Business and Financial News

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.

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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

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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.

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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

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Unum Group just released its quarterly earnings report for the end of 2009 that proudly trumpets the company’s “favorable operating trends and solid capital position.” President and CEO of Unum is quoted saying “the actions we have taken (sic) the past several years have positioned us well and provide us with significant operating and financial flexibility.” While that may make the company’s shareholders happy, it doesn’t do much for the UNUM long term disability insurance policyholders whose claims are being delayed and denied. When an insurance company does not pay its policyholders, or instills a company-wide policy, unspoken or otherwise, of denying claims, it’s considerably easier to show healthy profits.

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