Travel has its payback in the form of reward credit cards. Choosing the best reward credit cards for yourself can be intimidating, and you should be guided by some factors that are personal to you. How do you choose and analyze THE travel reward credit card that suits your needs and lifestyle best? How do you, in fact, analyze reward credit cards in the first place?
Reward Credit Cards Should be Tailor Made for You
For one thing, the travel rewards companies work on the assumption that you want something – and they can give it to you. The problem is that most of us don’t know what that ‘something’ is and tend to lean towards fat, attractive packages that we may never use. For example, a travel reward credit card that offers you discounts on airfares might not be very attractive to a traveler whose airfare is paid for by his company. Then again, a reward credit card that offers exotic holiday cruises may remain unutilized in the hands of someone who does not enjoy sailing!
On the other hand, a frequent traveler might actually benefit from free upgrades on board if his card gives him that facility. Choosing a card according to how you would use it and benefit from the rewards would be most important. Are the rewards offered suited to your lifestyle?
Best Reward Credit Cards Offer Value and Usage
To begin, analyze your travel patterns. If a particular airline gives you special privileges on a particular rewards credit card, and if you frequently use that airline, it makes sense to go in for that credit card. Being faithful to a particular airline would result in accruing rewards that might actually result in much higher value in the form of points, cash back etc. Other credit cards may offer fancy rewards on airlines that you would prefer to avoid or which do not service the destinations you frequent. So choose a reward credit card where the value increases with usage.
Hidden Costs of a Reward Credit Card
The hidden costs need to be worked out too. Travel reward credit cards often come with hefty fees attached.
* Does the reward that you are likely to earn over a year cover the cost of maintaining the credit card?
* Are you going to be able to cash your rewards?
* Is there a time limit for earning and cashing the rewards?
* How easy is it to redeem your reward points?
* Is there a complicated process or is there an online or phone-based system?
The answers to these questions will dictate the kind of card you want.
Research Reward Credit Cards
Do not hesitate to ask such probing questions to the sales rep of the card company. Most prospects will not hesitate to ask for references from existing cardholders. Check forums and blogs online about the public opinion about the card. Do everything in your control to ensure that you are signing up for what you expected.
Reward credit cards come in several shapes, sizes, colors, and forms. It is easy to be tempted by a ‘once in a lifetime offer’. However, try to keep a sensible view of what YOU need from the reward credit card of your choice. The bottom line is - if you are going to travel you might as well make it work for you through the best reward credit cards you can find for yourself. Truth is, if you do not make a reward credit work for you, you may soon see that is working against you. Then, a reward credit card becomes almost equivalent to a penalty card – which should be avoided at all costs.
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Sunday, September 12, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
0% APR Credit Cards Make It Possible To Save Money
I'm sure you've seen direct mail offers, promotional brochures and Internet ads announcing:
"0% APR credit cards. Limited time offer. Apply today!"
You can't beat that for a credit card. That's just like buying something with cash. A great deal, especially if you don't have cash on hand. But you may be wondering, "How can the credit card companies and banks make money if they aren't charging interest?" Well, read on to find out whether or not these 0% APR credit card offers are just pulling your leg.
Deal Or No Deal
Every time you buy something using 0% APR credit cards, you pay absolutely no finance charges or interest rate charges on your entire credit card balance. Just think... you can refurnish your home, pay for your child's college tuition or go out on a spending spree without paying a penny more.
However, most 0% APR credit cards offer only "introductory rates" at 0%. This low rate may be limited to a specific time period, such as 3 months or as long as a year. In addition, 0% APR credit cards often allow you to transfer balances (up to a specific amount) from another credit card to take advantage of the zero interest deal. Once the introductory rate period ends, then the APR can go through the roof.
Okay, so maybe you can't get 0% interest into eternity. But, if you play your card right, you can still reap the benefits of these unique offers.
Making Zero Interest Work For You
You may already have several credit cards and can't imagine what you'd do with another. After all... personal finance experts advise against having too many credit cards. Before getting a 0% APR credit card ask yourself, "What is the APR on my credit cards?" and "Do I carry a balance on my cards from month to month?"
