property-rights-and-the-eu

December 3, 2007 · Posted in Finance · Comment 

Property Rights and the EU

Writen by Jonathon Hardcastle

The European Community (also referred to as the European Economic Community) has as its task the establishment of a common market and the progressive approximation of the economic policies of Member States. The term common market has been defined as an area, which consists of two or more Member States that abolish tariffs and other trade barriers in their mutual trade, set-up a Common External Tariff with third non-EU countries and apply the principle of the free movement of the sources of production (goods, labor, capitals) within the territory of that area.

One of the fundamental principles of the European Union is the free movement of goods between Member States. Thus, Member States are prohibited from imposing any restriction on imports or exports might hinder the free movement unless EC Law allows it. The European Union’s Institutions through their instruments and law regulations strive to develop a free commercial network that does not suffer from custom duties, quantitative restrictions, or other charges having equivalent effect on imports or exports.

While Member States impose these kinds of restrictions in order to protect their own interests, the Court of Justice, through its decisions, acts to ensure that EC Laws are applied. Free movement of goods means in practice that no regulations or restrictions take place on Member States’ borders as Articles 25, 28 & 29 (ex Articles 12, 30 & 34) prohibit them. Specifically, while European Union Members try to impose restrictions of non-pecuniary or pecuniary nature on borders, the Court of Justice acts a “guard” by examining the legal basis and the purpose of the charge imposed.

Such restrictions or prohibitions shall not, however, constitute a means of arbitrary discrimination or a disguised restriction on trade between Member States. A Member State may have resource to Article 30 (ex Article 36) of the Treaty providing for the said exceptions to justify a measure having equivalent effect to quantitative restriction on imports or exports only if no other measure, less restrictive from the point of view of the free movement of goods, is capable of achieving the same objective.

Although the Treaty does not provide any exceptions, the Court has held in the past, that charges levied for tasks required by EC Law or charges for services rendered, do not breach Article 25 (ex Article 12). Regarding Articles 28 & 29 (ex Articles 30 & 36), the Court has introduced an exception called the Rule of Reason. It permits that restrictions can be imposed on goods as long as the Court of Justice allows them.

Concluding, the burden of proof that a measure is justified lies on the Member State’s concern and on the Court of Justice’s decision. In the case of industrial and commercial property rights litigation between private parties, the burden lies on the party seeking to oppose the importation or sale of the product concerned. Save measures relating to the protection of public policy or public morality, the adoption of other measures banning circulation of products and being able to jeopardize the free movement of goods lawfully marketed in another Member State, obliges the Member States concerned to exchange information with the Commission so that the latter to be enabled to manage such measures affecting the free movement of goods and settle satisfactorily for business and consumers any problems arising in connection with the internal market.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Finance, Gardening, and Outdoors

lower-your-credit-card-apr

December 2, 2007 · Posted in Finance · Comment 

Lower Your Credit Card APR

Writen by Joseph Kenny

APR often matters the most while deciding for a credit card. It is a common (and correct) notion that credit cards with additional benefits invariably have high APRs. This is true for almost every credit card company that exists.

You may be having a credit card that has a high APR but offers you certain irresistible benefits and advantages. It may have some membership benefits that you have become so accustomed to. There can be innumerable benefits for you, but you may realize after a certain point of time that you are paying a high APR for your credit card than the other credit cards in the market. This can be a puzzling position to be in, as you do not want to lose the benefits that you are availing because of the credit card and you also do not want to pay a high APR. In this situation, is there any way to lower your APR? Well, here we discuss the possible manner of doing so.

Let us assume that you have a good credit history. In this scenario, you will surely receive lots of mails and letters informing you of various new offers and schemes. Your mailbox would invariably be filled with unsolicited letters and mails from credit card companies. Your natural instinct would obviously be to tear and throw it in the dustbin but that is not the way to do it. Check out these brochures and compare the services and APR with your credit card company. You can also check web sites and other sources for comparison between various credit card companies. Once you have done a detailed research of the credit card market, give a call to your credit card company and tell them that you got a better offer, in terms of APR and benefits, from another credit card company. It is highly probable that the executive receiving your call would try to convince you. In such a case, make sure that you talk to the supervisor who would be handling the operations. Then pass on the message that you have received a better offer from another company (probably a competitor). The supervisor may ask you to wait for some more time as there are better schemes around the corner. You have to be adamant and tell that you cannot wait. In most of the circumstances, the supervisor would cut down the APR by around 50%. Even if this happens for a period of six months, you have surely saved some money.

