As an employee of an online advertising agency, ICMediaDirect.com, I've got a sweet vantage for observing the latest online retail numbers tumble in - and they're spectacular. Third Quarter online retail sales were up almost 27% from the same period last year, while these first 20 days of January were up 33% from the same period in 2005. This surge is neither cyclical nor an aberration, but indicative of the continuing and permanent shift of...more
Obtaining copies of your credit reports from the three major credit reporting bureaus is a must for all American consumers. If you order your copies directly from each bureau, you can get yours for free [once per year per bureau]. That is the law. There is, however, one piece of information not included with your credit reports and that is your FICO score. Your FICO score can determine several things, including what interest rate mortgage lenders...more
There was a time when being self-employed meant that you would have a very hard time ever getting any credit from a bank. This was pretty much accepted as one of the downsides to self-employment that would go hand in hand with all the benefits such as freedom to control your own working life and only answering to yourself. It is however, still the case that for people who are new to self-employment and cannot prove a steady income over at least a year or more, it can be very difficult to get loans. However, if you've been operating successfully for even just a year, you will start to find that banks are more than willing to consider your circumstances and give you a fair shot at proving your credit worthiness.There is a strong view that being self-employed offers less security than being employed by a well respected and trusted large company. However, this perception is also changing. Gone are the days when people were employed by the same company for their entire working life, where they would gradually work their way up the corporate ladder and retire to a secure pension. Banks are increasingly aware that the employment landscape has changed enormously in recent years and that...more
What is wealth knowledge? It is knowing how money is made, and how wealth is protected. It isn't really a secret. In fact, there are hundreds of books out there that spell it all out for anyone willing to pay a little bit. The problem is that the essential truths are not popular with those who want to get rich easily.Wealth Knowledge - Creation of...more
In recent years property values have soared, while investment returns have been modest. This has created a situation where a lot of seniors are finding themselves in the position of being house rich and cash poor. These cash strapped seniors are looking for ways to increase their retirement income while continuing to live in their homes. These...more
Are you overburdened with the outstanding balance of your credit cards? Are you sick and tired of juggling between 3-5 credit cards? Don't you need a way out to relax yourself from this burden? If yes, then read on. This article might help you in finding out the way.One of the easiest ways to relieve yourself from the burden of outstanding balance of your credit card is to switch issuers. Many credit card companies offer extremely low (or zero) interest rates on balance transfers.Now, let's find out what are balance transfer deals and how is it going to help you?A balance transfer is when you move your balance from your existing card to another card for better APR. A balance transfer credit card is where you get either a zero interest rate or very low interest rate for a set period. The set period is normally for 6 months; however it might vary at your lender's discretion. Balance transfer would be the smartest option for you to consider if you think you can pay off the debt within six months and the 0% offer applies for six months. Yet to remember that once the set period expires, the increased monthly repayments can soon outweigh the introductory benefit offer. So, stay alert and...more
Many people find themselves in what might be called the "Time and Money Catch 22." Trapped in a dead-end job with no hope for advancement, they live from paycheck to paycheck making barely enough money to meet expenses. They long to break free and...more
If you are looking to start, or you already own a credit repair business, than the concept of purchasing credit repair leads has undoubtedly crossed your mind.The benefit of purchasing credit repair leads for a credit repair business is that the...more
Google has a competitive advantage. In fact, one might even say it has a franchise in web search. I wouldn't say that. I mean, Google does have a franchise; but, it doesn't have a monopoly on web search and never will. There are real problems with...more
One day, while you are shopping at your favorite department store, the sales clerk says to you, "If you apply for our credit card, you can save ten percent on your purchase." You think about it and decide, "Why not?" You provide some information to...more
Network Marketing is a powerful tool.The wealthiest people in the world and Network Marketers know the secret to creating true wealth. They have been focusing on it for hundreds of years. They understand the difference between linear and recurring...more
Back in the early-1990's, after I had quit my job in higher education, I began my journey into the self-employment world by opening a business in which I made stenciled floorcloths and wallhangings and sold them at juried craft shows. The business...more