Finding Money in a Credit Crunch

In Fear of Retirement
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2008-05-08 | Word Count: 646 | Page Views: 3330 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.38
Many baby boomers are staring at retirement like a deer caught on oncoming headlights. They are not sure what to do or what else to do. They fear that whatever they have in savings just might not be enough. Less than 1 out of 5 workers felt very confident about having enough money for a comfortable retirement, according to the April 2008, EBRI Retirement Confidence Survey. And with good reasons, inflation is zooming at the same time that asset values are flagging.

Consolidating of High Rate Credit Card Debt with a 401K Loan
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2008-04-23 | Word Count: 406 | Page Views: 4221 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 1.13
Banks are putting the squeeze on even their best long term card holders at a time when other sources of credit, such as home equity loans for example, are harder to come by. A lot of people are shocked to receive notices that their credit card rate has jumped to as high as 28 percent even though they've kept good credit and an excellent payment history.

Using a 401K Loan to Stop Foreclosure
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2008-02-11 | Word Count: 465 | Page Views: 9647 | Votes: 18 | Rating: 1.83
A bankruptcy or foreclosure can cripple one's ability to obtain decent credit for many years. In addition, some employers and landlords won't hire or rent to a candidate with terrible credit history. Thus, it is a good idea to discuss all options with a financial planner before ending in bankruptcy or foreclosure.

Starting A Business After Retirement
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2007-10-23 | Word Count: 565 | Page Views: 4418 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 3.00
For a lot of people retirement is but a transition that frees them to live their dream of running their own business. Census figures show that about 20 percent of those in their 50s were self-employed. But, twice that, a whopping 40 percent of those working past age 70 are in business for themselves.

Selecting Between a 401(k) And 403(b) For a Nonprofit
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2007-10-11 | Word Count: 333 | Page Views: 13310 | Votes: 21 | Rating: 2.38
Newly released IRS regulations impose several new requirements and fiduciary responsibilities on employers with 403(b) plans. While the regulations generally don't take effect until January 1, 2009, there are some provisions that apply sooner.

401K Loans for Emergencies
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2007-10-10 | Word Count: 343 | Page Views: 3497 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 2.70
For many people the quickest way for them to access an emergency loan quickly is to tap their credit cards, or their retirement account. But these methods have their drawbacks. Credit cards generally carry high double digit interest rates and wicked fees. On the other hand, early withdrawals from an IRA or 401K can trigger tax and penalties of up to 45% of the money withdrawn.

Tax Free Retirement Income with the Roth IRA and Roth 401(k)
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2006-09-26 | Word Count: 435 | Page Views: 4074 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 2.30
Under this year's new tax rules it's possible to have a Roth 401(k) in addition to a Roth IRA for Tax Free Retirement Income.

The Individual 401k - BIG Business Benefits For The Home Business
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2006-04-18 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 2241 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 0.00
Major mutual fund and investment management companies now offer self employed individuals 401k plans that are easy to install and administer at very low cost. What's more independent contractors and small business owners can borrow part of their retirement savings tax-free and penalty free by taking advantage of a loan provision in these new plans.

Unemployment May Require a 401(k) Defensive Strategy
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2006-04-11 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 1973 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 0.00
We all plan and prepare for what lies ahead of us, but can we truly know what our future holds? In all of our planning, we never seem to account for that Mack truck barreling down the freeway, out of control and on a direct path for our vehicle.

Finding Debt Relief in Stressful Financial Times
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2006-03-01 | Word Count: 0 | Page Views: 1542 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 0.00
With consumer debt at this all-time high, debt consolidation may be a good move for a large number of American consumers.

All of Author's Articles on this site: Daniel Lamaute Articles

Credit Card Companies Reward Consumers Who Shop Around
Written by: Braxton Heitz | Distributed: 2012-11-20 | Word Count: 1159 | Page Views: 5369 | Votes: 14 | Rating: 1.86
With Ronald Reagan came mass deregulation in many industries. One of the industries that benefited from deregulation was the financial industry. As a result, hundreds of new financial companies were introduced to the American consumer during the 1980's. With the sudden explosion of new competitors in this industry, credit card companies began to struggle with how to retain existing customers and to recruit new customers.

