Is it legal to pay off debt with a credit card?

Have you ever found yourself wondering ''How did I get myself into this debt?'', wishing you had that car insurance before the accident?

Unfortunately, we cannot turn back time, but we can offer you solutions for paying off your debt.

Even though it would be great if we could pay off one credit card with another credit card, that is not exactly the case.

Paying off a credit card with another credit card

This is, unfortunately, not possible. Bouncing the debt between two credit cards may be the simplest solution that crosses your mind, but in reality, credit card companies don't allow you to pay off your balance with another credit card.

Luckily, there is another kind of similar option you might be interested in. We are talking about balance transfer and cash advances – two ways of making that debt go away forever!

Balance transfers

This is a very quick way of transferring your debt from one credit card to another with a lower interest rate. Before you do this, calculate!

Debt transfer to a card that offers you more financial benefit can often hide additional fees and expenses, so you might end up with the same paying amount.

Through this process of paying some benefits, be careful – a lot of people don’t know what exactly they are paying for. Exercise your rights and monitor the Packaged Bank Account situation.

Pros for balance transfers

If you are looking for saving your money in the long run, balance transfers are a great tool! Some credit cards have better reward programs and perks, so don't miss it.

Starting with an interest-free period, credit card companies give you 12 to 18 months to convince you to transfer your balance.

Cash advance

If you are looking for the fastest way out, this is the solution that can help you in your intention.

Considering your line of credit, you can take a cash advance out with the help of credit issuers. Be aware of the fact that borrowing amount will add up to your owing amount at the end of every billing cycle!

This is a solution with a higher risk than balance transfers. However, taking that risk may pay off in the end!

Keep in mind expenses and fees – even though this is the fastest way out, it comes with its price.

Pros for cash advance

As said before, the biggest advantage of cash advances is saving time. This can be done very quickly and you could pay off your debt as soon as possible.

Getting the cash advance immediately can decrease your stress and reduce your worries!

So which one is a better solution?

Considering all the pros and cons of these two solutions, there is no right universal answer. Weigh the relevant factors and consider your abilities.

If you want to pay your debt as soon as possible, a cash advance may be your route. On the other hand, a safer and cheaper option is balance transfers, but they take time.

Bridging Loans Guide - A helping details

Picture this scenario: you want to buy a new property. At the same time, you are thinking of selling the property that you already have. However, there is still no one willing to buy your existing property. Still, you want to buy that new property. What can you do in this situation? Let me tell you about bridging loans.

What are Bridging Loans?

Bridging loans are short-term loans that you can get, preferably from a licensed money lender, that allows you to 'bridge' the gap between your next property purchase and your current property sale. A licensed money lender often offers these loans for between one to 18 months. It can act as a vital recipe in making a property purchase dream into a reality that would otherwise be not possible.

Types of Bridging Loans

There are two types of bridging loans, namely, open and closed bridging loan. These mainly differ regarding your exit strategy with this short-term finance. An open bridging loan has more tentative elements than a closed bridging loan. In this option, you opt to have no firm dates, and your current sale may have no set buyer yet. On the other hand, a closed bridging loan is a type that is usually time-bound, linked to the timetable of your current property sale. You have a firm date on the repayment, and you should comply accordingly.

Considerations Before Getting a Bridging Loan

It is essential to ensure that you are getting a bridging loan for the right purpose.

• Quick purchase of property – These purchases include auction purchases and properties. Getting a bridging loan is becoming a trend since private banks often take a longer time to process applications. 

• Simple alternative to mainstream loans – Some view this quick and short-term loan as a means of replacing the usual credits, with more risks than traditional loans.

Also, you should take into careful consideration the viability of your repayment method. How will the loan be repaid? Does the term of the loan give you enough time to find a buyer and complete the sale? If you are thinking of getting a longer-term loan, will acquiring a bridging loan not hinder your chances?

Another thing you should consider is the loan provider whom you'll trust with the process. Find out one of the best bridging loan brokers at the end of this article.

Down Side of Acquiring a Bridging Loan

• Total Cost – Bridging loans get quite expensive than the traditional and usual loans out there.

• Future loans application could be slowed down – Your prospective money lenders would want to see evidence of a clear repayment plan like taking out of a new mortgage or paying with cash from a property sale.

• Failure to repay may cause significant issues – This is similar as with other loans as a bridging loan is still a debt. You have a considerable liability to settle it. Not being able to pay the lender may lead to repossession and higher costs.

Advantages of a Bridging Loan

• Fast processing – In under 14 days, your application can be accepted and processed, making funds readily available just like that. This advantage is probably one of the primary consideration and driving point of people getting this loan.

• Competitive bridging market – Since this kind of loan is getting much attention, the bridging market is competitive more than ever. This competition leads to a reduction in interest rate. And this is excellent news for you. The interest rates can go as little as 0.37% per month. It can also go lower than that as time goes by.

