Financial Reasons to Change Service Providers

No, this is not some metaphysical question. This question is one of a more pragmatic and practical nature. When are there good reasons to change from one service provider to another; whether you're looking at new cellular service, a different cable television provider, new car insurance, or a host of other monthly subscriptions?
So, when is it a good idea to make a change from one provider to another? Here are some reasons for serious consideration.
Cable Television Service
Cable television is one of the most competitive industries in America. The largest providers can generally offer the best deals for a variety of reasons. These companies own the largest data and telecom networks, have the best technology, and offer the widest range of programming options. As a result they've attracted millions of subscribers. This helps them stay rich and in return offer bigger and better services, like more HD channels, the most Video On Demand titles, and near-perfect records of providing the best overall service.
Smaller cable operators usually lease and license services from the larger cable providers, which generally translate to higher prices for the same services you could get from a national provider.
The biggest cable television operators in your area offer an array of deals, offers, packages, and bundling, that are very attractive. They can offer these great deals to you because they actually own the product they're delivering. Why continue getting your premium home television service from a middleman when you can get the genuine article directly from the cable television provider offering it? This is a great reason to change cable television providers.
Auto Insurance Providers
Like cable television, automobile insurance is very competitive and the range of products and services offered is staggering if not daunting. It takes a true insurance professional to deal squarely with you and in plain language.
When it comes to auto insurance, it's not always about the lowest price per month. Cut-rate insurance comes with many limitations, the least of which is customer service. It's one thing to have the right levels of insurance, but what good is it if you really need assistance and you can't get anyone to answer your online message at some general information email address?

Access to an insurance professional—not a telephone operator—is well worth the few extra dollars it will cost you each month. The largest insurance providers in the country use a blend of corporate offices and independent insurance agents to offer true "white glove" service. Independent insurance agents are often regular fixtures in their neighborhood. They shop at the local stores, know everyone in the local tavern, and are quick with a wave and a hello.

Smaller re-sellers of insurance products generally don't have the time or resources to offer this level of service. Theirs is a numbers game, and the more policies they resell the better they'll do financially. They don't place value on lifetime relationships.

If your current auto insurance comes from a reseller or insurance aggregator, you have to concern yourself with the ability to reach them when you really need them. Major insurance providers and their network of independent agents can give you the level of service at prices often cheaper than the "discount" bundlers. The level of service commitment is a great reason to consider changing insurance providers.

Cellular Phone Service
Perhaps the most competitive of all is the cellular telephone industry. Because smartphones are really just very small computers with tremendous computing power, the range of products and services is impressive, but it comes at a cost.

Cellular providers spend billions on research and development, which is why there's always something bigger and better around each new corner. These R&D costs are passed on to their subscribers, with inventory commitments made by the various resellers. As a result of these myriad relationships, opportunities abound for creative offers to be structured to attract new subscribers.

Getting the latest and greatest smartphone is an easy process. One way is to reach into your pocket and pull out enough cash to buy one. In many instances this amount can be several hundred dollars per phone. Some people opt for this method because they avoid signing a service contract with the cellular service provider. The other method, and by far the most popular and successful, is to find a service provider who will subsidize the cost of the phone in exchange for signing a multi-year contract.

All national cellular providers offer handset subsidies for service contracts. It's the industry standard that results in the latest technology getting delivered to tens of millions of subscribers at once. It also pushes smartphone application developers to stay creative, and to offer more as technology continues to step forward.

If you want a particular smartphone and find a really great deal at a different service provider, you may have to decide if you're going to break your contract or not. The difference between the full retail price of the phone you want and the amount of the subsidy from the other cellular provider could prove to be beneficial.

No matter which of your monthly services you're considering changing, there are a number of reasons for switching that make sense. Big savings, better service, and the most options are all great reasons to make a change.

Tagg writes on behalf of CableTV.com – home of XFINITY TV Deals. He typically writes about finance and entertainment. When he’s not writing, he’s an avid soccer player and Bocce Ball enthusiast. You can follow him on Twitter @CableTV.

All About Structured Settlements

Let us say you have a debt of $50, 000 and you have no idea how to pay for it because you are out of job. Because of this, the lender will file a court case against you for you to pay up. Instead of spending thousands of dollars and time in a court hearing, you can ask for out of court settlement where you can agree on paying your debt in a specific span of time. This process is called structured settlement.

How can you ever think of structured settlements when you have no idea what it is? This article will teach you what it is so when the time comes that you will get to encounter these words and you will get in trouble, you will no longer be clueless.

What is structured settlement?

This kind of arrangement is largely concerned with the amount of money paid to a person after a suit. It also includes the tax reductions and other necessary payments. If you happen to become a winning plaintiff in a lawsuit, you have to have received some kind of compensation from the defendant, organization or a person. This monetary compensation can be paid in installments or in a monthly basis with added interest.

This type of settlement is tailored for a person to pay up his obligation in a manner that he can never miss any payment period because the payment is low and is based on what he can afford. Of course, the settlement works for both parties. Each party has to give its consent to the arrangement. This way, it will always be win-win situation. The payer must also have a source income to be able to cope with the payments in a certain span of time.

Let us say you are the recipient of the settlement. It will be a great advantage for you considering that you have a source of income. What makes it more beneficial for you is that the taxes are reduced compared to limp settlement.

One of the disadvantages of structured settlements is the fact that once the settlement is agreed upon, you can no longer change the date of payments. However, if the payer wants to pay in lump sum right away, that can be allowed.

Furthermore, the settlement may possibly also take deferred payments or special provisions in case of death of payer and the payee.

