Refinance Your Second Mortgage

A 2nd mortgage is a secured loan on your property, with your home serving as collateral. Depending on the particular terms of your second mortgage, you could be able to refinance if you wish to reduce your monthly payments or are in need of extra cash. Refinancing a 2nd mortgage can be an option for those who want to pay off their mortgage (excluding any home equity lines of credit), reduce the interest rate they currently pay on their second mortgage, or simply want reduce their monthly payments. Refinancing a 2nd mortgage can also be an option if the homeowner wants to pay off the mortgage, including home equity lines of credit, and receive cash.

You can refinance your second mortgage even if your credit is less than perfect. Second mortgages are an excellent means of reducing monthly payments and getting extra cash for bills, remodeling needs, or any reason the homeowner sees fit. If your interest rate on your 2nd mortgage is substantially above the current interest rates being offered by most lenders, you may be able to refinance your second mortgage. Sub-prime loans are available for second mortgage refinances and even with adverse credit, you may be able to lower the amount of interest you pay on your second mortgage. A poor credit rating is no reason not to explore the possibility of refinancing your 2nd mortgage.

Lenders are standing by to give you a no-obligation quote on refinancing your second mortgage. You can get quotes from several different lenders with one simple application, reducing the number of inquiries on your credit report. Often you can submit your application with no initial credit inquiry at all. Now is the perfect time to think about refinancing your second mortgage. You could be approved in less than twenty-four hours and begin saving money each and every month.

Refinancing your second mortgage is a fast, easy process and with the availability of multiple quotes from one simple application you will be assured you are receiving the lowest rate and best terms possible for your individual situation. If you have poor credit, you may still be able to refinance your 2nd mortgage. Mortgage lenders work with any credit situation and may be able to save you money by refinancing at a much lower interest rate that you currently pay. Get multiple quotes on refinancing your second mortgage from one fast, simple online application. The potential decrease in your interest rate could save you money on your payments each and every month.

Refinancing Your Home Mortgage Loan With Bad Credit

There are numerous reasons a person has bad credit. Late or partial payments, missing payments, and too many outstanding debts could all be factors that have left you with a poor credit rating. If you want to refinance your current mortgage but are afraid a poor credit rating will disqualify you, be aware that there are mortgage lenders that can help you qualify for a loan. Refinancing your home with bad credit is not impossible. Mortgage lenders can help you be approved for a home refinancing loan and will offer you advice on how to improve your credit rating.

Bad credit can result from many other factors besides missing or making late payments. Illness, unexpected expenses, and unemployment can affect your credit rating adversely as well. When you refinance your existing mortgage you may even be able to get cash back to help you pay off your debts and restore your credit rating. Regardless of your credit history, you can be approved for a home refinance loan. You could lower your monthly mortgage payments and have the extra cash you need to pay off high interest debts. Refinancing with bad credit is not only possible; you could be approved quickly when you apply for a refinancing loan online. Online lenders can offer you free quotes and great terms, even with bad credit.

If you have bad credit, contact a lender who specializes in sub prime refinancing loans. The application is fast and easy. You could be approved for a home refinancing loan in just hours and the low rates you'll receive will save you money each month, allowing you to pay off your debts and begin rebuilding your credit. Mortgage lenders can help you with refinancing your home even if your credit history is less than perfect. A mortgage loan is secured by your home, so the risks for the lender are much less than with a non-secured loan. Bad credit will not prevent you from refinancing your mortgage and may even put you on the path to freedom from debt entirely.

Apply to refinance your mortgage today and you could be saving money on your monthly mortgage payments in a very short time. No matter what your credit history, lenders are anxious to approve your loan today. Complete an application now to see the great interest rates and low monthly payments that are available to you.

Bad credit loans authenticate what is positive about bad credit

This might not be the front page news but it is now out in the open! Bad credit is getting loans all kinds of loans. Lending institutions, banks and other financial constitutions are coming forward to provide loans for bad credit. There is a new rescue programme for people with bad credit - bad credit loans.