• Get that capital right away – Related to the quick application offered by licensed money lenders, your bridging loan can help you have assets like a business when your cash flow is tight. These assets will aid you in comfortably settling that loan.

• Purchasing an impossible property – By impossible, this means properties that couldn't be bought by other types of borrowing. This includes uninhabitable properties. Ever dreamed of reconstructing an old and rusty house into a restaurant? Acquiring a bridging loan could help you purchase the once uninhabitable property and work to get that vintage restaurant. 

• Acquiring a property without a deposit – This becomes possible when buyers purchase properties at a cost lower than it's worth. In this situation, lending is often based on the full value of the property, and a bridging loan could help you.

Whether you are a landlord or an amateur property developer or someone in between, you can avail a bridging loan with no stress and fuss. Don't hesitate to access contact the best bridging loan broker and discuss the requirements needed at http://bridgingloanfast.co.uk/. Take that first step towards your dream property purchase.

Why Alternative Investing Is So Hot Right Now

2016 was a big year. We saw a polarization in politics like never before in the West with events like Brexit and the US election, and investors all over the planet are wondering whether this is a sign of things to come. Businesses too are reporting that thanks to the changing political climate, they’re altering their behavior and planning how they are going to navigate a challenging political landscape.

The good news for individuals is that global growth remains strong. According to estimates, global growth will expand this year from 3.1 percent to 3.5 percent, mainly because of the new pro-growth strategies outlined by the incoming US administration.

With things changing so fast, what does should the small investor be doing? Here’s some advice to weather the storm.

Start Peer-to-Peer Lending

Peer-to-peer lending wasn’t even something that was possible until a few years ago, and we go the cloud. But the very fact that it exists is worrying. In a normal economy, it’s the job of banks to take the money of savers and lend it out to borrowers. But the fact that people feel the need to go to peer-to-peer services to get a return on their money shows that the traditional market just isn’t clearing. More people want to borrow than the banks will allow, prompting savers to enter the market and lend directly.

Granted, it’s all very strange, but there are some significant returns to be had. According to Bankrate, annual returns are between 5.3 and 8.6 percent, more than triple what most savings accounts currently offer. Riskier loans based on lower borrower credit scores offer even higher rates of return than that, although the risk is considerably greater.

Art And Rarities

Investors have been piling into art recently in search of better returns. Art and rarities are seen as a sort of safe haven when the stock market is in turmoil because they tend to keep their value over the long term. Recently interest in art has been pushed, however, by increasing sticker prices of top works of art.

Michael Saigh, a managing partner at a rarities investing company, says that for many small investors, opportunities are limited because of high entry prices. Some start at more than $1 million. But with the growth of art shares, it’s becoming easier for individual investors to get a stake in the market.

The growth of cloud platforms, as discussed on the Investor Services about us page, are giving investors the opportunity to make sure that their investments meet IRS requirements. This is important whenever individuals are investing in things like art and rarities using their 401(k) funds.

Impact Investments

Finally, there has also been a surge in the number of investors doing things that they hope will save the world. With people like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates making high-profile announcements about their charitable investments, many others are following suit.

The cool thing about many of these investments is that they still generate positive returns, even though their primary goal is to achieve social good.

Slap Down The Cost Of Living Without Ruining Your Life In The Process

Most people talk about spending less, but when they try to make it happen, they realize it’s easier said than done. As soon as they start cutting their spending, a lot of the joy goes out of their lives, and they wind up indulging in their old habits, not having any money left at the end of the month.

So what can be done about it? Surely there’s an easier way?

Do Some Basic Energy Efficiency Around Your Home

Sometimes to save money, you have to spend money. Take lightbulbs for instance. Modern LED light bulbs use about a tenth of the power of older, incandescent bulbs and they last about 30 times as long. The only problem is that they can often wind up costing $20 to buy, so most people see them on the shelf and ignore them, going for the cheaper options instead.

According to The Simple Dollar, however, each regular light bulb you replace with a LED light bulb can net you between $15 and $20 in savings per year. If you replace 10 bulbs, that’s potentially $200 off your electricity bill. What’s more, because LEDs will last for decades or more, once you’ve made the initial purchase, that’s $200 off your bills for life.

Move To A Mobile Home

The cost per square foot in a brick-and-mortar house is roughly $80, depending on where you are in the country. The cost of a square foot of space in mobile homes is less than half that, meaning that if you’re serious about living cheap, going mobile is the way to go.

Manufactured homes are very different to how they used to be. Modern homes are often better built than older stick homes, and they’re customizable. Far from ruining your life, a manufactured home will give your family more money to spend on things that really matter, like holidays.

Sell Off Anything You Don’t Use

A quick trip through your house will reveal all sorts of things you don’t use anymore. Pick up anything that can be flogged on Ebay and sell it, especially if you’ve got credit card debt. That $200 you owe on your credit card this month? It can easily be paid off by selling a bunch of stuff you don’t want. Plus, once you’ve gotten rid of stuff you don’t need, your house will be less cluttered.