Rogers is a freelance writer that specializes in a number of different financial topics like retirement planning and debt management. Check out http://www.sell-my-structured-settlement.com/ for more information.

How to Save on Printing Costs

Printers available in the market are relatively inexpensive, but their operational costs are very high. This makes all kinds of printing expensive. Today, marketing has become very important for all kinds of businesses. Firms are always on the lookout for ways on saving money on printing promotional material like banners, brochures, flyers and the like. Below are a few good tips on saving money on your daily printing needs.

Buy Unbranded Ink

You do not need to waste your money on buying expensive branded print cartridges. Many re-manufactured cartridges, which are available in the market are inexpensive and last longer in comparison to branded cartridges. Even though using unbranded ink will deteriorate the quality of your print, it is very efficient for daily use and will save you a lot of money.

Adjust Printer Settings

There is an option on your computer that allows you to adjust your printer settings to Draft Mode. This will print pages using less ink. It will give you a faded but readable print-out and will also save you ink. For everyday use, adjusting your printer settings to use low ink will really prove to be cost efficient

Get your Wholesale Prints Done from a Local Print Shop

The top printing services charge exorbitant prices from their clients. If you really want to save money on wholesale printing costs, try other suppliers that are not very popular. They will definitely give you good service and will also charge you a lot less than their top-notch competitors.

Use Offset Printing

Using offset printing to print brochures, flyers and other promotional material will allow you to save significant amounts of money. Offset printing prints material very quickly and in bulk amounts. This will help you save money when you need to get more than five hundred brochures printed.

Banner Printing

If you need to have banners printed at low cost, plan your printing in advance. Many printing services charge higher prices for urgent orders. You can also choose lightweight fabric to reduce further cost on printing your banner.

Search for Promotional Offers Online

If you search online, you can find many printing services that provide different types of promotions on their services. These can include attractive discounts, money off on printing a set number of prints or more, and some also provide free shipping.

Do It Yourself

The most cost-effective way of printing your promotional material is to use your office printer. If color printing is not necessary, then print all pages in black and use both sides of a paper using the Draft Mode. This will definitely save you money as compared to getting your prints done from printing shops.

These tips will definitely help you save money on your printing costs.

Tim works for a company specialising in promotional pens. Tim has a great experience with printing processes and has helped numerous business on save money with printing.

3 Tips On Managing Finances For Small Businesses

Small business owners and even solo entrepreneurs work hard to keep their business afloat. And yet, so many of them fail despite having innovative ideas, potential and the smarts. Where, then, does the problem lie? It is estimated that over 85 percent of small businesses die off due to a lack of financial management and bookkeeping.

Working On Finances

Finance is the backbone of every company. No matter how great an idea may be or how business-savvy an entrepreneur is, improper handling of money will not let a business survive for long. Hiring an accounting firm to churn out financial statements annually is not the solution for everyone either. Many businesses simply drain their limited resources like this.
The best way for a small business to handle money flow is by applying good financing skills. An empowered manager or business owner who can work with accountants and financiers rather than depend on them is the one who sees his/her business flourish. Pick up on these tips on better management of finances to see your business grow.

1. Be Responsible

The manager of a business needs to acknowledge that dealing with finances is part of his job. Accountant teams are there to assist and undertake all the money crunching, but the business owner must play the main role. From the initial mapping stage to the wrapping up of monthly accounts, owners must oversee everything and understand which way things lie.

Learning new things is something even a seasoned manager should never shy away from. It is well worth it to sit down with the accountants and go over all their reports to understand what each table, chart and set of figures mean. This way you will be able to judge your company’s financial health better.

2. Creating Strategies

Even before you start playing with numbers, you will be creating strategies and plans to economically lead your business to success. Paying special attention to the future when it comes to finances will also pay off in a similar way. Keeping up-to-date with finance systems in your business will make it easier to predict rises and dips in the money flow.
Good financial planning is a key aspect of a strong business. When you keep your sight set on the future, you will know how to distribute your money throughout your business. Rushing into projects without having prior knowledge each step of the way can only lead to failure.

3. Strong Financial Systems

Managing the assets of a business can be a complicated job. There are files on files of reports that seem tedious to go through. A good management system for all your financial records would involve taking the help of software that is built for managing finances of businesses. Purchasing such application packages would be a great investment for your company.

At the same time, keeping your finances in line with current taxation systems is also imperative for a healthy financial and credit record. Using updates accounting systems, such as Quickbooks can be a great help to the frazzled accountant.

Lastly, be smart when you build pricing models so that you are neither flying sky-high or dipping too low – healthy competition boosts businesses!

Brendan Egan is well-versed in financial management for entrepreneurs and small businesses. He gives advice on issues regarding productivity, credit card management, and money-saving.

Benefits of an Individual Voluntary Arrangement

Debt repayment options are many and all of them are best suited for people with different debt problems. However, an individual voluntary arrangement or IVA is one of the most used debt repayment options these days. This is mainly because of the fact that an IVA gives the much needed benefits to the debtor, which allows them to easily repay their debts.

An individual voluntary arrangement has many benefits for the debtor. Following are some of the key benefits of using an individual voluntary arrangement to repay your debts.

• An individual voluntary arrangement helps you to pay as much as you can every month. You will determine the lowest possible amount for monthly payments with the help of your Insolvency Practitioner (IP). This makes the repayment easier.

• Once you have determined the amount you are going to pay every month, your IP will contact your creditors and get them to agree on your IVA. If your creditors agree, then you will start making the payments.