Millions are earmarked every year for bad credit. It is highly unlikely that you dont suffer from bad credit. Bad credit loans have become easily accessible to people making it easier for people to sort out their money issues. Those who have been previously rejected have now bad credit loans to start off their financial plans.

The meaning of the term bad credit has changed leading to a new improved perspective of loans lenders towards people with bad credit. Therefore, bad credit loans have become more flexible, more consumer friendly and with innovative modifications.

You are liable to bad credit if you have made any previous faults with credit payment which amounts to arrears. Further bankruptcy, county court judgements, credit card debts or any other financial impairment leads to bad credit. Bad credit loans are offered to people by leading mortgage lenders.

If you are fresh to the concept of bad credit loans then perhaps you need to understand credit rankings. A minimum 500 credit score entails any kind of bad credit loan. Grades are provided by various loan lenders to differentiate between various loan borrowers.

A + credit score (580-620 or more) implies very few or no credit problems since last two years and no delayed mortgage payments.
A credit score (560-580) few mortgage problem over two years and one or two thirty day late payments.
B credit score (550-560) implies a fall in the credit reports. This means a 10% down payment is required for any loan claim.
C credit score (535-550) lots of late repayments. Any late mortgage payment that is in the 60- or 90-day range. This also includes bankruptcy or foreclosure that had been discharged or settled in the last 12 months. A 15-20% down payment would be required for bad credit loan with this credit score.
D credit score (500-535) implies lots of missed payments. A bad credit loan claim with D credit score would require a 20% down payment.

Bad credit loans are forever providing financial aid to bad credit loan applications. But dont jump on to the first bad credit loan advertisement where low APR, reduced interest rates are frequently flashed. Bad credit loans are furnished at higher rates as compared to other loan types. There is no escaping that in the context of bad credit loans.

Bad credit loans are provided as secured bad credit loans or unsecured bad credit loans. Unsecured bad credit loans cater to those residents who do not own a home or who cant place their home as a guarantee. On the contrary, a secured bad credit loan is meant for homeowners or those people who can place their valuable assets as a security. Loan lenders have specialist products for every bad credit loan condition.

Higher rates for bad credit loan are unavoidable but with constant and careful research, you can get a bad credit loan at lesser interest rate. You can borrow up to 5,000 to 75,000 with a bad credit loans. Further some bad credit loans can permit you to take approximately 125% of your property. Bad credit loan can overcome financial impediment of any kind such that you can buy a new car, get married, go on a holiday, make home improvement, and also consolidate your debts.

Debt consolidation through bad credit loans can do wonders. It will not only bring down interest rates for all your debts but also initiate a debt free cycle. If honesty is the best policy, it is certainly true in relation to bad credit loans. If you are straightforward about your debt condition then perhaps you will be able to avail a good interest rate on bad credit loans. Also being aware of your rights with respect to loan borrowing will put you in a better condition while taking a bad credit loan.

It is a vicious circle. What bad credit loans? No. Bad credit. Bad credit can start circle of ongoing unpleasant circumstances if not tackled. Bad credit loans are provided but you dont want bad credit to go a long way with you. Bad credit loan should not be made a habit but should solve temporary monetary stress. Buying a new home, or a car, starting a new business do you think anyone can stop that? Certainly not bad credit loans.

Save Time With a Bridge Loan

Why You Need a Bridge Loan

You have to move fast in todays housing market if you want to get into the home of your dreams. In cities such as Seattle or San Francisco its not uncommon for a buyer to receive half a dozen offers within the first day or two after putting the house on the market.

Unless you have enough excess income to buy a second home without selling your current abode, you will have to play the timing game; finding a home to purchase while finding a buyer for your own. This can be especially sticky if you are buying in an area with a hotter market than the one youre leaving. Most sellers wont be willing to accept contingent offers (you buying their home is contingent on you selling your home) because of the overwhelming demand in the area manifest by the numerous potential buyers beating down their door.

