Monday, April 29, 2013

Buying Properties during Recession: Do's and Don’ts


Purchasing real estate is no laughing matter - whether the economy's doing well or it's experiencing recession. It's a well-known fact that buyers are in a better position to purchase real estate during a recession. However, there are still some risks involved. So how do you make sure you're still getting the best real estate deal during the recession times? Here are some tips that you can make use of:

Don't come undone with your own expectations.

Determining whether you have gotten yourself a good deal in buying real estate, or simply just about anything, depends on your priorities. We all differ in priorities and that is a fact. So if you'd like to make sure you satisfy yourself, get your own expectations in check. Creating a checklist can help you here. Finding a property to buy with a checklist handy can greatly facilitate the process.

Don't be too you-you-you.

Sure, you were advised to know your priorities and to create a checklist to boot. However, flexibility can also get you a long way. Be objective with your judgments and take a hard look at the property you are planning to buy. Think hard and see if you are actually being too choosy to the point of being impractical. Would you like fancy or functional? Is it comfy or uber-elegant? How about trying to meet in the middle? Have you asked for suggestions from experts of family or friends with experience? Do they agree with you? Although you do not need to wipe your slate clean and accommodate all their opinions, are your expectations realistic enough and what about your budget? Remember it is recession.
Don't be over-confident during a real estate recession.

Many think that since it is recession, they can just buy and buy and buy properties. Although many property sellers are usually on the lower part of the scale during these times, not all deals are the best ones. You still need to be as careful as ever in purchasing real estate.

Before pursuing a short sale...

Many would pursue a short sale trying to grab a good deal. However, before you buy a property with a price that seems too low for the location, asking your agent to investigate if it is a short sale won't hurt. This is important since you should not just make an offer on a pre-foreclosure, short sale property.

Beware during recession since there are not too many fish in the sea Er, properties to buy. Home sellers do know that during a recession, they may not be able to sell their properties for a better price. This means that they would have to wait longer to put their home out on the market. There may be properties for sale, but they get bought quicker, too. It would be helpful if you are prepared enough to make a purchase without dilly-dallying if you really are into it.

Recession or not...

Your decision should not be clouded in buying a property. Always shop for the lowest price, which fortunately is more attainable during recession for buyers. However, do not forget that the lowest-priced property is not necessarily the best one. 
In summary, there are some advantages to buying a home during recession. However, if you do not really have the budget or are not that well-educated in the real estate industry, do not feel pressured to jump in.


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What Can You Get from Debt Management?


Debt Management Gives the Comfort of a Debt Free Life

Everyone borrows money from the financial market at one or the other time to meet some urgent needs. But, at that time we don’t realize that taking various debts from different lenders may become a burden one day. If you too are facing the same circumstances then debt management can prove to be the best solution to all your worries.

Debt management can be defined as an informal process of negotiations with the creditor to obtain a reduction in the interest rate levied or to reduce contractual repayment. The negotiation process involves giving proof to the creditors that the debtor has insufficient funds to meet all the debt obligations.

Debt management is a fair and growing service in the US. Debt problems usually occur due to circumstances which are beyond a person’s control. Debt management not only helps in reducing a borrower’s monthly payment but aims at eliminating all his debts. Borrowers get the benefit to consolidate their debts that are as low $3000 to a maximum of $250,000. Some lenders may even help in eliminating a higher amount of borrower’s debt.

Debt management is open to all. Good credit people, bad credit people or people with bankruptcy. Managing debts of a debtor can help in improving his credit score by making him accountable to a single low monthly payment.

Debt management on a smaller scale is known as debt counseling. The idea is to offer knowledge to the individuals. It involves various debt management techniques, like:

·         Expenditure should be restricted proportionately to the income
·         In case a debt has incurred, proper arrangements must be made for its repayment

Another important tool for debt management is debt consolidation loans. The loan provider helps in the settlement of debts. This loan helps in consolidating the existing debts of borrower. It aims to make the repayments affordable by lowering the interest rates.

