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Sunday, July 31, 2011

When Itemizing Deductions Is Best

When Itemizing Deductions Is Best - Determining the best deductions for your taxes is critical. Many people want to know should they be itemizing their taxes deductions or taking the standard deduction?

To answer the question, you should take the deduction that reduces your tax burden the most. Yes, I know this is a very simple answer, but it is the truth. The goal is to ensure you pay the least amount of taxes possible staying within the rules of the IRS tax codes to ensure you don't have to take the time to get ready for a tax audit, which is possible if your situation seems a bit

Read more, click here...

What Is sr22 Insurance?

What Is SR22 Insurance? - Everyone needs insurance, but what most people want to know about is SR22 insurance. I am sure you have heard of this sort of insurance, but not sure you know exactly what it is.

Today, we are going to talk about this particular type of car insurance. It may not fit all of your needs, but it will get you on the road driving safely so you don't have to find out what happens if you have a car accident without any insurance.
What Is SR22 Insurance?
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Let's get

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Saturday, July 30, 2011

What car is considered high risk on auto insurance?

What car is considered high risk on auto insurance? - When it comes to auto insurance, your bill can go up if your car is considered to be high risk. This may not come as a surprise to you, but what exactly are the high risk cars is what people really want to know.

The cars that are considered to be high risk are the ones considered to be high performance. We will get into that in just a moment, but I wanted to talk about why insurance companies charge more for cars that are considered to be high risk. The answer boils down to mathematics and statistics. You should be surprised. This is

Read more, click here...

What Happens If I Have An Accident And No Car Insurance?

What Happens If I Have An Accident And No Car Insurance? - Nothing good comes from not have any car insurance and ending up in an accident. They do happen in life and are sometimes unavoidable, but you can avoid being on the road without any protection. Protection in this form comes in the shape of car insurance. Be sure to get some.

If you are not able to get any car insurance and are still feeling dangerous enough to drive, then you are putting yourself in some serious risk. This would definitely not be an Invest With Passion decision you are making as you are going to put your legal and

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Friday, July 29, 2011

Does Auto Insurance Cover The Car Or The Person?

Does Auto Insurance Cover The Car Or The Person? - The question of whom is covered, the person or the car, when it comes to auto insurance is a popular one. People are interested in getting a firm understanding of their insurance because you want to be prepared for the unpredictable future.

The short answer to this question is it depends. This is the typical answer because there are many different types of auto insurance to choose from. Certain types cover the person, but most cover the car.
Does Auto Insurance Cover The Car Or The Person?
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Does Credit Counseling Work?

Does Credit Counseling Work – When it is time to work on their credit, many people wonder if counseling is effective? This is a great question and one worth the time to explore. When you are working on your credit, it is a great idea to explore all the options available to you.

The short answer to the question of credit counseling and does it work is yes. Credit counseling does work in my opinion. I say this because any time someone is going to offer up some ideas and tactics to help you get over the credit issues, then it is going to be a good idea to get involved.
Does Credit

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Thursday, July 28, 2011

I want to retire at 50 how much money do I need

I want to retire at 50 how much money do I need - You need money if by the age of 50 you want to retire. It doesn't matter if you are into real estate investing, IRA real estate investing, or a fortune 500 employee. Funds are needed, but how much money is the question?

The short answer to this is as much as you can possibly scrape together and invest it in , but I suspect you want a bit more than that. You are looking for a specific retirement number. That can't be given to you. Here is the reason: It all depends on what you want from retirement.
I want to retire at 50 how much money do

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Live Without a Credit Card?

Live Without a Credit Card? - For millions of Americans, the first sign they weren’t doing well in this economy was their credit card was either maxed out or their credit rating was poor enough they could not qualify for one in the first place. It is hard to live without a credit card in many respects, but in a way it could be regarded as a blessing – no $5000 or $10,000 or higher balances hanging over their heads, no outrageous interest charges of 29 percent or higher.
Live Without a Credit Card?
[caption id="attachment_3115" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Live Without a

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What Is The First Step In Buying A Home?

What Is The First Step In Buying A Home? - You want a home, but are not sure what the buying first step is a common problem in the world. Our finances can get so out of hand that it is overwhelming to know where to start first.

This is very understandable in today's economy. It doesn't matter if you are getting in to real estate investing for the first time or just want to buy your very first home. You have to know where to start. Today, we are going to talk about taking that first step to get you on the road to home ownership.
What Is The First Step In Buying A Home?
Even real estate

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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Estimating Moving Costs

Estimating Moving Costs - The cost of moving is tough. Estimating what it is going to take to pick up your family and move to another location can be tricky, but it is our aim today to shed some light on this equation for you.

There are a lot of moving parts and variables to this equation, so you will have to adjust for your particular situation. This isn't going to be super tough, but it is going to require some work and follow through on your part. I know you are up for the challenge.
Estimating Moving Costs
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Young Women Putting Off Motherhood Due To Money Worries

Young Women Putting Off Motherhood Due To Money Worries - Worries of money cause motherhood to be put off by young women. This according to a new study issued yesterday. The findings are very consistent with what you find around you these days.

According to the study, four out of ten working women in their 20's plan on putting off motherhood due to their worries over the money. The money it cost to raise a family, the financial commitment, dedication to the family, and time away from the workplace are all reasons to delay motherhood in their eyes.
Young Women Putting Off Motherhood Due To

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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Biggest Mistakes Home Sellers Make

Biggest Mistakes Home Sellers Make - Sellers make a lot of mistakes when it comes to selling their home. Today we are going to discuss the biggest mistakes sellers tend to make.