• One of the biggest advantages of an individual voluntary arrangement is that your creditors cannot take any action against you when they have agreed on an IVA with you. Therefore, as long as you keep making your monthly payments, you do not have to worry about listening anything from your creditors.

• IVA helps you pay less because when IVA is set up, interest rate and other charges are usually stopped by the creditors.

These are some of the key benefits of using an individual voluntary arrangement, so if you are looking for a way out of debts, then you should check to see if you can use this debt repayment option.

IVA offers a way Out of Debts

Getting out of debt is not easy for most people because debts have a way of coming back to you, especially if you are unable to control your expenses. If you are buried under a lot of debts, then it is best that you find a way out of debts and take control of your finances again. If you are looking for a way out of debts, then it is best that you choose an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) to pay off your debts.

An individual voluntary arrangement is one of the most used methods of debt repayment because it allows you to pay off as much of your debt that is agreeable to your creditors, over a specified period of time. due to this agreement between you and you creditors, your creditors will not take any action against you, as long as you are making payments on time. in order to set up an individual voluntary arrangement you will need to hire an insolvency practitioner (IP), who will discuss the terms of IVA with you and then contact all of your creditors and get them to agree on your terms.

When you have successfully paid the amount that is agreeable to your creditors, the rest of your debts will be written off. Usually, when an individual voluntary arrangement is set up, your interest rate is frozen, and sometimes, penalties are also written off as well. That is why; an individual voluntary arrangement is one of the best methods to repay your debts and start a better life again.

Azam who is an expert in the field of finance and technology writes this post. He has written several posts on debt management plans, IVA, bankruptcy advice, etc.

Condo or Apartment? What's the Difference?

Life in the city can difficult. You want to live somewhere close to work, but there are not a lot of houses nearby. Have you considered living in an apartment, townhome or a condo? Then again, what is the difference and which is right for you?
Truthfully an apartment and a condo are basically interchangeable. You can use the same blue prints for a condo as you can for apartments if you meet the legal requirements. What the differences come down to is legal ownership.
A condo is a unit of living that you are required to purchase by taking out mortgage loans. You make monthly payments on it and at the end of the loan you own the property, much like you would a house. Apartments are all units that are owned by one person (or company) and rented out individually.
While the biggest differences are legal, you have probably noticed some design differences as well. This is done more out of practicality and aesthetics over any real need. For instance, since condos are made for individual ownership they tend to be built to a higher quality of standard then their apartment counterparts. Condos will often be built with lofts or multiple stories or even basements. They often have a small garden or back porch as well but once again this is not always the case.
One big difference about condos is that they are always part of a Homeowners Association (HOA) and it can be your best friend or worst enemy. The HOA is in charge of maintaining the neighborhood and keeping it looking good. This can be anything from managing the landscapers to cleaning and maintaining the public pool. In an apartment the owner handles all of the things the HOA normally would and the cost is usually factored into the rent.
HOA’s can be very strict at times about what you can and can’t do with your condo and there have been many stories about overzealous HOA’s giving condo owners a headache. Some of them are very strict and have rules about everything from what color you can paint your condo to what kind of items can be in the front yard. Others, however, are pretty lenient with your liberties. So do your research before committing to one.
If you don’t want a condo or an apartment you can always look into townhomes or townhouses. Many cities, especially older ones, have no room to expand outward so they expand upward instead. Townhomes are essentially homes that have been built vertically and many have several stories. They are often found in older, downtown, urban areas.
While the description may not sound like much, townhomes can be incredibly expensive and luxurious. In many places only the rich can afford them. Many are located in such coveted spots as Manhattan or San Francisco, where you can find rows and rows of them. For example, extremely wealthy New Yorkers lived in them in the 1920’s and 30’s and this trend still continues today.
Which home is right for you really depends on your income, needs and location. They each have their benefits and their drawbacks and only you can decide which is best.

Jefferson Gordon does not live in any of the above mentioned building, instead he lives in an old van down by the river. He mainly writes cars, comedy and housing. One example of a good mortgage lender is GMAC Mortgage.

Getting The Best Value When Selling A Home

Selling a home and getting the market value is difficult if you do that on your own. As much as you have your own reasons why you should sell your home, there is no doubt at the end of it all you should get what that house is valued at. Selling a home unlike buying it is relatively more difficult. However if you can consider some important tips, you will not just sell your home instantly but actually sell it at the market value.
What is the worth of your home?
Before you decide to sell your house you will need to know how much it is worth in the current market. Determining the value takes in a lot parameters determining an accurate assessment is relatively technical. The use of a realtor to value your property and give you some important tips to sell it is vital. You really should hire a professional real estate appraiser so you will have an accurate knowledge of the real market value and it gives you something solid and 3rd party you or your Realtor can use in negotiating with a potential buyer.
Find real estate agents to sell for you
After you have valued your property now what? To sell you may think but to who? Finding a buyer is not easy and not just that, convincing someone to buy your property is sometimes frustrating. Just to save you the trouble, you can get professionals to do that for you at fee of course. In almost every case a professional Real estate agent will find the market and sell your property at the value its worth. Usually they will sell your home at a higher price than a person who is inexperienced will be able to and this will easily cover their fee and more. The good thing about real estates agents is that they will guarantee you a sale provided your home is worth it.
Make the home as new as possible
Improvement of a home makes it as new as possible and that means you should improve every aspect of that property. House improvement just before selling is very important in increasing its value and market competitiveness. In other words with an improved house, it is likely that you will get a buyer soon. When you decide to sell your property, you should put yourself in the shoes of the potential buyer and ask yourself if you will buy at the state it is offered. This are some of the tips that should you keep them in mind, selling your home will be easier and more profitable.