Borrowers can make efficient use of the expertise of the debt management agencies which they have gained through years of work in this field. Debt management representatives give borrower’s the power to get out of debt. They negotiate with the creditors on behalf of the borrower.

Debt management plans are formulated by the debt management representatives or consultants. It can help a debtor to repay the debts at an amount that is affordable. Debt management plan consolidates all the unsecured debts of an individual into a single monthly repayment which is then paid to the creditors on a pro rate basis over an agreed period of time often 4 years or more by the agency which is managing your debts. Trained debt management consultants calculate this amount in assistance with the debtor by thoroughly reviewing his financial position.

There is one more aspect of debt management you need to look at. Most of the debt managers charge hefty fee for this service. But there are debt managers who can do this job for you at a low fee or for free. So you need to keep your eyes and ears open before you decide to opt for debt management.  

There are various debt management agencies in the finance market. Look for debt managers who can offer you this service at low cost with maximum benefits. Borrowers can search for debt managing agencies online too. The internet can help you access infinite number of debt management agencies from your home or office computer. The online process saves your time and efforts.

Debt management can make you debt free. But you need to maintain discipline in your life so that you do not fall again into the same debt trap in the future.

Check out www.adamscapgroup.com for more Information on personal debt management.

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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Take Full Advantage of Debt Management Services


A person who has taken loans or who is in debt must be aware of all the outcomes and must be prepared for them when a loan is borrowed. With the help of debt management services an individual will find himself at ease with how to deal with his debts without putting too much stress on himself.  And in this process debt management services play a crucial role along with many other things.

That is where the concept of debt management services comes in useful. With this, the borrowers get useful advices and tips to deal with management of individual’s debts. Debt management services, in fact are well thought of and properly geared techniques for a person to clear up his debt and straighten out his creditworthiness.

It is a service that puts the emphasis on providing a check of feasibility on a borrower’s future endeavors and a review of debt capabilities as well as settlement options. It aims to provide borrowers a clearer and a much easier means to work through their debts, which by the way is not as easy as it may seem at the first glance.

Many organizations provide Debt Management Services. Here are a few of them:
·         The Citizen’s Advice Bureau
·         National debtline
·         Insolvency helpline

These organizations help the borrowers in their own different ways, so providing many options, each different to other for solving the debt related issues.

Along with these, there are other organizations that will be willing to provide you with debt management services organizations like National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), which will help the borrowers seeking advice. This will only benefit the borrowers.

Another thing that the borrowers must know about debt management service organizations is that not all the organizations work on the similar terms. Some offer it for free and some charge money; some are available 24 hours a day and some only in working hours. This means the borrowers have to make a choice in terms of what their debts are and how they intend to resolve the issue.

To get more lucid information, the borrowers can also go online, get a detailed explanation of the matter, and then make their decision.

One thing that every borrower must understand that any advice a person can get must be listened to carefully and then only the person should make his final decision.


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How Liquidation Works


Bankruptcy is a legal process that entails following certain steps and schedules. It is best done with the assistance of a bankruptcy attorney although you are allowed to go through it on your own. If you choose the latter, you will save a lot on lawyer’s fees but you risk committing errors that can get your case dismissed. 

If you are contemplating bankruptcy, you should obtain credit counseling from a government-approved organization within 180 days or 6 months before the date of your actual filing. A credit counseling session usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes and involves an evaluation of your financial situation, a discussion of the alternatives, and the creation of a personal budget plan. This is the first step you need to take and hopefully might shed some insight on alternatives other than bankruptcy. 

In a liquidation proceeding, you will need to prepare certain documents. Together with the certificate that you have already obtained for pre-bankruptcy counseling, you will have to submit the following documents together with your bankruptcy petition: Schedules of assets and liabilities; current income and expenditures; statement of financial affairs; schedule of executory contracts and unexpired leases; and copies of the tax return or transcripts for the most recent tax year as well as tax returns filed during the case. Most important, you will have to fill out the Official Bankruptcy Forms which will list the creditors and the amount and nature of their loans as well as other information. You will also have to include a schedule of the exemptions in your petition. Since you will have to choose between a Federal package of exemptions and the state exemptions, consulting a lawyer will be important.

