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	<title>The Finance Advocate</title>
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	<link>http://www.finance-advocate.com</link>
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		<title>The Property Investor&#8217;s Guide</title>
		<link>http://www.finance-advocate.com/the-property-investors-guide/</link>
		<comments>http://www.finance-advocate.com/the-property-investors-guide/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:42:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Property Investments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[capital gains]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[property investment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.finance-advocate.com/?p=175</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[People (and companies as well) are looking for ways to investment their money in a secure way that will give big returns on a constant level. Property investment is one of the only areas that has seen consistent growth through the years; it even survived our economic crisis. While home buyers suffered through some hard [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-176" title="property-investment" src="http://www.finance-advocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/property-investment-300x225.jpg" alt="property-investment" width="240" height="180" />People (and companies as well) are looking for ways to investment their money in a secure way that will give big returns on a constant level. <strong>Property investment</strong> is one of the only areas that has seen consistent growth through the years; it even survived our economic crisis. While home buyers suffered through some hard times, and home sales were at a low, residential rental property kept at its steady growth. In the last decade, the investment in residential property has become very popular. More and more investors are seeing this as the money maker that it is. If this seems like an avenue you would like to invest in, then read on for some tips on making this investment make money and the things you need to consider before jumping in with both feet.<span id="more-175"></span></p>
<p>As with any investment, residential property can be a bad investment if it is not done in a smart manner. To earn money on your residential property you have to choose the right property. You need to be sure that the property you invest in will make the money that you need it to. A must is that the price you pay for the property is equal with the rent that you can charge for it. The income from your residential property investment should cover the mortgage on the property as well as any maintenance. It needs to be self-sufficient. Once the mortgage is paid off, you can continue renting and enjoy this income or sell the property and re-invest the profits.</p>
<p>To use a few property investors terms, your property can generate income in two categories; <strong>capital gains</strong> and yield. Your yield is simply the sum of the rent that you will collect in a year on your property. You then express your return as a percentage of this in regard to the amount you paid for the property to begin with. Capital gains, the other source of income on your property investment, is the appreciation value on your property. This number is also shown as a percentage and will move as property values move up or down.  Knowing these numbers will ensure that your property is actually accomplishing what you need it to. A good investment is one that balances the two sources of income, your yield and your capital gains.</p>
<p>Any investment is only as good as what you invest in. Be smart when you are researching the residential property you are considering. Be realistic with what you can afford to pay that will be covered by the rental income that you ask. If your investment is self-sufficient, then it should make you money for years to come.</p>
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		<title>Some Advice on Student Loans</title>
		<link>http://www.finance-advocate.com/some-advice-on-student-loans/</link>
		<comments>http://www.finance-advocate.com/some-advice-on-student-loans/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:25:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Student Loans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[student loan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.finance-advocate.com/?p=169</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In these hard economic times, it is important to understand your options when you are thinking about a student loan or getting ready to pay one off. Some people are confused about how student loans work, but it is vital that you know how these student loans work so you can make the best decisions [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-171" title="student-loans" src="http://www.finance-advocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/student-loans-300x200.jpg" alt="student-loans" width="240" height="160" />In these hard economic times, it is important to understand your options when you are thinking about a <strong>student loan</strong> or getting ready to pay one off. Some people are confused about how student loans work, but it is vital that you know how these <a href="http://www.finance-advocate.com/topics/loans-and-funding/student-loans/" >student loans</a> work so you can make the best decisions as you move forward with your education or begin the pay-back process after the degree. There are a few common mistakes that you can avoid that will save you money as well.</p>