Use Refillable Filter Water Bottles

Hardly anybody drinks water straight out of the tap. Instead, we opt for fizzy drinks (which are bad for us) or bottled water, which is ridiculously expensive for what it is.

There is, however, another way. Perhaps you’re one of those people who really doesn’t like the taste of water out of the tap. If you are, then listen up: you can now get water bottles for under $15 that have built-in water filters. That means that you can get that pure, fresh water taste, without having to shell out a fortune on the bottled stuff. Each bottle of water out of the tap, filtered through your water bottle costs less than a penny.

Retirement! Are You Ready for It?

Retirement can creep up on you before you know it, and you don't want to be caught unawares. As such, it’s important to make sure you have planned for it well in advance. These are some of the things you might like to consider when your retirement is impending.

Where Will You Live?

You've got to think about where you're going to live when you finally do retire. If you are still pretty able bodied you might decide you want to stay at home. There are also family members you could stay with if necessary. But, if you want to be in a community among other retirees you should consider moving into a retreat or retirement home. These are often kitted out to suit the needs of elderly retirees, and they have fully trained and professional staff on hand at all times. Think hard about this, and make a decision about whether it’s the right course of action for you.

Are Your Finances in Order?

One of the major factors you need to get right when you retire is your finances. A lot of people don't bother sorting out pensions, or their money for retirement. And they can run into all sorts of problems as a result. You have to make sure you do as much as you can to ensure your finances are in order. That means you've got to plan as much as possible now, so you are financially stable when you stop working. A lot of people consider hiring financial planners to help them with this, and you should consider doing the same. The years creep up, and retirement could be on you before you know it. The problem is that you need to understand that putting money away each but month is crucial. But finding the time to do it is often a big ask sometimes. If you can get this aspect right, you will enjoy a much better retirement as a result.

Keep Your Mind Active

They say that when you have something to do to keep you occupied your mind works better. And when you are retired you need to make sure you keep your mind as active as possible. The mind can go very quickly when you reach your later years, so you have to make sure you do things that will keep you as active as possible in a mental sense. For instance, you need to understand that hobbies and interests are crucial when you retire. You're no longer working, so you still need something to stimulate you. And hobbies can play a massive part in this process. There might be something you've always wanted to do, and now you have the chance to. Retirement is a good opportunity to keep yourself active physically and emotionally.

Retirement comes to us all, and we need to understand exactly what it is that we need to prepare for. We will no longer be working or receiving an income, so there are a lot of considerations that have to be involved with this. Use the points on this post to try to come up with some of the best ideas to help you with your retirement. This is something you've got to sort out as best you can before it’s too late.

A Guide To Coping With The Cost Of Christmas

Christmas is a time for giving – for those that don’t have much in our accounts to give this can be a problem. You may have been scraping through the year just fine, but now Christmas is here and it feels like a year’s spending in one month. There are gifts to get for everyone, masses of food for the day, decorations to put up – all on top of the regular bills and spending. No-one should have to be financially crippled by Christmas, but similarly no-one should have to skip this event just get to by. If you’re short of pocket, here are ways to save money this year and survive Christmas!

Spread your Christmas spendings throughout the year

It’s a little late to do this now, but worth taking into account for next year. You can either put aside some money each month for December spending, or you can buy gifts throughout the year. For decorations, take advantage of the January sales. Prices plummet as nobody has any use for Christmas decs any more – why not prepare for the next year instead? Spreading out some of the spendings can soften the blow when it finally reaches December. Obviously certain things such as food will have to be bought nearer the time as these expire (although some may be able to be frozen).

Tell people your situation

Everyone knows that Christmas is expensive. Let people know the situation that you’re in, and they’ll understand if you can’t buy them huge gifts. There’s a lot of generosity around Christmas – if feeding people for dinner is a problem, a family member or friend may invite you around theirs. If you feel like you really have no-one to turn to, look into charities that might work specifically with families in need at Christmas. Telling people that you’re skint may not be easy to do, but so long as you don’t beg for money from people, most people will be understanding.

Take out a loan

If December is the one month that you struggle with, why not take out a loan and slowly pay it back over the next year. There are loan companies that offer relatively small amounts, but have a high approval rate. Application is much easier than going into a bank (you can learn about it at Cigno Loans). Of course, you should always budget exactly how much you are able to pay back over the coming months. And you should never pay off a loan with another loan. Be careful and it can be a lifesaving Christmas strategy. Many people do it.

Make cuts to food and presents

The way to save on any occasion is to make cuts. With gifts, there are countless ways to make trimmings to your budget.

The first is to consider joint presents. Instead of sending a separate present to two nieces or two members of a couple, give them a shared gift that they can both enjoy. Similarly, you can team up with your partner or a sibling to cut the costs on certain gifts.

