Showing posts with label Finance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Finance. Show all posts

Bridging Finance

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Traditionally Bridging Finance, or Bridging Loan as it is also known, has been used to 'bridge' the financial gap between the sale of one property and the purchase of another. Allowing borrowers to purchase the second property before selling their existing property.

Numerous other uses for Bridging Finance include -

Allowing Buy to Let investors achieve a discount for a faster completion
Auction purchases, where funds are required quickly to complete the purchase
Entrepreneurs requiring a quick injection of cash to fund a new business opportunity
Property developers, utilizing the speed of Bridging loan to quickly buy and sell on a property

Fast Cash When You Need It Most

The traditional mortgage application route is well known for the snails pace at which it can sometimes operate. At the speed we live in today's postmodern age this can be a very frustrating state of affairs.

The property market has numerous opportunities but many can be left on the shelf. Either through the chain collapsing or the lender not having funds in place quickly enough. To add to this a discount on a property is a definite possibility if funding can be arranged quickly enough. Bridging Finance is a fast and easy solution to all these headaches.

But why is this? It's very simple. Bridging Finance tends to be 'Non-Status'. Lenders consider the type and quality of the property as security as a measure of the lending possibility.

Unlike traditional lending bridging underwriters are generally looking at minimum lending terms of between 3 months, 6 months or 12 months. But some lenders are even more flexible in this regard and will lend with no minimum period on the loan. Lending is available at up to 75% LTV (Loan-To-Value), in some cases 85% LTV may be available. Apart from credit checks, the non-status factor is the same as mainstream non-status lending. The benefit is that the decision to lend is very much faster.

A Short Term Solution

Bridging Finance can bridge a financial gap. But it should never really be considered a permanent solution. A more permanent solution in the form of a regular mortgage should be considered if the property is to be held on to long-term. Or in the case of a more speculative investment the borrower will sell the property to make a quick profit.

Bridging Finance is flexible in another way. In terms of the redemption date it can set as both 'open' with no definite end to the loan, or 'closed' with a set redemption date. It is advisable to only use the open variety when you are confident of the sale of a property or the replacing of the loan with a more long-term finance solution.

Bridging Finance remains the fastest and most appropriate loan type for making a property purchase quickly.

Benefits Of A Finance Calculator

Life style is now a debatable topic for everyone. When lifestyle comes to our mind we get straight. It is true that lifestyle and finance are co-related to each other. You cant maintain a good lifestyle if you have poor income resources. So it is clear that finance and lifestyle need to co-exist in some form. Lifestyle deals with buying the latest fashionable accessories and gadgets or any home appliances. So money is the key word for you so that you will deserve to such kind of lifestyle. If you don't have enough money to maintain lifestyle, then you need not to spend the money.

The ideal lifestyle should be in form of financial stability. Make sure your financial status is good then go for maintaining lifestyle. It will be foolish to dreaming lifestyle if you have not capacity maintain it. So that it will make you bankrupt. Do not go through the artificial magazine flash, they will make debarred from your society. As there is a proverb "cut according to your cloth" is really true. Give focused to your financial strength. Make sure that which life style will suit with you then you will go for investment.

Every body wants to maintain lifestyle as they saw their neighbors lifestyle. It is the mistake that the common people think that they sufficient money. But the concept is absolutely wrong. As to show their status symbol they are spending money with out any hesitation. The Gandhian principle is actually to follow by every one. Finance is the first thing you need to consider when you go for a certain lifestyle.

Benefits Of A Finance Calculator: You will often found pundits or gurus are using a finance calculator while they determine your mortgage or home loan payments of your personal finance. Many people do not understand of finance calculator and their functions. As the software technology develops, many people are unknown to these products. But there is sufficient information on internet that you can get more details. This is not because they are too complex to understand, but because people simply do not see their relevance. Even the salesman tries to persuade about the finance calculator with all sorts of hype, still you unaware to try the demo. If it is something new and foreign, we need to treat it carefully.

A finance calculator is a small computer device that can perform variety of specific finance calculations. The main purpose of a finance calculator is that you can use it for long term calculations of your budget or your home loan or car loan or any classroom calculation. This financial calculator is designed with some finical variable to analyze the complex financial equations. It is much better than a simple calculator. You can calculate and analyze your own personal budget. Finance calculator is only for you to account your daily financial analysis.

Online Finance Degree

An online finance degree is a wonderful option for individuals who want to go to college, but for whatever reason prefer an online forum as opposed to a traditional classroom. Frequently, those who opt for an online finance degree have busy schedules already because of family and work commitments, and juggling a typical class schedule is nearly impossible. Also, individuals who have disabilities often times opt for an online finance degree simply because it is easier to work straight from home. No matter why you want an online finance degree, there are many options out there for you to choose from.

The online finance degree is a very popular major, and because of this almost all of the online universities offer the online finance degree. In addition to this, the online finance degree is not only available in bachelors, but also in masters and in some cases PhD. So, no matter if you want just a bachelor's online finance degree or want to get an online finance degree at ever level, the choice is totally yours.

Paying for your online finance degree is not as difficult as it ahs been in the past, either, because now you can get student loans and choose different payment plans for your online finance degree. Paying for your online finance degree has never been easier.

In addition to this, you will need to decide exactly what you are looking for in the university where you will obtain your online finance degree. The reason for this is because there are so many online university options that range in popularity, accreditation and cost, that you will need to find out which ones offer the best online finance degree for your budget.

Be sure, however, before you begin studying for your online finance degree that you know your university is accredited and has many successful graduates with their online finance degree.

Revolution in finance

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

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Bestfinancnews.com describes his name distinctive way in providing lastet and up to the mark information relating to the Finance best news. The Financial aid office and Student Loans Company, Financo Financial calculate Home Loan Rate Comparison, Car Loan Calculator with flat or reducing methods. Finance-Banking has made system so trouble-free that you can take Decision of loan online. The Finance News Network had facilitated Finance to be -One position. The best finance info team is of assistance experts of Finance-Research member provide you with latest trends of Student Loans, Business Loan Texas, Payday Loans, and Payday Loans Online. Job seekers can clutch out highly embattled job hunt set up search representative and place resume in Best Finance Job fairs. There are different categories of finance programs accessible depending upon the business concern. Best Finance Books will be a appropriate guideline to scrutinize the finance. It will be a backing to analyze the financial bazaar, where to empower your money and many more. Best Finance Personal is the relevance of the ethics of finance to the economic decisions of an individual or family unit. Components of personal finance comprise examination and investments accounts, credit cards and consumer loans, investments in the stock market, retirement plans, social security benefits, insurance policies, and income tax management. Bestfinancnews.com is treasure of the information on finance.