Your writer Thomas Brewer writes about Arlington Texas Homes for Sale and enjoys helping people find a new home to be happy in.

6 Ways to Improve the Odds of Getting a Mortgage Loan

Mortgage interest rates are currently at record lows with home prices back to 2002 levels. Based on these statistics, many consumers are looking for home buying options. Before applying for a mortgage, know all that is required to prevent process delays or avoidable rejections. Mortgage institutions look for homebuyers with history of proper debt management and ability to fulfill a credit commitment term.
Here are some ways to improve the chance of getting a mortgage.

1. Increase savings. Mortgage companies require at least a 10% down payment on the desired property. The higher the down payment, the more chances of the loan getting approved. Research suggests that down payments over 30% of the loan value are approved faster. Save the largest possible amount to set as down payment.
   
2. Know which property to buy based on savings and income. After buyers have enough savings in their accounts, the right property must be chosen. Purchasing criteria should be based on the home value that can be afforded with the market's current interest rates and down payment available. The mortgage term must be considered too, whether 30 or 15 years. Consider buying the lowest property value first and move higher according to personal preferences.
   
3. Search for lending institutions. Once enough money is saved and the property details are acquired, know the lending criteria. Look for various lenders to get the best match to your specific loan amount and credit rating.
   
4. Organization is key. All paperwork in regards to personal financial history for the last couple of years should be saved and categorized in case that the lending institution requires it. Save tax returns and pay stubs before applying for a mortgage.
   
5. Get a co-signer. Mortgage institutions tend to be more lenient to lending money when there is another person that can guarantee the loan repayment. Ask a family member or trusted friend with good credit history to co-apply for the mortgage to increase the chances of approval.
   
6. Know the market. Search for multiple lending options to obtain the best rates and deals available. Although, credit history, down payment, and property value greatly determine the odds of getting a loan, there are many other factors to be considered. Talk to various lending institutions and real estate agents to take advantage of special promotions.

There is no guaranteed way to get an approved mortgage but preparation certainly doesn't hurt. Consumers with sufficient buying power, savings, and excellent credit rating have higher chances of obtaining a loan with better rates and terms. Prepare in advance before deciding to hit the shopping market to avoid delays and rejections from lending institutions. Know the area under which to buy and save accordingly to acquire the home of your dreams.
This article is provided courtesy of Credit Season, a consumer finance website providing information and resources on loans with bad credit and other personal credit services.

Don't Let Your Car Sit Idle: Rent It Out

Rising gas prices have caused many Americans to cut back on the numbers of miles they typically drive. Longer road trips have been replaced by vacations in their own town. Carpooling has become popular as well. Some people have decided to stop driving altogether. Did you know you could rent out your car? It can be an easy and effective way to make some extra cash.
How It Works
The process is rather simple. You register your car at one of any peer-to-peer car sharing sites. Someone who needs a car will then make a bid for your vehicle. Your car can be rented out for as long as needed. Vehicle owners can even set their own rates. Rent out your car as many times as you would like.
The Benefits
One of the best benefits to renting your car is that you provide a ride to someone who needs it. Helping other people is always a good feeling even if you are profiting from it. Speaking of profit, you can actually make more than what your car is worth.
Renting your car can generate revenue just like renting a room in your home. Keep in mind that your car sits in the driveway more often that you are actually driving it. It makes sense to make some money from it while you are not using it.
The person renting your car benefits as well. Renting a car through a rental company can be expensive and confusing. Coming to an agreement is simple and fast. Anyone who needs to rent a car also has more variety to choose from. Not everyone needs a late model car. Having a car to get to a job interview may be enough for most people.
Is It Safe
Is my car safe while someone else is driving it? Yes, your car is covered by an insurance policy taken out by the site you list your car on. This means that you are not on the hook if your car is damaged while someone else is driving it. You may even be able to get a discount on your own policy because you won't be driving your car as much.
There are all kinds of background checks that are performed as well. Only good drivers will be allowed to get behind the wheel of your car. Measures are also taken to ensure that drivers have not committed insurance fraud in the past. You have absolutely nothing to worry about when you car is being driven by a stranger.
Can't I Just Trade It In Instead
Say you are driving a car that is worth $2,000. Over the course of a year, you could make much than $2,000 if you are renting your car out on a regular basis. If you are still making payments on your car, it could help you cover your payment. It will help you pay the insurance and maintenance costs at the very least.
The dealership is not going to give you very much for a trade on an older car. They won't even give you full market value for a newer car either. Trying to sell your car can be a hassle if you don't know what you are doing. Renting out your car is much easier because you are matched up with people who need what you have to offer.
Don't let your car just sit in the driveway. It makes more sense to rent it out instead. You can make a passive revenue stream simply by letting other people drive your car. The money you raise from renting out your car can pay for a new car or help you take care of some other bills. You may even be able to make a profit from your car in the long run. An insurance policy covers your car and all applicants are pre-screened. What do you have to lose?
Another easy way to cut down the costs of your car is to shop around for lower car insurance rates online at Kanetix.ca. By simply filling out a questionnaire on Kanetix's website, you could save hundreds of dollars on your car insurance every year. Do a comparison today to save time and money.

What is Personal Injury Protection Auto Insurance and is it Required?

