Online Accounting

Summary:
Accounting in USA has seen lots of change. There was a time when the accounting was more of book keeping done in huge ledgers and was the purview of select few. It’s not so anymore. Accounting is much more widely accepted as a business function and general people also look for the accounting details of the firms they are associated with. Also lot more transparency is required now. Keeping in line with the development of IT and other technologies, the accounting is also now ba...

Article Body:
Accounting in USA has seen lots of change. There was a time when the accounting was more of book keeping done in huge ledgers and was the purview of select few. It’s not so anymore. Accounting is much more widely accepted as a business function and general people also look for the accounting details of the firms they are associated with. Also lot more transparency is required now. Keeping in line with the development of IT and other technologies, the accounting is also now based on internet and has taken wide strides. Online accounting services, viewed as merely experimental only a few years ago are now becoming the run away business.

As such accounting industry as been little slow to adopt the newer technology and has not left fully its love for the pen and pencil work.

The SU accounting industry has seen new trend of outsourcing its work now. All these have forced the industry to adopt the Online Accounting. The internets as well as other technologies are used now to build more efficient book keeping systems. Also it’s becoming more cost efficient for larger firms to outsource the work. Outsourcing is very much easier with work being delivered online. It’s much more cost effective as well as fast also.

The shift from the practice where clients paid the accounting firms as per the billable hours to a fixed fee based system is forcing the accounting firms to deliver efficient work in cost effective manner. This means that they can not any longer cover their inefficient work by merely putting in more time into the projects. This has favored the Online accounting practices much. Value billing has forced accounting professionals to become more efficient.

Online accounting very effectively cuts short the time taken to transfer the time taken by information exchange between the clients and accounting firm. The seamless transfer is far more efficient and much faster. The accounting firm has dynamic access to the sourcing documents of the clients firms and can access anytime any information it requires from its clients side. The online accounting system also allows the accounting firm access to client data from far away locations at the a few clicks on the internet. The time sensitive financial data is readily available to the accounting firm.

Other then the speed and cost of services, online accounting enables better customer service and more reliability and trust. Accounting firms recently have been exposed as in cahoots with some very big clients, committing serious financial crimes. In this scenario the new practice builds more transparency also.

The online accounting practice also provide for more timely communication between the firm and clients. Since the client has more immediate access to information and to time sensitive documents with Online Accounting practices, questions and problems can be more easily identified and resolved. This translates into increased profits as well as happier clients!!

Since the clients get better service, they get more value for the money they spend. It is generally quite cheaper for the business owner to outsource the bookkeeping and accounting than to hire and supervise it in-house. Savings for the business owner can be as much as 30% for some clients! Online Accounting is great for such services.

The accounting firms also charge now a fee (fixed on a monthly basis) almost five times the average monthly fee (based on billable hours) they charged earlier.

Generally the various online accounting processes available are customized for their users where they can choose the menu of features they like.

Online Accounting is an excellent tool for accounting and book keeping, one that is help full for both the accounting firms as well as the clients.

Want To Buy A Car After Graduation? Opt For Driver's Edge Card For College Students

Summary:
There are very few people who have not heard of Citibank. The renowned company serves and caters to the needs of frequent travelers, business personnel as well as students. The Citi Driver's Edge Card for College Students is one such card that caters to the needs of students. The card is part of the Thank You Network.

Article Body:
There are very few people who have not heard of Citibank. The renowned company serves and caters to the needs of frequent travelers, business personnel as well as students. The Citi Driver's Edge Card for College Students is one such card that caters to the needs of students. The card is part of the Thank You Network.

Benefits of the Card

The card permits the students to earn rebates for the purchase of a new, used or leased car each time the student uses his/her card to make a purchase.

The card also permits you to earn 3% rebates at the drugstores, grocery stores or gas stations. On all the other purchases you make, you will be getting a 1% rebate. You can further gain rebates for the number of miles that you drive. All the points you gather can be used for purchasing a vehicle, only that the maximum amount of points that can be redeemed per vehicle is $5000.

The card has all the benefits offered by the other Citi student credit cards. The Citi Driver's Edge Card for College Students lets you shop with confidence whether you are buying online or from retail outlets. It shields you from credit card theft as well as identity theft. Furthermore, you can avail of customer service whenever you wish.

The card offers 0% annual percentage rate (APR) for the initial six months on purchases, balance transfers and cash advances. However, the regular APR is fixed at 18.24%. There is no annual fee and balance transfer fee.

Other Benefits

As a student, you will enjoy a 25% discount to shop for books at Peterson.com. (Peterson is a well-known career and educational advisory body). The card understands you and enables you to utilize all your accumulated rebates over a period of 5 years at the maximum, for repairing or servicing your car.

For better security, there is the provision of adding your photo to the face of the credit card. This will stop anyone from stealing and utilizing your card at a retail establishment. This photo ID is practical always.

The card further provides the benefit of zero liability for unauthorized purchases policy, which gives you mental peace. You can avail of the customer service 24/7, that too via the toll free telephone. The privilege of accessing your account online also comes with the card.

The free protection services that come with card include fraud early warning block, online guarantee and lost wallet service, making you feel secure, which is akin to the Citibank policies.

Added Advantages

The Driver's Edge Card for College Students comes along with other common benefits like many Internet account related services, emergency card and cash replacement, medical and legal referral services and different travel and emergency assistant services.

The card further provides automatic bill payments, auto rental discounts, and a maximum of $1000000 in travel accident insurance and many more facilities.

Visa Vs MasterCard – Which Is The Best?

Summary:
The two leading credit card companies in the world today are the competitors Visa and MasterCard. They both operate along very similar lines.

Article Body:
The two leading credit card companies in the world today are the competitors Visa and MasterCard. They both operate along very similar lines. While Visa can claim to have almost a billion cards issued, MasterCard has over twenty five thousand banks issuing its cards and it is difficult to find any difference in the number of locations worldwide that accept the cards, which is now estimated at over twenty million.

In fact, as far as most consumers are concerned, there is no real difference between the two. They are both very widely accepted in over one hundred and fifty countries and it is very rare to find a location that will accept one but not the other.

However, neither Visa nor MasterCard actually issue any credit cards themselves. They are both simply methods of payment. They rely on banks in various countries to issue credit cards that utilise these payment methods. Therefore, the interest rates, rewards, annual fees, and all other charges are issued by your bank and when you pay your bill you are paying it to the bank or institution that issued your card and not Visa or MasterCard.

How Visa and MasterCard make their money is by charging the retailer for using their payment method. So the truth of the matter is that a Visa issued by say the Bank of Scotland will have very little to do with a Visa issued by other banks and may in fact by more similar to the Bank of Scotland’s MasterCard.

What this means for the vast majority of customers is that you do not have to overly concern yourself with whether a credit card is MasterCard or Visa. You would be better off concentrating on the interest and other charges on the card, the balance transfer possibilities or their reward scheme. You are very unlikely to ever be effected by the fact that it is one and not the other.

If you prefer, if you are going to have two credit cards, you may decide that you want one of them to be Visa and the other MasterCard, this means that if something drastic were to happen to one company, or if you were in the unlikely position of finding a location that accepts one but not the other, then you would have the option of paying with either.

At the end of the day however, much more depends on the bank that gave you the card, than on the type of card it is.

Visa Card - Things You Should Consider First Before You Apply.

Summary:
If you are interested in applying for a Visa credit card, there are a lot of things you should consider first because there are so many types of cards. For instance, consider whether you fly frequently and would like a card that earns you frequent flyer miles, or if you need a card with a very low interest rate because you plan on keeping a balance, or if you are in need of a visa credit card for your business, child, or if you have bad credit. These are all things to conside...

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If you are interested in applying for a Visa credit card, there are a lot of things you should consider first because there are so many types of cards. For instance, consider whether you fly frequently and would like a card that earns you frequent flyer miles, or if you need a card with a very low interest rate because you plan on keeping a balance, or if you are in need of a visa credit card for your business, child, or if you have bad credit. These are all things to consider first, because you don’t want to apply for credit card after credit card. It is better to decide what is best for you, and then begin applying.

Also, some very important things to evaluate on each card you are considering is introductory APR, introductory APR period, regular APR, annual fee, balance transfer and the type of credit needed for the card.

For instance, many credit cards provide an introductory APR to make the card more appealing and make you want to switch or apply for that particular card. IN some cases, visa credit cards will offer 0% interest for a year or six months, depending on the card. While the introductory APR can be a good thing because interest fees charged are either nothing or considerably lower than other cards, you need to keep in mind how long the introductory APR period lasts and what the APR is regularly.