Finance A Mortgage

Most homeowners purchase their houses through mortgage finance or a loan. There have been many changes in home mortgage financing and loans in the past ten years, bringing many benefits to homebuyers. These changes also bring some significant tradeoffs. The greatest benefit a homeowner received from the changes in mortgage finance is that there are more choices. More choice means a homebuyer can effectively shop around for the best mortgage finance deals and make better decisions.

There are a number of specialized mortgage finance institutions that provide mortgage finance products. Savings and loan mortgage finance institutions are also known as thrift associations, since lenders take the deposits of their customers and use the money to create mortgage finance and loan products. Thrifts declined during the 1980s when interest rates were erratic, and mortgage failures were at an historic highpoint. Thrift institutions were replaced later on by mortgage finance bankers, who originate the mortgage finance product and offer them to investors. In the 1990s, mortgage brokers arrived on the scene. These are freelance mortgage finance agents who handle loans for a number of lenders and sell them to several clients that may include investors or homebuyers. Mortgage brokers remain popular with homebuyers who are looking for mortgage finance advice. Because these brokers have relationships with several lending firms, they represent the best source of mortgage finance advice concerning the current real estate market. Another good source of information for homebuyers who are looking to make a final mortgage decision is the Internet.

The general rule in the 1980s was that only individuals with good credit could obtain a mortgage finance loan. In the current market, nearly anyone can apply for such a loan if they want to buy a house. If you have excellent credit, you will probably find a mortgage finance loan that covers the total purchase price of a home. Having bad credit does not necessarily mean that you will not be able to get a mortgage finance loan, however. It is still possible, but you will pay a higher interest rate. Homebuyers who are getting their first house and how do not yet have a credit rating also have mortgage finance loan options available to them. These loans typically have low down payments and flexible standards defined in the underwriting.

The loan approval process has been made much faster because some of the underwriting has been streamlined. Computers have allowed mortgage finance loan information to be accessed rapidly, In fact, some finance companies offer approvals online or by using computer programs. The concept of credit scores� has also led to a decrease in the number of finance loans that are rejected. Credit scores can offer some relief in usually strict mortgage loan approvals, so applicants have less of a problem.

The modern mortgage finance market has developed a number of new mortgage products as well. When interest rates began to fall, homeowners took advantage of the decreases to refinance their mortgages. In order to reduce the expense of refinancing, lenders than began to offer mortgage finance loans without discount points.

Future of Finance jobs

In the not so long-gone past, many career advisers were advising young people seeking to start out a career to go into finance. The financial markets were doing well then, finance jobs were in plenty and MBA schools were bursting with young students seeking to build a career in finance. And the finance jobs were, of course, not limited to the financial markets. With a strong economy, finance graduates who couldn’t get jobs in the financial markets and investment banks could quite easily be absorbed into commerce and industry accounting jobs. Other would get middle office finance jobs in the public service, and going was good.


Then the bubble burst.

The economy went into recession mode, the financial markets shrunk and finance graduates who had taken up jobs with investment banks found themselves facing the axe, as the investment banks are the worst affected by turmoil in the financial markets. And as if on cue, companies, in a bid to cut costs, were also cutting on their head counts, thus also shaking the fortunes of the finance graduates who found commerce and industry accounting jobs in the private sector. In the midst of all this, it seems that the only secure finance graduates are those who took up middle office finance jobs in the public sector, but even this is not fear-proof for we do not know for sure what the full effects of the economic turmoil will be on civil service staffing.


So in the face of all this, what is the future of finance jobs?

It might seem counter-intuitive to say, but the future of finance jobs is still bright, in spite of the current turmoil in the financial markets. As it were, economists tell us that the current economic turmoil is largely short-term to medium term, which is to say that it won’t be with us forever. Which means that the people who chose to pursue a career in finance need not regret their choice, as better times are coming. But even before the better times arrive, the people with finance backgrounds who are currently getting laid off might not find themselves in the cold for too long.


As governments unveil the various economic stimulus plans, there will be need for people to manage the money as it goes into various sectors which translates to some finance jobs. Of course the finance jobs created in this way will be for the best brains in finance.



And then there is the fact that all companies, like human beings, have a native
survival instinct, which they are likely to find handy in these hard economic times. One survival strategies for companies in crises is to hire the experts who are likely to navigate them through the particular crises. And since the current crisis is financial, the companies are likely to find themselves hiring financial experts to help them address the economic crisis. Of course, the companies are not likely to be overtly looking for finance experts to help them address the financial crises. What we are likely to see is an increase in commerce and industry accounting jobs, but the accountants so hired are bound to be almost exclusively tasked with cost and revenue management tasks, geared towards helping their employers sail through the turbulent times successfully.

And finally the good times will surely come back again. If the history of the financial markets is anything to go by, we know that all bursts are always followed by booms.

Budgeting For Your Personal Finance

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Most of us find ourselves having to part with our hard-earned cash almost on a daily basis to just keep ourselves going. Have you ever thought about exactly what you’re spending though? A great deal of people never bother to budget – yet they could find themselves a lot better off by keeping an eye on their income and outgoings. If your finances are starting to get the better of you and you want to know how to manage your money more effectively, read on.

Work out your income and outgoings

First, decide whether you’ll do a monthly or weekly budget, whichever suits you best. Then write down all your income. (e.g. salary, benefits, pension). Now list your outgoings. Don’t forget those that you only pay on an annual or quarterly basis – which you’ll need to break down to a weekly or monthly amount. Here are some common household expenditures:

mortgage or rent
home insurance
council tax
utilities (gas, electricity, water, phone)
TV licence
car tax
car insurance
petrol
car parking charges
travel to work (public transport)
credit cards
overdrafts
loan repayments
groceries
childcare
pocket money for kids
vet bills
luxuries (going out, clothes, presents)
holidays
Tally up your total outgoings and subtract them from your income, and what’s left over is yours to spend – or save if you’re wise. If your outgoings are more than your income, alarm bells should be ringing. You won’t be able to sustain this on a long-term basis and you’ll quickly find yourself in more and more debt. Now’s the time to sort it out. You know where you stand with your income and outgoings, so you can now make changes and improvements to the way you manage your money. Below are some tips to help you cut down your spending and increase your savings.

