Refinancing has become a valid option for many individuals with high interest rates on their mortgage. Refinancing is essentially a replacement loan, with a different lender and (hopefully) a lower interest rate.So why would you choose to refinance? You may be able to take advantage of lower interest rates. You may also be able to extend the repayment period of your mortgage. While you will end up paying more in interest charges for this, this...more
When you first take over a department, expectations are usually high but operations are sometimes in disarray. The staff is disorganized, goals aren't being met, and hours are spent on unproductive tasks. Just when you think the company would never get on track, the CFO recommends that you learn more about something called operations assessment.Crucial Management Skills Help Avoid MistakesAt first, you aren't sure how operational assessment...more
Lenders are using credit scores more and more to make decisions about who they will lend to. The main developer of these scores is called Fair, Isaac Co (FICO), thus these scores are often called FICO scores. Scores range from 300-850 with a lower score indicating a higher chance of defaulting on a loan and a higher score representing a better chance that the lender will get paid back. The national average score is approximately 680.Every lender sets up its own score cutoffs but generally speaking, you can expect to receive the following treatments based on your score:300-549: Extremely difficult to find any lender that will offer you credit.550-619: You may be able to find credit, but very high interest rates and fees will likely apply.620-679: You should be able to obtain credit, but you will probably be offered a higher interest rate.680-749: You should have no problem getting credit and you will receive good interest rates and repayment terms.750-850: Lenders are happy to offer you credit and provide you with their best rates and terms.These scores are becoming even more important to us as consumers over time. For example, most insurance companies also check your score when...more
One very important wealth creating habit is to set up a concrete plan that you can actually follow. You see, wealth takes planning, and is usually the result of taking a set of orderly, progressive steps from where you are now to where you want to be financially. Why is this a top wealth creating habit? Because the most extraordinarily wealthy...more
Have you ever heard the phrase, "Thoughts are things and words have wings?" This phrase is the perfect expression of the principle of prosperity. How you think about and talk about your level of prosperity is what actually manifests in your life. How many times a week do you wistfully say to your companion, "Oh, I'd love take a break and go to...more
You do if you're a business, non-profit or association manager with important external stakeholders whose behaviors affect your department, division or subsidiary the most. In your own best interests, here's what you'd better be doing about them. Accept the fact that the right PR actually CAN alter individual perception that leads to the kinds of changed behaviors that can help you succeed. That confidence will position you to do something positive about those behaviors. Specifically, to create actual behavior change among your key outside audiences which leads directly to achieving your managerial objectives. But is there a roadmap available that will get everyone working towards the same external audience behaviors, and that insures that your organization's public relations effort stays sharply focused? There sure is, and the blueprint goes like this: people act on their own perception of the facts before them, which leads to predictable behaviors about which something can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-desired-action the very people whose behaviors affect the organization the most, the public relations mission is...more
A few years ago, many of us would have had a light chuckle to ourselves if someone mentioned that you could borrow money to buy a house with only the promise of solid future earnings. But today this is a regular occurrence. Many of the industry's...more
I hear it all the time. "What should I do about . . .?" As a business owner you're faced with the daunting task of making all the decisions that affect your business. Should I remain a sole proprietor, become an LLC or is an S Corp better? Should I...more
MARKETING STRATEGIESAn enterprise may adopt different marketing strategies dependent on the size and position of the business in its industry. The marketing strategy adopted may prove crucial to generate sales. These marketing strategies are often...more
What is bad PR? Well, if you're a business, non-profit or association manager, bad PR does nothing positive about the behaviors of those important outside audiences of yours that most affect your operation. It fails to create external stakeholder...more
Loyal customers are the foundation of almost every business. Going the extra mile to provide outstanding customer service is the first step to customer loyalty. But there is more. Of course - your products and services in general need to be good. If...more
As a small business owner, it's wise to familiarize yourself with some key deductions that may reduce your tax bill for 2004. Employee Benefit Plans - You may deduct contributions to employee benefit plans (such as health insurance plans and...more