Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Mortgage

Getting a Mortgage Quote Online
by: Jay Moncliff


If you are interested in buying a home then you are certainly shopping for a mortgage quote from a variety of different lenders. This is important because when you have more than one mortgage quote you can compare the different lenders and find the one that is best for you.

Frequently, the average mortgage quote online will be lower than the average mortgage quote from your neighborhood bank. Since every penny counts and you want to save as much money as possible, get a mortgage quote online as well as from your neighborhood lenders to find the best deal for you.

The following suggestions will help you find a mortgage quote online as well. Mortgage Quote Tip #1 Bid for Quotes The best way to get a mortgage quote online is to visit the sites that ask for some general personal financial information and then submits it to various lenders.

Then, all of the lenders respond with a mortgage quote for your personal financial situation. Once you receive the mortgage quote it is up to you to forget it or contact the lender that provided you with that particular mortgage quote.

Mortgage Quote Tip #2 Professionals You want a professional and real mortgage quote, so make sure you are dealing with a professional company that will provide you with a legitimate mortgage quote online. If not, you will be wasting your time and risking your investment by dealing with a sketchy company.

Mortgage Quote Tip #3 Realistic While you want the lowest mortgage quote possible, you need to make sure the mortgage quote is realistic within the scheme of things.

If you receive a mortgage quote that is several percentage points lower than the lowest mortgage quote you have seen, you might want to question it. While there are many reputable online mortgage quote companies, there are those out there that are not professional.

About the author:Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.mybestmortgage.infoa website specialized on Mortgage, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Mortgage. For more info on Mortgage visit: http://www.mybestmortgage.infoCirculated by Article Emporium

Debt Collection

Small Business Debt Collection Law Cheat Sheet
by: Joel Walsh

In your small business debt collection laws will eventually become important, as your debt grows and some clients do not pay. To collect small business debts legally, you must first send a written notice that collections have begun, within five days of first contacting the debtor for collections (for instance, within five days of calling on the telephone).

The letter must include dispute instructions. Small Business Debt Collection Laws Forbidden Practices

* Collect any amount beyond the actual debt, unless you really can do so legally.

* Continue collections on a debt if the debtor has disputed the debt, unless you provide the debtor with written proof.

* Continue contacting the debtor if within 30 days of first contact, the debtor disputes the debt.

* Credit a payment the debtor has made to a non-disputed debt to a debt the debtor has disputed.

* Deposit a post-dated check before the post-date. Small Business Debt Collections Laws: What You Can't Say * Give a false name.

* You are an attorney or government representative, if you are not.

* You have an attorney working for you or that you are going to assign the case to an attorney, if you really do not. * The debtor has committed a crime, unless you are 100 ure they have.

* You work for a credit bureau, if you really do not. * The debt is more or less money than it actually is. * You are sending or have sent legal forms when you really did not.

* You are sending or have sent papers that are not legal forms, if they really are legal forms.

* The debtor will be arrested--no one is arrested for nonpayment of debts anymore.

* You will seize, garnish, attach, or sell the debtor's property or wages, if you do not really intend to or cannot legally do so (and unless the debt is secured with collateral, you probably cannot).

* You will sue or take other legal action, if you do not really intend to, or are not legally able to do so. Small Business Debt Collection Laws Forbidden Third-Party Disclosures Never:

* Give any credit-related information that is not 100ccurate.

* Tell anyone other than the debtor that you are collecting a debt.

* Telephone any number other than the debtor's more than once. Small Business Debt Collection Phone Calls Never: * Call after 9 pm or before 8 am.

* Forget to give your name and your company's name.

* Call repeatedly or in a way intended to annoy.

* Make a collect call.

* Make any threats.

* Use profane or obscene language.

* Leave a message that reveals this is a debt collection.

Small Business Debt Collection Mailing Never send: * Postcards. * Envelopes or mailings with any reference to debt collection on the exterior.

* Anything that looks like an official, legal, or government document, if it is not.

Please note this page is not intended to give legal advice and may not be complete or up to date with the most current collection laws changes.

About the author:Joel Walsh has written more tips on debt collection law: http://www.debt-collection-laws.com/?debt collection law [Publish this article on your website! Requirement: make live link for above URL/web address with link text/anchor text: "debt collection law" OR leave this bracketed message intact.] Circulated by Article Emporium

Mortgage

Mortgage Tips from Me to You
by: Seymore Hennigan

At some point in your adult life, you are likely to purchase a house of your own. Whether you are sick of renting, or you have decided to settle down and start a family, purchasing your first home can be an exhilarating and nerve-wracking adventure. In researching the best practices for new home buying, we decided to give you three of the most important tips.

Our first suggestion is to save, save, and save some more. The idea behind this is to enable you to make the largest initial down payment on your new home as possible. We know how difficult it can be to save, but this could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to save thousands of dollars to use for your own ends, instead of paying it to some faceless bank in interest payments? Secondly, try to educate yourself about the types of financing available.

Shop around, or speak with a mortgage broker who can act on your behalf. In my opinion, your best bet is to lock into a fixed rate mortgage. A new home is very expensive, and you are likely to be short of cash for the first couple years.