Save, not spend

There are lots of ways in which you can live more efficiently, and a little goes a long way – if you save just £1 a day, you’ll have £365 in a year! So everything counts:

Cook at home rather than buying ready meals and takeaways or eating out.

Cut down on your treats – CDs, clothing, make-up etc. The best way in which to do this is to give yourself a budget and stick to it.

Don’t buy designer labels or expensive brands – cut down by purchasing high street clothes or the supermarket’s own brand of groceries.

Just make your own lunch, or don’t buy coffee at work, and you’ll easily save it.

Give up smoking – it’s an expensive habit.

Switch off unneeded lights in your house.

Find out whether you’re entitled to any benefits. The government has various tax credits and allowances for individuals and families on low incomes.

Open a savings account if you don’t have one and set up a standing order to ensure that some of your income goes there every week or month.

Tax-free savings accounts such as ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts) allow you to save a certain amount each year without paying tax.

Leave your savings alone – once they’re in your savings account, they’re untouchable. The more you have, the more you’ll make in interest.

Check regularly how your savings are performing and move to a bank account with a better interest rate if necessary.

If you get a bonus or extra cash, put it in your savings before you’re tempted to spend it.

Don’t buy anything on credit unless you really have to – and only then if you know you will have the means to pay it back. It’s a much more expensive way to shop, as you’ll pay back more in interest.

Most people start to have problems with debt when there’s a major change in their life circumstances, such as getting married, changing job, moving house or starting a family. If any of your circumstances change, revise your budget and make any necessary adjustments.

If you’re still struggling …

… don’t sweep the issue under the carpet. The longer you ignore your money problems, the bigger your debts will get. We live in an expensive world nowadays and many people struggle to get by – so there’s nothing to be ashamed of. There are lots of organisations who can provide specialist help on debt management – for example the government Insolvency Service, Consumer Credit Counselling Service and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau. They’ll give you free practical advice to help you get your finances back on track.

The first thing to do is to make a list of everyone to whom you own money, and sort the list into priority and non-priority debts. Priority debts are those that are secured against your home or could have serious consequences such as you being evicted or taken to court, and these must be tackled first.

Then speak to your creditors, for your priority debts first. They’ll be a lot more understanding if you explain your situation to them than they would if you tried to ignore their payment demands. Run through your budget and try to negotiate a repayment plan that’s manageable for you.

Once you’ve managed to repay all your debts, don’t let yourself get caught in the same vicious circle again. Live within your means, don’t be tempted by credit or ‘buy now, pay later’, and keep a close eye on your budget and expenditure.

Credit Limits For Personal Financing

Sunday, November 16, 2008

The credit limits for personal financing opportunities might limit the number of offers that some people get for applying for major credit cards. Some consumers refuse to get another credit card if the credit limit is not high enough to cover debts paid with the card each month, and many lenders are lowering credit limits to reduce the overhead of operating a business based on credit. Credit risks are rising every day because people are accruing more debt each day and are not paying for the privilege of carrying a major credit card.

Most consumers earn higher credit limits for personal financing needs by paying bills before they are due. Good credit ratings are awarded by merchants to prompt payers and some high limits might be more than a consumer asks for and will often be returned to the company with a note attached that asks the company to cancel the card at the earliest opportunity. Seasoned buyers know how difficult it is to pay off credit card balances. Many consumers that have made it a point to use credit wisely in later years still remember how easy it was to be tempted to run up a lot of debt during their younger years.

The memories of being in debt never seem to go away either and many credit card owners would rather return a new credit card than be tempted to use it one day and accrue more debt. People will consider obtaining a new credit card if the credit limits for personal financing will allow them to transfer balances from other credit cards. The enticement of having no interest on debts for over six months is enough to beguile some people to use credit limits for personal financing that will ultimately reduce balances faster than the consumer could using the monthly payment plans.

If used responsibly, the credit limits for personal financing needs can serve as a barometer for consumers who are intent on monitoring the creditworthiness of the family. The high limits will signify the amount of trust in judgment that a credit card company has in a customer. By assigning a high credit limit, the customer will know right away that all of the hard work put forth to pay debts when due have paid off. People who receive credit card offers with lower credit limits will know that further work will be needed to gain the trust and confidence of credit lenders.

Some people buy consumer electronics and other high-end items and use the credit limits for personal financing plans in place of in-store financing options. The interest rates for financing these luxury items will be considerably lower and consumers feel that the credit card buyer protection plans will offer more protection when buying products right off the shelf. Most credit card companies will allow credit customers to recoup monies spent on items that are defective or purchased in error. Using credit limits for personal financing needs resembles a shield against fraud and unauthorized purchases as well.

Consumer buying incentives have increased tremendously based on the credit limits set for personal financing that provide consumers with cash back rebates and discounts on purchases made with certain credit cards. People can use the low interest rates on cash transfer to wire monies to friends and family that live throughout the world. When the credit limits for personal financing allow consumers to save money throughout the year, in all likelihood, the consumer is more open minded about asking credit card companies for an increase on special occasions when money transfer amounts extend the credit limit currently in place.

Asset Finance

Friday, November 14, 2008

In the context of finance, an asset is any material owned by an individual or a company, which has a cash value. An asset can be real estate, plant & machinery, inventory, savings, accounts receivable, patents, trademarks, jewelry, or financial instruments like bonds and equity, etc. Some Banks and finance companies offer finance against such assets, which is known as asset-based financing, and the finance thus received, is known as asset finance or asset-based finance.

Why Choose Asset Finance?
To buy capital equipment, a budget may be difficult to mobilize for growing companies. With the help of asset finance, immediate purchase and use of the equipment is possible, leaving the other lines of credit undisturbed. Maximum finance is availed as the entire cost of the equipment is met by the asset finance. The repayment is made from the income that the usage of the equipment generates over a period of time, thereby increasing your working capital. The repayments are fixed; thereby the financial structure of your business remains unchanged during fluctuation in interest rates. With fixed repayments, budget planning and cash flow forecasting is made simpler. In an economic crisis, the repayments are made flexible and adjusted accordingly.

Availing finance on your existing equipment is known as refinancing, which can be effectively used for the company's growth. Normally three types of agreement, namely, hire purchase, finance lease, or minimum term agreement are made for extending asset finance for new and existing equipment, preferably with identifiable serial numbers. These agreements once executed cannot be withdrawn; hence, a certainty of credit is assured.

