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News and Notes

You Can Refinance Your Home Even With Bad Credit

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

Guest Author: Lara Sawyer

With today's economy in a downward spiral, you may be feeling some of the economic fallout in the way of rising energy costs and inflated food prices. It costs more and more to feed your family, keep a roof over your head, and get back and forth to jobs. In the midst of it all, you may have even let your credit go downhill by missing important payments for things like your credit cards, car loans, or even your mortgage. Perhaps the thought of refinancing your existing mortgage may have entered your mind, only to be snuffed out almost instantaneously because you have bad or damaged credit.  

But there are lenders who are willing to refinance your mortgage - despite your bad credit history. These types of lenders specialize in refinance packages for people who need nothing more than a second chance in a stifling economic time. They are specialists at helping to rebuild your credit history while lifting the burden of huge payments from your ever-weary shoulders. These lenders have a reputation for turning lives around, and you can be next.   

Kick Your Adjustable Rate Mortgage To The Curb   

Those who might benefit most from refinancing are those with an adjustable rate mortgage. If you have this type of mortgage, you interest rate fluctuates with the rise and fall of the market. This means that the payment that you were initially making just five years ago may have increased substantially, sometimes even doubling. With a bad credit mortgage refinance, you can get a great new rate with new terms that are easier to manage. You monthly payment will be lowered down to a figure that will not take the biggest part of your income to maintain, and you will save money while having a rate that is fixed and predictable.   

Refinance Your Fixed Rate Under New Terms To Save   

If you have a fixed rate mortgage, refinancing can benefit you because you can refinance on better terms, for longer periods of time, and with a smaller monthly payment. You can also get cash above the amount of the mortgage that you can use for paying down other debt. A lot of borrowers find that using the cash that they have available during a mortgage refinance to pay down expensive credit card debt both saves them money and improves their credit score at the same time.   

Apply Online For Even More Savings   

There are quite a few reputable lending institutions that have established websites on the Internet that make the refinancing process for your bad credit mortgage more streamlined. These sites can not only get you the best rate by doing a bit of comparison shopping, they also tend to have higher approval rates for borrowers because they a variety of sources to chose from.  

The convenience of doing the entire process online is another reason to look on the World Wide Web for your bad credit mortgage refinancing; the simple application can be finished and approved sometimes before you can make the drive across town to a traditional lender. With top notch customer service and user-friendly websites, these lenders have went the extra step to gain your business.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/you-can-refinance-your-home-even-with-bad-credit-962457.html

About the Author:
Lara Sawyer is a professional loan advisor used to solving bad credit problems and helping people secure home loans, carloans, personal loans, unsecured credit cards, home equity loans, refinance mortgage loans and plenty of other financial products. Whether you want to learn more about Consolidation Bill and Bad Credit Bankruptcy Loans or find information about other loan types, just visit:    http://www.fastguaranteedloans.com/


Credit Card Benefits Come With a Cost

Few industries have the power to invoke the primal emotions many consumers now feel toward the credit card industry. Consumers have watched in disbelief as seemingly recession proof businesses have failed one after another...

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

Guest Author: Elizabeth Williams

Few industries have the power to invoke the primal emotions many consumers now feel toward the credit card industry. Consumers have watched in disbelief as seemingly recession proof businesses have failed one after another. It should have come as no surprise that eventually the credit card industry would take a turn in the spotlight.


Learn about IVA, Debt Management And Debt Consolidation

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

 

Guest Author: Michael Redbourn

Right now, millions of Americans are drowning under debt, and they are also suffering from the stress that accompanies it. Many of them are losing their homes, and even their transportation as a result, and there probably isn't a single person amongst them that doesn't want to reduce their debts...


Mortgage Rates Hit Record Lows

Those wanting to buy or refinance may get the deal of the century at their local bank if they do so soon.

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

Late last year the National Association of Realtors (NAR) predicted that if rates hit 4.5 percent because of proposed emergency government programs to pump cash into banks, it could inspire as many as half a million home sales. But even without the specific kind of aid that the NAR recommended, mortgage rates have been falling for months. Now rates on many of the most popular home financing products are below five percent and are beginning to close the distance on that incredibly affordable 4.5 percent target. Moody's Economy recently predicted that interest rates would likely hit that level by the middle of 2009 and continue dropping to a low of 4.37 percent in the second quarter.
 