You then have to decide who really needs a present or a card. If someone hasn’t bothered to send you a gift or message in a few years, cut them off. Save money on postage to distant relatives and friends with a digital Christmas card. Also consider sentiment instead of financial value. A photo album might have more of an impact than a piece of jewellery. Put thought into your presents instead of money – consider private joke items instead of generic cheap tat such as socks and toiletries. For hobbies, buy guide books, t-shirts and mugs instead of actual equipment – sometimes the more practical objects are better chosen by the person with that hobby.

When it comes to food, cut down on treats on the lead up to Christmas – it will make it all the more worthwhile. Remember that the Christmas meal will provide leftovers that you can use for a week after the day. You may not need to do a full weekly shop on top of a Christmas meal. If finances are really a problem, look into eating out at a pub. Budget how much cooking your own Christmas dinner would cost compared to dining out. Not only may it save you money, it will also save you the kitchen stress.

Consider handmade decorations

For whatever reason, most of us keeping buying new Christmas decoration every year. If you already have a load from last year, including a tree, and you’ve hit hard times, don’t bother buying new items – use what you’ve got.

However, if for whatever reason you’ve lost most of last year’s decs, or this is your first Christmas in your own property, using last year’s adornments may not be possible. If this is the case, it’s time to get creative. Buy some glitter and paper and start making your own decorations – including paper chains and paper snowflakes. If you have kids, you can get them involved. This will work out a lot cheaper than tinsel and baubels and feel all the more personalised.

Sell gifts you don’t need after Christmas

Everyone gets gifts at Christmas that they don’t need. Either it’s a piece of clothing you’ll never wear, or an object you already have. Whilst it’s rude to admit it to the person giving you the present at the time, you shouldn’t have to cling onto it afterwards out of guilt. Sell these unnecessary items and make some money back.

Similarly, Christmas may clutter things up around the home. January may be a great time to declutter and get rid of all the things you don’t need. Of course, you shouldn’t just bin these surplus items. If you can make money out of any of it, do so. There are many online stores that take second-hand clothes and books – even damaged ones.

The Cost Of Moving. Get Your Finances In Check Early To Save Missing Out

Buying a new house is never going to be cheap. There are many fees to consider when you start making your move. The money side of things doesn’t end at your mortgage! In fact, the mortgage is only the beginning of the money considerations you need to make. Getting a rough idea of how much moving is going to cost will save you any horrible surprises later down the line. You don’t want to miss out on that dream home because you didn’t finance properly! A little careful consideration early on will help you get an idea of budget.

There are plenty of new hope homes for sale, and a little searching will find you the right property in no time. Not having your finances in check at that point could lead to you missing out. Make sure you have your money situation under control before then by following this checklist.

MORTGAGE

If you haven’t sorted a mortgage, there’s no chance of going anywhere. Your mortgage is the first thing you should consider when looking into moving home. If you’re already a homeowner, take into account the mortgage you already have. Work out how much money you’ll be left with after paying off your first mortgage. That way, you’ll know how much you have to play with. If this is your first home, work out how large a mortgage you can afford. Having a substantial deposit saved can be a massive help at this point. You'll be able to look at much larger mortgages with that money behind you. The key at this stage is to be realistic. Don’t take out a huge mortgage that you’ll never be able to pay off. You’ll end up losing your dream home if you can’t keep up. It’s also worth factoring how much your bills and taxes are likely to be. Make sure you can afford everything comfortably!

AGENT FEES

This point applies to people who are selling a house. Estate agents don’t come cheap, and most will take a percentage of the final house sale. Don’t forget about the amount of money the agent is going to be taking from your final cut! It may be an extra expenditure you can do without, but selling your house through an agency is a must. Don’t make things harder than they have to be. Agents are great at keeping some of the stress from your shoulders.

REMOVAL COSTS

This one is a little later down the line, but still worth considering from the off to help you work out budget. Costs for removal companies vary, but try and gather a rough estimate of how much it will cost you to move. It’s no good to spend your whole budget on securing a house if you have no way of getting your belongings into it. Many removal companies offer a budget calculator which can show you a rough estimate. Take the time to work out the cost, and you’re sure to thank yourself later on!

Signed. Sealed. Delivered. Planning and Executing the Perfect Financial Future

Financial planning for the future is really important, and can keep you out of difficulties. You need to understand what is involved in the process of financial planning and execution. These are some of the best things you can use to help you achieve that.

Figure Out Family Finances

Step one in the process is figuring out the family’s financial position. That means you and your partner need to work out what your joint income is, and then go through any expenses you might face. Bear the kids in mind when you make these decisions, and work out where you need to spend. It’s important to look at what you have coming into your account. If you haven't already, you should set up a joint account together as a couple.

Hire Financial Planners

One of the most important things you can do is hire financial advisors to help you. You need trained experts to help you take control of your money and plan for the future. Did you know, over 60% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings?! You want to make sure you aren't one of this percentage. You need to start building significant savings to give you a safety net and start working towards the future.

Where Can You Make Cuts?