Under these competitive conditions, a bridge loan may be just what you need to avoid missing out on a time sensitive real estate purchase. Not sure how to go about securing a bridge loan? Eventually youll go through a bank or private lender to get a bridge loan, but it pays to know the basics before you set foot into the local loan office.

Bridge Loan Basics

Strictly defined, a bridge loan is a form of second trust that is collateralized by your present home in a manner that allows the proceeds to be used for closing on a new house before the old house is sold.

The fact that you are not immediately required to sell your old home makes a bridge loan the logical solution for people in relatively cold markets who need to act quickly in order to close on a new home.

Most people who get a bridge loan will use the extra cash to pay off the mortgage on the old home, deduct any closing costs and prepaid interest, and put the remainder towards a down payment on the new home.

A bridge loan entails substantial risk for the lender because the old home may not sell for some time. Therefore, you can expect relatively high interest rates and short terms of six months to a year. The borrower usually begins making interest payments after the end of the term if the old house still hasnt sold.

After the old home sells, the bridge loan is paid off. If the house sells within the term limit, all unearned interest is credited back to the borrower.

Get Professional Bridge Loan Advice

Before you sign on any dotted lines, make sure the lender youre working with has taken all the time you need to explain bridge loan details to your satisfaction. Depending on your individual situation, securing a bridge loan can be somewhat complicated. Having a relationship of trust with your lender can help simplify the process.

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About the author:

Cameron Brown in an internet marketer specializing in investment property. For more information about how a bridge loan can benefit you, please visit SNC.



Want A Cheaper Finance For Your Vehicle? Try Secured Automobile Loans.Maria SmithThe usual modus operandi in most automobile purchases is as follows.

Step 1: Recognize the urge for an automobile.
Step 2: Check the bank balances.
Step 3: Head for the purchase provided the second step gives a positive result.
Step 4: If the second step gives a negative result, take an automobile loan.

This will be rated as the most logical sequence of events by most people unless they acknowledge the fact that they can save hundreds of pounds by planning the automobile loan in a more systematic manner.

Recognizing the need for an automobile:
The first step will always be to concede that there actually is a need for a car or any other vehicle. The prices of vehicles have heavily come down. But they still continue to be treated as a luxury item. The desire to have a vehicle will always be there. People wrongly try to push desires as a need. Need emerges because of a difficulty being faced by the borrower. Only if a need is recognized must one go to the second process.

Check for capability:
The automobile certainly would not come for free. One must have the capability to repay the value of the vehicle purchased. Fat bank balances are not always required. Taking a secured automobile loan allows investment in more productive uses while making you the proud owner of a vehicle.

There is no need to get disheartened if you do not fulfill the qualifications. Every lender has a different lending policy. Given the numerous lenders offering mortgages, your financial condition is bound to match some or other lenders products.

Stretching ones finances too much will lead to a breakdown in the financial condition. The vehicle is not the only expenditure on your part. There are many more expenditures to be borne by the customer. If the sum invested in the vehicle exceeds, the other expenditures will have to be curbed. Alternately, this would have an adverse effect on savings.

Therefore, the amount of secured loan must be decided with care. Once inside the showroom, almost every vehicle looks good. But one must vote for the vehicle that most suits his budget.

The loans process:
If you thought there is little to an automobile loan after making the decision to take it, then you are wrong. You are still halfway in the loans process. The implementation part is still remaining.

The first step in the loans process will be finding a suitable lender. Though there is a single lender who offers automobile loan, it is difficult to find the lender from the crowd of lenders. The various lenders chosen have to pass through various stages of screening to prove that they can provide the loan at the best of terms. Online search significantly simplifies the process of search. No obligation loan quotes offered by the lenders too are of great help in the search process.

Once the lender is selected, the negotiations on the loans begin. Details of the loan like the term of repayment, interest charged, actual cost of the loan, amount of monthly or quarterly repayments etc. are to be decided in this stage. This is the most important step because this will decide how the loan fares in the long run.

The borrowers are advised to tread cautiously in this stage. The terms and conditions of the lenders must be read carefully. Particular attention must be given to clauses which rule out early or premature repayment with a penalty. All queries regarding the loan must be immediately clarified to prevent problems from emerging in the future.

