Graduating Without Student Loans: Is It Possible?

It’s no secret that the cost of college isn’t cheap. What’s worse is that the cost of tuition is rising year by year. If you don’t think that’s true, just look at the amount of student loan arrears compared to a few years ago. Obviously, you want to go to college because it’s your best chance of succeeding in your field. But, the loan amounts might be too high for you to pay back. If only there were ways which you could attend university without taking on mountains of debt. Oh, wait – there is, and you can find them underneath.

Loan Forgiveness

Okay, so this option might still include a loan of some sort. However, the great thing about a student loan forgiveness non profit scheme is that it severely reduces the total amount. If you’re applicable, the government might write off as much as a third of the cost of the arrears. A third is a large proportion in anyone’s book, so it’s nothing to look down upon. All you have to do is choose an industry which is on the list and send in the application. By the time you graduate, the amount you owe could be minimal, to say the least.

Scholarship

The reason the government doesn’t write off the whole loan is that of scholarships. Yep, some universities pay for students to attend the institute, meaning you don’t have to pay a dime in tuition. As you know, it’s a very competitive field because everyone wants a scholarship. But, if you apply for different types, there is a good chance you might get accepted. Also, don’t forget to show them why you stand out from the crowd. It’s clichéd, but unis like applicants that have more than academic talent.

Community College

Sure, you want to go to a large, reputable college that makes employers eyes bulge when they notice it on your resume. To go to these establishments, you need a lot of money. If you don’t have it, you will need a loan to help you survive. That is, unless, you go to community college first. Okay, it might not have the same reputation, and the campus life might differ. However, you can transfer after two years to any school in the country. As long as your grades are good, they will welcome you with open arms. Then, you only have a year or two of tuition to pay for.

Get A Job

Like going to community college, getting a job straight out of high school is a means to an end. Maybe you will like the job and won’t want to leave. But, if you plan of bigger and better things, you can get them to pay for your education. Employers don’t like to part with their money, but they will if they have a good reason. Sending a worker to school to better their skills is as good a reason as any, so most won’t push back too hard. 

Of course, working and studying is a monumental task, but it’s possible. Plus, it’s cheaper.

Are Lawsuit Loans Worth it? The Pros and Cons

Injuries happen, sometimes at the worst times in our life. From medical bills to possible unemployment and other emergencies due to your injury, the bills can stack up fast. This is amplified if you're dealing with a lawsuit on top of everything else. Lawyers are expensive; court fees are expensive – everything suddenly seems to cost too much.

This is where a lawsuit loan comes into play. These are loans, or cash advances, that you can take out after signing away the money you'll be rewarded after your case is settled. You'll get the money you need while your case sits, waiting to be resolved, but you'll have to pay back the company from the settlement agreed upon after you win your case.

Deciding if taking out a lawsuit loan is something that should be seriously considered and heavily deliberated on. Knowing the benefits, and the disadvantages, of doing so are important to keep in mind when making the decision. Looking at the facts can help you decide if this route is the best option for you.

Pros

• Like with any sort of cash advancement or loan, you'll get immediate benefits, with the setbacks being more long-term. A few things you can expect to gain when applying for a lawsuit loan and getting approved:

• Immediate cash and reassurance of your stability. With the added stress of an injury, having that financial back-up can help take the strain off of things.

• In the case of a sports injury loan, you can help target manufacturers that contribute to the safety problem on the field, such as helmets or gear that aren't of good quality.

You'll buy yourself some time. Many people will accept the first settlement offered, even if it isn't the best one for them, just because they're working on a tight time clock.

Cons

Debt is a scary thing, and though lawsuit loans are different from typical loans, they still propose some serious downsides to consider and prepare for if you make the decision to apply. Some of the biggest issues you should start to think and prepare for:

• It can get expensive. They will charge interest, and since court cases, especially those with a personal injury, take a while to settle, that interest could rack up fast.

• You may not even quality. Some cases aren't even able to get approved for the loan, so counting on that isn't a good idea until you're sure you'll get approved. Always have a backup plan.

• Lawsuit loans are still a fairly new thing to be introduced to the public. Finding a reliable company will be difficult, and it won't be regulated as well as typical loans are by the government. You may be giving up some security if you're approved, so be careful and do your research before making a decision.

The Future's Bright. If You Plan For It

If you are a homeowner, then there are many wonderful things that come along with that. Not only do you have a roof over your head, but you have somewhere permanent, that in the majority of cases, will always be yours. So it can be seen as an investment as much as anything else. Which is why it is important to take care of it and make financial plans for it for the future. We don’t know what will happen from one day to the next, and even some small things can affect us, our lives, and our homes. So it is a good idea to have some plans in place. You don’t want to lose the important investment that is your home. So here are some plans that you should think about getting in place.

Home Insurance

In order to take care of your home and all things that are in it, then getting home insurance is one of the best ways to take care of it all. Not only does it give peace of mind, but it helps if any disaster was to strike. It could be something like flooding that is out of your control, or even things that need repairing in the home can be claimed on house insurance (depending on your policy). If you don’t have insurance and something like a fire struck, then you would be left homeless. Most people don’t have the money for the cost of a new home laying around. So it really is important to get home insurance in order to secure a safe financial future for you and your family.

Make a Will

If you are a homeowner, then it is of paramount importance to make sure that you have a will set up and ready. Of course, you can change it over time if needed and as circumstances change. But if you leave it as it is with no will, and you were to pass away suddenly, then it doesn’t necessarily mean that your home will go to family. You might not even have family for it to go to. So in order to ensure that your wishes are carried out, it is a good idea to look for probate lawyers from IRB Law, for example. Then you can get a will in place, offering you peace of mind, and knowing what will happen with your possessions, including your home, in the future.