The average interest rate for credit cards is around 14%. On the low end, you may have a card that charges as little as 5% interest, whereas cards for those with bad credit or no credit can be a whopping 29%. Retail credit cards tend to have a high interest rate around 19%, even if you have A1 credit. If the interest rates on your cards are up into the teens, then you definitely need to consider other options (a 0% APR credit card), unless you pay off your balances on a monthly basis.
Don't throw money out the window and into the pockets of the credit card companies. If you have high interest cards and pay only the minimum balance, then it can take years to pay off. $1000 spent could nearly double to almost $2000 by the time it's paid off. The best thing to do is transfer the balance to a 0% APR credit cards.
Where To Find 0% APR Credit Cards
If you have good credit, chances are you've already been bombarded with mail offers. You might even find these special values available through organizations you belong to or companies that you do business with regularly. Other sources include your local banks and credit unions. And don't forget to search the Internet. It's a great place to comparison shop for numerous credit cards. Keep in mind that you usually need to have good credit to qualify for a 0% APR Credit Card.
0% APR credit cards allow you to avoid finance charges altogether. If you are in debt, this is especially helpful in that you can pay down your balance much more quickly. But be sure you don't end up in a situation where you transfer balances from one card only to fill the old card back up again with new purchases. If you've been thinking about making a large purchase but don't yet have the funds and don't want to take out a loan, then a 0% APR credit card will be like paying cash. Just be sure to pay off your balance before the introductory rate ends and finance charges begin.
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"0% APR credit cards. Limited time offer. Apply today!"
You can't beat that for a credit card. That's just like buying something with cash. A great deal, especially if you don't have cash on hand. But you may be wondering, "How can the credit card companies and banks make money if they aren't charging interest?" Well, read on to find out whether or not these 0% APR credit card offers are just pulling your leg.
Deal Or No Deal
Every time you buy something using 0% APR credit cards, you pay absolutely no finance charges or interest rate charges on your entire credit card balance. Just think... you can refurnish your home, pay for your child's college tuition or go out on a spending spree without paying a penny more.
However, most 0% APR credit cards offer only "introductory rates" at 0%. This low rate may be limited to a specific time period, such as 3 months or as long as a year. In addition, 0% APR credit cards often allow you to transfer balances (up to a specific amount) from another credit card to take advantage of the zero interest deal. Once the introductory rate period ends, then the APR can go through the roof.
Okay, so maybe you can't get 0% interest into eternity. But, if you play your card right, you can still reap the benefits of these unique offers.
Making Zero Interest Work For You
You may already have several credit cards and can't imagine what you'd do with another. After all... personal finance experts advise against having too many credit cards. Before getting a 0% APR credit card ask yourself, "What is the APR on my credit cards?" and "Do I carry a balance on my cards from month to month?"
The average interest rate for credit cards is around 14%. On the low end, you may have a card that charges as little as 5% interest, whereas cards for those with bad credit or no credit can be a whopping 29%. Retail credit cards tend to have a high interest rate around 19%, even if you have A1 credit. If the interest rates on your cards are up into the teens, then you definitely need to consider other options (a 0% APR credit card), unless you pay off your balances on a monthly basis.
Don't throw money out the window and into the pockets of the credit card companies. If you have high interest cards and pay only the minimum balance, then it can take years to pay off. $1000 spent could nearly double to almost $2000 by the time it's paid off. The best thing to do is transfer the balance to a 0% APR credit cards.
Where To Find 0% APR Credit Cards
If you have good credit, chances are you've already been bombarded with mail offers. You might even find these special values available through organizations you belong to or companies that you do business with regularly. Other sources include your local banks and credit unions. And don't forget to search the Internet. It's a great place to comparison shop for numerous credit cards. Keep in mind that you usually need to have good credit to qualify for a 0% APR Credit Card.
0% APR credit cards allow you to avoid finance charges altogether. If you are in debt, this is especially helpful in that you can pay down your balance much more quickly. But be sure you don't end up in a situation where you transfer balances from one card only to fill the old card back up again with new purchases. If you've been thinking about making a large purchase but don't yet have the funds and don't want to take out a loan, then a 0% APR credit card will be like paying cash. Just be sure to pay off your balance before the introductory rate ends and finance charges begin.