Personal Injury Protection is a specific type of auto insurance coverage, designed to pay up to the policy limits, for the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, funeral expenses, and loss of essential services for those involved in a car accident, including passengers. Often abbreviated as PIP, this coverage is currently mandatory in nearly 1/3 of all U.S. states.
Vehicle owners must purchase liability insurance to cover the cost of vehicle damage and injuries sustained by innocent parties when an accident occurs, but PIP insurance can be used to pay for emergency treatment while an accident claim filing is still in process.

Do You Have To Purchase PIP?

Each of the 16 states that require PIP a minimum amount in order for you to legally operate your vehicle. Some states require a minimum of only $5,000 of PIP. If you live in one of the above states and shop for auto insurance online or through a licensed agency, the minimum amount of PIP mandated by state law will automatically be figured into your insurance quote.
You can choose to carry a higher amount of PIP if you desire. It is also important to remember that this type of insurance covers the driver of the vehicle as well as all passengers, but some states require that only passengers be protected by this coverage. The vehicle owner may be entitled to waive the coverage for the driver.

Why Does PIP Exist?

The idea behind PIP, in part, is to reduce the number of fraudulent insurance claims. This insurance takes care of emergency medical expenses regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
If you are involved in an accident that results in injuries to passengers in your vehicle, your insurance company will probably reimburse you for the medical costs suffered by your party. However, this can take days or weeks. Your PIP coverage will pay for the medical treatment, and the insurance company can settle the matter between at-fault and non-fault parties at a later date.

What About Medical Insurance?

If you carry health or medical insurance, and if you live in a state where PIP is not required, purchasing this coverage may not hold as much value. It is important to examine your medical insurance policy carefully and see if this coverage takes care of emergency medical treatment after an automobile accident.
If you live in a state where PIP is required by law, taking out only the minimum amount of coverage may be a good idea if you already carry medical or health insurance. Many drivers choose to add PIP to their policy because it usually does not cost very much to do so. And do not forger that PIP provides many other useful benefits besides medical expenses.

Other Benefits Of PIP

There are additional benefits attached to certain PIP insurance policies including coverage for children riding on a public school bus. The policy often covers all household members who drive the family vehicle. Reimbursement for lost wages and funeral expenses are also covered by PIP insurance.
Drivers may lose their ability to perform if they are injured and unable to operate their vehicle. Your PIP may include a reimbursement for essential services such as mowing the lawn if injuries prevent the injured insured from performing such tasks.
Talk to your insurance provider or check online to get all pertinent information regarding PIP if it is required in the state where you live. It is always a good idea to see how adding this additional layer of protection affects the overall monthly cost of your auto insurance policy.

DiscountCarInsuranceQuotes.net provided this article. On their site, you can learn more about PIP coverage and compare free quotes from top insurers in your state.

Baines and Ernst Corporate Rescue Suprema Concepts Limited From Compulsory Liquidation

Business recovery firm, Baines and Ernst Corporate, have saved Suprema Concepts Limited from collapsing, after the firm was threatened with a winding up order from the taxman over an unpaid historical debt.
Suprema Concepts approached Baines and Ernst Corporate for advice after it became clear that the 19 staff were about to lose their jobs and the company forced to shut down.
Financial help and advice for businesses
The business was purchased by Suprema Concept’s director, Caroline Peebles Brown in 2008, but HMRC discovered an unpaid debt which related to when the sale was completed. HMRC had increasingly pressured Suprema Concepts to pay out and was about to force the company into compulsory liquidation when Baines and Ernst Corporate became involved.
The Insolvency Practitioner at Baines and Ernst Corporate, Imogen Davidson, advised that Suprema Concepts should be placed into administration whilst a longer term solution was identified. Whilst going into administration is something that many firms actively resist, in some cases it can be a beneficial move and for Suprema Concepts, it protected them against the threat of being wound up and liquidated by HMRC.
On 27 January 2012, Suprema Concepts went into administration, with Imogen Davidson appointed as the Administrator.
The swift action meant that Suprema Concepts could continue to trade whilst a final solution was sought by the Administrator and several high profile contracts were able to continue during this period. Customers experienced no interruption in the service they received and were largely unaware of the internal turmoil the firm was experiencing.
How Baines & Ernst Corporate helped
The Administrator opted to put the business up for sale, but marketed it on a confidential basis, with the result of receiving several offers of interest from investors. However, Class Creations Limited, another company managed and owned by Mrs Peebles Brown, was the successful bidder and the business and assets were transferred on 3 February 2012.
Imogen Davidson confirmed that all existing 19 members of staff had been transferred to the new ownership with no redundancies, a much hoped for outcome for everyone.
Mrs Davidson acknowledged the success of the move for Suprema Concepts and said that administration can be considered as having been a victory when jobs are protected and the business is able to continue. She said that the customers of the firm had been 'supportive' of the administration and were now working with the new owner of the firm. Mrs Davidson added that compared to the possibility of compulsory liquidation and the prospect of all jobs being lost, it was 'clear' that administration was the right move for the business.

Baines & Ernst Corporate specialise in providing help and advice to businesses in financial difficulty. For more information, please speak to Baines and Ernst Corporate.

Get the cheapest insurance you can

If you are looking for a great way to save money on your auto insurance, you are not alone. By following a few key tips today, you can get the cheapest car insurance policy. Consider these points

1. Reduce Theft Cover

Many people who shop for car insurance have the desire to buy the most cover they can for the least amount of money people. However, with some types of coverage, such as theft cover, there is an upper limit to the benefits you can enjoy. For example, many car insurance companies will only pay out on theft cover up to certain dollar amount, but this is often only after your deductible is met. Consider your car insurance deductible as well as the value of the items you may leave in your car. After reviewing this information, many people will see that theft cover is simply not worth paying for.

