50 Most Viewed
"Finance" Articles this Month

1	A Better Way To Sell A Structured Settlement - Via Auction Written by: Clayton Frantz | Distributed: 2007-11-30 | Word Count: 1342 | Page Views: 704 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 2.75 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.
2	How to Avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Written by: Jim Cramer | Distributed: 2008-02-20 | Word Count: 523 | Page Views: 115 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 2.50 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.
3	Selecting Between a 401(k) And 403(b) For a Nonprofit Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2007-10-11 | Word Count: 333 | Page Views: 114 | Votes: 17 | Rating: 2.65 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.
4	Advantages and Disadvantages of Individual and Group Health Insurance Written by: Kevin Kielty | Distributed: 2009-04-01 | Word Count: 639 | Page Views: 107 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.78 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.
5	Cash or Accrual Basis of Accounting? Which Should You Select When Starting a Business? Written by: K. MacKillop | Distributed: 2010-01-13 | Word Count: 830 | Page Views: 104 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 1.75 One startup decision that seems to cause entrepreneurs heartburn is whether to set up their accounting system on a cash basis or on an accrual basis. Although this sounds like secret accounting code, the implications are straightforward, and, for most businesses, the right method is easy to see.
6	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: 78 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 2.38 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.
7	Cost Reduction for Business: How to Best Manage Your Costs Written by: Thayne Carper | Distributed: 2010-02-23 | Word Count: 506 | Page Views: 77 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 2.33 Companies have to use various forms of financial studies - estimates, budgets, forecasts, analyses, and evaluations - to report and control their costs.
8	Understanding Gambling Addiction Written by: Skyler Ace | Distributed: 2009-07-22 | Word Count: 715 | Page Views: 72 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 2.54 There's nothing wrong with gambling, if you use it the right way - as means of having fun, as a hobby or a way of de stressing. The danger comes when the roles get reversed and gambling starts using you.
9	Using a 401K Loan to Stop Foreclosure Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2008-02-11 | Word Count: 465 | Page Views: 69 | Votes: 14 | Rating: 2.29 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.
10	Consolidating of High Rate Credit Card Debt with a 401K Loan Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2008-04-23 | Word Count: 406 | Page Views: 61 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.29 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.
11	Understanding Credit Card Transaction Fees Written by: Scott Burke | Distributed: 2007-12-18 | Word Count: 813 | Page Views: 60 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 2.00 Q: I'm starting a new business and want to accept credit cards. It seems that all the credit card processors charge a lot of fees for each transaction. What are these fees?
12	Credit Card Companies Reward Consumers Who Shop Around Written by: Braxton Heitz | Distributed: 2009-11-03 | Word Count: 1159 | Page Views: 51 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 2.50 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.
13	9 Questions To Answer Before You Prepay Your Home Mortgage Written by: Frank Oakerson | Distributed: 2006-08-02 | Word Count: 1257 | Page Views: 51 | Votes: 12 | Rating: 2.25 We are all different. At different times in our lives we have different goals and needs. You can ask different experts in financial planning, Texas mortgage brokers, and your banker "should I prepay on my home mortgage?" and you will get answers from "that is the greatest idea" to "that will be the worst financial mistake you will ever make". So what is a person to do? Let us look at 9 things you need to consider and have answered before you "prepay your home mortgage".
14	Options for Affordable Health Insurance Written by: Kevin Kielty | Distributed: 2009-03-03 | Word Count: 732 | Page Views: 48 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 2.17 Every day many more people are finding themselves out of a job during this recession. With the loss of a job comes the loss of health insurance coverage. Finding affordable health insurance to replace an employer-sponsored plan, is becoming a high priority for many families.
15	Government Measures to Help with Health Insurance Written by: Kevin Kielty | Distributed: 2009-04-02 | Word Count: 502 | Page Views: 48 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 3.00 Changes to COBRA and the State Children's Health Insurance Program can provide valuable assistance to those recently unemployed.
16	Reduce Your Monthly Budget By Eliminating Duplicate Insurance Coverage Written by: Quinton Becker | Distributed: 2010-04-27 | Word Count: 648 | Page Views: 47 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 2.50 There's absolutely no sense in paying for the same insurance coverage from multiple insurance companies. This is an area where a lot of consumers could eliminate some unnecessary spending from their family budget. This article explains where to look for duplicate coverage.