As soon as the petition for bankruptcy is filed, the “automatic stay” begins to be enforced. Your creditors and debt collectors are not anymore allowed to contact you to demand payment. They are also prevented from filing lawsuits, garnishing wages, or conducting any other action regarding your obligations.

Around 21 to 40 days after the petition is filed, a meeting of creditors will be held with the case trustee or bankruptcy administrator. Of course, you must attend the meeting and answer questions that the trustee and the creditors (if they choose to attend) may have for you. It’s imperative that you provide the trustee documents that may be requested of you and answer all questions truthfully as this will be done under oath. It is the role of the bankruptcy trustee to liquidate the nonexempt assets and use the proceeds to pay off the unsecured debts.

A couple of months or so after the creditors meeting (for as long as there are no lawsuits from your creditors to challenge your petition), you will be able to receive your discharge. This means that you will no longer be liable for your debts and your creditors do not anymore have the right to collect them from you.

After receiving your discharge from Chapter 7, it’s now time to start anew so you are sure that you will never have to go through the same grueling and stressful process again.


Find more articles on debt management by just clicking on this link: http://consolidatedebtguide.org/

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·         Understanding Debt Settlement

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Debt Negotiation for a Better Tomorrow


Debt negotiation or settlement is negotiating a debt reduction with the creditor. Working on your debt problems, a debt negotiator can make you pay 50% or less of the principal on your debt.

Modern day living and plastic money makes it easy to fall prey to debt. There have been rising number of bankruptcy in developed countries compared to the Third World. Blame it on the lifestyle! Everybody wants relief from debt problems, but few address their problem to a debt negotiator until they go bankrupt. Bankruptcy gives immediate relief from the debt problem. But its ill effects last for years in procuring new loan.

So, debt negotiation is the best way out. You can step into debt negotiation plans on your own resource (if you are in such a position) or can take financial help from debt consolidation loan. There is no easy answer to bad debt. You must take advice from a debt counselor. For future benefits you should ask service of a reliable negotiator in order to resolve unpaid and unsecured debt, because successful debt negotiation enables a business to continue trading.

Contemplating Debt Negotiation Service

On a debt management program, it's important for people to know that there might be dire results of contemplating the agreed settlement plan. So, one must consider the negotiation fees and penalty for leaving the negotiation program. Though after entering a debt negotiation program you transfer some amount of legal action to the third party, still your creditor can take legal action against you.

How to Negotiate the Payoff Terms?

Taking the help of a debt negotiator is not the last word. If you have it in you can directly contact your creditor, address your problem and ask for reducing the payment. But professional debt negotiators will make you job much easier, and may come up with much reduction on principal.

You can make lump sum payoff and this will save much of your interests and principal payments. But give second not to decrease your credit rating.  Make debt settlement an economical affair.

Professional debt negotiator program offers you plans, similar to debt consolidation services and negotiates with your creditors if you have saved the minimum balance to settle the debt. You can reduce your debt with savings up to 60%.

Your debt negotiator will suggest you to discharge higher interest rates first to eliminate the delinquency. They can easily understand the bottom line of your debt problem. They can also tell you “which creditors settle at 30% of what you owe, and which one will demand 70%”.

Using debt negotiation can trim your payoff time down from 7 to 5 years or less, through consolidation and or counseling. You can get new lease of life once all your debt is eliminated.

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Debt Management for Effective Debt Control


Many people today are facing problem of excessive credit card debt. They take credit card for granted and tend to make purchases which they cannot afford. It’s very important to follow the principle of debt management in order to get rid of debt problem and become debt free.

Falling into debt is very easy but it is very difficult to get out of it. It’s true that managing debt is a big challenge. But effective debt management plans can always help you overcome this challenge.

4 Ways to Effective Debt Management

·         Prepare an effective budget plan: Your first step towards managing your credit should be preparing an effective budget plan. A budget plan can help you to be updated about your expenses and incomes. It can help you decide where you have to start and end.