2. Make Your Excess High, But Affordable

A common misconception about car insurance excess is that you don't have to pay it if the accident is not your fault. Safer drivers therefore often opt for a higher excess than is affordable for them to pay out-of-pocket. However, your excess may be due in some cases even when the accident is not your fault. Higher excess can make your premium lower, but make sure the excess is not so high that your insurance is unaffordable to use.

3. Drive Safely At All Times

Car insurance will become more expensive as you get more traffic citations and have more accidents. Your inclination may be to slow down when you see a police officer up ahead. However, there are now more traffic cameras than ever before that can record you cruising at high speeds. Driving safely at all times is your best option for lower car insurance.

4. Talk to Your Agent Before Filing a Claim

Car insurance rates can increase when you file a claim. This can include claims based on accidents that are not your fault, weather-related damage claims and more. When in doubt, it is best to talk to your agent before filing a claim. Your agent can help you to better determine if your insurance rates will be affected by filing a claim and if it's best to pay for minor claims out-of-pocket.

5. Consolidate Insurance Policies

Many insurance companies will offer you a discount if you purchase homeowner's insurance, life insurance or another type of policy along with your car insurance from the same company. This discount can make your car insurance more affordable.

Keep these tips in mind to purchase the most affordable car insurance policy.

Patrick is guest blogging for his no deposit car insurance blog.

Missing Meals Is Not A Long Term Financial Solution

There's no denying the fact that once you become a mum or a dad your priorities change. Almost inevitably, any spare cash is spent on your little one, whereas in the old days you might have enjoyed a slap-up meal in town or enjoyed a weekend away.
But what about when there's simply not enough money to go around?
Tough times for families
As Britain faces one of the most challenging economic times since World War II, the effects on many families around the country has been far-reaching. The need to reduce the UK's deficit has meant austerity measures which have hit the majority of households, but some have been pushed beyond what most people would consider as acceptable.
Whether they have children or not, most people have had to make cutbacks or adjust their standard of living, as Britain teeters on the brink of a double dip recession. However, a recent survey has revealed that one in five mums is skipping meals on a regular basis in order to have enough money to feed their children. This shocking statistic highlights the fact that many families simply don't have enough money to pay for the basics.
The same research found that as many as seven out of ten families were stretched to breaking point financially and a quarter were using borrowed money, such as credit cards, in order to be able to survive.
How to deal with debt
Debt management firms such as Baines and Ernst are able to offer advice to cash-strapped families who are interested in dealing with their debt problems through debt consolidation, debt management plans, IVAs or Debt Relief Orders.
Payday loans, doorstep lenders and even illegal loan sharks have all flourished in the current climate but borrowing more money could make things worse in the long term. Instead of getting further into debt, obtaining professional advice from a specialist company could provide you with some breathing space in the short term and, ultimately, could help you get your finances under control.
Desperate times don't mean you have to take desperate measures to survive and skipping meals in order to feed the family is no way to live. And by getting advice now, you could ease your financial situation in the long run.
For example, if you qualify for a solution such as a Debt Management Plan, your debt repayments will be based on what you can realistically afford after bills such as mortgages, rent, secured loans, utility bills and council tax have been paid. This makes repaying your debts much more affordable and could give you the peace of mind you need during this tough time.

Baines and Ernst have helped over 100,000 people escape the pressures of debt. If you need advice on how to get your finances back in order, speak to their team of friendly experts.

Don`t Get Your Fingers Burnt When Taking Out Car Finance

Anyone wanting to buy a used car will no doubt do some online comparison shopping for auto loans before taking the dealer's finance option at face value. At least, that's what you should do if it's something you haven't considered yet.
Obtaining the best car financing is important because a better loan will help you save money on interest over the entire life of the loan. Comparison websites exist for this specific purpose. They allow you to compare auto loan rates instantly and at a glance. Some websites will require you to enter in data prior to getting a comparison listing. This is because auto loan rates can vary by location and according to the make, model and year of the car you will be purchasing. Because of this, you will most likely need to enter your zip code and the car information.
If you don't have a particular car in mind, choose something similar to what you are looking for, such as a small sedan, an SUV, minivan, or pickup. It's best if you have already chosen the car you want to buy because the car loan quotes will be more accurate during the preliminary comparison shopping. Certain websites even have the option to compare cars according to your budget. This can help you decide which vehicles you can make the monthly payments on.
Be aware that some dealerships offer financing that could be considered scams. Yo-yo financing is one of them. This happens when the dealer says that you are approved at a certain interest rate. You sign all of the documents at the dealership and drive away, thinking that you're free and clear. Soon after, the dealership calls to inform you that financing was denied and you have no choice but to accept the car loan at a higher interest rate. If you don't, your car will be repossessed.
To avoid this, ask to see the loan authorization number to make sure that you are approved and do this before signing anything. If any phrases like "spot delivery" or "temporary conditional" appear in the loan documents, do not sign them.
Dealers also make money from their financing department, sometimes even more than they make from selling cars and they make this money by offering extended warranties and other add-ons. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't consider the extended warranty because it may come in handy, but what is that going to mean for your monthly payment?
Stay on the lookout for other hidden fees like dealer markup fees. Otherwise known as "dealer reserve," this simply refers to when a dealer marks up the loan interest rate a couple of percentages. This means that a rate of 6% could be hit with a dealer markup of 2%, bringing your total to 8%. There is nothing in the loan documents that indicates this markup, but you can potentially negotiate your interest rate if you ask. The dealer will not be able to give you a rate below the base rate, which is based on your credit score, so knowing your credit score and your pre-approved interest rate comes in handy. It certainly gives you more negotiating power.