The aim of this article is not to down the sellers, but to show you where they tend to make mistakes and hopefully get you to avoid them. This is an opportunity for homeowners and real estate investors to learn what not to do when selling a property.
Biggest Mistakes Home Sellers Make
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You work

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Hot Vacation Home Markets

Hot Vacation Home Markets - Many markets for the home have not been doing well, but there are some vacation home spots that are hot. The economic fall out has been tough on many people and markets, but the upper class has felt less of a strain.

The fact the upper class are still buying vacation homes means there are opportunities for investors if you are willing to take the plunge. Vacation home markets have remained viable during the economic recovery, but is poised to come out of the funk before regular markets.
Hot Vacation Home Markets
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Monday, July 25, 2011

How to Buy Silver

How to Buy Silver - The time to buy silver may be upon us. Many people are wondering how to buy silver because of the incredible gains silver has seen over the past few years. It wold have been almost impossible to expect silver to make these sorts of jumps, but they are happening.
Over the last few years, silver has gone from selling at $4 an ounce to over $40 an ounce. This is up 10 times its 2007 values, which is pretty amazing and it leads investors to wondering if this pattern is going to continue through the next few years.
How to Buy Silver
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Open House Etiquette

Open House Etiquette - There is etiquette to follow when attending a open house. You may not be aware of these things, but that is why we are here today. To give you an understanding on the etiquette of open houses.

It is not difficult to behave correctly during an open house, but there are some things you want to keep in mind. This is both for the sellers benefit and yours. You should remember these things when you are on the hunt for your next property
Open House Etiquette
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I am

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Saturday, July 23, 2011

July Gardening Checklist

July Gardening Checklist - A checklist is always needed when gardening and July presents a great opportunity for you. If you are willing to get out there in your garden, it is time to get some things in order.

The climate will be changing very soon for most people. We have the fall, then winter months just around the corner. This means our gardens will be buried under the cold weather and snow, but it just isn't that time just yet, so we have time to get some important things done for it this month.
July Gardening Checklist
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Does Auto Insurance Cover The Car Or The Person?

Does Auto Insurance Cover The Car Or The Person? - The question of whom is covered, the person or the car, when it comes to auto insurance is a popular one. People are interested in getting a firm understanding of their insurance because you want to be prepared for the unpredictable future.

The short answer to this question is it depends. This is the typical answer because there are many different types of auto insurance to choose from. Certain types cover the person, but most cover the car.
Does Auto Insurance Cover The Car Or The Person?
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Friday, July 22, 2011

How Much Will PMI Cost?

How Much Will PMI Cost? - The cost of PMI can and will increase how much you pay on your mortgage. Exactly how much it will increase is depended on the amount of your loan, your credit score, and how much you put down as a down payment on the property you are buying.

After the real estate and financial crash of 2008, most banks and lenders are requiring you to put down 20% or more when you are purchasing a home. This gives them greater security that you can afford the home and will not default if you have so much of your own money invested into the property.
Read More: 20% Down

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Does Car Insurance Lower At A Certain Age?

Does Car Insurance Lower At A Certain Age? - After a certain age, you can get lower insurance rates on your car. It is true, but what is the magic number you need to attain in order to enjoy this benefit?

The magic number you need to lower your car insurance is 25 in most States. Like most things, this depends on the state you are in at the time. Some people have reached this number and discovered they age difference didn't make that much of a difference in their bill, but others have.
Read More: What car is considered high risk on auto insurance?
Does Car Insurance Lower At A Certain

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Does Car Insurance Lower At A Certain Age?

Does Car Insurance Lower At A Certain Age? - After a certain age, you can get lower insurance rates on your car. It is true, but what is the magic number you need to attain in order to enjoy this benefit?

The magic number you need to lower your car insurance is 25 in most States. Like most things, this depends on the state you are in at the time. Some people have reached this number and discovered they age difference didn't make that much of a difference in their bill, but others have.
Read More: What car is considered high risk on auto insurance?
 
Does Car Insurance Lower At A

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Does Car Insurance Lower At A Certain Age?

Does Car Insurance Lower At A Certain Age? - After a certain age, you can get lower insurance rates on your car. It is true, but what is the magic number you need to attain in order to enjoy this benefit?

The magic number you need to lower your car insurance is 25 in most States. Like most things, this depends on the state you are in at the time. Some people have reached this number and discovered they age difference didn't make that much of a difference in their bill, but others have.
Does Car Insurance Lower At A Certain Age?
[caption id="attachment_3061" align="alignright" width="300"

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

What car is considered high risk on auto insurance?

What car is considered high risk on auto insurance? - When it comes to auto insurance, your bill can go up if your car is considered to be high risk. This may not come as a surprise to you, but what exactly are the high risk cars is what people really want to know.

The cars that are considered to be high risk are the ones considered to be high performance. We will get into that in just a moment, but I wanted to talk about why insurance companies charge more for cars that are considered to be high risk. The answer boils down to mathematics and statistics. You should be surprised. This is

Read more, click here...

How To Rebalance Your Portfolio

How To Rebalance Your Portfolio - Many people are curious about their portfolio and when they should rebalance it. This is a great question and one that I want to give you some tips and pointers on how to carry this out effectively.

There are some very simple steps to go through to rebalance your portfolio. They are definitely worth the time and effort to make them happen. If you are willing to crunch the numbers a bit, well at least look at them, then you should have no problem rebalancing your portfolio to something more stable and better for your long term future.
How To Rebalance

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When Itemizing Deductions Is Best

When Itemizing Deductions Is Best - Determining the best deductions for your taxes is critical. Many people want to know should they be itemizing their taxes deductions or taking the standard deduction?

