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	<title>Surefire Debt Management</title>
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	<link>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog</link>
	<description>Learn How to Overcome Your Debt</description>
	<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:18:16 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Having To Deal With Debt Consolidation Home Loan, Eliminate Credit Card Debt And No Credit Check Loan</title>
		<link>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/refinance/481-having-to-deal-with-debt-consolidation-home-loan-eliminate-credit-card-debt-and-no-credit-check-loan</link>
		<comments>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/refinance/481-having-to-deal-with-debt-consolidation-home-loan-eliminate-credit-card-debt-and-no-credit-check-loan#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:18:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MoneyGuru</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Refinance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/refinance/481-having-to-deal-with-debt-consolidation-home-loan-eliminate-credit-card-debt-and-no-credit-check-loan</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is an ever increasing need for debt consolidation and credit and bad credit debt consolidation as we see ourselves ever going into a global recession and more and more people living their lives on the edge by maxing out their credit cards and making ends meet by purchasing as many goods and services that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is an ever increasing need for <a href="http://dcblog.debtconsolidationclassroom.com/" target='_blank'>debt consolidation and credit</a> and bad credit debt consolidation as we see ourselves ever going into a global recession and more and more people living their lives on the edge by maxing out their credit cards and making ends meet by purchasing as many goods and services that they can by making use of their credit cards. All we need to do is to take a look at the trends as given by the various retailers and shop owners to understand that there is a major slowdown in the major economies in the world and we see the effects being born out in the individual credit ratings and bank balances of the people who make up the population. When it comes to dealing with bad credit debt consolidation and credit card debt consolidation we see that the whole financial system is being underpinned by various methods and processes.</p>
<p>Many people find themselves out there having to deal with <a href="http://www.creditcarduniversity.info/ideas/ToTheIndividualsWhoCherishtoLearnMoreRegardingCreditCardsButCantGetStarted.php" target='_blank'>credit card debt reduction</a> and credit card debt consolidation and find it hard at times to make ends meet as the creditors are out there making demands for the monies which was given out so easily. This is one of the things that annoy people so much &ndash; the fact that the institutions are so ready to lend out the monies and when the individuals find themselves in trouble then they come down on them really hard and make demands that the people owing the monies are unable to make. When it comes down to it bad credit debt consolidation and credit card debt consolidation are things that will continue to dominate the news and the lives of those of us who are unfortunate enough to be struggling under the weight of debt that many people are having to.</p>
<p>In line with the condition that we find in our society of bad credit debt consolidation and credit card debt consolidation we see that people are having to also get focused on <a href="http://www.cashadvanceclassroom.com/tips/Ignore-These-Cash-Advance-Tips-At-Your-Own-Peril-.php" target='_blank'>bad credit loans</a> as it is clear that people really have to do something to take action in order to get enough monies for them to live a reasonably abundant life. There are various companies out there who are prepared to lend out cash advances to people who are in need and they good thing is that they people getting the monies only have to provide the minimal amount of details and information to be in a position to receive their credit card cash advance as it becomes necessary for them to get on with their lives. As we continue with the global recession we will see that bad credit debt consolidation, credit card debt consolidation and credit card cash advance will continue to be something that will dominate the news and our lives.</p>
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		<title>Home Loan: 5 Elements To Know Prior To Purchasing A Home</title>
		<link>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/mortgage/480-home-loan-5-elements-to-know-prior-to-purchasing-a-home</link>
		<comments>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/mortgage/480-home-loan-5-elements-to-know-prior-to-purchasing-a-home#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:34:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MoneyGuru</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/mortgage/480-home-loan-5-elements-to-know-prior-to-purchasing-a-home</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While buying a house is a stimulating feat in life, it is for sure not something you want to rush into.  It is going to be one of the most expensive purchases you will make in your life.  For this reason you will have to take the time to study all the alternatives [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>While buying a house is a stimulating feat in life, it is for sure not something you want to rush into.  It is going to be one of the most expensive purchases you will make in your life.  For this reason you will have to take the time to study all the alternatives available on the market.</p>
<p>Below are 5 important elements to consider prior to buying a house.</p>
<p>1. Clean your credit record</p>
<p>Spending an amount big enough to purchase a house is something a lot of of people cannot afford right on the spot.  Because of this, applying for a loan is crucial for most people.  You will need to make sure you credit record as clean as possible so that you will be accepted.  It is advised that you have copies of your credit report several months before you begin shopping for a home so you know what to expect.</p>