Hire Purchase Agreement
In this type of agreement, you choose the equipment you require and also the vendor. The asset financing company pays the vendor. According to the repayment plan as mutually agreed upon, you repay the cost of the equipment over a period of time, typically ranging from 2 to 5 years or 7 years for assets which have a longer life. At the end of the repayment plan, you own the equipment.

Finance Lease Agreement
This type of agreement is similar to the Hire Purchase Agreement. The difference is that the equipment belongs to the finance company. You have three options, namely, to return the equipment to the finance company, to continue using it against secondary rental, or to sell the equipment at market value. Some finance companies will repay you the major part of the sale proceeds.

Minimum Term Rental Agreement
Similar to finance lease agreements, here the equipment is rented for a minimum term, and once the minimum term is over, the equipment is returned to the finance company without any extra cost.

If your company qualifies for an asset-based finance agreement, some finance companies can even extend factoring facilities to further increase your cash flow; thereby, empowering you to manage the initial difficult months with confidence.

Cheap Finance At Your Terms

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Your property can serve you well in gaining access to a low cost loan for personal purposes. Secured personal loan finance is what you are looking around. The loan finance is available at lower interest rate and loan availing cost is kept to minimum. The loan can be utilize for variety of personal purposes like making home improvements, meeting medical or educational expenses, financing a vehicle or enjoying a holiday tour.

Secured personal loan finance requires loan seekers to place collateral with the lender. Collateral may consist of any of borrower’s property like home, jewelry or vehicle etc. purpose of collateral is to secure the loaned amount. In case there is a payment default, lender is free to sell the property to recover the amount.

Under secured personal loan finance, one can borrow £5000 to £75000 and for a greater loan lender would like to evaluate equity in collateral. So, higher equity collateral like home enables in taking greater loan. Secured personal loan finance is given to the loan seekers at lower interest rate which is main attraction. In fact the interest rate can be brought down once borrower makes comparison of different loan packages on offer.

Another big advantage attached with secured personal loan finance is that one can repay the loan in larger period ranging from 5 to 30 years. This gives ample time to the borrower for recovering financial health if he is going through a lean patch.

Those people who are labeled as bad credit in the loan market also take secured personal loan finance and with ease. This is because the bad credit person has given his property for the security of the loan. If there is payment default on his part, lender sells the property and recovers his amount. So no risk is there for the lender. Take a copy of your credit report and check it for errors before approaching the lender.

For a low cost loan and fast approval, prefer applying online. You fill some basic information in online application like loan amount, repayment period, purpose of the loan and personal details. The approval is conveyed to you soon.

Secured personal loans finance gives you access to lower interest rate finance at your terms. Make the best use of the loan. When monthly installments are paid in time, the loan enables in enhancing your credit score. Go through each aspect of the loan before making a deal.

Find A Good Financial Planner

Monday, November 10, 2008

There are many ways in which you can plan for your financial retirement. The first step in making the right moves is always the step that involves actually creating a plan of action that you can follow as a family. Many people focus too much on the now or too much on the later and have a great deal of difficulty when it comes to creating a happy medium for savings and investing.

Throughout our lives we will have both long and short-term goals that need to be assessed, addressed, and often revisited. Whether you need to find a way to pay for your children to attend college, home improvement projects, or a method for saving for your retirement you can find information and assistance for all these things and so much more if you seek the services of a qualified financial advisor.

A good financial advisor will help you find that balance that so many people and families lack. He or she will also help you assess your means in comparison with your long and short-term needs in order to see where your funds would experience the greatest return in order to suit your specific needs with minimal risk.

It is important to remember that going with a financial planner or advisor does not eliminate the risks that are an integral part of investing but it does help you learn to better calculate those risks.

Investing is a risky business. Learning how to weigh the odds and go for the prize is the best way to earn the biggest possible return on your investment no matter how modest your investment may be.

We are all starting from different means, isn't it amazing to know that we could all end up with very similar abilities when all is said and done and we are living out our 'golden years'?

Good financial planning is the key to success when it concerns your financial retirement. With so few people around the world adequately prepared to retire it is great to know that there are options and assistance that is available to help you get started on your retirement no matter how late in the game it is.

Even better is the knowledge that limits are lifted a little once you reach the age of 50 and retirement is much more eminent. This allows those who got a late start on their retirement planning or who have hit a speed bump or two along the way the opportunity to 'catch up' on their investing and work up to the place they need to be in order to establish a more comfortable retirement for themselves and those they love.

401 (k) plans offer some of the best retirement benefits your money can buy at the moment. They certainly allow you to make the maximum possible investment for your money. If you aren't taking your company up on their offer to match your investment in a 401(k) then you should seriously rethink that thought. Seriously, you're throwing away free money.

When it comes to the murky water of retirement investing it helps to have a guide to get you through. Utilizing the services of a financial planner may be the best move you've ever made in your life when it comes to the financial health of your family and your retirement.

Steps To Financial Freedom

Finally the truth is that you're better off spending 15 minutes going over your taxes to make sure they're done right, and that you've taken every tax break you're entitled to, than you are spending 50 minutes researching a stock. A tax break is not subject to the emotional whims of a market, as stocks are. Most retail tax firms will look over your tax return for free.

The reality is that the way you arrange your finances affects your parent's financial life and vice versa while taking the steps to financial freedom. Perhaps your parents are helping you pay for college. Great idea, but if they're saving money in your name, it will greatly hinder your chances of getting financial aid. What your parents and grandparents do with their money can affect your financial life. It may seem like there's no reason for you to meet with a tax advisor but if you didn't get all the financial aid you were expecting, it may be because your parents, not you, have made a financial mistake. Perhaps your folks need to meet with a tax advisor and since their money affects yours and vice versa, you need to go along with the steps to financial freedom. Throughout this article there are many times of the importance of talking with your parents about money.

If you decide to use a general financial planner, they'll charge about $100 an hour. Your first meeting will be about three hours, probably less if you're well prepared. So you have three hours. What should you do? Well this person is a financial planner, as opposed to a financial bowler or a financial belly dancer, so you should spend those hours planning.

It's important to save but it is inevitable to spend. We've all had weak moments in the video store during our steps to financial freedom. A lazy Sunday afternoon or perhaps a lonely Friday drives us to rent something we know we'll regret. While you can't salvage your pride from such a purchase, the movie does carry a financial lesson, especially because it fits in well with this whole getting loaded versus getting loaded theme.