<p>If you feel that you are unsure what a student loan really is and how it works, let’s explore this first. Being informed about what you are getting in to  and what us expected of you with a student loan will help you make an informed decision.  In a nutshell, a student loan is an unsecured loan (meaning no collateral is necessary) that can be given to you by a bank or government organization. Depending on your age, these loans may be given to your parents for your educational use. Unless you have a full ride scholarship or a lot of little scholarships or grants that add up, you are probably going to need a student loan to get through college.<span id="more-169"></span></p>
<p>Your next question may be wondering if you should even take out a student loan right now. If you’re High School graduation is just around the corner, then you may need to reword that question to ask what options you have in this recession. You may have read all the reports on the job market, and how college degree holders are still finding themselves without jobs. What was once your golden key may not look as golden anymore, and tacking a student loan onto the top of it may not seem to make sense to you. But remember, our economy has always gone through these peaks and valleys. Even though jobs may be scarce, those with the degrees will be the first to get the jobs once they are out there again. If jobs are unavailable, then the best place for you may be in college, furthering your education, while the economy heals, even with a student loan.</p>
<p>If you are one of the many that finds yourself at the point where you need to begin paying back that student loan but you don’t have a job, then there are still some options for you. You first option may be to continue with your education, even though this means you will take out more loans. This course goes hand-in-hand with college being the best place to be while you’re riding out this iffy job market. There also may be programs that let you defer your payments even longer so do some research on this as well.</p>
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		<title>Cheap Car Insurance Is Right Around the Corner</title>
		<link>http://www.finance-advocate.com/cheap-car-insurance-is-right-around-the-corner/</link>
		<comments>http://www.finance-advocate.com/cheap-car-insurance-is-right-around-the-corner/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:37:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Car Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[car insurance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.finance-advocate.com/?p=153</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By far, car insurance is one of the most expense costs associated with owning a car. Unfortunately, it&#8217;s also a cost that you cannot avoid as it is required by law. Nevertheless, purchasing car insurance doesn&#8217;t mean that you have to pay an arm and a leg in order to operate your vehicle. There are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-155" title="car-insurance" src="http://www.finance-advocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/car-insurance-300x199.jpg" alt="car-insurance" width="300" height="199" />By far, <strong>car insurance</strong> is one of the most expense costs associated with owning a car. Unfortunately, it&#8217;s also a cost that you cannot avoid as it is required by law. Nevertheless, purchasing car insurance doesn&#8217;t mean that you have to pay an arm and a leg in order to operate your vehicle. There are many options available if your are in need of cheap car insurance. The following tips will help you obtain insurance at a much lower premium than you would going blindly into a policy.</p>
<p><strong>Consider Leaving the Brick &amp; Mortar for the World Wide Web</strong></p>
<p>If you haven&#8217;t considered using the Internet in order to shop for cheap car insurance, or renew your policy, you are missing out on great deals. Using the Internet to shop for cheap car insurance puts you at the forefront of hundreds of insurers who are waiting to offer you the best deal possible. Even better is the fact that many companies offer deals specifically for those who decide to purchase a policy online.</p>
<p><strong>Assessing Your Needs</strong></p>
<p>If you are in the market for cheap car insurance, take a closer look at the fine print associated with your policy. Do you really need all of the extras such as fire protection, flood protection and the like? Make sure that you are not buying more policy than you need. All of these costs will wind up taking a bite out of your wallet each month.</p>
<p><strong>Lower the Amount of Drivers on Your Policy</strong></p>
<p>For every driver you have on your car insurance policy, the more it will cost. Try reducing the number of people you wish to have insured in order to lower your insurance rates. Also, another tip to employ is to only add drivers to the policy who have glowing driving records – or are considered a low risk driver. You can find cheap care insurance if the name on the policy is a driver who does not have a history of tickets and accidents.</p>
<p><strong>How Much Are You Driving?</strong></p>
<p>The more you drive, the more you can expect to pay for car insurance. When applying for car insurance, make sure that you&#8217;re not inflating the amount of miles you actually drive as this will raise the cost of your quote. Try to give your insurer an accurate figure as possible.</p>