<p>2. Do not go beyond your price range</p>
<p>Because of the current economical situation, there are so many houses on the market to choose from that it can be hard to find the ideal one for you.  However, it is essential you stay within your financial limits and do not try to reach too far.  The safest way to do this when buying a house is to look for one whose total annual repayment is equal as a third of your yearly wage.  But even then, it is strongly advised that you find a online calculator that will help you to figure out what you can afford according to your income, debts, and expenses.</p>
<p>3. A house in a school district</p>
<p>If you have children, you will certainly want to purchase a house within a particular school district.  However, it can be a good idea to purchase a house in a school district even if you do not have kids.  The reason for this is because strong school districts are a top priority for many people who are looking for a house to purchase.  Purchasing a house in a school district will allow you to make a substantial amount of money when time will come to sell it.</p>
<p>4. Real estate agent</p>
<p>Purchasing a house is an arduous job and you won&#8217;t probably have the time it takes to run here and there, visiting and comparing prices.  It is therefore advisable to have a professional service that will offer you a wide selection of houses that are within your financial limits and have the features you are looking for.  Let the real estate agent look around for the houses you desire.</p>
<p>5. Engage a house examiner</p>
<p>The organization that will lend you money to buy a house will want you to have a house estimation.  However, that kind of appraisal is done in the sole interest of the bank.  For your own purposes, it is best to hire a home examiner to find any and every little problem that could potentially be costly down the road.</p>
<p>As you can see, there are various things you will have to take into consideration prior to buying a house. Since this is the largest move in your life, this is for sure not something you want to make a rash decision on.  Remember the five tips listed in this article the next time you go looking for house.</p>
<p>D. Hallet bought a house as a single parent and knows how hard it can be to become a homeowner particularly if you don&#8217;t know where to start. So, if you need more <a href="http://homemortgageguide.webinfosonline.com" target='_blank'>mortgage loan tips</a>, feel free to visit <a href="http://homemortgageguide.webinfosonline.com" target='_blank'>Home Mortgage A to Z</a>, your Online Guide.</p>
<p>Find out how to save money on car loans with the help of <a href="http://www.0carfinance.com/car-finance-calculator-are-you-using-it-correctly/" target='_blank'>auto loan calculator</a>.</p>
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		<title>Find Out More About Security of Your Investments</title>
		<link>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/investments/479-find-out-more-about-security-of-your-investments</link>
		<comments>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/investments/479-find-out-more-about-security-of-your-investments#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:10:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MoneyGuru</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Investments]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/investments/479-find-out-more-about-security-of-your-investments</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today the security of your investments is becoming more and more important. Investors want to be able to anticipate decent returns in the stock market, but the market takes them on a roller coaster ride that would be the envy of any amusement park.
There is nothing weird that the series of highs and lows can [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today the security of your investments is becoming more and more important. Investors want to be able to anticipate decent returns in the stock market, but the market takes them on a roller coaster ride that would be the envy of any amusement park.</p>
<p>There is nothing weird that the series of highs and lows can leave you with a feeling of hopelessness. How can you know if a company is cooking the books? How can you predict if there will be another terrorist attack that will cripple our Country for months? No one has a crystal ball that can reveal when the next financial market meltdown will wash over us. </p>
<p>Thee question is &ldquo;So what else can you invest in?&rdquo; And the answer is to invest in real estate though maybe not in the way the first comes to mind.</p>
<p>Real estate is an asset that you see and touch, is insured, and produces monthly income. Actually it is one of the safest investments available and there are several ways to get started:</p>
<p>&bull;	The &#8220;speculator&#8221; approach.</p>
<p>It means that you could become a real estate &#8220;speculator&#8221; and buy properties with the hope that they will go up in value and allow you to reap windfall profits when you sell. Certainly, this type of approach has a large amount of risk which has left large numbers of speculators who were consumed with &#8220;Flipping Frenzy&#8221; over the last few years in a very tough place when the market turned and did not favor their investment approach.</p>
<p>&bull;	The passive method</p>
<p>It means that set up properly can provide your portfolio with a great return in any real estate market. The investment model is simple &ndash; you directly loan money, at a very low loan-to-value, against a piece of real estate and the borrower is typically a tried-and-true veteran landlord that has a portfolio of equity-rich properties and also is familiar with the ins-and-outs of finding tenants and managing rental property. In order to provide you with the safety you want, your investment is secured by a first mortgage. So, simply saying, as long as you follow common-sense lending practices then you can enjoy a level of confidence in your investments that the stock market cannot provide.</p>