If the introductory APR period lasts for six months to a year then that is a good period of time in which you can use the credit card to your advantage. However, you should keep in mind the date when the regular APR starts so you do not find yourself with high levels of interest rates and a large balance.

The regular APR for a visa credit card can vary significantly depending on the type of card and the individual’s credit. Everyone wants a credit card with a low regular APR, but the truth is there are not that many credit cards with really low APRs. This is because credit card companies make a lot of money on charging interest from month to month.

Also, you should only apply for Visa credit cards with no annual fee. This is because there are many credit cards that offer the card with no fee, so there is no need for you to pay $50 or more per year simply to carry the card. Make sure the visa credit card you are applying for does not charge an annual fee.

Check and see if the visa card you are applying for accepts balance transfers from other credit cards. If the new visa card you are applying for has a low introductory APR then when you are approved you will want to transfer your balances from high APR cards in order to pay it off more economically.

Finally, check the type of credit needed for the visa card you are interested in. If the card information says you need excellent credit and you have poor credit, do not even waste your time and the affects on your credit report by applying for that card.

Used Car Buying Tips

Summary:

Use these ten used car buying tips when you want a quality car at a great price.

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Some of these used car buying tips won't be new to you. Often the trick is just to apply what you already know. On the other hand, when it comes to expensive areas of life like buying a car, one new thing learned can save you hundreds of dollars. Try some of the following.

1. Make a low offer. Okay, you knew this one. A trick you may not have used, though, is to make a low offer, and then leave your phone number with the seller. Time has a way of making sellers desperate, especially after you just helped convince them that they are asking too much.

2. Be careful with car price guides. Use the "blue book" etc, but try not to pay more than wholesale. I can't think of many times when people I know have paid more than "bluebook," so these "average" sales prices are doubtful.

3. Talk to people. This is one of the simplest and effective used car buying tips. Just let friends, family and others know you're looking for a car. Quite often people would be happy to avoid the whole process of advertising and showing their car if they could just get rid of it by giving a good deal to a friend.

4. Check out the engine. Have a mechanic look at the car, and tell you what it's likely to need in the next year or so. Then make a list, so the seller can see in writing why you are offering less than he wants.

5. Auctions. See if there is a public auction in your area. If not, maybe you can go with a dealer friend and give him a $100 to buy a car for you.

6. www.carfax.com. It's around $25 to run vehicle background checks for a month - long enough to find your next car. They'll show the chain of title, accident reports for the car, and even safety and reliability scores for that model.

7. "Ugly" cars. Watch for cars that sit on the lot for months. Dealers will often sell these "ugly ducklings" at a loss just to move them. Again, you may want to leave your phone number with a low offer.

8. Rental company cars. They are sold fairly cheap when they get the new ones in. Buy at bluebook wholesale or less, because they have had many different drivers, so they've more wear than normal.

9. Repos. Credit unions and some small banks do their own selling of repossessed cars. You usually bid on paper, maybe with a $50 deposit, and then get your $50 back if you're not the winning bidder. If they don't sell their own repossessions, ask where they are sold.

10. Consider gas mileage. High mileage may be better, but maybe a car that costs $500 less will use only $400 more gas in the two years you expect to own it. Do the math.

Use the tips here the next time you are shopping for a used car. Meanwhile, why not learn a few negotiating strategies. This helps in many areas of life, and is the most important of these used car buying tips.

U.S. Account For Non US Residents

Summary:
In early days Gold was considered the standard currency for exchange between the people of various nations. Gold used to act as a standard and everything was seen with respect to it. Over the years and with the emergence of US as a global power, both politically and economically, the US dollar has gained unprecedented importance in world trade. Though officially gold is still a standard, the US dollar is now accepted almost all over the world as a standard.

Article Body:
In early days Gold was considered the standard currency for exchange between the people of various nations. Gold used to act as a standard and everything was seen with respect to it. Over the years and with the emergence of US as a global power, both politically and economically, the US dollar has gained unprecedented importance in world trade. Though officially gold is still a standard, the US dollar is now accepted almost all over the world as a standard. For people who are in the business of where trade is across borders, the US dollar is the global standard. All freelancers and Web Developers and even exporters and importers who operate from various countries over the internet also need to keep a standard as far as the currency is considered and US dollar is the apt currency. A bank account with a US bank thus gains a lot of importance.

The US banking structure broadly classifies its customers into three categories:

1. The US citizens
2. Resident Aliens
3. Non Resident Aliens

As the names suggest the meanings of each of them is implied. The resident aliens are the non-US people who are residing in the US. These also sometimes include the people who have the Green Card. Non Resident Aliens, as the name suggests, are people who are neither citizens of the U.S nor are they residing in the U.S. The rules and regulations that govern the banking systems in US make it very difficult for the NRA’s. Well, the NRA’s are the most trouncing class, as they are treated most callously by the US banking laws. The laws put an austere procedure for NRA’s willing to own a US account; though definitely it’s not impossible for them as well.

So the question is what exactly are the benefits of a US account? Well here are a few:

1. First of all if you are in any sort of business that has even some amount of global appeal then you will probably, in the course of your trade, need to carry out transactions in the US dollars or any international currency. It’s great to go for a US account rather than in some other country because of the global acceptance of the US dollar.

2. And when I say global touch it includes all the deals that are carried out via the internet. So it includes all the web developer, content writers, freelancers etc. Even if your business is local, you can’t possibly deny the power of the internet and it would just be a matter of time after you actually go on the internet. So it’s actually to have a US account and take your business and ideas global.

3. Also if you are on the internet, there is a lot of possibility that you are dealing with US clients or people who are comfortable in dealing with US dollars. You having a US account would be a great advantage for you as it would make the entire process easier for you.

Earlier the laws very too strict, but now there are ways which make it possible for you to open a US account. These ways are still not a walk in the cake. One wrong move and you shall no longer be eligible for the account. But that’s not a big worry. There are guides which can help you with this. In fact I recently tried a guide myself http://www.non-us-bank-account.com and it really provided me a step-by-step formula for getting a US account opened. It was really nice and easy.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead get yourself a US account and make your global presence more prominent.

Top Mistakes with Equipment Leasing

Summary:
When negotiating on equipment leasing contracts, small business and corporate accounts should review all the legal terms in order to avoid the top mistakes associated with leasing equipment.  These rules are applicable in multiple areas of equipment leasing from educational, computer and engineering equipment leases.

Article Body:
When negotiating on equipment leasing contracts, small business and corporate accounts should review all the legal terms in order to avoid the top mistakes associated with leasing equipment.  These rules are applicable in multiple areas of equipment leasing from educational, computer and engineering equipment leases.

Mistakes to Be Avoided in Contracts

One of the primary mistakes made when negotiating their lease is the use of a very short contract. The short contract text may not address issues involving problems with software in computer leases or litigation issues such as employee piracy.  Other issues that are not addressed in many short contracts include:

• Software transaction agreements
• Troubleshooting Support Issues
• Clauses handling provider’s going out of business

It’s important to make sure that all parties have their expectations clearly outlined in the contract. The contract helps avoid mistakes in leasing equipment by detailing the obligations of both parties. Contracts that possess clarity and completeness are important and the shorter the contract, the more likely there will be legal risks and ramifications for the company leasing the equipment.

Performance Details

The contract should detail the performance of the equipment. If someone is leasing a computer system, a server or a backhoe, they need to know that it will handle the load they are preparing to deliver to it. The performance details are an area where equipment can fail in leasing if they are not clearly stated. It’s important to make sure that both parties have those issues clarified before closing on any contracts or deals regarding performance issues.

Structure Defects

Structuring agreements is key to understanding where responsibility lies. An equipment leasing agreement needs to stipulate the structure of the deal. In other words, the salesman is unlikely be the primary contact for system defects. The primary contact may be the manager in charge of that account, but they will likely only handle negotiation issues. Customer support issues may be directed elsewhere. That structure and allocation of responsibility must be clearly spelled out in the contract.

Equipment Hardware Leasing Specialties

When leasing computer equipment, there are often software leases that are required. It’s important to coordinate the duration of the software leases to be comparable with the duration of the equipment lease. It’s important to ensure the compatibility of all leased equipment with other equipment from different vendors. It’s also important to make sure that a project’s start and completion dates are commiserate with the equipment lease. Balancing the needs of the developers with the equipment support is a difficult thing to assess, but it’s important to make sure that the leases support the needs of the company small or large.