But because the Treasury is spending so much money to bolster an ailing economy, most economists anticipate that inflation will begin to push rates back up by the end of the year. By the first quarter of 2010, rates are expected to be at around 5.87 percent. That means that the next few months are critical for those who want to capture extremely low mortgage rates before they slip away.
 
The NAR has been appealing to Congress to buy down interest rates with money set aside for the Treasury’s economic rescue plan. The way that type of program would work is that the government would step in and pay points to lenders – almost the same way that homeowners do when they take out a mortgage and want to pay points for a lower interest rate. Then the lenders would pass along those discounts to their customers free of charge. But interestingly enough, rates have come down despite the fact that the proposed government intervention has not yet happened. If Congress decides to implement what the NAR has suggested, it would mean that rates could go even lower, perhaps breaking all-time records. Under a new White House administration that could happen, but in the meantime borrowers are already enjoying extremely attractive and affordable rates on a variety of home loans.
 
Mortgage rates seem to be responding to the Federal Reserve's decision to purchase about $500 billion in mortgage backed securities from mortgage insurers like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Within the past 2-3 months, for example, rates on some home loans have fallen 1.5 percentage points or more. That translates into a monthly savings of $180-$190 per month on a typical $200,000 mortgage. Rates on 15-year loans are lower than they have been in more than five years, and the trusty and predictable 30-year fixed rate mortgage has hit a 50-year low.
 
Even adjustable rate loans are seeing decreases, because many of the indexes that determine their rates have been declining during the last few months. Using a 5-year ARM as an illustration, it is easy to see how ARM mortgages that were so out of favor last year have suddenly become much less volatile and more attractive. As an example, consider an ARM that is tied to the prevailing 1-year Treasury rate – a common scenario for these 5-year mortgages. Let’s say for the sake of this example that it began with a special low introductory 4.5 percent rate and will reset to the new Treasury rate plus an additional premium of 2.75 percent interest. If that kind of loan resets today it will drop it to an interest rate of only 3.25 percent – lower than the “teaser” rate it started with and considerably cheaper than today’s fixed-rate 30-year mortgages.
 
For someone planning to sell soon, an ARM may be a bargain. Others who intend to keep loans for the long haul, however, may be better off refinancing out of their ARM, into a fixed-rate loan. Many banks are offering 30-year fixed mortgages at rates that have not been this low since the 1950s, and grabbing one of those deals may be an exceptionally wise investment.
 
Also keep in mind that many ARMs have limits built into them that prevent the loan rate from going excessively high during a short period of time. That helps protect the borrower from an abrupt spike if rates surge upward, but it also regulates how low the interest rate can go in an environment of rapidly falling rates. So the benefits of resetting to current rates may be limited for those who have ARM loans with rate caps.
 
As these scenarios show, making mortgage decisions can be complicated. But a professional mortgage broker can help crunch the numbers to show all the different options.
 
Regardless of whether 2009 is a good year to hold onto a loan, refinance, or take out a new mortgage to buy a home, one thing is for certain. Rates are lower than they have been in decades, and they may not get this low again for decades to come.
 
To locate mortgage and real estate brokers who specialize in expert service to the GLBT community, visit www.GayRealEstate.com and www.GayMortgageLoans.com. Or call their toll-free phone number, 1-888-420-MOVE (6683).

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4 Money Saving Tips for Homeowners: Implement these 4 ideas to help sell a house or upgrade a home without straining the household budget.

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

Saving money is now back in vogue, especially when it applies to real estate, but homeowners still want to spruce up their houses – either to sell them faster or to enjoy them more. Those who know how to do small home improvements on a shoestring budget can reap big rewards and benefits in a variety of ways.
 
Here are four ideas that can help save money while also boosting curb appeal, home equity, pride in home ownership, and overall enjoyment of hearth and home.
 
·         Embark on a do-over without overdoing it.
 