People think that tracking expenses restricts freedom. Being broke, however, all the time restricts freedom. Pricing your habits gives you more freedom because you'll know where you're spending money. When you know that, then you have the option of arranging your life. You may want to spend more here and less there. You can save up for what you want and not waste money on stuff you don't want.

You want to keep track of all your expenses for one week. Write down every expense. Every time you swipe that credit card, write a check or pay cash. By the way, this week must be an average week in your life. Don't conduct this exercise during spring break or right before a big holiday when your shopping muscles get a workout. Pick an average week in the life of you.

Great Tips on Money Saving

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

If you hear someone offering you tips on money saving in today's hard pressed economy you should at least perk up and listen. What you decide to do with the advice at the end of the day is entirely up to you. We all know times are extremely difficult. Price of gas is absurd, interest rates are being stupid and people all over the place are losing money. You don't want this to be you so stand up and take action now.

I surf the internet quite often looking for tips on money saving and its incredible that with a little effort there are quite a few places to be found. I enjoy sharing these places with others who have decided to live the same frugal lifestyle as myself. Single handed it can be very difficult to survive emotionally in times like we are living through right now. However as a group of people sharing great ideas life is a whole lot easier.

We all know the story right now. Plain and simple times are extremely tough. Is that a reason however to give up. Well myself and many others have decided that it's definitely not a reason or even a thought that needs to be considered. In my experience I have found that saving money isn't that difficult or even painful. Especially when there are others who love to share tips on money saving.

I still live a very enjoyable life. Maybe instead of my family and me going out to a movie we may go out for a nice long walk through the park and enjoy an ice cream. Tips on money saving can be a lot of fun. It totally depends on how you face the situation. If you go in on the defensive right off the bat you will find great difficulty in making the small changes in your life. However if you enter frugal living with an open mind I am absolutely sure you will be very pleased with the results.

Tips on money saving is something you can choose to listen to and practice or something you choose to ignore. At the end of the day how your financial position turns out is all in your hands and the outcome is completely determined by yourself.

Money Market Funds

Over the long haul, the stock market has historically provided roughly an 8 % return per year. This is a statistic that has been tracked since the Great Depression of 1929. However, during this period of time, we have seen some major bear markets with spikes downward. One of these downward spikes which has been extremely evident, occurred recently during the turbulent financial credit crisis of 2008. It certainly is not mandatory for investors to remain in stocks during these horrific financial times, as there are other safer instruments that are available and should be utilized during these periods of uncertainty.

Money market instruments are an excellent and viable choice during these volatile times, to help preserve capital, and to provide almost instantaneous access to these funds (usually you can gain access within 2-3 business days), should the need arise. By definition, money market instruments are short-term debt securities (which typically mature in under one year), and are typically considered to be almost equivalent to cash, since you can liquidate them quickly to "cash out". Money market instruments are usually considered to be very safe instruments, and are usually issued by financial institutions, mega-corporations, or by the U.S. government itself. For the consumer, the quickest way to gain access to these investment vehicles, are through money market mutual funds through your brokerage account, or via money market bank accounts.

Historically, money market rates have increased and decreased in unison with shifts of government fiscal policy and resultant interest rates. In the last 20 years, we have seen money market rates in excess of 6 %, and as low as close to 0 %. With interest rates at the low end of the historical curve these days, money market instruments are at their historical lower end. It should be noted that money markets always maintain a $ 1 per share cost, and issue interest on this per share basis.

Although most money market funds issues by government or big corporations are typically not guaranteed, most issued by banks are typically FDIC-insured, which makes them backed by the Federal government. Specifically, these are the ideal money markets to invest in. Although non-bank issued funds have been historically uninsured, since the mammoth financial credit crisis of 2008, the government is now guaranteeing them for the next year (at least), with a dedicated $ 50 billion dollar emergency pool. This guarantee was devised since a well-known money market mutual fund (the Reserve Primary Fund), broke the sacred $ 1 per share paid by investors of this fund. Since the fund was unable to cash out investors who requested liquidations, due to the fund's exposure to failing Lehman Brothers' Holdings debt, the government stepped in to calm the anxiety of money market investors (currently, over $ 3.3 trillion is invested in these funds in the U.S.). This was only the second time in U.S. history that the "breaking of the buck" had ever occurred.

Given the government's assurance that all money market funds will be guaranteed by the government for the forseeable future, and that most bank-issued funds are insured by the FDIC to the new limits of $ 250,000 ($ 500,000 for joint account holders), these instruments offer an excellent, liquid place to park one's money, during trying, turbulent financial market times. Although you will not see gains in money markets like you will see gains in stock market index funds (over the long haul), the use of these instruments provide an excellent vehicle for cash preservation for those who need cash in the short-term, and/or for those looking to preserve their capital in a downward-spiking financial market.

Business Finance

Monday, November 3, 2008

The term equity finance refers to share capital that is invested into a business for the medium to long term in return for a share of the ownership and in many cases an element of control over the running of the business. There are two main forms of equity finance available to businesses. These are business angels and venture capitalists. Equity finance is fast becoming one of the most popular ways of gaining start up finance for businesses.

Equity finance is the perfect example of true risk capital. This is because there is no guarantee that your investor will ever get there money back. Unlike lenders equity finance investors don't normally have the rights to interest or to be repaid at a particular date. The way in which equity investors regain the money that they have invested into a company is through taking a share of the business and a percentage of the profit. It is because of this high risk involved in equity finance that if your business can not support growth rates of at least 20% you may not be able to attract equity funding. Equity investors are more likely to invest in someone they feel they can trust with a clear business plan and strategy.

As a business you need a clear business plan and strategy regardless of what type of business start up finance you are hoping to attract. You need a comprehensive business plan with a detailed marketing plan and your financial forecast. Your business plan needs to address issues such as how much funding you are going to need and how much control you are hoping to retain over your business. You also need to clearly state what you are using your business start up finance for as well as if your plans are realistic and if your venture is appropriate for outside funding. Whilst you are completing your business plan you also need to consider what potential investors may be concerned about. Without all of this; plus much more no potential investor will go near your business, planning is key if you are hoping to secure external funding.

If you are hoping to gain the financial help of an equity investor there are several questions that you need to keep in mind such as are you prepared to give up some of the shares within your business as well as part of the control over your business? Investors will expect to have some say in the way in which your business is run so you should be prepared for this. You also need to be confident in your business and the products and services that your business has to offer, one way in which you can do this is by identifying what your businesses unique selling point is. As well as this you also need to have the necessary industry skills and experience to drive your business.