Get Out of Debt

As a home is an investment, it means that it is money against your name. If you own it outright and were to sell it and downsize, for example, all of the remaining cash would be your own. But if you don’t own it outright, then you’ll owe someone like the bank money for a mortgage. If money and debt get a little out of control, then it can risk you losing your home. So you need to think carefully about money and how much you spend each month. Think about clearing any existing debt and avoiding any new debt.

So You're On The Property Ladder. Is It Time To Get Off?

There are hundreds, if not thousands, articles, advice columns, and blog posts on the internet about how to get your foot on that all important first rung of the property ladder. These posts are incredibly useful and valuable to a lot of people, after all, property is likely to be one of the best investments that a lot of people can make. But that doesn't mean that property is always a good investment. In fact, there are plenty of people who find that investing in property is a mistake. This can be for a number of reasons. You may simply find that you can't keep up with the payments necessary on a property, or perhaps you were renting out a property, but the rental market is drying up a little bit. Whatever the reason is, there's a chance that you may find yourself needing to hop back off the property ladder at some point. The question is, how do you do that? If you're in that kind of position you're probably looking to sell pretty quickly. With that in mind, here are some fast and simple ways to get back off the property ladder.

Sell it for cash

If you're in a bind and you need to deal with both the financial burden of your home as well as the financial problems that it has caused straight away, then there are plenty of places that are able to buy your home fast. Companies like http://www.cashoffersdallas.com/sell-your-house/ are willing to take your home off your hands in exchange for cash without you having to go through a long, arduous process. This means that you won't have to sit around waiting for a buyer to be able to get yourself back to a comfortable financial position so that you can start over again.

Sell to current tenants

If you're renting out your property and have some tenants who have been renting from your for a long term, why not offer to sell the property to them? They will already be aware of the property, and it will often be a much more appealing idea for them than having to find somewhere new if you find yourself in a situation where you need to sell the property entirely. Many renters are looking to get onto the property ladder, and a lot of them would likely jump at the chance to become the owners of a home that they've come to know and love.

Long term renting

It used to be the case that renting was for suckers and if you had any sense, you would jump and the first possible chance to get onto the property ladder. But now, with interest rates as high as they are, not to mention to the uncertainty that the housing market has faced for the last decade, buying a home is no longer the inherently better option. Instead many people are turning to renting instead. For one thing, the deposit on a rental property is nowhere near as expensive as on a mortgage. Many rental properties are extremely competitively priced and don't come with many of the fees and responsibilities that accompany being a homeowner.

How To Get On The Property Ladder

You’ve been browsing the ‘For Sale’ adverts with longing. You’ve fantasized about cooking in a spacious kitchen instead of bumping elbows because the stove is too close to the sink. You want a new house. Buying your first house is a big milestone; it’s exciting, but also terrifying. So many things can go wrong and you’ll be left worse off than before if it all falls through.

Don’t worry; here are a few bits of advice that all first-time buyers need before they begin the climb on the property ladder.

Save your money

Owning a house is vastly more expensive than renting. You have to consider the property tax in the area, home insurance, and the fact that you will be responsible for the repairs if anything breaks.

Before you even get the house, it’s also recommended that you save at least 20 percent of a down payment, but some mortgage lenders might pre-approve you with less. Your state may also have its own programs for first-time homebuyers. Whatever situation you find yourself, it’s still a good idea to save as much money as you can. After all, it won’t hurt to have a nest egg after you move in.

Get a pre-approved mortgage

The paperwork at a real estate agency will go much quicker if you have a mortgage pre-approved. A reputable mortgage lender will factor in your income, your debts, and how long you’ve been at your current job to calculate your best deal. You don’t need a 20 percent down payment to get a good deal. The 43% debt-to-income ratio rule is generally used by the federal housing administration (FHA) as a guideline for approving mortgages. Although it can often change depending on market conditions, this ratio is the best way to determine if the borrower can repay the mortgage.

Look around

Even if you have your eye on a listing you saw in a condos for sale advert, it will be good to shop around. Prices can go up or down depending on whether there’s a good school nearby, how close you are to the city centre, or even what time of year you try to buy. 

Making an offer

Even if the owner wants to sell quickly, don’t be pressured into making a bigger offer than you can afford. - after all, you’ll be the one suffering when you can’t make ends meet. If you reach an agreement, you'll make a good-faith deposit and the process then transitions into escrow, which is a short period of time (often about 30 days) where the seller takes the house off the market with the contractual expectation that you will buy the house - provided you don't find any serious problems with it when you inspect it.

Get an inspection

Never buy a house without getting an inspection. Although most new homeowners are open to getting a fixer upper for a lower price, there are some things no amount of money can repair.

Why Overseas Markets Will Make You Money

If you are looking to create wealth, protect assets or add real value to your retirement income the you should be seriously considering investment overseas as a viable option for increasing your financial portfolio.

There are a number of reasons an investment abroad is so attractive at the moment, here are just three of them for you to consider.

Diversification

Markets can and do change and so any smart investor will ensure that they haven’t got all of their money tied up in any one market or asset just in case the worse really does happen.

Real estate is still one of the safest investment options available on the market but just as you would vary your investment portfolio for stocks and shares, to protect your wealth and provide options for generating a lot more you are better of varying the markets in which you invest in property too. Otherwise your real estate investment is at the mercy of a fluctuating market and interest rates, with no protection if that market collapses. If you want to diversify with some degree of certainty you need to look outside of the US for real estate investment opportunities. 

When buying abroad it’s important to take the long-term view. Often to get the best deals you will want to look at countries that are still developing their infrastructure so that you can buy real estate at a low price and enjoy the benefits as the value of the area grows through regeneration. Although this significantly increases your chances of a return it also increases the time in which that return might be made. 

