Archive for February, 2010

Small Business Start Up Loans


13 Feb 2010

While the current economy has made starting a small business harder than ever, many people are considering venturing out on their own. A job loss or fears regarding job security may push a thought into action, but regardless of the motivation, learning how to access the funds to start your own small business is a critical first step. Where to get small business start up loans may depend upon how much you need, your credit, and what you intend to do.

The first place to start if you are considering a small business loan is sba.gov. The Small Business Administration offers resources for new entrepreneurs, including information about start up loans and financing. Once you have a basis of knowledge, you are ready to move on to considering your financing needs in more detail.

Make a business plan. This is a critical step, and no one will offer you small business financing without a plan. Consult entrepreneur.com for assistance with your business plan. Find out what legal steps are necessary to protect your home and assets when starting up your business and taking out small business loans.

Full Article…

Posted by admin No Comments

Tags: Small Business Start

Credit cards: Know your rights, know your rates


12 Feb 2010

A week from today, the federal Credit CARD Act kicks in, promising to alleviate the pain these slick pieces of plastic have become.
 
U.S. credit card use, 2007 Families with a credit card: 73 percent

Families with a credit card balance: 46 percent

Average balance per card-carrying family: $7,300

Increase in average balance since 2004: 30 percent
Source: Federal Reserve Board Survey of Consumer Finances

Outstanding revolving debt:
The nation’s total balance of revolving debt, almost all of which is on credit cards, shrunk 9 percent year-over-year in December, adjusted for inflation. That’s still 137 percent higher than December 1989 levels.

December 2009: $866 billion
December 2008: $954 billion
December 1999: $786 billion
December 1989: $365 billion
December 1979: $158 billion
December 1969: $21 billion

*All amounts adjusted to 2009 dollars

Source: Federal Reserve Board Congress passed the law in May. Full Article…

Posted by admin No Comments

Tags: Credit Credit Cards

Buying Local on a Large Scale


09 Feb 2010

“Buy local” campaigns normally encourage consumers to shop at small downtown stores—the funky café, indie bookseller, or boutique grocer. Getting big institutions to switch to local suppliers has rarely been part of the equation.

But small business groups and economic developers are beginning to push big buyers like governments, universities, and hospitals to see what goods and services they can purchase locally. Advocates say a small shift in spending by these organizations can yield a profound benefit for small businesses in their communities.

In Cleveland, some of the city’s largest institutions have committed to buying more of their goods and services from local suppliers. The plan, five years in the making, aims to build new businesses, jobs, and long-term wealth in the low-income neighborhoods that surround the Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University, and University Hospitals, a four-square-mile area known as Greater University Circle. Together, those institutions purchase $3 billion annually in goods and services, and most of that money leaves the neighborhood where their campuses are. Re

Full Article…

Posted by admin No Comments

Tags: Local Local Large

Grocery shopping for a family of 4 on less than $100 a week.


09 Feb 2010

FOODday showed us Tuesday how to feed a family well on a limited income. A weekly food stamp benefit for a family of four is about $96 a week. Writer Leslie Cole learns strategy from Ellen Damaschino, an instructor with Share Our Strength, a national organization that works to prevent childhood hunger.

How to feed a family of four for a week on less than a hundred bucks

Also from FOODday, Going Vegan at WinCo.

Posted by admin No Comments

Tags: Week

Social Media Is Nothing New


09 Feb 2010

Social media has always been with us.

Who hasn’t recommended a product to a neighbor, received a tip from a colleague, or asked for a referral from a friend? From grocery store aisles to cocktail party asides, the “social media” we’ve commonly called word-of-mouth or relationship marketing have always been the most trusted form of outreach.

In the last few years, however, a dramatic transformation has taken place in this oldest and most effective form of media. It’s been a cause for celebration for many, confusion for others, and consternation for a few. What it should not be to anyone, however, is surprising. It’s the same transformation that has happened to industry after industry, from computers to cars, televisions to telecommunications.

Social media has gone digital.

As in every other industry, the digital dimension has made an exponential difference in social media. There’s no reason to be confused or intimidated by all the talk about Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and the like. They’re just like every other time-honored form of social media, except they’re online.

Full Article…

Posted by admin No Comments

Tags: Media Social Media

Holiday Credit Card Debt


08 Feb 2010

Happy Groundhog Day, Queercents readers! It is I, your friendly neighborhood vlogger, back from hiatus with a new blog post on holiday credit card debt.

I know the holidays are long gone, but if you’re young and just went through your first holiday season without school as an excuse, you probably racked up the charges on your card. It’s okay. I wouldn’t recommend doing it again, but it’s understandable. You’re not alone! Millions of others do the same thing. The only thing is, millions of others are in credit card debt and don’t save any money. Don’t be like that! Nurture the sugar daddy within. And please, f

Full Article…

Posted by admin No Comments

Tags: Card Debt Credit Card Credit Card Debt Debt

Driving To Mexico: Take A Few Precautions And Be Safe!


07 Feb 2010

Mexican Insurance Store:Mexican Auto Insurance Blog Review Current Mexico Travel Tips andCompare Best Quality Mexico Insurance Quotes Online in minutes!

Before you drive to Mexico, take some time and see what the U.S. Department of State has to say about your intended travel destination in Mexico (online at Travel.State.Gov, which also gives numbers you can call). You can find out many essential details about entry and exit requirements, hotspots to avoid, what sorts of rules and regulations will be encountered, much more. The general advise and experience is heading south to the border enter during the day.

Before the adventure begins you must purchase Mexican Auto Insurance, as your US and Canadian car insurance policies are not valid. This Driving To Mexico: Take A Few Precautions And Be Safe info is brought to you by Mexican Insurance Store, best quality Mexico auto insurance at affordable rates! For more information on Mexico Car Insurance visit Mexico Insurance Online.

Personal safety includes an informed awareness of your surroundings, and of the obvious dos and donts.

Full Article…

Posted by admin No Comments

Tags: Take Take Precautions

You Don’t Need Good Credit for a Mortgage Modification


06 Feb 2010

And, contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be in default on your mortgage either. What you DO need is a hardship that is not your fault (and you can prove it), and enough income to make a modified mortgage payment.  If you qualify for the Home Affordable Modification Program, you should apply — it’s like a free refinance and your interest rate could drop to as low as 2%.

This Is HAMP Help

Here’s what you need to be eligible to apply for a trial mortgage modification:

  • The home must be your primary residence;
  • Your mortgage is less than or equal to $729,750;
  • You must have obtained your mortgage before January 1, 2009;
  • Your housing expense,  including principal, interest, property taxes, HOA dues, and insurance, must exceed 31% of your gross monthly income;
  • Stable and sufficient income to make a modified payment (even unemployment compensation can be counted); and
  • Here’s the biggie — you need to PROVE that you have a hardship — either a mondo reduction in income or ginormous increase in expenses that was beyond your control (not the result of buying a stupid RV or boat).

If you are eligible, call your lender and start your paperwork. You’ll have com

Full Article…

Posted by admin No Comments

Tags: Don’t Need Mortgage

Page 2 of 3«123»