Solicitors Not Welcome

Solicitors (lawyers) are often not consulted during the initial drafting of equipment leasing. This is a mistake, especially for small businesses that do not possess an in house legal team. Lawyers can help smooth the transaction and avoid loopholes that might cause legal problems for both parties during an equipment lease. However, when utilizing a lawyer, it’s important to find one experienced in lease transactions.

The Results versus The Resources

Be sure to clearly define the need for the equipment lease. Most leasing companies see themselves as providing resources. Companies large and small are not looking for a resource as much as they are looking for a result. It’s the end of the line result they are seeking most of all.

Communication

Clear communication is important from the get go. When negotiating for an equipment lease, be sure to have all questions answered prior to agreeing. Companies make a mistake in leasing equipment from a vendor if they have trouble getting them on the phone or returning calls. Those issues can lead to service problems in the future.

Be Realistic In Expectations

Client companies must be realistic about what they are expecting. Vendors will usually negotiate and do their best to fill customer requirements, however the client company must also keep in mind industry standards and limitations. While technology continues to grow, it’s important to realize that not every goal has been achieved as yet.

Short Term Versus Long Term

The final and most important mistake made in equipment leasing is considering a contract as something that needs to be closed immediately in order to make a deadline that occurs in the next few weeks. Realistically speaking, avoiding looking at the long-term effects of an equipment lease may leave the client with a piece of equipment they do not need or a bad contract altogether. If their short-term goal is to launch a new product or get the foundation of a new project started, but the equipment will not help in the long-term goal, that should be addressed.

Equipment leasing provides numerous benefits to businesses large and small. It’s important to recognize the benefits, but to also avoid the pitfalls of mistakes that can be made when negotiating an equipment lease.

The War on Marijuana and the War Against Online Gambling

Summary:
There have been many mistakes made in the war on Marijuana and the government is making the same mistakes with the war against online gambling.


Keywords:
The government is currently spending around 1 billion dollars a year to keep 45,000 prisoners in state and federal prisons for Marijuana related charges. That is one billion dollars a year that can be better spent on welfare, education and medical insurance for the poor. All this money just to keep Marijuana illegal and this does not even cover the cost of keeping those jailed for other drug charges.

This is no different from the hundreds of millions of dollars the banking industry is going to have to spend to develop a system that can stop the transfer of money from one account into the account of online casinos for the purposes of casino gambling, which everyone involved in coming up with the rules and means to block these transfers admits there is no way to make it work.

In both cases the government would be smarter to legalize the usage of Marijuana and online casinos, regulate the industry to make safe and use the tax revenue to increase the living standards of our poorest citizens.

By keeping Marijuana illegal the government is not stopping anyone from getting it. All they do is make people have to travel to shady areas to purchase Marijuana. Making it unsafe for people to purchase, but if they legalized it, they would be reducing traffic to drug related areas and it would allow the police to better target dealers and users of harder drugs like crack, coke and heroin.

By keeping online casinos illegal they are missing out on all the tax revenue and causing those who prefer to gamble online to risk being ripped off with no possible recourse. One of the main reasons given for banning online gambling was the war on terrorism. There is a chance that terrorists could open an online casino and use the money to fund attacks of Americans, but banning it just makes it harder to see where the money is going. By legalizing and licensing the online casinos you would have a transparency into the industry that would allow the government to see that the money does not go to terrorists or to fund terrorism.

It would also allow some of the money that leaves the country every day to online casinos overseas to stay here to help create jobs and opportunities here that is currently going to someone else, by allowing American casinos to open casinos and Sportsbooks online. Bringing new industry to the USA would be an excellent way to give a desperately needed boost to a struggling economy.

Both the war on Marijuana and the war on online gambling cost the country a lot of money but have done little to stop drugs from entering the country and being sold or to stop people from gambling on a daily basis in online casinos and poker rooms.

These laws need to be thrown away and the countries attitudes towards them need to be looked and have a more accurate assessment on their impact on the country. In the end I believe we will find that online gambling and the legalization of marijuana will provide us with the tools we need to fix other more serious problems with the country.




Article Body:
The government is currently spending around 1 billion dollars a year to keep 45,000 prisoners in state and federal prisons for Marijuana related charges. That is one billion dollars a year that can be better spent on welfare, education and medical insurance for the poor. All this money just to keep Marijuana illegal and this does not even cover the cost of keeping those jailed for other drug charges.

This is no different from the hundreds of millions of dollars the banking industry is going to have to spend to develop a system that can stop the transfer of money from one account into the account of online casinos for the purposes of casino gambling, which everyone involved in coming up with the rules and means to block these transfers admits there is no way to make it work.

In both cases the government would be smarter to legalize the usage of Marijuana and online casinos, regulate the industry to make safe and use the tax revenue to increase the living standards of our poorest citizens.

By keeping Marijuana illegal the government is not stopping anyone from getting it. All they do is make people have to travel to shady areas to purchase Marijuana. Making it unsafe for people to purchase, but if they legalized it, they would be reducing traffic to drug related areas and it would allow the police to better target dealers and users of harder drugs like crack, coke and heroin.

By keeping online casinos illegal they are missing out on all the tax revenue and causing those who prefer to gamble online to risk being ripped off with no possible recourse. One of the main reasons given for banning online gambling was the war on terrorism. There is a chance that terrorists could open an online casino and use the money to fund attacks of Americans, but banning it just makes it harder to see where the money is going. By legalizing and licensing the online casinos you would have a transparency into the industry that would allow the government to see that the money does not go to terrorists or to fund terrorism.

It would also allow some of the money that leaves the country every day to online casinos overseas to stay here to help create jobs and opportunities here that is currently going to someone else, by allowing American casinos to open casinos and Sportsbooks online. Bringing new industry to the USA would be an excellent way to give a desperately needed boost to a struggling economy.

Both the war on Marijuana and the war on online gambling cost the country a lot of money but have done little to stop drugs from entering the country and being sold or to stop people from gambling on a daily basis in online casinos and poker rooms.

These laws need to be thrown away and the countries attitudes towards them need to be looked and have a more accurate assessment on their impact on the country. In the end I believe we will find that online gambling and the legalization of marijuana will provide us with the tools we need to fix other more serious problems with the country.

The Many Uses Of Prepaid Phone Cards

Summary:
Prepaid phone cards are very popular among college students, frequent travelers or simply by anyone who wants to save on their long distance and international calls. Rechargeable prepaid phone cards are especially economic because the minutes that are added after purchasing the card are often less expensive. For instance, an AT & T prepaid phone cards can be purchased at most Wal-Mart stores at a cost of approximately $.08 per minute. When recharged, the minutes average $.05 ...

Article Body:
Prepaid phone cards are very popular among college students, frequent travelers or simply by anyone who wants to save on their long distance and international calls. Rechargeable prepaid phone cards are especially economic because the minutes that are added after purchasing the card are often less expensive. For instance, an AT & T prepaid phone cards can be purchased at most Wal-Mart stores at a cost of approximately $.08 per minute. When recharged, the minutes average $.05 each.

There are a number of reasons why prepaid phone cards are so popular, including the need to sometimes dial into a long distance telephone number for internet connections. Rather than paying the higher charges with the phone company, the user can have their modem dial using the calling card and then connecting to the internet.

While on vacation, hotels charge significant rates for long distance calls, but prepaid phone cards allow the user to dial into a toll-free number before dialing out to a long distance line. This will save big bucks as it will eliminate any long distance charges on the hotel bill.

Some cellular phones, such as Tracfone, operate on a prepaid basis. For each local call, one minute of talk time is equal to one unit (or minute) of prepaid service. International calls, on the other hand, may be significantly more expensive. In an effort to minimize the cost, some cell phone owners opt for programming prepaid calling cards into their phone and dialing out using the toll-free number. International rates will be higher with prepaid phone cards, but will likely be less than that of a cellular or regular phone service. This process will work on either cellular phones or a regular landline connection.

Along that same line, prepaid phone cards are also helpful in sending faxes. The same rules apply with long distance fax numbers, which can be costly through local telephone companies. The use of prepaid phone cards can often reduce these costs.

Toll-free numbers are free at payphones, so if you find yourself having car trouble or needing to get in touch with someone and the only phone nearby is a payphone, don’t worry about having the right amount of coins or having to call collect. If you have a prepaid phone card with you, the call will be routed through the toll-free number at no additional cost to either you or the person whom you are calling.

In addition to the aforementioned advantages, prepaid phone cards are simple to use, easy to recharge from the store of original purchase, online through the prepaid phone cards customer service or via the toll-free number listed on the back of the card.