If you can’t wait for your investment to mature and want to start seeing a return immediately then you could consider buying property to rent out. Buying a condo for rent in an already popular and cosmopolitan city such as Singapore is a very different prospect than buying to make money on the resale in a country like Grenada. If you choose the right area for a buy to let you could make a significant annual income on the rent alone. If both of these idea appeal why not mix your portfolio up - you will see the dividends in the long-run as you can insulate yourself to some degree from local and global economic fluctuations.

If you are going to diversify in order to protect and grow your assets then you will need to have your finger on the pulse of changing foreign markets, political stability and economic environments and be ready to snap up a bargain as soon as the time is right. Buying overseas doesn’t come without its challenges. You have different legal and economic structures to navigate on top of any language barriers and currency exchange. Employing a really good real estate attorney that has considerable international investment experience is a must if you want to get this right first time.

Investing for your retirement

Saving for your retirement can be scary as you are unsure where to place your money for the best return. Everyone should be making some provision for their retirement and there is no substitute for a high interest savings account. However if you can afford a little more investment in your future, adding international real estate to your retirement portfolio can be a very positive step to financial freedom when you are older.

This is because if you invest right you can add thousands of dollars in a matter of months to your retirement pot without doing a thing. If you buy a property in a country like Colombia, where real estate is still relatively cheap but that has vast regeneration plans in the pipeline you might see that property increase in value by 50% without you spending another dime of your own cash. No matter how high the interest rate is on your savings account it can’t match this opportunity. However this is just an opportunity and nothing is guaranteed in investment. By its very nature it is a gamble, a risk. However with the right homework and expert advice it can be a calculated risk that will not only protect your retirement nest egg but help it to substantially grow. 

Retirement income

Increasing property value is only one way international investment can help you build your retirement portfolio. As previously discussed you can choose to buy real estate not for the resale value but for the income it could provide from tourists and businesses looking to relocate.

Rental income in popular tourist destinations such as Belize, Portugal and Italy can be substantial if you find a property that matches the needs of its tourists. If you are going to take this punt then you need to know why people vacation in those areas and then look for property that offer those facilities. You might want to do some research into popular vacation destinations and match this to those that have real estate markets that still haven’t caught up with this popularity. Or better still buy somewhere off the beaten track and help make it popular again with tourists - overseas investment can do wonders for a city’s infrastructure development plans! Buying to let also gives you the option to spend part of your time there in retirement so whilst you are looking for a destination that you think could make you a decent monthly income you should also consider if it is somewhere you would like to spend time in - after all why not retire in style!

Tax protection

Investing in real estate overseas can also provide some tax benefits depending on how you are going to use the property. Most property investments are not intended to be lived in by the investor but if you do plan to live in the home then you can deduct mortgage interest and property taxes. The most tax efficient however is if you plan to use the property as a rental income. Then you can deduct as above but you can also deduct property and liability insurance, repair and maintenance costs and anything else related to maintaining the property.

How Anybody Can Go From $50,000 In Debt To Being Back In Black

For many people, the story of their debt is a little bit like the parable of the frog being slowly boiled in water. People, like the frog, only realize there’s a problem when the damage is already done. Before long, they’re neck-high in debt and think that they have no prospect of paying it off.

This is the situation that Lisa Curls found herself facing towards the end of 2004. She and her husband had lived together for many years, and they were just a couple of days away from celebrating the birthday of their three-year-old son. Lisa had the party planned and all the kids invited, but just two days before the birthday, her husband left her. Without a second income and a child to look after, Lisa’s financial situation began to deteriorate.

According to Martin Long, former Trustee for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Lisa’s situation is all too common. People get into trouble financially after divorce, especially if their finances are dependent on another person to provide a source of income. Then, like Lisa, they spiral into a cycle of debt and depression with bills mounting up, but no ability to deal with them.

Lisa said that her ex-husband’s attitude towards money was bad. She had debts for everything, including overdrafts on her personal account, a business overdraft of over $2,000, store credit card loans and various other loans from different companies, which when added together came to more than $50,000. What was worse, Lisa was told by her divorce lawyer that none of her personal debts could be transferred over to her ex.

Lisa, therefore, developed a plan to clear her debts over the next four years. Here are some of the things that helped her clear her massive pile of debt.

Ask Questions Before Buying

Thanks to the bad money habits that she and her husband had gotten into, Lisa wasn’t used to reining in her spending. She would head to the mall on a Saturday and just take anything she liked the look of. This resulted in enormous debts on her store and credit cards which drove her to the brink of suicide.

Since then, her attitude has changed. She always asks herself whether she really needs something before buying it. If she likes a pair of shoes but has some in her closet already that will do the job, she’ll just walk straight by.

Consolidate The Debt

Lisa also ran into another problem when she tried to clear her debts. Her debts needed to be repaid during the height of the financial crisis. Back then, companies were passing debt instruments between each other, trading securities and so on. As a result, Lisa found multiple companies ringing her up, asking her to pay them back the same sums of money. In total, five companies claimed that she owed them the money for her bank overdraft.

Live Within Your Means

Lisa said that she found being in debt frightening. She suggests that everybody lives within their means, otherwise they could risk it all. Doing this, she managed to pay back the money she owed and moved on with her life.

Finance Advice We All Need

Even if you’re excellent at keeping your finances in order, there are times in life where just can’t go without advice. Making large purchases or knowing how to get the best out of your money are just two of things a financial advisor could help you with. Generally, we don’t even think about financial advice until it’s forced upon us. So, what are some of the financial milestones we need to be prepared for?

A Mortgage

A mortgage is usually the first big financial decision we make. And, with banks requiring larger deposits and less debt, it’s more difficult than ever to get on the property ladder. However, it’s not impossible. The benefit of seeking advice before applying for a mortgage is that you get an overview of what you need to do to make yourself someone the bank is willing to lend money to. That may be lowering some of your debt, paying off credit cards in full or having a 10% deposit at your disposal.