No problem, you can repeat the same strategy after a period of six months, unless you really get a better offer!

Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the UK credit card comparison site http://www.creditcards121.com/, where you can find a selection of 0% balance transfers. For US visitors there is also the comparison site http://www.credit-cards-info.com/ for all US interest free offers.

6-reasons-why-you-should-use-magnetic-mortgage-signs

December 2, 2007 · Posted in Finance · Comment 

6 Reasons Why You Should Use Magnetic Mortgage Signs

Writen by Tom Domin

One of the best decisions you can make if you’re originating mortgages is to invest in a quality set of magnetic car signs. Now…I know what you’re thinking…you’re not sure you’ll like the look. Well, if that’s true, you need to shop around a little bit and have a real professional, design and create your signs.

Before you click the “back” button or the big red “X” to close this subject for ever, let’s take a minute and review some of the advantages of using this type of advertising:

1. This is a non-reoccurring expense. Just make a single one-time purchase payment and the signs are yours. There’s no need to make a payment each and every month as would be required with a continuing classified ad in a newspaper or real estate magazine.

2. The signs are removable. Today, many homeowner, condo, and townhouse associations restrict and/or specify what types of vehicles and advertising is permitted in the complex. Since magnetic signs are easily removed…this solves the problem. It only takes seconds to add or remove your advertising from your vehicle.

3. Your signs can be attractive and eye-catching. Isn’t that the whole purpose of your advertising? You want to stand-out from the rest and have your message noticed. Here’s the key…spend some time planning the layout of your signs. Don’t leave it entirely to the sign company. You know the mortgage business and the message you want to convey. You need to be 100% pro-active in the design phase. Remember to request and then review a proof before your signs go into production.

4. Your signs are low maintenance and have a long life. Yes…just follow the instructions that come with your signs. Every sixty days or so, the signs need to be removed, cleaned with warm soapy water, and then air dried. My signs have lasted for years and are as good as the day they were purchased.

5. This is a great low-cost…low-budget…mortgage origination idea. We’re not talking about hundreds of dollars here. The last time I checked my local “Sign-A-Rama” franchise, the cost of a set of two (2) magnetic signs to include design layout and proof was about $80 plus tax.

6. Your signs generate an immediate response. You don’t have to wait for publication dates and delivery dates required with other forms of advertising. If you’ve got a good message…you’ll get calls immediately. Many times I have even received phone calls from people driving next to me wanting to know if they would qualify and seeking more information.

Now that’s what I call an immediate response! Believe me…the signs do work and they are well worth your investment. Most calls you receive will come in that evening, which is still a great response. Your signs will pay for themselves many times over. Go for it!

Hmmm…just think…with such a nominal cost…and, if your friends and family would help…you could have a whole fleet of cars running around town displaying your mortgage message and cell phone number. Not bad! Not bad at all!

About the Author: Tom Domin has over twenty-five years of experience in sales and training in Real Estate and as a Licensed Mortgage Broker. He is currently publisher of “Tom’s Mortgage Tips” a twice monthly Mortgage Newsletter for Mortgage Professionals. You can sign-up by visiting http://www.MortgageMarketingToolKit.com/

what-is-skimming

December 2, 2007 · Posted in Finance · Comment 

What is Skimming

Writen by Mark Lambie

In speaking of drawbacks of credit cards another form is the fraud of making copies of stored information upon the credit card, also known as “Skimming”. This has become extremely popular for those who are making the business of stealing other peoples financial information and making use of it. Each time you let your credit card leave your hands, you run the risk of credit card skimming.

In general, skimming occurs in a public place such as a restaurant, shop, or retail store. Anyone who is dishonest and in the fraud business such as a cashier or waiter could swipe the credit card for payment of their services and then unbeknownst to you swipe it a second time in a device known as a “skimmer”. A skimmer is a small device that is similar to the size of a pager that has a slot; this is purchased very easily on the internet. What it does is it will record information stored upon a credit card (magnetic strip) and it will do so extremely fast. Then the information that it records is passed to thieves who will then put the information upon a credit card that is counterfeit.

This essentially means that your money is now in the hands of the thieves. There is only one way to prevent this action and that is to make sure you always keep a sharp eye upon the credit cards. Skimming has also known to take place at various unwatched ATMS such as those within a mall. Your credit card could become stuck within the ATM or done in such a way that you believe that the ATM has kept your card for some reason, but in actuality, the thief has inserted something within the ATM in efforts to steal your card along with a camera that has recorded your pin number.