Financial perfection can't be achieved until you have control over your money. And, in order to get to this point you have to figure out where you can make cuts. You need to curb your spending and make cuts where necessary. There are bound to be personal expenses that don't need to be expenses. These are the places you need to make cuts and start saving some extra cash. If you can cut back on what you’re spending, then you’ll find it much easier to reach financial security and safety.

Pension

It’s never too early to start thinking about your retirement and how this will affect you. Retirement will mean no more income for you, and this is something you need to spend a lot of time with. Start getting a pension plan in place right now to deal with this. Putting money aside each month into a pension plan is the best way to get a good start on this. And many pension accounts will not allow you to access the money until you come to retirement age anyway, so you know you won't be able to waste the money.

Kids College Fund

Preparing for your children’s futures is something you really need to work hard on. You've got to make sure you provide financial stability for them as they get older. And, one of the best ways of doing this is by setting up a college fund. You can start making payments into this account when they are tiny. Then, when they’re old enough they will have this money to help them get to a great college.

Financial security is something that seems so difficult to attain these days. It’s one thing after another in terms of modern expenses. So, you can use the ideas on this post to help you execute the perfect financial future for you and the family.

12-Month Loans for Online Borrowers

Everybody needs money to survive so what happens when you need money to help meet the needs of life. Sometimes the only way is to ask for help by applying for a loan from an outside financial lender. A new type of loan that is being introduced more often by financial moneylenders is a twelve-month loan. This is a loan that is used to meet all kinds of personal needs and personal requirements. The reason why many borrowers will select this type of loan is that it is an easy loan to understand. There are not any difficult formulas to understand and procedures to know. The money can be used for whatever use the borrower needs to use it for. The plain and simple fact is that a twelve-month loan is an easy, quick and very convenient way to get the cash you need.

Terms Of A 12-Month Loan

Many borrowers look for a loan that will get them through though times but does not have to be paid back within a short period of time such as a payday loan which requires the money to be paid back within two weeks to a month. With a twelve month loan the borrower has just that. They have twelve months to pay the loan back to the lender.

This type of loan can also be a secured loan or an unsecured loan. A secured loan is when the borrower will use something of value that is personal property as collateral on the loan. Most borrowers will use their home or automobile as a security item. This is risky though. Remember that if you default on your loan you will risk losing your personal property.

Applying for this type of a loan is also very easy. Most of the time, you can apply for the bad credit personal loans while sitting on your couch in your living room. You can do this by applying online through the lender’s website. This is often a good advantage for the borrower because it saves time. There is no need to travel to the lending institution.

When a borrower applies for a twelve-month loan there will not be a credit check performed to be approved. Even if you are a borrower with bad credit you can still be approved for this loan and you will be able to pay your bills or use the money borrowed for whatever is needed.
Because the entire application process is completed online there is no documentation or paperwork to return. The borrower will return all needed information within the application form that he or she submits to the lender.

Conclusion

Once the loan application is completed, submitted and approved the borrower will typically have the money available through a direct deposit into his or her bank account. This will usually take place around twenty-four hours after the approval.

A twelve-month loan is a hassle free type of payday loan lenders that can be used when a borrower is short on cash but needs a longer period of time to repay the money.

Rethinking The Concept Of Investment

Do you invest your money? Most of us have probably heard about the concept of investment or investing money but a good number of us shy away from it. Lots of people all over the world get intimidated by this financial concept. They think it’s just for the wealthy and the rich. Truth be told, investing is for everyone. It is actually ideal for all people to start an investment of their own in order to become more financially stable and even help manage their finances. What do we need to know about investing? What are some types of investments?

Investing And The Type Of Investments

According to the dictionary, investing is “the act of committing money or capital to an endeavor with the expectation of obtaining an additional income or profit.” It is a technique that allows you to grow or increase your money without actually doing anything. Some people think that investing is gambling. This is not true. Gambling is spending your money on bets that may or may not give you returns. Investing is placing your money on different investment deals that gives you an opportunity to derive earnings and interest. Here are some of the different types of investments that are ideal to engage in nowadays:

1. Stocks
Buying stocks gives you the chance to become a part owner of a certain business. You are entitled to receive profits or more appropriately called dividends that the business or company apportions to the owners. They can provide a steady stream of income but they are also volatile, meaning their values fluctuate daily. However, they give huge prospective returns. Just be ready for the risk of loosing some of your investment during some occasions or instances.

2. Bonds

Bonds are classified under the category of fixed-income securities or as Investopedia define it, “an investment that provides a return in the form of fixed periodic payments and the eventual return of principal at maturity.” The good thing about fixed-income securities is that the payments are announced or provided in advance. The essence of buying bonds is basically to lend money to either the government or a private business. They guarantee you an interest in return and pay back the amount you let them borrow. Buying bonds is comparatively more risk-free than other investment forms. The trick is to choose stable organizations or businesses.