Re-mortgaging

Whatever you’re planning on re-mortgaging for, financial advice is invaluable. Whether you’re planning on moving home or you just want to release some equity, knowing all of your options will make it much easier; especially when it comes to making re-payments. You may also want to consider options like, sell my house fast for cash, where companies will evaluate your home and then make you a cash offer.

Retirement

We don’t often plan for retirement in enough advance. The earlier you start thinking about it, the better off you’ll be. A financial advisor can tell you what kind of money you’re likely to get when you retire and what you can do to add to the pot if you’re not happy with the sum. You can also ask how to receive a lump sum in the best way, so you aren’t paying a vast amount of tax. Planning retirement can be a difficult job, but if you have some financial help, it’s half the battle.

Will Writing

None of us like to think about it but we’ve all lost someone sooner than we should have. It’s so important to have a will written, especially when you have children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, all too often families have been left divided when Will’s haven’t been around to say who gets what. It can lead to arguments that are unnecessary. A Will is a way of having your say after you’re gone and making sure everyone is happy in a time that’s meant for grieving.

Following Debt

Life is unexpected and it can tear us down at the most inopportune moments. Many people have found themselves out of work in the last few years and unable to pay off debt. It’s easy to bury your head in the sand but it’s best to seek advice instead. There are ways you can write off debt or lower payments to suit what you can afford. Don’t ignore the problem- let someone help you to fix it.

The Best Day Trading Strategies For Beginners

Day trading, as you probably know already, refers to the act of buying and selling a security within the same day. Day traders generate (or at least attempt to generate) profits through leveraging large amounts of capital, taking advantage of fluctuations in highly volatile stocks or indexes. While trading securities on a day to day basis can be very profitable, it can also wind up being one big waste of money for those who are inexperienced, or enter without much in the way of a strategy. To help you get the best start, here are some of the best day trading strategies for beginners…

Scalping

Scalping is one of the more popular strategies, and involves selling a stock or index pretty much immediately after it becomes profitable. After looking through some historical data and asking yourself ‘what are best penny stocks I should buy today?’ as usual, you can purchase a given security, and then set yourself a price target that’s just after the point where it becomes profitable.

Fading

The tactic of fading involves shorting stocks (betting on their decline) after they’ve shown a rapid leap upwards. The act of fading is generally based on the assumption that the stock is overbought, the early buyers are going to be looking to take profits soon, and that there’s a chance any existing buyers will be scared off the stock soon. Fading can be very risky, especially for inexperienced traders, so it’s not recommended that you try to make money from fading until you’re a little more familiar with your choice of trading platform. Having said that, this strategy can turn out to be extremely profitable. When fading, the price target should always be around the point where buyers start to re-enter.

Pivots

A daily pivot involves drawing profits from a stock’s daily fluctuations. This is performed through attempting to buy stocks at the low end of the day, and selling on the high end. When it comes to pivoting, the price target should simply be the next sign of a reversal, which can be determined using the same patterns as in fading and scalping. Because of the sweeping ups and downs that you have to look for with pivots, this can be one of the more accessible day trading strategies for complete novices.

Momentum

Finally, we have momentum. This day trading strategy is all about trading based on releases from market news sources, or pinning down strong trends supported by high volumes of shifts. The most common kind of momentum trader will buy based on a news release, and then ride that trend until it shows signs that it may turn back on itself. Other momentum traders will fade the upward surge in price, instead. In momentum trading, the price target should be the point where volume starts to decrease, and bearish candles start to appear more and more.

There you have some of the most accessible and recommended day trading strategies for beginners. Read a little more into one that suits you, and then jump right in!

Know Your Enemy And Fight Debt

Debt is a nightmare that we hope we can all avoid, but the truth is, not many people do. 8 out 10 Americans are in debt and if you find that shocking, you shouldn’t. Debt is actually a built in part of society and the economy. In fact, the economy probably wouldn’t function too well at all without at least a small percentage of the population living in debt. There are too many products being sold that people buy when they can’t afford them, keeping the economy in check. Then there’s the situations where you have no choice but to borrow. If you have bought a home recently, you’ll know that you had to take out a mortgage. That’s a loan under another name and does leave you with high levels of debt. Student loans are another common cause costing upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Of course, we do have to distinguish between typical debt and high levels of debt that can’t be handled. If you’re desperate to avoid a situation where you have to sell your home to escape debt, it’s important to know the causes. If you know the causes, you should be able to avoid them completely. Or, handle them if and when they arrive. So, let’s look at some of the most common causes of debt in America.

Are You Feeling Alright?

You probably won’t be next time you take a look at your medical bills. Medical bills can be incredibly expensive. Typical procedures can cost anywhere up to ten thousand dollars, and you might think that’s manageable enough. You might, if you have the cash in your account, not even bother to use your insurance coverage. But that’s probably just the cost of certain medicine. If you need a surgical procedure or a transplant, it could cost you anywhere above five hundred thousand. That’s not so manageable, is it?

It’s unsurprising then that medical bills are one of the most common causes of debt. It’s not just the cost, it’s the fact that it hits you in one massive bill. And no, those costs aren’t immune to interest. You could very easily have paid a lot more than that by the time you escape your bills.

Thankfully there is help for situations like this. First, you might have been injured due to the actions of someone else. If that’s the case, then you can get help after an injury. You can speak to an accidental injury attorney. They’ll be able to advise you on the right steps to take to get the compensation that you might desperately need.

There are also people who help with expensive medical bills. You can consolidate your debt making sure it’s easier to pay off. They might even argue against the high costs if you are unable to afford them.

Sorry, We’re Going To Have To Let You Go

It’s just one of the many sentences that strike dread in the hearts of employees. However, that sentence has clearly been used a lot because according to statistics over 94 million people are unemployed across America. That’s just above forty percent of the population, and it is staggering.

