bunch of blogs: Personal Finance

Credit card applications nowadays have begun to provide clients with an instant approval feature. Meaning, the person applying for a credit card would easily know whether he or she is eligible for applying. This process of instant approval is basically used online or through the internet.
To be able to prevent confusion in dealing with a credit card instant approval, you should know these facts:
* The credit card instant approval and the credit card application are two different processes. The approval of your credit card does not necessarily mean that your card would be delivered to you as soon as possible. It only means that you are qualified to apply for the credit card. The credit card application will be your next step once you have been given the “go signal” by the bank.
* The instant approval of credit cards is made to target customers with good past credit records. Although because of the high credit market today, the banks are willing stretch their limits and offer this program to different kinds of people. This may depend on the bank you’re applying the credit card on.
* Majority of banks provide customers with a credit card application form online. These credit card companies make use of this program with secured connection software for your information’s protection.
* The information you need to give for your credit card’s instant approval include: your name, your current address, your social security number, and if there are previous address you may have over the years. This is the most common information asked on the instant approval feature of the banks.
* The main advantage of getting a speedy approval for your credit card applications is the elimination of the major trouble caused by guesswork on whether the company thinks that you deserve a card or not more instantaneously. Unlike the old-fashioned way when you have to visit a bank in person and ask if you’re qualified then knowing you’re not, this time it’s a lot more convenient.
* The approval of your credit card online would only take you a few minutes to know your evaluation. It would be your choice to continue your credit card application.
And lastly, when you have been approved on your credit card application, don’t just go splurging thinking that instant approval also means instant money. Instant approval is more tantamount to instant debt. Think about it.

What the world needs now is love, sweet love – and money for the poor, food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless. The trees need to be planted, the rivers have to be cleaned, and children need to be healthier. You are a volunteer: you have all the will power and the heart to see your mission through.
You, however, have no money.
In any opportunity to help, you will find the opportunity to raise funds –but potential donors will doubt you, close their wallets, and they won’t be gentle about it.
So how do you deal with the setbacks? Take note of the following tips to guide you through your forays in non-profit fund raising:
• Keep your promises – Your donors know you want to do good, but if you promise them that you’ll display their logo on your fund raising poster, and if you promise that you won’t pocket anything they give you, then you had better make sure you mean it. Stick to your principles: it’s a world of business, but you don’t need to be corrupt. Remember: being principled means doing the right thing even if no one is watching
• Give donors incentives – Who wouldn’t want to be rewarded for their good deeds? Sure, the fact that people are donating “for a good cause” should already be cause for celebration on their part. But remember: fund raising is business, so you have to make it a win-win situation. Create donor packages: the higher the amount given, the bigger the reward package. Rewards can be anything from a gift back, to free tickets to your event, to a recognition page in the souvenir program.
• Make your event stand out – If you are going to conduct a fund raising event, such as a ball or concert, then make it stand out. Do something different: promise games, a raffle, surprise performers – and deliver on that promise, Remember: there may be hundreds of fund raisers at any one time, and you have to make your event different enough in order to get people’s attention.
• Follow Up – Most donors aren’t busy. They’re just forgetful, so be polite and when you remind them of their commitments.
• Be non-profit! – Remember, resist the urge to pocket any of the money you get. Be careful with the money, and make sure all of it goes to your good cause.
Even if your wallet is empty, your heart is big. Make sure you use your funds for the best interests of others, and you’ll make that fund raising event happen – and get the funds you need, too!

