tips-for-using-online-bill-pay

Tips for Using Online Bill Pay

Writen by Morgan Hamilton

You probably know someone like me. I’m the kind of person and constantly in need of reminders to do the simplest things. I’m talking about things like sending out the monthly payments for my credit cards, electricity, cable, water, rent, and car loan or I will more or less forget all about the darn things.

I’ve experimented with numerous approaches to overcome this problem, including such things as posting reminders of my pending bills on my refrigerator so I’ll see them each and every day, using a PDA to monitor when the bills are due, and picking out in advance a particular, predetermined day each month to sit down and take care of all my financial matters. But you know what, none of my little methods worked, and it was a problem because I was constantly being bombarded with late fees and and nasty letters from creditors had threatened cancellations. Then a friend told me about an online bill pay service. Since I signed up for it, I haven’t been late with a single payment. Not even once. In this day and age many creditors including credit card companies, banks, and other service providers like utilities, support online bill pay options. That means you will more than likely have the option to join an online bill pay program without regard to which companies you have to submit your bills to. This is a wonderful innovation in my estimation, especially if you have as much trouble keeping track of the everyday, mundaney things as I do.

Utilizing a third-party online bill pay program is a simple two-step process. First off, you have to do enroll for online bill pay with the individual companies that will be receiving recurring payment from you. It’s impossible to do online bill pay without first completing this step, so it’s absolutely critical that you do so as soon as possible.

The next step you have to take is register with a website that specializes in online bill pay programs. This is a completely different and today than the companies you owe your payments to. They simply act as middlemen facilitating payments to your creditors. It’s not absolutely essential that you sign up with one of these companies, after all, you could still enter your own electronic payments each month, but how is that different from what your are currently doing and where is the convenience factor?

Put another way, you’d be right back to square one, no doubt missing payments again. Signing up with an online bill pay website, however, would relieve you of this burden. You simply set up regular payments of fixed amounts for things like your car loan and or mortgage or you can have reminders sent to three or e-mail service that will notify you when your payments are due. Once you get the e-mail, you can send your payment with just a couple of clicks of your mouse and be done with it.

The majority of online bill pay services do not make it mandatory that you link your user account with your bank account. That’s important because you can keep complete control over the payments (by credit card, checking or savings account) and your private, financial information. The real advantage of it is that online bill pay services give you a convenient, secure method to take care of all your monthly obligations on time. And that’s the whole point isn’t it?

data-mining

Data Mining

Writen by Debbie Hagan

I just love the so called political correct terminology used today. How they decide it’s really a political correct term is beyond me. Why don’t they call it what it is; misleading terminology, whitewashing, sugar coating. Example: collaterial damage ie. innocent people fatally killed in the wake of combat.

Now the new term for collecting information on people to compile marketing lists so that we can all receive more junk mail, marketing phone calls and faxes is a cute little term called Data Mining.

This is a quote from a banking website on the subject: Let me try to clarify this. We are wanting to contact our commercial customers’ payors that do not bank with us. We would get the information off their checks when our commercial customers deposit them. For example, I use ABC Cleaners and pay by check but I bank at a different bank than the Cleaners. The Cleaner’s bank would take my information off my check to contact me.

Data mining has been defined as “The nontrivial extraction of implicit, previously unknown, and potentially useful information from data” [1] and “The science of extracting useful information from large data sets or databases” [2]. Although it is usually used in relation to analysis of data, data mining, like artificial intelligence, is an umbrella term and is used with varied meaning in a wide range of contexts.

The Kirchman Corporation, a leading provider of automation software and compliance services to the banking industry, with over 800 financial institutions worldwide recently publised a 4 page gloss executive summary on Data Mining in the banking industry.

[The Kirchman Corporation became a Metavante subsidiary in May 2004 and operates within the Metavante Financial Services Group. Metavante is a subsidiary of Marshall & Ilsley Corporation (NYSE: MI) Kirchman Bankway

bad-habits-keep-you-from-your-financial-goals

Bad Habits Keep You From Your Financial Goals

Writen by David Wilding

Bad habits can ruin any well thought out financial plans. Habits such as your morning coffee, buying lunch at work each day, and of course smoking and drinking, can drain your bank account. They are not as noticeable as someone backing a truck up and loading all your money in and driving away. However, the results are the same.

A woman shared her story with me. Her bad habit was smoking cigarettes. She smoked less than a carton a week. Along with her husband’s habit they used about two cartons a week. On occasion the decision had to be made whether to buy food or the cigarettes. Guess which one got bought.

