Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Unemployment Numbers A Blip?

Job creation is the new and improved goal of this legislation, and those struggling with debt should pay attention. Recently, President Obama has been touring the nation drumming up support for his new stimulus plan, although no one is actually calling it that. With the unemployment rate still at 10 percent, the president is now taking steps to help the economy recover quicker.

Not only is the president looking to pump more money into the economy to boost job creation in markets like infrastructure and small business, he is offering incentives and tax credits to those companies who start hiring. It’s great news for all of those struggling with debt and looking for a lifeline.

Of course, in any debate there are two sides. Many would hope that the president would take a more direct route that would truly aid failing economies like Michigan and Philadelphia. Michigan unemployment numbers stand at an amazing 15 percent right now, while Philadelphia stands at just over 11 percent. These are incredible numbers that many Americans fear will not change with more stimulus money.

Even when it seems like things might be turning around, when unemployment numbers showed a slight dip over the last month, American consumers are still extremely skeptical that things are turning around. We are still breaking records with bankruptcy filings, credit debt is still through the roof, and in many place the unemployment numbers are still extremely high.

President Obama and the Democrats plan to unveil two bills in the upcoming weeks to help stimulate the economy, help those struggling with debt, and help those who are still having trouble finding work.

The first would top $100 billion and would extend unemployment insurance, temporary food-stamp payment increases and subsidies for health-care purchases by the unemployed. That would likely be attached to a spending bill in coming weeks. The second, a jobs bill estimated at about $70 billion, would contain many of Mr. Obama's initiatives and likely wouldn't reach his desk until early next year. (Wall Street Journal)

There are many hurdles to overcome in trying to convince congress to approve of these two measures, but the president is touring the nation to assure struggling Americans that this is the way to get jobs moving again. He seems to believe that with this stimulus boost, the slowly recovering job market will get a much needed boost and will recovery much quicker.

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Friday, December 4, 2009

Unemployment Numbers Looking Much Better

Is the economy truly taking a turn for the better? According to new unemployment numbers, it may in fact be getting brighter out there in the job market. While unemployment numbers are still at 10 percent, they are no longer at 10.2 percent, a welcome sign for many economists. (There is no better time than now for debt setlement).

Factory orders are beginning to rise again, which means factories will stop laying off and might even start hiring again. For the hard-working American, this is indeed a welcome sign. Americans are falling into debt and filing for bankruptcy faster than they have been in years, and it’s not only taking a toll on families, it taking a toll on the entire economy. Now that things are beginning to turn around, it’s possible that people will begin to turn around the financial situations as well.

Why is this so important? Why is it that everywhere you look online someone or some news source is praising this new economic upturn? Well, because it’s the first sign that perhaps the economic stimulus is working, or that people are becoming more financially responsible.

I mean, how did we get into this mess in the first place? Well, financial irresponsibility got us here. It wasn’t just stock market greed, or bad housing loans, it was the underlining ignorance of finances. Credit debt was something that Americans weren’t worried about, because that was a factor they’d think about in the future.

In the future, when the money would continue to flow in and life would be wonderful. In the future, where financial strain wasn’t even considered to be an option. But, alas, the future came and the money did not. That home loan you got with an adjustable rate, the one that was so affordable for the first three years and then shot up to 15 percent after that. You know the one, where you thought you’d have the money to cover it in the future.

And those credit card bills just kept piling up, but you were going to pay them off in the future, right? Well, the future has come and gone, and we have learned the error of our ways. It is for this reason that the economy went south, and for this reason that the economy is turning around. Americans are simply becoming more financially responsible, and that is great news for anyone who is looking to get out of debt.

So, as unemployment numbers began to drop below 10 percent, and you get back into the job market and back to bringing in a decent paycheck, it’s important to remember the lessons that we’ve learned along this economic journey. Now is the time to get out of debt. Now, while we are licking our wounds and starting over, it’s time to start fresh.

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Thursday, December 3, 2009

Debt Consolidation vs Debt Settlement

Should you consolidate your debt? Maybe a debt loan is more your style? Or perhaps you’ve done your research and know that the only financially responsible way out of credit debt is with Credit debt is a huge problem facing this country. The typical American consumer these days has struggled with credit debt derived from medical bills, foreclosures, job loss, and pay cuts. While unemployment numbers skyrocket, so do bankruptcy percentages and foreclosures. Sure, the economy might be making a sluggish turn-around, but where does that leave you?