This article has been contributed by Louis Rix, finance expert at CarFinance247.co.uk

Why Choose Contractor Mortgages?

Are you a contractor? If so, you may have already experienced your mortgage application being declined by several lenders and brokers. The lack of a fixed income makes it hard for contractors to secure a decent mortgage. It is really frustrating to dream of a home but unable to get the right finance for it. In contrast with other employees who receive a monthly fixed income, contractors usually don’t have a constant stream of money into their bank accounts, despite the fact that majority of contractors have a higher hourly rate compared to most office jobs. Therefore brokers and lenders see them as higher risk—and a chance they are unable to pay mortgage.
It is frustrating to be judged and financially discriminated. Most companies would hesitate lending someone who doesn’t work on a contract for company. Similarly lenders close their doors for people who consider themselves as self-employed. Contractors are usually paid on a hourly rate and usually have full control of their time. They have more freedom that someone in regular employment: but the lack of a monthly pay slip makes it really tough for them to secure any loan from the banks and lenders. No brokers would even consider them as qualified candidates for a mortgage.
There are however brokers that have seen a gap in the market for this rising group of processionals. The birth of contractor mortgages has opened a lot of opportunities for contractors, giving more opportunities to those in this market to own their own home with good interest rates. Although contractor mortgages are particularly designed to address the lack of fixed income of the contractors, it still requires them to submit proofs and documents upon application.
Certificate of contract is required from contractors if they plan to apply for a contractor mortgage. The contract should state the number of weeks or months it is effective, the amount of the agreed hourly payment and the name of the contractor. It is also important for a contractor or a freelancer to gather all the documents of his previous contract. Lenders want to know how long an applicant has been in this type of employment. Although it is not necessary to have a very long experience in contracting jobs, more experience entails a much higher offer from the lenders. Now with contractor mortgages you will be able to get the property you’ve been eyeing.

For mortgage rates and terms, you can visit www.contractormoney.com/mortgages today.

20 Quick Cuts to Reduce Monthly Outgoings

1. Shop smart to reduce your food bill
Opt for cheaper shop own brands, the quality of which has improved drastically over the last few years as competition between the major supermarkets increases. Always ask for your customer points, as these add up over time and can be exchanged for money-off vouchers.

2. Insurance

Negotiate cheaper insurance - joint building and contents insurance often leads to significant reductions in the premium. Read the small print to check exactly what is covered and be careful not to overpay for cover you don't need.

3. Gas and electricity

Switch to a lower tariff or check a comparison website for a better deal.

4. Shop around for the best phone and internet package

Switching phone and internet tariffs can lead to significant savings - companies often offer huge savings to new customers.

5. Mobile phone tariffs

Are you using all your free minutes and texts every month or should you be paying less? Most mobile phone companies offer a free usage review. As soon as your contract is up, negotiate a better tariff and make the most of loyalties benefits. Don't be afraid to barter.

6. Consolidate credit card and store card debts

Move high interest debts to a credit card with a lower interest rate. Many companies offer a 0% interest rate on balance transfers, for a small fee.

7. Television

Shop around for a better cable or satellite television deal. These can often be cheaper if taken as part of a telephone and internet package.

8. Cancel unwanted memberships

Cancel that rarely used gym membership, buy a pair of trainers and go for a run in the park.

9. Shop second hand

Need new books, furniture or clothes? Check an online auction or swap site to see if you can find the same item for a fraction of the price.

10. Take advantage of free offers

Cut out those coupons and make the most of any free offers that come your way. Savings on 2 for 1 cinema tickets and free loyalty coffees soon add up.

11. Review bank fees

Many banks charge a fee for their current accounts, with the promise of certain perks in return. If you don't use the products, switch to a fee-free account.

12. Be smart about travel costs

Shop online for discounted tickets and sign up for travel company newsletters to receive money-off codes and vouchers.

13. Join the local library

One of the best ways to pass the time for little or no money is to read a good book.

14. Cut down on the cost of cleaning products

Swap expensive cleaning products for old fashioned alternatives such as vinegar and baking soda. Cut up old t-shirts to use as cleaning rags.

15. Wash clothes in cold water

Save electricity by running a cold water cycle - the clothes will come out just as clean.

16. Take a packed lunch to work

Why spend money on expensive sandwiches when you can make your own for much less?

17. Use public transport

The rising cost of fuel means the cost of regular car journeys soon adds up. Take the bus or train instead.

18. Get out to the garden

Is there space to start a lettuce patch or plant herb pots in your garden? As well as being intensely satisfying, growing your own food saves money.

19. Turn off that switch

Save electricity by turning off unused appliances.

20. Stay at home.

Spend less on expensive nights out by entertaining at home - a bottle of wine and a good chat is just as much fun as a noisy evening at the pub.

If your still desperate for cash, visit www.Cash-Loans.eu and learn about our short term loan packages help.

What You Should Know About the Junior ISA

The Junior ISA is the new government-backed savings plan that allows parents to save up to £3,600 a year for their child. This scheme and the Child Trust Fund are mutually exclusive, which means that if your child received a government voucher to help start a Child Trust Fund, they are not eligible to open a Junior ISA.
Among the biggest benefits of a Junior ISA is the tax efficiency of the account, as your child will be able to withdraw the full amount – including any interest or other growth to the fund – without paying any tax. Adults have been encouraged to shelter their money from tax by saving in an ISA for years, and now with the Junior ISA, children can also enjoy these benefits.

