Workers Compensation for Todays California Contractor

Insurance is one of the most important considerations for your business, and Workers Compensation coverage it is quickly becoming the area that most business owners need to pay special attention to, especially in California.

Workers Compensation insurance is not an option for business owners—large or small—in the state of California. Even home-based businesses with a single employee must hold Workers Compensation insurance. This insurance covers employees who are injured on the job while on company property as well as off company property as long as the injury occurred while in the line of duty including automobile accidents. It also covers any illnesses that are work-related. The insurance is used to pay the medical costs of the employee that are accrued from this injury or illness, as well as compensation for loss of pay due to the illness or injury. The medical costs can include the initial medical services as well as any recovery or rehabilitation costs that may be necessary. These policies should not be mistaken for medical coverage since they must be purchased as a separate policy from the medical insurance offered by the employer. The distinction is that Worker’s Compensation insurance only covers employees while they are on
the job.

Until recently, it was a relatively common practice for small businesses to operate without Workers Compensation insurance since law enforcement was ill equipped to detect those businesses breaking this law. However, California has recently put into action a bill that will not only serve as a watchdog for California businesses and their Workers Compensation insurance, but it also penalizes any business without coverage. Though businesses will be given a grace period during which they may purchase Workers Compensation coverage without penalization, any business that does not comply within the ten-day time frame will be fined $1,000 per
employee.

According to the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation the cost of cases dealing with non-compliant businesses to the Workers Compensation laws is well over $20 million per year, and the cases are so numerous that only 1 in 10 cases are actually cleared
through the clogged system.

Of course the cost to you, the business owner, is far higher than the state when it comes to dealing with the woes of not carrying Workers Compensation insurance. State investigators can actually legally completely shut down a business in response to a complaint filed against them concerning Workers Compensation. Not only this, but an uninsured employer can be directly sued by an injured employee, and all legal costs of the lawsuit must come out of the employer’s pocket whereas an insured employer would have these legal costs covered in their policy.

Penalties for not carrying Workers Compensation vary depending on the case and the size of the business. However, these penalties are always quite steep and never worth any money the company saves by not carrying insurance. Not only is it not worth the risk to skip being insured, new laws are being put into action to make sure all businesses comply with the Workers Compensation laws. To make sure you’re not one of the unfortunate companies that must weather the storm of penalties due to non-compliance with these laws, you’ll want to make sure you obtain some kind of Workers Compensation policy for your business. Not all insurance
agents are informed of the newest regulations, so be sure to check with the California Department of Insurance for a list of registered insurance firms before settling on a policy.

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Life Insurance Agents & the WOW Experience!

How many times have you found yourself saying WOW due to an experience provided through a business?

And think about this, many times the "WOW" is caused by something little. Sometimes, it's the "little" things and the attention to details that can really separate one company from another.

- At a hotel, it may be that there are cookies at the checkout counter for you in the morning, or that the cleaning service leaves a chocolate on your pillow.

- In a restaurant, it may be that the waitress always refills your drink without you having to ask or that you didn't have to wait forever for your food.

- At the local coffee shop or diner, maybe it's that the person behind the counter remembers that you like your sandwich with mustard not mayo.

- At the local cleaners, maybe it's that they always send you a birthday card with a gift certificate for $10 of free cleaning services.
Think about it … sometime it's the minor conveniences or the little extras that a company does that really separates them from everyone else. And many times...it's those little things that keep you coming back and that get you talking.

You see, if a company "WOWs" you even with little things, you are more likely to tell other people how great they are and that they should try them out.

I got to thinking about this because of a trip I took this past weekend. I took my children to a resort in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania called The Great Wolf Lodge. Not only were my children amazed from the moment they walked in the lobby, but that feeling continued throughout our entire stay.

I have to admit, I was blown away by the conveniences provided by the Lodge. Ya see, it's mostly known for its indoor water park… So you spend a lot of time in your bathing suit (okay, okay - hold the visual there).

I'm sure you've been to a water park before where you have to keep going back to some dirty locker every time you need to get money or you have to figure out how to carry it with you without getting it soaked. Anyway, this place gave us wrist bands for the rides that doubled as credit. So, we could use the wrist band to get on rides, as our room key, and to purchase just about anything on the premises. It's a very simple concept, and probably very cheap since the park is giving out wrist bands for the rides anyway but it does create that "WOW" experience.

Obviously, the kids loved the park. But, this company did "little" things to keep it enjoyable for the parents too. For one, there was a Starbucks in the lobby … need I say more. Plus we never waited more than 5 minutes for any slide or ride, so we didn't have to listen to the kids whining and complaining all day.

The great thing about creating a "WOW" experience is that it makes people want to continue to do business with you. And it also makes you want to tell all of your friends about it. In fact, the day we got back, my daughter spent half the day calling all of her girlfriends to tell them about what a great time she had.

Keep in mind that it doesn't take much to create a "WOW" experience.

So, what can you, as a life insurance agent, do to set yourself aside from your competition and create a "WOW" experience for your clients, prospects and leads?

It can be something cheap and little, but just remember; sometimes those little things can make a world of difference between you and another life insurance agent.

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Factors to Consider in Relocating At Miami Real Estate

BusinessRelocating is required at times with the job you have. For some, relocating seems to be a problem, but the truth is you can turn it into adventure.

If you have to relocate in Miami, you need to look for home and a particular neighborhood in Miami real estate. Of course, you have to be sure with lots of things before you go to the market and seek for home. You have to consider your family in your decision in finding the right neighborhood and in finding home.

There are lots of factors to think about when relocating. If you have kids, you have to consider them, since it is not that simple for kids to adapt the fact that you have to move out and relocate somewhere that they are not familiar at.

It is best to tell them about relocating ahead of time. You have to discuss with them about relocating and buying new home, they to let them feel that they are involve in all of this.

Let them pack with you. You have to tell them the beauty that they can explore in Sarasota, the fun that they can get in the place in order for them to feel good about moving out.

In seeking for neighborhood in Sarasota real estate, you have to make sure that it is near the school, so it can be easy for your kids. You also have to consider your office. Is the home near the office, or if not is there good access to transit so you can easy go to you work any time.

In finding the right neighborhood, you have to consider security. Is that community safe enough for you and your family and are there no troubles in that specific neighborhood. This is one of the very important factors that you should look up to in finding neighborhood.

In seeking home, you have to consider that you need and afford. Of course, each has their dream home but you have to be realistic. Gather and talk about the features you need in a home, jot them all down. These features are what you will find in a home in the particular neighborhood you have chosen.

If it is your first time in Miami real estate, you can work with a realtor. A realtor can assist you in finding the home that you need. You have to give the list that you have jot down to your realtor and he/she will look for homes with these features.

Look for the right moving company that can help you in relocating to Miami real estate. This can cause you money, so you have to allocate money for getting a moving company to help you out in relocating.

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Why Do I See Aircraft Noise Level Warning Signs Around Mississauga?

If you are searching for a new home within the Mississauga area, you have probably noticed that in several neighbourhoods there are signs warning of aircraft noise. In this article, we will take a look at what these signs mean, why they have been posted, and how they might affect your life in Mississauga.

The signs are due to the fact that Mississauga’s increasing size as a city has led developers to begin neighbourhoods closer to one of the busiest airports in the country, the Lester B. Pearson Airport. This travel hub sees dozens of flights departing and arriving every hour, and as we all know, airplanes can generate a colossal amount of noise! Because of this noise, the airport, the city, and developers are required to warn the public in order that they might base their decisions with all possible information available. These signs were posted under the joint direction of both the city of Mississauga and the federal government due to the complaints of citizens regarding the fact they were not prepared for the levels of volume they encountered from the planes.

Of course, aircraft noise at high levels will mean various things to different people. Here are some considerations if you are thinking about purchasing a home in one of these areas:

People with sensitive hearing, particularly families with autistic children, may have their health directly affected by the noise generated by air traffic.

Sleep may be interrupted frequently by the noise of planes passing overhead.

Outdoor activities may be less pleasant, because conversation can be drowned out by the roar of engines and the rush of wind as it rushes back into the vacuum left by the passing plane.

On the other hand, housing in these areas tends to be much more affordable than in other parts of the city. Individuals should also keep in mind that both the city and the airport are constantly looking for ways in which to minimize the noise impact of air traffic on the communities around the airport. Noise mitigation is constantly under way, and there are avenues for registering complaints in the event of excessive noise.