The Key Advantages Of The Subaru Master Card

Summary:
The Chase Manhattan Bank offers a host of credit cards, which have their respective advantages and lucrative rewards’ programs. Those who are interested in the purchase of and/or are planning to lease a Subaru vehicle within four years of the date of issuance of the card will find the Subaru Master Card very useful. The card promises the cardholder great many rewards in the form of Subaru products and services.

Article Body:
The Chase Manhattan Bank offers a host of credit cards, which have their respective advantages and lucrative rewards’ programs. Those who are interested in the purchase of and/or are planning to lease a Subaru vehicle within four years of the date of issuance of the card will find the Subaru Master Card very useful. The card promises the cardholder great many rewards in the form of Subaru products and services.

The cardholders should know the key features of the credit card so as to be able to apply for it easily.

Key Features Of The Card

For the first six months, the card has a 0% introductory annual percentage rate on balance transfers. The card does not charge any annual fee. The great money-saver card also has a free of interest grace period on new purchases made with the card. The regular APRs of 14.24 percent, applicable on purchases and balance transfers are also reasonable. The variable APR applicable on cash-advances is based on the prime rate.

The Attributes Of The Card

The highlight of the Subaru Master Card is undoubtedly its rewards’ program. The card brings with it the opportunity for its members to earn three percent in SubaruBucks Rewards on regular every day purchases.

As per the program plans, when your purchases reach the $3333-mark, you will be eligible for a $100 coupon. In a year, you can earn a maximum of $500 or $2000 in the span of four-years. Remember that the coupons will expire in a four-year period from the date of the issuance of the credit card.

The rewards earned from the purchases made with the card can be redeemed for Subaru parts and services like oil changes, tire rotation and even for buying a new Subaru vehicle. If you intend to purchase a new Subaru car, then you can receive a tremendous discount against the Purchase Price of the new car. You can also receive discounts on the expenses incurred on the maintenance services of an old vehicle.

The Perks

The card offers account related services online. The card also provides other facilities like roadside assistance, auto rental insurance, emergency cash and credit replacement, travel accident insurance, travel and emergency assistance services and other similar services.

The Subaru Master Card proves helpful for the cardholder in yet more ways; it shields you and purchases with services like fraud and security protection services, purchase protection, extended warranty for purchases, and lost and stolen card reporting services, etc. The card also provides you with different Internet account related services.

The Subaru Master is ideal for you if you have a good credit and hardly carry any balances on your card. Before you proceed with applying for a card, make sure that you have a clear conception of the applicable restrictions, exclusions and limitations.

The issue of car finance

Summary:
Buying a car is not as simple as saying: “I am going to get a loan and then get a car.” You also have to think where to get the loan from and what options you have. Car finance can be obtained from banks, dealerships, credit unions and auto manufacturers, but there are differences between their solutions. Which one is the best for you?

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When buying a new car, a common issue is the way people pay for it. Most use car finance to pay for their vehicles. If you want to make the best deal, you will have to understand car finance and the intricacies of its processes.

When buying a vehicle there are a couple of aspects people think about: whether their future car will be a new one or a used one and where they will get the money from. Regarding the money, problems can be solved by obtaining the car finance from banks, credit unions, dealerships, or auto manufacturers. However, when considering buying an old car, one has to think of the differences between car finance for a new or for a used car and its advantages and disadvantages. People tend to favor new cars. If you are asking yourselves “why?” then you surely heard some attractive commercials. Most of the unbelievable offers are too good to be true, but they come with extra requirements like high down payments and very high interest rates. For a good deal, negotiation is the only adoptable strategy that will make room for more advantages and less terms and conditions.

Making a loan requires a copy of your credit report and a check of payment histories. The lender will verify every aspect of your financial background in order to give you car finance. Once you have all the paperwork done, gather information, ask the dealers for the best offer and use every detail to bargain.

Pre-Approved loans are better for your car finance because you can find near market rates. Start by looking for a good sub prime lender. Search the Internet, look at closing costs, fees, compare and use the APR number to get the overall cost. This car finance can save you money.

You can also use online loan applications from car finance companies to speed loan processes. Before choosing a car finance company you should compare prices and rates. The dealer will want to make the best for him and choose the appropriate car finance company.

 Try not to let yourself be persuaded to buy the dealerships finance pack when you can make a better car finance deal elsewhere. You should calculate your APR and take into account how much the car costs in cash and if you have additional rates. Also see if car finance works for you and if you agree with the down payments and closing payments. Even if it seems complicated, it doesn’t have to be if you educate yourself in car finance.

Car finance is a very important part of your credit-related decisions and you should be careful not to take offers that exceed your income. If you end up in a bad deal you will waste your money on unnecessary things and your car finance will lower your budget drastically. If you try to take your car finance from a bank, the disadvantage is that banks take a lot of time to process a loan. The disadvantage in dealership rates is that they cost more overall. You can also try the Internet for online car finance deals, but the offers have to be carefully analyzed before (not to be scams). Some people may even get your car finance information and use it in their own interest. A little research about the online car finance can save you a lot of trouble. However, if you choose online lenders, you will get low interest rates and save time and money.

To obtain the car finance you are looking for, it will take some time to research and find the appropriate solution for you. You have to know exactly what you want and, after that, be careful not to let salespeople convince you into a car finance deal that you don’t want. Being familiar with car finance will enable you to go out and get the beast deal for you and your family.

The best savings account

Summary:
Article that explains some different savings accounts, how they work And why some are better than others, also touches on why it is so important to Have a savings plan in place.

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The best savings account

Savings accounts are the best idea for putting away a set amount of money each week or month depending on your circumstances. You would be surprised at how quickly this money can add up if you are contributing a set amount from your paycheck every payday.
When shopping around for the best savings account, find one that pays a good interest rate and has a minimal amount for opening the account. A lot of banks only require a dollar to open an account while others may want you to deposit anywhere from 5 dollars to 50.

The convenience of having money automatically withdrawn from your paycheck and placed in your savings account is great for some. However others may not put a set amount in each payday and may want to choose how much they deposit into their savings account.

The best type of savings account will pay a comparable interest rate, be easily accessible to your home or work, will not charge a fee for withdrawals from your account, has on-line availability, and does not require a large deposit to open. If you have a bank account and access it online you should be able to transfer money to and from your savings account. You should try not to transfer from it unless it is an emergency because this defeats the purpose of having the savings account in the first place.

Some types of savings accounts are geared towards the holiday season. This allows you to save money for Christmas. If you start it early enough in the year by the time Christmas rolls around you can have a nice amount for your holiday shopping.

Another type of savings account featured by some banks link your debit card with your savings account. Every time you make a purchase using your debit card the amount is rounded up to the next dollar and the extra is deposited into your savings account. Some of these banks will even match the amount deposited by a certain percentage.

Savings accounts are great ways to start your children out learning how to be responsible when it comes to money. Open a savings account and let them deposit birthday money or Christmas money for themselves. All the change that gets thrown in a jar every day can become a savings account deposit for them. They will love to go to the bank and deposit their own money and in the process you are teaching them the importance of saving.

Another advantage to a savings account is establishing credit. If you borrow money from your bank using the money in your savings to secure the loan, when you pay the loan back you will have established credit with your bank. This can make it easier to get an unsecured loan should you need it.

It is important to have a savings account and add to it regularly. For that unexpected expense that crops up, having the money to cover without having to borrow the money is great. With everything today being based on credit-worthiness, establishing a good relationship with your bank or credit union can make a big difference when it comes to buying a home or a car.

For more info visit
http://www.open-a-online-savings-account.com"

Supermarket Smart Cart

Summary:
We 'check out' latest supermarket ‘smart’ cart.

Phil Lempert (The Supermarket Guru) test-drives the Stop & Shop's "Shopping Buddy", a grocery chain’s attempt to eliminate the annoying check-out line.

It’s a fact : most supermarket shoppers love going to the supermarket — finding new products, tasting free samples and finding bargains – spending money.

But then it comes time to check out….

Having enjoyed the displays and the picking-out of items, they are then face...

Article Body:
We 'check out' latest supermarket ‘smart’ cart.

Phil Lempert (The Supermarket Guru) test-drives the Stop & Shop's "Shopping Buddy", a grocery chain’s attempt to eliminate the annoying check-out line.

It’s a fact : most supermarket shoppers love going to the supermarket — finding new products, tasting free samples and finding bargains – spending money.

But then it comes time to check out….

Having enjoyed the displays and the picking-out of items, they are then faced with the task of taking their selections, putting them on a conveyor and then putting them back in their cart.