She made the choice to get a job outside her home, to make the food/cigarette decision go away. Now she could have both. Work began to take more and more of her time. She enjoyed the other stuff besides cigarettes the money would buy. A budget was never considered, she spent every dime she made. She had STUFF!

It all came to a halt when her son began failing school. It became important to stay home and help him with his homework. The problem was she had STUFF. She and her husband returned to one income but had much higher bills. Something needed to give.

The stuff had to go, so she started with the obvious, the cigarettes. Not before she tried every way to keep them. She tried to fit them into her budget. She lowered her grocery bill, began hanging her clothes, used only cold water in her washing machine, anything to save money to keep her cigarettes.

She discovered that whatever she did she could not scrimp and save enough. It came down to another decision: Stay at home with her son and quit smoking or, go back to work to keep her habit supplied.

She made the decision to stay home with her son. She stopped smoking. In the three and one-half years since she has quit, she has NOT smoked 27,000 cigarettes. She has saved $7,185.00, more than $1900 a year. She has put that money to better uses.

You know you could find a place for more than $150 a month; I know I could. Don’t let your bad habits rule your life and drain your resources. Get them under control and put that saved money to good use in your financial plan.

(C) 2005 David Wilding

smart-decisions-for-college-graduates

Smart Decisions for College Graduates

Writen by Martin Lukac

It’s almost the time to graduate. After four, or five, years in college, you are ready for the real world. But the real world means real money, so where do you start?

It can be both an exciting and scary time for college graduates. For many, they are facing bills and responsibility for the first time. Some have already gotten a grip on it and some will continue to avoid it for a while. But what should you start to get on the right foot?

The first step is finding a job. Once you find a career, you should realize that working yourself up in the field you want is better than making money in something you don’t have a passion for. Taking a job simply because it pays well will either trap you for the rest of your life or make you face a hard decision later. Make the choice now to make a good decision for you future. Take the lower salary and do what you want to do. Believe me, it is for the best.

It may be tempting to move back in with your parents to save money. I don’t advise it. Living with your parents after living on your own is a form of torture for many young adults. You need to get out there and learn your own lessons. Learn how to struggle and make ends meet on your own. Living at home hurts you. Many grads that return home won’t save their money and will end up trapped into staying there for a long time. Get your own place, you’ll be much happier.

My sister made this mistake. She got a big job, felt like a big shot and bought a new car. She was sure that she could make the payments and was not going to continue driving a junker. College graduates are on a tight budget. You may not see it now, but give it a few months — at least until the loans begin repayment. But a car that is a few years old and save your money until you know what your budget is really going to look like. You don’t want to loose money when you have to sell your new car because you can’t afford the payment.

Start right now on a budget. Budgets aren’t these evil forms of repression. They are a great way to get what you want out of your money. It is simply a way to guide your spending and saving. You need to start understanding that every dollar and every day counts. If you aren’t saving for retirement, you should be. If you are in debt, you could get out of it. Budgeting will help you.

Take time to learn all the ins and outs of finances. Read a good personal finance book. Do online research. Look into mortgages, real estate, insurance needs, car loans, debt and the importance of your credit report. Chances are you have credit card debt and student loans, so you need to learn how to pay them off. Take the time and do a little more homework. In the long run, you will be happy you did.

prime-brokerage

Prime Brokerage

Writen by Milos Pesic

Identified as assistance sold by investment bank to hedge funds, prime brokerage has core services that normally appear in a package. They have the likes of global custody, securities lending, financing, customized technology and operational support.

Global custody involves defrayal and supervision as well as asset examination.

Securities lending is the sale of guardianship affiliated to the ensuing buy- back of equivalent safety by means of an accord. This is done to ensure that the one who borrowed is capable to meeting the liabilities upon deadlines. It is prepared by putting it up in collaterals that can come in cash as well as in other items.

Financing studies and addresses the means by which entities, single or multiple, raise and allocate the pecuniary resources over a certain period. It is also there that the risks involved will be taken into significant consideration.

Customized technology offers circumvent subsidy executives with updated reporting in a portfolio style. This is important in order to effectively handle accounts. Also, this is another way of handling it in full responsibility especially when the amounts are substantial. There is that tendency to be confused on what should be the correct action to take.

Operational support crafted for chief agents that functions as a hedge fiscal primary procedures communicate with the rest of the other dealers.

Prime brokerage is also to give supplemental service that will include capital introduction, space leasing, risk management and consultancy check.

Capital introduction is a process in prime brokerage wherein the agent tries to launch its prevaricate supply customers to those that are qualified as well as those who are interested in venturing into fresh opportunities for investments.