It is important that you become extremely aware of your surroundings and keep close eyes upon your surroundings. Make sure, if the ATM ever keeps your card that, you immediately report the instance to the bank or Credit Card Company. Additionally, you should ensure that each credit card statement you receive, you carefully examine it for anything that should not be on there. Make sure you keep all limits of credit low upon credit cards to help minimize losses if you do fall prey to skimming. With the risks of being financially crippled, you should be keenly aware of any and all activity in regards to your credit cards.

Jeff Lakie is a contributing author at our website where You can get a free Home Improvement Loan right now. Take a moment and see for yourself.

before-you-say-no-see-7-reasons-why-you-should-roll-your-own-reverse-mortgage

December 1, 2007 · Posted in Finance · Comment 

Before You Say No See 7 Reasons Why You Should ‘Roll Your Own’ Reverse Mortgage

Writen by Mike Makler

Reverse Mortgages are popular ways for Seniors to continue to Live in their Homes and still take advantage of the Equity Build up in the form of Monthly payments. Using the Simple Steps in this Article you can create your own ‘Reverse Mortgage’ and Save Money while Increasing your Monthly Income.

A Reverse mortgage actually consists of 2 Parts

  • a Mortgage
  • a Guaranty Monthly Payment for life also known as an Annuity

It is very Simple to Build your own ‘Reverse Mortgage.’ Refinance your House and then Purchase an Annuity. Here are 7 reasons why should should Create your own ‘Reverse Mortgage’

1 - You Have Much More Control

By Building your own reverse Mortgage you are in control. You have much more flexibility. You can Customize the Reverse Mortgage to better fit your situation.

2 - Many More Lender Choices

Only a handful of Lenders do Reverse Mortgages. By Building your own Reverse Mortgage you can choose from a much larger selection of lenders. This often allows you to get a Mortgage loan with lower fees and lower monthly payment then in a Traditional Reverse Mortgage.

3 - You Pick the Loan Type

You get to pick a loan that fits your current situation best

  • Do you want a 15 or 30 Year Loan?
  • Do you want a Fixed or Adjustable rate loan?
  • Do you want an Interest only Loan?

You may want to consider one of these 2 Popular Loan Options not normally available in a traditional Reverse Mortgage. They often result in a higher net Monthly payment to you because of a significantly lower monthly Mortgage payment.

  • Low Fixed Monthly Payments for 5 Years, Currently you can Get a Loan based on a 1.95% Payment for 5 Years. Then In 5 Years you can do it again or change to a different mortgage type

  • Interest Only for 15 Years. Sure you can redo this one every 15 years

4 - Things Change As your house gains Equity you can continue to Refinance and Increase Your Monthly Annuity Payments. If a better mortgage becomes available you can Refinance to take advantage of the Savings. Because you are in control you can evaluate your situation every year or so and change to meet your new needs if necessary.

5 - Many More Annuity Choices

You can Pick one Annuity or Diversify with more then one Annuity the choice is yours. You can take Payments starting now or wait for later.

6 - The Bonus Annuity

With Bonus Equity Indexed Annuities from popular insurance companies You can have it all. A way to earn some huge Gains from the Stock market while being totally insulated from any downside risk and a Bonus of up to 10% of all money added in the first 5 Years. (This Article explains Equity Indexed Annuities http://ewguru.com/eq-idx)

7 - You Save Money

It is often much cheaper to Build your own Reverse Mortgage by finding the ‘best Mortgage’ and ‘best Annuity’ for you.

You worked hard all of your life to buy and pay off that dream home, why not build your own Reverse Mortgage to improve your quality of life and still maintain control of your Prized asset.

About the Author
Mike Makler is a Financial Consultant in the St Louis Missouri Area Specializing in Real Estate Loans and Annuities. To Learn More Call Mike at 314 398-5547 or Visit Mike’s Web Page: http://ewguru.com/finance

Get Mike’s Newsletter Here http://ewguru.com/fin-news

Copyright © 2005-2006 Mike Makler

business-broker-guide-how-to-choose-a-reliable-business-broker

December 1, 2007 · Posted in Finance · Comment 

Business Broker Guide- How to Choose a Reliable Business Broker

Writen by Sardool Sikandar

Business brokers or business transfer agents are helpful in selling your business at higher prices. A business broker provides buyers as well as sellers for different businesses. You can easily sell or buy a running business with the help of best business brokers. Business broker works like a real estate agent.