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Finding Right Moving Boxes To Make Your Move Easy

When you plan to relocate your home the first thing comes in your mind would be the moving boxes, which are essential in your moving. You have to choose appropriate boxes that can make your move easy. Else there is a possibility of causing damage to your valuable possessions. You have to be well organized when placing your possessions in the moving boxes and in the way you’re packing them. It gives you an idea about the availability of space and relieves stress in your move. There is a thumb rule that each box shouldn’t weight more than 50lbs.

The professional boxes suppliers possess moving boxes according to your needs. These boxes will be strong and are conveniently designed. Many moving companies provide such moving boxes as a part of their service. Apart from these, you can also find them on various websites and stores and also with the self-service moving trucks.

Things To Consider While Buying Your Moving Boxes
There are different moving boxes available for packing different belongings that you move to your new location. Therefore, you have to choose that right moving boxes to pack them.
• Get strong moving boxes to pack your stuff. The old boxes borrowed from your friends or got from the dumpsters or any store may give up at any moment with your belongings they carry. Find the moving boxes that are much stronger and are more durable so that you can safely move your goods without any hassle.

• Estimate the number of boxes you require to pack your belongings. Analyze your household items and prepare a list, so that you can know the number of boxes and their sizes needed to pack them.

• There will be special boxes for every item like wardrobe boxes, where you can hang your clothes in order to keep them wrinkle free. Therefore, it would be easy to pack your possessions as they were like before.

• Moving boxes are available in different sizes and shapes. You have to find the boxes in the suitable sizes. Verify that your pictures, clothes, and other items are properly placed in them and ensure that they can be easily loaded into the truck.

• It would be better to purchase more small boxes than the big boxes, as they’re easy to pack and lift. Concurrently, it would be better to fill the big boxes with the fragile and insubstantial items with more care.

The above information helps you in finding the right moving boxes to make your move easy.

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Guidelines To Find An Affordable Apartment

Finding an affordable apartment requires you to be organized in spending time and implement eventual plan. There are several affordable apartments available for rent on the Internet, which is easy to find them. You just need to make some research on the Internet and select the suitable apartment. The pictures of the apartment and their prices will be provided to you, based on which you can shortlist your choices. More prominently, if they are offered at too low rents inspect the apartment thoroughly for any repairs or damages.

Guidelines To Search For An Affordable Apartment
To find an affordable apartment for rent you have to consider the following guidelines in your search.
• Thorough Research: Make a detailed research of the neighborhood where you plan to live. You can find the affordable apartments in all the localities, but it requires some thorough research.

• Plan Your Budget: The major aspect here is to consider your income and how much you can afford for your apartment. Make sure that you’re fixed to your budget plan. You shouldn’t settle for an apartment, where you’re uncomfortable with your budget. Make some additional research so that you can find the right apartment.

• Identify Where To Search: Typically there are certain areas that are much expensive than the other places. Therefore, you have to know formerly where you want to live and know the rents of the apartments in those places. You can research on Internet and perceive your apartment and its neighborhood.

• Specify on the waiting list: When you are keen to find an affordable apartment, you have to get organized to place your name on the waiting list. Because such apartments will be filled very soon and you have to be prepared to move whenever they’ll be vacant.

• Sharing your apartment: If possible, it would be ideal to share your apartment with the others, in order to minimize your apartment expenditure. There are few apartments advertised for a roommate to share their housing.

. Leasing for longtime: One of the essential aspect that you should consider is, signing a lease agreement for longtime. Most of the landlords rent their apartments at an affordable price, when you guarantee them an income for the next few months or a year. Even the landlords find it much desirable, as it is difficult to find a reliable tenant.

The above information gives you the guidelines that help in finding an affordable apartment and provides you satisfying results.

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New Opportunities Springing Up In Costa Rica Real Estate!

David Lovendahl been traveling to and from Costa Rica for the last 20 years. When David Lovendahl first heard about the real estate opportunities, David can’t say that David jumped on them right away. Instead, I did my own research then David sprang into action. It’s been a profitable move for David as the whispers of yesteryear about Costa Rica land purchase opportunities are now more like a dull roar. More and more people are discovering the opportunities and as a current investor in Costa Rica real estate, that means that David property is going to appreciate even more. For you, the dull roar means that there’s still time for you to do your own research into Costa Rica…and to buy, if you like what you learn.

David bought Costa Rica real estate a few years back in Guanacaste. That’s the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, which is extremely popular for tourists. So far, David’ve been very pleased with how my property has grown in value. However, David have noticed that there’s buzz floating among Costa Rica real estate insiders that, while the northern Pacific coast will continue to appreciate, other equally profitable real estate investment opportunities are popping up along the southern Pacific coast as well. Since David the Developing Paradise S.A. “Costa Rica Information Specialist,” David couldn’t wait to find out more about the new real estate trends in Costa Rica. So, to find out what the story behind the buzz was, David contacted a few companies involved in that area of the country. (Companies known to be “in the know” about everything dealing with the Costa Rica real estate market!) Here’s what David found out:

1. A new, state-of-the art medical facility has been built in the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

2. There are several residential developments already in the works for the region, which has sparked other real estate activity in the area as well.

3. The Costa Rican government is investing approximately $100 million dollars in Costa Rica’s southern pacific region.

4. It’s been confirmed that some of those monies will be used for road improvements in that area. In fact, one of the projects is the expansion of a major coastal highway that will ultimately connect the northern and southern Pacific coastal regions.

5. And the biggest news of all: A large chunk of the funds will be used to build Costa Rica’s third international airport.

As an avid real estate investor, all of that was music to my ears. It should be to your ears too if you’re looking for a profitable real estate investment. After all, anytime there’s improvement in an area, property values go up and the owners of property in that area make money. Big money! So, there you have it. The complete buzz on the latest developments in the Costa Rica real estate market. Be sure to look for more of my articles across the Internet and to visit my website, DevelopingParadise.com, for specialized informational pieces to learn more.

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When is Home Mortgage Refinancing Such a Great Idea?

One of the primary reasons why people explore the refinancing option is that it enables the interest reduction of an existing loan. To get right into it, suppose you have brought a home at 8% interest, home mortgage refinancing will help your lower the rate to around 5.5%. These figures are provided by way of an example and are not based on true figures. However, the point being, interest rates do go down.

Apart from its numerous advantages, the timing of home mortgage refinancing is also very important. You must know when refinancing is good for you. If you get it at the right time, you will be able to make full use of its benefits.

A Long Stay in Your Home

If you are planning to move out of your home within a short period of time, then refinancing is not that great an idea. However, if you plan to stay in your home for say 5-7 years after you refinance your home mortgage, go for this option.

This is because your stay must be long enough to recoup the refinancing costs through the savings you will make by way of the new mortgage payment plan.

The Value of Your Home has increased

Home mortgage refinancing is definitely a great idea if the market value of your home has increased appreciatively. Typically, you must choose refinancing as an option if the loan that you are thinking of taking is for less than 80% of your home’s current value.

Herein, the Loan to Value ratio comes into play as the lower the ratio, the lesser the interest rates.

An Adjustable Rate Mortgage

If you have an existing Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) then, think about refinancing as an option. For instance, your home has been financed by ARM when the interest rates were not high, but now the rates of interest are all set to increase, then a fixed rate home mortgage refinancing might just turn out to be a good idea.

Moreover, there might be a situation wherein, you had thought about moving out of your existing home in a few years, but have now decided to stay on. This is when you can think about refinancing out of an ARM and shifting to a fixed rate. A long term ARM is fraught with risks, so if you are holding on to your property, its better to go over to a fixed rate mortgage.

Cashing In on Your Home

There are times when you need cash for a variety of purposes. Apart from trying to pay off your high-interest debt, your children might be making their way to a college or you might want to refurbish your home or remodel the home. This is when refinancing will help you get cash out of the equity in your home.

These are just some of the cases when home mortgage refinancing can be a good option for home owners. You must, of course, study and analyze thoroughly before embarking upon a refinancing plan.

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Bad Credit Secured Loans – Securing both You and the Loan

Due to the increased financial uncertainty, it has become easy to fall into debt, especially with the rising cost of living. As many homeowners and renters alike go into debt, they rely on credits to help them out. This does not always work out, and often backfires. Though you may feel like you have no place to go, there is a loan to help you get out of the situation – Bad Credit Secured Loans. In order to avail bad credit secured loan, borrowers having poor credit have to put their property as collateral against the loan amount.