And, usually, of having to wait in line for such a dubious privilege.

Yes, dealing with the supermarket check-out line — including the horror of having kids screaming for the candy “conveniently” placed there by profit-hungry conglomerates — is among the least popular chores, according to many surveys. And while many supermarkets have installed “self-checkout” lanes, only a third of consumers, according to a ACNielsen Homescan (the global leader in market research, information and analysis.) consumer panel of over 61,000 Americans, believe this kind of help-yourself method is no way near a solution.

Plainly, supermarkets need to figure out better ways to check out. And many of them are trying to come up with an answer.

One chain in particular, Stop & Shop, a chain based in the Boston area, is seeking to change the whole way we shop for groceries — including the dreaded check-out lane.

To find out more, I traveled to Braintree, Mass., to, um, check out Stop & Shop’s Shopping Buddy. I also looked at IBM’s Everywhere Display, a new in-store tool for marketing products to consumers.

The Shopping Buddy

Shopping Buddy can help you organize your shopping trip and save money! The Shopping Buddy is a small tablet that you activate with your Stop & Shop card. Once activated, the Shopping Buddy displays your personal savings coupons and shopping history by aisle, based on your location. It's easy to see the things that you normally buy that are on sale in each aisle. You can also use Buddy to:

* Keep a running total of today's purchases
* Order deli without waiting in line
* Scan and bag your items as you shop for quick checkout

Shopping Buddy is only available in the Braintree, Quincy Southern Artery, Kingston and Plymouth Massachusetts stores.

The IBM Everywhere Display

This transforms any surface into a virtual interactive touch screen computer. Next to an item on the grocery store shelf the Everywhere Display can give you information about the item including videos and web based information. It can tell you if an item is in stock and if not you can then and there place a special order for it. Of course, promotional savings are attached to these displays as well.
So, when will every store in America be as easy and fun to shop?

The Shopping Buddy is available in 20 stores in New England now and we will see another 150 installations in both Stop & Shop and its sister chain Giant (Washington DC area) by the end of 2005.

Store Cards – Are You Storing Up Problems?

Summary:
The number of people with one or more credit cards has grown at an unbelievable rate in recent years. Like the mobile phone, the credit card has become a way of life for many people, something they’d be lost without.

The offer of a store card for your favourite store can be tempting and may offer opening discounts, invitations to special events (encouraging you to spend money in the store, of course) and the familiar “If you take out the card today, you’ll get 10% off your...

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The number of people with one or more credit cards has grown at an unbelievable rate in recent years. Like the mobile phone, the credit card has become a way of life for many people, something they’d be lost without.

The offer of a store card for your favourite store can be tempting and may offer opening discounts, invitations to special events (encouraging you to spend money in the store, of course) and the familiar “If you take out the card today, you’ll get 10% off your purchases. It won’t take very long; we can fill the form in now. You may as well take advantage of the offer and get your discount at least.” You know how it goes and yes, there are some things you’d like and the discount is worth thinking about. Before you know what’s happening, you’re giving details of your current account etc., etc., etc.

It’s a familiar scenario. Over 40% of people who sign up in this way had no intention of doing so when they entered the store, according to the Office of Fair Trading, and yet they may well make a major purchase.

This isn’t a problem if you have the money available to clear the balance within the interest free period, which can be from 35 to 55 days, in most cases. However, if you’re unable to meet this time-limit you need to be aware that the interest on the outstanding balance can soon mount up.

The Consumer Credit card act sets down regulations for any loan under £25,000. Whether or not a total overhaul of these rules is necessary is under consideration.

Data provider Moneyfacts provide some enlightening information regarding the variation in store cards interest rates. John Lewis, which includes Waitrose, has an APR of 13% and Marks & Spencer offer 18.9%, whereas Debenhams and Comets Timecard are currently charging 28% and 29.9% respectively.

Before you sign up to one of these cards, take time to consider:

The discount may be a good deal and if there is a purchase that you are seriously considering anyway and you have the money to fund the purchase within the interest free period.

What is the APR rate on this offer? How much will you be charged on the remaining balance?

There may be an interest free period. How long does this last and when it ends, what rate will be charged?

Payment Protection Insurance will be offered. Check how much this is going to cost and what benefits are offered. This is an option but could prove a blessing under some circumstances, such as illness or redundancy. Read the agreement carefully to find out more.

Remember that you’ll need to budget carefully for store card purchases – it’s easy to overspend.

You don’t need to sign there and then. Take the agreement away and check everything, including the interest free period, APR, default and late payment penalties. Ask questions until you’re satisfied you fully understand everything.

The Office of Fair Trading endorses the above advice. They also advise that you compare the store card with other payment methods.

Don’t be hassled into taking out a card you don’t want by some pushy person who doesn’t really care whether or not you’re getting what’s right for you, as long as they get their commission for signing you up!

Remember, as with credit cards, the statements come in monthly. Keep track of your spending. Credit cards with low APR’s are, in general, a better deal than store cards, according to the majority of financial experts.

Take care and weigh up all the options.

Signing for your card transaction is now a thing of the past

Summary:
Chip and pin has now completely replaced signatures for card transactions.

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From Valentines Day (14th February) 2006 a signature is not good enough for you to purchase goods in the UK using your debit or credit card. Chip and PIN technology has been around for years, but before now it has still been an option that you may sign for your card transaction. Now, however, that luxury has been taken away. No longer will a signature be enough proof that the card you are using is yours. If you own a debit or credit card you must now know your PIN number or else you won’t be able to use your card.

Card fraud is a big problem in the world nowadays, but this new technology has significantly decreased card fraud. It is estimated that 80% of retail transaction in the UK are now paid for by card. This isn’t because more and more people are getting credit cards, it’s because more and more people are getting a debit card with their bank account and using this debit card instead of cash when shopping.

Most new bank accounts nowadays offer free debit cards when you open your bank account. Barclays bank (one of the UK’s biggest banks), for instance give you a free debit card with their current account (http://www.barclays.co.uk/currentaccount-index ) and their new High Interest Savings Account (http://www.personal.barclays.co.uk/BRC1/jsp/brccontrol?task=articleFWgroup&value=2430&target=_self&site=pfs ). This card is a great benefit, as it means that you don’t have to carry cash around with you, and when crossed with an account that gives you a good interest rate, you can have a very beneficial addition to your purse or wallet.

For those of you that don’t already use a debit card; it is basically the same as your “hole in the wall” bank card, but also can be used like a credit card in stores when paying for your shopping. The good thing about the debit card is that it gives you access to your own money, without you having to get credit and get in to debt. Whenever there is no money in your account you can’t use your debit card – this curbs your spending and thwarts your ability to spend more than you can afford.

The problem in the past with debit cards was that if you lost it someone could easily use it in a store with your forged signature, potentially giving them access to all of your funds. Now that chip and PIN has become compulsory it means that a thief cannot use your card in a store without knowing your PIN. This makes your card a lot more secure. The only thing remaining is to remember you PIN (Personal Identification Number) and not to write it down and store it anywhere near your debit card.

Disclaimer:
All information contained in this article, is for general information purposes only and should not be construed as advice under the Financial Services Act 1986.
You are strongly advised to take appropriate professional and legal advice before entering into any binding contracts.

Should You Pursue Lease Options To Purchase a Home

Summary:
The real estate market is a place where people can get very creative. This brings us to the rent with option to buy programs you see on the market.

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The real estate market is a place where people can get very creative. This brings us to the rent with option to buy programs you see on the market.

Should You Pursue Lease Options To Purchase a Home

Leasing is a fairly popular form of living arrangement since it basically involves renting over a pre-set period of time, usually 3, 6, or 12 months at a time. Leases provide lower rates than a month by month rent. However, when looking to lease, one will often come across the “Lease Option.” A lease option is essentially the same thing as a lease except that it provides the option to purchase the property at a future date.

The option is just that, an option. It may be an interesting offer for some renters, but others will want to pass it up. The option does not have to be taken, since there is a fee required to purchase the option. Although the amount can vary, the fee is usually up-front and paid when entering the lease. In general, lease options are offered in times of slow real estate markets, since generally owners of property look to simply sell during the hot times.

There are some definite advantages and disadvantages when it comes to a lease option. On the downside, the lease option is rarely exercised and therefore it ends up being money wasted. Many people pay the money thinking they will buy later and then either lose interest or find they can’t qualify for a mortgage. When this happens, the money paid to purchase the option is lost and you will be wondering what you could have possible been thinking when you entered into the agreement.

