What's the greatest risk to your portfolio during bad markets? Surprise! It's probably your advisor.The other week, a friend of mine sent me an article from a financial advisor in the U.S. asking me for my opinion. In the article, the advisor stated two things that stood out to me like a two-ton boulder falling out of a clear blue sky. They were the following. In response to the short rally that U.S., European and Asian markets were experiencing...more
These days, many similar businesses are in competition with each other to win the crusade for the customer. With the construction of each new restaurant, supermarket and department store, people are offered more and more options on where they can go. Many stores and restaurants carry or offer alike items and thus, there is little that can distinguish one venue from the next.However, one thing that does offer distinction is the level of customer...more
OK, if you've found your way to this article, two things are probably true:One, you are in trouble and you're either struggling to make your mortgage payments or you are worried that you will be struggling soon.Two, you KNOW you're in trouble and you are looking for help to figure out the best actions to take to save your home.The good news is that you KNOW you're in trouble. That's an important first step.We are here to help you figure out what to do next, and in some cases what NOT to do.Below are some questions you need to ask yourself. How you answer these questions will help determine what to do next.1. Are you are still making mortgage payments (even if you won't be able to very soon)?2. If you are behind on your mortgage payments, how far behind are you? Have you responded to notices sent by your lender?3. Do you know the terms of your loan? Specifically, if your have an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) do you know when the interest rate will increase and the amount you will be expected to pay in future months?4. Do you have the money to make the payments at the current amount (even though you may be in serious trouble when the payments increase)?5. Do you know who (which...more
1. Keep Doing (Only) What You've Been DoingContrary to popular opinion, it simply isn't true that "If You Keep Doing What You've Been Doing, You'll Keep Getting What You've Been Getting" . . . at least not in the world of Small Business Marketing.If it were, many of us could have put our organizations on "auto pilot" some years ago. In the volatile...more
Creditors make money by keeping you in debt. Avoid these secrets that they use to try and keep you there forever and start eliminating it today.Credit card offers hurt your bottom lineDid you know that plenty of creditors know the secret to helping you get out of debt? Unfortunately, because they're in the business of making money, they're not...more
Are you tired of being held hostage to your debt? Use these simple solutions to pay down your debt and eventually eliminate it forever.Cutting up your credit cardsAre you fed up with credit card companies? Are you having trouble paying off your minimum monthly payment every month? Do you wish there was some way to get yourself out of debt quickly and easily? Well, there is. But it starts with one simple step that will help change your life forever: Get rid of your credit cards!That's right. While some people can live life with a credit and not encounter any problems, for others out there a credit card can become a dangerous crutch. You start off by paying a few bills off with your credit card when you come up short one month. Next, you're putting the family vacation on there, Christmas presents or even just some luxurious purchase. And, before you know it, you're maxed out and wondering how it got this far.Before it gets too lateor before you even think about applying for another credit cardget rid of the credit cards you have now. By cutting them up, you'll limit future purchases and spending and help yourself stay out of debt. If you don't, you're simply setting yourself up...more
Don't get trapped by credit card debt forever. By making easy moves towards financial freedom, you can be debt-free in less than 2 years.Approaching credit card debt with a planHave you accumulated a ton of credit card debt over the years and simply...more
Did you know that you could be hurting yourself by consolidating your debt with the wrong company? Here's how you could be suffering.Unnecessary debt consolidation feesIf you're in the market for a good debt consolidation company, chances are you're...more
Understanding and taking the right approach to eliminating debt is the most important step you need to take. Learn that now and get started.Realizing that you have a debt problemFace it: You don't want to be saddled with debt anymore! But like some...more
Debt consolidation? Debt settlement? Bankruptcy? They can all hurt your credit score, but which way is the best way to eliminate debt?Consolidating debt with the wrong companyIf you're in a bind with debt, struggling to maintain a healthy credit...more
Regardless of whether this is your first or tenth time negotiating with your creditors, there are some things you simply should not say.Making unnecessary demands on your debt paymentsAre you preparing to try and negotiate lower debt payments with...more
Ever feel like you just can't pay off your debt quick enough? Here are some ways your credit card creditor may be holding you down.Increasing your credit card interest ratesDo you walk out to your mailbox every month, snatch up your bills and wonder:...more