies show that Americans are now saving less than ever before. Along with that, Americans are carrying a heavier debt load than ever. It’s easy for a home loan, a car loan and a few credit card bills to get out of hand, and many people are struggling with more debt than they can easily pay. To make matters worse, new bankruptcy legislation will make it harder than ever to file bankruptcy for those who simply cannot pay their bills. There are a number of solutions available that allow most people to reduce their interest rate on their debt, reduce their total monthly payment, or both:

• Ask for a lower rate on your credit card. If you have been making payments regularly, and you haven’t had a history of late payment, you may be able to lower your interest rate on your credit cards simply by calling your credit card company and asking them! It doesn’t always work, but the market for credit cards is pretty competitive these days, and many lenders would rather lower your interest rate than lose you as a customer. It’s worth asking.<.li>

• Get a new credit card. If your lender isn’t willing to lower your rate, shop around for a credit card with a better interest rate. There is no reason to be paying 20% or more in credit card interest if you don’t have to. The interest on credit cards is not tax deductible, but if you can get a credit card with a lower interest rate and you move balances from other cards to that one, you can save quite a bit.
• Take out a traditional bank loan with collateral. You can probably obtain a simple installment loan from your bank by putting up cash or investments as collateral for the loan. Like credit cards, the interest isn’t tax deductible, but the interest rate may be better than credit cards, and if you consolidate several payments into one with a bank loan, you will lower your monthly payment.
• Take out a home equity loan or home equity line of credit. If you have equity in your home, you can borrow up to 80% of your equity in either a lump sum or a revolving line of credit. Interest rates are still quite low on home loans, so this one could be a good way to consolidate your debt. As a bonus, the interest is tax deductible. A minor downside is the fact that these loans usually have application fees and/or closing costs.

Most people can utilize one of the ideas above to help them reduce their debt. If none of these options work for you, you should consider speaking to a credit counselor, who can outline other options that may work for you. Many credit-counseling agencies are non-profit, so it may be worth your while to talk to a credit counselor if nothing else will work.

About the Author
©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including End-Your-Debt.com, a site devoted to debt consolidation and credit counseling, and HomeEquityHelp.net, a site devoted to information regarding home equity loans.

A problem that often arises when people try to refinance their home is the discovery of a pre-existing lien from a previous loan that was not removed by the lending company. The cost of removing a lien and returning the title to the homeowner, a process known as reconveyance, is usually included in fees associated with a home equity loan. When the loan is paid off, the lender is generally responsible for removing the lien, so that public records show the property to be unencumbered.

There are various reasons for why the lien isn’t always removed – oversight on the part of the lender, especially during heavy periods of refinancing, is often the problem. Occasionally, the problem can arise when a lender is sold to another company or when that lender goes out of business. No matter what the cause, a lien that hasn’t been removed can come back to haunt a homeowner.

If a homeowner is in the process of refinancing a home and discovers an old lien that hasn’t been removed, the entire refinancing process can be held up for weeks. This can be critical if the owner is trying to lock in an interest rate prior to closing. The problem can also arise when a homeowner is trying to take out another home equity loan, perhaps to facilitate debt consolidation or home improvements.

Here are a few things you can do to avoid this problem:

• Get a copy of your credit report. If there are any errors, particularly errors showing an open line of credit or a home equity loan that has been paid off, contact your lender.
  


• Keep your paperwork from all real estate loans, even if you have already paid them off. Then you will have them at hand should you need to demonstrate that you have fulfilled your obligations.
  


• If the lien shows up on public records or a credit report, but the original lender says that you have paid it, have them send you a copy of their documentation regarding your reconveyance.

As with most issues that come up when financing or refinancing a home, this one can be resolved by remaining diligent and keeping proper paperwork. As always, it’s a good idea to check your credit report regularly, particularly if you plan on taking out a loan in the near future.

About the Author
©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including End-Your-Debt.com, a Website devoted to debt consolidation information and HomeEquityHelp.net, a site devoted to information on home equity loans.

The cost of transportation can be expensive, and higher fuel prices does not help matters. The following vehicles have good ratings, and they will help to stretch your fuel dollars.

The following are some vehicles that will help you to keep rolling longer and avoid the pump:

The Toyota Corolla has been around for over 30 years. During the last few years, the Corolla has become a bit larger. Expect to achieve about 30 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and about 40 mpg on the highway with this vehicle.

The Honda Civic has been a stiff rival to the Corolla. The Civic has also recently grown a bit in size. The Civic is right there with the Corolla at about 30 mpg in the city and about 40 mpg on the highway.

The Geo Prizm will cost about $1,000- $1,500 less than a comparable year Corolla or Civic. The Prizm will achieve about 29 mpg city and about 38 mpg on the highway.

SUVs can really eat the fuel, however, they are convenient for hauling cargo, and some definitely have a real advantage in bad weather and off-road conditions.

The Suzuki Esteem wagon provides some cargo-carrying ability and reasonable fuel economy. Expect to achieve about 28 mpg in the city and about 37 mpg on the highway with this vehicle.

The Subaru Legacy wagon, Outback wagon and Forester can all carry cargo plus they have all-wheel drive. These vehicles generally have the most powerful engines out of those mentioned above. Expect to achieve about 22 mpg in the city and about 27 mpg on the highway.

If you are in the market for a vehicle, be certain to do your homework. Consult the April (automotive issue) of "Consumer Reports." This resource is available at most public libraries.

If you plan on buying a used vehicle, also be sure to read a couple of archived new vehicle road tests (review road tests that were conducted at the time the vehicle was new) on the used vehicle of interest in auto magazines (many are archived at your local library) or Internet sources such as Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Road & Track, or MotorWeek. Information from the road tests will allow you to zero in on which of the vehicles discussed above will be the best for you.

Last, but not least, be certain that you do not overpay to drive a fuel-efficient vehicle. For example, if you pay say $1,500 more for a vehicle that achieves five mpg more than your current vehicle, you would need to drive it about five years to get $1,500 in fuel savings. However, say you pay an extra $500 for a vehicle that achieves 10 mpg more than your current vehicle. In a little over one year, you would recoup your $500.

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money." His web site: drivethebestbook.com accepts all transportation questions.

Whether you need more money just to make ends meet, are working towards getting out of debt, paying for college or buying a home, or looking for ways to increase your giving – here's a helpful list of cash generating ideas.
15 Ways to Create More Cash: Including Ideas for Starting a Home Business

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) ensures that all consumers are given an equal chance to obtain credit. This doesn’t mean all consumers who apply for credit get it: Factors such as income, expenses, debt, and credit history are considerations for creditworthiness.
Equal Credit Opportunity