An area where a lease option is commonly used is real estate investment. In such a situation, a real estate investor believes he or she can flip the home in a short period for a profit. They find the lease option to be very attractive because it allows them to secure the home without dedicating significant cash resources to the deal. Once they purchase the option, they then start hunting for a buyer that will pay more than the seller is looking for in the original sale. If the investor can pull it off, they exercise the right to buy and immediately sell to the third party. In many cases, the two transactions will happen at the same time! This leaves the investor with a smile on their face and the original seller in a grumpy mood.

As with anything, there are upsides and downsides to a lease option. For investors, it makes sense in many situations since it frees up cash flow. For people looking for a place to live and raise a family, it rarely makes sense.

Savings Accounts - Professional Advice

Summary:
When it comes to savings, you may well find yourself daunted by the sheer variety of ways to invest your money. Particularly if you find yourself with a substantial amount to invest, and are less than confident at dealing with things like the stock market, bonds and trusts, you’re likely to gain from professional expertise.


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When it comes to savings, you may well find yourself daunted by the sheer variety of ways to invest your money. Particularly if you find yourself with a substantial amount to invest, and are less than confident at dealing with things like the stock market, bonds and trusts, you’re likely to gain from professional expertise. The main issue here is trust – you want to be sure your money is being used to its full potential and whoever you entrust it to must be someone you have total confidence in.

If you have a basic understanding of how savings and investments work, however, it will be a lot easier to make judgements about the reliability and efficiency of individual advisers.

Independent Financial Advisers

Usually you will not be charged for general advice, but the adviser will gain commission when he or she sells you particular products. Don’t be afraid to ask about commissions – a good adviser should be open and transparent about such matters. They are duty bound to find out all relevant information about you and then give ‘best advice’ – which means selling you the products that are most suitable for your situation.

Accountants

Accountants normally advise on book keeping and tax, but sometimes also give advice about investments. If involved with investing, they must belong to one of the Recognised Professional Bodies responsible for regulating their business. These include the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Stockbrokers

If you are dealing on the stock market, you will need to buy and sell your shares through a broker. If you want advice on your investments, choose a traditional stockbroker. On the other hand, there are brokers that offer a dealing-only service, and this is a cheaper way to buy and sell shares. Stockbrokers charge a commission on deals, and a traditional brokers service should include advice. www.londonstockexchange.com provides detailed advice and ways to locate a broker.

The Financial Services Authority regulates all these professionals – if you are unsure about the credentials or dealings of someone check with them to verify that they are legitimate and are operating fairly. The FSA website also has details of what to do if you are unhappy with the service you’ve received from a finance professional – check www.fsa.gov.uk. Once again, the government’s advice site has sound information on the basic principles – and links to other information sites. www.direct.gov.uk

Savings Accounts – An Overview

Summary:
Being in control of your finances means not only managing your current account wisely, but planning ahead too. Although we are used to thinking we will have the welfare state to fall back on, the support offered by state benefits is far from generous.

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Being in control of your finances means not only managing your current account wisely, but planning ahead too. Although we are used to thinking we will have the welfare state to fall back on, the support offered by state benefits is far from generous - most people would struggle to exist on a basic pension alone.

Furthermore, our ageing population face an uncertain future as demographics change – by the time today’s thirty-year olds reach retirement there’s no telling how the economic situation will look. Aside from planning your retirement, you ought to have something to fall back on in case there’s a sudden change in your circumstances – how would you manage if illness or redundancy curtailed your earnings?

Although these issues are serious ones, there are many ways to ensure that you and your family will be well provided for and finding them need not be a nightmare. Start today by considering how much you can afford to put by. Be realistic, but try to allocate a fair proportion of your budget – aim to save at least 10% of your monthly income if you can. Secondly, look at your options – this guide provides a general view of some of the more common ways to save and resources for finding more information.

How you choose to save will depend on your age, circumstances and the amount you want to invest – but remember it’s never too late to start, and never too early to plan for your future. Even if you can only afford to put a small amount away every month, it could make a huge difference in the long run.

There are vast amounts of different ways to save and invest, and there are also tax benefits to take into account. In an effort to urge people to save, the government offer various incentives – such as tax-free savings plans and children’s savings accounts.

Savings accounts often attract higher interest rates than current accounts, so you could be earning money daily without expending any effort. For those willing to diversify, there are offshore accounts and investments to consider - these are explored in more detail below.

Considering your family’s financial security is often a high priority – check out the sections on children’s accounts for ideas. The last section offers ways to find more information, with listings of bodies that may be able to help you.

Finally, enjoy the feeling of taking responsibility for your own future!

Savings Accounts

Summary:
The most traditional way of saving money is through a savings account at your local bank. There are two types of savings accounts: passbook and statement. You usually don't have a choice between the two, most banks offer one or the other.

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The most traditional way of saving money is through a savings account at your local bank. There are two types of savings accounts: passbook and statement. You usually don't have a choice between the two, most banks offer one or the other.

A passbook account comes with a little booklet that you use to keep track of your deposits, withdrawals and interest. You are responsible for all of the necessary math. With a statement account, you receive a monthly or quarterly statement that details the transactions. Most savings accounts are insured up to $100,000 by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the Nation Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).

A savings account is a liquid savings, which means that you can withdraw your money at any time. Federal regulations only allow you six electronic, telephone or preauthorized transfers each month. No more than three of the transfers can be made by check, draft or debit card. But you can usually make unlimited withdrawals through the teller or ATM. Certain savings accounts have a limit of, for example, three free withdrawals per month if your balance falls under a minimum amount. Make sure that you read and understand the savings policies before you open an account.

Most savings accounts have very low balances to open an account - sometimes just a dollar is required. But they may charge a monthly maintenance fee on accounts that fall below a minimum balance, such as $100. The fee can often be as much as $10 a month, which will quickly eat up your account. If you are looking for a savings account for your children, there may be special accounts that waive or lessen the fee.

There is a big difference in the amount of interest earned on savings accounts compared to other forms of savings. Most banks pay very little interest on savings as count, often as little as 0.25%. There are higher interest payments available through high-yield savings or money market accounts that are found online. Many high-yield money market accounts allow you to write checks, though high-yield savings accounts usually won't offer that feature. There are some high-yield savings accounts that will allow you to link to your checking for faster and easier deposits and withdrawals.

Online accounts are easy to open, but aren't for everyone. Many people are concerned about entering personal information online. You may feel more comfortable being able to walk into a local bank and talk to someone face-to-face if you have a problem with your account. You simply have to weigh the customer service of a local bank with the higher interest available through an online institution.

It is highly recommended to keep an emergency fund in a savings account. You should have enough money in a savings account to pay all of your expenses for a three to six month period. You can also use the money for car repairs, insurance deductions and large appliance replacement. A savings account can often help to see you through a true emergency without ruining your financial stability.

Savings Account Is Important

Summary:
There are many different reasons that prompt people to create a savings account. You may be looking to create a savings account to have some extra money for emergencies or to save up for a vacation. Perhaps you would like to save money for your children’s college education or simply provide them a security net when they enter adulthood. Some people may create a savings account because they want to save money for retirement. All of these reasons are typical for most people. Th...

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There are many different reasons that prompt people to create a savings account. You may be looking to create a savings account to have some extra money for emergencies or to save up for a vacation. Perhaps you would like to save money for your children’s college education or simply provide them a security net when they enter adulthood. Some people may create a savings account because they want to save money for retirement. All of these reasons are typical for most people. There could be thousands of reasons that any one person opens a savings account. The problem is what type of saving account do you open? Well, first things first, you should know that the best benefit of a savings account is that they all earn interest on the money in the account. Typical interest rates are anywhere from .55% to 4.25%.

Banks usually have many different levels of savings account that all require different deposits and balances. These range from regular savings to what may be called platinum savings, money market accounts and retirement accounts. Each will have different fees, deposit and balance requirements. You will want to research different banks to find the one most suitable for your savings account needs.

The internet has made life easier for a great many people and it is no different when it comes to banking. The internet has opened the doors to many more options when it comes to a savings account. Thanks to the internet, it has never been easier to do comparison-shopping with different banks. You can shop and compare the different rates and other benefits, right in your web browser. Talk about convenience! What is even better is that the internet has now allowed people to do their banking right online, in the comfort of their own home. You should consider opening an online savings account.

By opening an online savings account, you will be able to have complete control over your money in an instant. You see, many people have turned to an online savings account because it sure beats going to the bank every time you need to check your balance, transfer money into a personal checking account or just see what transactions have occurred in your online savings account. You can have access to a statement prior to ever seeing one in the mail. In fact, many banks now offer the option of receiving your online savings account statement online or paper through the mail. The choice is yours.