<p>&bull;	The landlord approach </p>
<p>It means that you could purchase a home, duplex, or small apartment building and rent the property out. Over time as you collect rent your tenants will pay off your mortgage. Of course, it takes some time, work, and experience. This approach is rather safe and can result in a good return in both the short and long term. </p>
<p>So, you see that you should take action and make your first investment even if it is small, but get started.</p>
<p>Read how people are using <a href="http://www.freeinvestmentblog.com/free-investment-tips/circulated-silver-coins-how-to-buy-junk-silver-coins/" target='_blank'>silver coins value</a> to save paper money from inflation. Also learn how to find <a href="http://www.freeinvestmentblog.com/free-investment-tips/where-is-the-best-place-to-invest-money-how-and-where-best-to-invest/" target='_blank'>best way to invest money</a>.</p>
<p>For the review of <a href="http://www.hyipnews.com/hyip-list/799/LargeSum/" target='_blank'>LargeSum</a> - visit this site.</p>
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		<title>Find Unbiased Advice - Loan Basics</title>
		<link>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/loans/478-find-unbiased-advice-loan-basics</link>
		<comments>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/loans/478-find-unbiased-advice-loan-basics#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:09:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MoneyGuru</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Loans]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/loans/478-find-unbiased-advice-loan-basics</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A loan is a type of debt and refers to one involving a cash sum paid to the borrower by the lender. Before the funds will be released the borrower must abide by the payment terms by signing an agreement. Lending money is the most usual reason but it can also include goods, services and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A loan is a type of debt and refers to one involving a cash sum paid to the borrower by the lender. Before the funds will be released the borrower must abide by the payment terms by signing an agreement. Lending money is the most usual reason but it can also include goods, services and even people. Anyway this article is dealing with those of a financial nature. Unlike other types of loan, those involving cash will gradually be paid back over a period of time previously arranged. The usual repayment method is based around monthly installments but this period can be longer. This service is generally provided at a cost, referred to as interest on the debt and it can vary how this is repaid. One of the principal tasks for financial institutions is acting as the provider. Credit and bank loans are a quick and easy way for anyone to increase their cash flow with only minimal effort. Other ways to raise capital are available but none as easy as this.</p>
<p>Long term financial arrangements designed for individuals and companies to buy real estate is called a mortgage but it can only be used for this purpose. Debts of this nature are of course much larger than the standard and the lending company requires some security from the borrower. The standard method is by retention of the title to the property until the debt is paid back in full. Defaulting on a loan like this means that the bank or other lender could repossess the house and then re-sell it. </p>
<p>Anyway, taking on debt can be daunting, but if you borrow intelligently - planning out how much you should borrow and your ability to pay it back - an education loan may be a smart investment in your future.</p>
<p>Borrow wisely and repay conscientiously. Borrow only what you need. Do not forget that you can always take a smaller loan than what the lenders have to offer.</p>
<p>&bull; Create a &#8220;spending diary&#8221; to track every purchase you make.</p>
<p>&bull; Before borrowing, prepare an estimate of a year&#8217;s expenses for college</p>
<p>&bull; If possible, shell out the accruing interest on your unsubsidized federal loans and private loans while you&#8217;re still in school. </p>
<p>&bull; Be punctual with repayment! When you pay your education loans on time, you avoid late fees and protect your credit history.</p>
<p>Prepare a budget</p>
<p>Budgeting is the foremost step to good money management. </p>
<p>&bull; A good approximation is that your education loan payment should not exceed 8-10% of your post-college anticipated income.  </p>
<p>&bull; Always keep a note of income (what you earn) versus expenses (what you spend). </p>
<p>&bull; Cut costs whenever possible. Buy used textbooks, cook at home rather than eat out, shop at sales, and use public transportation.</p>
<p>&bull; Set goals. Plan for expenses in your budget, like buying a car.</p>
<p>Useful tips to avoid defaulting:</p>
<p>&bull; Inform your lender if you realize you can&#8217;t make a payment, and discuss your options. </p>
<p>&bull; Graduate. A college degree translates to a higher paying job and makes loan repayment much simpler.</p>
<p>&bull; Clear other debts during the period after you leave school and before your first student loan payment is due. </p>
<p>&bull; Make extra payments. You not only reduce your loan balance quicker, but also reduce the amount of interest you&#8217;ll have to pay.</p>
<p>For the tips about getting the best <a href="http://www.0carfinance.com/car-finance-deals-how-not-to-pay-extras/" target='_blank'>car finance deals</a> and usage of <a href="http://www.0carfinance.com/car-finance-calculator-are-you-using-it-correctly/" target='_blank'>auto loan calculator</a> to make sure that you start saving money - more info on the <a href="http://www.0carfinance.com" target='_blank'>0 car finance</a>.</p>
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		<title>Advices On Considering Bankruptcy Assistance</title>
		<link>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/debt/477-advices-on-considering-bankruptcy-assistance</link>
