The Amazing Rate

After graduating from college, students have an average of $20,400 of debt that they need to worry about. Consolidating student loans can be helpful if you have a large balance across multiple lenders, but it’s important to know the pros and cons of consolidating before taking that step.

Consolidating can help you lock in a low interest rate. Now, interest rates are at all-time lows, so it’s the perfect time to consolidate. In the coming years, interest rates will be on the rise. Consolidation also makes managing debt much easier. Combing a large number of loans into one allows you to reduce the amount you have to pay each month and increases your repayment period. In the long run, it can also raise your credit score by reducing the number of open accounts on your credit report. If you pay on time consistently, you can also get special deals on consolidation.

There are also risks in consolidating. Consolidating can increase the overall cost of your loan by increasing your long term interest costs. If you can afford to repay your loans quickly, consolidating is not a good idea. Consolidation requirements can also be tough. Your loans must be from select lenders, your total amount must exceed $10,000, you must have graduated or left school already, and you must not be in default on your loans. In the end, consolidation may not be your best option. Government programs exist that help you pay back your loans or have them forgiven. Research all your options before settling for consolidation.

Writing about ourselves is never easy, especially when we know our prospective employers will be the ones reading what we wrote. So what can we write that will get us a step ahead of the competition?

Many employers look for result oriented qualifications. Describe what you did to help increase productivity, efficiency, or profit margin. Merely listing job duties as opposed to writing how your performance contributed to the company’s bottom line is a major no-no. Instead of writing that you answered phone calls, write that you assisted in a marketing campaign that increased business by 20 percent. Quantifying your accomplishments gives your resume a competitive edge.

Avoid mentioning fast food joints. The best resumes get straight to the point, and mentioning that you managed 10 people at a Pizza Hut is a turn off to employers. Get to the point: focus on the managerial experience and drop the rest. Non-related information, such as fast food experience, is unnecessary and takes up space. Experts say employers take five to ten seconds glancing at a resume for the first time. Write things that’ll grab the employer’s attention from the get go and avoid filler.

When it comes to style, there is a debate over whether a resume should be one page or two. Anabelle Louie, an executive at One Step Resume Service in San Francisco says that if you’re turning in a resume online, stick to one page. If you’re handing it in personally, taking up two pages is not a bad thing. If it takes two pages to write all your accomplishments, take two pages. However, most experts agree on other resume writing tips. Don’t use strange fonts (especially if they’re hard to read), leave plenty of white space at the top, and use a bulleted format. Using words and phrases specific to the field in which you are applying is a plus, but avoid spelling errors at all costs.

Applying for a loan can be a stressful and confusing hassle. Applying online, however, can take a lot of the stress out and simplify the entire loan process. With just a few rules to remember when applying for a loan online, you can be on your way to financial recovery.
1.    Firstly, do your research. Banks offer a variety of options when it comes to loans. Research interest rates, loan rates, and use a loan calculator to figure out how much you should apply for, and for how long.

2.    Also research where you get your loan. Although applying for a loan online is not much different than applying for one in person, some online loan companies offer different loan rates for online customers. Make sure the company you choose is safe and secure.

3.    Apply online. Most loan applications are simple to fill out; answer a few personal questions, a few loan questions, and a few employment and financial questions, and you’re done.

4.    Expect confirmation of your loan via email, telephone, and/or mail. If you apply with a major bank, you may be contacted by an Account Executive to discuss loan options in about one business day.
And that’s it! Apply one day, and have your money by the next. So if you’re thinking about a loan, why not try an online loan? It’s fast, easy, and convenient.

Are you thinking of starting your own home business? While it’s possible to achieve success with an at-home business, it is also rare. You must have the know-how to run a business, as well as the creativity it takes to make that business a successful one. Here are a few tips on how you can become the owner of a successful at-home business.

Have an idea.

An initial idea is the foundation of all home businesses. Whether you’ve invented something, improved something, or have a valuable service to offer, your idea must meet a need that is not being met.

Assess your skills.

Do you have the means to meet this need? An understanding of the market is necessary in order for any business to thrive. If you’re good with numbers or good at marketing and networking then your business is more likely to take off.

Put your skills to use.

Begin figuring out the costs of running your business, find investors (if your business calls for it), and run the hypotheticals that can potentially affect your business. Would your business be computer-run? Would you need workers? Would it survive a natural disaster, or other loss of software/hardware? How would you distribute what you’re selling? Use your skills and find answers to these questions.

Make a profit.

How much would people be willing to pay for what you provide? If your idea is profitable, and if you can receive sufficient income from it, then your home business is a go.

Has housing prices finally hit the bottom?   According to a CNNMoney article – we may have finally reached there.

The Commerce Department reported Wednesday that new-home sales rose almost 5% last month after hitting their lowest point ever in January.

Most saavy investors are now taking the plunge, as home loans and refinances are at all time lows (Below 5% last week ) and the incentives from the government dont hurt either!

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US news asked the question this week;

“Will teaching Money Management Skills in School during the recession help students understand the fundamentals?

We at TheAmazingRate believe this current recession is a great time to teach your kids about the lessons of Money Management.  Many surveys and studies have shown American students’ poor grasp of personal finance and have now started teaching the fundamentals of balancing a check book.   Many have no idea how paying the minimum payments on a credit card can push payments up for years.

PayDay Loans can also help free up money for Credit Card payments, or for additional bills.

Taking Online Courses or have students start early with College level courses can help break the gap between real world knowledge and book smarts.

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