An online savings account has numerous benefits. The first is being able to perform all of your banking duties right in the comfort of your home. Another benefit of an online savings account is that you eliminate or at the very least reduce trips to the bank. With an online savings account, you can check your balance, transfer money to and from another account and review your account history without ever having to leave the house. This saves you a great deal of time and money.

Save Online, Try The Online Savings Account

Summary:
Savings account is account deposited that is only intended to stay in the bank for a relatively shorter time span. This account usually offers much lower interest rates than most bank accounts. But still, like many other accounts, it accumulates interests. The rate of which is largely dependent on the conditions provided by the bank.

Savings accounts are normally maintained by commercial banks, credit unions, loans and savings associations, and some mutual savings bank th...


Article Body:
Savings account is account deposited that is only intended to stay in the bank for a relatively shorter time span. This account usually offers much lower interest rates than most bank accounts. But still, like many other accounts, it accumulates interests. The rate of which is largely dependent on the conditions provided by the bank.

Savings accounts are normally maintained by commercial banks, credit unions, loans and savings associations, and some mutual savings bank that are offering interests that can never be used as money. However, the account may be utilized by writing a check.

These accounts allow customers to use parts of their liquid assets, which may be used for any transactions. But before a savings account is used, the balances in the savings account must first be transferred to checkable deposits or transaction deposits or currency. But due to the simplicity of transferring the saving accounts, they are often termed as "money".

Though the use of checks is often not allowed, withdrawals are still easier when done using the savings accounts. The Money Market Deposit Account or the MMDAs on the other hand may restrict you on a limited number of transference of accounts and withdrawals.

With the advent of the Internet comes the development of a new system of banking- the direct-to-consumer banking system. This particularly addresses online savings accounts. Direct-to-consumer system allows direct access to savings accounts from the traditional bank online where money naturally transfers by means of electronic bank transfer. There are two types of banking institutions that create and allow this form of transaction- online-only banks and the traditional banks.

Online-only banking is the answer of the entrepreneurs to the growing consensus of the general public of who usually make banking transactions through the internet. These banks tried to accomplish what real banks have done. They offered almost the same spectrum of products that traditional banks have but offered them on consumer-friendly deals- high interest rates and low fees.

Online savings accounts often offer significantly higher rates of interest as compared to the contemporary savings account. This deal may be attributed to the fact that lesser expenses during online processing and that online market is naturally rate-sensitive.

Sadly, the majority of the consumers are not yet prepared to this new treatment in banking. This in effect, brought down most of such banks.

But by the end of year 2000, ING launched an optimized form of online-only banking. This was rather successful and brought great increase in the online banking industry. They created a much simpler savings account transaction that pays higher rates than the traditional banking. But this does not permit the use of ATM cards, checks, and other services. It was only intended as an account for which your money may be safely guarded.

For almost three years, ING had no other rivals in this system of banking. But recently, many other banking institutions have followed suit. Some were the pioneers of the online-only banking who eventually died down during the course yet returned to beat the market share ING has. Some of these banks offer the same services with that of the ING programs. Most have the same principle of high interest rates and no unnecessary frills.

One notable new entrant is the VirtualBank. This targeted the high-end techy society yet they offer much lower rates as compared to the ING Bank. Thus they gained some consumers.

Eventually, the industry expanded sometime in 2003 until 2004. And by the year 2005, savings account virtually revolutionized banking by means of online-only banking.

Ready to Sign that Lease Agreement?

Summary:
Explore the advantages of signing a lease agreement.


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Is Signing that Lease Agreement Right for You?

The real estate market is booming across the United States, especially in select areas of California as well as Las Vegas.  Even the sleepy town of Boise, Idaho is experiencing record breaking primary residential development.  Where ever you happen to live, you have probably noticed it’s not so easy to get into that coveted house you have always dreamed of, despite the favorable mortgage rates.  So what should you do?  

Lessons Learned from the Past

With such uncertainty around the real estate market, perhaps it is best to stay away from owning your own property.  Many so called experts predict the housing market in the US has finally reach bubble status, and expect that bubble to burst in the near future.  They may have submitted their predictions a bit early, but their advice should be considered.  If we learned anything from the stock market bubble and subsequent crash of 2000, we realized frequently a conservative approach to investing serves us well when uncertainty surrounds the market.

Protect yourself and consider the advantages of renting or leasing versus buying your own home.  A renter assumes far less risk by signing his/her name to a http://www.oneminutemillionaire.com/affiliate/glossary/lease-agreement.asp>lease agreement than when closing on a house.  Typically a rental agreement locks you into a contract for a short period of time, relatively speaking, during which the rental rate is locked as well.  Such a contract can protect you from the downswings of the real estate market, especially the volatility frequently demonstrated by adjustable rate mortgages.  Granted, as a renter you don’t stand to gain any equity in the house should the market turn up.  However, you also don’t expose yourself to the violent downswings in housing values wrought by an oversaturated market. Should you buy a house now and a year later need to move to pursue a new job opportunity, what happens when your realize those inflated prices you paid for your house are not so inflated anymore, and

Avoiding the Headaches of Ownership

By agreeing only to rent the dwelling, you manage to avoid many of the disadvantages associated with owning a house.  Normally the landlord is responsible for general maintenance of the flat.  Many home owners are quick to offer their stories of frustration, disappointment, and even anger when things go wrong in the house.  Pipes burst, flooding occurs, air conditioning units break during the scorching summer days of July, and heating systems fail in the dead of winter.  All these things can and will happen, setting homeowners back considerably.  Thus, as a renter you can avoid many of the major financial investments owners must make to maintain the comfort and livability provided by a dwelling.  Agreeing to a http://www.oneminutemillionaire.com/affiliate/glossary/lease-agreement.asp lease agreement helps mitigate the risks of living in a home or apartment.

Weighing your Options

A rental or http://www.oneminutemillionaire.com/affiliate/glossary/lease-agreement.asp lease agreement can offer many advantages to those of you looking for a place to live.  Ultimately, each individual must decide what is right for them.  Some are more than willing to bear the risk inherent to the housing market because they have a strong positive http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/8-26-2005-75550.asp cash flow and are in a position to endure the twists and turns of the market.

Don’t be afraid to weigh your options and consider the risks of owning versus renting.  For many, playing the game conservatively and waiting for housing prices to come back down to Earth will prove to be a successful strategy.  There is no shame in signing that lease agreement, living in an apartment for a year or two before moving on to that house you have wanted so badly.

Press Release: Why SEO Experts Should Not Use Press Releases

Summary:
Learn why your SEO company should not pay hundreds of dollars to PR companies.



Article Body:
Rumor has it that press releases are the next big thing in the SEO business, and many companies are spending top dollars trying to write the next big press release announcing the next big balloon breaking technology. But is this really the next big thing?

By definition, a Press Release is a kind of news item released by the company on whom the news is being reported. As such, you will have to compete with all the other press releases and hope that your will get picked up.

Why Will Your Press Release Be Trashed?
1) Unless you are writing a press release about Microsoft, Adobe, Sony or one of the other mega-companies, or at least about a company that is relatively well known, forget about it. Journalists and news editors receive thousands of press releases a day and there is no way that they will waste more than a quick glance. So why should you pay a company seven to eight hundred dollars for them sending your press release to thousands of editors and journalists when they are going to junk it anyway?

2) Unless you are announcing a truly revolutionary product or technology (which I assume you are not since you are only interested in using the professionally paid and written press release to boost your search engine rankings), whatever you make up or announce such as some new free deal or new portal offering something unique, your chances of being picked up are very slim. Yes, the PR companies will tell you that they have vast experience in writing Press Releases that will make yours stand out and get picked up but this is not accurate. The only way your PR is going to get picked up is if it truly is something out of the ordinary or something that no one has ever thought off.

3) Unless you plan to spend millions of dollars and then just by sheer volume your site will go ahead in the search engines, this is not a good option. Why? If you send a large number of press releases then these will be placed on the different PR companies websites main page. Since most of these home pages have a very high page rank, your site will get a boost. The question is whether this boost is worth the large amount of money you will put into the PR companies pocket. No it is not. Use that money to buy (though I do not recommend this) links from high-ranked websites and you will pay less and receive more benefit.

4) Any press release, even if it has been accepted, will remain on the different pages for just a short time, making the time and effort and even more so the amount of money you paid fruitless.

Conclusion:
A press release is useful if you wish to contact the press and maybe get some free publicity, but it is of no use if you wish to use it as a tool in order to advance your website in the search engines.