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Friday, September 10, 2010
How to Keep Your Jewelry Clean And Sparkling Throughout The Year
Everybody, especially women, loves jewelry. It's an accessory that one cannot simply do without. However, people are hard-pressed to keep it clean and sparkling. You can of course take the help of a professional jewelry cleaner, but these can be pretty expensive.
There are numerous ways and means thorough which you can keep your jewelry in ship shape throughout the year. What’s more you can employ these methods from the comforts of your home. They are easy to do, and easy to learn. Here are a few tips on keeping your jewelry clean and sparkling throughout the year:
Cleaning Your Precious Diamonds
The process is quite simple. Take a glass bowl, and pour some Vodka into it. Take your diamond jewelry and swish it inside the bowl. Take it out and then rinse it with clean, clear water and wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Moreover, if your diamond jewelry is really very dirty, then it is advisable that you dip a soft toothbrush in the vodka and scrub the jewelry delicately. This process will clean and add the requisite sparkle to the diamond jewelry in no time at all.
Cleaning Gold Jewelry
This is again a process that is simplicity itself. All that is required is a cup of warm water, a teaspoon of liquid dish soap and a teaspoon of household ammonia. Your gold jewelry must be then immersed in this mixture and allowed to rest in it for a period of around ten minutes. After this, you must use a soft cloth to wipe them dry. You will be amazed by the efficacy of this simple process.
The Silver Jewelry Tip
Your silver jewelry might just be the hardest item to clean. Many people try and clean it with a silver paste, but in the hands of the amateur, it usually ends up as a messy failure. An easier way would be to use a glass casserole whose bottom must be lined with an aluminum foil.
You must then add two tablespoons of baking soda and a tablespoon of salt and some boiling water inside the glass casserole. The silver jewelry then needs to be added to this mixture and allowed to sit in it, till the water cools down. After that, remove the silver pieces and buff them with a soft cloth.
If you use this process, it's a surety that all the crevices and creases of the silver will be cleaned of all the dirt and the jewelry will sparkle anew. The best part about this method is that there is absolutely no need to keep rubbing the finish. This helps in prolonging the life of the jewelry and it will last longer.
Your Precious Pearls
There is no intricate process that will help you keep your pearls sparkling throughout the year. They will only be kept clean and shiny, if you wear them often. There is a scientific reason for this. The oil from your skin will help their luster and keep them soft.
However, there are times when there is simply very little opportunity for you to wear your pearls. In this case, you can keep them in good condition by sprinkling some olive oil on a soft cloth and then wiping them gently.
Moisture: The Dust Trap
Always remove your jewelry before you take a bath or head for a sauna. This must be especially taken care of, in the case of gemstone jewelry. Such jewelry is quite sensitive to moisture and any exposure to it might lead to the jewelry pieces losing their sparkle and newness.
Any amount of water on the jewelry pieces acts as a trap for dust particles and other residual matter.
A Simple Solution
If you don't want to put in too much of an effort with regards to your cleaning process then you can clean your gold and silver jewelry using a solution of soap and water. The cleaning powder must not be strong, as the presence of hard chemicals will have a detrimental effect on your jewelry.
Proceed with caution with respect to cleaning your jewelry with a soap solution. Be well aware of the chemical content of your soap solution. If you are not to sure about this, then the best thing would be to apply the solution on an area of the jewelry that is less conspicuous.
Jewelry Storage
Due importance must also be given to where you store your jewelry. This would ensure the cleanliness of the jewelry. You must keep your jewelry in an enclosed storage space that is also dry and cool. Any sustained exposure to heat will cause an irrevocable damage to your jewelry.