·         Debt Consolidation: Debt consolidation is nothing but merging of different loans into one simple payment method. For instance suppose you owe lots of loans to different creditors. Debt consolidation is nothing but merging of all those loans into one total amount. Debt consolidation helps in reducing the rate of interest than what you were actually paying.

·         Check Credit report: Though credit score is just a three digit number, it has great importance in today business world. Credit report directly reflects the credit worthiness of a person. This makes it very much important that you have a regular check of your credit report. A credit report can contain some errors and flaws which need to be rectified immediately. A small error in your credit report can affect your credit score greatly and thereby reduce your chances of getting a loan.

·         Credit counseling: If you are unable to prepare an effective budget plan or reduce your debt you need to contact a reputable credit counseling agency. Credit counseling can help you solve your problem on budget planning, debt consolidation, credit score repair, credit management and so on. A credit counseling agency negotiates on your behalf with your creditors and help to reduce the margin of total payment.

Check out www.adamscapgroup.com for more Information on personal debt management.
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Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Debt Management | Basics of Bankruptcy


Bankruptcy Defined

Bankruptcy is a legal right that individuals and businesses can resort to when they are not anymore able to pay off their debts. The debtor begins the process by filing a petition in bankruptcy court. Depending on the type of bankruptcy filed, the non-exempt assets of the debtor can be liquidated to pay off the debts or a payment plan can be created to allow the individual to repay his or her debts in a period of 3 to 5 years. Once the proceedings are finished, the debtor will receive a court order— commonly known as a discharge—that will free him or her from the obligation to pay certain debts.

Bankruptcy is considered only as a last resort for those who are knee-deep in debt because of the long-term repercussions it has on one’s credit report (more on this in the next section). However, it also gives debtors the chance for a fresh start. Although there is no doubt that life after bankruptcy is going to be tough, it also gives the opportunity to individuals to straighten their finances and make themselves more responsible about money and credit.

As a legal remedy to free the debtor from financial obligations, bankruptcy has powers that other solutions to debt do not have. If you are considering this option, you need to have a clear understanding of what it can and cannot do. This way, you have a clear idea of what to expect should you finally take this route.

First of all, filing for bankruptcy can wipe out some or all of your credit card and unsecured debts. This is one of the top reasons why most people file for bankruptcy. Any debt that is not secured by a collateral or lien can be eliminated in a bankruptcy petition. Other common debts that can be discharged in a bankruptcy petition include collection agency accounts, medical bills, personal bills, past due utility bills, business debts, civil court judgments, and dishonored checks that are not based on fraud. 

Bankruptcy also has the power of automatic stay. Once you have filed your petition, debt collectors may not anymore contact you about your debts or continue collection activities. It also stops a pending foreclosure.             

However, bankruptcy offers no protection from liens. If you have a secured debt where your property serves as the collateral, the debt can be eliminated but the creditor has the right to repossess the property. It will also not eliminate child support payments and alimony obligations. Student loans also survive bankruptcy except in very limited circumstances when you can convince the court that doing so would cause you “undue hardship.” Tax debts are also not eliminated in a bankruptcy filing although it is possible to have tax penalties and unpaid taxes past a certain number of years taken care of.

It will also not be possible to discharge debts that you forgot to include in your petition as well as fines and penalties you may have incurred for violating the law. Debts related to injuries and/or deaths caused by driving under the influence are also not eliminated in a bankruptcy filing. If the creditor also convinces the bankruptcy court that some of the debts you have with them should not be discharged (especially those that were obtained through fraud) then they will also survive your petition and will have to be repaid.

Find more articles on debt management  by just clicking on this link: http://consolidatedebtguide.org/

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What Are Debt Management Plans?


A Debt Management Plan alone is not credit counseling, and DMPs are not for everyone. Consider signing on for one of these plans only after a certified credit counselor has spent time thoroughly reviewing your financial situation, and has offered you customized advice on managing your money. Even if a DMP is appropriate for you, a reputable credit counseling organization still will help you create a budget and teach you money management skills.