To answer the question, you should take the deduction that reduces your tax burden the most. Yes, I know this is a very simple answer, but it is the truth. The goal is to ensure you pay the least amount of taxes possible staying within the rules of the IRS tax codes to ensure you don't have to take the time to get ready for a tax audit, which is possible if your situation seems a bit

Read more, click here...

Buying A House After Foreclosure

Buying A House After Foreclosure - Foreclosure is looming for many people, but this doesn't have to be the last house you they ever purchase. After foreclosure, buying a house might be difficult, but it is not impossible. You can still do it, but it is going to take some time.

Each month, a record number of people enter foreclosure or are processed. Many people flat out bought more home than they could afford, were laid off and can't find employment, or are strategically walking away from their properties. The end results are the same. They end up with a foreclosure on their credit report,

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Wednesday, July 20, 2011

When Itemizing Deductions Is Best

When Itemizing Deductions Is Best - Determining the best deductions for your taxes is critical. Many people want to know should they be itemizing their taxes deductions or taking the standard deduction?

To answer the question, you should take the deduction that reduces your tax burden the most. Yes, I know this is a very simple answer, but it is the truth. The goal is to ensure you pay the least amount of taxes possible staying within the rules of the IRS tax codes to ensure you don't have to take the time to get ready for a tax audit, which is possible if your situation seems a bit

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Tax Return Errors Responsibility

Tax Return Errors Responsibility - People often wonder whose is held responsible for errors on a tax return? This question of responsibility is an important one to understand when you are preparing of hiring someone to prepare your tax returns.

Many people believe if they hire an accounting firm or a tax preparation firm to prepare their taxes, then they are not responsible for the findings, errors or omissions in the tax forms. However, this is far from the truth and you should be sure to education yourself on this matter.
Tax Return Errors Responsibility
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How To Prepare For Tax Audit

How To Prepare For Tax Audit - A tax audit is something you want to make sure you are prepared and ready for. Learning how to do this is something you should take the time to master because it is very important to your financial future.

The outcome of your tax audit will have a lasting impact on your financial future for the rest of that year at the very least. It could extend much longer depending on the outcome of the tax audit. Don't worry, this doesn't have to be as scary and daunting as you might suspect.
How To Prepare For Tax Audit
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House Staging Ideas

House Staging Ideas - Ideas for staging a house are very useful if you are trying to sell or rent it out. Many people don't consider staging a house, but they should. It is something that can dramatically set your house apart from the rest on the market.

Let's face it, the market for sellers and renters are tough these days. You have to be willing to do the things other people are not willing to do if you expect to sell your home or get it rented. No one is going to feel sorry for you if you are not able to sell or rent, so you have to make sure you are doing everything necessary to make

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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

What Is sr22 Insurance?

What Is SR22 Insurance? - Everyone needs insurance, but what most people want to know about is SR22 insurance. I am sure you have heard of this sort of insurance, but not sure you know exactly what it is.

Today, we are going to talk about this particular type of car insurance. It may not fit all of your needs, but it will get you on the road driving safely so you don't have to find out what happens if you have a car accident without any insurance.
What Is SR22 Insurance?
[caption id="attachment_3022" align="alignright" width="300" caption="What Is sr22 Insurance?"][/caption]

Let's get

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Homeowner Tax Breaks

Homeowner Tax Breaks - Tax breaks are what every homeowner wants and needs. Let's face it, we are all trying to stretch our dollars as far as possible. Your taxes are one way to do just this very thing if you are aware of the benefits.

Luckily for you, if you are a homeowner, there are significant tax breaks for you. These benefits are designed to get more and more people to become homeowners. These tax benefits work because people are always looking for ways to make or keep more money. Tax benefits work in this manner.
Homeowner Tax Breaks
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Homeowner Tax Breaks

Homeowner Tax Breaks - Tax breaks are what every homeowner wants and needs. Let's face it, we are all trying to stretch our dollars as far as possible. Your taxes are one way to do just this very thing if you are aware of the benefits.

Luckily for you, if you are a homeowner, there are significant tax breaks for you. These benefits are designed to get more and more people to become homeowners. These tax benefits work because people are always looking for ways to make or keep more money. Tax benefits work in this manner.
Homeowner Tax Breaks
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Free Tax Help

Free Tax Help - Getting help with your tax preparation for free is something most people would be interested, but don't know is available. Sad thing is most people wouldn't use it if they knew about it. We, as people, are funny like that.

Nevertheless, there is free tax help available to those willing to put themselves out there and grab it. All you have to do is a little bit of research and you will find there is help available to those who are willing to seek it out.
Free Tax Help
[caption id="attachment_3013" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Free Tax Help"][/caption]

Tax

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Home Builder Sentiment

Home Builder Sentiment - The sentiment of home builder's rose during the month of July according to the National Association of Home builders. Monday they released a statement making the announcement.

Before you get too excited, the home builder sentiment is still towards historic lows and not showing any sign of really pulling out of it all the way any time soon. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Marketing index is up to 15 this month after being at a nine month low of 13 last month.
Home Builder Sentiment
[caption id="attachment_3006" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Home Builder

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Home Builder Sentiment

Home Builder Sentiment - The sentiment of home builder's rose during the month of July according to the National Association of Home builders. Monday they released a statement making the announcement.

Before you get too excited, the home builder sentiment is still towards historic lows and not showing any sign of really pulling out of it all the way any time soon. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Marketing index is up to 15 this month after being at a nine month low of 13 last month.
Home Builder Sentiment
[caption id="attachment_3006" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Home Builder

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Monday, July 18, 2011

Hybrid Car Price vs. Gas Savings

Hybrid Car Price vs. Gas Savings - When it comes savings on gas and the price, cost of a hybrid car, many wonder is it worth the investment? If you are one of these people, then you have come tot he right place because I have wondered the same thing.