Money Management Plan

One of the most important books that I've read during the past year is T. Harv Eker's Secrets of the Millionaire Mind. I want to review and share a savings plan that Eker shares in Chapter 14 called the Millionaire Mind Money Management Plan. Eker begins his chapter with these words:

Rich people manage their money well, Poor people mismanage their money well.

It's an excellent chapter, and I'm going to share with you a summary of the financial management plan that will set you on the right path to building wealth. It's important in all things resulting in success that you take action. So, no matter what you can start with, even if it's a dollar a month, you must take action and begin to manage your money.

Some people say, "Well, when I get ahead financially, I'll manage my money." That's a poor person mindset! The millionaire mind begins to manage now, because if you can manage a little, then you'll begin to manage a lot. I was SO into this way of thinking in the past. When I turned it around and began to manage money, I started to get wealthy!

Before I share the money management plan, here are some wealth principles from the chapter and that Eker teaches at his Millionaire Mind Intensives.

  • Until you can handle what you've got, you won't get any more!
  • The habit of managing your money is more important than the amount.
  • Either you control money, or it will control you.

So, how exactly do you manage your money? Here's a great plan from the book. Remember, it's important to start, not the amount. Start with $1 if you must; just start! Get the habit going!

Prepare 6 jars ("Jars" can be literal, or bank accounts, or categories on a spreadsheet).

Place the following amounts in each of the jars every month after taxes.

  1. Financial Freedom Account (10%)- used only for investments and buying or creating passive income streams. Money is never spent, only invested. Also, have a Financial Freedom Jar where you deposit money each day ($1, $10, loose change). Do something daily.
  2. Play Account (10%)- Use this money to nurture yourself. Use it for extra-special things in your life. The only guideline is that you must spend the money every month. Use it each month in a way that makes you feel rich!
  3. Education Account (10%) - Set aside money for your education (school, seminars,etc.) or your child's education.
  4. Long-term Savings for Spending Account (10%)
  5. Giving (10%)
  6. Necessities Account (50%)

Start the plan and let the universe know that you are ready for more money.

Financial Success System

More often than not, people associate success with money and wealth. While that is a lopsided view of success, it is true that success often brings with it financial rewards; it is also true that many people who aspire to success are thinking of the financial rewards that will follow when they succeed. But what if your idea of success is purely financial? In that case, it could be that you are looking for a financial success system that will help you achieve your financial objective.

In two other articles I discussed the use of project management techniques in achieving personal success. In that case, we looked at "Project Success" and how we could plan for it. Why not apply more business techniques, this time to money, and develop a financial success system or plan?

In most respects, your personal finances are no different to a business's finances. The underlying principles are the same. As a former professional management accountant, I can assure you that the way a company's or organisation's finances are, or should be, run is fundamentally similar to the way your own finances should be run.

Every company will have systems in place that are designed to further the success of the company, as well as protect its assets from misappropriation. In effect, they put in a financial success system that should enable them to run the business profitably and by so doing build assets.

The main elements of a company's financial system can quite easily be recognised as good practice in your own personal financial system. The statutory requirements are quite different, but from a financial management point of view there are some helpful similarities an individual can learn from.

If you apply some of the following business finance fundamentals to your own approach to personal finance, then over time you will develop a finance success system that will grow your wealth for the rest of your life.

1. Budgeting

Setting and managing budgets is a routine part of any business; they are a key tool in financial control. A home budget is vitally important too. Get into the habit of setting and monitoring your personal budget of income and expenditure, and you will have the foundation of a financial success plan.

2. Investment Appraisal

Whenever a company decides to spend money on a large capital item or new product, for example, it may carry out an investment appraisal. You will not have such large spending decisions to make, but the important thing is to consciously assess the expenditure. Will it build your financial success or hinder it? For example, if you are buying a car, which will depreciate, there is a high risk it will diminish your personal assets significantly and set back your finance success plan. When it is time to indulge, be sure it is the right time.

3. Building Assets

A company builds assets by consistently being profitable, investing wisely, and developing the business at a sensible and sustainable pace. Being profitable is earning more revenue than you spend in expenditure. The same is true of you as an individual; always ensure you earn more each month than you spend. The balance (savings) goes into your spare assets, which can build over time, especially with sound investment.

4. Balance Sheet

Creating a balance sheet in a large business can be quite complex. A simplified version may help you keep an eye on your own asset status. Preparing a rough balance sheet once a year, showing your assets on one side and liabilities on the other, will give you an idea of your personal worth, in financial terms. By comparing year on year, you can ensure you are making progress.

If you use a home budget software program, it may have a balance sheet facility to help you.

5. Regular Financial Reporting

Companies have a legal obligation to produce accounts each financial year. Your legal requirements are for your personal tax purposes only.

However, a business does not rely just on annual accounts, and nor should you. It is likely they will have management accounts on at least a monthly basis, to allow management to keep track of the way business is progressing. You should also follow that example, and keep a close watch on your budget each month, and react accordingly.

6. Cash Flow Forecasting

Even a profitable company can have problems keeping going if it does not manage its cash flow properly. In fact, it is a common reason for companies to cease trading. As part of your budgeting, ensure you incorporate cash flow forecasting, that way you can allow for peaks and troughs in income and expenditure without hitting problems with paying bills on time.

Missing payments can prove expensive to your overall wealth, so is best avoided at all times.

7. Investment and Treasury

If all goes according to plan, you will have surplus cash. A company will have a treasurer for that, but in your case that treasurer is you. Take that role seriously, and over time you will be a financial success. If you have a partner, it makes sense to involve them in this, and other parts of your plan for financial security.

Investment is a fascinating subject, so if you can learn about it, you will be well placed to do better than an average investor. Investment is about balancing risk and return, and if you can master that without taking silly risks, you should do well financially.

On top of those purely financial aspects, there are other key areas to a business that will affect finances that you could learn from:

1. Marketing.

Keep an eye on the market place for the type of success you are seeking and your areas of expertise. Try to anticipate how that market may develop and prepare yourself ahead of everyone else. You are worth more if you are ahead of the game, whatever field you may be. For example, when I was 20 I decided it was a good idea, long term, to learn as much about computing and finance as possible, as eventually they would be key in every organisation. That was before pc's existed, and it proved a sensible decision, even though my main aim was to be a writer.

2. Education and Training of Key Personnel

As an individual, the more you educate yourself about many aspects of life, both personal and commercial, the better placed you are to become wealthy. Never become complacent about your own knowledge; over time it will decline in importance, so you need to refresh it constantly. Train yourself, educate yourself, continuous.