		<comments>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/debt/477-advices-on-considering-bankruptcy-assistance#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:07:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MoneyGuru</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Debt]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/debt/477-advices-on-considering-bankruptcy-assistance</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The current economy isn&#8217;t in a good shape, there isn&#8217;t a positive note in the near future, most of us have had to take a long hard look at our money and may have to take drastic measures!  The sad truth is that you may very well find yourself in financial debts and do [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The current economy isn&#8217;t in a good shape, there isn&#8217;t a positive note in the near future, most of us have had to take a long hard look at our money and may have to take drastic measures!  The sad truth is that you may very well find yourself in financial debts and do not have the ability to settle the payment.  Many times, one of the first solutions that should come to mind is bankruptcy.  Take note, though, that it is not really as simple as it may look.  When you are looking at bankruptcy, remember that <b><a href="http://www.outofbankruptcy.info/Bankruptcy_Assistance.html" target='_blank'>Bankruptcy Assistance</a></b> is something that you need to consider.</p>
<p>When you are thinking of bankruptcy assistance, remember that bankruptcy is actually not a small issue.  There are six different chapters of bankruptcy that are regulated under the New Bankruptcy Laws, and althought you will usually find that you are in a position to file under <b><a href="http://www.outofbankruptcy.info/Chapter_7_Bankruptcy.html" target='_blank'>Chapter 7 Bankruptcy</a></b> or <b><a href="http://www.outofbankruptcy.info/Chapter_13_Bankruptcy.html" target='_blank'>Chapter Thirteen Bankruptcy</a></b>, there are still many areas to look at.  Unless you have some bankruptcy assistance on your side, you may fall into a trap of long term payments and be forced to be tied in deeper financial woes; all this, and your credit will drop drastically as well!</p>
<p>If you are looking to move forward with bankruptcy proceedings, note that you do not necessarily want to go ahead by yourself.  Many people who file without professional assistance, and in many ways, they regretted not looking for assistance.  Never leave things to chance when you are looking for bankruptcy as a solution.</p>
<p>When you are able to get good bankruptcy assistance, you will be in a position to stop and really consider what your options may be.  Are you going to be able to get out from under all of your debt free and clear, or are you going to have to stop and see what sort of payment plan needs to be set up?  This is something that can mean a great deal when you are looking at filing, and at the end of the day, you will find that most laymen are not in a position to make these decisions on their own.</p>
<p>Whether you understand that bankruptcy assistance is something that needs to happen, or you are still delaying on the idea of whether bankruptcy is for you, you will find that this is not a decision that you want to go through on your own.  Finding a local professional who can make you make the right decisions at this critical juncture is something that is quite important, and if you want to make sure that this is a decision that you don&#8217;t come to regret, it is important to find help soon.</p>
<p>Finding good bankruptcy assistance can help you get through this trying time and live through it relatively unscathed.</p>
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		<title>Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest?</title>
		<link>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/debt/476-should-you-pay-off-your-mortgage-or-invest</link>
		<comments>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/debt/476-should-you-pay-off-your-mortgage-or-invest#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:36:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MoneyGuru</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Debt]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[investing]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[mortgage principal]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[tax refund]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/debt/476-should-you-pay-off-your-mortgage-or-invest</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Owning a home outright is a dream that many Americans share. Having a mortgage can be a huge burden, and paying it off may be the first item on your financial to-do list. But competing with the desire to own your home free and clear is your need to invest for retirement, your child&#8217;s college [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Owning a home outright is a dream that many Americans share. Having a mortgage can be a huge burden, and paying it off may be the first item on your financial to-do list. But competing with the desire to own your home free and clear is your need to invest for retirement, your child&#8217;s college education, or some other goal. Putting extra cash toward one of these goals may mean sacrificing another. So how do you choose?</p>
<p><strong>Evaluating the opportunity cost</strong></p>
<p>Deciding between prepaying your mortgage and investing your extra cash isn&#8217;t easy, because each option has advantages and disadvantages. But you can start by weighing what you&#8217;ll gain financially by choosing one option against what you&#8217;ll give up. In economic terms, this is known as evaluating the opportunity cost.</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s an example. Let&#8217;s assume that you have a $300,000 balance and 20 years remaining on your 30-year mortgage, and you&#8217;re paying 6.25% interest.  If you were to put an extra $400 toward your mortgage each month, you would save approximately $62,000 in interest, and pay off your loan almost 6 years early.</p>
<p>By making extra payments and saving all of that interest, you&#8217;ll clearly be gaining a lot of financial ground.  But before you opt to prepay your mortgage, you still have to consider what you might be giving up by doing so&#8211;the opportunity to potentially profit even more from investing.</p>