It probably leaves you wondering how you’re going to catch up and get out of debt. So, you’ve done some research online and looked at the different ways of getting out of debt. You’ve checked out debt loans and debt consolidation, debt counseling and debt settlement. How do you make your decision and chose the debt recovery path that’s right for you? It’s easy, chose the path and the company that is most affordable with the most reliability.

Let’s talk debt consolidation. So many will tell you that it’s the right way to get out of debt, but if you look a little farther you’ll see that they are the ones who stand to make the most off of you. Debt consolidation and debt consolidation loans involve ‘consolidating’ your debt problem into one giant, heaping mass of regrets. You’ll toss everything together into one interest rate, one payment, and one easy solution, right? Not so much.

Does it make sense to take out a loan to get out of debt? Doesn’t that seem like some sort of oxymoron. I mean, think about it…you take out a loan to get out of debt on something that you couldn’t make the payments on in the first place. So, you consolidate your debt so that you can make payments on a loan….which brings you right back to the beginning of your problem.

Let’s turn the talk to debt settlement. Choosing this path, and a reliable debt settlement company, you can feel assured that things will change. Not only will you have a debt settlement agent to speak to at every turn, you’ll have a debt negotiator who will work diligently to get you a decent settlement. Your debt settlement agent will help you to make the right decisions to change your spending habits, and since you won’t have any monthly payments it will be easy for you to become more financially responsible.

But, how do you chose the right debt settlement industry? Easy, all you have to do is look for those who are members of ACCORD or USOBA, for this means that they are required to adhere to strict guidelines that protect you, the consumer. Another tell-tale sign that you’re chosing the right debt settlement company is whether or not they charge any upfront fees. Many reliable debt settlement companies charge absolutely nothing upfront, and only require you to make a monthly deposit into your savings account for the final settlement.

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Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Credit Cards Take A Back Seat This Holiday Season

Did you use your credit card this Black Friday? As a debt settlement blogger, I honestly hope your answer is no. According to recent polls taken of the American consumer, more holiday shoppers will be using cash this year to avoid the penalty fees and outrageous interest rates that most credit card companies are charging.

The percentage of shoppers using credit cards is expected to fall 10.2% from last year, with 28.3% of consumers using credit this year, down from 31.5% a year earlier. Debit-card use is expected to rise, but these cards are less profitable for banks. (Wall Street Journal)

That poll was taken before the infamous Black Friday holiday. In another poll, conducted by Reuters, Back Friday shoppers did indeed use more cash this year. Only 26 percent of all shoppers interviewed actually used their credit card to make purchases.

Things are definitely turning around for the American consumer. It may be a slow turn-around, but consumers are becoming smarter and more financially responsible. The credit card numbers above only prove that point, and with that small number comes more fears for the credit card industry.

Credit card companies have taken some huge hits in the past year, and this is just another to add to the pile. With the Credit Card Act of 2009 about to take effect and limit credit card companies’ abilities to raise rates and charge ridiculous fees, that small percentage above means less revenue as well. With less people making purchases on their credit cards, that’s less money going to the credit card companies in way of usage fees.

Even the Fed has taken its stance against credit card companies by running ads to help consumers avoid any credit penalty fees. These ads are currently running ahead of movie trailers in metropolitan areas to remind consumers to be smart and financially responsible with their spending habits.

Hopefully you were able to avoid that plastic habit and use only cash or your debit card this year, but, as always, if you fear you might have gone too far on Black Friday, visit http://www.thedebtsettlementprogram.com for debt recovery options.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Using Credit Cards During the Holidays

Are you saving your holiday shopping for the big sales? Maybe waiting for Black Friday before you open that wallet up for friends and family? Well, you’re not alone. Everyone is saving, searching for the best deals, and being more financially responsible with the little budget they might have for holiday shopping.



While a steady decline in sales since last October has slightly leveled off, amazingly sales of electronics have gone up, as well as online sales. It’s no surprise that online sales are increasing, now that consumers have become both more financially responsible as well as more internet savvy.



Another big seller, if you can say ‘big seller’, this Black Friday will be ‘gifts of lasting value’, as the Wall Street Journal says. Besides shopping for bargain, consumers will also be looking for practical gifts that will last. With unemployment rates at 10 to 15 percent in some places, it’s not really a surprise that consumers are looking for quality items that can withstand the test of time. Who knows what will happen in the future with this economy?