If you are unemployed, you’ll be under immense financial pressure. You’ll struggle to pay the bills, keep up with mortgage repayments and generally, keep your finances in check. Although, there is a way lessen the blow of unemployment and make it easier to find a new job. While you are employed, you should be working to boost your skills and your experience. This will make you a far more desirable candidate for employees.

As well as this, you should be searching for jobs while you are comfortable working for a company. That way, you’ll already know what’s out there and hopefully, have a few positions in mind if unemployment does rear its ugly head.

Aside from this, you may want to consider setting yourself up as an independent worker as well. As an independent worker, you will be able to open yourself to freelance possibilities. Short term contracts may not be the final solution to your problems, but they could help a great deal.

On Credit

Although debt in some ways benefits the economy, it’s clear that too many people are living past their means. There are numerous possible causes for why this is. Perhaps, the cost of living is simply too high, and people have no choice but to live on credit. This is particularly true for those individuals with disabilities who have more trouble with debt that almost anyone else.

However, there are also those people who can afford an average quality of life and want more. So they borrow, mounting up credit card debts right up until the point where they can’t borrow any more money. The problem with credit cards is that you can use them for a lot longer than you should be able to. And as usual, it’s the interest that’s the real killer. Once the interest starts building on the money you’ve used, it can quickly grow out of control. That’s why if you are using credit cards you should work to pay off any bills as quickly as possible. Don’t let them mount up as this will almost always lead to debt.

If you do need to rely on credit for expensive bills, you should look into interest-free options. This will allow you to borrow money without the threat of interest as long as you pay it back within the time limit.

Bad Loans

Alternatively, you could end up in debt because you have borrowed from the wrong source. Some lending companies are nothing more than debt traps, charging obscene levels of interest and hidden costs. While there is movement in Congress right now to limit the power of these companies they still exist. You can borrow thousands online and find thousands added onto how much you owe in just a few months.

You should always research and read the terms of a loan carefully before you commit to taking money from any lender.

How Can Millennials Make Housing More Affordable?

By far the biggest difference between Generation X (known as the Baby Boomers) and Generation Y (also known as millennials) is housing. Sure, there are other differences that separate them - but the housing situation is top of the list. For example, home ownership among this generation has fallen to a 30-year low and there’s no sign of a recovery anytime soon.

One of the major causes of millennials not buying homes is a stagnation in wages at the same time as rents have increased. When Gen Y has to pay high rental costs, then there’s not enough money left over to save towards a house deposit.

For some of this generation, the idea of not buying a house for much longer than the previous generation will not be an issue. House ownership roots you to one place, which isn’t ideal for a generation where over half of all 35-year-olds are working outside of their home state. Being able to move is crucial to adapting to the millennial job market, so for some, the idea of not being able to own a home is not too troublesome.

For others, however, it’s a real bane. They can be married, settled, perhaps even with children of their own - and yet they can’t afford to buy a house. Services like AirBnB have not helped, either - housing stock is being snapped up for short-term leases as they offer the best return on investment. The market for house buying has never been so competitive, especially in the big cities. San Francisco, for example, draws direct links between AirBnB and their housing shortage.

So what can you do if you’re a millennial, you want to own a home, but you find yourself priced out of the market?

1. Accept You Might Need To Buy A “Fixer Upper”

People who are buying houses for the sake of investment only don’t really want a “fixer upper”, so there’s more of them available. The likes of West Coast Cash Buyers have properties on offer for affordable prices, but they’re going to need a bit of work. So if you’ve got the time and patience for flexing your DIY skills, then this can be a route onto the housing ladder.

2. Live At Home

More and more millennials are making the decision to move back home while they save for a deposit on their home. It can be a difficult step to take - most of us embrace the freedom that comes from living under our own roof - but it can be essential way to save money on rental costs and put the money by for a deposit.

3. Look For Properties Outside Of Cities

The idea of a long commute is not something that any of us find appealing, but it can make a difference when it comes to house prices. Buying in a city is notoriously expensive. If you keep running up against prices you can’t afford, then look towards the suburbs - it might take longer to get to work, but your money will go further when it comes to property.

Last-Ditch Attempts: What You Could Try To Avoid Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is one of the worst things that can happen to your financial situation. It often results in you losing control of your bank accounts for a few years. The authorities will control where your money goes. They will make sure all your bills get paid, and then use any extra cash to pay your creditors. It’s a real pain, and it could stop you from launching a company in the future. With that in mind, you should try everything possible to stop bankruptcy. The suggestions on this page could help to point you in the right direction. However, at times like this, the best course of action is to leave no stone unturned.

List your home for sale

Nobody wants to sell their family home. However, you could raise lots of cash if you decide to go down that route. It doesn’t solve your financial issues, but it could assist you in avoiding bankruptcy. You just need to find enough money to pay your creditors. With a bit of luck, you would have enough capital left over to rent a house and keep a roof over your heads. It’s a dangerous step in the wrong direction, but it’s better than losing control of your bank accounts. Just contact real estate agents and ask them to perform a valuation. That will let you know how much your property is worth. You can then make an informed decision.

Sell a structured settlement

Lots of court cases end with structured settlements these days. That is because the judge knows you’re entitled to the money. However, he also knows that asking the guilty party to provide a lump sum could cause issues. So, they allow them to pay you in installments over a given period. Thankfully, you can sell that deal for cold hard cash. A Guardian Settlements,LLC structured settlement review states that the process is quick and easy. You won’t get the full value of your settlement because the buyer has to make a profit. Even so, you could get enough to cover your debts and avoid bankruptcy.

Increase your income

While it might sound obvious, increasing your income is an excellent way of getting out of debt. Maybe you could take a second job or start a business? It’s hard to focus on things like that when you’re on the brink of bankruptcy. However, you’ll need to focus if you want to weather the storm. With that in mind, spend a couple of hours making a list of potential solutions. You can then research each of them before reaching your conclusion. It’s not always possible to boost your earnings fast, but it’s something everyone should try.