<p><strong>Good Driving Is Rewarded Two-fold</strong></p>
<p>Insurance companies such as All State reward it&#8217;s policy holders for maintaining a stellar driving record. Not only can you obtain cheap car insurance for having a spotless driving record, but you can also lower your payments during the duration of your policy if you maintain a good driving record.</p>
<p><strong>Opt to Pay Annually</strong></p>
<p>If you wish to lower your insurance payment, try opting for annual payments as opposed to monthly payments. Many insurance companies tend to charge more for monthly installments as opposed to an annual fee. The difference may often be as much as a savings of a few hundred dollars per year when paid in full.</p>
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		<title>Is Debt Management Good Or Bad?</title>
		<link>http://www.finance-advocate.com/is-debt-management-good-or-bad/</link>
		<comments>http://www.finance-advocate.com/is-debt-management-good-or-bad/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 07:45:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Debt Consolidation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.finance-advocate.com/?p=148</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Debt management companies appear like the ‘good guys’, the saviors that will help relief you off your debts, but are they as good as they appear to be? Well, a debt management company will negotiate on your behalf with you creditors so that they can lower your monthly remittances. However, just a mention of a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-150" title="debt-consolodation2" src="http://www.finance-advocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/debt-consolodation2-244x300.jpg" alt="debt-consolodation2" width="195" height="240" />Debt management companies appear like the ‘good guys’, the saviors that will help relief you off your debts, but are they as good as they appear to be? Well, a debt management company will negotiate on your behalf with you creditors so that they can lower your monthly remittances. However, just a mention of a debt management company many people will begin pinpointing flaws in them. Despite this, many people are still seeking their services and what is more bizarre is that the companies are still in existence with many more coming up every new dawn.</p>
<p>Well, if you don’t have a problem with your debts, or are not about to declare bankruptcy, seeking their services will be harming your good credit score knowingly for the mere reason of lowering your monthly payments and having the total amount reduced. But if on the other hand you’re paying late, or worse still missing your monthly payments, you’ve already started harming your credit score and nothing can be done. In most cases faced with such a reality, many will give up and declare bankruptcy, but what actually will happen to your credit score?<span id="more-148"></span></p>
<p>You’ll have no option but to take yourself to debt management firms and let them negotiate for you a realistic payment that is affordable and one that will reduce the total amount you’ll pay, particularly the interest. This is the work of debt management firms because they enjoy dealing and negotiating with creditors, in other words, this is what gets them out of bed every dawn. At such times when “credit casualties” are increasing by the minute, it would be better and safer for you to seek debt management services than face the much dreaded B word.</p>
<p>Many people will first think of debt consolidation but when you think of it, it is simply borrowing the total amount you owe together with the interest the consolidated loan will incur. In other words, you’ll simply increase your debt amount and debt duration. But if you aren’t hard pressed and are looking for a great way to get debt relief faster, debt management shouldn’t be your option but truth be told, many people today are sleeping worry less, comfortable and relishing a quality life today because of debt management services.</p>
<p>But like in any other industry, you’ll still find the notorious abusers of such services. You should be wary of, and look at the normal red flags when considering any debt or credit related service:<br />
-	How much will they make off you?<br />
-	How well equipped will you be with information about them before signing up for their program?<br />
-	Do they have something they plan to do for you for free, and what is it?<br />
-	Do they have any affiliations with any lending or financial institutions?</p>
<p>You ought to be well informed to be able to make an informed choice. Debt management to many is getting immediate debt relief; it is a relief from harassment and financial freedom.  But only you alone can say whether the credit score harm is worth the relief you’ll get.</p>
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		<title>Low Cost Auto Insurance Quotes</title>
		<link>http://www.finance-advocate.com/low-cost-auto-insurance-quotes/</link>