If you’re a real estate agent, you must have said this more than once: “There has got to be a better way for finding leads.”
And you are not alone. Every single agent’s mind has crossed this idea for the simple reason that looking for leads is about the most tedious task there is in the real estate business. Unfortunately, it is also the first step in getting any business. Without leads, you would have no business at all.
You probably have had more than your fair share of frustration in building your network and exhaustion in creating as much connections to as many people as you can. You also probably worry over avoiding the $11,000 penalty that comes with the “Do-Not-Call” Rule. With this new rule alone, you’re probably asking yourself, how can you possibly find leads then, let alone viable ones?
Fortunately, there are solutions that address these concerns. They help you build an extensive network, maintain your contacts and save you from the DNC rule while getting you reliable leads that are a stone’s throw away from a closed deal.
This is called response marketing, which is getting buyers/sellers to respond to an ad you placed and having them initiate contact with you.
The fact that these buyers/sellers are responding to your ad puts them in a mindset ready to do business. This is a huge difference from cold calls where it’s usually a hit-or-miss when it comes to whether they want to do any business at all.
Another plus is that since these leads made the first contact, you are free to call them without having to worry about the DNC rule.
How does it work?
You start off by placing an ad that’s designed to make prospects want to respond to it. (More on this later.) You then provide a means for these prospects to contact you, usually in the form of toll-free numbers.
“Wait a minute,” you may ask. Will I be the one to answer each and every call that’s made? Wouldn’t I have to hire a whole lot of representatives to answer these calls for me?
The answer: Yes and No. The person who will answer the phone every time an ad respondent calls will be you – in the form of a recorded message. It is personal in that it is your voice the respondent hears. But it is detached enough to make it comfortable for the prospect since he/she does not have to worry answering probing questions during the first contact.
The respondent has the general options to leave you a voice message or even calling you directly through a call transfer feature. Should they want more to know more before they call you, they have immediate access to information you want to share through a fax-back option. This feature is particularly useful in sharing documents like company/personal profiles, floor plans, brochures, maps and even helpful tips in doing business in real estate.
By allowing your prospects access to such information at this level of ease makes them more inclined to do business with you. Experts and consultants in the industry have noted that nearly 75% of prospects end up transacting business with the agent they made first contact with. For an agent, that means doing what you can to make sure you’re the first person a prospect would call.
Every time a prospect calls your hotline number, you are notified right away of the call through your fax, email, cell phone and/or PDA. This immediate notification is essential since as mentioned before, leads will most likely transact with the first agent they come in contact with. The sooner you make your own response to theirs, the sooner you establish rapport, the more likely you will be able to close a deal.
And now, some words about your ads
The ads you place must be designed to compel a reader to call you first. You do this by offering something a prospect wants to have. The nature of being a prospect shows that they are interested to know more about the real estate business. So why not offer information you feel they need to know?
Also, make it clear how you can help your prospect. They’re more interested in that than reading about how you are one of the top sellers in your district. Showing that you can and want to help makes you more inclined to be called.
Same business, some new tools
The things mentioned above do not in any way replace the trusted methods of establishing rapport, conscientious follow-up and genuine character building. In the bigger picture, this accounts for the closing more than any other fancy tool.
Finding leads through these means simply save you the time and the effort in mining for new leads and allows you to devote your energies to more enriching tasks both for yourself and your prospects.

One great irony of life is that people find it so easy to spend money and yet, they find it doubly hard to save money.
Almost 80% of the consumers, according to some surveys, tend to spend their money easily and find it hard to save even just 10% of their income or any amount of their earnings. They always insist that they have more expenses than they can handle; that is why it is so hard for them to really create a hefty amount for savings.
What people do not know is that they can easily save more money even on their daily expenses if they just know how to do it.
The point is that if they were really wise consumers, they would definitely take advantage of freebies and discount items that can absolutely cut their expenses almost in half.
One of the best examples is the utilization of money saving coupons.
The problem is that many people are still not aware of the benefits that money saving coupons can give. They contend that these freebies just offer such a little amount of money and that they can be better off without it.
Therefore, for those who are not yet fully aware of the benefits they can derive from these money saving coupons and what they can do in order to save more money, here is a list of some of tips on how to use these coupons for a cause:
1. Look for the right places
If you are not yet aware of the right places where you can get excellent money saving coupons, try to look in your local newspaper, especially the Sunday editions. It’s one of the best places where you can get discount coupons.
Usually, different establishments provide discount coupons to entice consumers to buy their products. That’s why they use the paper to distribute their freebies.
2. Shop online
Online businesses also provide money saving coupons. What people do not know is that online discount coupons provide more money saving percentage than what the newspapers can give.
Best of all, it is so easy to accumulate discount coupons. All you have to do is to sign up for the online business and you can easily get some of their freebies.
3. Coupons are great money savers
The very advantage of money saving coupons is that they can cut your bill to almost 50%.
Indeed, using money saving coupons can definitely save you more money than what you have expected. So, for those who do not know this yet, try to cut more coupons and start saving.