<p>To determine if you would come out ahead if you invested your extra cash, start by looking at the after-tax rate of return you can expect from prepaying your mortgage. This is generally less than the interest rate you&#8217;re paying on your mortgage, once you take into account any tax deduction you receive for mortgage interest.  Once you&#8217;ve calculated that figure, compare it to the after-tax return you could receive by investing your extra cash.</p>
<p>For example, the after-tax cost of a 6.25% mortgage would be approximately 4.5% if you were in the 28% tax bracket and were able to deduct mortgage interest on your federal income tax return (the after-tax cost might be even lower if you were also able to deduct mortgage interest on your state income tax return). Could you receive a higher after-tax rate of return if you invested your money instead of prepaying your mortgage?</p>
<p>Keep in mind that the rate of return you&#8217;ll receive is directly related to the investments you choose. Investments with the potential for higher returns may expose you to more risk, so take this into account when making your decision.</p>
<p><strong>Other points to consider</strong></p>
<p>While evaluating the opportunity cost is important, you&#8217;ll also need to weigh many other factors. The following list of questions may help you decide which option is best for you, also visit <a href="http://kenhimmler.com/">http://kenhimmler.com/</a> for more strategies.</p>
<p>·          What&#8217;s your mortgage interest rate? The lower the rate on your mortgage, the greater the potential to receive a better return through investing.</p>
<p>·          Does your mortgage have a prepayment penalty? Most mortgages don&#8217;t, but check before making extra payments.</p>
<p>·          How long do you plan to stay in your home? The main benefit of prepaying your mortgage is the amount of interest you save over the long term; if you plan to move soon, there&#8217;s less value in putting more money toward your mortgage.</p>
<p>·          Will you have the discipline to invest your extra cash rather than spend it? If not, you might be better off making extra mortgage payments.</p>
<p>·          Do you have an emergency account to cover unexpected expenses? It doesn&#8217;t make sense to make extra mortgage payments now if you&#8217;ll be forced to borrow money at a higher interest rate later. And keep in mind that if your financial circumstances change&#8211;if you lose your job or suffer a disability, for example&#8211;you may have more trouble borrowing against your home equity.</p>
<p>·          How comfortable are you with debt? If you worry endlessly about it, give the emotional benefits of paying off your mortgage extra consideration.</p>
<p>·          Are you saddled with high balances on credit cards or personal loans? If so, it&#8217;s often better to pay off those debts first. The interest rate on consumer debt isn&#8217;t tax deductible, and is often far higher than either your mortgage interest rate or the rate of return you&#8217;re likely to receive on your investments.</p>
<p>·          Are you currently paying mortgage insurance? If you are, putting extra toward your mortgage until you&#8217;ve gained at least 20% equity in your home may make sense.</p>
<p>·          How will prepaying your mortgage affect your overall tax situation? For example, prepaying your mortgage (thus reducing your mortgage interest) could affect your ability to itemize deductions (this is especially true in the early years of your mortgage, when you&#8217;re likely to be paying more in interest).</p>
<p>·          Have you saved enough for retirement? If you haven&#8217;t, consider contributing the maximum allowable each year to tax-advantaged retirement accounts before prepaying your mortgage. This is especially important if you are receiving a generous employer match. For example, if you save 6% of your income, an employer match of 50% of what you contribute (i.e., 3% of your income) could potentially add thousands of extra dollars to your retirement account each year. Prepaying your mortgage may not be the savviest financial move if it means forgoing that match or shortchanging your retirement fund.</p>
<p><strong>The middle ground</strong></p>
<p>If you need to invest for an important goal, but you also want the satisfaction of paying down your mortgage, there&#8217;s no reason you can&#8217;t do both.  It&#8217;s as simple as allocating part of your available cash toward one goal, and putting the rest toward the other.  Even small adjustments can make a difference.  For example, you could potentially shave years off your mortgage by consistently making biweekly, instead of monthly, mortgage payments, or by putting any year-end bonuses or tax refunds toward your mortgage principal.</p>
<p>And remember, no matter what you decide now, you can always reprioritize your goals later to keep up with changes to your circumstances, market conditions, and interest rates.</p>
<p>For more information on financial planning, visit <a href="http://www.iamllc.biz/">www.iamllc.biz</a> </p>
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		<title>Reaching Retirement&#8211;Now What?</title>
		<link>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/debt/475-reaching-retirement-now-what</link>
		<comments>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/debt/475-reaching-retirement-now-what#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:36:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MoneyGuru</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Debt]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[retirement]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[retirement benefit]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[retirement portfolio]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[social security]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/debt/475-reaching-retirement-now-what</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You&#8217;ve worked hard your whole life anticipating the day you could finally retire.  Well, that day has arrived!  But with it comes the realization that you&#8217;ll need to carefully manage your assets so that your retirement savings will last.