A fixed rate mortgage will provide you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what your mortgage payments will be each month. Remember, you can always renegotiate the terms of your mortgage at a later date.

Ensure you have the stability you need to get off on the right start. Lastly, be sure you have a proper home inspection done before you complete the transaction. If you feel the price of the house you are about to purchase is too good to pass up, it is probably is too good to be true. It is worth taking the time to ensure things are done properly.

If you have to move fast for fear of missing out, make an offer, but ensure that your offer is conditional on upon a successful home inspection. Far too many first time home buyers have gone broke fixing repairs that should have taken care of by the previous owner.

And, please, do yourself a favor and find an independent home inspector that doesn’t have a relationship with the real estate agent!

About the author:Seymore Hennigan has worked in finance for many years. When he is not crunching numbers or advising his family and friends on investments, he writes freelance articles for mortgageguide101.com – an independent mortgage guide filled with extensive information about Saxon Mortgage - http://www.mortgageguide101.com/saxon-mortgage.aspx/,second mortgages - http://www.mortgageguide101.com/second-mortgages.aspx/,mortgages - http://www.mortgageguide101.com/and more.

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Life Insurance

Life insurance: why there’s no need to be a desperate housewife
by: Rachel Lane

Contemplating what may happen to your wife (or husband) and children if you die is not likely to be a thought you wish to contemplate. However, avoiding the issue may make life more difficult for your family after your death.

Life insurance looks set to make a comeback in the UK, after a period of neglect by consumers who were simply occupied with affording a home. The stabilising of the UK house market has made many consumers take a broader view to their personal finances.

LifeSearch (a life insurance broker), in the September issue of Money Observer, highlighted a few common mistakes people make when buying life insurance: * Believing life insurance is relevant to everyone Life insurance is only relevant to people who have financial dependents.

If you have no financial dependents, it might be more appropriate to consider income protection or critical illness insurance. * Paying too much for life insurance According to Money Observer, research for Sainsbury’s Bank Life Insurance revealed that many people take life insurance policies from their mortgage providers and as a result could be paying too much.

* Opting to buy joint life insurance policies instead of single life insurance policies The advice to married couples is to avoid taking out joint life insurance policies which pay out when the first spouse dies over the term of the policy, but not on the second. Single policies could provide additional cover by paying just an extra £3-4 a month.

* Missing out on a trust The Tax Man can claim up to 40% of your life insurance payout as inheritance tax. According to Money Observer, those with assets totalling £275,000 or more (including a house) are especially prone to tax inspection.

Writing your policy in trust is a way to avoid this and as a trust does not have to go through probate, beneficiaries of the policy will receive the payment without delay.

* Only insuring the main earner Whilst it is important to cover the main breadwinner, by neglecting to additionally insure the housewife or househusband may result in extra child care costs. Family income benefit (FIB) may be an appropriate policy to put in place.

* Opting for a lump sum over income If your dependents are likely to require an income, then buying a policy that pays out a lump sum is a mistake. Many people invest lump sums for an income, but when they invest it, they have to pay tax. Family income benefit provides a larger payout – tax free, though the majority of banks and building societies do not offer FIB, so ask an Independent Financial Advisor for recommendations.

* Not proving full medical records or detailing comprehensive medical history Failure to disclose a complete picture of your health, no matter how trivial, could invalidate a claim later on.

There’s no excuse for not conducting your own homework, as there is an abundance of information available online. Sites such as moneynet, provide not only price comparison research on difference life insurance products, they also offer downloadable consumer product guides.

Lowermybills.com proffers a similar service stateside. Resources: http://www.moneynet.co.uk/insurance/life-assurance/index.shtml http://www.moneynet.co.uk/life-insurance-guide/index.shtml http://www.lowermybills.com/

About the author:About Rachel: Rachel writes for the personal finance blog Cashzilla. http://www.cashzilla.co.uk/

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Insurance

Build Your Own Insurance Business with InsureAmerica
by: Casey Coke


Dallas-based InsureAmerica Management Company has released a new Internet site, www.byoib.com, to aid in recruitment of nationwide health insurance agents. Complete with commission examples, earnings potential breakdowns and an income potential calculator, interested health insurance agents can get a good look at the opportunity InsureAmerica has to offer.

The new website is part of the company’s aggressive growth and expansion plan to further extend its national reach. “We know we have a business opportunity and a system that health insurance agents and agency owners can be successful with. We just needed an avenue to express this,” states Dan Roberts, Vice President, Sales and Marketing.

“The days of simple newspaper ads are a thing of the past. People want more information and want to know what you can do for them. This is what our recruiting site is about…the agents and what we can do to make them successful.”

The website address, www.byoib.com, comes from the acronym of the phrase Build Your Own Insurance Business, which is the recurring theme of the website. InsureAmerica isn’t about selling health insurance.

It’s goal is to also help others grow their own businesses. “Selling health insurance and running your own insurance office is a daunting task and at times agents can feel like they are all alone.