If there is anything you can do to avoid bankruptcy, you need to start the ball rolling now. There deadlines once the process begins, and you need to beat them. Of course, bankruptcy isn’t the end of the world, and it happens to thousands of people. Even if the worst occurs, you can still navigate the process and start again on the other side. Still, at the end of the day, you don’t need the stress.

Property Investment With A Difference

It is one of the most popular forms of investment because it is readily accessible. You buy a property, increase its value then sell it on at a profit. It sounds easier than it actually is, yet most people can do it with patience and perseverance. If you are new to the property development game you may want to play it safe, ensuring you can make a return. Yet some of the experienced investors may want to try some new things, different types of investment that can widen their portfolio and lead to bigger returns. These investment are key, and depending on what kind you go for can end up earning you a lot more money. Here are some examples to get you started. You may have already thought of some of these, but look at the other ones and see if you can make it work for added profit. Good luck.

Turn A House Into Apartments

This is tricky, but for those with experience it is possible. The key here is to find a home that is big enough on each floor. So when you are looking at homes for sale make sure you find ones that are fairly large and either detached or semi detached. Now you have the one you need, you can implement the change. You may need planning permission, especially if it is an older building. The work will be costly. You will need to implement another heating system, electrical wiring, another bathroom and kitchen. It will cost a lot of money. However, when it comes to selling you will be selling two properties instead of one, thus maximizing your profit or rental return. It is a big project, yet one that is achievable if worked properly.

Look For Old Pubs And Bars

This is a nifty trick. Usually pubs and bars that have run out of business and sold up sell for a steal. This is because there obviously isn’t a market for that kind of business in the location meaning it sells for cheap giving another business owner an incentive. But who said it has to remain a bar? Change it into a home or a set of apartments. Again, this is widely achievable, but certain pubs have protected status so check this before going through with the purchase. The remodel will be extensive, but again the profit will far outweigh the initial outlay. Just ensure you stick to your cost lines and budget for the better chances of success.

Apartments From Scratch

This is one of the more costly investments to make but if you are looking to buy to let then this is the move you will want to make. You need to buy the land and get planning permission first, but luckily the land won’t be too big because you will essentially be building upwards, not sideways. The issue here is the initial outlay for the building. It will be hugely expensive. Just think about the materials, labour, kitchen materials, bathrooms, etc. However when you are done you will have a large amount of properties to sell or rent out, giving you a huge passive income or immediate burst of profit.

Turning Your Home Into An Investment

It’s not every day that you buy a new home. Indeed, it often takes months of hunting for the right property to serve the lifestyle your family desires. Once you’ve viewed a property you like, several more months may pass before you finally have the keys in your hand. This, in itself, is an enormous investment of time. But should your choice of property always be about the financial investment too?

Home is where the heart is, but most of us choose our homes by thinking carefully about the financial investment we’re making. The choice we make about the area is often determined by two factors. The first concern is about being safe, especially if we have a young family. The neighborhood should also be ‘up and coming’ to help ensure the value of the home exceeds the price you pay within a short amount of time.

Of course, there are plenty of areas in every state and town that will offer bargains. When you start looking for realty, you might be keen to pick the most desirable, family friendly neighborhoods available. Would you be prepared for a big move away from your workplace to make that kind of investment? Would you leave friends, family, and career opportunities behind to secure a bargain on a house? A big move could make good financial sense if the price is right, offering you monetary benefits that may just be worth it.

The property you are currently in could become an investment opportunity too. Spend some time researching other properties on your street and in your neighborhood. How are they better than yours? How are they worse? Check realtor listings to see the kind of prices properties in your area are commanding. Would yours compare to some of those properties, or is there some work to do first? Certain home improvements like extensions and conversions can put your property in a higher price band.

Desirability is what will get you those viewing appointments. This is based primarily on appearance. Is your decor up to date? A home is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it, but with no viewings, it simply won’t sell. Investing in the esthetic appeal of your property will always be worthwhile. If something needs repairing or tidying, make the time to get it looking its best. It could make a difference of thousands of dollars, and might just speed a sale along.

Property investors know exactly what to look for when they’re ready to add to their portfolio. Properties that have development potential can be highly desirable as a financial investment. However, if you intend to live there and turn the property into your home, you might choose to spend more in renovations. This will eat into your profits if you choose to sell up soon after. The additional moving costs should also be factored in.

It’s true that buying a home for your family to live in goes beyond the financial value of that investment. You’re investing your time, and potentially sacrificing much more than money when you buy it. Perhaps the best outcome of your investment is the lifetime of happy memories that will come of it.

The Frugal Approach to Owning a Vehicle

Many of us long to own a vehicle but dread the prices. We first need to think about a loan or financing options, then it’s on to insurance payments and maybe even road tax. What comes next? Parking fees, maintenance, repairs… the list goes on! However, there is a frugal way to approach owning a vehicle and it consists of many small steps. If you want to own a vehicle but you’re worried about the amount of money you’re paying, then a couple of these tips could perhaps change your mind and help you lower the costs of owning a car.

Look for budget cars

A budget car doesn’t mean something that just costs less. A budget car is something that is readily available as both new and pre-owned, has low repair costs, low insurance fees, low emissions which result in lower road tax, and also great fuel efficiency. All of these features add up together to become a budget car that is not only cheap to run, but also comes with a low price tag. Not every car is born even and there are some vehicles that have excellent fuel efficiency at a low price, and other cars that are even cheaper but don’t offer a good deal on everything else.