How a DMP Works

You deposit money each month with the credit counseling organization. The organization uses your deposits to pay your unsecured debts, like credit card bills, student loans, and medical bills, according to a payment schedule the counselor develops with you and your creditors. Your creditors may agree to lower your interest rates and waive certain fees, but check with all your creditors to be sure that they offer the concessions that a credit counseling organization describes to you. A successful DMP requires you to make regular, timely payments, and could take 48 months or longer to complete. Ask the credit counselor to estimate how long it will take for you to complete the plan. You also may have to agree not to apply for — or use — any additional credit while you’re participating in the plan.

Is a DMP Right For You?

In addition to the questions already listed, here are some other important ones to ask if you’re considering enrolling in a DMP.

Is a DMP the only option you can give me? Will you provide me with on-going budgeting advice, regardless of whether I enroll in a DMP? If an organization offers only DMPs, find another credit counseling organization that also will help you create a budget and teach you money management skills.

How does your DMP work? How will you make sure that all my creditors will be paid by the applicable due dates and in the correct billing cycle? If a DMP is appropriate, sign up for one that allows all your creditors to be paid before your payment due dates and within the correct billing cycle.

How is the amount of my payment determined? What if the amount is more than I can afford? Don’t sign up for a DMP if you can’t afford the monthly payment.

How often can I get status reports on my accounts? Can I get access to my accounts online or by phone? Make sure that the organization you sign up with is willing to provide regular, detailed statements about your account.
Can you get my creditors to lower or eliminate interest and finance charges, or waive late fees? If yes, contact your creditors to verify this, and ask them how long you have to be on the plan before the benefits kick in.

What debts aren’t included in the DMP? This is important because you’ll have to pay those bills on your own.
Do I have to make any payments to my creditors before they will accept the proposed payment plan? Some creditors require a payment to the credit counselor before accepting you into a DMP. If a credit counselor tells you this is so, call your creditors to verify this information before you send money to the credit counseling agency.

How will enrolling in a DMP affect my credit? Beware of any organization that tells you it can remove accurate negative information from your credit report. Legally, it can’t be done. Accurate negative information may stay on your credit report for up to seven years.

Can you get my creditors to “re-age” my accounts — that is, to make my accounts current? If so, how many payments will I have to make before my creditors will do so? Even if your accounts are “re-aged,” negative information from past delinquencies or late payments will remain on your credit report.

How to Make a DMP Work for You

The following steps will help you benefit from a DMP, and avoid falling further into debt.
Continue to pay your bills until the plan has been approved by your creditors. If you stop making payments before your creditors have accepted you into a plan, you’ll face late fees, penalties, and negative entries on your credit report.

Contact your creditors and confirm that they have accepted the proposed plan before you send any payments to the credit counseling organization for your DMP.
Make sure the organization’s payment schedule allows your debts to be paid before they are due each month. Paying on time will help you avoid late fees and penalties. Call each of your creditors on the first of every month to make sure the agency has paid them on time.

Review monthly statements from your creditors to make sure they have received your payments.
If your debt management plan depends on your creditors agreeing to lower or eliminate interest and finance charges, or waive late fees, make sure these concessions are reflected on your statements.

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Personal Finance | Anti-recession Tips For Effectively Shoring Up Your Portfolio


The economy can be hard on your portfolio.  This has happened before and it could happen again.  Now that we’re officially in a recession, what better time to pump up your resources and shore up your portfolio than to make it recession-proof now or at least weather the tough economic times?  Here are some anti-recession tips on personal finance you might want to consider:

Aim for Quality

If there's one thing that markets abhor, it's uncertainty.  This is especially prevalent in the way investors behave when faced with companies that produce predictable figures.  This is also the reason why investors are loathed to take chances on companies that don't perform as expected.  These companies are usually the small ones, ones that need investors" faith the most.

To start shoring up your portfolio, try to avoid companies that will rely heavily on you, the investor.  It will be easier for you (and safer for your investment) to rely on companies that more or less show predictable growth because this points to better earning quality.  Opt for these companies instead – these are usually large firms, big players in an industry that have proven staying power regardless of the economy and have plenty of money to continue to run, do business, pay debtors, produce and make their investors happy.