3. Mutual Funds

Mutual bonds are essentially a compilation or collection of bonds and stocks. In buying or investing your money in mutual funds, you are adding your resources with other investor’s money that allows all of you to hire and pay a manager, which will recommend and choose the ideal securities for you. Mutual funds are ideal for first-time investors who do not yet have the experience that some investment tools require. Just make sure to inquire about potential risks first before investing your money in a specific mutual fund.

4. Other Investment Options

These are alternative investment tools like real estate, gold, FOREX, and a lot more. There are lots of opportunities for financial growth in these investment instruments but you also need expertise and experience to back you up. Thus, it would be advisable to get them from financial authorities and experts.

Would you like to try investing your money now? Whatever type you choose, make sure to find out everything you can about the option you are availing of. Let your money grow for you. Best of investment luck to you!

Niña Angeli Pilapil, a bookworm by heart, is an expert in promotional products used for both marketing and personal reasons. She is employed by Promopeddler.com as their official blogger to write about topics like cheap coin purses. This dark chocolate fanatic enjoys her spare time reading books, watching movies, and honing her blogging craft. If you want to connect with her, follow her at http://twitter.com/ninsbonita.

Money Saving Tips for New Parents

A new baby is always a blessing, but the associated costs that new parents incur can quickly add up to a financial nightmare. From diapers and wipes, to strollers and car seats, the costs pile up fast, and catch even the best planner unaware. Thankfully, there are many money saving tips for new moms and dads.

Buying Bulk

Baby food or formula can be purchased at any local grocery store, with most of these stores offering a variety of products. The real savings though, come when you do a little research. Rather than buying 2 cans of formula, find a local wholesale club that offers 6 and 8 packs, saving more on each can. Purchase baby food pouches by the box, instead of individually, and look at saving fifteen to twenty cents per pouch.

Cut Your Coupons

If you don't mind some scissor work, coupons are your friend. And if you do dislike getting hand cramps, a simple online search for coupon codes can unearth a treasure trove of savings. There are a number of sites that offer baby products at discounts, and allow coupons to be used. If you prefer the paper versions, make sure to combine your coupons, and look for manufacturer deals on your favorite products. Remember that in most cases, every thing in a grocery store goes on sale in 12 week cycles. Save your coupons until the items you want go on sale. Then buy enough of that item to wait out the cycle, so you can buy it on sale again.

Cash Back Rewards

Use your rewards credit cards. Many credit cards have rotating categories that offer up to 5% cash back on purchases. Drugstores, Department stores and Grocery stores are just a couple of categories to keep a eye on for that 5%. In the perfect senerio, you catch a item on sale, with a coupon AND it matches up to your 5% rewards credit card.

If you are shopping online, make sure you are shopping through a rewards site like Ebates. They offer 1% - 5% on many of the merchants you will be shopping at anyway, so you might as well save a little more in the process.

Try Me Free

All baby product manufacturers want you to buy their product. Simply writing an email to the company, and telling them that you are considering using their product and requesting a sample, can often result in free product. Signing up on the company website will also make you first in line for new product samples and exclusive coupons.

Community Rules

Make sure to stay active online on websites and forums for moms and dads. With so many members looking for savings, you can be alerted to great sales before they ever reach a flyer, and a lot of online boards have clothing and toy swaps, where people give away the toys that the grandparents weren't supposed to buy, in exchange for that pink elephant that the baby can't take its eyes off.

Think Multifunction

When buying a stroller, look for a model that has an infant carrier attached, that allows you to save on a car seat for the first 6 to 8 months, depending on how much the baby likes to eat. There are also multi-function high chairs that come with a booster seat, and even a model that converts into a swing!

The Diaper Debate

Ask 5 sets of new parents which is more expensive, cloth diapers or disposable diapers, and you may get 5 different answers. The basic argument is that there is a higher initial investment in cloth diapers, but over time there are significant savings over disposable diapers, even with the cost of electricity from washing and drying. Some parents prefer disposable diapers because you can get dozens in a pack for a far lower price. It's an eternal debate, but if you have the money, or a really nice baby shower, and don't mind the laundry bill, cloth is cheaper.

Shower the People

Speaking of baby showers, that is another way to save on the big-ticket items, and even the small ones. Every little bit helps.

What about you? When you had your child, what unique ways did you find to save money?

Todd Hendrickson is a freelance writer for online, and offline publications. With three children under 5, he is always looking for coupon codes to help him save money.

The various utilities of looking for life insurance quotes online

All of us will agree that today the need for a life insurance has become unavoidable. Every individual is prone to accidents and no one can be sure about the coming events of his life. You might be enjoying the lavishness of a good job, but any moment your life can go topsy-turvy. Remember, accidents do not come with prior notice. Hence, a wise man will always want to enjoy the benefits of life insurance. For this purpose however you need to know your companies well and understand the quotes on life insurance provided by them.