17	Deals For My Wheels! How Do I Sell This Thing? Written by: Adam Rooney | Distributed: 2008-01-30 | Word Count: 500 | Page Views: 46 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.22 Are you ready to cash in your existing vehicle for a newer model, or are you just looking for ways to unload a gas guzzler? Selling your car can be daunting - from listing to showing and all of that paperwork. But done correctly, your efforts can pay off in the end. Here's a few tips on selling your used car or truck:
18	FHA Loans- Affordability Solutions for First Time Homebuyers Written by: Jared Martin | Distributed: 2008-06-05 | Word Count: 1131 | Page Views: 46 | Votes: 27 | Rating: 3.30 This article discusses the features of the FHA loan, both good and bad, and presents the circumstances under which it’s a beneficial program to the homebuyer.
19	The Effect of Inflation and Deflation on Retirees Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak | Distributed: 2009-10-27 | Word Count: 1324 | Page Views: 45 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 0.00 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.
20	How to Hide Assets Written by: Rocco Beatrice | Distributed: 2007-01-19 | Word Count: 507 | Page Views: 45 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 1.00 How to hide your assets by repositioning your assets through an irrevocable trust with an independent trustee.
21	Curious Employee Foils Corporate Credit Card Fraud Scam Written by: Scott Burke | Distributed: 2007-12-25 | Word Count: 1411 | Page Views: 44 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 2.45 MOLLY, THE ASSISTANT, Molly treasurer at XYZ Corp. in Miami, opened an e-mail from a former colleague who no longer worked for the organization. The e-mail read: "Hi Molly, there should be a refund of $716 on my old corporate Visa card from the IP Conference. I paid for, but did not attend, the conference and did not turn in the charge to XYZ for reimbursement. Can you have Visa issue a refund check to me? Thanks very much for your help."
22	Protecting Assets from Nursing Home Costs Written by: Rocco Beatrice | Distributed: 2007-01-24 | Word Count: 470 | Page Views: 44 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.44 About protecting senior/elder assets before entering nursing home. Planning for your retirement by reducing your nursing home costs has to be done early and definitively 5 years before you plan to get sick. If offering is a taxable gift then taxes are paid on the gift by the transferor; oppositely, the receiver obtains the gift tax-free.
23	Understanding Your 401(k), IRA and Other Pre-Tax Investments Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak | Distributed: 2010-08-03 | Word Count: 1005 | Page Views: 43 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.
24	Xerox Follow Apple on the Comeback Trail Written by: Jennifer Robinson | Distributed: 2010-07-27 | Word Count: 1238 | Page Views: 43 | Votes: 1 | 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).
25	What Does Short, Long, Flat And Square Mean In Forex Trading? Written by: Sam Beatson | Distributed: 2006-10-11 | Word Count: 525 | Page Views: 43 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 2.87 Short, long, square and flat explained in terms of forex trading (Spot FX).
26	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: 42 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 2.90 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...
27	Cost Reduction: Cutbacks Are Unavoidable Written by: Thayne Carper | Distributed: 2010-03-15 | Word Count: 497 | Page Views: 42 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 1.00 Good cost reduction means you must slash your expenses and costs when possible, provided that this does not affect your product quality or harm your operations. There are numerous approaches to cutting expenses, and you cost reduction plan must identify where you can save money.
28	Easy Tips To Reduce Your Cost Of Living And Survive Recession Written by: Fred Vanhoosen | Distributed: 2009-07-14 | Word Count: 505 | Page Views: 42 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 2.53 Recession is a period of general economic decline and we need to prepare for it. Surviving the recession is much easier when you are prepared for it. Here are some tips for surviving the current economic crisis.
29	Seven Tips That Could Add Hundreds Of Dollars To Your Monthly Budget Written by: Fred Vanhoosen | Distributed: 2009-04-23 | Word Count: 1348 | Page Views: 41 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.33 In this article, we offer seven tips that if used can help the average American family reduce their living expenses by at least $100 per month.
30	Debt, America's Greatest Failure at All Levels of Society Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak | Distributed: 2009-04-21 | Word Count: 775 | Page Views: 40 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 3.00 The truth is debt management cannot start early enough. When your debt is minimal, for needs only, you can stop the bleeding from your bank account and investments by buying less. Begin to learn how your buying and spending habits contribute to your debt. Uncontrolled Debt has the most disastrous effect on your lifestyle and retirement.