Personal Accounts – Clever Ways To Manage Your Account

Summary:
Once you’ve found the right bank and the right account, you may be tempted to rest on your laurels. However, if you want to make the most of your money, you need to give it regular attention. The world of finance is changing continually, with new offers and opportunities cropping up every season. To take advantage of them, you need to keep your finger on the pulse.

Not only should you keep a flexible approach, but be prepared to do a bit of research to keep abreast of the...

Article Body:
Once you’ve found the right bank and the right account, you may be tempted to rest on your laurels. However, if you want to make the most of your money, you need to give it regular attention. The world of finance is changing continually, with new offers and opportunities cropping up every season. To take advantage of them, you need to keep your finger on the pulse.

Not only should you keep a flexible approach, but be prepared to do a bit of research to keep abreast of the latest financial news. You don’t need to be a stockbroker to read the money pages - most of the Sunday papers carry a finance section aimed at the average person. The internet can also be a good source of up-to-the-minute articles – check Yahoo or the BBC in their ‘personal finance’ sections.

As well as keeping an eye on the money market, you should have a clear idea of how your accounts work. Stay abreast of any direct debits and standing orders – paying bills by monthly instalments can save the hassle of posting cheques, spread the cost of services, and you will often gain from special discounts if you pay this way. However, monthly payments can cause problems if you don’t have enough cash in your account – charges for going over your agreed overdraft can be nasty and are money down the drain. Try to arrange for direct debits to come off around the same time – a few days after pay day is usually a good time, and you’ll often be able to choose which date. When budgeting, aim to plan for the whole year rather than just from month-to-month.

Credit card companies will offer introductory rates to new customers – if you don’t mind changing cards every six months or so you can avoid paying high rates of interest. Look for 0% APR offers on balance transfers and especially those that do not charge a balance transfer fee.

If you have debts, (and these days almost everybody does to some degree) make sure that you are on top of them. The worst thing you can do is ignore them – make sure you know what you owe, and how much interest you are paying. It might be a good idea to consolidate debts – for example converting credit card balances into a low-interest loan or second mortgage. Allocate as much as you can comfortably afford to pay each month, and stick to it. If you are struggling with debt, contact your debtors. They will often be able to help you plan your repayments, and will certainly be more understanding if you keep in touch.

Citizen’s Advice Bureau (http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/macnn/) can offer support and advice, as can National Debtline (http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/): Freephone 0808 808 4000.

Open More Than One Account

Summary:
If you are looking for a way to save money, but always find yourself dipping into your funds, try opening up more than one account at your bank.

By having more than one account you will be able to keep your money separated, which will help you avoid spending cash that you should not be touching. Of course this can all be done with one account and some self control, but it is not always that easy. By having an account for many different reasons, you will be able to keep you...

Article Body:
If you are looking for a way to save money, but always find yourself dipping into your funds, try opening up more than one account at your bank.

By having more than one account you will be able to keep your money separated, which will help you avoid spending cash that you should not be touching. Of course this can all be done with one account and some self control, but it is not always that easy. By having an account for many different reasons, you will be able to keep your money separated, and only withdraw funds from the appropriate account.

The first account that you will want to set up is a savings account. You should put money into this account and never touch it unless you are in an absolute emergency. Savings accounts will also earn you interest depending on how much money you keep in the account. This will give you an incentive to keep as much money as possible in your account.

Next, you will want to have a checking account that you can use to pay any bills that you may have. This way, you will know exactly how much money you have available each month for your bills. By having a checking account you will also ensure yourself of never having to go into your savings to pay bills.

Also, many people have found it to be very beneficial to start a personal account where they keep money that they only use for leisure. By doing this, you will be able to keep track of how much money you spend on things outside of bills. This will also help you to learn to budget your money more efficiently.

You can also open a separate account for any special items that you are saving for. If you want to take a dream vacation, why not open an account for this? Then you will be able to put a certain amount of money into the account every month in order to reach your goal. Many people overlook this type of account, but it offers many benefits and advantages.

Overall, having a number of different bank accounts is a great idea. This will allow you to easily control your spending and saving. You should open as many accounts as you need in order to keep your finances organized. By doing this you will soon find out that you are more organized than ever before.

open an online savings account today

Summary:
Article that tells you why it is so important to have savings accounts and reasons why you can not be without one also tells you how to go about opening such an account.


Article Body:
Open an Online Savings Account
With the popularity of the internet many financial institutions are beginning to see that they can offer their customers many different options. There are several financial institutions that have decided that they can give their customers more services because they have cut their overheads by operating completely online. Using an online bank is often times much better than using your local banking branch, and when you open an online savings account you will find that the fees are much less and the interest rate  is much higher which puts extra money in your pocket.
One of the first questions or concerns that many consumers have is when you open an online savings account is your money safe? The answer is yes; if they are FDIC insured that means that your money in an online savings account is insured by the federal government just as it would be in your local bank. It also has the limits of $100,000 per depositor.

The next question is usually how do I actually open an online savings account? It is very easy, you go online and decide which banking institution you would like to use. They will then have an application to fill out which will include all your personal information. Once you submit the application they will then print it all out and mail it to you to be signed.

When they mail your application anyone that will be a signer on the account will have to sign the application and signature card in the appropriate places. They will then ask you to include a photocopy of all the signers' driver licenses. This is due to the changes in bank laws after 9/11. At this time you will then include your deposit, and as with any transaction done through the mail, do not send cash.
Once they have received your deposit they will send you your checks or debit cards to access your savings account. Most of the online banks give you one or two free times to use an ATM machine to access your funds without charging you a fee, check the terms and details of your account to make sure.

Depositing money is also a question that most people have with online savings account. You can deposit your money three ways. First you can mail in a check for deposit, make sure it is indorsed "for deposit only" and mail it certified. You can also have money direct deposited from your employer; just fill out the proper forms that your employer will give you. Next you can transfer money online from any other banking account, there is usually a limit of how much you can transfer and the bank you are taking the money from usually charges a fee.

If you want to save and earn a higher interest rate then your local bank can offer, open an online savings account. Your money is safe, easy to access and will earn you a higher rate of interest and accrue fewer fees than with a standard local bank.

open an online savings account

Summary:
Article that explain what different savings accounts you get and how it all works.Gives you options to take and is full of advice hints and tips to use before opening a savings account.This site explaines that it is safe to open an online savings accountand how you should go about opening your savings account online.

Article Body:
It is quite noticeable that our global market have made great advancements towards greater technology. One of the major contributions of the technological progress is online banking. Several banking institutions offer

online banking options and one of the most popular choices of online banking is creating an Internet savings account.What are Internet saving accounts exactly? Well, Internet savings accounts are the alternative to an instant savings account. If you create an Internet savings account then it is linked to your

normal checking account, thereby giving you an easy access from your online savings account to your checking account. By virtue of this, the money that you deposit in your checking account can be easily transferred to your savings account and vice versa. This can be done either online or via phone.Owing to the low overhead costs, there are several financial organizations that offer higher interest rates to the Internet savings account holder and this is the biggest reason why more and more people are opening an Internet
savings account for themselves and their families.So, if you are still in two minds about opening an Internet savings account, take my advice, go for it. Not only you will enjoy higher interest rates ( compared to what you get with a traditional saving account) but also you will be entitled to lots of other benefits. Read on to find out what they are.

The renowned online bankers offer perks to the online account holders in order to stay ahead of the ever growing competition in the banking industry. The perks include lucrative investment options, checks, debit cards, various loan options etc.One thing you must know about Internet savings account is that the interest
rate is calculated on a daily basis, paid monthly and can vary from day to day. The biggest advantage of having such a savings account is that you can have free access to your account from the very comfort of your own bedroom at any time you want. Yes you don't have to worry about commuting to your bank, standing in the queue to monitor your account.Internet savings accounts are ideal for people who want to save their hard earned money. The best thing about creating an online savings account is that you can open your account with as low as one dollar (which is not possible, if you want to open traditional bank accounts)It's true that there are no time restrictions as to when you can deposit or withdraw money from your Internet account, however, bear in mind that there is no interest on the full balance account in the month when you withdraw
money from your account. Since these accounts are all on the Internet, so it doesn't matter where you are based. Therefore, an internet savings account saves you from the hurdle of going through all the formal procedures of closing or transferring an account(like what you have to with a traditional bank account)when you are relocating.To conclude, an Internet savings account is the best option to multiply your savings in a short span of time. So go ahead and open an Internet savings account today and enjoy the luxury of a mobile bank account to last you a lifetime through.