What My Mother Taught Me About Credit Cards And Family Finances
Written by: Braxton Heitz | Distributed: 2012-11-12 | Word Count: 1285 | Page Views: 5246 | Votes: 24 | Rating: 2.42
My mother is an amazing woman. She made some of the hardest jobs imaginable look easy. No matter how hard her day was, she always had a smile and perfect hair.

Understanding Your 401(k), IRA and Other Pre-Tax Investments
Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak | Distributed: 2010-08-03 | Word Count: 1005 | Page Views: 3825 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 2.50
What does all of the bad economic news mean to you, the average investor. Well, if you are still working and contributing to your pre-tax 401(k)'s, 403(b)'s, or IRA savings your strategies for salvaging your retirement will include reviewing all of the investment options found in your 401(k), etc.

Xerox Follow Apple on the Comeback Trail
Written by: Jennifer Robinson | Distributed: 2010-07-27 | Word Count: 1238 | Page Views: 4575 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 0.00
In many ways the companies share similar fortunes. Apple (founded by Steve Jobs, Stephen Wozniak, Ronald Wayne) produced the first successful personal computer with a graphical operating system. Xerox (founded by Chester Carlson, Joseph C Wilson) were the inventors of Xerography (later called the photocopier).

Payday Advance Loans Are Now Only One Toll Free Call Away
Written by: Tom Tierney | Distributed: 2010-07-27 | Word Count: 599 | Page Views: 3072 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 0.00
A friend of mine recently went through financial troubles and asked me, knowing that I'm a finance writer, if I could push him in the right direction for a short term loan to help out with his expenses. Here's his story:

Stock Market Falls Sharply
Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak | Distributed: 2010-07-27 | Word Count: 879 | Page Views: 3471 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 0.80
The stock market has been having a bad week. Wednesday the market ended the day down over 300 points. I heard reports that this was the result of investors taking their profits. Happens all the time. Then within a few days, the prices on many great stocks is so low that the investors are buying the stocks right back up.

Finding the Best Credit Card Applications
Written by: Jeffrey Weber | Distributed: 2010-07-27 | Word Count: 403 | Page Views: 2720 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 0.00
Online credit card applications can be confusing. That's the way the banks want them. This article will help eliminate some of the confusion.

Do You Know the Difference Between an Investment Advisor and a Broker?
Written by: Tome Tomaj | Distributed: 2010-03-11 | Word Count: 408 | Page Views: 3299 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 3.40
As an fee-only investment advisor I come across clients from all walks of life. Lately I have noticed something in common with many of these investors. Many do not know the difference between an investment advisor and a broker who manages and/or makes securities recommendations for their clients' investment portfolios. With the almost unprecedented volatility in the securities markets, you cannot afford to dig your head in the sand when it comes to whom is managing your assets.

Understanding Term Life Insurance and Getting Quotes
Written by: Brian Greenberg | Distributed: 2010-01-13 | Word Count: 520 | Page Views: 3208 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 1.00
Buying term life insurance can be a scary process but understanding the different types of life insurance can remove the fear. What you should know about term life and how requesting life insurance quotes online can be easy and very convenient.

The Decline in the Personal Savings Rate - What Happened to the Discipline?
Written by: Tome Tomaj | Distributed: 2009-12-15 | Word Count: 873 | Page Views: 3911 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 1.40
As more and more American baby boomers are nearing and entering their retirement years, many of them are concerned about whether their retirement savings will last them long enough to ensure their current quality of life, and rightly so.

A Better Way To Sell A Structured Settlement - Via Auction
Written by: Clayton Frantz | Distributed: 2007-11-30 | Word Count: 1342 | Page Views: 10918 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 2.00
Structured settlements were introduced in Canada and the United States in the 1970's. They were introduced as an alternative to lump sum payments, common in insurance settlements and lottery winnings. In the decades since, they have also been accepted as legal financial instruments in England and Australia. In a nutshell, a structured settlement by legal definition is a statutory agreement to pay a specified sum of money over a period of time, on a payment system.