		<comments>http://www.finance-advocate.com/low-cost-auto-insurance-quotes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:33:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Car Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.finance-advocate.com/?p=138</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I had bought a new car for my sister as she had to travel to far off places for some or the other work assigned by her MD. She was very happy about it but did not have much information and details about getting an insurance done for the car. So, when I purchased it [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I had bought a new car for my sister as she had to travel to far off places for some or the other work assigned by her MD. She was very happy about it but did not have much information and details about getting an insurance done for the car. So, when I purchased it for her, I thought of doing everything myself and then informing her how and from where I got the insurance.</p>
<p>I browsed through the internet and through one of the sources I got <a href="http://www.autoquotenow.com/"  target="_blank">auto insurance quotes</a>. After checking them, I was able to compare the insurance rates of each company with another, and finally, I purchased <a href="http://www.autoquotenow.com/"  target="_blank">low cost car insurance</a> for her car. Later on, I explained her how to get one. Recently, one of her friends wanted her car to get insured but was confused about which one to choose and this time my little sister guided her in choosing a good auto insurance which suited her friend’s needs. I was very happy to hear that.</p>
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		<title>Use Debt Consolidation to Better Your Credit Score</title>
		<link>http://www.finance-advocate.com/use-debt-consolidation-to-better-your-credit-score/</link>
		<comments>http://www.finance-advocate.com/use-debt-consolidation-to-better-your-credit-score/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:31:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Debt Consolidation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit score]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.finance-advocate.com/?p=141</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Statistics indicate that above 40% of American families spend more than they are making, with an average household having over $10,000 credit card debt alone. In other words, debt is part of life for many a family not only in North America but in nearly all parts of the world. While you might be having [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-144" title="debt-consolidation" src="http://www.finance-advocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/debt-consolidation-300x200.jpg" alt="debt-consolidation" width="300" height="200" />Statistics indicate that above 40% of American families spend more than they are making, with an average household having over $10,000 credit card debt alone. In other words, debt is part of life for many a family not only in North America but in nearly all parts of the world. While you might be having a bad credit history, the good news is that debt consolidation can be your turning point. <strong>Debt consolidation</strong> is a form of debt reduction which allows you amalgamate your debts into a single payment. As such, rather than disbursing your monthly remittances to 8 or 10 banks at various dates of the month, debt consolidation allows you to make a single payment to the debt consolidating company and they will do the disbursement for you.<span id="more-141"></span></p>
<p>In most cases, these companies will negotiate with your creditors for a fair interest rate, a low monthly remittance, a decreased balance, elimination of late fees and will come to an agreement when the entire debt ought to be paid in full. If you look at it carefully, it will for sure save you a lot of money in the long run. Before seeking to consolidate your debt, you ought to come up with a rough estimate figure of the total amount you owe your creditors, and how much you pay each of them every month. This way, you’ll have a rough idea of the amount you wish to get from a consolidation company.</p>
<p>Debt consolidation comes with numerous benefits, but none can be compared to the freedom you’ll get. In other words having multiple creditors, where each has a specific date for payment can be a hard task to manage but once you consolidate, all your energy and attention will be focused on the single loan. At least you’ll be sure you’ll avoid late payment, in turn building and improving your previously tarnished credit ratings.</p>
<p>Note that you can even consolidate your debts without having to take a loan. You only need to get a reputable debt consolidation company to do the negotiations for you, and then agree on a certain amount that you’ll be sending them each month so that they can disburse to your creditors. The other option is taking the loan, which you can take against your home equity or any other collateral that may be deemed valuable.</p>
<p>Debt consolidation scams are on the rise, reason enough to do your homework well to find a reputed company that will tackle all your debt problems.</p>
<p>When everything is done as it should be, debt consolidation should be the first step leading to an improvement on your <strong>credit score</strong> and above all else your financial freedom. It is advisable to put away all credit cards and avoid incurring any further debt after consolidating your debt for the process to work effectively. Focus your attention on the fact that your aim of debt consolidation is debt reduction and subsequent elimination, as well as bettering your credit ratings.</p>
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		<title>Trading Game is Giving Away Forex Money</title>
