Category: Budgeting

Free Yourself From Beneath the Mountain of Debt

debt heapsBeing stranded beneath the mountain of debt is a pretty scary place to be. You don’t know what’s going to happen, and you can’t see a way out. But, you need to try to make sure you follow this advice and give yourself a chance of escaping.

Start Budgeting

You need to start getting serious with your finances now. Organization is a big part of climbing the ladder out of the pit of debt. If you’re not someone who is particularly organized when it comes to finances, then you need to work on this. Get on your computer and start making a budget and spreadsheet. Yes, it sounds like the least fun in the world, but it is really going to help you when it comes to the nitty gritty.

Consolidate

The main thing you need to try to focus on to get debt free is to consolidate. Now, there are a few ways you can do this. You might consider entering into an IVF or joining forces with a diet consolidation company. Or, you might prefer to take a look at unsecured loans and choose one that you can use to consolidate and pay off all the debt. Don’t think that just because you’re in debt at the moment you can’t use a loan like this to help you. It’s important to put all your debt together and try to get rid of it in one payment. And a personal loan gives you the chance to do this.

Talk to the Experts

You know you don’t have to face this debt alone, right? Okay, so you might not want to talk to your friends and family about it. But, you should certainly speak to experts who have dealt with this before. Following expert advice to get your finances back on track is so important. You will have questions that need to be answered. And financial experts can provide you with this peace of mind as much as possible. Talk to professionals, and ask for guidance in getting free from your debt. They may well be able to refer you to a consolidation program.

Stop Spending!

It seems pretty obvious to suggest that if you want to climb out of debt, you need to stop spending. But, you’d be surprised how many people don’t actually follow this advice. You need to curb your spending habits as much as possible if you want to get out of this sticky situation. That means cutting back and only spending what you absolutely have to. Avoid the frivolous luxury purchases, and only spend money on what you actually need. If you’re struggling with this, that’s what you can use your budgeting to help you out with!

Sinking into debt can be quite alarming, and yet so many of us fall victim. It’s so easy to get into a downward spiral and become unable to dig yourself out of the debt you’re in. That’s why it helps to have advice like this you can follow to try to get yourself debt-free.

Why You Should Consider Using Short Term Loans to Fix Your Budgeting Woes

putting your budget intact with loansTabling your household budget can be pretty tough on a good day, when your income covers all of your expenditures. But when you’re attempting to create a financial plan and the cost of your expenses outweigh your pay (and your savings), you can wonder how you’ll make ends meet. Unfortunately, you can’t blame your budgeting woes on dyscalculia or irresponsibility; sometimes the only reason why you’re in the red is because of bad luck. All you need are too many bills with overlapping due dates with not enough pay, and you’ll be struggling to create a budget that works. Luckily, there are helpful options out there that can help you get your finances back on track, like short-term loans from reputable direct online lenders.

What’s a Short-Term Loan?

Loans with this title have a fixed repayment schedule. Many of them are considered payday loans because they require full repayment by the time of your next paycheck. The best options for payday loans have low barriers for entry, which means you can acquire them quickly and easily, regardless of your credit rating. Many of these lenders, which includes MoneyKey, don’t look at your credit at all. As long as you’re an American citizen over the age of the majority with proof of income, a bank account, and an email address, short-term loans are a convenient and viable way to access the cash that you need. They’re extremely useful in situations when you need money as soon as possible – when surprise bills or repairs require payment according to a tight schedule.

Why Use a Direct Online Lender?

The Internet has simplified most areas of our lives, so it only makes sense that it has helped to streamline the process of acquiring loans, too. Now you don’t need to travel to a brick and mortar lender to get the money that you need. There are direct online lenders, such as MoneyKey, that offer all of the same services online. You can fill out their online application directly from their website, submitting the information mentioned above and get an online payday loan from Moneykey.com. By virtue of being processed online, you’ll receive a more immediate response to your application. As opposed to waiting weeks for a person to call or schedule a meeting about your funds, direct online lenders will notify you instantly of your qualification, and you’ll receive your small dollar loan within one business day should your application be approved.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

Though short-term loans are a convenient way to getting the money you need, it’s not always easy to get a product that reflects your financial capabilities. There are some lending companies that offer small dollar loans with unmanageable rates, terms, and conditions that make their financial products difficult to repay. They do this on purpose in hopes you’ll rollover your payments to incur late penalties and more interest. State governments have stepped into limit these lenders abilities to scam consumers by introducing laws and regulations limiting the rates, terms, and conditions of lawful small dollar loans. Make sure the direct online lender you turn to for assistance can provide their state licensing to prove their financial products are in accordance with the law.

Find a loan that has a repayment schedule you can manage, and you’ll have the financial assistance that will help you pay for your surprise expenses without putting your budget into flux. While you shouldn’t rely on these products month to month, they act as a pinch hitter when your income fails to cover your expenses.

NPS Assets Investment Crosses Rs 1 Lakh Crore Mark

asset investments ideasThe National Pension System (NPS) is a voluntary defined contribution plan for retirement income. Individuals aged between 18 and 60 years can open a Tier I and Tier II account. They need to contribute a minimum amount of INR 6,000 per annum to the Tier I NPS account.

The contribution is invested among different asset classes, such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and equities. Contributors can indicate their investment choice to maximize their returns on investments.

Although the NPS was launched in 2009, it did not gain much popularity initially. Individuals shied away from investing in the NPS because of its complexity and a general lack of clarity related to their contributions.

However, in the previous year’s Budget, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley took a huge step towards increasing the popularity of this tax saving investments plan. He made contributions of up to INR 50,000 tax deductible under the section 80 CCD (1B) of the Income Tax Act. This deduction was over and above the existing benefit available for investments up to INR 1.5 lakhs under the section 80 CCE. This offers individuals a total tax deduction benefit of INR 2 lakhs under sections 80 CCD (1) and 80 CCD (1B).