The rising gas prices, prices of everything really, are forcing more and more people to find different ways to generate savings. Since we are so heavily dependent on our cars in our society, many people are looking to hybrid cars as the potential solution, but is it really worth the extra funds to purchase one?
Hybrid Car Price vs. Gas

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Interview Series: Social Media Insights from a Social Media Insider

Welcome to the next installment of our interview series. This is a campaign that we have been on for the last few weeks to ensure that we bring you the very best information about a variety of subjects from the very best people in the industry. Next up is the social media field and we are bringing you one of the best we have in the contact list. No matter your level of understanding of the social media landscape, there is something you can learn from this woman. And no matter what your business, you will find there are ways that social media can help your business. This is what we are going

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Interview with Marki Lemons

I’m an organic infopreneur and veteran Mega Real Estate Broker breed from being a fifth generation entrepreneur therefore I speaker, train, write, and coach on real estate and social media.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in your current business.

With nearly a decade of experience working in real estate, Marki Lemons has established herself as a leading expert in the residential real estate industry. In a market experiencing near record numbers of short sales and foreclosures, Marki has used her dynamic, professional attitude and vast experience to become known

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Best Cities Rental Property

Best Cities Rental Property - When it comes to rental property, most real estate investing often wonder which are the cities for this sort of investment? Today, Invest With Passion will attempt to answer this question for you and hopefully enjoy a little bit of discussion on the topic.

The main thing landlords are looking for when it comes to rental investment opportunities is demand. No one wants to purchase a property only to have it sit on the rental market for months and months. Each month a property sits on the market unrented, it is costing them money in the form of mortgage

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Real Estate Investor Profiles

Slum Lord

As the name suggest, these are investors that are only concerned with their profits and not the well being of their tenants. They just want the rent to be paid and make no repairs to the property. Their properties are typically an eye sore on the community and neighborhood.

Respectable Landlord

These landlords are in the business for long term, passive income and equity increases. They meticulously take care of their properties, respond to repair request, and are hard working people. They have to be hardworking because landlording is a tough job that not everyone is cut

Read more, click here...

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Yakezie Facebook Team

Attempting to come up with ways the Yakezie group could work together to create more mutual good for everyone. Yakezie is a group of personal finance bloggers that blog together to form a network. You can read about when I joined here. (Yakezie update here) It is a really great network of people that are trying to make a different their lives and the lives of others.
Not a Yakezie Member?
Don't click away just yet. The reason being the Facebook pages below are great resources for you. Personal finance is important to everyone and these are people just like you that are sharing what they

Read more, click here...

How to Buy Investment Real Estate

When it comes to how to buy investment real estate, there are a few questions that you need to ask yourself first. The reason for these questions is because your purchase actions tend to change based on what you are purchasing. As we learned in our series on how to invest in real estate, there are multiple types of investment opportunities that lead to these different purchase decisions. Therefore, the questions you need to be asking are:

What type of real estate investing are planning on doing? Are you purchasing commercial or residential property? Do you want a single family, multi-unit,

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Saturday, July 16, 2011

Real Estate Learning How to Invest

This article real estate, learning how to invest, is part of a series that we are doing called "How to invest in Real Estate". If you missed the first part on How to Buy Investment Real Estate, you can see it by clicking the link.
Real Estate Learning How to Invest
4) Viewing Real Estate Properties - Now that you are working with your Realtor and have a list of properties that are on your potential list, it is time to go and see them. This is a very important part because you are going to have to decide which properties can make your short list. You are still going to have to visit these

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Real Estate Investor Profiles

Slum Lord

As the name suggest, these are investors that are only concerned with their profits and not the well being of their tenants. They just want the rent to be paid and make no repairs to the property. Their properties are typically an eye sore on the community and neighborhood.

Respectable Landlord

These landlords are in the business for long term, passive income and equity increases. They meticulously take care of their properties, respond to repair request, and are hard working people. They have to be hardworking because landlording is a tough job that not everyone is cut

Read more, click here...

Friday, July 15, 2011

What Happens If I Have An Accident And No Car Insurance?

What Happens If I Have An Accident And No Car Insurance? - Nothing good comes from not have any car insurance and ending up in an accident. They do happen in life and are sometimes unavoidable, but you can avoid being on the road without any protection. Protection in this form comes in the shape of car insurance. Be sure to get some.

If you are not able to get any car insurance and are still feeling dangerous enough to drive, then you are putting yourself in some serious risk. This would definitely not be an Invest With Passion decision you are making as you are going to put your legal and

Read more, click here...

What Is A Fico Credit Score

What Is A Fico Credit Score? - Your credit score is critical and FICO is in the middle of all the action. You may not know what or who FICO is, but they are a very important part of your financial future believe it or not.

FICO stands for the Fair Isaac Corporation. They are the creators and regulators of the FICO score. This is the score creditors, businesses, and even employers use rate your loan or employment worthiness.
Read More: Best Ways to Establish Credit
What Is A Fico Credit Score?
[caption id="attachment_2994" align="alignright" width="300" caption="What Is A Fico Credit

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Giving Your Teen A Credit Card

Giving Your Teen A Credit Card is a tough decision for most parents. A credit card could be a nightmare in your teens hands if you are willing to give them one. However, it doesn't have to always be this way. In fact, it could be a very good idea.

Credit cards are part of our society even if we don't like it. We may as well get use to it. It is part of our financial community and something we must all be able to navigate. This could be a great teaching opportunity for your young teen with your supervision.
Giving Your Teen A Credit Card
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Real Estate Investing In South America Focus On: Ecuador (3 of 3)

If you haven't read part 2 of Real Estate Investing in South America: Focus on Ecuador, please do so now.