Since this is the age of technology and the internet has brought the world closer, one can go through the available life insurance quotes on the web to consider which one to buy. Hundreds of insurance companies have made themselves available through their respective websites. All you need to do is to fill up a questionnaire and submit it. This will bring forth a list of websites which provide quotes on life insurance. You have to repeat this process a few times so that you can get the quotes of at least 3-5 companies. This will help you make fruitful evaluation of the quotes. Other than this there are some other websites through which you can access more than one insurance company at a single go. This makes your search all the more faster.

When you look for such life insurance quotes online, term life policy is the most popular option. This kind of policy pays to the claimant only if the policy holder dies within the terms specified in the policy. It is clearly stated in the rules of this policy that if the insured lives longer than the time specified in the policy then the benefits of the policy will be not be given to his nominee. Since, there is no cash value or investment features in this policy, it is one of the most affordable plans. However, the premium costs increase as the policy holder gets old. Even, those who chose to renew his/her policy will have to pay more than what he used to initially. This can be mentioned as the only disadvantage of this plan.

The various forms of term insurance are,

1. Increasing Term Insurance

There is recurrent increase in the rate of these policies. The increase is generally 5% per annum; however it mainly depends upon the rate of inflation. Long term policy holders will benefit from this type of a plan.

2. Decreasing Term Insurance

In this type of insurance the cover level falls per year until it becomes zero. Repayment of loans can be made easier with the help of these plans.

3. Level Term Insurance

A fixed premium is paid throughout the term of the policy. Payment will be made by the insurance company once the policy holder dies. At the end of the term the policy will terminate.

4. Renewable Term Insurance

One can renew his/her policy according to the requirements.

5. Convertible Term Insurance

In this type of a policy the insurance company will have to provide you with a fresh policy if your health status requires so. One can change from his current term policy to a lifetime policy.

Author Bio : Amanda is a veteran in the insurance industry and has got some exciting tips on how to look for online life insurance quotes up her sleeves. For more details please visit www.lifeinsurancequotes.org

Personal loans – provide instant cash to fulfill your needs

A personal loan is taken by an individual to suffice urgent financial requirements. When someone runs into a financial crisis and is in need of quick money, Personal loans is the answer. There are a few things that need to kept in mind while opting for such a loan.

• Earning status – One must have a stable source of earning before opting for such a loan. Someone who doesn’t have a stable earning source will not be able to repay the debts.

• Assets – One must have sufficient amount of assets including a car, a house and others. An approver will grant a loan without a fuss if the applicant of the loan has such assets.

• Good credit score – A good credit score aids in getting a loan. Lenders keep an eye on the credit score of an individual to be sure that the borrower is going to repay the loan. A person with not a good credit score is often denied a loan with the apprehension of a bad debt.

• Purpose – The lenders also would like to know about the purpose of the loan. After an individual states the purpose, the lender scrutinizes whether the purpose is a strong one.

• Consequences – Many aren’t aware of the problem they might have to face if they are unable to repay the loan. It can lead to legal action against them, which will land them up in further trouble.

• Quality service – Before going for a particular lender or lending agency one should be sure about its reputation. A good lending institution will provide a good customer service.

• Habits – A person with abrupt spending habits is most likely to get into trouble. Lenders often gauge the spending habits of an individual before approving loan to them. A person who indulges in buying too much by using credit cards is less likely to get a loan. This is because these people are more likely to get bankrupted.

• Awareness – Before opting for personal loans, one must be abreast of the interest rates that will be levied on them. Ignorantly opting for loans might end up in a catastrophe. One must therefore go through the terms and conditions of the policy. Lenders are no liable for any carelessness on the borrower’s part.

• Other options – One must resort to online personal loans only if there is no other alternative to get money. Getting money from friends or relatives is always a better option.

The following things should be considered before opting for a loan:

The reason – One must not look for loans to satisfy needs which are not that important. It should be remembered that loans are to be repaid and that too with interest. Hence a loan should be sought only for a strong reason.

Research – One should do some research before choosing a lending institution. The internet is a good source that provides a lot of information on this.

Lenders transfer the funds online. This reduces the transaction time.

Author bio – Jimy Jones possesses a great deal of knowledge regarding online personal loans. He has shared some of that valuable information. For more detail please visit www.personalloans.org

Checking Annuity Quotes Online is Easy & Effortless

Looking for the right annuity schemes is not a hectic job. There are so many websites available that can let you get in touch with annuity professionals. Any of them can certainly help you know the best policy catering your needs and wants. However, the most important thing is getting the best annuity quotes. If you do not get the best one, you will certainly be the sufferer. So, without delaying further, why don’t you take online assistance and make your job easy?

Today, when you face problems in searching information or buying products from the market, the next option you tend to go for is the internet. This brilliant technology not only helps you gather information from home but makes you research effortlessly. So, let’s take a look at the following steps which an annuitant must keep in mind while searching annuity quotes online:

• Lawful website – Once you start exploring the online world, you will come across numerous websites. Therefore, it’s obvious for anyone to get perplexed and recognize an authentic site. Remember, it’s only an insurance company from where an annuity policy can be accessed. Therefore, you need to ensure that the website you are accessing is maintained by a legitimate insurance company. If you have doubts, you can check your state insurance departments.