Use the above mentioned tips to regularly clean your jewelry, so it looks as good as new. The results of these tips might just surprise you with their brilliance.
profile
There are numerous ways and means thorough which you can keep your jewelry in ship shape throughout the year. What’s more you can employ these methods from the comforts of your home. They are easy to do, and easy to learn. Here are a few tips on keeping your jewelry clean and sparkling throughout the year:
Cleaning Your Precious Diamonds
The process is quite simple. Take a glass bowl, and pour some Vodka into it. Take your diamond jewelry and swish it inside the bowl. Take it out and then rinse it with clean, clear water and wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Moreover, if your diamond jewelry is really very dirty, then it is advisable that you dip a soft toothbrush in the vodka and scrub the jewelry delicately. This process will clean and add the requisite sparkle to the diamond jewelry in no time at all.
Cleaning Gold Jewelry
This is again a process that is simplicity itself. All that is required is a cup of warm water, a teaspoon of liquid dish soap and a teaspoon of household ammonia. Your gold jewelry must be then immersed in this mixture and allowed to rest in it for a period of around ten minutes. After this, you must use a soft cloth to wipe them dry. You will be amazed by the efficacy of this simple process.
The Silver Jewelry Tip
Your silver jewelry might just be the hardest item to clean. Many people try and clean it with a silver paste, but in the hands of the amateur, it usually ends up as a messy failure. An easier way would be to use a glass casserole whose bottom must be lined with an aluminum foil.
You must then add two tablespoons of baking soda and a tablespoon of salt and some boiling water inside the glass casserole. The silver jewelry then needs to be added to this mixture and allowed to sit in it, till the water cools down. After that, remove the silver pieces and buff them with a soft cloth.
If you use this process, it's a surety that all the crevices and creases of the silver will be cleaned of all the dirt and the jewelry will sparkle anew. The best part about this method is that there is absolutely no need to keep rubbing the finish. This helps in prolonging the life of the jewelry and it will last longer.
Your Precious Pearls
There is no intricate process that will help you keep your pearls sparkling throughout the year. They will only be kept clean and shiny, if you wear them often. There is a scientific reason for this. The oil from your skin will help their luster and keep them soft.
However, there are times when there is simply very little opportunity for you to wear your pearls. In this case, you can keep them in good condition by sprinkling some olive oil on a soft cloth and then wiping them gently.
Moisture: The Dust Trap
Always remove your jewelry before you take a bath or head for a sauna. This must be especially taken care of, in the case of gemstone jewelry. Such jewelry is quite sensitive to moisture and any exposure to it might lead to the jewelry pieces losing their sparkle and newness.
Any amount of water on the jewelry pieces acts as a trap for dust particles and other residual matter.
A Simple Solution
If you don't want to put in too much of an effort with regards to your cleaning process then you can clean your gold and silver jewelry using a solution of soap and water. The cleaning powder must not be strong, as the presence of hard chemicals will have a detrimental effect on your jewelry.
Proceed with caution with respect to cleaning your jewelry with a soap solution. Be well aware of the chemical content of your soap solution. If you are not to sure about this, then the best thing would be to apply the solution on an area of the jewelry that is less conspicuous.
Jewelry Storage
Due importance must also be given to where you store your jewelry. This would ensure the cleanliness of the jewelry. You must keep your jewelry in an enclosed storage space that is also dry and cool. Any sustained exposure to heat will cause an irrevocable damage to your jewelry.
Use the above mentioned tips to regularly clean your jewelry, so it looks as good as new. The results of these tips might just surprise you with their brilliance.
profile
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Investors Are Finding Opportunities Beyond Their U.S. Borders
Experts say global and international mutual funds can represent a world of opportunity for investors.
Foreign-based companies now comprise fully half of the world's equity market capitalization, up from about one-third in 1970, and many key industries such as oil and gas, wireless telecommunications and building construction are dominated by foreign companies.
However, despite the investment opportunities presented by these companies, research shows that international stocks remain significantly underrepresented in most U.S. portfolios. It's estimated that on average Americans hold only about 5 percent of their portfolios in foreign stocks and funds.
Even if they do not realize it, the lives of Americans are influenced by global companies. Perhaps it was the medication taken before bedtime, the car driven to work or the soft drink that accompanied lunch. All are likely to have been products of companies that operate beyond the U.S.