Never underestimate a fixer-upper home. This can be a money-generating endeavor. Just give it some good loving and caring and a few finishing touches.
Many people are considering buying fixer-upper homes as a sort of an investment. This is because they can be a good source of profit.
The fixer-upper homes may not be the mansion that paparazzis feast over. However, the fixer-upper homes can still have a good market out there, especially if the there is an eager and dedicated seller to give the house a good boost.
Some Tips to Improve the Resale Value of the Fixer-Upper Home
1. Be committed in making the house valuable. Give it enough time and effort to make it a beauty. Don’t rush on this project and just make sure that any plan is carefully implemented.
2. If the fixer-upper home to repair is still being scouted, make sure to find a good location. This is an important matter to most buyers. Ensure also that the house is at a reasonable condition, that minimal repairs will only be required, not a complete overhaul.
3. A building inspector is sure to inspect the house. Make sure that you get important feedback, especially the wrong aspects that must be addressed to know what to repair.
Once the repairs and refurbishments are done, make sure to get the affirmative reports. This will be a good assurance to your prospective buyers.
4. Be sure to get rid of any pests that may have infested the house like mites, mice or roaches. These are the undesirable elements that must not be forgotten.
5. Check out the roof, ceilings, and walls for any problem. Any cracks, even if just in the aesthetic level, may turn off potential buyers.
6. Scout for painting, carpeting and flooring services that are competitive yet affordable. These aspects are what meet the eye of the buyers. Thus make sure to give the house a good and lasting impression to the buyers.
7. When selling the house, make sure that there is proper timing. The appreciation of the value of the house can get a good estimate when the real estate market is booming.
Conclusion
The fixer-upper home is a good business venture for people. With just a few repairs and redecorations, a simple house can be turned into valuable real estate.
Just stay true to the goal of the venture. Make the proper renovations to improve the resale value of the house. Give value for the money of the potential buyer. Profit will necessarily follow.

Responsible use of your credit card allows flexibility and leverage as it helps people manage their money. By using the principle of interest rates in credit, it allows large and expensive purchases like buying furniture and appliances. Payment for these large purchases can be extended over a specific period to make it more flexible for the credit user. The credit card company on the other hand is able to earn income charging interest rates for credit used over a specific period of time.
Credit card companies use as promotional or marketing strategies the giving of rewards to their card customers by giving points for every time they use their credit cards when making transactions. These reward points can be in a form of free gifts, appliances, electronic gadgets, cash rewards or travel miles. The number of points per card transaction may depend on the amount purchased. For travel point rewards for example, a 1 dollar purchase transaction sometimes equals 1 travel reward mile. The number of travel miles will usually depend on the travel destinations, the credit card company’s rewards program and the airline companies they have tied up with in their air miles points program.
Travel rewards from using credit cards in making purchases are quantified in air miles. Heavy credit card users are able to benefit from these programs the most as the huge accumulated points that they may make may already equal the points equivalent to one plane ticket. The more purchases a person does on his credit card, the more points his credit card rewards him and the person has the options to convert these to travel air miles.
To determine if the accumulated air miles rewards points a person has is enough to avail of a plane ticket, lets say flying domestic within the US, they can do this by checking with their credit card companies how much air miles they need to accumulate in order to avail of a plane ticket to their desired destination. The number of accumulated air miles points on their card doesn’t necessarily equal the actual miles required to make the trip. In order to determine the actual equivalent of miles their accumulated miles rewards points from their credit card purchases, they’ll need to check with their credit card hotline numbers or from their credit card’s consumer websites to receive more detailed information in determining how much actual miles their accumulated air miles reward points has made, how to claim them and how to work out the travel arrangements with the airline company the credit card company has tied up with regards to the travel rewards promotions.