Business brokers find buyers for you to make an effective business sale. Hiring business brokers is the better option to gain more offers and profit. You can even get maximum prices for your small business. Business broker can be a person as well as a firm that enables you to sell various businesses that includes Internet businesses as well as website.

Business brokers provide accurate value of the business. They advertise your business for sale and handle all initial discussions with the buyers and also help the sellers to sell their business at good prices. They attract buyers in different ways. They advertise for your business on their websites and manage space in business newspapers and magazines.

Business brokers are very much confident with their work. They work on the behalf of sellers and sometimes suggest them about how to get more profit from business assets. Buyers can also get benefits of business brokers by telling their requirements. They only charge some commission for every transaction. Usually they get charge commission from both buyers as well as sellers.

While thinking about business brokers, very first question that comes in mind, how to choose a right business broker?

There are not specific qualifications of business brokers but the person or firm, that you’re going to hire for your business transactions, should be reliable, knowledgeable, experienced, planned and friendly with you. You should call two or more business brokers for interview and then choose the best among them. You should check whether the broker has great knowledge about the business or not. Just check out their brokerage skill. Always choose a reputable brokerage firm for your business activities.

Business brokers should know how to maintain good buyer-seller relationship. Broker works as a bridge between buyers and sellers. You should check their working ability as well as their common sense. The person who can devote time for your business is the best business broker.

International Business Brokers Association is the leading association of business brokers.

About Author: The Author owns a website on Business brokers. Website offers useful information about business broker and gives some tips to select the best business broker. It provides some advice on how to become a business broker. Just visit his site to get information about Stock Brockers.

the-anatomy-of-a-dollar-bill

December 1, 2007 · Posted in Finance · Comment 

The Anatomy of a Dollar Bill

Writen by Joseph Kenny

Greenbacks. Moolah. Dough. Benjamins. All nicknames for the one thing we’re all in an endless quest to get more ofcash money. It’s as much a part of our everyday lives as is sleep, food, even breathing. But have you ever really stopped to take a look at these little green monsters that seem to run our lives?

If you really take a closer look at our notes of legal tender, there’s really quite a bit going on. So the next time you’re not busy spending oneor if you have absolutely nothing else to dograb a dollar bill from your wallet and take a good long look at it. After you read this article, you’ll finally know what all those symbols and strange words mean.

First things first, feel the money in your hands. Doesn’t really feel like paper, does it? That’s because it isn’t. Paper money isn’t really paper at all. It’s actually a linen and cotton blenda cloth! That’s why it doesn’t fall apart when it goes through the washing machine. In fact, there are even tiny red and blue silk fibers running through each bill.

Now, take a good look at the overall design. The dollar bill we use today first was first put into circulation in 1957. The ink used for printing is made of a secret blendone of many built-in security features used to prevent counterfeiting.

Take a look at the front first, to the right of the portrait you’ll notice a green stampthe seal of the U.S. Treasury. It includes scales representing a balanced budget, a carpenter’s square signifying an exact cut, and a key to the Treasury itself. On the front, you’ll also notice green serial numbers, the signatures of the U.S. treasurer and secretary of the treasury at the time the bill was printed, and the seal of the mint where the bill was printed.

Now, turn the bill over. You’ll notice a circle on either side. Together, they represent the Great Seal of the United States, created by Benjamin Franklin and a group of our country’s founders in 1782. Go to the left circle first and look at the pyramid. The face is lighted while the western side remains dark. The darkness signifies the Western U.S., which had yet to be explored. The unfinished pyramid represents the untapped potential of the country, while the all-seeing eye hovering above is symbolic of a divine being overseeing mankind. In this circle, you’ll find two Latin phrases, “ANNUIT COEPTIS” (God has favored our undertaking), and “NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM” (A new order has begun).The Roman Numerals at the base of the pyramid translate to 1776.

The circle on the right might look more familiar to you. That’s because it’s prevalent on many national monuments, cemeteries, andthough slightly tailoredis also the Seal of the President of the United States. The centerpiece of the Seal is the Bald Eagle. It was selected as the official symbol of the U.S. for a couple of reasons: Though not afraid to weather a storm if he must, the eagle first looks to fly above it. Also, though it may appear so, the eagle wears no actual crownsymbolic in the country’s break from the King of England. Additionally, the eagle’s shield requires no support; it now can stand by itself.