Review your portfolio regularly
Traditional wisdom holds that retirees should value the safety of their principal above all [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You&#8217;ve worked hard your whole life anticipating the day you could finally retire.  Well, that day has arrived!  But with it comes the realization that you&#8217;ll need to carefully manage your assets so that your retirement savings will last.</p>
<p><strong>Review your portfolio regularly</strong></p>
<p>Traditional wisdom holds that retirees should value the safety of their principal above all else.  For this reason, some people shift their investment portfolio to fixed-income investments, such as bonds and money market accounts, as they approach retirement. The problem with this approach is that you&#8217;ll effectively lose purchasing power if the return on your investments doesn&#8217;t keep up with inflation.</p>
<p>While generally it makes sense for your portfolio to become progressively more conservative as you grow older, it may be wise to consider maintaining at least a portion of your portfolio in growth investments.</p>
<p><strong>Spend wisely</strong></p>
<p>Don&#8217;t assume that you&#8217;ll be able to live on the earnings generated by your investment portfolio and retirement accounts for the rest of your life.  At some point, you&#8217;ll probably have to start drawing on the principal.  But you&#8217;ll want to be careful not to spend too much too soon. This can be a great temptation, particularly early in retirement.</p>
<p>A good guideline is to make sure your annual withdrawal rate isn&#8217;t greater than 4% to 6% of your portfolio.  (The appropriate percentage for you will depend on a number of factors, including the length of your payout period and your portfolio&#8217;s asset allocation.)  Remember that if you whittle away your principal too quickly, you may not be able to earn enough on the remaining principal to carry you through the later years.</p>
<p><strong>Understand your retirement plan distribution options</strong></p>
<p>Most pension plans pay benefits in the form of an annuity.  If you&#8217;re married you generally must choose between a higher retirement benefit paid over your lifetime, or a smaller benefit that continues to your spouse after your death.  A financial professional can help you with this difficult, but important, decision. For more advice on this topic, also visit <a href="http://kenhimmler.com/">http://kenhimmler.com/</a>.</p>
<p>Other employer retirement plans like 401(k)’s typically don&#8217;t pay benefits as annuities; the distribution (and investment) options available to you may be limited. This may be important because if you&#8217;re trying to stretch your savings, you&#8217;ll want to withdraw money from your retirement accounts as slowly as possible.  Doing so will conserve the principal balance, and will also give those funds the chance to continue growing tax deferred during your retirement years.</p>
<p>Consider whether it makes sense to roll your employer retirement account into a traditional IRA. IRAs usually offer greater withdrawal flexibility than employer plans.  A rollover to an IRA also allows you to consolidate your retirement assets.</p>
<p><strong>Plan for required distributions</strong></p>
<p>Keep in mind that you must generally begin taking minimum distributions from employer retirement plans and traditional IRAs when you reach age 70½, whether you need them or not. Plan to spend these dollars first in retirement.</p>
<p>If you own a Roth IRA, you aren&#8217;t required to take any distributions during your lifetime.  Your funds can continue to grow tax deferred, and qualified distributions will be tax free. Because of these unique tax benefits, it generally makes sense to withdraw funds from a Roth IRA last.</p>
<p><strong>Know your Social Security options</strong></p>
<p>You&#8217;ll need to decide when to start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits.  At normal retirement age (which varies from 65 to 67, depending on the year you were born), you can receive your full Social Security retirement benefit.  You can elect to receive your Social Security retirement benefit as early as age 62, but if you begin receiving your benefit before your normal retirement age, your benefit will be reduced.  Conversely, if you delay retirement, you can increase your Social Security retirement benefit.</p>
<p><strong>Consider phasing</strong></p>
<p>For many workers, the sudden change from employee to retiree can be a difficult one.  Some employers, especially those in the public sector, have begun offering &#8220;phased retirement&#8221; plans to address this problem.  Phased retirement generally allows you to continue working on a part-time basis&#8211;you benefit by having a smoother transition from full-time employment to retirement, and your employer benefits by retaining the services of a talented employee.  Some phased retirement plans even allow you to access all or part of your pension benefit while you work part time.</p>
<p>Of course, to the extent you are able to support yourself with a salary, the less you&#8217;ll need to dip into your retirement savings.  Another advantage of delaying full retirement is that you can continue to build tax-deferred funds in your IRA or employer-sponsored retirement plan. Keep in mind, though, that you may be required to start taking minimum distributions from your qualified retirement plan or traditional IRA once you reach age 70½, if you want to avoid harsh penalties.</p>
<p>If you do continue to work, make sure you understand the consequences.  Some pension plans base your retirement benefit on your final average pay.  If you work part time, your pension benefit may be reduced because your pay has gone down. Remember, too, that income from a job may affect the amount of Social Security retirement benefit you receive if you are under normal retirement age.  But once you reach normal retirement age, you can earn as much as you want without affecting your Social Security retirement benefit.</p>
<p><strong>Facing a shortfall</strong></p>
<p>What if you&#8217;re nearing retirement and you determine that your retirement income may not be adequate to meet your retirement expenses?  If retirement is just around the corner, you may need to drastically change your spending and saving habits.  Saving even a little money can really add up if you do it consistently and earn a reasonable rate of return.  And by making permanent changes to your spending habits, you&#8217;ll find that your savings will last even longer. Here are some suggested ways to stretch your retirement dollars: also visit Ken’s blog at <a href="http://kenhimmler.com/">http://kenhimmler.com/</a> for more strategies. </p>
<ul>
<li>Refinance your home mortgage if interest rates have dropped since you obtained your loan, or reduce your housing expenses by moving to a less expensive home or apartment.</li>
<li>Access the equity in your home. Use the proceeds from a second mortgage or home equity line of credit to pay off higher-interest-rate debts, or consider a reverse mortgage.</li>
<li>Sell one of your cars if you have two.  When your remaining car needs to be replaced, consider buying a used one.</li>