Specifications

Your financial status and collateral value must convince the lender that you have the calibre to pay the loan back. You need to submit income tax return, bank statements stress on credit checks you can borrow amount£ 5000 to £100000 with repayment period of 5-25 years. As the loan is secured, lenders are supposed to lend the amount at lower interest rate. Generally the rates vary from 7.9% variable APR to 19.9% variable APR.

Applying is easy

The best place to look for this loan is on the internet. However, exercise caution and compare interest rates to make sure you're getting the best advantage in repaying your debt. There are several sites online that let you get quotes for bad credit loans from several companies at once, making it more advantageous for you.

Be careful

You should make sure that you meet the payments regularly; failing to do so lenders will have the legal authority to take borrower’s property in their possession to get back their loan amount. Thus, it relieves lenders of any insecurity of losing their amount, and they lend even bad credit borrowers. As a result, borrowers get approval without much hassle.

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Know How to Prevent Getting Tricked on Your Home Loan Refinance

At least once in your life you dream of living in a comfortable home. It can be located in a city or suburb, where you can raise your family well. Yet with the increasing prices of homes today and the way income hardly changes, there will always come a time when it is going to be very difficult for you to settle your monthly home mortgage loan. Hence, before you become another victim of foreclosure, consider a home refinancing.
A home loan refinance carries a number of benefits. For one, you can have enough cash to pay off whatever pending dues you have, even including interest. Moreover, you can have the opportunity to extend your payment term, so you will be able to lower down your payments every month and save enough funds to pay off other debts. Nevertheless, there are also several traps that you need to avoid, if you do not want to consider your application for a home refinancing totally futile:

1. Do not apply for a home loan refinance in your current lending company. It is actually simple logic. Why would you consider submitting an application for a home refinancing in your old lending institution when it cannot provide you of better interest rates? At first glance, you may realize that the lender can present small interest charges than before; however, the payment term can be extended that it almost appears as if you are still paying the same amount as with your previous loan.

2. Do not go for variable rates for your home loan refinance. There are some companies that can offer you variable interest rates for your refinance. This can happen at the early part of the mortgage. The problem, however, is since it is variable it can increase tremendously, which may mean you will even be paying more interest compared to what you usually pay with your old loan.

3. Know if you will be able to really save money with the options you have for home loan refinance. It is important that you can conduct a break-even analysis before finally choosing your lender. The process is very simple. All you need to do is to divide the cost of your transaction to the savings you can get every month. This way, you will be able to know how long you will likely break even from your expenses. For example, if the cost is $1,500 and you will likely save $40 every month, then you can recuperate from the cost around 38 months. If you think you want to live at the same house within that period, then you have to refinance.

4. Avoid going for a loan with higher interest rate. When the interest rate is high, you can shorten your payment term. Nevertheless, before you say go, ensure first that you have made the right decision. One way to check is to look at the APR of your recent mortgage. The interest rate should be lower than what is being offered in your old loan.

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A Guide to Home Refinancing

You have heard of home refinancing too many times, and yet there is huge possibility that you do not know too much about it. Though this aspect is often left to the home loan lenders, it is still very important for you to at least learn the basics. Keep in mind that you may never fully trust a lender. Moreover, you need these lessons in home refinancing so you can help your home loan provider in choosing the best options for you.

Why Do You Go for Home Refinancing?

There are a number of reasons why you should go for home refinancing. You can make use of it so you can apply for a loan with much lower interest rate. The funds that you will obtain from home refinancing can be utilized to pay off your existing mortgage debts, which could have a very high interest rate and thus higher monthly payments. If this goes on in a considerable amount of time, there may come a moment when you can hardly cope with the payments and hence go on default. As you know, any missed payment can tarnish your credit report. Before it gets worse, use home loan refinance to close it and just look for another loan for your home.


On the other hand, you can employ refinancing for your home so you can lower down your expenses ever month. This is because with this new loan, you can reduce your interest rates as well as lengthen the payment terms for your loan. Furthermore, refinancing a home is ideal if you want to shift from a mortgage with variable interest rates to one with a fixed rate.

With fixed-rate home loan, the interest rate does not change all throughout the duration of your loan. It is considerably higher than variable interest rates, but it remains unaffected with the changes in the economy, such as Fed rates. Meanwhile, variable interest rates will be able to guarantee you very small interest rate; however, this can only be good at the first few years of your loan. It will usually increase significantly, which will then also increase your payments for your home loan every month.

Stop the Wishful Thinking

Perhaps you are thinking that refinancing a home can solve all your financial woes. This is not completely true. As a matter of fact, you cannot really look forward to such high cut-down on your interest rates. Nevertheless, as a home owner who may be facing other forms of loans and payments, a small reduction in the interest rate can already go a long way, more so when you are going to calculate how much you will likely save on your refinancing over the life of your loan. You can also make use of your savings for other important and immediate expenses.

If you are considering refinancing, you can begin by getting quotes from various lenders. They can provide you of interest rates that are suitable to your current needs.

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Stock Market Strategies Decisions

Initiate Trade

The trading strategy begins with leading off by placing a position in anticipation that the possible Head & Shoulders Bottom will be activated. This is a vertical bull call spread. Lower strike calls are purchased and higher strike calls are sold. An approximate upside measuring objective can be obtained at this time. This would imply placing a vertical bull call spread with the highest strike at the measuring objective. It is suggested, however, that the closest out-of the-money calls be purchased and the calls one strike higher be sold. This is for liquidity considerations in anticipation of follow-up action when the neckline is penetrated.

The next lower level in the decision tree shows the two most distinct price moves that could occur a rally or a sell off. The market also could move sideways or experience myriad other price gyrations.

Valid Breakout

A close above the neckline on a noticeable increase in volume officially activates the H&S Bottom, This allows the technician to construct the specific upside measuring objective. It is also the time to make any trading strategy more directionally aggressive. For a vertical bull call spread, one-half of the losing leg should be liquidated. This means buying back covering one half of the higher strike calls that were sold short.

It is of almost importance for any trader to have a defined risk parameter. For classical bar chartists, this is usually straightforward. Assuming there was no possible second left shoulder on the chart, the technician would not expect the low of the right shoulder to be taken out. Thus, the bullish outlook would not seriously deteriorate unless a sell off to below the right shoulder occurred. Stop-loss orders in the options themselves are not usually recommended. A mental stop in the underlying instrument is the preferred approach. This means, of course, that a trader must possess the discipline to exit from a losing options position if the technical aspects of the underlying instrument begin breaking down.

Failure

Any Head & Shoulders formation is destroyed when the extreme of the head is violated, even intra day. Any bull strategy must be abandoned. The entire vertical bull spread should be liquidated.

Making a new price low affirms that the direction of the major trend remains downward. It does not automatically create a specific downside measuring objective. Therefore, it is never advisable to liquidate the long calls and stay with the short calls of the vertical spread. The position would turn into one of unlimited risk. It is far better to exit from a losing position and look for another more clear-cut technical situation.

Objective Met

When any classical bar charting measuring objective is met, it is prudent to realize at least some profits. In the case of the Head & Shoulders formation, profits on one-quarter to one-half of the position should be taken. Why only 25 percent? An H&S measuring objective is a minimum target. Although no specific maximum objective can be calculated, quotes often move far beyond the minimum objective. A trader should try to follow the old adage of cutting losses and letting profits run. This is what is being done in removing only a portion of the winning trade. The decision to exit from the remaining open positions should be based on usual support/resistance and volume/open interest considerations.

Fullback

In the long run, the most optimal path through the decision tree would flow. A price sell-off on declining volume back to the neckline would prompt removal of any remaining bearish positions. All short calls should be covered. The resulting position is simply long call options. Note that this is the technical situation in the options strategy matrix that results in the long call strategy.

Objective Met

A trader should begin to take partial profits when an objective is achieved. Removing 25 to 50 percent of all bullish positions is suggested. But this is, as economists are wont to say, all other things beingequal. This is not usually the case. For example, if the underlying instrument is a futures contract, open interest changes become important. In a futures contract, open interest declining as a price target is being achieved is a warning signal. The percentage of profitable positions removed would move up to 75 percent.

In general, protective mental sell-stops in the underlying instrument would follow the market up moving in fits and starts depending upon where support formed on the chart.