Other details of note: the white bar on the top of the shield represents the unifying power of congress, the term “E PLURIBUS UNIM” means “one nation from many people”, and the 13 stars signify the 13 original colonies. The eagle holds an olive branch in one set of talons arrows in the other. His gaze, though fixed at the peace-representing olive branch, won’t hesitate to turn to the sling of arrows if need be.

So there you have it; all you ever wanted to know about the design ideas behind our beloved U.S. currency. Use it to enlighten guests at your next dinner party, or inform the guy at the coffee shop as you hand him a five dollar bill for that latte.

Joe Kenny writes for the Personal Loans Store, allowing visitors to compare loans and also focuses on personal loans in the UK.
Visit Today: http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk

managing-financial-down-flow

November 30, 2007 · Posted in Finance · Comment 

Managing Financial Down Flow

Writen by Vanshika Anand

Before going into the vast sea to explore it further and get something really valuable out of its treasure, a sailor has to prepare himself to get habitual of bowing down to the merciless act of tiny or powerful sea waves. Similarly a businessman who jumps into this competitive world with the burning desire to achieve something worthy also has to make himself tolerant to bear the ruthless financial down flow.

From a street vendor to a mighty business tycoon everyone is troubled due to financial down flow and there is little hope of the survival of those who do not accept the financial down flow as the part of professional life. Not only the person of weak heart but the weak determination should keep himself away from business. Such a person is melted away like an ice by the heat coming in the form of financial down flow. Venturing of such a person in business is harmful for himself as well as for others.

Though managing financial down flow is not an easy task even for determined, disciplined and wise businessman yet he is able to do it by changing his angle towards financial down flow. He makes himself as well as his associates confident of controlling financial down flow and emerging as a power. The power which is capable of doing miracles.

background-to-the-debt-crisis-in-the-uk

November 30, 2007 · Posted in Finance · Comment 

Background to the Debt Crisis in the UK

Writen by Diana Middleton

One in five people in the UK who have unsecured debt of more than

credit-card-late-fees-how-to-avoid-them

November 30, 2007 · Posted in Finance · Comment 

Credit Card Late Fees - How to Avoid Them

Writen by Joseph Kenny

Credit cards have become a common means of paying bills. It is very convenient because you need not make any cash payments from your pocket. Though credit cards are easy to use, they come with a fee that is charged by the credit card company. It is advisable to pay credit card fees on time because being late will cost you a lot of money.

Many credit card companies charge a penalty for late fees, so it is advisable to pay up in time, to avoid the penalty. The average late fee for credit card used to be 12 dollars in 1994; by 2004, it rose to 32.65 dollars. It has now gone up to a whopping 39-40 dollars. Hence, it is prudent not to delay your payment.

You can stay away from late fees by various methods.

1. The best way to avoid late fees is to be fully aware of all the conditions and restrictions related to your credit card company. You can get the information of the guidelines on the back of the credit card bill that your company sends you. Try to make use of the specified instructions of payment in order to ensure that your money reaches them on time, without any problem.

2. Having a good record can always help. As a responsible credit card user, you must try to maintain a good record of your payments because many companies that issue credit cards make considerations on the late fees if you have a good payment record. They do this as a special courtesy for their responsible customers.

3. If you forget to pay your credit card fees, and the due date is already upon you, you can avoid the late fees by paying via the telephone, instead of using the mail. To enable this, there is a toll free number on the back of every credit card. In order to make payment you need a check number and a bank routing number. You can find these numbers at the bottom of every check. Once you make the payment you should tear off that check, as you cannot use it again. Some credit card companies keep this facility free of cost for their customers while others charge about 5 to 20 dollars. Make it a point to ask your credit card company about this facility.

4. In case your company does not offer you the facility to pay your bills by phone, then you can always use express mail for payments. Although using the express method may cost you extra money, it will be less than the late fee that your issuer may impose on you. Besides, it will help you send your money to the company as soon as possible.

5. Try paying online. Many companies accept payment through the Internet. This method can prove to be very useful if you are traveling.

6. If you do not have the required cash to pay your bills and the due date is approaching, then you can talk to your credit card company and set your own due date for payment. Set the due date at a time when your salary arrives. Hence, enabling you to pay your bills without late fees.

Therefore, in order to keep your credit card use hassle-free, remember to make your payments on time and in the right manner specified by your credit card issuer. Try and stay out of the late-payment cycle to avoid the extra cost in the form of late fees.

Joe Kenny writes for CardGuide.co.uk, offering UK credit card comparison, visit them today for more best buy credit cards. Visit today: www.cardguide.co.uk

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