According to ING Funds, the U.S. retail mutual fund unit of ING Group, one of the largest financial service organizations in the world, international equity markets offer investors exposure to many key industries that countries other than the U.S. dominate.
The mutual fund unit has recently embarked on a "Going Global" campaign to introduce more people to international investing.
"ING is working hard to help more people understand how the world of investing is changing," said Bob Boulware, president and CEO of ING Funds. According to Boulware, "Those that are not thinking globally may be missing out."
Just as the domestic portion of an investor's portfolio is typically allocated to include a range of investment options, investors may wish to apply that same logic to their international portfolio, selecting an array of sub-asset classes to better position themselves for changing international market conditions. One way to get started would be for investors to consider global and international mutual funds.
Global funds can provide exposure to opportunities around the world-both international and domestic. International mutual funds may be better suited for individuals seeking purely foreign holdings to complement their existing domestic portfolio.
Among both global and international funds, an investor may want to consider:
Market Style. Determine if you are seeking value or growth stocks or a blend of both in your international portfolio.
Market Capitalization. Select from small, mid or large "size" companies based on the total dollar value of all its outstanding shares.
Specialty Funds. Designed for investors who wish to target their investments either geographically or to include certain key markets, such as real estate. Some investors may wish to consider a fund-of-funds that includes a diversified portfolio of international holdings. An international fund-of-funds gives investors a footing in a variety of important international asset classes with one investment.
For example, the ING Diversified International Fund is a fund-of-funds that incorporates a range of international market segments, including international growth, international value, international small capitalization stocks and emerging markets. With underlying portfolios managed by some of the world's most respected international portfolio managers, the fund makes it easier to build international asset allocation into your investment plans.
As a recognized leader in global asset management, ING Funds has been focused on providing a mix of global and international investing opportunities for U.S. investors through mutual funds, in part because of its access to more than 700 investment professionals located worldwide with insight into the dynamics of markets in Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas.
The company's latest white paper, "Seeing the Big Picture: A Global Approach to Investing," provides a primer on a variety of aspects of international investing.
profile
Foreign-based companies now comprise fully half of the world's equity market capitalization, up from about one-third in 1970, and many key industries such as oil and gas, wireless telecommunications and building construction are dominated by foreign companies.
However, despite the investment opportunities presented by these companies, research shows that international stocks remain significantly underrepresented in most U.S. portfolios. It's estimated that on average Americans hold only about 5 percent of their portfolios in foreign stocks and funds.
Even if they do not realize it, the lives of Americans are influenced by global companies. Perhaps it was the medication taken before bedtime, the car driven to work or the soft drink that accompanied lunch. All are likely to have been products of companies that operate beyond the U.S.
According to ING Funds, the U.S. retail mutual fund unit of ING Group, one of the largest financial service organizations in the world, international equity markets offer investors exposure to many key industries that countries other than the U.S. dominate.
The mutual fund unit has recently embarked on a "Going Global" campaign to introduce more people to international investing.
"ING is working hard to help more people understand how the world of investing is changing," said Bob Boulware, president and CEO of ING Funds. According to Boulware, "Those that are not thinking globally may be missing out."
Just as the domestic portion of an investor's portfolio is typically allocated to include a range of investment options, investors may wish to apply that same logic to their international portfolio, selecting an array of sub-asset classes to better position themselves for changing international market conditions. One way to get started would be for investors to consider global and international mutual funds.
Global funds can provide exposure to opportunities around the world-both international and domestic. International mutual funds may be better suited for individuals seeking purely foreign holdings to complement their existing domestic portfolio.
Among both global and international funds, an investor may want to consider:
Market Style. Determine if you are seeking value or growth stocks or a blend of both in your international portfolio.
Market Capitalization. Select from small, mid or large "size" companies based on the total dollar value of all its outstanding shares.
Specialty Funds. Designed for investors who wish to target their investments either geographically or to include certain key markets, such as real estate. Some investors may wish to consider a fund-of-funds that includes a diversified portfolio of international holdings. An international fund-of-funds gives investors a footing in a variety of important international asset classes with one investment.