31	The Joy of Being Debt-Free Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak | Distributed: 2009-04-16 | Word Count: 429 | Page Views: 40 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 3.00 Being debt-free! What would that mean for your life? It could mean the difference between a good retirement and a great retirement leading to more freedom to have the things you want.
32	Can Debtors Afford Bankruptcy? Finding Low-Cost, Cheap Bankruptcy Written by: Benji O. Anosike | Distributed: 2009-07-08 | Word Count: 1718 | Page Views: 40 | Votes: 14 | Rating: 1.93 It seems there is today in these current hard national economic times, palpably one ominous additional burden for the average heavily indebted American consumer who, perhaps, sees his or her only recourse for some relief from his crushing debt as lying in filing bankruptcy: the cost for bankruptcy, and finding cheap, low-cost bankruptcy that debtor can afford. This often mean, in essence, finding pro se or non lawyer bankruptcy alternative. The bankruptcy lawyers' current fees for bankruptcy are so high they've been said by one expert to have "priced the average debtor out of bankruptcy." In deed, according to some bankruptcy experts, many of whom are themselves bankruptcy lawyers, though a new record of some 1.1 million debtors filed for bankruptcy in 2008, yet another set of debtors of equal size qualify for and seek to file for bankruptcy, but can't do so merely for the fact that they cannot afford to pay the lawyers fees. Consequently, affordability of bankruptcy cost constitutes the most critical impediments today to being able to file for bankruptcy for the average debtor seeking to file bankruptcy.
33	Are You Working Too Hard At Saving Money? Written by: Darlene Arechederra | Distributed: 2006-08-29 | Word Count: 702 | Page Views: 39 | Votes: 12 | Rating: 3.17 You work hard for your money. And chances are, you work even harder to 'save' some of that money. But what happens when a year later you're not any closer to achieving your savings goal? That's exactly what happened to Heather. See if you can relate to her experience during rush hour on a sweltering, humid evening not too long ago...
34	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: 38 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 3.50 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.
35	Business Turnaround: Stabilize Your Environment with Positive Cash Management Written by: Thayne Carper | Distributed: 2010-03-10 | Word Count: 531 | Page Views: 38 A good business turnaround requires you to stabilize your environment; without this step, your business will likely remain unprofitable.  Maintaining both a positive cash balance and abiding by a smart budget is vital.
36	Will You Outlive Your Retirement? Written by: Bill Garrett | Distributed: 2007-12-26 | Word Count: 1193 | Page Views: 37 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 2.25 Today, Americans are living longer than ever. During the twentieth century life expectancy in America increased from age 47 to age 77. Longer life spans present problems for retirees, however. Assuming some rate of inflation, you will need an ever- increasing income to maintain your standard of living.
37	Hedge Your Bets With Job Loss Protection Insurance Written by: Kyle Fitzsimmons | Distributed: 2009-08-28 | Word Count: 372 | Page Views: 37 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.89 Even if you believe your job to be secure in the current economic downturn, you should learn about Job Loss Protection Insurance, just in case your "secure job" gets eliminated. You should also understand what your Job Loss Protection Insurance policy will actually do for you. The time to learn what your insurance policy does and does not cover is NOT when you have lost your job and your agent tells you that your policy does not cover "that".
38	The Decline and Fall of the Retirement Empire Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak | Distributed: 2010-03-10 | Word Count: 1317 | Page Views: 36 "I have a pension and it'll have to be enough!" As a financial Advisor over the past 10 years I have often heard this statement. It was difficult 10 years ago to explain to future retirees why this was an impossible belief to hold. 10 years ago no one would believe the changes that would occur in our world view.
39	Understanding Compulsive Gambling Written by: Skyler Ace | Distributed: 2009-07-08 | Word Count: 700 | Page Views: 36 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 2.50 People gamble for many reasons. Some do it for the pure thrill and fun of it, and others just because they're feeling lucky, and many do it out of habit. Whatever the reason may be, gambling becomes a problem when it is done in excess. In fact, people often don't realize that it's become an addiction, until they are in so deep and affects normal life. This checklist will help you determine if you are a compulsive gambler, who is in need of help.