Through this website we want to convey to potential agents that we are here to help them and that they are not successful because of us, but that we are successful because of them. We have people in our group that have built very lucrative businesses and enjoy helping others do the same,” says Dan Roberts, Vice President, Sales and Marketing.

In addition to being able to see commissions and earnings information, potential agents can find out more about the products that InsureAmerica represents, the in-house lead program and company background. About InsureAmerica Headquartered in Dallas, TX, InsureAmerica has been providing individuals and small businesses with quality health insurance for 17 years.

The company has a nationwide presence with agents in 30 states. Insurance of America offers health insurance, life insurance and health savings accounts, among other products.

All products are provided by A-rated or better carriers and endorsed by the National Business Association.

About the author:Casey Coke is an Internet Marketing Specialist for Insurance of America Agency in Dallas, TX

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Auto Insurance

Nowadays, auto insurance is really expensive. A typical insurance policy can cost a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars a year. And the insurance rates you pay are hugely dependent on the insurance company or agent, your age, your car type, your driving record, and even the area you reside in!

You should never go without auto insurance though, despite the costs. Almost all the states require you to protect yourself with a minimum amount of liability coverage.

Naturally, the bare minimum is not adequate enough for the average car owner. And as you add in additional coverage for your car, you realize that you will be paying a fairly large sum annually.

So, understanding auto insurance can actually help you to decide on a suitable insurance policy that won't vacuum clean your wallet! Here, we have gathered 10 of the best tips for lowering your auto insurance, by as much as 40Always compare insurance policies.

There are states which regulate auto insurance rates, but the insurance premiums can vary by hundreds of dollars for the exact same coverage. It is definitely worthwhile to shop around. The first thing you can do is to check with your state insurance department. They often provide information about the coverage you need, as well as sample rates from the biggest companies. You can also ask your friends or look up the yellow pages. Checking consumer guides and asking insurance agents can pay off as well. You can easily find out the price range for your insurance policy, as well as discover the lowest prices in town. However, you should not be shopping based on price along.

The insurance company should provide good service at the best price. Excellent personal service is available as well, and they provide added conveniences, although they cost a fair bit more. Ask the company how you can lower your costs, and also check their financial ratings. The rule of thumb is always to get three price quotes from three different companies, and pick the one with the best value. It can also be a good idea to increase your deductibles.

When you file a claim, the deductible is the amount you pay before the insurance company pays for the rest of the damage. A higher deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage can lead to a much lower premium. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $400 can reduce your premiums by up to 25àHowever, you must ensure that you have the financial resources to handle the largest deductible when the time comes.

Remove certain types of coverage from your policy. Almost all the states require liability coverage for your car, but the rest of the coverage is probably dispensable. However, you do not want to be underinsured if you're in an accident, so it isn't advisable to remove all of your additional coverage. Optional coverage includes medical payments, uninsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Drop collision and comprehensive coverage for older cars. If you drive an older car that's worth less than $2,000, it's probably more cost-effective to drop collision and comprehensive coverage since you'll probably pay more for the coverage than you'll collect for a claim. You can find out the worth of your car by asking auto dealers and banks. Make sure your credit report looks good.

Car insurance companies often look at your credit history as there is a correlation between the risk to the company and your credit history. If you pay your bills on time and maintain a good credit history, you can enjoy lower insurance rates. Drive less. Insurance companies often offer low-mileage discounts to motorists who drive less than a predetermined number of miles each year. You can use public transportation more often, car-pool with friends, and take the train or a plane instead of driving to another state. And you'll save on more than your coverage as you'll need to spend less on gasoline (of which prices are incredibly high). Maintain a clean driving record.

The company will give you a price break and you can save on your insurance policy after a specified period of a clean driving record. This means that you have no accidents, no serious driving violations etc, during this period of time. The simplest and surefire way to qualify for this discount is to drive carefully and defensively all the time. Choose a low-profile car. Insurance rates vary among difference models of vehicles. Generally, sports cars and high-performance cars tend to cost more to insure, mainly because they represent more risk of theft and the drivers are often the people who drive more recklessly.

Newer cars will cost more to repair or replace than older ones, so naturally they can more to insure. Low-risk vehicles include station wagons and sedans. Ask about safety and security discounts. The insurance companies sometimes offer discounts on your insurance if your car is equipped with the following: anti-lock brakes, air bags, automatic seat belts, car alarms, tracking systems. These reduce the injury risk to you, as well as the chances of your car being vandalized or stolen. Finally, ask about other discounts.

You may receive a discount if you buy more than one type of insurance from the same company or if you insure multiple cars under the same policy or company. You may also receive discounts for taking a defensive driving course, staying with the same company for a few years, being a driver over 50, good-student discounts, and being an AAA member.

If you already have adequate health insurance, you can also eliminate paying for duplicate medical coverage, thus lowering your personal injury protection costs by a substantial amount.

About the author:Pete Lance is the founder of http://www.usgastracker.org,/a premier company which helps the consumer save money on gasoline.

Thousands of gas stations across the nation are tracked daily to guarantee the lowest prices on gasoline anywhere in the United States.Free daily email with locations and prices.

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