The days ahead.
Has the loans process sucked most of your energy? You can rest now because the days ahead are a smoother ride. You finally get the resources to purchase the vehicle of your choice. Secured automobile loans give borrowers a better bargaining power. Regular repayments to the automobile loan can further assure a smoother future. Taking a loan protection can be helpful in full and final settlement of the secured automobile loans.

Drive Away with a Good Deal

(ARA) - With interest rates at all-time lows, consumers are taking advantage of the long-term savings on big ticket items like cars. If youre one of the many people who are planning to buy or lease a new car, make sure your finances are in order so the purchase process is hassle free.

First, do an honest assessment of your current financial situation. Can you really afford to buy or lease a new car, or does it make more sense to get as many miles as possible out of your current car? Despite low interest rates, a new car isnt a bargain if it means youll be turning to credit cards to pay other bills. You know the details of your expenses and budget better than anyone else. Doing your homework before you shop will enable you to set a payment you can live with.

Once you can say for certain that new car payments fit within your budget, you need to turn your attention to your credit rating.

Lenders will use a report from one, two, or all three of the credit reporting agencies to assess your creditworthiness, so your first step should be reviewing your credit report(s) for accuracy and for any information that may hurt your chances of getting a loan. The information on the credit report can also affect the interest rate the lender will give you. The easiest way to get a copy of your credit report is from an online service like www.creditmatters.com.

If you find inaccuracies on your credit report, you should take steps to correct that information before you apply for a car loan. Look for obvious mistakes on your report, such as credit card accounts that arent yours and closed accounts that have not been used for more than seven years, but are still showing as open. You can dispute items that you feel are inaccurate with the credit reporting agency by following the directions included with your credit report.

If you have a large number of credit cards, you may want to consider canceling some of your accounts. Lenders may look at these open credit accounts as potential debt. Likewise, every time you apply for credit, lenders will more than likely request a copy of your credit report. Multiple inquiries from lenders or creditors can lower your credit rating, so minimize the number of inquiries to your report until you get your auto loan.

If your credit history isnt as good as youd like, there are no quick fixes, but time, as they say, is on your side. Many lenders focus on the past two or three years of your credit history, so with a plan and some patience, you can boost your credit rating. Take control of your credit by paying bills on time. Cancel any credit cards you arent using or minimize excessive amounts of available credit, which could tempt you to buy things you cant really afford. Gather all your bills and draw up a budget that allows you to pay them off one at a time, focusing on the account with the highest interest rate first.

Having a co-signer may make it easier to obtain a loan if your credit is not perfect. But before you ask a friend or family member to co-sign, be sure you both understand what that entails. A co-signer is guaranteeing this debt. If the borrower does not pay, the co-signer may have to pay up to the full amount of the debt, and if he or she cant pay in full, their credit rating will be adversely affected. Additionally, late payments will go on both credit reports.

Even though you would never put your co-signer in this position on purpose, consider what would happen if you lost your job, for example. Are you willing to risk your relationship with your co-signer for a new car?

Buying a new car should be fun and exciting -- you get to pick the make, model, color, and options. Arming yourself with the facts ahead of time will help take the hassle out of car buying and put a smile on your face as you drive off the lot knowing you got a good deal.

Home Equity Loan A Reverse Mortgage Could Provide A Comfortable Retirement!

While only comprising about 1% of all mortgages, the reverse mortgage has gained in popularity in recent years. Federally insured since the late 1980s, the reverse mortgage allows owners of paid-off homes of at least 62 years of age to borrow against the equity in their homes in the form of a lump sum, a line of credit, or in the form of monthly payments. The loan is repaid when the owners die or when the home is sold or no longer occupied.

While only comprising about 1% of all mortgages, the reverse mortgage has gained in popularity in recent years. Federally insured since the late 1980s, the reverse mortgage allows owners of paid-off homes of at least 62 years of age to borrow against the equity in their homes in the form of a lump sum, a line of credit, or in the form of monthly payments. The loan is repaid when the owners die or when the home is sold or no longer occupied.