40	10 Simple Ways to Create Your First Back-to-School Fund Written by: Darlene Arechederra | Distributed: 2006-07-26 | Word Count: 589 | Page Views: 36 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 2.33 If you're looking for a *practical* reason to save, how about building a Back-to-School Fund? It can help you limit or even avoid using a credit card for back-to-school shopping.
41	A Baker's Dozen of Grocery Coupon Websites And Resources Written by: Fred Vanhoosen | Distributed: 2009-07-07 | Word Count: 580 | Page Views: 36 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 2.38 In the past, many people read newspaper and magazine articles about and watched news segments showing others who often food shop for free using coupons. The average family often does not have the time to organize and purchase food in bulk to make such a stupendous leap into savings. But, by following the links in the article and visiting the referenced websites once a month, any family can learn how to cut their grocery costs from a little to a lot...
42	Section 179 - 4th Qtr Tax Saving Strategy for Small Business Written by: Sean Marten | Distributed: 2007-12-05 | Word Count: 345 | Page Views: 36 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.33 Use the power of available deductions to boost your business's bottom line in 2007. Purchase new or "new to you" used business equipment now. Then place it in service by December 31st to realize exceptional tax savings.
43	13 Tips For Saving Money And Reducing Your Cost Of Living Written by: Fred Vanhoosen | Distributed: 2009-07-09 | Word Count: 899 | Page Views: 35 | Votes: 12 | Rating: 2.42 During this current economic downturn, people are rediscovering how to save money during hard times. In this article, we document thirteen of the most useful tips for helping you and your family save money and reduce your overall expenses.
44	3 Classic No Down Payment Strategies Written by: Donna Robinson | Distributed: 2007-03-02 | Word Count: 1114 | Page Views: 35 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 2.00 Everyone has heard a story or read about someone who bought a property without paying a single dime as a down payment. But how does this work? There are several * classic * methods commonly used to purchase real estate with no money down. There are an infinite variety of situations in a real estate transaction that could lead to a deal with no down payment. But for the sake of reality, I will focus on those that are most commonly seen in the current market.
45	Online Brand Protection - Must-Know Tactics to Safeguard Your Business Written by: Enzo F. Cesario | Distributed: 2010-03-02 | Word Count: 652 | Page Views: 35 Intellectual property, trademarks and copyrights--if you are in business, you probably know what these are and how important they are. However, an online business has additional factors that must be considered to protect its brand within the Web’s wide exposure.
46	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: 35 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 4.25 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.
47	The Dangers of Predatory Lending and Loan Fraud Written by: Robert Wade | Distributed: 2006-09-13 | Word Count: 443 | Page Views: 34 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.13 Predatory lending in an unregulated practice typically affecting women, minorities and elderly individuals. This practice involves unfair, discriminatory lending practices, often for mortgage or refinance loans, including (but not limited to):
48	Embracing the Recession Written by: Heather Villa, CMA, MBA, MSM | Distributed: 2008-11-25 | Word Count: 682 | Page Views: 33 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 4.00 We live in uncertain economic times. Every time we turn on the news we hear of another company that is going under or another company that is laying off thousands of its workforce or another company that has had to respond to a lack of shareholder confidence with kneejerk reactions. People just don't want to watch the news anymore!
49	Considering A Loan To Buy A Hot Tub Or Any Other Big Ticket Item? Written by: Emerson Lockwood | Distributed: 2006-06-08 | Word Count: 1192 | Page Views: 33 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 3.20 Unless you have been saving up your money for some time, it is likely that you will need to take out a loan in order to purchase a hot tub or any other big ticket item. There are many options available to get financing. The option that you choose to finance your purchase will depend greatly on your personal financial situation and on the best deals that you can find. In this article, we will take a look at the various financing options.
50	Stock Market Falls Sharply Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak | Distributed: 2010-07-27 | Word Count: 879 | Page Views: 33 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 1.00 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.
51	Business Turnaround: Reorganize Your Company and Focus on Its Profitable Areas Written by: Thayne Carper | Distributed: 2010-02-25 | Word Count: 539 | Page Views: 32 After you have determined the root cause of your company's problems, you must now reorganize to make your company profitable. All companies have strengths and weaknesses, and it would be wise to recognize which areas are assets to you and which need improvement.