For example, the ING Diversified International Fund is a fund-of-funds that incorporates a range of international market segments, including international growth, international value, international small capitalization stocks and emerging markets. With underlying portfolios managed by some of the world's most respected international portfolio managers, the fund makes it easier to build international asset allocation into your investment plans.
As a recognized leader in global asset management, ING Funds has been focused on providing a mix of global and international investing opportunities for U.S. investors through mutual funds, in part because of its access to more than 700 investment professionals located worldwide with insight into the dynamics of markets in Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas.
The company's latest white paper, "Seeing the Big Picture: A Global Approach to Investing," provides a primer on a variety of aspects of international investing.
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Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Accounts Payable Outsourcing: things you need to check out
Every individual running a business wants to be free of the burden of paying money which they owe to anyone as soon as possible. Accounts payable literally means the money which a business owes to sellers for products and services which have been bought from them on credit. If not paid in time accounts payable can pile up and spell trouble for any business. If you are finding it difficult to keep a track of the amount of your accounts payable, then get accounts payable outsourcing service from an outsourcing company. This is the perfect way to deal with this condition.
When you are running a business, keeping track and managing of things like accounts payable, can become very demanding and hectic. Nonetheless this is an important aspect of any business process and has to done and done in time. Accounts payable outsourcing services are offered by many companies which deal with finance and accounting outsourcing.
The best way for searching a firm providing accounts payable outsourcing services is through the internet. The internet is a storehouse of information, and all you will have to do go online and search for information. The numerous options which you will find in the internet can confuse you. Take some time out from your busy schedule and do a proper research about the companies offer accounts payable outsourcing to clients. I am sure you want the best services for your business. Get an in depth analysis of the services offered by the firm before you actually decide to take up services from the company.
Make sure to check the security arrangements the company has in place for its clients. See for yourself and find out if the security measures are adequate to protect customers personal identify and financial data. Online security in this internet age is vital and you must never compromise on this aspect. Make checks and cross checks about the security arrangements of the firm providing accounts payable outsourcing, before you actually outsource your work to the outsourcing company.
Accounts payable outsourcing has many advantages. One of the main advantages is that you can save huge amounts of revenue through the outsourcing work. Work is outsourced mostly to developing countries where there is abundance of manpower and labor is cheap. This automatically means that your accounts payable outsourcing work will be handled by trained professionals at a very cheap rate. The revenue which you will save in this manner is the profit for your business.
There are some outsourcing companies which offer free trails for prospective clients. You can check out such companies and get some of your work done under the free trail offer. See for yourself the type of work done, the amount of money charged and then decide if the company is capable of handling your accounts payable outsourcing work or not. If you are not satisfied with one company, there are plenty of others for you to choose from.
Accounts payable must always be handled properly and every account must be in place for you to make payments timely. Piling up accounts payable will only put you under a huge amount of strain. Accounts payable outsourcing is a simple way for you to keep all your accounts in good shape. Go ahead, rest easy and earn revenue for your business by accounts payable outsourcing.
profile
When you are running a business, keeping track and managing of things like accounts payable, can become very demanding and hectic. Nonetheless this is an important aspect of any business process and has to done and done in time. Accounts payable outsourcing services are offered by many companies which deal with finance and accounting outsourcing.
The best way for searching a firm providing accounts payable outsourcing services is through the internet. The internet is a storehouse of information, and all you will have to do go online and search for information. The numerous options which you will find in the internet can confuse you. Take some time out from your busy schedule and do a proper research about the companies offer accounts payable outsourcing to clients. I am sure you want the best services for your business. Get an in depth analysis of the services offered by the firm before you actually decide to take up services from the company.
Make sure to check the security arrangements the company has in place for its clients. See for yourself and find out if the security measures are adequate to protect customers personal identify and financial data. Online security in this internet age is vital and you must never compromise on this aspect. Make checks and cross checks about the security arrangements of the firm providing accounts payable outsourcing, before you actually outsource your work to the outsourcing company.
Accounts payable outsourcing has many advantages. One of the main advantages is that you can save huge amounts of revenue through the outsourcing work. Work is outsourced mostly to developing countries where there is abundance of manpower and labor is cheap. This automatically means that your accounts payable outsourcing work will be handled by trained professionals at a very cheap rate. The revenue which you will save in this manner is the profit for your business.