In the early years of its existence, the reverse mortgage was regarded as a last resort step to avoid foreclosure, pay medical expenses or keep the home from disrepair. More recently, however, retirees have been finding creative ways to use the equity in their homes to allow their retirement years to be more enjoyable.

The huge growth of the housing market during the last five years has left millions of homeowners with large amounts of equity in their homes. Californians who bought homes in the early 1960s at modest prices are now retiring; many of them have home equity in the mid-six figures. With that sort of equity, homeowners are using their equity to buy recreational vehicles, boats, luxury vacations, and even second homes. The structure of a reverse mortgage makes it possible for some homeowners to pay cash for a vacation home, while continuing to live in their primary residence for as long as they like, or are able. Once they die, the primary residence would be sold to pay pack the loan, while the second home would become part of their estate.

This has provided a rare opportunity for many couples, who struggled to raise families and pay mortgages during the working years, to enjoy a few luxuries in their retirement years. Couples who could never afford to travel can now dip into their home equity and see Europe or take that cruise that always eluded them.

While this may seem like a win-win situation for all involved, those in the lending industry express caution. For most people, the equity in their home is their single largest asset, and borrowing against it should done only after careful consideration. What if a lengthy hospital stay became necessary? Would the homeowner have sufficient funds to pay for that after buying a second home through a reverse mortgage? What if a husband or wife became incapacitated and required permanent housing in a nursing home? These are things that must be considered before using home equity for a houseboat or RV, and those considering such a move should consider discussing their plans with a financial advisor.

Despite the potential drawbacks, the use of the reverse mortgage to fund a fun and adventurous retirement seems to be growing. With interest rates still near all-time lows, the trend will almost certainly continue in the near future

How To Get The Best Home Equity Loan

Are you wondering how to get the best Home Equity loan? Do not be afraid to shop around. If you decide that the timing's right for a home equity loan, ask your friends or family for recommendations of lenders. Comparing home equity loan plans will help you get a better deal.

Are you wondering how to get the best Home Equity loan? Do not be afraid to shop around. If you decide that the timing's right for a home equity loan, ask your friends or family for recommendations of lenders. Comparing home equity loan plans will help you get a better deal.

Contact several lenders, not just the ones that send you mail, call you, or knock on your door. Talk with banks, mortgage companies and mortgage brokers.

Ask all the lenders you interview to explain the Home Equity Loan plans they have for you. If you don't understand any loan terms and conditions, ask them to explain. That is what they are there for! Would you feel more foolish by asking questions or by having to pay a higher cost than was necessary? Knowing just the amount of the monthly payment or the interest rate is not enough.

Pay close attention to fees, including: the application or loan processing fee, origination or underwriting fee, lender or funding fee, appraisal fee, document preparation and recording fees, and broker fees

Negotiate with more than one lender. Don't be afraid to make lenders and brokers compete for your business by letting them know that you're shopping for the best deal. Ask each lender to lower the fees or the interest rate. And ask each to meet or beat the terms of the other lenders.

Before you sign, read all paperwork carefully . It sounds boring and time consuming but it is better to be safe than sorry. If the Home Equity Loan isn't what you expected or wanted, don't sign the papers. Either negotiate changes or walk away. You will be surprised at what you can achieve by being firm.

Small Business Loans Can Help You Write Your Success Story

Scene one: you are sitting on your office desk surrounded with files and work overload, you are thoroughly frustrated. You work hard and get paid. But somewhere something is lacking.

Scene two: you work for yourself; you do what you want to do. You work hard and you are satisfied. You go home a better person each day cause you work for yourself. And you definitely earn more.

You dont even have to look at the results; votes for Scene two are definitely more. You want a life like that. But every business entails capital. Small business loans can accrue the capital you need to start a small business. With so many online sources for small business loans, you dont need to rely on family or relatives for capital.