Control of the account

When opening a Junior ISA, one of the parents must take the responsibility of being the designated manager of the account. However, anyone can save into the account, including grandparents, other family members, and even your child.
Once your child turns 16, they will get control of their account, but will not be able to touch any of the money held within. The ability to withdraw money from a Junior ISA is granted to your child when they turn 18, which means that parents should not look to this type of account for emergency or ‘rainy day’ savings. The money in the account will be in your child’s sole control after the age of 18, with parents able to advise their child but unable to withdraw or legally affect their child’s nest egg.
This has led many to speculate that parents are better off saving in their own ISA for their children, but this poses the danger that the money will be spent on something other than your child’s future. If you raise your child with the understanding that their Junior ISA nest egg has been painstakingly prepared to give them a leg up when they make their journey into adulthood, there is a much better chance that they will use their nest egg for the ‘right’ purposes.

Types of accounts

The kind of growth that your savings will provide depends on the type of account that you choose, as the Junior ISA is available both as a traditional cash savings vehicle and an investment vehicle. Investment Junior ISAs, also known as a stocks and shares Junior ISA, invests your child’s savings in stocks, bonds, and equities. Each individual provider will have different rules regulating how much control you have over the types of investments that you make within the tax-free Junior ISA wrapper.
While stocks and shares accounts have historically performed better over the long term, if your child is set to turn 18 soon, a mitigating risk with a cash Junior ISA may be a good option.

Olayinka Mutone from www.comparejuniorisa.com writes about tax-free savings opportunities for children.

Free Extensive Information on LTC

What is Long Term Health Care and is Long Term Care Insurance Something You Need?
A lot of people think that in the event they are in need of long term health care, their health insurance is going to pay the costs. The truth is, the vast majority of common insurance plans do not offer clients benefits for long term care in someone's home, or in a care facility.
If you've got a medical problem, like heart disease or type I diabetes, it is increasingly more probable that you may need Long term care, and it would be a good idea to explore ways for you to pay for it. Long term health care really is not as expensive as you might think. I was very surprised when I did an extensive investigation.
Medicaid will grant benefits, but they're fairly limited. It would be to your advantage to explore the cost of a LTC insurance policy. Talk it over with your family members, and decide on the right solution for your circumstance.
Long term health care is certainly hard. Leaving a home for a rest home or a long term care facility is going to be especially challenging. This is why more people are looking for home health care alternatives. There are many care services out there to help you if you choose to stay in your own home.
For individuals who simply need a little assistance, there are meal and grocery delivery as well as chore services available. People that would require more extended care can find more qualified home nursing, In some cases even 24 hours a day. All of this insures that you'll be given the health care you need to have in a more relaxed and comfortable environment.
When an individual might need long term care, it frequently involves the entire family as well. At times the family needs to help administer care in the home. Other times it's a financial matter. For this reason it can be essential to talk about long term health care policies, even before the need for long term care occurs. By talking about it, you will be able to make your desires known so you and your family won't ever be caught without warning. it can be a challenging topic to discuss, but in the event that you are in need of long term care, you will be glad you made some plans in advance.
When purchasing a long term health care insurance plan, you should have all of the information you can. An insurance advocacy group may be able to provide counseling. Counseling may be a good way to find out about agencies that are near you.
The internet is another great resource. You could look at insurance agency sites and get a primary long term care insurance rate or request information. An insurance agency or financial advisor can also help you, but you should keep in mind that not all specialize in Long term health care insurance. Regardless, doing research can assure that you will be pleased with both your agency and your insurance plan.

We invite you to participate in the discussion at our Long Term Care Review Blog and get more information. You can also ask for a free online LTC insurance quote with no obligation.

How to be frugal in the modern world

In the world today people do not have as much disposable income as they once did. The recession is still biting, there is insecurity when it comes to jobs and prices seem to be constantly on the rise. Cut backs are having to be made in many aspects of life so here are some tips onhow to be frugal in day to day life,
There are numerous steps that can be taken to help save a few pennies that add up to pounds. Some are just common sense, while others take a little bit more getting used to or involve a bit more time to be effective.
Home savings
The most obvious place to begin making savings is in the home. House bills are probably one of the highest sources of outgoing money behind mortgages and child care so if you can make an impact on these then you are taking steps in the right direction to easing the strain on your income. Cleaning products can be very expensive but there are ways that you can create your own. You may use it mostly for cooking but vinegar can be a highly effective at bringing out the shine when polishing. Similarly baking powder has plenty of cleaning potential.
Your heating bills can be brought down by washing things at lower temperatures. You could also take it a step further by making your own laundry detergent. Another tip for around the house is one of the most common sense money saving tips around, make sure that you turn off lights and electrical appliances when you aren’t using them or are out of the room.
Online offers
There are other ways that you can save money if you look towards the internet. There are always offers online from discounts to free trials. Paid online surveys are a particularly good way to help contribute your opinions to that will be taken into account by products or services carrying out the polls. And you are rewarded with money towards vouchers which help to make some items that may have been a bit too expensive more affordable.
Local amenities
Perhaps one of the most overlooked and easy ways to be a bit more stringent with your money is to become a regular at your library. There are so many resources for you to use internet, music, films and of course books it is a one stop shop for research and entertainment that should be used by far more people.
There are so many ways to save and be creative and make savings in all aspects of your life and once you find something that works perhaps you can apply that to other areas and make even more savings.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing company on a range of topics. This article links back to http://www.valuedopinions.com/