There are some outsourcing companies which offer free trails for prospective clients. You can check out such companies and get some of your work done under the free trail offer. See for yourself the type of work done, the amount of money charged and then decide if the company is capable of handling your accounts payable outsourcing work or not. If you are not satisfied with one company, there are plenty of others for you to choose from.
Accounts payable must always be handled properly and every account must be in place for you to make payments timely. Piling up accounts payable will only put you under a huge amount of strain. Accounts payable outsourcing is a simple way for you to keep all your accounts in good shape. Go ahead, rest easy and earn revenue for your business by accounts payable outsourcing.
profile
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Everything You Need To Know About Construction Equipment Leasing...And How To Get It!
As a decision-maker in the construction industry, weighing all equipment acquisition options is a critical aspect of the job - especially given today's fluid marketplace.
With construction equipment leasing you don't have to worry about the overhead of the purchase while keeping your cash accessible. No matter how big or small your project you can always find leasing options from the financial institutions who specialise in this type of product. Plus, payments you make under an operating lease are tax deductible.
65% of the top businesses lease equipment, according to an ELA survey. The top reasons these businesses cite for leasing include consistent expenses in budget management, increased cash flow, and the ability to have the latest equipment.
As businesses prepare to compete and grow in a new millennium, many are searching for proven new ways to address their equipment financing needs. And the choice for an increasing number in construction is clear: equipment leasing.
If structured properly, as a "true" lease, construction equipment leasing has some very important tax benefits. The payments can be considered a rental resulting in a 100% expense write-off. At the end of the year you would simply total your payments and deduct them entirely as an expense. This is a much more rapid write-off than interest expense and depreciation.
Most leases do not have to be shown on your financial statement as a liability, since theoretically it is a contingent liability, and only has to be shown as a footnote. This keeps your financial statement from becoming overloaded with debt and is important if your bank lines require maintaining certain ratios.
The biggest benefit, however, is that you can get the most money with the least information.... Up to approx. $100,000 with a single page application!
For many in construction equipment leasing makes perfect sense. Especially when you consider the upside: Leasing allows you to keep your machine stock flexible. When your work changes, your machines can too.
It provides a planned schedule for equipment replacement, helping you run newer, up-to-date equipment so you'll have less downtime. It generally requires smaller amounts of money up front and monthly payments on your construction equipment leasing are generally lower than installment payments, thus freeing up cash and increasing the liquidity of your assets. And it doesn't lock you into a long-term commitment to purchase.
It would therefore be wise for any business executive to investigate the advantages to equipment leasing in order to make the best use of current financial resources.
profile
With construction equipment leasing you don't have to worry about the overhead of the purchase while keeping your cash accessible. No matter how big or small your project you can always find leasing options from the financial institutions who specialise in this type of product. Plus, payments you make under an operating lease are tax deductible.
65% of the top businesses lease equipment, according to an ELA survey. The top reasons these businesses cite for leasing include consistent expenses in budget management, increased cash flow, and the ability to have the latest equipment.
As businesses prepare to compete and grow in a new millennium, many are searching for proven new ways to address their equipment financing needs. And the choice for an increasing number in construction is clear: equipment leasing.
If structured properly, as a "true" lease, construction equipment leasing has some very important tax benefits. The payments can be considered a rental resulting in a 100% expense write-off. At the end of the year you would simply total your payments and deduct them entirely as an expense. This is a much more rapid write-off than interest expense and depreciation.
Most leases do not have to be shown on your financial statement as a liability, since theoretically it is a contingent liability, and only has to be shown as a footnote. This keeps your financial statement from becoming overloaded with debt and is important if your bank lines require maintaining certain ratios.
The biggest benefit, however, is that you can get the most money with the least information.... Up to approx. $100,000 with a single page application!
For many in construction equipment leasing makes perfect sense. Especially when you consider the upside: Leasing allows you to keep your machine stock flexible. When your work changes, your machines can too.