Homework! Yes, it is not meant for school kids only. You too have to do it, to find the right resource of your small business loans. There are a few points, the loans lender will be looking at, when he is contemplating providing you small business loans. A lender will be paying attention on your education, experience, business plan and its feasibility. Other things that are crucial are repaying ability, credit history, equity, presence of collateral.

The first things will be your ability to repay. Every loan is meant to be repaid. Loan lender wants his money back. They will look for a business that has existed for some years now. If you are starting a new business, prepare an application that will prove to them that you will repay the loan. If your business is low risk proposal, you are getting a small business loans.

Presence of collateral would provide a positive boost to your small business loan application. The financial institution would be looking for an alternative source to payback the loan. Without collateral, you would need a cosigner who can pledge collateral. Collateral can be any business or personal assets that can be sold to pay for the small business loan. The market value of collateral is not taken into account but the value which results after negating the valued lost when the collateral is liquidated.

Equity is also significant. The equity will be in the form of money you invest in your business. The loan lender will be very pleased to know, if you have invested your money in the business. If there is enough equity in your business to payback the loan, the small business loan will be yours.

The next crucial thing will be called a credit report. If your credit report is good, your small business loan application will be reaching the top of the application pile. If you have no idea what your history reveal for you get a copy of credit report. Make sure the details given there are correct. In case there is an error, get it corrected before you apply for small business loans. Pay all the pending debts and get going.

The question that you will be facing with small business loans is what you are going to do with the money. Give concrete answers. Convince the lender that you will repay the small business loan with long term profitability that your plan ensures. Your confidence will be a key to unlocking small business loans.

Small business loans are available in three forms -

Short term loans will solve funds problem for immediate business starting. Their term is usually one year or less.

Intermediate loans are meant for large initial expenses with loan term between one to three years

Long term loans supply for initial costs of a start up business and extends from three to seven years.

Documentation! Yes, just get ready with your file of documents and make sure it has proof of ownership, letters of reference, contracts, tax returns, financial statements, credit references, Incorporation or LLC organizational documents. The loan lender might ask for any other documentation for Small business loans.

Read the small business loan agreement carefully and have your lawyer review it. Some terms can be negotiated with the loan lender. If your circumstances are favourble, you can even manage to waive some terms. Obtain terms which you are comfortable especially with regard to repayment process and interest rates.

You can have a great idea, great people to work with, a well written business plan everything, almost everything. All you need is a small business loan to make it a success. So, how do we begin writing the success story? With writing small business loans application.

A Note About Personal Bankruptcy

Sometimes, the formal and legal declaration of personal bankruptcy is the best way to go when you're "snowed under" with bills, and you just can't see your way clear to survive.

Actually, bankruptcy allows you to make a fresh start. Generally, it takes only a small amount of money, a careful evaluation of your assets and your liabilities. In many cases, a lawyer is not necessary.

If you have very few assets, mountains of debt, and not enough income to meet your obligations, then your best bet is almost always the filing of straight bankruptcy. What you'll need is the proper forms "S3010 Bankruptcy forms, for an Individual Not Engaged In Business." These can be purchased from any full-line office supply store, especially in an area serving attorneys' offices.

You'll need to know which district you live in for Federal Court purposes - so look in the white pages of your telephone book under U.S. Government - Courts - and take down the address of the nearest U.S. District Court. Check it out to be sure that your residence is in this court's jurisdiction.

You then fill out the forms you purchased, listing all of your creditors - those with priority being listed first - meaning those who have extended credit to you against some sort of security or collateral, followed by those who have extended credit to you on just your signature or reputation. You must be sure to list all of your creditors because any that you fail to list, will be able to sue you and collect even after the bankruptcy has been adjudicated. At the same time, be sure to include the names of anyone and everyone you may have co-signed a note or a loan for, as well as anyone who may have co-signed for you.

The laws governing personal bankruptcy vary in all states, but generally, a bankruptcy judgement will not take away the house you live in, basic home furnishings, a car that's necessary towards your gainful employment, nor the tools of your trade. Check these things out to be sure against the list of items regarded as the necessities of life by your state.