		<link>http://www.finance-advocate.com/trading-game-is-giving-away-forex-money/</link>
		<comments>http://www.finance-advocate.com/trading-game-is-giving-away-forex-money/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:22:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Forex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[forex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[forex trading]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.finance-advocate.com/?p=134</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Have you ever thought about playing the Forex trading game? What is Forex trading anyway? Forex is a shortened form of Foreign Exchange Market, also knowns as FX.  The Foreign Exchange is a way for banks to buy and sell money, exchanging one currency for another. This helps world-wide markets do business and buy goods [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Have you ever thought about playing the Forex trading game? <a href="http://tradinggame.org/forex-fx-trading/introduction/"  target="_blank">What is Forex trading</a> anyway? Forex is a shortened form of Foreign Exchange Market, also knowns as FX.  The Foreign Exchange is a way for banks to buy and sell money, exchanging one currency for another. This helps world-wide markets do business and buy goods in local currency.</p>
<p><a href="http://tradinggame.org"  target="_blank">The Trading Game</a> is a web portal for those interested in the Forex Market. With a <a href="http://tradinggame.org/forex-fx-trading/tips-techniques/"  target="_blank">Forex Trading Tips Guide</a>, all you need is a little cash, an internet connection, and some spare time. Much like playing the Stock Markets, playing Forex involves &#8220;betting&#8221; that one currency will improve or decline.  You don&#8217;t actually buy the currency, but you do get a profit (or loss) from betting.</p>
<p>Whether you are new to Forex or a frequently player, the Trading Game site is handing out money to play the trading market. All you need to do is blog about it, AND be a UK resident. More information on their website: <a href="http://tradinggame.org"  target="_blank">http://tradinggame.org</a></p>
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		<title>What to Look for in a Credit Counselling Service</title>
		<link>http://www.finance-advocate.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-credit-counselling-service/</link>
		<comments>http://www.finance-advocate.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-credit-counselling-service/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:31:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit Counselling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Debt Consolidation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit counseling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit counselling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.finance-advocate.com/?p=121</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you currently have credit concerns, you should know that there are a number of credit counselling agencies that can assist you. However, you need to understand what exactly a credit counseling service should do for you before you engage the services of one.
Below are some of the most important things that you should know [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-122" title="credit-counseling" src="http://www.finance-advocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/credit-counseling-300x200.jpg" alt="credit-counseling" width="300" height="200" />If you currently have credit concerns, you should know that there are a number of <a href="http://www.finance-advocate.com/topics/finance-and-money/credit-counselling-debt-consolidation/" ><strong>credit counselling</strong></a> agencies that can assist you. However, you need to understand what exactly a credit counseling service should do for you before you engage the services of one.</p>
<p>Below are some of the most important things that you should know before acquiring the services of any credit counseling agency:</p>
<p><strong>A.	Profit or non-profit credit counselor</strong> – Either kind of credit counseling agency would charge fees for rendering their services although some may have added complimentary services.<span id="more-121"></span></p>
<p><strong>B.	Credit counselor certification</strong> – A majority of non-profit credit counselors do not have certification although they may still be able to provide valuable advice. It is best to employ the services of a certified <strong>credit counselor</strong> to be sure that you are getting guidance from a trained professional.</p>
<p><strong>C.	Non-profit credit counselors</strong> – Some non-profit credit counselors ask for high fees. It would be best to shop around so you can get the most of your money&#8217;s worth. After all, your main objective is to save money.</p>
<p><strong>D.	For-profit credit counselors</strong> – They would of course charge fees but it is best to ask cost quotes from several credit counselors before signing up with an agency. Be sure to look at the fine print of the contracts so as not to be surprised by hidden charges. Do not let the costs of hiring their services put you off since credit counselors will be able to help you more than you can imagine in the end.</p>
<p><strong>E.	Where to find non-profit credit counselors</strong> – Local universities and colleges are the best places to look for non-profit credit counselors. Check with the local credit union and other financial institutions within your vicinity.</p>