Using a 401K Loan to Stop Foreclosure
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2008-02-11 | Word Count: 465 | Page Views: 9647 | Votes: 18 | Rating: 1.83
A bankruptcy or foreclosure can cripple one's ability to obtain decent credit for many years. In addition, some employers and landlords won't hire or rent to a candidate with terrible credit history. Thus, it is a good idea to discuss all options with a financial planner before ending in bankruptcy or foreclosure.

What Does Short, Long, Flat And Square Mean In Forex Trading?
Written by: Sam Beatson | Distributed: 2006-10-11 | Word Count: 525 | Page Views: 7554 | Votes: 21 | Rating: 2.76
Short, long, square and flat explained in terms of forex trading (Spot FX).

Why Over 3,000 US Companies Have Chosen the Frankfurt Stock Exchange to Go Public
Written by: Ron Crowe | Distributed: 2008-07-31 | Word Count: 786 | Page Views: 7417 | Votes: 17 | Rating: 1.88
The Frankfurt Stock Exchange, one of the world's largest trading centers for securities, has over 3,000 United States companies listed. North American and other foreign companies are choosing Europe, over the United States, to go public because of the punishing Sarbanes Oxley Act introduced in the United States in 2002.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Individual and Group Health Insurance
Written by: Kevin Kielty | Distributed: 2009-04-01 | Word Count: 639 | Page Views: 6500 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 2.08
The cost of individual and group health insurance coverage varies greatly as does the type of coverage they both offer. Making the switch can bring some surprises.

How to Hide Assets
Written by: Rocco Beatrice | Distributed: 2007-01-19 | Word Count: 507 | Page Views: 6480 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 1.09
How to hide your assets by repositioning your assets through an irrevocable trust with an independent trustee.

How to Avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Written by: Jim Cramer | Distributed: 2008-02-20 | Word Count: 523 | Page Views: 5518 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 2.14
There is more than one way to get your desired home without having the 20 percent down payment and avoid PMI at the same time.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Why Your Broker May Not Be Recommending The Most Competitive Annuity
Written by: Tom Hamlin | Distributed: 2006-05-12 | Word Count: 1036 | Page Views: 5382 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 2.64
There are over two thousand life insurance companies offering over fifteen thousand different annuities, and they run the gamut from horrific (I wouldn't offer it to an enemy) to outstanding...

Credit Card Companies Reward Consumers Who Shop Around
Written by: Braxton Heitz | Distributed: 2012-11-20 | Word Count: 1159 | Page Views: 5369 | Votes: 14 | Rating: 1.86
With Ronald Reagan came mass deregulation in many industries. One of the industries that benefited from deregulation was the financial industry. As a result, hundreds of new financial companies were introduced to the American consumer during the 1980's. With the sudden explosion of new competitors in this industry, credit card companies began to struggle with how to retain existing customers and to recruit new customers.

The Effect of Inflation and Deflation on Retirees
Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak | Distributed: 2009-10-27 | Word Count: 1324 | Page Views: 5312 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 0.83
When we worry about how long our retirement income will last, we consider so many factors. The current economy is causing a drain on 401(k)'s and IRA's. So we have become much more cautious about withdrawing money to use it as part of our pensions.

Identity Theft: The New Threat to Your Credit
Written by: Josh Pike | Distributed: 2006-08-24 | Word Count: 363 | Page Views: 4035 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 3.56
When we think of thieves, images of burglars creeping into homes and apartments come to mind. However, there are new thieves that can take much more than your money or possessions. If your personal information falls into the hands of an identity thief, your credit and finances can be ruined.