• Financially stable company - It’s true that the majority of the insurance companies have monetary stability. However, there are companies that are poor in ratings but financially strong and stable. Therefore, you should make proper researches by visiting the official site of the insurance company and thereafter check the quotes offered by the company.

• Check several companies – There are several companies that provide annuity quotes online. It’s always advisable to check the quotes of all those companies and compare them to judge the best one in the market.

The author, Aalina Jones here provides smart suggestions on annuity quotes. This article will certainly help people gather plenty of information regarding annuities.

Invest for future with retirement annuities

Annuities guarantee a flow of steady income for the retirees. To enjoy a hassle free life after retirement and to enjoy adequate financial supports opt for annuity plans today. Retirement annuity needs to be planned much before the age of your retirement. These annuity plans are tax free. Payment can be made quarterly, half yearly, on a monthly basis or you can pay at once a lump sum amount. If you have a retirement annuity plan you can highly stop worrying about the expenses after retirement. Annuities are always taken for a fixed period of time which directly affects the payment size.


Retirement annuities can be calculated with the help of annuity calculators. Retirement annuity also covers medical expenses. Though they are tax-deferred annuity, existences of hidden clauses are highly plausible. You may have to pay tax for the amount that you will receive after maturation of the annuity plan. There are two kinds of retirement annuity plan:Fixed retirement annuity - With fixed retirement annuity a fixed monthly income is ensured.

• Variable retirement annuity – you can rise to unknown market heights with variable retirement annuity plan. As this plan is subjected to the market condition involvement of risk factor cannot be denied. Market condition at that point of the time will determine the interest you would receive.

Retirement annuity plan can be taken up by the people who are below the age of 70. Invest your certificate maturation amount or your tax refund amount to buy retirement annuities and make your life after retirement financially stable. Before investing browse through the different websites to compare the different annuity rates in the market and choose the annuity plan that suits your requirement. The payment that you are likely to receive varies from one insurance company to the other. Some retirement annuities even facilitate removal of fund according to your need without being penalized.

The author, Aalina Jones here provides smart suggestions on retirement annuity. This article will certainly help people gather plenty of information regarding annuities.

Small Ways To Save When You Take A Pay Cut

A simple rule: you take a pay cut, you cut back. Of course you know the things you enjoyed in life before will have to slow down or come to a halt. But what most people don’t realize are all the little things that begin to add up in your bank account.

Cancel Memberships.

Most memberships you have are for your ‘luxury’ things like gyms, tanning and golf. Canceling memberships can save you big bucks each month. If you are the few that actually use the gym on a frequent basis consider using your local park or jogging trails to work out. Deciding what is a need and what is not needed in your life is strictly up to you.

Monthly Subscriptions.

Take a look at your magazine stack and decide which ones you want to cancel to save money. Keep in mind that the majority of magazines you subscribe to most likely have an interactive website. Be aware of which sites are free and which ones charge a fee to view the site.

Coffee and Food.

Coffee houses that you visit like Starbucks, charge a pretty penny for that delicious cup of caffeine. Visiting weekly can add up over time. For example: A coffee from Starbucks will run you about $4.00 minimum which is equivalent to $16.00 a month, that’s almost $200 a year!

Stop going to lunch and start packing. Spending money on groceries and limiting the amount of times you dine out will help. If you go to dinner keep in mind all the costs that go with it, gas to get there, possible valet, the meal, drinks and tip all add up. If you still need that fix of real food and bar vibe, hit up Happy Hours, they are your new friend.

Transportation.

Gas is a grueling expense that no one likes to pay. Look into public transportation or carpooling. Better for your bank account and for the environment. Kill two birds with one stone.

Review Your Bills.

Cell phone-work with your provider tell them you are looking to cut back, they will let you know what services are actually needed. Do your research on things you need and don’t need.

Cable, internet and home phone- Consider losing those movie channels and looking into something like $1 Red Box Rentals at your local store when you want to catch the new releases. Cancel long distance option on your phone; we have cell phones for that now. Downgrading your internet connection speed will also lower that bill.

Depending on your pay schedule and when bills are due, it may be easier on your wallet to change due dates on bills. Don’t be afraid to ask, you would be surprised how accommodating carriers can be when they know you are on a budget.

A pay cut isn’t the end of the world. It just means you need to step back and reevaluate the things you are spending in your day to day life. . Taking a closer look at your bills and your purchases will help save you money when it counts the most. Happy savings!

Author Bio :

Melanie Slaugh is enthusiastic about the growing prospects and opportunities of various industries and writing articles on various consumer goods and services as a freelance writer. She writes extensively for internet service providers and also topics related to internet service providers in my area for presenting the consumers, the information they need to choose the right Internet package for them. She can be reached at slaugh.slaugh907 @ gmail.com.