Space leasing is where particular agents rent a commercial real estate then will also have some blocks chartered in order to support its tenants. This typically grants a group of on- site services for customers who use their area.

Risk management is a provision of risk analytical method. This is usually added by discussing it with senior professionals. There is no more better way than to obtain sound advice than to those that are experts on the said aspect.

Consulting services is where in prime brokerage, it is backed- up in fiscal matters as it concentrates in issues that have something to do with regulatory establishment requirements in the boundary where the manger will reside as well as in the jurisdiction where the accounts are domiciled.

History would render that the term was generally attributed to an American citizen named Furman Selz. It was in the late 1970’s that it had a niche in the market, portfolio management was an important test. It was also where fiscal managers had to religiously look into their own trades as well as collaborate their positions and compute their performance.

do-you-need-an-offshore-bank-account

Do You Need an Offshore Bank Account

Writen by David Elefant

When you think of offshore bank accounts do you see shady characters carrying around bags full of money? Today’s modern bank legislation does not allow banks to accept cash deposits or transfers of US$ 10.000 and up without presenting proof of the source of funds.

All serious establishments will ask you to fill out forms known as KYC or know your customer. Find out more about KYC: Know Your Customer This is not only to be able to give you better service but to protect themselves in case you are accused of money laundering. These forms also allow the bank to know your sources of income. Knowing your cash flow the bank will not ask you to prove the origin of the funds every time you make a transfer.

Even though you have filled out a KYC form the bank may or may not at its discretion allow you to start a relationship with them.

What’s the difference between your local bank and an offshore bank? Basically any service you will get locally will be available offshore. Then why open an offshore account.

Offshore banking is no longer a handy way to conceal income from illegal activities or unreported business profits.

There are many justifiable monetary reasons to open an offshore bank account. As a resident in a country with an unstable political and economic history, you want your money in a safe place. The government could impose foreign exchange restrictions or there may be a bank run. A coup d’etat may make your money inaccessible.

Non-residents usually pay minimal or no taxes on interest or profits from investments. Depending on your citizenship, country of residence and if you use an offshore company as the account holder you may still have to pay taxes.

Many large international banks have branches or are incorporated in tax havens. To be on the safe side, you would probably be better off not using a bank that has branches or is incorporated in your country of residence.

American citizens must file an annual tax return no matter where they live and include offshore holdings. Starting July 1st, 2005, tax havens which are British ‘dependant territories’, will apply the European Union’s Saving Tax Directive of 2005. Initially this is 15% on returns of savings paid to nationals of EU Member States. Corporations are exempt from this withholding tax.

Always consult a tax specialist who has experience with the jurisdictions involved before starting your offshore tax journey. You do not want any costly surprises after you open offshore company and bank account.

earn-extra-money-by-taking-part-in-surveys

Earn Extra Money By Taking Part In Surveys

Writen by Steve Hill

Are you looking into ways of making a little bit of extra money? In this article I write about a method my family has recently heard about which has helped us to pay some of those unwanted bills. This is by taking part in different surveys for a range of companies who are looking to find out more about their customers or potential customers. You may think just like I did that this would hardly be worth your time or effort, however you may be surprised when you realise you much these companies are willing to pay.

A few days ago a friend of my step-daughters came round to our house to play. They are both twelve years of age and have known each other since primary school. This friend also stopped at our house for her evening meal and while at the dining table, eating her food, she started up quite an interesting conversation. She asked my step-daughter if she would be interested in joining her to take part in a survey which would be about the subject of childrens banking.

I started to ask this girl, who is called Emma, what would be involved. Emma replied that a lady would be going round to her house on Saturday morning and would be asking her a series of questions about banking, for example who she banks with and how much money she attempts to save as a twelve year old. She continued that the meeting would last around an hour and a half for which she would be paid

the-multifaceted-unsecured-loan

The Multi-faceted Unsecured Loan

Writen by John Carry

Perhaps you need a loan amidst the heavy expenses and cash demands. An unsecured loan can provides means for individuals like you who seek money to meet a variety of financial requirements. You can also take them out to improve your credit scores and ratings. An unsecured loan is available to anyone and everyone provided they produce personal information.

You can also resolve the debt problem with an unsecured loan and lower down your monthly instalment by consolidating the multiple debts and making them one single repayment unit. Consolidating various debts into one monthly payment will save your time and money as the repayment tenure extends.

By availing this option, you will end up improving your credit rating and qualify for receiving better rates of interest and policies from the lender. You can harness the benefit most if you have a poor or blemished credit record. A good credit score plays an important role especially when you are purchasing a home, vehicle, or taking out a loan for any other purpose.