All that sun worshipping and those tropical breezes can sure stir up an appetite. Certainly you will be glad to enjoy a gourmet kitchen to satiate that hunger. A specially designed for functionality spacious u-shaped granite counter-top, ample custom-cabinetry made from durable and eye-catching local hardwoods, and modern-day top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances will facilitate your whipping up a delicious meal, perhaps partaking of the abundant local seafood and locally

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Thursday, July 14, 2011

Yakezie Facebook Team

Attempting to come up with ways the Yakezie group could work together to create more mutual good for everyone. Yakezie is a group of personal finance bloggers that blog together to form a network. You can read about when I joined here. (Yakezie update here) It is a really great network of people that are trying to make a different their lives and the lives of others.
Not a Yakezie Member?
Don't click away just yet. The reason being the Facebook pages below are great resources for you. Personal finance is important to everyone and these are people just like you that are sharing what they

Read more, click here...

Foreclosures 29% Down

Foreclosures 29% - Many people are very excited about the 29% drop of foreclosures recently, but the excitement should be tempered a bit. The numbers are not as exciting as they seem to be.

The number of foreclosures fell 29% in the first six months of 2011 compared to the first six months of 2010. The number of foreclosures in the first six months of 2011 were 1.17 million, according to RealtyTrac. They also found the number of foreclosures in the second quarter of this year to be lowest since the end of 2007, which definitely sound impressive.
Foreclosures 29%
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Questions To Ask Your Insurance Agent

Questions To Ask Your Insurance Agent - When it comes to selecting your insurance agent, there are a few questions you should ask them. This is your financial future you will be discussing with this individual, so I feel it is only fair for you to know more about them and their business. They will be all up in your business.

Don't be shy when it comes to asking your insurance agent a few questions. They are not better than you and won't be agitated with the questions. If they are, then you need to take that as a warning sign and find someone else that is willing to open up and discuss with

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How To Retire Early

How To Retire Early - The dream of being able to retire early is something most people dream about everyday as they go to work. However, if you are one of the people determined to make it happen, then you should know it is possible.

You just have to set your mind to it and make sure early retirement is something you are very serious about. You cannot just joke and play your way into early retirement. It is going to take commitment and a serious one. Are you ready?
Read More: How to set up a retirement fund or How much do I need to save for retirement?
How To Retire Early
[caption

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Can't Sell Home, Renting May Be The Solution

Can't Sell Home Renting - Renting your home may be the solution you need when you can't sell it. The real estate market is soft right now, meaning there are not very many buyers actively searching for homes to purchase compared to the number of sellers in the market. This atmosphere is not the best for sellers. It is a buyers market.

In a buyer's market, homes could remain for sell over a year or longer. This can mean disaster for sellers as they have to continue paying the principal, interest, taxes and insurance on the property during this time. If they have already moved to a new

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Real Estate Investing In South America Focus On: Ecuador (Part 2 of 3)

If you haven't read part 1 of Real Estate Investing in South America: Focus on Ecuador, please do so now.

The value side of the Ecuadorian real estate market can be readily witnessed, when one considers that "high-end" oceanfront (not ocean view) real estate can be purchased for $90-$100 per square foot. The absolute top-end luxury sector of the market still rarely pushes those prices any higher than $150 per square foot. If you aren't looking for high end or oceanfront, then you can do quite nicely even at $70/square foot…maybe less, if you know how to bargain hunt. While these

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

What Is The First Step In Buying A Home?

What Is The First Step In Buying A Home? - You want a home, but are not sure what the buying first step is a common problem in the world. Our finances can get so out of hand that it is overwhelming to know where to start first.

This is very understandable in today's economy. It doesn't matter if you are getting in to real estate investing for the first time or just want to buy your very first home. You have to know where to start. Today, we are going to talk about taking that first step to get you on the road to home ownership.
What Is The First Step In Buying A Home?
Even real estate

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Staging Empty Home

Staging Empty Home - An empty home is difficult to sell or rent, which is why staging is a great idea and something you should consider. It is true it cost additional money to stage a home, but keep the goal of getting it sold or rented in mind and the focus of your efforts.

You cannot get into a situation where you are stepping over dollars to save a few coins. The cost of staging a home is minor to sitting on it for month after month paying the principal, interest, taxes and insurance. You need to get that home sold or rented out asap.
Staging Empty Home
[caption id="attachment_2936"

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+World's Most Expensive Cities

+World's Most Expensive Cities - Are you wondering which cities are the most expensive around the world? Good because I was wondering the same thing and thought I would do a little bit of investigating to find out the answer.

I must warn you the information below is quite disturbing if you were considering moving to one of these cities. The expensive living in these cities are enough to make you not want to visit, let alone move there. However, you wanted to know the world's most expensive cities so let's find out.
Read More: Most Expensive U.S. Cities
+World's Most Expensive

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+World's Most Expensive Cities

+World's Most Expensive Cities - Are you wondering which cities are the most expensive around the world? Good because I was wondering the same thing and thought I would do a little bit of investigating to find out the answer.

However, I must warn you the information below is quite disturbing if you were considering moving to one of these cities. The expensive living in these cities are enough to make you not even want to visit, let alone move there. But you wanted to know the world's most expensive cities so let's find out.
Read More: Most Expensive U.S. Cities
+World's Most Expensive

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Best Cities Rental Property

Best Cities Rental Property - When it comes to rental property, most real estate investing often wonder which are the cities for this sort of investment? Today, Invest With Passion will attempt to answer this question for you and hopefully enjoy a little bit of discussion on the topic.