<li>Transfer credit card balances from higher-interest cards to a low- or no-interest card, and then cancel the old accounts.</li>
<li>Ask about insurance discounts and review your insurance needs (e.g., your need for life insurance may have lessened).</li>
<li>Reduce discretionary expenses such as lunches and dinners out.</li>
</ul>
<p>By planning carefully, investing wisely, and spending thoughtfully, you can increase the likelihood that your retirement will be a financially secure one.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For more information on financial planning, visit <a href="http://www.iamllc.biz/">www.iamllc.biz</a> </p>
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		<title>Recession Split Strategy</title>
		<link>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/debt/474-recession-split-strategy</link>
		<comments>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/debt/474-recession-split-strategy#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:36:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MoneyGuru</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Debt]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[IRA]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[protecting your capital]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[recession]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[retirement]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[ROTH]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/debt/474-recession-split-strategy</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In our recent recession it has been quite a stressful time for those ready to retire or that are already retired.  Let’s face it, if you are in your 20’s it’s no big deal if the market drops by 20%, which by the way since October of 2007 the DOW is down over 20%.  When [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In our recent recession it has been quite a stressful time for those ready to retire or that are already retired.  Let’s face it, if you are in your 20’s it’s no big deal if the market drops by 20%, which by the way since October of 2007 the DOW is down over 20%.  When you are in your 50s, 60s or 70s and you are depending on market returns this recession is putting fear in many. This recession is different than most.  We are in a time when the stock market is not performing but there really is no other alternative.  Bonds are low, bank CDs are paying paltry rates and real estate is certainly too risky for most retirees.  All this and we still have to try to beat inflation which should be in the 4% to 5% range.</p>
<p>If you have been on my blog <a href="http://www.kenhimmler.com/">http://www.kenhimmler.com</a> you know that I have been suggesting that in certain cases it may make sense to use the © Recession Split Strategy.  This is an overview of how it works.</p>
<p>We use an insurance company that issues an equity indexed annuity and pays a bonus.  The bonuses range from 5% to 15%.  This gives us an upfront ability to invest into index options without any out of pocket capital risk. This way over the next two to four years while the economy is working its way through the recession cycle we are splitting the investment into a safe – no risk vehicle while creating an asset allocation model with the insurance companies bonus.</p>
<p>If the markets go crazy and go up then the retiree can have a chance at beating inflation. If the markets go down further and or stay level then the retiree does not put their capital at risk of market volatility. Please understand that while this is a terrific idea it is not for everyone and there are some positives and negatives.</p>
<p>Because this is such a needed concept I have decided to do a teleconference. There is not enough time to organize a physical seminar and there are a lot of clients and blog members that are out of town for the summer. Therefore if you are interested in finding out more about how this concept works we will be doing a sixty minute teleconference planned on July 31, 2008. This teleconference will be at no cost but is limited to the first 100 people to register due to the limitation on our teleconference service. You will have the ability to log into the one hour presentation live and listen in to the conference at your home phone. If you register before July 25th we will also send you the live recorded teleconference so you can listen to it again.</p>
<p>As usual, I am not going to promote any product or any insurance company. This is best for those people who are really interested in learning how to protect and preserve their capital but still striving to outpace inflation. During the teleconference we will also discussing how you can turbo-charge this idea by using your IRA and a ROTH conversion to substantially reduce the income tax effect and increase your net rate of return.</p>
<p>You can also register and if you are unable to attend we will still send you the recording and the video file for you to play at a later time. To register you can go to <a href="http://www.kenhimmler.com/">http://www.kenhimmler.com</a> or you can call our line directly at 941-907-0700 and use extension 106 and you can leave a message with your name, your phone number and your email address and we will send you the registration information.</p>
<p>For more information on financial planning, visit <a href="http://www.iamllc.biz/">www.iamllc.biz</a> </p>
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		<title>Find Unbiased Tips - About Payday Loan Lender</title>
		<link>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/loans/473-find-unbiased-tips-about-payday-loan-lender</link>
		<comments>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/loans/473-find-unbiased-tips-about-payday-loan-lender#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2009 07:15:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MoneyGuru</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Loans]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/loans/473-find-unbiased-tips-about-payday-loan-lender</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here are couple ideas to remember when sourcing a payday loan lender. I recommended putting time and effort into research to identify the overall package that will suit your personal needs. A lot of payday lenders claim that they don&#8217;t require any qualifications for the loan approval, but many reputable companies will only approve the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here are couple ideas to remember when sourcing a payday loan lender. I recommended putting time and effort into research to identify the overall package that will suit your personal needs. A lot of payday lenders claim that they don&#8217;t require any qualifications for the loan approval, but many reputable companies will only approve the loan after stringent analysis of your records. Lending companies have comparable terms, interest and fee rates. Whether you are applying for a payday loan or any other short-term loan generally most online loan company&#8217;s application process is similar and very easy. Submit and complete the application online to the lender. Once all the information you have provided to them is to their satisfaction usually the funds within 24 hours will be deposited to your account. The requirements for a loan; are first, and the most important that you must be employed for at least three months and your monthly income $ 1000, be a holder of a bank account and 18 years old.</p>