The unsecured loan for debt consolidation is an excellent reason to apply when you find it difficult to manage various credit card bills, loans, and a variety of expenses that have recently started overwhelming you. An unsecured loan for debt consolidation provides you with an opportunity to pay off those expenses in turn for one monthly payment toward the payments. This often saves your money as the interest rates on credit cards are often very high.

Besides, your improved credit score is an excellent reason to apply for the unsecured loan as you virtually freed yourself from the burden of managing various debts at a time. Moreover, you get the opportunity to raise cash in times of needs when the resources become limited. You can take out an unsecured loan in times of high priority urgency like the medical expenses or any unforeseen incident that demands cash to be sorted out.

Therefore, take the advantage of an unsecured loan and stabilize yourself financially to meet all the challenges of life that calls for money. Also, spend time on the net to find a good offer in terms of APR and repayment tenure. High time to start breathing easy again!

4-kinds-of-good-debt

4 Kinds of Good Debt

Writen by Dave Galahad

Debt is a lot like cholesterol. Some debt is good and too much bad debt will make your life miserable. Through our financial lives, it’s only the good debt that we want to allow on our balance sheet. Good debt improves our lives over the course of time. Here are 4 types of good debt.

Real Estate
Real estate is the cornerstone of much wealth in the US. For most of us, our homes will be the largest and most valuable asset we’ll own. Unless you’ve “come into money” chances are good that you are going to have to take out a mortgage to pay for your home. This is considered good debt because you’re buying an asset that should increase in value over time.

Investment Real Estate
Right along with your home, owning rental property can be very lucrative. If you have the chance to purchase a rental property and then rent it to someone for a monthly payment larger than your mortgage payment, jump at the chance. That’s a great way to build wealth and generate income.

Education
It is impossible to put a value on a college degree. With a college degree, the money you earn over your career will eventually make the cost of school pail in comparison. There are always going to be stories about people without college educations “making it big” somehow. Those people are the exception rather than the rule. Get as much education as you can. You’ll earn more as a result.

Cars
The thought of borrowing money to pay for something that begins to lose value as soon as you have the keys in your hand seems to go against the “good debt” principal. However, we need a car to get to our jobs, and get other things done in our daily lives. If you buy your car the right way, it can be an asset to you and not a big financial drain. When you buy a car, go for the largest payment you can over a two year period and look for a car that will fit that schedule.

guaranteed-issue-life-insurance

Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Writen by Ivon T. Hughes

Helping the “uninsurable” secure coverage is challenging. Clients who have health problems or have been denied coverage in the past still need life insurance. One option is guaranteed issue life insurance. Given the high risk nature of coverage, few insurers offer it. However with a little preparation and extra effort, you can find the right policy.

Life Insurance Medical Questions

High risk clients need to answer questions about their medical history so that you get the information you need to find the right coverage. Candidates for guaranteed life policies often:

- have permanent health problems

- need coverage to leave a legacy or to provide for final expenses so that their loved ones are left with no debt.

Guaranteed Issue Life

Guaranteed issue policies do not require a physical and preexisting medical conditions usually are not a factor in the application process. Often such applications require only general information, such as name, address, ID number, gender and beneficiary.

The death benefit generally pays the beneficiary full face value if death occurs after the waiting period. Policies typically specify a period of one to 3 years during which time the policyholder will not be covered for the full amount. If death occurs during this time frame, the beneficiary would likely only receive a return of all premiums paid with interest. However, if the insured has a fatal accident, most companies will pay the beneficiary the full amount.

There are pluses and minuses that come with guaranteed issue policies. Some advantages include:

1. no medical evaluations

2. a level death benefit that is guaranteed as long as premiums are paid

3. premiums will not increase

4. the policy proceeds are usually free of estate tax

5. policies usually avoid probate if a beneficiary is named

On the other hand, you and your clients may have concerns about the following:

- guaranteed issue policies can be costly

- waiting periods can be lengthy - up to 3 years

- if the client is willing to provide some medical information, he/she may be able to purchase a different type of coverage that might be cheaper.

If the disadvantages outweigh the advantages for a particular client, an easy issue policy is a better choice. Such policies offer the full face value starting from the date of issue. These policies may work best for those who are under the age 40, need full benefits immediately have been without disease for the last five to ten years, or have a minor illness.

The “uninsurable” face many difficult planning decisions, but everyone needs the protection coverage that life insurance offers. With guaranteed issue policies, approval may just be simple steps away.

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