Request a loan

Loans are seen as an evil in our lives but they really aren’t that bad. Loans are designed to give us money during an emergency or a period of time when we need a little boost, and if owning a vehicle is a priority then taking out a loan is the preferred way to do it. As long as you can repay it, then you should be fine taking out a loan. Keep in mind that your credit rating will affect your chances, so you can find out how to get a car loan with bad credit before you decide to pick this option. Just remember that you eventually have to pay it back, so don’t take out a loan if you aren’t financially stable.

Lower insurance costs

There are many tricks that will enable you to lower your insurance costs. For starters, if you have a garage then clear it out and use it as a way to store your vehicle instead of keeping it parked outside. Security is a huge concern for insurance companies and the safer your car is, the less likely you are to pay extra for insurance. You can also reduce insurance costs by simply driving less. It sounds counterintuitive to drive less, but keep in mind that you’ve got a higher chance of getting into an accident if you drive for longer periods of time and insurance companies keep that in mind.

Second-hand dealerships

If all you need is a vehicle to carry you from point A to B, then there’s nothing wrong with having a cheap car that you bought from a second-hand dealership. Most pre-owned vehicles are refurbished to a working standard and also come with a lot of additional support. You can get some fantastic prices on cars that are close to being scrapped, and although they may not be the prettiest thing to look at, they definitely work.

The Key To Investing Without The Worry

If you have ever looked into investments before, you will know how stressful they can be. No matter what it is that you are investing in, or how much, you might find yourself worrying more than you had hoped to. However, this doesn’t mean that it always has to be like that. If you follow some basic steps, you should find that you are able to invest both wisely and bravely without too much hassle. The trick is to take a step back and look at the whole process from another, better angle. Let’s take a look at just how that’s done.

Take Your Time

The vast majority of investment mistake happen because the investor rushed into it, or rushed out of it. If you want to avoid any big mistakes, and you want to feel a little braver, simply remember to slow down and take your time with the whole process. You can benefit from doing this at any point, but it might be particularly important at the very start. When you are actually making the necessary decisions, do everything you can to step back and take your time. That way, you will have more opportunity to notice if anything is wrong or likely to go wrong, and you can pull out in time.

Seek The Help Of Professionals

No matter how experienced you might be, the chances are good that there are other people out there with more experience. Seeking out those people, and taking their advice on board, is likely to be hugely helpful in making the most of the investment without worrying. Knowing who to go to can be a difficulty in itself, of course, but researching the different individuals should help you to make your decision much easier and faster. If you read about Frank Lonardelli and others like him, you will find that it is fairly easy to get the guru that you need. And with that kind of help on board, there is nothing you can't achieve with your investments.

Watch The Market

If you want to know that what you are doing is worthwhile, you need to keep a close eye on the markets. This means not just glancing, but keeping watch like a hawk. That is really the only way to ensure that you know what you are doing, that you are acting in the right way at the right time at all times. Watch the market as closely as you possibly can, and you will have much more confidence in whatever investment decisions you happen to be making.

Be Sensible

Finally, remember not to make any decisions which you are likely to regret. By this, we mostly mean that you really carefully think about all decisions that you might make before actually making them. This is the only way to ensure that you end up in the kind of position you are hoping for. Be sensible and take your time, and you should come out of it just fine.

Boost Your Bank Balance Now

Whether you need to boost your income to cover the cost of your household bills, you want to save more for your future, or you want to have more cash left to have a good time, there are an endless number of things you can do to make more money right now. Some methods of boosting your income will be easy, while others will require a bit more effort, but they will all work.

Implement any of the ideas below to boost your bank balance now:

Request a Raise

If you want to earn more money, it could be as simple as asking your boss for a raise. According to PayScale, 75% of employees who re-negotiate their salaries are given a pay rise. Unfortunately, under half of the employed population bother to ask for a raise. Don’t be one of these people and ask for what you want!

Start Earning Cash Back

We all have those everyday purchases that need to be made, but we could be paying less for them is we use a cashback credit card or website to make our purchases. You can earn anything from 1-5 percent cash back with a good credit card, and as much as 50 percent cash back for some items when you buy via a cashback site, so although it probably won’t make you rich, it will help you to cut the cost of everyday living.

Make Money with Property

Property rentals are big business. If you have a property in a sought after area, it could be worth your while to rent it out and move elsewhere. Similarly, if you have a few thousand dollars earning a paltry amount of interest in the bank, buying a new property to rent out could boost your earnings quite quickly.

Start a Side Hustle

If you have a particular skill or passion, whether it be a knack for writing, a love of dogs or an aptitude for household DIY, you could boost your income by hundreds of dollars every month by starting a side-hustle business in your spare time. You’ll need to work hard, but if you have something to offer, you will see a vast improvement in your financial situation.

Sell Your Stuff

We all have more stuff than we really need and which clutters up our homes, so if you’re looking for a one-off boost to your wallet, why not get rid of some of it? Hold a garage sale, list your excess items on eBay or try your luck on Craigslist and you might be pleasantly surprised by how much your clutter can raise for you. Just bear in mind that selling your stuff might take some time and there will be lots of people trying to knock you down to ridiculously low prices - keep your head and you’ll do fine.

Start a Blog

Starting a blog is a fantastic way to express yourself and make money. You can get started for just a few dollars using a cheap domain and Wordpress hosting, and if you blog regularly and make your content interesting, you will attract readers who can be converted into cash.

Downsize

If you downsize to a smaller home, whether you are renting or a homeowner, you will save money on your rent/mortgage, and your utility bills and maintenance costs are likely to fall. This will enable you to save more money for the things you really need.

What are your tips for earning more money and boosting your bank balance?