Upgrades that are affordable can also be impressive, as long as the money is spent wisely to invest in those specific features that deliver the greatest impact. Use imagination and grand vision to conceptualize the entire project, but then whittle down the wish list to just a few selected priorities. Rather than replacing functional but less attractive appliances, for example, hold on to them and instead replace only their facades. Many manufacturers of items like dishwashers, refrigerators, and stoves, for instance, sell new face panels or doors for appliances. Screw off the old one and upgrade to a new one for a fraction of what it would cost to buy completely new appliances. By doing just a facelift, get a brand-new look and the option of changing the color of the appliance for a relatively insignificant outlay of cash. Use a similar strategy on cabinetry by replacing only doors and hardware. Upgrade bathrooms with tile, fixtures, and paint – or reupholster instead of buying new couches and chairs.
 
·         Go green to save some greenbacks.
 
Conserving energy is not only a sustainable solution for the planet, but it can also be a great way to save money on household overhead. And being more eco-friendly can be done in incremental ways that generate substantial, measurable results. One of the best energy-saving devices is old-fashioned caulk, and re-caulking the cracks and crevices around windows is easy. They will look better and leak less, and a few tubes of caulk can save an amazing amount of heating and cooling costs. Replacing old water heaters with new “on demand” style units is another cost effective way to go green. For those who choose a more radical approach, many freebies from utility companies or government agencies are available – in the form of financial incentives and tax breaks – for homeowners who install solar panels, wind turbines, or other green energy technology systems.
 
·         Create an infrastructure stimulus plan.
 
With the help of a professional contractor, do a comprehensive evaluation of the property to identify any repairs that need to be done to prevent further deterioration or expense in the near future. Also look for ways to add value through preventative maintenance or to enhance the property without launching into a huge remodeling campaign. Trees with rotted limbs that could fall and do serious damage, sagging gutters, curling roof shingles, and places where exterior paint needs touching up or brickwork has mortar gaps are prime examples of things that are cheap to fix but expensive to ignore. Do them now before they turn into costly problems, and it is possible to take advantage of historically low prices because many contractors hungry for work are willing to offer attractive discounts.
 
·         Invest in home entertainment.
 
Sometimes it is difficult to justify spending money on perks, toys, and treats. But during a recession it is possible to splurge on fun amenities and come out ahead by saving money that would otherwise be spent going out for entertainment. Instead of spending money on movie tickets and $10 popcorn, for example, invest in a sleek home theatre that will pay for itself over time. Add an inexpensive deck with the money saved by not going to restaurants, and enjoy the pleasures of grilling in the backyard. Start growing culinary herbs in window boxes or kale, peppers, and tomatoes in a tidy garden bed to save grocery money, while also adding delicious charm and edible curb appeal.
 
A bright coat of paint in a bedroom, a fresh coat of wax on old hardwoods, some flowers and mulch in the yard, and new countertops in the kitchen or bathroom can quickly dress up a home. Whether the goal is to sell a condo or boost the quality of life and pleasure of being at home, a few strategically planned changes can generate huge improvements and plenty of return for the dollars invested in making them happen.
Choose remodeling tasks that can deliver a noticeable improvement for a reasonable price tag. Then vigilantly focus on doing everything without spending more than originally planned. To help stick to the budget add a buffer or premium of 20 percent to each project’s estimate, to help compensate for add-ons, price inflation, and other unexpected costs.
 
To find real estate professionals committed to exceptional service to the GLBT community, check out www.GayRealEstate.com and www.GayMortgageLoans.com. Or call their toll Free phone number 1-888-420-MOVE (6683).


FHA Mortgages May Be the Way to Go in 2009

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has seen a surge in demand for its loan products as the cost of other non-FHA loans have increased and their availability has diminished dramatically. So an FHA loan may be the best option for anyone buying or refinancing in 2009.
 
Whereas private banks and mortgage companies were throwing money out the door two or three years ago to help people buy homes, now they have substantially tightened their purse strings. Down payment requirements are bigger, credit and income is severely scrutinized, and home equity lines of credit and second mortgages are being curtailed. Meanwhile, the FHA is assuming greater responsibility for helping Americans find unusually affordable loans at attractive interest rates, and the agency even has special products designed for those who want to buy a home and have enough cash leftover to do repairs, improvements, and upgrades.


Tips for Buying Condo Bargains this Winter

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

To buy while others are selling has long been celebrated as a savvy way to shop. But these days it is also possible to buy without hardly any competition from other bargain hunters, which makes it even easier to make a wise and lucrative investment.
The way to do it is to purchase a condo during the current “off season.” We are already middle of one of the most lopsided buyer’s markets in decades, and those who shop during the traditionally slow winter months this year can amplify their chances of getting a great deal on a condo.