When you've got all the forms filled out, and notarized, you take them to the Clerk of the U.S. District Court in your jurisdiction. You pay the clerk $50, and from there, you're home free. The clerk notifies your creditors, and reminds them that being as you've filed bankruptcy papers, they cannot bother you about your debts anymore.

However, they are invited to your hearing. Usually they don't show up, because by that time, you have very few, if any, nonexempt assets left that they are really interested in.

But, whatever assets you do have that are nonexempt, will be sold by the Court to appease your creditors. Any money realized from these sales is then added to the total amount of money you may have turned over to the court at the time of your filing, and divided equally amongst your creditors according to priorities.

After all of this has taken place, and usually about 3 months after you've been adjudged bankrupt, you can start all over again to incur debt, pay bills and establish a new credit rating. However , you should be especially careful about talking with your old creditors because they may attempt to maneuver you into signing a "reaffirmation" of your old debt. The thing to do is to be sure that you carefully read anything you affix your signature to, and don't agree to pay on any debt that has already been discharged through your bankruptcy!

In some bankruptcy filings, it is definitely advantageous to hire an attorney to represent you. This is especially true for people who have assets such as real estate they want to protect, and/or people who has been operating home-based businesses or been accused of fraud. Remember this, if you decide to process your bankruptcy without a lawyer, then it is your responsibility to fill out all the necessary forms accurately and completely, and every bit as precisely as if you had paid an attorney to do it for you. Leaving out a creditor's name or address or forgetting a loan that you co-signed for, will surely bring on litigation against you even after your bankruptcy has been adjudicated. Be sure you understand all the papers, ask the Court Clerk for advice, and if you run into problems, then take it in to an attorney.

Besides the regular bankruptcy laws, there's also a little-known and little-used method of getting reorganized with your debt, particularly when you've got a steady job and just need more time to straighten your indebtedness out. This is the wage-earner's provisions of Chapter XIII of the Federal Bankruptcy laws.

Basically, these provisions allow you to make new arrangements with your creditors and pay off all your debts over a new 3-year period of time. When you filed for indebtedness relief under the provisions of this law, nothing is recorded permanently on your credit record. You get to keep all your assets, but you must pay off all your debts. But, so long as the Court grants you relief under these provisions, and you pay your creditors according to the repayment schedule agreed upon by the Court, your creditors cannot bother you. Even if they have begun a suit against you, once the Court has given you relief, they cannot touch you! Once you've filed under these provisions, your creditors are immediately restricted from even contacting you, and get only what the referee or trustee doles out to them.

Often times, if a creditor threatens to sue you, the most effective thing you can do is to tell him frankly that if he sues you, you'll have no other alternative except to file bankruptcy papers. In many instances, this will cause him to take a second look and to do whatever he can to assist you in paying him the money you owe, but over a longer period of time, and at smaller monthly payments. The absolute bottom line is that your creditors know only too well that if you do file for bankruptcy, their chances of receiving even half of what you owe is practically nil. Thus, it's in their best interest to do everything they can to help you to continue making payments on the amount you owe, regardless of how small those payments may be.

When a creditor does sue you, and gets a judgement against you, he can then get a court order directing the sheriff to seize your personal property and sell it, with all monies realized going to the creditor to satisfy your debt. When they see this about to happen, many people connive to make themselves "judgement proof." In other words, they hide their assets or move them out-of-state before the sheriff or marshall arrives. This is illegal, but is done as often as not.

Many creditors will attempt to "garnish" your wages. This is done by getting a court order directing your employer to set aside part of your wages or salary every pay period and turn it over to him. First, of course, he has to find out where you work; and even then, in most states, there are limits set relative to how much a creditor can garnish your wages.

If you have no job, and no visible assets, or you live in a state where your wages cannot be garnished, your creditors actually have very few ways of ever collecting from you.