Symmetry Destroyed

If quotes move below the right shoulder low, the symmetry of the Head & Shoulders Bottom is destroyed. This does not automatically invalidate the pattern. The pattern is destroyed if the low of the head is taken out. But a trader must begin to mitigate the loss of the long call position. Removing approximately one-half of the long calls would accomplish this.

Another Chance

Since the Head & Shoulders Bottom remains valid, the original upside measuring objective is intact. A bullish stance should be held unless the low of this second pullback is taken out. The decision to add to bull positions is tricky. A close above the neckline once again would certainly revive the bullish look of the chart. Aggressive traders can then look to increase a bullish bias possibly with outright longs in the underlying instrument rather than long calls.

Pattern Destroyed

The worst path through the decision tree culminates, the H&S pattern has failed. Although the H&S formation is usually highly reliable, it does fail in up to 20 percent of the cases. If enough premium is remaining in the long call options, they can be liquidated. If so little premium remains, they can be held rather than paying commissions. May be the trader will get lucky and a price rally will occur. But a trader who uses the words luck or hope is in a terrible situation.

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The securities market is nothing but speculation

A lot of folks will be transformed into angry and annoyed intellectual after reading the topic of my article. And they will have to be placed over some liquid refreshments to bring their temper down. But that's alright as this whole routine is something we have been exercising for many years now.

Dictionary meaning of Speculation is 'engagement in business transactions involving considerable risk but offering the chance of large gains, esp. trading in commodities, stocks, etc., in the hope of profit from changes in the market price.'

In my view, Speculation is a state of mind. The only difference between an investment and speculation is not what an investor does but to what he wants and what his level of knowledge is. For example, Someone tells you that X stock is going to go up and you just go ahead and buy it without any further research. By comparison, someone else could know everything about X, it's prospects, the industry, it's peers and come to the conclusion that it's a good buy. Clearly, the very same action, depending on how much an investor knows, could be intensely speculative or could be a carefully considered investment.
A carefully taken decision not only reduces the risk of loss but it also gives you a confidence to hold on to your stock if there is a fall in the overall market. There is nothing wrong in checking the calls of various financial advisors on TV or in some Stock Market Tips Website but you must do your own research and check all the important details of company, its competitors, valuations, future prospects et cetera.

Are you, in this sense, a speculator? Here are a few checkpoints. The more of these you answer yes to, the closer you are to being a speculator:

a) You never try to balance risk between different investments.

b) You buy stocks of companies without a clear idea of how their businesses work.

c) You choose which new issues to invest in based on the ads of those new issues.

d) You buy stocks because they've gone up.

e) You sell stocks because they've gone down.

f) You think a stock with a lower price is cheaper than one with a higher price.

g) You think the previous checkpoint is a mistake.

h) You answered yes to most of these checkpoints and yet you are sure you are an investor and not a speculator.

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When Stock Make New Highs Or Lows

When a stock advances or declines into new territory or to prices which it has not reached for months or years, it shows that the force or driving power is working in that direction. It is the same principle as any other force which has been restrained and breaks out. Water may be held back by a dam, but if it breaks through the dam, you would know that it would continue downward until it reached another dam, or some obstruction or resistance which would stop it. Therefore, it is very important to watch old levels of stocks. The longer the time that elapses between the breaking into new territory, the greater the move you can expect, because the accumulative energy Page 11 of 24 Purna Kiran over a long period naturally will produce a larger movement than if it only accumulated during a short period of time
BUYING OR SELLING AFTER A STOCK SHOWS CHANGE IN TREND

After accumulation or distribution takes place, a stock moves into new territory, either high or low, showing that the stock has been absorbed or distributed and that a new move is starting. The big profits are made in the runs between accumulation and distribution. Therefore, you make more money by waiting until a stock plainly declares its trend than by getting in before it starts. It is just like a race. It often takes fifteen or twenty minutes to get the horses away from the post, but once �they�re off� the race is over in two minutes. It is the getting ready that takes the time, the run is soon made, once the firing line is crossed. What difference does it make whether you buy a stock 10, 20 or 30 points above the bottom so long as you make profits? The same with selling short. It makes no difference how much the price is down from the top. Wen it breaks out of the distributing zone, it is a safe short sale and you will make quick profits. Get the idea of prices out of your head. Forget about the bottoms and tops; trade to make profits, not to try and catch the bottom or top eighth. The insiders do not do it, and you can not hope to do better than the man who makes the market.

HOW TO WATCH INVESTMENTS

A lot of people handle their investments the same as they do their health. They never consult a doctor until they are seriously ill; then it may be too late, or the expense will be ten times greater than if they had consulted a doctor and protected themselves against future ailments. No matter if you hold gilt-edge bonds or preferred stocks as an investment, they should be looked over by an expert at least once a year to see if there are any symptoms of weakness developing in the list. Investments should be sold out on the first sign of a change in conditions, and you should not wait until everybody is selling and you are forced to sell on a liquidating market. Very few people are willing to pay even $25 a year to have their investments looked over, and receive real expert scientific advice, but after they have losses of thousands of dollars, and it is too late for expert advice to help them much, then they are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for helpful information. It is the old, old story of locking the stable door after the horse is stolen.

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Forex Profits by buying and selling at the same time?

This article is one of a series which looks at the advantages and weaknesses of trading using the hedged, grid trading system to trade volatile markets.

We will look at how money can be made by breaking a number of trading truths or principles; * cut your losses and let your profit run and * there is nothing to gained by entering into buy and sell deals at the same time.

The hedged grid trading system uses the principle that one should be able to cash in at a gain no matter which way the market moves. No stops are therefore required at all. The only way this is logically possible is that one would have a buy and sell active at the same time. Most traders will say that that is trading suicide but let’s take some to look at this more closely.

Let’s say that a trader enters the market with a buy and sell active when a currency is at a level of say 100. The price then moves to 200. The buy will then be positive by 100 and the sell will be negative by 100. At this point we start breaking trading rules. We cash in our positive buy and the gain of 100 goes to our account. The sell is now carrying a loss of -100.

The grid system requires one to make sure that cash in on any movement in the market. To do this one would again enter into a buy and a sell transaction. Now, for convenience, let’s assume that the price moves back to level 100.

The second sell has now gone positive by 100 and the second buy is carrying a loss of -100. According to the rules one would cash the sell in and another 100 will be added to your account. That brings the total cashed in at this point to 200.

Now the first sell that remained active has moved from level 200 where it was -100 to level 100 where it is now breaking even.

The 4 transactions added together now magically show a gain:- 1st buy cashed in +100, 2nd sell cashed in +100, 1st sell now breaking even and the 2nd buy is -100. This gives an overall a gain of 100 in total. We can liquidate all the transactions and have some champagne.

There are many, many other market movements that turn this strange “buy and sell at the same time” activity into gains. These will be covered in future articles and are covered in a free grid trading course which is available at the expert-4x.com website for those traders whose curiosity has been aroused.

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Trade Lines Increase Credit Scores 200 points in 15-30 Days

You can increase your credit score by 200 points and more by simply buying good credit. You may wonder how it’s possible and even argue that it’s unethical, but individuals and businesses have been doing it for over 30 years and it’s perfectly legal!

If you need a quick boost in your credit score for a home loan, auto loan or any other loan for that matter, it is definitely worth it to invest in purchasing seasoned primary accounts. You need to make sure they are primary accounts and not just authorized user accounts. According to the new fico ‘08 law, authorized user accounts are no longer being considered in factoring credit scores like they were previously. A seasoned primary account is one that is 2 years old or older and has excellent credit history. The great thing about this practice is that it saves someone who has bad credit hundreds of thousands of dollars in loan payments and allows them to get a loan they may not have been able to get.

The concept is really quite simple. You pay to use an account that has already established excellent credit history on the account. You are put on the account as a joint account user just before the account is closed. The previous account holder is transferred off the account and you become the primary account holder and inherits all of the excellent payment history. It then shows up on your credit report, usually within 15-30days. This is legal because federal law permits adding users to your accounts and does not prohibit the rental or sale of user designations. Mortgage brokers, lawyers and real estate agents have been using this practice for years to get their clients better rates and lower payments.

The amount of trade lines you purchase will determine the approximate increase in your credit score. Usually buying one trade line will increase your score 40-45 points. If you need a bigger increase you can just purchase more accounts. There are companies that offer up to 5 accounts that you can purchase which will give you an approximate increase of 200-225 points in your fico score. This is great for someone who has a credit score that is in the 500's and needs to quickly get to that almighty 720 to get the best interest rates.