Do You Know the Difference Between an Investment Advisor and a Broker?
Written by: Tome Tomaj | Distributed: 2010-03-11 | Word Count: 408 | Page Views: 3299 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 3.40
As an fee-only investment advisor I come across clients from all walks of life. Lately I have noticed something in common with many of these investors. Many do not know the difference between an investment advisor and a broker who manages and/or makes securities recommendations for their clients' investment portfolios. With the almost unprecedented volatility in the securities markets, you cannot afford to dig your head in the sand when it comes to whom is managing your assets.

In Fear of Retirement
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2008-05-08 | Word Count: 646 | Page Views: 3330 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.38
Many baby boomers are staring at retirement like a deer caught on oncoming headlights. They are not sure what to do or what else to do. They fear that whatever they have in savings just might not be enough. Less than 1 out of 5 workers felt very confident about having enough money for a comfortable retirement, according to the April 2008, EBRI Retirement Confidence Survey. And with good reasons, inflation is zooming at the same time that asset values are flagging.

A Recipe for Good Credit
Written by: Josh Pike | Distributed: 2006-08-17 | Word Count: 369 | Page Views: 2995 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.13
If your credit is not as good as you want it to be, take action now! It's easier than you think to improve your credit.

Medicaid Asset Protection
Written by: Rocco Beatrice | Distributed: 2007-01-23 | Word Count: 646 | Page Views: 3681 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.00
Learn how to include senior Medicaid asset protection as part of your senior tax planning strategies. What are the tax implications of Medicaid and why it needs to be planned carefully? About seniors Medicaid asset protection as part of the senior tax planning strategies. Explains the new 5-year look back provisions for seniors to qualify for Medicare assistance into nursing home program.

Equipment Financing and The Five Cs of Credit Evaluation
Written by: Sean Marten | Distributed: 2007-10-17 | Word Count: 698 | Page Views: 3471 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.00
Equipment financing lenders, as well as banks, use the Five Cs to evaluate loan applications: Character, Credit, Cash Flow, Capacity and Collateral. However, while banks look at small-to-medium size companies from a Fortune 500 perspective, equipment financing companies see applicants from a small business perspective, which highlights a sixth C: Common Sense.

How Do You Make Money In Currency Trading?
Written by: Tom Howze | Distributed: 2007-12-05 | Word Count: 727 | Page Views: 2836 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.00
The question, "How do you make money in currency trading?" is being asked by investors and potential investors worldwide as they witness the multi-year downturn trend of the US dollar and upswings in other currencies such as the Euro or Canadian Dollar.

Reverse Mortgage Costs Are Not Too High
Written by: N. Sioris | Distributed: 2008-07-29 | Word Count: 1120 | Page Views: 3407 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.00
Reverse mortgage costs are repeatedly cited as one of the main reasons for seniors not to get a reverse mortgage loan. However, the same folks that harp on costs as being a reason not to use this financial resource rarely offer a less expensive option or an alternate proposal. Don't fall into the trap of listening to the negative hype without doing your own research. Find out what the true costs are and whether they are justified or not. Compare the cost of a reverse mortgage to the cost of selling your home, downsizing or moving into assisted living. Pull back the curtain and take a good look, then make your own determination. Don't base your decision on an uninformed friend, relative or media reporter.

3 Mistakes Guaranteed to Increase Your College Costs
Written by: Marc R. Hill | Distributed: 2009-04-02 | Word Count: 959 | Page Views: 2579 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 3.00
The decision to reduce your college costs is entirely in your hands. While it's commonly believed that there's nothing you can do to reduce these expenses, as a financial planner and as a parent, I can assure you that the strategies not only exist, but they're also very effective. But on the flip side of the college funding coin, there are some pricey mistakes that any parent can make. Let's take a look at three of these mistakes.

How to Invest in a Rough Economy: Investment Advice from the Experts
Written by: Sarah Simmons | Distributed: 2009-07-08 | Word Count: 692 | Page Views: 2980 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 3.00
The stock market crash of 2008 lost many investors a lot of money, and had many other investors bailing out of stocks for the safety of savings and checking accounts, treasury bills and gold. However, it is still possible to invest - and yes, even make money - during the current rocky economy.