Those are just a few ideas of how you may use business finance practices to build your own financial success over the long term. Follow those, and you should not go far wrong, and prepare yourself for a rebound should anything ever go wrong, such as redundancy or divorce, which can scupper even the best of financial plans.

Finance Charges On Credit Cards

The actual charge from each purchase is not the only fee associated with the use of a credit card, there are some other fees.The amount you will have to pay on your credit card account each month will be increased by these other costs.From time to time, the common credit card fees of the APR, the annual fee, the late payment fee and the finance fee are found on credit card statements. The finance fee is added to it every month while the other fees will be added less frequently.

The credit card providers charge for the use of their lines of credit to make purchases and this is the dollar amount of the credit card finance charge.The finance charge amount will depend on the APR or the annual percentage rate and the outstanding balance on your card will determine how much you will pay in credit card finance charges.In the determination of your credit card finance charges your individual credit card company will implement their own policies and approach.

You need to understand how your outstanding balance is calculated; it may be calculated during one billing cycle or within two billing cycles.

There are three types of balances which are used to figure the amount of your annual finance charges and these three balances are the adjusted balance, the average daily balance, and the previous balance.The decision on whether the new or recent purchases you have made will be counted on the relative balance may be the common thing about these balances.The credit card finance charges can be figured when this decision has been made. Finance charges will vary depending on the billing cycle and based on the carry-over balance and the timing of different purchases and payments.

Many of the credit card companies are providing cards that operate under the minimum finance charge policy.Differences in the card’s balance each billing cycle will not cause changes or variations in the finance charges if this type of finance charge gives the cardholder a flat rate.The credit card’s minimum finance charge will go into effect when the card has a carry-over balance that goes into the next billing cycle.

The credit card finance charge is an unavoidable cost that has to be paid in order to be able to keep using the lines of credit on your credit card to make purchases.It is a very wise idea to keep a working knowledge of what will affect the finance charges which are added to the balance you pay on your credit card.Being charged an unreasonable fee for something you don’t want is unacceptable and you need to know what to do in such a circumstance.Time must be spent in studying your credit card terms and uses in order to know what to watch for on your monthly statement.Finance charges which cause an increase in the balance you will have to pay should be something you are aware of on the credit card you originally chose because of it’s reasonable rates and terms.

Financial Freedom

In this world of the Instant Meal, where water and heat seem to be the only ingredient added to a premix of compounded elements, a look at the world of personal finance certainly needs to be examined along those same lines. But what goes into the perfect "after dinner" portfolio that will be easy, fast, and memorable? Taking each element of the equation, this article lists and combines the carefully measured proportions of services and tools needed to create the perfect financially tasty entrée.
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Since the beginning of the Industrial Age, advertisers, business people, snake-oil salesmen, marketing moguls and the like have sold the idea that faster, easier, and "more nutrition" through chemicals is better. We've been convinced that instant gratification is not only something to seek, but even demand in modern society. One only has to look at recent cookbooks to see we have become a society of "mixers" not cooks. Our hunger for the quick and easy has taken the place of real substance, not only in our kitchens, but in our finances as well.

As one who certainly knows his way around an oven, I wouldn't promote this type of culinary blasphemy. Nor would I endorse the type of piecemeal financial planning that I see emerging and evolving today. As with food that has been semi-produced before it even sees a mixing bowl; pre-mixed, poly-financial solutions requiring no critical thought should be discouraged as well.

So, if you could locate everything you needed to prepare, serve, and enjoy a financially tasty future, what would it look like?

The first ingredient is money. Like it or not, if you're going to manage finances you have to have finances to manage. Get out the big measuring cup for this ingredient. If you don't have this, the best case scenario is to put yourself in a position to obtain it. If your financial plan doesn't include a way to obtain and renew this resource, you won't even have the opportunity to preheat your oven…or bank account.

If you are among those "cash gifted" to have this already, the next step is a set of goals and a plan that will be refined and tweaked throughout the process. If your recipe doesn't allow for creativity, you're just another one of the masses that will be stuck in a continually rotating cycle of mediocrity. You will eventually fall short of the imagined final result. The financial horizon is always changing…you should too.

You should have a cupboard full of ingredients. As any good chef knows, just because it's there doesn't mean you have to use it. With the exception of some in the southern United States, cayenne usually doesn't compliment pecan pie. That's not to say you couldn't use it. Just as unfamiliar ingredients shouldn't be tested on guests, so too is your approach to finance. If you aren't completely comfortable with the "ingredient" don't use it. After a little study and, yes, critical thought, if you have a complete understanding of the risks and benefits choose your next step.

Your ingredients should include:

1. Solid Corporate Structures- this should be both legal and effective in furthering your goals. Sometimes, depending on where you reside, this means looking beyond your comfort zone. If you only used saffron or whole vanilla beans that are produced within your own borders, would this not seriously limit your table fare? The same is true in the financial world. Chefs and financiers alike know the value of using unusual ingredients to their advantage. That's what makes them number successful and sought after!

2. Legal and Financial Professionals - a solid team of international folks in the know. As governments, laws, and attitudes change and evolve, you need timely information to make informed decisions

3. A Basket of Diversified Financial Products - FOREX (Foreign Currency Exchange), a private, secure, members only credit union with internationally competitive certificates of deposit, proven hedge fund, tested managed accounts, precious metal depository for the physical product, several choices of currencies to hold, an international credit card (not a debit card) for use with corporate expenses and international business or travel, and a corral of folks to advise and educate you on new and tasty financial opportunities. Here again, you don't have to use everything in your cupboard, only those ingredients you feel comfortable using.

4. Continuing Education and Program Expansion - Let's face it, a menu can get boring and stale after awhile. Just as chefs change and tweak their courses, so too will the savvy financier. You could not possibly research and attempt everything that comes through the door onto the financial scene. That's why you need to employ the assistance of legal and financial experts to keep you abreast of what's changing, what's working, and what's not. For every new program that comes along, it's a good bet that 90% of them are "duds" or simply not something you're going to try. A good team working on your behalf is essential for safe, steady growth.