"Retailers have to dig deep and pull out their A-game right now, because it is a very competitive environment," Mr. Snyder said. "Whereas you might have given something more trendy in the past, a down comforter is relevant to what is happening right now." (WSJ)



So, how do you keep your holiday spending within reason this holiday season? It’s all about how you pay. Cash is always best, and while many more consumers will be using cash this year because they’ve learned financial responsibility, many will still use their credit cards. If you must use credit, chose the card with the lowest APR. If you have the funds coming in to pay off your credit spending within a reasonable amount of time, put all your holiday purchases on one credit card, preferably the one with the lowest APR and highest available balance.



But, you say you want those amazing deals that you can only get with a store credit card? Well, then get it, but make all of your holiday purchases with that card at that store. Don’t use another credit card for another family member at another store. This is how the domino effect takes over your credit debt.



This store may have a great deal for Uncle Buck, but that store has a better deal for Aunt Petunia. How can you possibly pick one relative over the other, one store credit card over the other? You’re going to have to if you’re working to keep your credit balance and debt low. Chose one store that you want to get the best deals from, and do all of your holiday shopping at that single store. This will help you stay out of debt.



Sure, you can use your credit card during the holidays, if your financially responsible and completely able to pay off what you spend within a short period of time. If you do get yourself into trouble, give debt settlement a look at http://ping.fm/w5PUl

Monday, November 9, 2009

Obama Signs First Time Home Buyer Extension

Not too long ago we brought up the possibility of a first time home buyer tax credit extension. Well, we’re no longer seeing a possibility, because the extension has become a reality. It’s a great thing for the real estate industry, as well as first time home buyers1

The new deadline for the first time homebuyer tax credit is April 30, 2010, which gives buyers, and sellers, plenty of time to boost the market even more.

The bill will expand the homebuyer tax credit to more families, phasing out for individuals with income above $125,000 and for joint filers with income about $225,000 (the current law credit phases out for individuals with income starting at $75,000 and for joint filers with income starting at $150,000). It also creates a $6,500 credit available to homebuyers who have been in their current residence for five or more consecutive years out of the last eight years. – Maryland RealEstateRama.com

For everyone who is taking advantage of the extended first time home buyer tax credit, it’s important to remember that no matter when you purchase your first home you must file for the tax credit with you 2009 taxes. Speak to your financial counselor or tax man to find out exactly how to do this and claim your credit return.

When President Obama put pen to paper and extended the tax credit, he also extended certain jobless benefits that were all included in the ‘Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009’. This bill was singed into effect at a time when the national unemployment rate has officially hit 10%, an amazing number. Even while the stock market is climbing and breaking records, and the economy is slowly turning around, the unemployment rate is continuing to rise.

This extension of the first time home buyers credit was a much needed break for many individuals looking to live that American dream. While many first time buyers were scrambling to sign the paperwork before the November deadline, they now have a renewed sense of hope and some much needed time to find exactly what they’re looking for.

The initial tax credit for first time buyers gave a much needed boost to the real estate industry, and thus the economy. Many experts argued that without the tax extension, this volatile housing market that was beginning to stabilize would simply plummet. When it looked that the tax credit was going to expire in November, the housing market slowed and fear rushed back into the minds of those in the real estate industry.

Jim Shirley, a broker at Gum Tree Mortgage in Tupelo, Mississippi said 60 percent of the mortgages his company is working on now in New Albany, Oxford and Tupelo are directly related to the tax credit. – UPI.com

Joey Guyton, owner of J. Guyton Group, said 90 percent of his home sales over the past three months in a neighborhood geared at first-time homebuyers have been directly related to the tax credit. – UPI.com

The growth of the housing market over the summer was due greatly to the first time home buyer credit, and thanks to the extension the market will hopefully continue to grow well past the April deadline.

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Thursday, October 29, 2009

Possible Tax Credit Extension Coming Soon!

While home sales are dipping due to the final days of the first time home buyer tax credit, congress is being urged by President Obama to extend the very successful stimulus for a few more months. If you haven’t purchased your first home yet, you might not be out of luck.

With talks in the works to extend the tax credit, congress is also discussing whether or not to change the credit to include all home buyers, not just first time home buyers. Instead of the $75,000 income limit for the first time buyer credit, congress is discussing setting a $125,000 limit, which would allow for many consumers to take advantage of this stimulus.

The new deadline being discussed is April 30, 2010. We'll keep you updated!

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