Of course this service does not come cheap when your talking about up front costs. The going price for one primary account is around $1500. It may seem expensive but is well worth the price since boosting your score by even 40 points can make the difference of getting a loan at all and paying hundreds of thousands of dollars less in loan payments.

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Getting Your First Credit Card

Getting your first credit card is a major stepping stone to financial independence. It's nice to be able to cover surprise expenses or emergencies without having to borrow money from relatives. You will have the freedom to make purchases based on an anticipated paycheck. Even if you're smart enough to only buy things when you have the cash, it's important to establish your credit history now. After showing a history of responsible credit card use, you can qualify for better
credit cards that offer better rates, perks, and rewards. One day in the future you may want to own a home, or buy a nicer car. Using your credit card responsibly will improve your credit history, so that you can eventually qualify for the best terms possible on home mortgages or car loans.

A credit card will allow you to make hotel reservations, rent a car, and make purchases online or by phone. A credit card offers the convenience of pay-at-the-pump at gas stations. You can go out for dinner or a day of shopping without needing to make sure you have enough cash on hand. A credit card is a wonderfully convenient way to pay at nearly any merchant, as long as you are in control of your credit card use.


If used properly, your first credit card can help you build your credit, keep track of your spending, and develop a budget. It's amazing how we lose track of spending when we pay for everything in cash everyday; when you see it all in black and white on a monthly credit card statement, you may gain some insight on where your money really goes. When you use your credit card, be sure that you are only using it for the convenience of replacing cash that you already have in the bank, or will have by the time the credit card bill arrives. It's very important to develop good credit habits now; if you can use one credit card responsibly, you'll be more likely to be in control of your finances when your credit is better established and you have more credit cards at your disposal.

If used carelessly, a credit card can be the first bad habit that will lead to a mountain of debt. The problem many people have with credit cards is that they spend without making sure they are able to pay their balance in full each month. They figure they'll pay it off later, since the minimum monthly payment is so low. What these people aren't thinking about is that they will grow accustomed to the overspending that a credit card allows, and it's a habit that's hard to break once you've become used to it. They look at a credit limit as extra money, instead of the debt that it really is. Interest charges accumulate if the debt isn't paid off every month, and a credit card can quickly become a major expense rather than a valuable money management tool.

If you are in the market for your first credit card, then you probably don't have an established credit history. You will be more limited in your choices of credit cards, but many card issuers offer credit cards for people with limited or poor credit. Since you have not yet had the opportunity to prove your credit-worthiness, it is a simple fact that you will not be offered the best rates and deals that are reserved for people with a proven credit record. Most credit cards for people with limited credit histories do not offer rewards of any kind. You'll most likely be required to pay an annual fee, and the interest rate is probably going to be on the high side.

Secured credit cards are a popular way for people to establish or rebuild their credit. You are basically paying a security deposit, so that in case the debt is not repaid, the card issuer will get their money back. This really isn't as bad as it sounds. Your money will most likely be put into an interest earning account, like a CD, and is just another place you can keep some savings. After you've proven yourself with the credit card issuer, maybe after a year or so of responsible credit card use, they will allow you to withdraw your deposit. Or, you could just leave it there to accumulate interest, and consider it your emergency savings.

Be sure that if you go with a secured card, that the issuer will be willing to upgrade it to an unsecured card once you prove yourself to their standards. Be wary of "banks" you've never heard of; I suggest going with a nationally known bank that offers credit cards to people of various credit histories. Then you'll probably be able to upgrade to a better card while keeping the same account number, which is better for your credit score. The security deposit and an annual fee are pretty standard and are to be expected, but don't apply with a credit card issuer who wants to charge you application fees, monthly service fees, or other fees just to open your account.

If you have a good business relationship with a local bank or credit union, they may be more likely to give you an unsecured credit card than an issuer that you have no relationship with. You may be able to get a credit card if you have had a checking account with them for some time and have never bounced any checks. They may qualify you for a credit card if you've had an auto loan and made your payments on time, even if there was a co-signer on the loan. They will probably start you off with a pretty low limit, but it will still help you build your credit history.

If you're in college, you have quite a few choices in credit cards for students. Student credit card issuers are usually more flexible with the applicants, since they understand that most students are young people with limited credit histories and limited income. They know that you are probably still financially dependent on your parents, which means that Mom or Dad will be likely to help out with the bill if needed. They also know that it's easier to mold a young mind, so if they issue you your first credit card, you'll most likely be their customer for years to come. If you are qualified to apply for a student credit card, take advantage of it while you can. It's usually easier for a student to get a credit card than a young, independent adult who pays his own bills on limited income.

Be sure to read and understand all the terms and conditions of the credit card offer before you apply; unscrupulous credit card issuers often target people with limited or poor credit. There are fees that are necessary and common; late fees, over-limit fees, cash advance fees, bounced check fees are a few of the ways that credit card issuers can recoup the cost of maintaining an account that costs them more or isn't paid as agreed. They're in business; if they didn't charge those fees, everybody would pay late and the credit card business would be in trouble. Some fees are required so they can continue to give their best deals to people who have proven themselves with an excellent credit history. Some fees take advantage of people who are trying to establish their credit, one little mistake and you could be hit with fee after fee. Be aware of any and all fees that could be assessed before you use your card.

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Identity theft protection & prevention for students

The 18 to 29 age group has the fastest growing rate of identity theft of any age range. Identity theft is the fastest growing type of fraud, making identity theft prevention suddenly seem a lot more important.
It's not exactly hard to figure out why- in today's digitalized society it has become commonplace to post personal information in public forums, such as online. This is especially common on websites such as MySpace or Facebook. People leave details such as their full name, birthday, phone numbers as well as other facts about their lives. From there, it's pretty easy for a thief to amass this information and use it to steal their identity. Unless you want your life and your finances ruined, at least temporarily, it's important to engage in identity theft protection.
Students (and their parents) must make an effort to protect their identities. Forewarned is forearmed, and in this case it's what you don't know that can hurt you. Think you know how to protect yourself? Compare your personal identity theft prevention techniques against these dos and don'ts.
DO keep a close eye on all financial statements and inquire about anything unexpected, such as a spike in interest rate.

DON'T wait for the next month's statement if you didn't get a bill you expected- contact the institution immediately.

DO be watchful of people around you when using your credit cards- thieves can memorize and use the numbers.

DON'T use an ATM if anybody is lurking nearby.

DO delete all personal info and passwords on a shared computer.

DON'T throw out any personal documents without shredding them first.

DO make sure that all correspondence has your correct address and name on it.

DON'T leave your computer unprotected (virus and firewall) at any time.

DO monitor your credit reports and dispute all inaccuracies using only certified mail.

DON'T carry your social security number, passwords or PIN numbers with you.

DO remember that anything you post on the Internet is available for public viewing- prospective employers included.

DON'T fall for a phishing scam. Never give away personal info to someone who you do not know for a fact to be a legitimate representative of a reputable company.

DO change your passwords often.

DON'T use your kids', pets' or spouse's name for a password.
Likewise, avoid hobbies and hometowns as these are pretty easy for thieves to guess.
How did you do? It's important to remember that even if you take all the right steps, you are never completely safe. That is why it is so important to actually look at your credit report. A simple reporting error can cause your interest rates to rise. A surprising 1 in 4 credit reports have errors, so be on the lookout.
Getting your annual credit reports is free and easy! Just call this toll free automated number: 877-322-8228.

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American Express Cash Back Credit Cards

If you have good or excellent credit and are in the market for cash back credit cards, you will certainly want to take a close look at American Express cash back credit cards rewards. American Express offers a wide variety of credit cards with slightly different APRs, rewards offered, and fees, so you will want to compare cash back credit cards from American Express to see which ones will best provide you with the top-quality rewards you prefer and for which the company is known.

American Express cash back credit cards rewards include an unlimited number of cash rewards back to you when you select the Blue Cash From American Express card. You can receive up to five percent cash back on select purchases, and if you need to you can have revolving credit on this card, allowing you to carry over a balance from month to month. This card also offers a long introductory grace period of zero percent APR, which then switches to a variable APR after the grace period comes to an end. There are no annual fees for the Blue Cash card.

