With the debt levels at all time high, credit counseling agencies are reaping on the boom. However, as a consumer, it is in your best interest to choose a credit counseling agency wisely. In generally accreditation is helpful and an accreditation with either the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies is recommended. When you have narrowed the list of credit counseling...more
It is 2006, an exciting time to be alive. Our economy in Alberta, Canada is booming. There are oodles of employment opportunities. Businesses are sprouting up on every corner. Where are you involved in this rodeo of life?Whoa your horses, Bucko! Whether you are in business, starting a business, or working for a business, some basic principles are necessary to allow you to shine, in all areas of your life. "Customer service is king. You gotta...more
If you're planning on buying a home after bankruptcy you'll want to read this article carefully.Buying a home is probably the biggest purchase you will ever make. Having a bankruptcy on your credit report adds an extra challenge.If you've read my book After Bankruptcy Credit Solutions, then know that many people who have had a bankruptcy apply for credit and loans the wrong way.Mistakes in this arena can cost you $10,000s in extra interest and other finance charges. Let's look at an example:You finally find the home you've been looking and the seller's asking price is reasonable. So you apply for a $250,000 thirty year loan to purchase the home.You fill out a mountain of paperwork... sign here, initial here, sign here, etc. Then not to long after that the lender call you with great news - you've been approved!But don't pop the cork on the champagne bottle just yet. Sure, you were approved but at what cost?You were able to get a $250,000 thirty year loan at 8%. That means that over the life of the loan you'll pay $410,388.12 in interest.What if you had been able to take specific steps to increase your credit score and shop loans - and, as a result, reduced interest rate by 1%. In...more
With increased mergers and acquisitions, changes in Phone Company billing systems, telecom costs are on the rise. Take a closer look at your telecommunication bills. There are many ways that your bills have hidden charges applied, not to mention telecom contracts that were signed without Management approval. It's time for Management & their...more
1. A realistic, viable business idea that reflects extensive market research and includes a full analysis of the market and its relevant competition.2. Motivation, credibility, financial responsibility and investment from the owners and directors.3. A manageable amount of risk that is compensated for by a profitable return.4. A road map of goals,...more
If you own a lawn or landscape company, you will eventually lose some customers. Most customers will not even tell you why they are letting you go. At many times this will come as a surprise to you.This can create a bad image of you and your company in the customer's eyes.And believe me, they have the potential to let many people know.In my opinion, it can be most damaging when you are maintaining many properties on one street or area. Some of these neighbors have a much stronger bond with each other than with the lawn business owner. If one customer drops you, the others may jump ship also for no reason. Maybe not immediately, but possibly down the road . I have seen and heard about this. It is not that uncommon.Why customers will "drop" you...14% Unhandled complaints9% Competition9% Relocation68% No special reasonThe 68% usually leave because of lack of attention.Treat all your customers like they are the only one.Many owners have the mentality that lost profits from a lost customer can be replaced by profits from a new customer.That is not the case. A long time customer spends more money overtime. Since you already have the loyalty built up, the long time customer is more apt to...more
Many people who have filed bankruptcy in the past apply for credit the wrong way.They fill out a credit application and hope for the best. Best case, they probably end up paying a lot more in interest and finance charges - hundreds or even thousands...more
Why the fractional vacation industry is boomingÂ…1.) Demographics - 78 million US Baby Boomers that will retire in the next 15 years (the largest population turned 50 in 2004-05, with 50th birthdays occurring every 7 seconds). The under told...more
Real estate broker deals with all transactions of real estate business. A real estate agent finds sellers for buyers and buyers for the sellers of real estate. Real estate brokers provide every kind of help to sellers as well as buyers. Real estate...more
Business brokers or business transfer agents are helpful in selling your business at higher prices. A business broker provides buyers as well as sellers for different businesses. You can easily sell or buy a running business with the help of best...more
Home buying is one of the most important decisions an individual or a couple can make. It is quite possibly the largest purchase an individual or family will ever make, thus, it is important to approach the funding of the purchase with great caution....more
One of the questions we get asked a lot is, I know the limit that the IRS puts on my 401k contributions for the year is $14000 (for a person under 50) (2005) but is this the limit I can get from one employer or is it the total amount I can get from...more