<p><strong>F.	More options in finding credit counselors</strong> – If you cannot find a credit counselor within your immediate area, inquire with your bank if they can help you with your search.</p>
<p><strong>G.	Do a background check</strong> – A credit counselor&#8217;s credibility is of utmost importance. Check with the Better Business Bureau and other institutions that can help validate the reliability of the credit counselor before you sign any contract.</p>
<p>People have the tendency to keep financial worries private and try to fix credit damages by themselves. But not having enough information and experience on ways to go about repairing credit status has a propensity for making money matters worse.</p>
<p>A credit counselor would know all the ins and outs of helping you repair bad credit from fundamental daily budget appropriation to credit card debt resolution. They will be able to give you advice on how to communicate and deal with the credit card companies that you have concerns with. You may have already been turned down for a loan or a mortgage but your credit counselor would still be able to help you acquire a credit line to help you recover from bad credit. An effective credit counselor would still be able to assist you in consolidating your debts and set you up with a car loan or mortgage.</p>
<p>Do not wait for things to get worse and for your credit damages to become irreparable, work on finding a trust worthy credit counselor today to help you improve your finances and the quality of your life.</p>
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		<title>Repairing Your Credit Score After a Bankruptcy</title>
		<link>http://www.finance-advocate.com/repairing-your-credit-score-after-a-bankruptcy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.finance-advocate.com/repairing-your-credit-score-after-a-bankruptcy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bankruptcy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit Cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bankruptcy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit rating]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.finance-advocate.com/?p=115</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Your credit rating is badly affected by the fact that you have gone through bankruptcy and it is important for you to know the necessary steps to take in order to gain back a good credit score. Keep in mind that a bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for a number of years and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-116" title="credit-score" src="http://www.finance-advocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/credit-score-300x199.jpg" alt="credit-score" width="300" height="199" />Your <strong>credit rating</strong> is badly affected by the fact that you have gone through bankruptcy and it is important for you to know the necessary steps to take in order to gain back a good credit score. Keep in mind that a bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for a number of years and the sooner you begin repairing your credit score, the better.</p>
<p>To start, pay off all your high-interest loans and credit card debts as soon as possible. Use all of the money you have stored away in savings, at home, and anywhere else. Utilize all your resources to get these settled immediately. If needed, borrow money from family or friends to pay these off or you will find it more difficult to fix your credit rating.</p>
<p>Another thing you should start doing if you want to fix your credit rating after <strong>bankruptcy</strong> is to communicate and negotiate with your creditors. You might be surprised at how open they are to negotiation. Keep in mind that your creditors are only interested in receiving money from you to settle what you owe them. If you express your interest in making a new repayment plan or paying through one settlement, most will accept your offer even if it means they will be receiving less in interest. Besides, some of them may simply sympathize with you and do what they can to help you out with your situation.</p>
<p>Of course, getting credit after <a href="http://www.finance-advocate.com/topics/finance-and-money/bankruptcy-finance-and-money/" >bankruptcy</a> will be difficult. However, it doesn&#8217;t mean that there is no way some credit will be available to you. There may be those who will still be willing to extend a line of credit to you even if they know you have gone through bankruptcy. Your best option is to stay away from all types of loans. Do not go looking for more financial trouble while you are trying to build your credit rating back up, especially for at least the first three years after your bankruptcy case has been settled.</p>
<p>For this reason, you must also keep away from accepting or applying for <a href="http://www.finance-advocate.com/topics/finance-and-money/credit-cards/" >credit cards</a> as those can get you into a lot of financial trouble very quickly. You don&#8217;t need the interest associated with credit cards, especially after declaring bankruptcy. Too many people fall into the same traps after declaring bankruptcy. This is because they believe their bankruptcy settlement has left them with a clean slate when it comes to their credit. They start over without knowing how important it is to first repair the damage that declaring bankruptcy has caused to their credit rating. Before they know it, they are once again up to their eyeballs in debt within a matter of just a few years.</p>