The main thing landlords are looking for when it comes to rental investment opportunities is demand. No one wants to purchase a property only to have it sit on the rental market for months and months. Each month a property sits on the market unrented, it is costing them money in the form of mortgage

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Yakezie Facebook Team

Attempting to come up with ways the Yakezie group could work together to create more mutual good for everyone. Yakezie is a group of personal finance bloggers that blog together to form a network. You can read about when I joined here. (Yakezie update here) It is a really great network of people that are trying to make a different their lives and the lives of others.
Not a Yakezie Member?
Don't click away just yet. The reason being the Facebook pages below are great resources for you. Personal finance is important to everyone and these are people just like you that are sharing what they

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House Hunting Checklist

House Hunting Checklist - Checklist are great for those hunting for a house. They help you stay on task, focused and ensure you hit every important element of the project at hand.
What more could you ask for when you are out in search of your first home or investment property? Therefore, you want to make sure you have a very good list close by that you might want to reference from time to time during your house hunting chase.

House Hunting Checklist
[caption id="attachment_2919" align="alignright" width="258" caption="House Hunting Checklist"][/caption]

I don't want you to think house

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Money-Saving Do-It-Yourself Home Improvements

Money-Saving Do-It-Yourself Home Improvements - Improvements to your home can be do-it-yourself projects and be money-saving as well. This may be obvious to most people, but you have to be willing to get a little down and dirty to make it work.

Any project you bring a professional in to get the job done is going to cost you more than if you do it yourself. You are not qualified to do every project, so be sure to bring in the professionals there, but there are certain things you can do yourself to save yourself money in the long run. Today, we are going to discuss a few of those

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Money-Saving Do-It-Yourself Home Improvements

Money-Saving Do-It-Yourself Home Improvements - Improvements to your home can be do-it-yourself projects and be money-saving as well. This may be obvious to most people, but you have to be willing to get a little down and dirty to make it work.

Any project you bring a professional in to get the job done is going to cost you more than if you do it yourself. You are not qualified to do every project, so be sure to bring in the professionals there, but there are certain things you can do yourself to save yourself money in the long run. Today, we are going to discuss a few of those

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Money-Saving Do-It-Yourself Home Improvements

Money-Saving Do-It-Yourself Home Improvements - Improvements to your home can be do-it-yourself projects and be money-saving as well. This may be obvious to most people, but you have to be willing to get a little down and dirty to make it work.

Any project you bring a professional in to get the job done is going to cost you more than if you do it yourself. You are not qualified to do every project, so be sure to bring in the professionals there, but there are certain things you can do yourself to save yourself money in the long run. Today, we are going to discuss a few of those

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Real Estate Investing In South America Focus On: Ecuador (Part 1 of 3)

South America is a bustling, enterprising and dynamically growing region of the world. What makes it even more exciting is that few have even noticed the enormous economic progress and socio-political advancement that has transformed the region over the last two decades.
Whether one looks at the explosive Brazilian market, with its rapid growth rate, strengthening currency, controlled inflation and the promise of international stardom, as it stands ready to host the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, or whether one focuses on the slower-paced, but extremely steady rise of the

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+World's Most Expensive Cities

+World's Most Expensive Cities - Wondering which cities are expensive most around the world? Good because I was wondering the same thing and thought I would do a little bit of investigating to find out the answer.

However, I must warn you the information below is quite disturbing if you were considering moving to one of these cities. The expensive living in these cities are enough to make you not even want to visit, let alone move there. But you wanted to know the world's most expensive cities so let's find out.
Read More: Most Expensive U.S. Cities
+World's Most Expensive

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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Yakezie Facebook Team

Attempting to come up with ways the Yakezie group could work together to create more mutual good for everyone. Yakezie is a group of personal finance bloggers that blog together to form a network. You can read about when I joined here. (Yakezie update here) It is a really great network of people that are trying to make a different their lives and the lives of others.
Not a Yakezie Member?
Don't click away just yet. The reason being the Facebook pages below are great resources for you. Personal finance is important to everyone and these are people just like you that are sharing what they

Read more, click here...

Hybrid Car Price vs. Gas Savings

Hybrid Car Price vs. Gas Savings - When it comes savings on gas and the price, cost of a hybrid car, many wonder is it worth the investment? If you are one of these people, then you have come tot he right place because I have wondered the same thing.

The rising gas prices, prices of everything really, are forcing more and more people to find different ways to generate savings. Since we are so heavily dependent on our cars in our society, many people are looking to hybrid cars as the potential solution, but is it really worth the extra funds to purchase one?
Hybrid Car Price vs. Gas

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How To Live On A Tight Budget

How To Live On A Tight Budget - Budget can be difficult, but it is good to learn how to live when things get tight because you will always do fine when the money is rolling. This is how everyone should live at some point in their life to better appreciate the good times.

However, learning to live on a tight budget isn't something everyone is trying on purpose. Many people have been forced into this decision by the struggling economy and are searching for ways to cope.
Read More: Tips on Living Paycheck to Paycheck
How To Live On A Tight Budget
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How To Live On A Tight Budget

How To Live On A Tight Budget - Budget can be difficult, but it is good to learn how to live when things get tight because you will always do fine when the money is rolling. This is how everyone should live at some point in their life to better appreciate the good times.

However, learning to live on a tight budget isn't something everyone is trying on purpose. Many people have been forced into this decision by the struggling economy and are searching for ways to cope.
How To Live On A Tight Budget
[caption id="attachment_2895" align="alignright" width="300" caption="How To Live On A

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Carnie Wilson Foreclosure

Carnie Wilson Foreclosure - Foreclosure looms for Carnie Wilson. You remember her as one of the singers for Wilson Phillips. The group had some really good times in the past, but now it seems a mismanagement of funds could cost Carnie her home.