Certain American Express cash back credit cards rewards will appeal to those who travel frequently by air. The Blue Sky from American Express credit card, for each dollar you spend using the card, will give you one point. These points add up to superior savings on airline tickets, hotels, cruises or rental cars. Another credit card offered by American Express that will even offer you double miles is called the Gold Delta SkyMiles card. Just make your first buy with the card, and you will receive thousands of bonus miles. Eligible purchases at frequently shopped establishments such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and gasoline stations can earn you double miles.

American Express cash back credit cards rewards will also be awarded based on a favorite city where you would like to use the points you earn. If you would like to redeem your points in the cities of Los Angeles, Chicago or New York, you might select the IN:LA Credit Card from American Express. Although you can use the card outside of the city and you will still earn points, you must use the points in one of the preferred cities named on the card. This might be a good option if you are planning a vacation to any of the selected cities, because your eligible purchases from outside the city will count toward points, which you could then redeem in your vacation city.

When you compare cash back credit cards, do not neglect examining the many benefits that come to the traveler who uses American Express cash back credit cards rewards. To decide which cash back credit cards are right for you, consider the types of purchases you make, the APR being offered, any fees that may apply, and the specific benefits that you can earn.

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A policy of Madness?

Insurance: the only bet you don't want to win. Do you want your house to burn down? No. And yet you make a bet with some company that it will. You bet that you'll lose your mobile phone. You bet that you'll need legal representation. You bet that you'll get injured or ill. You bet that someone will steal everything you own. You bet that all manner of terrible things will befall you and your loved ones. Many people even bet that they'll die. Talk about wishing ill on yourself.

You have to wonder about such behaviour - it's hardly looking on the bright side of life, is it? If you went to a psychiatrist and listed as fears even half of the things covered by the panoply of policy documents we all seem to have these days, before you'd have even stopped talking you'd have a prescription for enough anti-anxiety medication to calm an ocean. Never mind what you'd be given for depression, paranoia, morbid pessimism.

So, are we all neurotic?

No. Of course not. A few of us are psychotic. And the rest of us, we're busy betting that the crazy psychotics will most likely do us harm, at odds that only a madman would think are favourable. What a wonderful world.

I exaggerate, of course. Not all of us are paying hundreds and thousands of pounds to glorified bookmakers, in an effort to assuage our morbid fears: some of us try to opt out of the madness. Either by attempting to become the modern equivalents of the barrel-dwelling Cynics of Ancient Greece, no more possessions than you can carry on your back; or, conversely, by, erm, well, just hoping for the best really. Of course, both of those options will get you stared at like you should be committed. Or at best, like you're wilfully naïve.

You can't win.

Which, not un-coincidentally, is the gist of all that small print that you always start to read, shortly before losing the will to live and just shoving the latest wretched document into the overstuffed file with the rest of them.

Anyway, here's the worst thing: not only does the government not take a good long look at this rampant insanity and do something about it, it positively encourages it. Got a car, it says. Better have some insurance then. Wouldn't want anything to happen, would we? When it comes to car insurance the government's basically the big bald bloke who comes around to enforce someone else's protection racket.

Not that we should expect sound reason, I suppose, from a government that takes a good long look at Northern Rock and decides that to prevent some people losing money it'll pump billions of pounds of everyone's money into it. Oh, and if that doesn't work, they'll nationalise it! With more of our money. Great plan. Well, at least they seem to have remembered they're Socialists. And it only took them 14 years.

Oh yes, and how could we forget National Insurance - state enforced madness, permanently escapable only through death, incapacity, or old age.

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Car insurance over a telephone or the web?

I don't like computers - another great waste of time as far as I'm concerned, though I am forced to use one a couple of hours a week for work - but spotting my wife's laptop on the kitchen, I figured I could at least go online and try out one of those sites where they do all the searching around for the best quotes.

But how much money was I actually going to save? I could have given in and simply renewed with my existing insurer, regardless of the fact that they'd seem to have ignored my five years of no claims and spotless driving record and lovingly given me practically the same price as last year.

Sorting out car insurance was not the best, most interesting way to use up a morning off work, so I allowed my dislike of computers to be overridden by a sheer necessity to alleviate this increasing boredom and disinterest.

The clock was ticking and there were a range of more appealing jobs to do around the house, like mending the fence, oiling that squeaky living room door, or even chucking the dog's blanket in the wash.

I looked at the computer again. Feeling my arm still aching from cradling the phone while struggling around with my driving documents and scribbling numbers and names down on scraps of paper I knew I was going to have to make a rational decision over my now apparent irrational dislike of modern technology.

So I made a cup of tea. Then refreshed, and with a combination of mock enthusiasm and a desire to get on with the rest of the morning, I turned on the computer and found a web site that, without me barely realising, had found me a pretty good deal on car insurance.

And I saved some money. So much in fact that for spending 10 minutes online filling out a simple and easy to use form, it was worth more to renew my car insurance this way than it was to have gone into work and earn money!

Of course, I put the laptop back in exactly the same place as my wife had left it. I'm always telling her they're a waste of time, though maybe know I'll have to admit that for some things, they're pretty useful. Though of course, I'd rather wash the dog any day of the week.

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Getting The Lowest Car Insurance Quote

Finding the lowest car insurance quote is something that most people do not take the time to do. I have a hard time understanding this, because many of these people are the same ones who will drive all the way across town to save a penny a gallon for gas or will buy 15 cases of mustard because they save 50 cents. But while they are saving nickels and dimes, the dollars are racing out the door because they are not paying attention to their car insurance.

I have no beef with bargain hunters and commend them for their perseverance. But at the same time, it only makes good common sense that if you are going to get the best prices on things, be sure to include a big ticket item such as your auto insurance. Sure it takes more effort to understand what you are comparing, but at the end of the day it makes a huge amount of financial sense.

If you are like most people, you simply renew your auto insurance every year without getting a new quote, even from the same company. It's the easiest way to do it, but remember that easy is not the same as cost effective. Car insurance rates are changing all the time, and if you don't spend the time to comparison shop, chances are better than excellent that you are paying more than you need to.

I am not saying that your current car insurance company is ripping you off. The truth of the matter is that they might be offering you the best deal available for your particular driving habits and situation. But the keyword here is "might", and if you don't do any comparison shopping, you'll never know that, will you?

One classic example is one of the most costly coverages you can have on your car, which is collision insurance. When your car was new, your finance company required you to carry collision insurance. But if your car is paid off, did you know that you can legally DROP the collision coverage? Or if your collision deductible is $100, you are paying about three to four times more for it compared to having a collision deductible set at $1000.

What are your coverage limits? As an example, looking at the personal liability coverage that almost all states require you to have, if the policy limit is set at $25,000 that is barely going to cover anything in today's lawsuit-happy world and you are really not protecting yourself with that level of coverage limit. A more reasonable limit that would truly protect you would be something like $250,000. Yes it will cost more, but there is no sense in paying for something that is going to provide inadequate protection if you need to file a claim.

Get car insurance quotes from various companies to compare rates and programs, and make sure you are comparing apples to apples in terms of deductibles and coverage limits. You are also encouraged to get an online car insurance quote to see what can be offered there. Frequently these companies can offer extremely aggressive rates, and you might be pleasantly surprised to find out how much you can save. There is no cost to get an online quote, but you cannot really compare quotes if you don't get one.

Do your comparison shopping, just as you would for any other major purchase, to make sure you are getting the most value for the money you are spending. Don't merely renew your existing policy every year just because it is easy.

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Car insurance over a telephone or the web?

I don't like computers - another great waste of time as far as I'm concerned, though I am forced to use one a couple of hours a week for work - but spotting my wife's laptop on the kitchen, I figured I could at least go online and try out one of those sites where they do all the searching around for the best quotes.

But how much money was I actually going to save? I could have given in and simply renewed with my existing insurer, regardless of the fact that they'd seem to have ignored my five years of no claims and spotless driving record and lovingly given me practically the same price as last year.

Sorting out car insurance was not the best, most interesting way to use up a morning off work, so I allowed my dislike of computers to be overridden by a sheer necessity to alleviate this increasing boredom and disinterest.

The clock was ticking and there were a range of more appealing jobs to do around the house, like mending the fence, oiling that squeaky living room door, or even chucking the dog's blanket in the wash.

I looked at the computer again. Feeling my arm still aching from cradling the phone while struggling around with my driving documents and scribbling numbers and names down on scraps of paper I knew I was going to have to make a rational decision over my now apparent irrational dislike of modern technology.