Building good credit history is extremely important to one’s life. There are many things that you can be deprived of if you don’t have a good credit history.
The magnitude of building credit goes far beyond clothes and groceries. It is more than just those petty cash advances or cash back rewards. Building credit would appropriately mean building your life as well.
Why? Simply because the way you handle your credit will put a great impact on your way of life, on your career, the way transact business with other people, and even on the place where you live.
Your credit history is one of the most important factors employers, lenders, property owners, or business owners will consider.
For this reason, it is extremely important for you to learn how credit is bestowed or rejected. It is also imperative to know what to do in case you have been unduly cared for.
In the United States, the Federal Government had provided its citizens certain major laws that control credit. These rights have been stated as provisions on Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Fair Credit Reporting Act.
With these two particular laws, every consumer is entitled to such rights stated therein. It is extremely important that the consumers know these rights so as to bear witness on whatever maltreatments or unduly practices of debt collectors and lenders.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is one of the written laws of the United States, which had been included in the United States Code as Title VIII of the “Consumer Credit Protection Act.”
The main focus of this particular law is on the guaranteed “ethical practices” in the ways of collecting debts upon the consumers. It also seeks to present consumers with an opportunity to obtain and dispute legalization of any information regarding a particular debt so as to guarantee the data’s correctness.
In essence, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act encourages just, rational, and non-discriminatory treatment of consumers by forbidding debt collectors from utilizing unjust, offensive, or misleading actions.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is applicable to qualified debt collectors capable of collecting loans that they didn’t create.
However, this act doesn’t theoretically pertain to department stores, banks, and other lending institutions that have their own debt collectors; no lending company of good reputation is allowed to make use of the said practices.
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the following provisions were made:
1. Debt collectors are only allowed to contact other people, aside from the debtor himself, only to find out any whereabouts of the debtor.
2. Debt collectors aren’t allowed to contact the debtor before 8:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m. local time.
3. Debt collectors aren’t permitted to intimidate, pressure, or make threats to the consumer with legal action or arrest if it is not duly planned, considered, or made known to third parties, or at least talk about debts with them.
Fair Credit Reporting Act
The Fair Credit Reporting Act upholds the confidentiality, discretion, and truth of information as used in creating customer credit reports. It seeks to control the distribution, collection, and utilization of “consumer credit information.”
Under this law, the credit reporting agencies are required to uphold absolute, full, and accurate files and information.
With this act, consumers are entitled to receive their credit reports and to take actions to validate the correctness of information contested by a customer.
The consumers are entitled to such actions under this law:
1. Credit bureaus are permitted to provide credit reports only to those with a lawful business causes
Credit bureaus are not allowed to disclose any information or credit report to institutions that have no legal basis as to their request for a particular credit report information. Only entities such as insurers, employers, creditors, and government agencies are allowed to receive an individual’s credit report as part of the evaluation process.
2. The consumer’s right to know regarding denied credit
In cases like denied credit, consumers have the right to know about the details of such report. With this, consumers can identify which credit bureau issued such report.
In this way, the consumer will be able to check if there has been any discrepancy.
These are just some of the rights consumers can enjoy under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
With these laws, the rights of the consumer to a just and fair treatment are upheld.

In this high-tech era of computers and machines, the purchasing power of people is mostly based on credit. Nowadays, credit cards are almost indispensable in almost any business transaction. For one, nobody can purchase anything online without a credit card.
People who have a poor credit history though, will have a hard time getting or renewing their credit cards. This is where prepaid credit becomes useful.
There are lenders that offer prepaid MasterCards and/or prepaid Visa Cards. Both these cards can be used like a regular credit card. It is even hard to distinguish which card is prepaid or not, by simply looking at it or even using it.
This is basically how prepaid credit cards work. When an account is opened, the card should be “pre-loaded” with cash up-front. This is like paying for a pre-paid calling card.
Prepaid MasterCards or Visas can be used anywhere as long as these cards are accepted.
The prepaid credit card advantage:
1. Prepaid credit card can be easily obtained. It can be purchased online or in local retail stores. It does not require any credit check or proof of income.
The only thing to do is to fill out an application, pay a small fee for setting-up the account and load the card with cash. The amount of cash loaded will be the “credit limit”
2. No interest charges.
When a prepaid MasterCard or prepaid Visa is used, there is no interest charge unlike the regular credit card. The reason for this is that the money used is the owner’s actual money therefore no interest is needed.
3. Prepaid credit cards are free from financial or credit problems.
4. Prepaid cards can be used almost anywhere. Prepaid MasterCards and Visa cards are almost accepted anywhere in the world.
Disadvantages of Prepaid Credit Cards:
1. Usually a set-up fee of 5 to 50 dollars is needed when an account is opened. Then another fee of $5 or more is paid every time more money is loaded onto the card.
Regular credit cards usually do not charge a set-up fee or annual fees.
2. Cash up front is needed before any purchase could be made with the prepaid card.
This could be an advantage since compulsive spending can be avoided.
3. There are some prepaid credit cards that cannot be used to pay regular payments such as monthly electric consumption or online services.
The Conclusion:
The prepaid credit card is a definite help for people who have past credit problems. It is just a matter of choosing the right prepaid credit card that suits ones’ needs.