I attempted to find just such a group for many years. I was always disappointed with the results. Sure, I could find these services and opportunities, but never in one place! For FOREX, I had ABC Investments, for stocks, there was Chuckles, Inc., for international business structures there was a train load of companies who, after closer scrutiny, were communicating to members who were either on the run or in "the big house." Bad advice, outdated theories on ever-changing international tax laws and inter-nation co operations seemed to be the norm. After much searching I was able to discover and confirm the Venture Resource Group (personal link hyperlinked here); a group of like-minded individuals who are constantly on the lookout for opportunities, shifts in the international legal and financial arena, and a business building structure that enables even those with very little starting capital to begin to grow and thrive in, not just survive in the hottest room in the international house! This is certainly worth a look and deserves serious consideration for those that don't want to have to join several different companies to begin their journey towards financial and personal freedom. The Venture Resource Group (hyperlink here), I discovered, has everything I have listed above. If you're not a great "cash cook", or don't have a lot of time, if you're just looking for something in "a box" this may be your "instant meal." This international group brings forward practical ideas and legal alternatives that are available to most everyone worldwide. Individual control of one's path and destiny is not only required, but encouraged.

Avoiding Financial Failure

I am certain you and I can agree that if anyone is to achieve financial independence it is common sense that you must spend less than you make. No matter if you consider yourself rich or in the poor house or somewhere in between, if you continually spend more than you make you are destined for financial failure. Wouldn’t you agree?
Although spending less than you make may be as equally important to any one of the listed reasons below, it is not the number one reason people fail financially. Have you ever heard the old saying “what you don’t know won’t hurt you”? Well, that couldn’t be furthest from the truth. What you don’t know CAN hurt you. It WILL hurt you if you continually do the same things but expect different results. Albert Einstein labeled that insanity.
Below are top 10 causes most people fail in their finances and building wealth. Hopefully it will give you insight to not conform to status-quo and bring forth desire to do things differently to change failing results or even increase good results you may be having.

Cause # 10: Procrastination
A lot of people postpone an investing and savings plan until it is too late. Young people have a fantastic opportunity and advantage because they have time on their side. The reasons people give for not starting an investment and savings plan are wide-ranging and many are genuine. They also vary according to age. In their twenties they are just getting rolling in life with a first job and would like to enjoy themselves by spending on cars, electronic gadgets, social life, etc. In their thirties they have a young family and a mortgage to hold up and no money. At this point most are living paycheck to paycheck. Many have credit issues from misuse of credit and lack of knowledge of the correct way to use credit. In their forties they say things are rough with kids to put through university and unforeseen medical expenses, and in their late fifties it is already too late without any time left to accumulate capital through the magic of compound interest on investments. The truth of the matter is, a convenient time never comes and it’s already later than you imagine. Be it in your twenties or sixties, the time is now.

Cause # 9: Lack of Discipline
Most people find it hard to save because they save - buy - save - buy, while yet others simply buy - buy - buy. It is easier to say "yes" than "no." Those who lack discipline to say "no" will discover financial success an inconceivable achievement. The "must have it now" mindset being perpetuated by media compels one to buy now what he can't afford by charging it in the hope that he can pay for it later on. Most people are easily led by advertising and the ease of swiping a credit card. That conditioned mindset will damage you until you learn and understand the power of leverage and how to use credit as a leveraging tool to cancel interest costs instead of increasing interest costs. Lack of Discipline also arises from trying to keep up with “The Jones” syndrome. When in actuality, the Jones are broke too trying to keep one leg over you.

Cause # 8: Inadequate Protection Against Unexpected Events
It may be the loss of a house due to natural catastrophe or the death or disability of the bread winner. Adequate protection (insurance) against these events is critical to financial success. Not being properly covered has financially swept away many potentially successful people.

Cause # 7: Lack of Desire as a consequence of a Poor Attitude to developing Wealth
Bad mental attitude has caused more personal troubles than anything else. What we think and expect to come about usually does. Successful people are optimists while unsuccessful people have a pessimistic mental attitude. If you continually think about getting out of debt you may probably stay there. Focus on building wealth. The vibration of the word wealth is greater than the word debt. Block out negative thinking and conditioned thoughts and mingle with other successful, positive people.

Cause # 6: Poor Debt Management Through Excessive Borrowing
Lack of patience can result in borrowing for things that lose value, so that with interest payments you pay back, you pay a great deal more for the item than it cost at first. (Especially houses, new automobiles, furniture etc.)

Cause # 5: The Need to Adjust But Fail to Act
Daring to do things different or switch up the routine is why a lot of people fail to achieve the success they seek. Don't be afraid to engage measured risks. Think about it, the multitude who make megabucks are the ones who do the opposite of what everybody else does. Sell when everyone else buys and vice versa.

Cause # 4: Lack of Foresight
Winners have an ability to look beyond the immediate and into the future. Although some may see your visions as dreams do not forget that you have to have a vision to make a dream come true. Unless you are fortunate enough to be willed a legacy, the only income you will ever make work for you is that what you lay aside from current income and investments. People with foresight can multiply their money by investing, saving and leveraging their income by canceling interest cost on debt. Work for your money then have your money work for you.

Cause # 3: Inefficient usage of Time and inadequate Work Habits
Time truly is like money. You have a choice to either spend it or invest it in manufacturing a more proficient YOU by self-development. Once you waste time or money, it’s gone. Consider not to waste yourself. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not here or certain. What matters is now. Plan your day; what do you genuinely desire to achieve today? Do that and it will pave the way for tomorrow.

Cause # 2: Failure to construct Plans
Did you know that just 5% of the population sets goals and only 2% have any form of goals that are written down? Their activities have a purposefulness; they are results oriented; they are motivated; they are positive; they are confident…they are life's achievers. Where would you like to be in five years? Without a plan it is easy to float without aim, and bounce around from day to day. If you have set goals you will acknowledge what you want to attain. People fail to attain because they never plan to succeed. It is not that they plan to fail, they fail to plan. So set your financial goals, objectives and targets.

Cause # 1: Lack of Knowledge
May I say more specifically, a lack of a desire to gain knowledge. Make the attempt to read about financial affairs and wealth building strategies and you will learn. Many financial perspectives will help you decide the best course of action for your financial matters. When you get to the point of where you think you know it all or you are not open minded to expand your financial horizons to increase your current condition, you are destined for failure and financial stagnation. Many people don't know where to go for unbiased life and financial advice so they do nothing. To do nothing is the worst move to make. You should always seek advancement through knowledge.

The effect of these causes is financial failure. You could never grow by doing the same things or worst, do nothing. So I submit to you, to yield great rewards, never be afraid to step outside your conditioned way of doing things – your comfort zone. With an open mind, always seek knowledge of a better way.