Tips for a More Successful Appraisal

Real estate appraisals are powerful, particularly in today’s nervous market as loan underwriters take a more skeptical approach to approving mortgages for buyers and homeowners have more trouble qualifying for home equity loans.

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

Real estate appraisals are powerful, particularly in today’s nervous market as loan underwriters take a more skeptical approach to approving mortgages for buyers and homeowners have more trouble qualifying for home equity loans. The appraised value of a home is, after all, the benchmark banks use to calculate collateral, so it directly affects sales prices. Even if a buyer offers a higher price the sale will not go through – unless it is a cash sale not involving a mortgage – until the lender’s appraisal supports and validates the offering price. When the appraisal report comes in too low, for instance, the loan is denied and the buyer either walks away or the homeowner agrees to sell at the lower price.


Your Credit Report Is Affected By Foreclosure

Nothing is worse for your credit score than a foreclosure or a bankruptcy credit report.

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

Guest Author: MIKE SELVON

Many people who have been foreclosed upon hire a credit counselor to help mop up that messy credit report. Not only are all the missed payments tarnishing your record, but there's a "Notice of Trust Sale" and a "Trust Deed Sale" sitting ugly as well. Chances are, there is more than one area you are struggling with, so prioritizing with a counselor can definitely help. It's good to have someone working with you to improve your situation and increase the bad credit scores you've suffered. 
 
While the full impact of a foreclosure isn't likely to go away over the next year, you needn't suffer mercilessly for the next seven. Remember that the last 12 months factor most prevalently on your credit score, so a quick rebound is your best chance at regaining financial freedom once again.


Six Secrets to Buying Real Estate in the Off Season

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

 

Jeff_1stSeptArt08 As summer comes to a close and kids go back to school, the home buying season typically winds down before heading into hibernation mode during the dead of winter. That makes it one of the best times of the year to go shopping for a home, because with fewer buyers on the prowl is it possible to get better deals from more motivated sellers.
 
Here are some tips for buying in the off season:


A Comprehensive Note on Debt Management

Debt management is a very important subject to discuss because many people today experience problems regarding the appropriate management of their finances. It is through debt management that you can get your finances under control.

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

Guest Author: John Grant

Debt management is a very important subject to discuss because many people today experience problems regarding the appropriate management of their finances. It is through debt management that you can get your finances under control.
 
With the development of credit cards, problems concerning debts continue to increase. The use of credit cards also affects business establishments, especially in situations where business owners stop their operations because of their inability to handle debts effectively. To help businesses manage their finances, here are some important points to consider about credit and debt management.


The Gay Ghetto Top 10 for 2008

GLBT towns, cities, villages, ghettos, enclaves, districts, quarters, and neighborhoods are referred to with various descriptive words. But they all represent blossoming pride, celebration, and reliable real estate value.

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

Each year we choose our Gay Ghetto Top 10 by cross-analyzing demographics against real estate sales data to discover those especially prized metropolitan areas throughout the USA that are most in vogue with the diverse GLBT community. When the number crunching is over, we usually have 10 distinct winners, individually ranked by virtue of their popularity. But for 2008 we have some unique and special surprises – including three 2-way ties and a 3-way tie. Our top 10 are so outstanding, in other words, that they rate higher than ever.


GLBT Real Estate Benefits Mark Optimistic Progress with Recent Court Ruling

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

To practice real estate in the USA means to first go to real estate school, where much of the curriculum is devoted to studying – and learning how to abide by – Federal Fair Housing Law. The Architectural Barriers Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination Act, and half a dozen Presidential Executive Orders all provide various kinds of protection and legal rights that fall under the broad category of Fair Housing Law...


Government Foreclosure Rescue Plans are in the Works

Officials in Washington are busy crafting comprehensive rescue plans to help homeowners and revive a troubled housing market.

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has already stepped into a greater role as part of the government’s economic stimulus and real estate revitalization effort. The agency has recently experienced a substantial increase in the number of conventional borrowers refinancing into FHA-supported products. Refinancing business has tripled within the past two years at the FHA, as consumers seek more affordable loans with smaller down payments and lower interest rates.
 