Suddenly Out Of Work? This Could Help

Sometimes people find themselves out of work in sudden circumstances. The reasons for this are far and wide reaching. There are multiple issues that could have somehow forced you out of work. The problem now is coping financially and doing all you can to get some money coming in. If you have a partner the problem is mitigated somewhat as you can rely on them for a short while, but if you haven’t then you are going to have to pull out all of the stops to get what you need in terms of financial security. These tips can help put some parity into the situation. Just remember, there are always people out there who can help and indeed ways to help yourself. You may have considered some of these tips which is great because it shows you are thinking in the right way, but read on and you will see others that can help you through a difficult time.

First you need to assess why you are out of work. If it is because they fired you then look into whether it was fair. If so, move on. If not then consider suing. You could have left your work because you were injured, if it wasn’t your fault then it may be worth speaking to a personal injury attorney to get their perspective on the situation. You should not suffer financial hardship when the thing that happened was not at all your fault. The blamed party should be held to account. If nothing is amiss and you parted in fairly amicable ways or because it was your own fault then move on and look to other financial avenues.

In the first instance you are going to need to cut back on everything. Cost cutting is easier than you think. You need to cut back on things like the gym or your netflix subscription. It doesn’t sound like much but when you add it all up together it makes a difference. Cost cutting is needed to ensure you can keep up with the money going out while nothing is coming in. It can forestall you running out of money while you look for some other source of income.

You will be looking for another job in the sphere you excel at or enjoy, but what about the meantime? Consider making money in other ways from what you enjoy. You could write as a freelancer, or if you are arty and creative you could sell your inventions online. There are many ways you can make money over the internet. Some are bogus and require huge effort for minimal outcome, others are worth pursuing and they can certainly help you out if you are struggling for cash.

You could also consider a loan to keep you ticking over. Just ensure it is from the bank and not one of these payday lenders. They ask for absurdly high amounts of interest and it ruins your credit rating. If you are going to do it look for the best bank rate out there and use those instead.

Why You Should Get Help From a Finanical Advisor

It is usually assumed that people who employ the help of a financial advisor must have a lot of spare money in their bank accounts, so much money they just don’t know what to do with it. This is not always the case. And in fact, it shouldn’t be the case that taking advice about your finances is only considered by those who are wealthy. Taking on a financial advisor can help you make smart decisions about how to invest your money, which can help you have a more stable life now and in the future. Let’s discuss some ways they can help you:

Mortgages

Even if you tend to avoid other loans, there is every chance that you will take out a mortgage at some point in your life. A bank can benefit from your lack of knowledge, and you may end up with a deal that isn’t as lucrative as an advisor can broker. A problem that can arise when taking advice though is to ensure they are independent, such as the help you can get at carnegieinvest.com. If they Financial Advisor is not independent, they will be getting fees from the mortgages and investments they recommend, so again you will not end up with the best deal out there. A mortgage can be upwards of 35 years these days, it is the biggest money-related commitment you will make, so it is key you end up with the right one for your circumstances.

Putting money away for retirement

Although you will probably be taking part in your employer's pension or retirement scheme (or have your own setup, if you are self-employed), there is a lot of expenses that come with retirement that you will need to take into account. It is likely that these won’t all be covered just by your 401(k) or 403(b). Investments made today, such as real estate, can help generate a yearly revenue for you in your twilight years. Even if you decide to stick to just your work based plan, some companies offer slight flexibility about where you can direct your funds; it can be useful to get proper guidance on which out of the options given to you is the best. You should estimate your yearly expenses for retirement and start planning accordingly.

College funds

Similar to a mortgage, college funds are another common expense, and continuing with the similarities, to get the most out of your 529 plan you should consider some external help. Of course, a 529 plan is not necessary, but the tax breaks that come with it mean it is an appealing choice for saving tuition fees - they are exempt from federal taxes and quite often have state tax deductions also. The money can also be withdrawn tax-free as long as it is going towards college tuition. This is the biggest start in your child's adult life, so obtaining sound financial advice on how best to save is paramount.

So there you have it, three very important areas in life that you should consider some financial advice. And all three are issues are ones people face no matter their income.

Why You Should Invest In Property Today

The stock market can be an intimidating thing to get involved with. There are so many numbers and graphs and arrows that it is no wonder many people say that they just don’t understand it at all. Once you have got to grips with how all the shouting and waving papers around, you are still left with what amounts to choice anxiety. There are so many different companies in which you can invest. However, the market, dictated as it is by the invisible hand, is hard to predict and impossible to control in any meaningful sense. When you invest your money with someone, it is rather abstract because the number in your bank account has decreased and for a while, the only indication that you’ll have that it will increase again is monitoring trading around the world. You may have some say in how things are run at AGMs or stockholder meetings, but otherwise, all you have is the fiduciary duty that the CEO has to you as a principal. It is somewhat out of your hands, and that can be stressful, especially if the company that you’ve invested in does not do as well as you’d hoped.

Thankfully, there are lots of alternatives to what sometimes seems like a postmodern performance art piece about the capricious nature of money. One such alternative is investing in property. When you buy a house or an apartment, you can go to it and see that it exists. There is a great deal of security in seeing so clearly where your money has gone. Property is also a great way to make money and here’s why you should consider investing in it today:

Just as when you invest in agriculture or water companies, when investing in property you can be sure that you have a product that will always be in demand. There will never be a time when people do not need houses to live in, and considering that fewer young people are able to purchase their own homes now, it is a great time to be a landlord. If you have other business interests that take up your time, or you just don’t want to spend all day on the phone at your desk, you should consider property management services. They screen potential tenants, take care of all the paperwork, and for a small commission, send you your money every month. It will be the easiest job that you’ll ever have.

However, besides the allure of a property being able to pay for itself over time, the other great thing about houses is that they tend to appreciate in value. A recent study found that in the UK, there have only been seven distinct years in the last thirty-three in which house prices fell. They are rather tumultuous though and they change as the international economy does. For instance, in 2009, at the height of the recent economic crash, house prices fell 7.6%. As a historical trend though, houses are a great investment that just keep becoming more valuable.