2 Important ways in which consolidation of credit card debts can be done
Posted on January 31st, 2011
If multiple credit card debt is what bothers you, then you must have considered various debt solutions that can help you get rid of this problem. One such solution is credit card consolidation. Under this process all your multiple bills are combined together to form a single debt that you need to pay towards. This method can be availed if you are not having any difficulty in making the minimum payments towards all your bills.
There are various ways in which you can consolidate your credit card bills. Out of all these ways there are two ways that must be known as they are the most important ones. These ways in which you can consolidate your credit card debts are as follows.
1. Taking out a debt consolidation loan: In order to pay off all your debts you can take out a debt consolidation loan. With this loan you can pay off all your debts and then pay only towards this loan. One of the greatest advantages that taking out a debt consolidation loan provides you with is that you get the loan at a very low rate of interest.
Tags: Card, Credit Card
No Comments »
International Travel: How to Budget Wisely
Posted on January 27th, 2011
Last month, I shared with you how to tackle airfare, which is the most expensive item in most itineraries. In my case, Vietnam and Thailand are really affordable—flights accounted for 80% of the final trip cost. With my visa, immunizations and plane tickets in tow, I could then figure out the rest. In fact, because my destination was so affordable and the US dollar went a long way, I had a new challenge: how to spend wisely so I got the most out of the trip.
Here’s some lessons on planning an itinerary so you’re satisfied at the end:
• Stick to what matters to you. Narrow down your general idea of the trip—from “outdoorsy,” “urban,” or “eco-friendly,” to specifics. In my case, I narrowed my goal from “cultural” to “see everyday life unfold.” That made me cross off luxury hotels and nightclubs, which are devoted to foreigners. Instead, I dove into the throng of locals at nighttime food festivals. Instead of spending time on s
Another Way To Protect Your Income Tax Refund When You File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Posted on January 26th, 2011
At this time of year, many people filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy lose their not-yet-received income tax refund to the bankruptcy trustee.
The generally applied rule here in eastern Oklahoma is that if a person files his income tax return, then files Chapter 7 bankruptcy before he receives his income tax refund, the Chapter 7 trustee will likely demand turn over of the refund (except for any portion due to the earned income credit) when the debtor receives it if the refund is of a significant amount (generally $1,500 or more).
This is why I always make sure that my clients who expect to receive an income tax refund know that they need to get their refund in hand and spend it on reasonable and necessary expenses before filing their bankruptcy case.
Tags: Bankruptcy, Income Tax, Income Tax Refund, Tax Refund
No Comments »
Interpreter Service Available For Debtors At First Meeting of Creditors (341 Meeting)
Posted on January 16th, 2011
Recently I filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy for a Chinese client who speaks little English. I’ve been able to represent this client effectively since our initial consultation thanks to a former client of mine who has graciously been present at every meeting and during every telephone call in order to interpret for me and my client and therefore bridge our language barrier.
When my client and I attend the First Meeting of Creditors (341 Meeting) in a few weeks, where my client will be placed under oath and questioned by the Chapter 7 trustee, we will use a telephonic interpretation service to bridge the language barrier between my client and the trustee.
The United States Trustee Program recently began a Language Assistance Program (“LAP”), which provides telephonic interpreter services at 341 meetings (First Meeting of Creditors) for debtors with limited English proficiency. Interpreter services are available in as many as 196 languages. Debto Read more…
Credit and Homelessness
Posted on January 13th, 2011
Talk about a homeless man from Ohio? Check out these links. Armstrong and Getty were making fun of him on the radio today, 3 days in a row, yes that is THREE.
Included is a video project I started during the summer. This morning he was on the Today Show again, that’s twice and he not only got a gig as a disc jockey, but got hired as the voice of the Cavalier’s Basketball team, he has a new home and a mortgage, meaning that he is re-establishing credit, and he has job offers from all around the world. What probably started out as someone making fun out of videoing a homeless guy led to changing his world.
Did you that the surveys already done say that most Americans are living 1 paycheck away from homelessness? We may potentially have an ever increasing number of homeless as more and more people lose their homes, having to move into apartments which will displace those already in apartments because, even though someone has lost their home and has mortgage lates, they will have a better credit score than someone who has never had a mortgage and since the decision to rent is based on the credit score, someone will get turned away.
Should You Say Yes to Extended Warranties?
Posted on January 12th, 2011
Last weekend, I went to my local mattress store to look for a new bed. And after a little negotiation, I ended up with a middle-of-the-road model for a pretty good price. At check out, the sales rep offered me a $100 extended warranty on my new bed for “added peace of mind.” I was paying with my credit card—so was peace of mind already covered? Did I really need an extended warranty? You’ve probably found yourself in the same situation. Before your next big purchase, here are a few things to consider:
1. Your card provisions. Most major credit card providers offer an extended warranty on purchases, so it’s a good idea to know what your provider covers. If your card has you covered, there’s no need to shell out cash for the same, or similar, protection.
2. Product quality. Most new furniture and electronics are in good condition, and work as they are supposed to. If you’ve d
How to Host a Holiday Party on a Budget
Posted on December 14th, 2010
I was especially interested in doing the research for this post, because my boyfriend and I are hosting a holiday/birthday party in a just a few weeks. Since I love entertaining, it’s really easy for me to go overboard with party expenses—party decorations, fancy beverages, amazing hors d’oeuvres—you get the idea. My parties start out with a low-key plan and get pricey fast.
But you can make a party fun, original, classy, memorable, festive—whatever you’re going for—without spending the big bucks. Here’s how:
• Keep it simple. The food that is. Think appetizers and finger foods instead of main dishes. Hummus, peppers, olives and pita slices is one option. So is cheese and crackers. You’ll find lots of fancy but cost-conscious appetizer ideas here.
• Calling all cooks. There are always those dorks who love nothing better than to spend the afternoon making an awesome dish for a party. I know because I am one. It doesn’t need to be a full-blown potluck for you to have select friends who love to cook bring something special.
• Drink cheaply and be merry. When it comes to beverages, don’t feel the need to go out and buy all of the bells and whistles. Instead, pick a few signature drinks (punch, hot cider, egg nog) to offer and have some guests bring juice, beer or any other beverages you’d like to offer. When buying ingredients for your signature drinks, discount stores are a host’s best friend.
• A little ambiance goes a long way. You’re just dying to go out and drop $100 bucks on strings of lights, poinsettias, balloons and more, aren’t you? Well, you can cut that down to $20 and still set the mood. A few candles, a red table cloth and a large vase or bowl filled with red ball ornaments would do the trick. Hopefully you have a few of those things to start—the rest you can find at a craft or discount store for cheap.
Keep these tips in mind as you prep for your party and you’ll be off to a great start. Remember: people don’t need to have the most expensive foods, drinks and decorations to have an awesome time. In fact, they aren’t likely to notice the difference. Make the planning process even easier with this Entertainment Planning Calculator.
—Liz R.
Tags: Party, Party Budget
No Comments »