Two significant events at the agency target homeowners seeking affordable loans and alternatives to costly adjustable rate mortgages. The most recent is a change in the amount of mortgage money that the FHA can insure.


Vacation Homes 2008

The coming vacation season promises a sunny upside forecast for those considering the purchase of a holiday getaway property.

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

As the first quarter of 2008 winds down and the warm vacation season approaches, the outlook for summer home buying is the brightest it has been in several years. In fact, 2008 may be the best time to buy a vacation home since 2002.
 
Prices have been repeatedly pummeled until they are now unrealistically depressed, even for this historical market downturn. Thanks to the current undervalued market you can buy vacation home properties in highly desirable locations for a cost that represents deep discounts from the norm – and – in some cases – bargain basement wholesale valuations.


Home Warranties: A potential benefit for both buyers and sellers alike.

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

The market for homes across the USA has never been more challenging for homeowners trying to sell, nor more mind-boggling for buyers shopping among the historically overwhelming inventory of discounted listings. At the same time, mortgage lenders are more stringent than ever due to painful losses due to delinquencies and foreclosures, so it is important to write purchase offers on houses that can hold up to mortgage company and appraiser scrutiny. But beyond the initial sale of a home, legitimate buyer concerns arise regarding the condition of the home – and whether it will continue to provide a problem-free experience after the keys change hands.
 


Plain Talk about Fancy Mortgages: Stick with the old-fashioned 30-year fixed.

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

The word “candidate” derives from the word “candid”, and politicians running for office this year have learned that voters prefer frank talk, not a sales pitch. The same is true for homeowners shopping for a mortgage. As we prepare for springtime – which is historically the best time to buy a home – it is appropriate to talk about ways to weed out the hype about exotic residential mortgages in favor of old-fashioned fixed rate loans.


Reversing the Downward Financial Spiral and Building Wealth

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

Guest Author: Robert

Whichever way you look at it, American families are suffering unprecedented financial hardships. The collapse of the subprime mortgage market is forcing homeowners into foreclosure and is having a ripple effect on other borrowers, who are finding themselves in dire straits or in bankruptcy court. "Although people desperately want to gain control of their finances and build wealth, there has been an overwhelming trend in the opposite direction," says Lakeycia Jefferson, a consultant with Wealth Masters International (www.wmitoday.com/wealthtransfer).


Budgeting For Dummies

In today's world, most of America is in debt. If you don't want to be a part of this crowd, it's important that you start to save your money as soon as possible to get out of that negative hole. If you're already on a budget plan, that's great. If...

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

Guest Author: Tom Tessin

In today's world, most of America is in debt. If you don't want to be a part of this crowd, it's important that you start to save your money as soon as possible to get out of that negative hole. If you're already on a budget plan, that's great. If not, it's time that you jot down these helpful tips and start working on them. 
 


Debit Cards And Identity Theft: Four Easy Ways To Protect Yourself

Over nine million people each year report that they are the victim of some type of identity theft. As criminals continue to find new ways of committing fraud, we must also continue to remain diligent about protecting our personal information.

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

Guest Author: Bernard Pragides

Over nine million people each year report that they are the victim of some type of identity theft. As criminals continue to find new ways of committing fraud, we must also continue to remain diligent about protecting our personal information.
 
As more and more people use credit cards and debit cards to shop or pay bills, it's getting easier for thieves to steal sensitive information as well as completely assuming someone's identity. Here are four simple ways to protect your identity and your hard earned money...


Find Out Why you Need to Know your Credit Score

Your credit score affects more areas of your life than you realize, and if it is being calculated based on some erroneous data, it is being calculated lower than it should be. This is costing you money unless you take steps to get it corrected...

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

A recent survey of a random selection of people from across the US consisting of about 5000 people resulted in a very surprising discovery – almost half of those surveyed had no idea of what their credit score is or even what range it fell into.  Even more surprising was the discovery that more than a third of those surveyed said that it had been more than five years since they had even seen a copy of their credit report.

Such news is both surprising as well as showing that there is a distinct lack of knowledge amongst most consumers as to why knowing one's credit score is important information.  A significant number of those surveyed admitted that they had NEVER requested nor seen a copy of their credit report and had absolutely no idea what data it contained about them.