So I made a cup of tea. Then refreshed, and with a combination of mock enthusiasm and a desire to get on with the rest of the morning, I turned on the computer and found a web site that, without me barely realising, had found me a pretty good deal on car insurance.

And I saved some money. So much in fact that for spending 10 minutes online filling out a simple and easy to use form, it was worth more to renew my car insurance this way than it was to have gone into work and earn money!

Of course, I put the laptop back in exactly the same place as my wife had left it. I'm always telling her they're a waste of time, though maybe know I'll have to admit that for some things, they're pretty useful. Though of course, I'd rather wash the dog any day of the week.

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CCJ Problem Mortgage Loan

Having a CCJ (County Court Judgment) may give you a problem when searching for a mortgage loan. High street traditional mortgage lenders are averse to any kind of risk, and people with bad credit history rarely fit the client profile they are looking for. If you are one of the many uk people with a blemish on their credit recode don’t despair, there are now many specialist lenders who are happy to lend to people with a CCJ problem. The CCJ problem mortgage loan market is expanding as the number of people struggling with debts is on the increase. Current estimates show that in England and Wales over a million CCJs are issued each year.

CCJ Problem Mortgage Explained

If you have CCJs standard residential mortgage products may not be available to you. The CCJ problem mortgage was created specifically to assist people in your position to obtain a mortgage and allow you to get onto the property ladder. Interest rates for CCJ mortgages may be higher than normal mortgages, and there are likely to be a few restrictions such as a period of time before you can refinance, repay the loan in full or make overpayments to clear the loan quicker. However, there are many new products and schemes available on the market and you should be able to find one that fits your individual circumstances.


How To Get CCJ Mortgage Advice

CCJ mortgage products are more complex that standard run of the mill schemes, so it is essential that you do your homework in researching products and rates that may suit your needs. Once you have an understanding of the possible options available you should talk to an independent expert before you make any decisions. It will be of great benefit if you have a professional with experience in CCJ mortgage finance handling your application and advising you on the most suitable products. For this reason, it’s a good idea to talk to a mortgage broker. These days mortgage brokers are regulated by the Financial Services Authority, which controls the type of advice and information that should be provided to clients. All mortgage brokers are required to offer complete transparency in all aspects ensuring that you understand all the advice you have been given, and to provide you with written illustrations of how each product they recommend will work for you. When choosing a mortgage broker, check that they are indeed regulated by the FSA, and then question their experience in dealing with the CCJ mortgage market. Not all brokers will have experience in the CCJ mortgage market, and it’s very important that you get advice from an adviser who knows the products available and has a relationship with the lenders. Get this right and they will be able to recommend the best products for you and be in a position to speak directly to their contacts at the lenders if there are any problems with your application.

Is It Difficult To Get A CCJ Mortgage?

Regardless of how much debt you have, with the number of lenders available all competing for business you should be able to get a mortgage. Utilizing the services of a professional mortgage broker will help you to get the mortgage that suits you best. Once you have sourced the right mortgage scheme for you and submitted an application, it should be fairly straightforward to gain approval. An added benefit of securing a mortgage and making regular repayments is that this may well help to improve your overall credit rating.

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CCJs Mortgage - Finding the Best Deals for a CCJs Mortgage Problem

The term CCJs mortgage has become a common one in recent years as lending becomes more diverse and sophisticated. These days it’s easy to get a CCJs mortgage; they are advertised on the television, in newspapers and online. But, while it might be easy to secure this type of borrowing, consumers need to be especially careful about the deal they end up with; after all, once you start paying for a CCJs mortgage, it’s too late to understand the potential pitfalls like steep interest rates and unforgiving mortgage tie-ins. That’s why seeking advice from an independent broker that specialises in loans like a CCJs mortgage – such as The Mortgage Broker Limited (TMBL) – should be your first port of call.

What is a CCJ?
The ‘CCJs’ part of a CCJs mortgage is an acronym for County Court Judgment. This is what happens when a creditor takes you to court in order to retrieve the money you owe. This could be from any credit agreement, from a mobile phone to a credit card. The CCJ will then sit on your credit file which is held, but not determined, by a credit reference agency such as Equifax, for a period of six years. This is the case even if you have repaid the debt – or ‘satisfied’ the CCJ.

How do I end up with a CCJs mortgage?
Standard mortgages do not allow borrowers to have CCJs on their credit files as they are deemed to be higher risk, but a CCJs mortgage will lend regardless. Unsurprisingly, you will pay for this privilege. In fact, depending on your particular circumstances, a CCJs mortgage can be double the cost of a standard deal. What’s more, as the borrower poses a higher risk in the eyes of the lender, a CCJs mortgage usually requires a larger deposit too. But perhaps one of the main downsides to a CCJs mortgage is that it can come with some hefty upfront fees and restrictive tie-ins.

Is a CCJ mortgage always a bad deal?
That said if you just have one or even two CCJs that do not amount to a lot of debt, a CCJs mortgage can be almost identical to a standard deal. And if your CCJ has been satisfied for some time, or perhaps occurred through no fault of your own, even some mainstream lenders will consider your application.

If I have to apply for a CJs mortgage, is it always my fault?
It is often the case that the only option left to consumers is a CCJs mortgage – but through no fault of their own. Life changing circumstances such as a divorce, illness in the family or the collapse of a business can often result in non-payment of debt and a CCJ can occur. And in some cases, such as an oversight, administrational error or change of address, borrowers are not even aware they have a CCJ and need to apply for a CCJs mortgage.

How can I get rid of a CCJs mortgage?
You will not have to stick with a CCJs mortgage for ever. Having demonstrated that you can repay the loan successfully for a period of up to three years, you will then be eligible for a cheaper mainstream deal that is accessible from the high street. That’s why borrowers should be very wary of a CCJs mortgage that comes with tie-ins of more than three years.

This and other numerous pitfalls of a CCJs mortgage are much better navigated with the helping hand of a mortgage broker like TMBL. After all, it could be that you won’t need a CCJs mortgage at all.

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Debt Consolidation Mortgage - Will it be Your Friend or Foe?

Only a few years ago, the prospect of a debt consolidation mortgage was often hailed as the way forward. And it’s clear to see why. Homeowners were getting in to increasing unsecured debt – in 2007, all debt in the UK (around £135tr) exceeded GDP for the first time (around £133tr) – while interest rates were temptingly low. In October 2003 for example, the base rate stood at just 3.5 per cent. As a result, many homeowners were persuaded to borrow more of this cheap money against their homes – which of course were rocketing in value – and pay off more expensive unsecured debt like credit cards. This became known as a debt consolidation mortgage.

How does a debt consolidation mortgage work?
But, really a debt consolidation mortgage is just another name for a remortgage or a further advance. The reference to ‘debt consolidation’ is simply what the homeowner does with the money released. A remortgage means when you switch lenders and increase your borrowing in the process, whereas a further advance means sticking with the same lender and deal but borrowing more against your property. Either of these types of further borrowing is widely referred to as a debt consolidation mortgage.

What are the pros of a debt consolidation mortgage?
A debt consolidation mortgage is very useful in terms of the fact it keeps all of your borrowing in one place. This means there are fewer Direct Debits to organise or fewer repayments to miss as, clearly, you have fewer creditors. Another bonus of a debt consolidation mortgage is that, while mortgages rates are not as low as they once were, they are still a lot cheaper than the rates payable on credit cards, store cards, overdrafts and personal loans. This means that your debt consolidation mortgage will leave you safe in the knowledge you will not be paying eye-watering rates of up to 30 per cent APR on any borrowing.

What are the cons of a debt consolidation mortgage?
However, equally there are some downsides to a debt consolidation mortgage. The first one is that the one new loan you have secured against your home, is payable over a longer period than the five-year term of a personal loan for example, meaning that what you save in the rate of interest, you may pay anyway in the length of time the debt consolidation mortgage runs for.

The other downside to a debt consolidation mortgage is that, when you are upping the loan secured against your home, it relies on the fact that house prices are going to go up, as they have done over the last 10 years by 197 per cent, according to Halifax figures. But these days are over. Both house price indices from Halifax and Nationwide building society are predicting that house prices will stall at 0 per cent by this time next year (January 2009). So you could find your debt consolidation mortgage has upped your mortgage to a greater chunk of your home’s value than you originally thought.

A debt consolidation mortgage is worse news still if house prices fall as it could put you in negative equity faster than the natural decline of house prices would have done. Being in negative equity will often prevent you from moving home as your mortgage – alongside your debt consolidation mortgage – is now larger than the value of the house.