The foreclosure crisis is all around us. Everyday we receive constant reminders the economy and future of the country is struggling. Carnie Wilson into foreclosure is another sign. When celebrities are not making mortgage payments, you know something is going wrong.
Carnie Wilson Foreclosure
[caption id="attachment_2886" align="alignright"

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Monday, July 11, 2011

Forbes Best Place for Business

Forbes Best Place for Business - If a business is looking for the place best for their growth or you are trying to find a place to expand your working career, then you should check out the cities listed on the Forbes list.

Forbes is in their 13th year of publishing the best places for business and careers. The list is an exciting one and full of information and details, but there may be a few surprises on this years list for you.
Forbes Best Place for Business
[caption id="attachment_2882" align="alignright" width="600" caption="Forbes Best Place for Business"][/caption]

Maybe it is

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Elizabeth Taylor LA Mansion

Elizabeth Taylor LA Mansion - The mansion in LA owned by the late, great Elizabeth Taylor has officially been sold. This is something that many figured would happen soon once the property went on the market a few months back.

Elizabeth Taylor died in March of 2011 from congestive heart failure. In May of 2011, her LA mansion was on the market and for sale. The listing price was $8.6 million dollars. You can read more about the listing here as we wrote an article on it at the time: Elizabeth Taylor LA Mansion for sale.
Elizabeth Taylor LA Mansion
[caption id="attachment_2876"

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How To Check Contractor, Business Bureau

How To Check Contractor Business Bureau - The Better Business Bureau is your friend when it comes to hiring a contractor and trying to check out their background. You have to protect yourself by taking this extra step or precaution because the contractor profession doesn't have a good track record of taking care of people.

There is no doubt about it. Everyone knows someone that has been the victim of a bad contractor. This is just the fact and no one is proud of it. However, you still have work to be done on your property and need one, therefore, it is my aim to help you out with this

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How To Dress For Interview

How To Dress For Interview - When it comes time for an interview, you need to know how to dress. This interview could be for a job, a new client, or a first meeting with a contact. The reason is important, but so is the way you dress.

Take a moment to consider first impressions. In the world of business, it is everything. We make snap judgements all the time and the world of business, employment, and entrepreneurship is no different. Sometimes, they are positive. Sometimes they are negative, but they are happening all the time.
How To Dress For Interview
[caption id="attachment_2869"

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Saturday, July 9, 2011

+Most Expensive U.S. Cities 2011

+Most Expensive U.S. Cities 2011 - It is 2011 and time to find out which U.S. Cities are the most expensive. Since we are all interested in real estate investing, finance, and our money, this should be a lot of fun to find out where home prices are the most expensive.

The information is provided from a report ColdwellBanker.com completed between September 2010 and March of 2011. The focus was on four bedroom, two bathroom homes and covered 2,300 markets in the U.S.
+Most Expensive U.S. Cities 2011
[caption id="attachment_2865" align="alignright" width="300" caption="+Most Expensive U.S.

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How to Rent Out Property

How to Rent Out Property - Own property is great, but having to rent it out can be a problem sometimes. If you are into real estate investing, this may not be such a bit issue for you, but it can be challenging which is why discovering how to rent out your property can be very useful.

Today, we are going to discuss some ideas to help you rent out your property. You may be a real estate investor or a homeowner with two mortgages. Either way, you need to get someone into your property, paying the rent, covering your mortgage and hopefully making a little cash flow at the tend of the

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Friday, July 8, 2011

Mortgage Scams Tips

Mortgage Scams Tips - Here are some tips for you to avoid scams when it comes to your mortgage. You have to know this moment of uncertainty in the real estate market will lead to vultures entering the industry and offering scams in an attempt to take your money and or identity.

It is our aim today to give you a few tips to help you recognize a few mortgage scams and give you a few tips with how to deal with suspected scams. You have to remain diligent in these times to ensure you are not the next victim of these crooks.
Mortgage Scams Tips
[caption id="attachment_2818" align="alignright"

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Mortgage Scams Tips

Mortgage Scams Tips - Here are some tips for you to avoid scams when it comes to your mortgage. You have to know this moment of uncertainty in the real estate market will lead to vultures entering the industry and offering scams in an attempt to take your money and or identity.

It is our aim today to give you a few tips to help you recognize a few mortgage scams and give you a few tips with how to deal with suspected scams. You have to remain diligent in these times to ensure you are not the next victim of these crooks.
Mortgage Scams Tips
[caption id="attachment_2818" align="alignright"

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Mortgage Scams Tips

Mortgage Scams Tips - Here are some tips for you to avoid scams when it comes to your mortgage. You have to know this moment of uncertainty in the real estate market will lead to vultures entering the industry and offering scams in an attempt to take your money and or identity.

It is our aim today to give you a few tips to help you recognize a few mortgage scams and give you a few tips with how to deal with suspected scams. You have to remain diligent in these times to ensure you are not the next victim of these crooks.
Mortgage Scams Tips
[caption id="attachment_2818" align="alignright"

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July Home Maintenance Checklist

July Home Maintenance Checklist - Let's get into your checklist for maintenance around your home during the month of July. Believe it or not, the first week is behind us already, so we have to get busy if we intend on accomplishing some things this month.