PlanetOut Inc. Announces Plans for Reverse Stock Split

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

PlanetOut Inc. , the leading media and entertainment company exclusively focused on the gay and lesbian market, today announced that following the receipt of stockholder approval for a reverse stock split at the special meeting of stockholders held on August 29, 2007, its board of directors set the ratio of the reverse stock split of PlanetOut common stock at one-for-ten. The reverse stock split is expected to become effective on or about October 1, 2007, when PlanetOut files an amendment to its certificate of incorporation with the State of Delaware.

As a result of the reverse stock split, every ten shares of common stock of PlanetOut will be combined into one share of common stock. The number of shares subject to PlanetOut's outstanding options and warrants will be reduced in the same ratio as the reduction in the outstanding shares, and the per share exercise price of those options and warrants will be increased in direct proportion to the reverse stock split ratio.


Tough Love: Why the Federal Reserve Should not Cut Interest Rates

Burst Real Estate Bubble Causes Financial Tizzy...

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

With the real estate bubble having burst and the financial system in a tizzy over the attending fallout in the mortgage markets, bankers, investors, homeowners, and CEOs are calling on the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) to cut the federal funds rate in an effort to avert a financial meltdown.  However, the Federal Reserve should see through these self-serving calls and hold rates steady for the time being...


Protect Yourself with a Credit Fraud Alert

0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph


You have the right to ask that nationwide consumer credit reporting companies place "fraud alerts" in your file to let potential creditors and others know that you may be a victim of identity theft. A fraud alert can make it more difficult for someone to get credit in your name because it tells creditors to follow certain procedures to protect you. It also may delay your ability to obtain credit. You may place a fraud alert in your file by calling just one of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies. As soon as that agency processes your fraud alert, it will notify the other two, which then also must place fraud alerts in your file.
     

  • Equifax: 1-877-576-5734; www.equifax.com     
  • Experian: 1-888-397-3742; www.experian.com/fraud     
  • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com

    An initial fraud alert stays in your file for at least 90 days. An extended alert stays in your file for seven years. To place either of these alerts, a consumer credit reporting company will require you to provide appropriate proof of your identity, which may include your Social Security number. If you ask for an extended alert, you will have to provide an identity theft report. An identity theft report includes a copy of a report you have filed with a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency. For more detailed information about the identity theft report, visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

  • Financial Planners - Why & How?

    0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

    Financial planning is the process of wisely managing one’s finances to achieve certain goals and dreams, while at the same time helping negotiate the financial barriers that inevitably arise in every stage of life. The financial planning profession exists to help people make those financial decisions and achieve their life goals.

    A Financial Planner or Personal Financial Planner is a practicing professional who helps people to deal with various personal financial issues through proper planning, which includes but not limited to these major areas: tertiary education planning, retirement planning, investment planning, risk management and insurance planning, tax planning, estate planning and business succession planning (for business owners). The work engaged in by this professional is commonly known as personal financial planning. In carrying out the planning function, he or she is guided by the financial planning process to create a detailed strategy tailored to a client's specific situation, for meeting a client's specific goals.


    Sensitivity and Understanding

    0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph


    Andrew Martin feels strongly that it is critically important for gay and lesbian couples to choose a CPA who is both sensitive to and experienced in handling their needs because the tax and financial issues they face are radically different from those of married heterosexuals.

    Martin is the managing partner of Martin & Wall, P.C., a CPA firm founded in 1994, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Chicago, dedicated to helping gay and lesbian couples as well as entrepreneurs navigate through complex tax matters, wealth management, and financial decisions. The firm's three partners each have 15-20 years of professional experience, multiple licenses, and certifications.


    Debt Management Plan

    0 Comments Link | Authored by: Jeff Adoph

    A Debt Management Plan (DMP) is a method used in various countries for paying personal unsecured debts (which typically have gotten out of control in the sense of payments due taking too large a portion of income, or even exceeding it) that involves cataloguing all the debts, assessing income and budget, and re-negotiating interest rates and payments with the lenders, based upon evidence that the result will be a higher likelihood of collection by the lenders.

    A DMP is typically managed by a third party group. There are two types of DMPs. The first type is a fair disbursement of available funds from the debtor to their creditors based on a percentage of debt.