As a result, an increased number of investors started investing in the National Pension System. Assets under management for the NPS crossed INR 1 lakh crores for the first time since the launch of this tax saving scheme.

Working of the NPS

Individual subscribers

They can open their NPS accounts with any of the “Point of Presence (POP)” appointed by the regulatory authority, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). They need to fill and submit the Common Subscriber Registration Form (CRSF) to the POP along with KYC documents and initial contribution. On successfully opening an account, users receive a Welcome Kit comprising the Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) card and other related documentation. The PRAN is unique for each subscriber and portable, giving you flexibility even if you change your job or location.

Tier I is the pension account while Tier II is the investment account. Withdrawals from Tier I accounts are limited and help to create the retirement corpus. Tier II is a voluntary investment facility and the amounts from this account can be withdrawn without any limitations.

Corporate subscribers

The corporate model for this tax saving scheme was made available from December 2011. It was customized to suit the requirements of different companies and employees. The NPS is an option offered for providing additional retirement benefits to the personnel, and can be made mandatory by the companies for their employees.

Companies can join this tax saving investments scheme through the POP. Employers who contribute to this pension plan on behalf of their employees also receive tax advantages, which make it attractive for them. Companies can claim such benefits for an amount that is up to 10% of the employees’ salaries (basic + dearness allowance) through deduction as business expenses.

3 Things You Must Do Before Moving To London

moving to londonLondon is one of the most sought after places to live on the planet. People from all corners of the world would love the chance to live in this energetic and vibrant city. Whether you’re moving closer to your family or for your job, living in London is unlike anywhere in the world. You have incredible shopping destinations, endless culture and fabulous entertainment right on your doorstep. But due to it’s popularity, buying a home in London can be challenging. From high house prices to finding a suitable area, there is plenty of things you must consider. To make the process easier, there are three things you must do first.

Do your homework

London is an enormous city that is full of different boroughs all of which have their own unique qualities. Use accommodation search engines, talk to friends and search on Google to establish which boroughs might appeal to you. Do plenty of research into each one including property types, transport links and local entertainment. The house prices will also vary from borough to borough and how close you want to live to the city centre. So find out what the average prices are as this will help you budget and plan ahead. If you have a family, you should also research what schools, parks and attractions are in each borough too. This should help you choose some viable places to start your search.

Visit the city

It’s not alway wise to move somewhere you have never been before. So if you have never visited London before, you should always take the time to do so before moving here. You may find that city life is not for you after all or that the areas you can afford to buy in aren’t what you thought they would be like. If you have visited before, you should still visit again but from the perspective of a buyer not a tourist. You can spend your visit contacting Canary Wharf estate agents or viewing potential properties. Try to fit in as many viewings as you can to see what options are available. You can also use this time to explore the borough’s you researched previously. Doing this will help you determine whether moving here is right at this moment in time.

Look for work

With people from the UK and beyond looking for employment in London you face stiff competition. The sooner you start your search for work the better. If you work for a large company, you may be able to relocate to their London office. Or you might want to look for something completely different to what you are doing now. Sign up to recruitment sites or contact an agency to help you find a suitable role. Securing work should be a top priority as it will help to fund your new home and life.

Whatever your reason for wanting to move to London, these tips will help make the transition go a lot smoother. Take the time to do each action and carefully consider each decision you make. Acting on impulse may sound exciting, but it could have expensive repercussions.

A Beginner’s Guide To Hiring A Lawyer

business financial lawyerThere are many times in your life when you might require a lawyer. But, how do you hire the best one for the job? In today’s piece, I’ve written you a short guide on hiring legal representation:

Check Their Track Record

It can be hard to figure out whether or not you’re hiring the best lawyer possible. One easy way to determine this is if you check their track record. See how many cases they’ve won and lost over the years. Typically, the best lawyers will brag about their record. If they win more than they lose, you can bet they’ll let everyone know about it. It will be plastered all over their website to show off how good they are at their job. If you can’t find anything about their track record, then you should enquire. To put yourself in the best possible situation, you want a lawyer that wins the majority of their cases. It’s also important that you take their experience into account as well. You need someone with years of experience behind them, as this can help them get the result you need.

Look For Specialists

Different legal cases require a different type of legal representation. There are many types of lawyer that are best suited for particular legal needs. If you need help with a personal injury claim, then you should go to a personal injury lawyer. Should you require help with a will, then there are firms like Ronald Fletcher and Co. that specialise in this area. Different people have different legal needs; it’s important you find a specialist lawyer that fits your requirements. It doesn’t make sense to hire someone that rarely ventures into the legal field you need help in. When looking for lawyers, check what services they offer and whether or not they fit your case.

Always Check For ‘No Win No Fee’ Offers

I find it’s crucial that you look for a law firm that offers no win no fee on some of their cases. This means that if they don’t win, you won’t have to pay them a penny. You find these offers in most personal injury and negligence cases. I think it’s essential to look for this, as it can save you lots of money. No one wants to pay for a lawyer that ends up losing their case. By hiring someone on a no win no fee basis, you give yourself a bit of security.

Understand Your Budget

The final piece of advice I can give you is arguably the most important. It’s key that you understand your budget and don’t pay for more than you can afford. You must recognise that legal disputes can go on for a very long time. Overpaying for a lawyer can mean that you end up struggling for money.

There are many problems in life that can be solved with the help of a lawyer. It’s important you realise how to hire one correctly. Hire the wrong lawyer, and you could end up in a very bad financial situation.