<p>After bankruptcy, use cash for all your purchases. If you want to buy something but do not have the cash for it, learn how to save up. Use only money that you already have and learn how to live within your means so that you can learn how to use money the right way again.</p>
<p>It may be hard for you to learn how to live without credit again after declaring bankruptcy. However, if you try and work hard at it, you shouldn&#8217;t fall into any more problems. Once you learn know to manage your money correctly, you will be able to take out loans appropriately later on without having to worry about incurring financial debt that you cannot handle.</p>
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		<title>Finding the Right Credit Counseling Service</title>
		<link>http://www.finance-advocate.com/finding-the-right-credit-counseling-service/</link>
		<comments>http://www.finance-advocate.com/finding-the-right-credit-counseling-service/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 07:42:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit Counselling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit counseling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.finance-advocate.com/?p=101</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Habitually spending more than what you earn will obviously lead you to a catastrophic financial situation. This is especially true if you use your credit cards without tracking your expenditure versus your income. Your problems will come to fore once your bills pile up and you realize that you have no knowledge on how to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-104" title="Credit Counselling" src="http://www.finance-advocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/credit-counselling-300x238.jpg" alt="Credit Counselling" width="270" height="214" />Habitually spending more than what you earn will obviously lead you to a catastrophic financial situation. This is especially true if you use your credit cards without tracking your expenditure versus your income. Your problems will come to fore once your bills pile up and you realize that you have no knowledge on how to properly manage your own finances.</p>
<p>One of the best tools to address these issues is the engagement of a <strong>credit counseling</strong> service that can assist you in regaining your financial bearings. But their expertise will not make any difference unless you also make drastic changes in your spending habits. Concentrate on being able to control the urge to splurge and becoming mindful of the expenses charged as against the income you earn per month. Fiscal restraint should be ingrained in you in order to correct the errant behavior that led you to this financial crisis from the outset.</p>
<p>When do you engage the services of an expert? The first step on the road to recovery is the realization that there is a problem and you are in dire straits. The normal signs include the inability to pay minimum credit card bills, receiving tardy notices for bills, and the increasing frequency of phone calls from collectors. Such signs happening in a normal day should be treated as a signal for you to seriously consider obtaining credit counseling immediately.</p>
<p>It isn&#8217;t easy to make a decision on which credit counseling company to engage. There are some companies who would exploit this difficult situation for their own personal ends. Care ought to be undertaken in making your choice. You can protect yourself from these unscrupulous companies by checking with the National Foundation for <a href="http://www.finance-advocate.com/topics/finance-and-money/credit-counselling-debt-consolidation/" >Credit Counseling</a> and engaging the services of those that are accredited and in good standing.</p>
<p>The first sign that a company would only exploit your situation is if they require a sizable amount of money right away. In such cases, always check if the money sent through the credit counseling agency actually reaches its intended creditor. Some companies misuse the finds entrusted to them so be careful of this practice.</p>
<p>Also, be careful of the guaranteed claims made by some credit counseling agencies. Avoid companies that say they can sweep your problems clean by themselves and without your participation. Getting out of your financial dilemma will largely rely on your personal perseverance and discipline.</p>
<p>In addition, try to avoid declaring insolvency at all costs. If this declaration were made, it would be retained in your credit summary for at least ten years. So you need to work on your existing financial issues in order to resolve them at the soonest possible time. Having a record of bankruptcy would be financial suicide. So it is better keep a low score than have to handle the insolvency issues. If the credit counselor advises filing for bankruptcy right away, then it would be better to seek another company for financial advice.</p>
<p>Engaging a credit counseling company is one of the best decisions you can make when trying to dig your way out of a financial dilemma. But you should always be on your guard when it comes time to choose which company to entrust your finances to. Armed with these few tips, you should be able to avoid the unscrupulous companies that are only looking to exploit your situation.</p>
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