Citibank credit cards offer a wide range of benefits. Basically, all of it features offer clients with security during emergencies, the advantage of not bringing cash and checks, and improving independence and responsibility in financial management.
Other than these basic perks of credit cards, there are specified benefits the Citibank credit cards have to offer. Here are some of the credit cards and their corresponding perks:
1) Diners club international credit card. This kind of credit card provides you with the decision of your own credit limit. The interest rates would not show on your bill for fifty days. Since this Citibank credit card could be used all around the world, it gives you the privilege of using it within five million companies worldwide. The ATM card could be used anywhere in the world. And lastly, there is no extra fee when the Citibank credit card is lost.
2) The Citibank Gold Card. This kind of Citibank credit card provides you with a higher credit and cash limit. It offers you access on international lounges and airports. It has a strong and secured insurance. And there is no fee when the credit card has been stolen, lost or damaged.
3) Jet Airways Citibank International Gold Card. This kind of credit card allows the cardholder to take advantage of jet privileges and promos on jet miles when you make use of the credit or cash. When you have been approved with this kind of credit card, you will be automatically given a jet airways ride of 1500 miles. Plus, the services and credit card is insured.
4) The Citibank Silver Card. This kind of credit card has several kinds of insurances like personal accidents, baggage and household insurances that would cover up your expenses. There are also occasional discounts on certain stores and zero costing on lost credit cards.
5) The Citibank Woman’s card. This kind of credit card targets the women. It provides women with discounts on jewelry, cosmetics, health products, clothes and many shopping stores. It also provides jewelry insurance and there is no extra fee when the Citibank credit card is lost.
6) Specialty cards. There are Citibank credit cards that provide you specifically with music and book stores usage, gives you an advantage on concerts and movie passes, and could give you discounts on oil transactions. These kinds of credit cards would depend on which you apply for and use regularly.
With those numerous advantages, you will surely wonder how you were able to get along without it.

Organizing your bills and documents can eat up so much time. Luckily, you can clean up clutter and reduce your stress with the following tips:
First of all, prepare an old file drawer or get several large envelopes. Classify them in three categories:
· Important documents for short-term purpose.
You only need your ATM withdrawal slips until you have subtracted the amount in your checkbook or bank account. The moment you have balanced your monthly bank statement, you throw away your ATM deposit receipts and withdrawal slips. After this you can place the bank statements in the Annual Folder, in case you need to refer to them in the future. This should include phone statements, service bills and credit card reports.
· Documents that you need in a year or so.
As every year ends, you get annual statements from your bank institution. You also acquire the papers that are essential for paying taxes. After you compare these documents against your monthly statements to be sure they are correct, dispose of your monthly statements and your paycheck stubs. Once you are finished doing your taxes, collect the supporting papers and keep them.
· Important documents that you need to keep for an indefinite period of time.
Documents used for calculating the capital gains on the sale of your home are kept for an indefinite period of time. These are proof of payment for home improvements and proof of payment for all large purchases. Others include: tax records and documentation of your retirement plan beneficiaries.
Guidelines for Trimming Down Clutter
1. If you are looking for something and you are unable to find it immediately, unclutter your area as soon as possible.
2. Ask your family to help you unclutter/arrang your home.
3. If you no longer see the table surface, it’s time to clean up your act!
4. Set up a particular area for the items that you use daily – place hooks to serve as key holders, a bin for magazines, etc.
5. Make it a habit to clean your living room before you go bed at night.
6. Be uncompromising in throwing out papers, such as newspapers and old mail.
7. Create a list of household essentials including their expiration date, so that you will know what you need and when you will need it.
9. Set a regular schedule in ridding the house of unnecessary objects such as dead batteries, dried-up pens and other garbage.
10. Do not be sentimental on things! Trash items if you are no longer using it.