Invest in Health Care

Take your pick: drugs, medicines and pharmaceuticals or health services.  Whichever way you go, you have a better means of shoring up your portfolio if you put your faith on this sector that continues to enjoy a healthy performance.

And it shouldn't surprise you one bit: what the health care industry can offer is a staple among consumers – good health and a means to cure.  Unless someone comes up with a miracle cure soon, the health care industry will continue to thrive.  Until then, this is one more segment of the market that you might consider putting your faith on.

And yes... the fact that certain segments such as pharmaceuticals pay a lot in terms of dividends doesn't hurt.

Stick Where the Crowds Are

By crowds, we mean consumers.  Consumers are the lifeblood of economies.  Without their support and willingness to spend, economies can crash and burn so easily.  As an investor looking to shore up your portfolio, here's an anti-recession tip for you: invest where consumers bloom.

This means putting your money on industries that cater to the most basic of consumer needs, such as food and beverages, personal care and household needs.  Other than the fact that consumers have been proven to continue spending for basics even during a bad economy, these industries have also performed well during less-than-ideal economic times in the past.  You"re less likely to experience disappointment if you go where consumers go.

Diversify

Recession always brings out the worst – and best – in people, especially investors.  Which way you wish to take is really up to you.  However, wouldn't it be better to view the recession as an opportunity to find other means to make money?

If you want to shore up your portfolio and avoid the negative effects of a recession, consider diversifying.  But do so only by carefully considering the pros and cons of the industries that you wish to invest in.  Focus on industries that have behaved so well under pressure, particularly those that continue to stay steady even during a recession.


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What is Debt Management?


Debt Management is a very simple financial concept of hiring a qualified Debt Counselor or certified Debt Management Company to pay your unsecured debt.

The Debt Management Company you hire will relieve and eventually reduce your debt by managing your assets effectively and negotiating with your creditor regarding interest rates and monthly payments. This is not a loan so you are no obligated by any contract or other binding paperwork associated with a Debt Management Plan.

When choosing a Debt Management Company you want to make sure and be aware of several things.
First, make sure the company is registered with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has been rewarded the "Reliability Program Online Seal."

Second, beware of any companies who want to charge more than $50.00 a month to open your account and work with your creditors.

Third, make sure the company is able and willing to answer all your questions, if you feel that the company is "beating around the bush" don't waste your time; find another company.
Lastly, if you feel pressured by the Debt Management Company, run, more than like that feeling will not go away.

Once you choose a company and feel comfortable working with them. They will get you started on your way to a debt free future. There are several steps that are generally followed by Debt Management Companies. The first step is listing all your creditors and the amounts owed for each. Remember, not all creditors are eligible to be included in a Debt Management Plan. The second step is listing all incomes and expense i.e. mortgage, car payments and cost of living payments. The third step is deciding how much of your income is available to contribute to your Debt Management Plan. Your Debt Counselor will try their best to settle any debt and eliminate interest rates. The fourth step is reviewing and approving your Debt Management Plan. Make sure you understand everything and read the fine print. This last step is crucial; it ensures that you're not in the dark regarding the amount of money being paid out.

As with any financial product there are advantages and disadvantages working with a Debt Management Company. One advantage is the company can lower or eliminate the high interest rates and fees associated with credit card debt. The company can also settle your debts for nearly half of the balance. You only have to make one monthly payment instead of five or ten. The biggest advantage is you will no longer have to communicate with creditors via mail, phone or Internet.

One disadvantage is that creditors to not have to agree to participate in your Debt Management Plan or lower your interest rates. This would still allow some of your creditors to communicate with you and take legal actions against you and still charge you interest and other fees regardless of payment efforts. Also, any settlement agreed upon between your Debt Management Company and your creditors will show on your credit report.

Keep in mind that this is your decision so it is important for you to be comfortable with it. Ask around, see if any of your friends have worked with a Debt Management Company or know anyone who has. Remember, your Debt Management Company will get your started but it is up to you to finish it. Hopefully you will learn how to make educated financial decisions, which will keep you on a debt free path.
Check out www.adamscapgroup.com for more Information on personal debt management.

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