<p>Your online application should include your address, check account number, phone numbers and income details. Several companies require your details to be faxed to them for verification. In fact, sometimes they might request your social security card number, pay slips, driver&#8217;s license and a post-dated check. Before applying for the loan perhaps the most important tip of all is to work out your budget to make sure you can repay the loan by the due date, if you cannot manage that payment on that day which would be your next payday after, you should arrange with the lender to roll over the funds to the next payday, however be mindful that this will incur further debt, interest will build up over time and you will land up paying interest on interest. Do not forget the most important tip of all is to do your research into payday loans first! </p>
<p>Anyway, with the car financing calculator, there is no seek to run returning and forth amidst salesmen in regards to the payment schedule for the loan, financial rates, decreased payment etc., as you can be pre-approved for the duration of an hour of submitting the mortgage application, in the comfort of your house. Nevertheless, as a small amount of car financing cost are lowered on the Internet, amongst the car banking calculator, you can calculate a practical funding for yourself. There are those car dealerships too don&#8217;t want car bankrolling calculators. This is as the calculator gives you an thought of how a great deal the automobile price level among loan and fees. There are additionally those websites this credit for the usage of such a car financial calculator.</p>
<p>It is a large number of possibly so you should would like a car loan, when attaining a car. There are different ways for you to get car loans. You can get a car financing according to mortgage companies, banks, and online or offline car funding companies.</p>
<p>Find out how <a href="http://www.0carfinance.com/car-finance-calculator-are-you-using-it-correctly/" target='_blank'>auto loan calculator</a> can help you to save money. Simple tips about how to use <a href="http://www.0carfinance.com/car-finance-calculator-are-you-using-it-correctly/" target='_blank'>auto loan calculator</a> to make sure that you start saving money on car loans. More info on the <a href="http://www.0carfinance.com/car-finance-calculator-are-you-using-it-correctly/" target='_blank'>auto loan calculator</a>.</p>
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		<title>Mortgage Refinance Loans Guide and Tips</title>
		<link>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/refinance/472-mortgage-refinance-loans-guide-and-tips</link>
		<comments>http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/refinance/472-mortgage-refinance-loans-guide-and-tips#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:35:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MoneyGuru</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Refinance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://surefiredebtmanagement.com/blog/refinance/472-mortgage-refinance-loans-guide-and-tips</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are already in the process of refinancing your home mortgage loan, choosing the right type of mortgage for your situation could save you thousands of dollars. There are two types of mortgage loans to choose from when refinancing depending on your financial needs and tolerance for risk. Here are several tips to help [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are already in the process of refinancing your home mortgage loan, choosing the right type of mortgage for your situation could save you thousands of dollars. There are two types of mortgage loans to choose from when refinancing depending on your financial needs and tolerance for risk. Here are several tips to help you select the right type for mortgage when refinancing your home loan.</p>
<p>The two types of mortgage refinance loans are loans with fixed interest rates and those with adjustable interest rates. As for fixed rate mortgages, they come with ten to fifty years of term lengths and have payments based upon an interest rate that does not change for the duration of the loan.</p>
<p>Adjustable rate mortgages, on the other hand, are specifically based on a financial index and that will include the mortgage lenders margin. Hybrid loans is another type of mortgage that are a combination of fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgages.</p>
<p>The interest rate on your Adjustable Rate Mortgage will only change every time the lender resets your loan. When the lender resets your interest rate and payment amount, they will then use the financial index your loan is tied to plus their own margin. The most common index that is used by mortgage lenders is the one-year treasury note. Adjustable Rate Mortgages have the advantage of lower initial payments, but these loans have more risk for borrowers once the lender begins adjusting the loan.</p>
<p>Homeowners who know the risks with adjustable rate mortgage refinance loans will surely be able to save thousands of dollars when refinancing. So better not write off adjustable rate mortgages just because someone just told you that you&#8217;ll have payment shock when the lender starts adjusting your loan.</p>
<p>There are actually several advantages to accepting an adjustable mortgage and for starters, a mortgage with a low rate will allow buyers to purchase more expensive homes while maintaining an affordable monthly payment. But because of the low rates record, home buyers who have an adjustable rate mortgage can enjoy falling rates without refinancing their mortgage. So, they avoid closing costs and other fees.</p>
<p>Adjustable rate mortgages are ideal for individuals who plan on moving in a few years. Some people love the stability of living in one place for many years. In this case, refinancing for a fixed rate is a wise choice; however, if you prefer the flexibility of moving every three to five years, you will be sure to save money with an adjustable rate.</p>
<p>Luckily, home mortgage loans can be refinanced whenever you feel like it and some lenders even suggest allowing the loan to mature at least 12 months. But if you detect a market trend change, a smart move would be refinancing shortly after purchasing your home. Those contemplating refinancing have got to be prepared to pay additional closing fees. You can contact your current lender and inquire more of prepayment penalties regarding your mortgage refinance loans.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.debt-consolidation-loans-101.com">Refinance Your Home Now While the Rates are Lowest In Years, Click Here Now</a></p>
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