Many techniques used by creditors and collection agencies are illegal. A creditor or agency can write letters to you; call you once a day in quest of a payment; and even knock on your door to ask about a payment. but he is forbidden by law to harass you or invade your privacy, or use deceptive means to get you to pay your bills. He cannot use foul and abusive language over the telephone, tell anyone other than you the reason for his phone call, inconvenience you or in any way threaten your job or your reputation in the neighborhood where you live.

Still, the best idea for reorganization and settlement of your debts when you find yourself in an untenable position, is in-person visits and explanations of your situation with your creditors, and a desire to explore other possible ways of mutual satisfaction without involving collection agencies or bankruptcy. Give it a try - it's a lot easier than most people realize.

Investing and Financial Planning

What exactly is financial planning, and why is it so important?

Financial planning is the process of determining how to manage money, investing, present and future financial goals, and the strategy that should be undertaken to obtain them.

Because our goals and desires change as we do, financial planning and investing is a task that is never finished. How we are financially able to reach these goals, and the risk we are willing to take to get there, necessarily means that any financial plan must be specifically tailored for an individual or family.

Financial planning begins by taking into account each individual's assets and liabilities at that particular point in time.

The asset category includes life insurance and monetary investments of all kinds, along with physical assets such as a home, automobiles and other items.

Liabilities may range from personal loans, credit card debt, and loans taken to obtain hard assets, such as mortgages.

Next is where sources of ongoing income and increases in hard asset wealth enter into the equation. Income most usually is earned by employment, but other sources, such as possible inheritances, must also be considered. Increases in hard asset wealth, such as rising home prices, will be affected by general economic conditions as well as owner enhancements.

From here, things get trickier, and this is where the true planning begins!

Our particular stage in life -- whether we are young, old, or somewhere in the middle -- will usually lead us to desire a particular set of goals. Financial planners often break down our life cycles into distinct phases. Which phase we are in is often determined by age but will also be dictated by how much risk we are willing to assume.

Younger people are most often described as being in an accumulation phase. Their earnings have not yet hit their peak, but at the same time they are striving to obtain both hard and soft assets.

Examples here include saving for a new home or a child's education. Risk assumed here will be tempered by the time constraints of these goals as well as individual risk tolerance. In general, the longer the time frame, the more investments in the aggressive category may be considered.

The other phases extend to middle age and beyond to retirement. Our middle age years often find us at the peak of our earning power, with many of our former goals satisfied. This will mean greater savings are possible, and as time progresses towards retirement, our tolerance for risk will necessarily diminish.

Financial planning takes all of this into account and more. Other factors, including planning for health care and other insurance needs, preparation for emergency expenditures, tax and estate planning and the like will all be part of the strategy.

Unexpected windfalls may also enter into the picture. Saving for retirement becomes increasingly important as the time earned income will end draws nearer.

All of these variables add to the importance of financially planning across all stages of one's life. It is a concept that encompasses your total financial picture -- both in the present and for the future.

Home Equity Loan Online What To Do With Your Homes Equity

If you are wanting to get a home equity loan, rates are still low enough that you may want to make use of that equity in your home. Do you need some ideas on what you could do to multiply your equity or make some extra money off of the capital that could be available to you?

Here are some suggestions of ways to put the equity to good use when you go to take out a home equity or cash out refinance loan.

1. Do a home improvement that will increase the equity in your home more than the cost of doing the improvement. As an example, I have heard rumors that adding a deck to a home, because of the amount it increases the homes resale value, can add up to 4 times the cost of actually installing the deck.

2. If you have a low interest rate on your home, invest your equity in a low risk investment that has a much higher return on your money.

3. Buy an existing business or start a new business with the equity capital in your home. If you can start a low risk business, take the opportunity to let your equity work for you.

4. Use the equity as a down payment on an investment property or a rental.

5. Use it to consolidate high interest debt and possibly save yourself hundreds of dollars a month to put toward something else.

6. Use it to finance your education and increase your earning power.

7. If you live in an area zoned for this, you could finish a basement or area of the house to rent out. You could create a separate living space or apartment on your property.

Just be careful to not do anything risky with the equity in your home. If you can get a low enough rate, it may be worth taking that money and investing it somewhere else.