It provides a planned schedule for equipment replacement, helping you run newer, up-to-date equipment so you'll have less downtime. It generally requires smaller amounts of money up front and monthly payments on your construction equipment leasing are generally lower than installment payments, thus freeing up cash and increasing the liquidity of your assets. And it doesn't lock you into a long-term commitment to purchase.
It would therefore be wise for any business executive to investigate the advantages to equipment leasing in order to make the best use of current financial resources.
profile
Monday, September 6, 2010
Minimize Disruption Of Personal Finances After Natural Disasters
With the recent increase of incapacitating natural disasters, it's vital to prepare now for what might happen down the road. The best way to avoid a major disruption in your financial life after a disaster is to automate critical transactions that are currently done on paper. With tornado season from April through June, hurricane and typhoon season from June through November and the potential for earthquakes at any time during the year, there is no time like the present to ensure that you will have access to your money and personal documents in case of emergency. The following are five things you can do now to prepare for the next natural disaster:
1. Sign up for Direct Deposit of your paycheck or Social Security benefit. One of the major problems in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was that people paid by checks had no access to their money. On the other hand, people paid through Direct Deposit were paid on time automatically. If your employer doesn't offer Direct Deposit, send them to the business section of www.electronicpay ments.org to see the benefits of offering the service, not only to their employees, but also to the bottom line of the company.
2. Consider online banking so that you have access to your account records if your paper records are destroyed and/or if your bank branch is not accessible. In the aftermath of a disaster, phone lines, cell towers and businesses could be shut down for months while online access to your bank accounts will be virtually uninterrupted by the natural disaster.
3. Ensure that your insurance premiums, car payments, mortgage and other important bills are paid automatically even if you don't have access to the mail or to your checkbook. Sign up with your billers for Direct Payment. Your bills are paid automatically each month, so you are assured that you will have insurance when you need it and that your car and house payments will remain in good standing.
4. Make a photocopy of everything in your wallet, scan the copies into your computer and save them on a disk. Keep the disk with your preparedness supplies. This takes 15 minutes to do and will save you if your wallet and financial records are destroyed or stolen. In case of power outage, also keep a paper copy of these records in a safe place like a bank vault. It's vitally important to have this information if you need to cancel credit cards, have proof of identification and insurance coverage.
5. Get an ATM card or Checkcard even if you only plan to use it in an emergency. In a disaster, cash is king with some retailers, at least for the short term. If you need immediate supplies, you will want to have access to cash through an ATM. In the days after a disaster, it can be virtually impossible to cash a check or to find retailers whose credit card systems are working.
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1. Sign up for Direct Deposit of your paycheck or Social Security benefit. One of the major problems in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was that people paid by checks had no access to their money. On the other hand, people paid through Direct Deposit were paid on time automatically. If your employer doesn't offer Direct Deposit, send them to the business section of www.electronicpay ments.org to see the benefits of offering the service, not only to their employees, but also to the bottom line of the company.
2. Consider online banking so that you have access to your account records if your paper records are destroyed and/or if your bank branch is not accessible. In the aftermath of a disaster, phone lines, cell towers and businesses could be shut down for months while online access to your bank accounts will be virtually uninterrupted by the natural disaster.
3. Ensure that your insurance premiums, car payments, mortgage and other important bills are paid automatically even if you don't have access to the mail or to your checkbook. Sign up with your billers for Direct Payment. Your bills are paid automatically each month, so you are assured that you will have insurance when you need it and that your car and house payments will remain in good standing.
4. Make a photocopy of everything in your wallet, scan the copies into your computer and save them on a disk. Keep the disk with your preparedness supplies. This takes 15 minutes to do and will save you if your wallet and financial records are destroyed or stolen. In case of power outage, also keep a paper copy of these records in a safe place like a bank vault. It's vitally important to have this information if you need to cancel credit cards, have proof of identification and insurance coverage.
5. Get an ATM card or Checkcard even if you only plan to use it in an emergency. In a disaster, cash is king with some retailers, at least for the short term. If you need immediate supplies, you will want to have access to cash through an ATM. In the days after a disaster, it can be virtually impossible to cash a check or to find retailers whose credit card systems are working.
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