Seeking help from an experienced broker like TMBL is therefore always a good place to start before taking on the serious borrowing that is a debt consolidation mortgage.

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Penny Stock Rules the Investor Should Know

First of all, a penny stock is a stock that is priced between 1 cent and $5 and is traded over the Pink Sheets or the OTC Bulletin Board. These stocks may also trade on foreign and other securities exchanges. However, when trading penny stocks, there are penny stock rules that must be followed that are different from the trading of stocks on the major exchanges.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has set forth penny stock rules when trading and these rules are:
•The SEC requires the brokerage firm to obtain a written agreement from the customer regarding the transaction and the customer must be approved to complete the transaction.
•The firm is required by the SEC to provide the customer with a document that outlines the risks of penny stock investing.
•The rules state that the consumer must be notified if there is a market quotation and what the market quotation is for the penny stocks the investor wishes to buy.
•The firm must also disclose to the customer what their commission will be for the trade.
•Penny stock rules also state that the firm must provide the customer with monthly statements that discloses the market value of each penny stock.

These penny stock rules are necessary to ensure proper trading of penny stocks and that the investor is aware of all risks associated with it. The SEC carefully outlines the penny stock rules that brokers must follow in order for the investor to have the best experience possible trading penny stocks by making the investor aware of all risks associated with penny stocks as to not cause them to get in over their head.

In the penny stock rules, there is a Customer Protection Rule (Rule 15c3-3) that states the control all of the money that is paid by the investor is on the hands of the broker. The broker must periodically figure up how much money is being held that belongs to the customer or has been obtained from securities owned by the customer. If the broker determines that there is more money on hand than what is owed to the customer or from the customer to the broker, the money must be placed within a reserve bank account. This money is placed within the bank account for the sole benefit of the customers. This rule is very important because it prevents the brokerage from using funds that belong to customers to fund their own business.

Penny stock rules are designed to protect the customer, the stock market, and the broker. If a broker breaks any of these rules set forth by the SEC, then the broker can be subject to SEC investigations that can result in serious trouble for the brokerage firm. That is why it is important for the investor to be aware of the penny stock rules and make sure the broker is following all rules accordingly so that the investments of the investor are not compromised in any way.

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Penny Stock Trading for the Beginner or the Pro

For those wanting to get a taste of trading, but do not know much about the stock market, penny stock trading is a great place to start. They are stocks that trade for as low as 1 cent, but they cost no more than $5. Penny stock trading can help the beginner investor learn the ropes of trading, whereas experienced investors use them to expand their portfolio and make a higher profit. In other words, although penny stock trading is great for the beginner, the experienced investor can put them to work as well.

There have been some well-known companies that once started out as Penny Stocks. Take Google, for instance. The company was trading for pennies and now trades upward of $500 per share. This doesn't mean that every penny stock will make investors millionaires, but penny stock trading possesses the potential to grow money. Penny stock trading also possesses a certain degree of risk just as all stock trading does.

Although penny stocks are considered high risk, it is possible for massive gains to be achieved. The reward is eventual and that is what attracts so many people to them. They have a quick turnaround on such a low investment. Some have been known to double or triple their earnings and, for those who have invested in stocks such as Google, have made thousands of times their investment.

However, one of the hardest tasks in penny stock trading is choosing which stocks to go with. There are definitely many of them and getting information on a particular company is sometimes close to impossible. There are absolutely no shortcuts because a lot of homework is required such as looking at the 52-week highs and lows, checking out the latest news regarding each company, and study the price to earnings ratios. Sure, this can require a few hours a week, but it is fair to say that the investor who does their homework is certainly working for their money. That makes the income achieved from penny stock trading a little less passive and a little more aggressive.

Nevertheless, some investors choose to outsource the research because they may not have the time to do it themselves. There are many companies that specialize in stock research and can develop recommendations as to what stocks are the best stocks to invest in. Sometimes, they give the investor the option to pool their money with them into an investment fund. However, it is good to keep in mind that these research companies are comprised of human beings and there is still margin for error, but they are professionals.

Whether the investor chooses to do the research on their own or have a professional do it, penny stock trading is still a lot of fun. It doesn’t matter if the investor is a beginner or a seasoned investor because the challenges are all the same. It is just a matter of finding the right penny sock, taking the risk, and running with it. In the end, it can really pay off.

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Buy A Foreclosure Home And Stop Wasting Money On Rent

Many people, who are still paying a rent that adds up to a huge amount yearly, don’t realize that they have a much better alternative – and that is, to buy a foreclosure home.

Isn’t it so much wiser to invest the money you waste monthly into your own property? You might feel you can’t afford buying your own home right now, but it is really about looking around hard. If the idea of foreclosed property has never occurred to you, probably, now it is time to turn to this inexpensive option.

First of all, you need to know that you can buy a foreclosure home just like any other second-hand property. Real estate prices rarely go down. The value of even old houses steadily goes up, so you are definitely not losing anything, when investing into your own property. If you make a smart purchase, it will be 10-20% off the market value, so, clearly, a foreclosure property is worth considering, especially if you are on a tight budget.

From an ethical side, there is also nothing wrong in acquiring a foreclosed property. Yes, it was confiscated from individuals, who could not pay off the loan taken from a financial institution. But then, they were aware of the terms and conditions, when taking a loan, and they knew that in case of non-payment the property will become the lender’s possession. So, if you buy a foreclosed home, there should not be any guilty feelings at all.

One of the easiest ways to find and buy a foreclosure home in accordance with all your needs is at a specially organized auction. Such auctions are held publicly, often at your county courthouse. The amount owed is what normally makes the first bid, and the bidder is the lending institution itself. In case no higher bids follow, the property’s ownership reverts to the lender.

The level of competition on these auctions depends on the number of properties put for sale and their initial price. If the difference between the starting bid and their market value doesn’t allow any profit, hardly anybody, except for the lender, shows up at the auction. At the same time, it is possible to find a really good deal and buy a foreclosure home much cheaper than anybody could ever offer you.

So, locating regularly held foreclosure auctions is one huge step towards realizing your dream. Determine the final maximum amount you are ready to pay for a property, make sure to research on the property’s condition ahead of making a bid and you are all set to buy a foreclosure home with maximum benefit!

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Using A Debt Consolidation Program To Help You Out Of Your Financial Jam

You don't want to think about debt consolidation. Sometimes debt can catch up with you before you even realize it has been chasing you for a long time. Most people do not intentionally dig themselves into a debt pit. But sometimes the financial obligations can be overwhelming to the point where you need to look at the best options to get back on track.

In fact, the majority of consumers in the US who find themselves with more debt obligations every month than they have income have found themselves in that position due to no real fault of their own, at least not directly. Most people find themselves in this very undesirable place due to circumstances outside of their direct control, such as a divorce, a job layoff, very high medical bills, and similar things that they have little to no control over.

But the reality of it is that sometimes you have no choice and need to keep yourself afloat financially. Typically, this period of hardship is hopefully a temporary one, where you just need to be able to weather this temporary setback until you can get back on your financial feet.

Seriously consider a good debt consolidation program. This is also applicable to new college grads that have a ton of student debt, where the same company can usually provide a student bill consolidation to accomplish the same purpose. A debt consolidation program is much better than taking out a personal loan, because with a personal loan you are simply digging your hole deeper, which is not the direction you want to go. Bankruptcy is probably not your best option either, since the long term negative effects of bankruptcy will haunt you for the next 7 to 10 years via a huge blemish on your credit report.

But be aware of what a debt consolidation company does and what they don't do. They do not pay off your debt all at once. You turn your bills over to them and then you make payments to them every month. They work with your creditors to lower each of your payments and reduce your interest. So if you had say $3000 a month going out before to satisfy your monthly bills, the bill consolidation company might be able to reduce that to perhaps under $2000 a month, giving you the financial breathing room you need right now.

These companies are very experienced in doing this, and can frequently also reduce or sometimes even waive the accrued interest that has built up on some of your outstanding financial obligations. This aspect in itself can save you a ton of money.

Another huge benefit to you is that you only need to make ONE payment each month, which is to the consolidation company. Compare this to making separate payments to 10, 15, 20 or more different creditors each month at different times of the month.

Seriously consider a debt consolidation program to help you out of your current jam. It's nothing to be embarrassed about and can put you back on the right track from a personal finance aspect.

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