Owning a home or rental property as a real estate investor can always keep you busy. There is never a shortage of things to do. I am sure you are aware of this, but I figured now is a good time to give you some ideas on how to maintain the upkeep of your home during the month of July.
July Home Maintenance Checklist
[caption

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Fixed Mortgage Rates 4.6 Percent

Fixed Mortgage Rates 4.6 Percent - 4.6 percent mortgage rates, fixed, have not been seen in a few months in this country, but they are back. Mortgage rates increased to the highest levels since May of 2011 and the market is not pleased with the findings, but it could be a good sign for the overall economy.

The 30 year, fixed rate mortgage increased to 4.60 percent from 4.51 percent just a week ago. The same happened to the 15 year fixed rate mortgage as well. The 15 year mortgage is now at 3.75 percent, up from 3.67 percent just two weeks ago which was the low rate of the year.
Fixed

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Thursday, July 7, 2011

PTA Moms Use Ponzi Scheme To Make Millions

PTA Moms Ponzi - Apparently ponzi schemes have not run their course thanks to some moms, who were members of the PTA. You would have thought cases like the Madoff would have deterred people from dealing with anyone even almost resembling a ponzi scheme, but I guess they don't just come out and say they are a scheme, huh?

There were three moms involved in this racket and it doesn't seem like the people who have been taken advantage are going to even almost get their money back. It is such a sad, sad state of affairs to see people have been taken for their life savings.
PTA Moms Ponzi
The

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PTA Moms Use Ponzi Scheme To Make Millions

PTA Moms Ponzi - Apparently ponzi schemes have not run their course thanks to some moms, who were members of the PTA. You would have thought cases like the Madoff would have deterred people from dealing with anyone even almost resembling a ponzi scheme, but I guess they don't just come out and say they are a scheme, huh?

There were three moms involved in this racket and it doesn't seem like the people who have been taken advantage are going to even almost get their money back. It is such a sad, sad state of affairs to see people have been taken for their life savings.
PTA Moms Ponzi
The

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Perfect Credit Score

Perfect Credit Score - The score the credit industry deems to be perfect might seem unattainable to you, but it is not. All you have to do is take care of your finances, pay your bills on time, and not carry too much debt. You will have a perfect credit score over time.

I know, it is much easier to say than to achieve. This is the reality we live with everyday of our lives. Saying we are going to get our credit score in order, but life seems to always get in the way with something or another. It is an ongoing fight that is definitely worth it.
Perfect Credit Score
Believe it or not,

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Wednesday, July 6, 2011

What Is The Difference Between A Credit Union And A Bank

What Is The Difference Between A Credit Union And A Bank - A bank and credit union have sever differences between them. Today, we are going to discuss these differences and get some clarity on the situation.

Many people wonder should they move their money into a bank or a credit union, but don't really understand the difference between the two. This is a legitimate concern as we are all taught we should look to maximize our financial opportunities in the market. Banking should be no different.
What is the difference between a credit union and a bank
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What Is An Umbrella Policy Insurance

What Is An Umbrella Policy Insurance? - Getting an insurance policy to work as an umbrella over your normal homeowners insurance may be a good decision. Most people have the limited liability homeowners insurance, but in many cases it would be much better to go for the full umbrella coverage.

However, before you can consider if you should take on a n umbrella policy, it is important to know just what this sort of coverage is. This is the subject of our discussion today. Don't worry, this will not be a boring insurance talk, but one that could save you a bundle of cash if it is ever needed

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Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Does Credit Counseling Work?

Does Credit Counseling Work – When it is time to work on their credit, many people wonder if counseling is effective? This is a great question and one worth the time to explore. When you are working on your credit, it is a great idea to explore all the options available to you.

The short answer to the question of credit counseling and does it work is yes. Credit counseling does work in my opinion. I say this because any time someone is going to offer up some ideas and tactics to help you get over the credit issues, then it is going to be a good idea to get involved.
Does Credit

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Does Credit Counseling Work

Does Credit Counseling Work – When it is time to work on their credit, many people wonder if counseling is effective? This is a great question and one worth the time to explore. When you are working on your credit, it is a great idea to explore all the options available to you.

The short answer to the question of credit counseling and does it work is yes. Credit counseling does work in my opinion. I say this because any time someone is going to offer up some ideas and tactics to help you get over the credit issues, then it is going to be a good idea to get involved.
Does Credit

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Does Credit Counseling Work

Does Credit Counseling Work – When it is time to work on their credit, many people wonder if counseling is effective? This is a great question and one worth the time to explore. When you are working on your credit, it is a great idea to explore all the options available to you.

The short answer to the question of credit counseling and does it work is yes. Credit counseling does work in my opinion. I say this because any time someone is going to offer up some ideas and tactics to help you get over the credit issues, then it is going to be a good idea to get involved.
Does Credit

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Friday, July 1, 2011

Mortgage Scams Tips

Mortgage Scams Tips - Here are some tips for you to avoid scams when it comes to your mortgage. You have to know this moment of uncertainty in the real estate market will lead to vultures entering the industry and offering scams in an attempt to take your money and or identity.

It is our aim today to give you a few tips to help you recognize a few mortgage scams and give you a few tips with how to deal with suspected scams. You have to remain diligent in these times to ensure you are not the next victim of these crooks.
Mortgage Scams Tips
[caption id="attachment_2818" align="alignright"

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Mortgage Scams Tips

Mortgage Scams Tips - Here are some tips for you to avoid scams when it comes to your mortgage. You have to know this moment of uncertainty in the real estate market will lead to vultures entering the industry and offering scams in an attempt to take your money and or identity.

It is our aim today to give you a few tips to help you recognize a few mortgage scams and give you a few tips with how to deal with suspected scams. You have to remain diligent in these times to ensure you are not the next victim of these crooks.
Mortgage Scams Tips
In an effort to help you protect yourself, we

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