Sunday, January 6, 2008 

The Secret to Keeping your Budget on Track

"Don't find fault; find a remedy." -- Henry Ford

B-u-d-g-e-t. The very word can cause us to tremble in our new boots! But a hard-working soul need not fear -- there's a simple way to win the battle of the budget. It's great fun, and what better time to get started! So what's the secret?

*** Build Some Rewards and Fun Into Your Budget! ***

Think this tip is too simple to be effective? Consider the last time you blew your budget. You were probably zipping along just fine. Life was great. A month later, you slipped up just a bit. Two months later -- boom! Your budget's blown, big time. How long did it take you to get back on track after that?

Think back on your most recent project. Was there a reward waiting for you after completion? If not, did you feel as if the project took forever, with no light at the end of the tunnel? Your rewards will serve as a mini-light at the end of your tunnel.

How to Set Up Your Goodies List

Here's where the fun starts. Your Goodies List will be your own personal list of rewards, fun, or items you'd like to buy or do. Jot down some things that excite you, things you can look forward to. Why? Because there's no budget on the earth that will work if you have no motivation to keep going.

How to Use Your Goodies List to Motivate You

For every month (or week) you're able to stay on track with your budget, reward yourself with one item from your Goodies List. Keep your reward in a range you can easily afford (just make sure it's enough to motivate you.) Try $40 or less for a monthly reward. For weekly, try $10. Even $5 can energize you.

In the past, you might have felt as if you were 'giving up' things to stay on track. You'll find that you're not giving up anything at all. You're simply targeting the things you really want or need, and rewarding yourself for not making those budget-blowing purchases. It's easy to burn out or feel deprived if there's nothing to show for your hard work.

Affordable Suggestions for Your Goodies List

** Longing to change the colors in your bathroom? Try:

  • A towel to match your new color scheme.

  • A can of paint

  • A new shower curtain

  • A new rug

** Dreaming of taking up writing? How about:

  • A course on writing

  • A book on writing a best seller

  • Paper, pens, resources, software for writers

  • A new writing area in your home

** Yearning for fancy new tires for your hot rod? Try:

  • For each month/week you stay on track, write yourself a check for your reward amount and tuck it into an envelope.

  • When you've saved up enough to purchase one tire, go shopping! Write one check for the tires, then destroy the other checks. Update your checkbook, making up any small difference.

  • Buy your tires one at a time as you 'earn' them. If there's a huge discount for buying more than one at a time, simply keep saving your checks until you can buy more than one (only do this if you can stay motivated.)

** Simply want to feel more secure? If money itself will motivate you, consider this:

  • Write yourself a check as your reward instead. Use it to open a savings account. Name your account, writing the name on the cover of a pocket notebook.

  • Carry it in your pocket or purse, tracking every deposit you make in this notebook. Keep your balance up to date.

  • Make it a big deal (it is, you know).

So, how motivating is that? Keep in mind, your rewards are not just for keeping your budget on track. Use your Goodies List to help you ward off procrastination and keep you energized to complete your projects (even those dreaded chores).

Now, tweak your plan until you've got it working for you. Go ahead -- get started today!

About The Author

Darlene Arechederra offers simple, unique strategies to help others move from spending to saving. She believes the trick is to discover which ideas work best for each person - because their money isn't one-size-fits-all. Darlene encourages others to discover their *own* unique strategies for saving money! Sign up today for free newsletter: http://www.RatRaceRemedies.com

Dar@RatRaceRemedies.com

 

Home Buying -- Purchasing a Home With no Money Down

As real estate prices soar, many prospective home buyers are finding it difficult to come up with the necessary down payment to buy their home. Luckily, there are several options that can help you get that mortgage with little or in some cases no down payment.

Various banks and lenders offer what is known as 100% financing programs. This is probably what you are being sold if you hear "no money down" advertised. The major drawback to these arrangements aside from the obvious higher monthly mortgage payments and lack of equity is that you will be required to carry private mortgage insurance.

Private mortgage insurance, also known as PMI for short can add an additional $50 - $100 per $100,000 borrowed per month on to the cost of your mortgage. As you can plainly see, this cost adds up fast. PMI is designed to protect the lender not the homeowner. The only benefit PMI gives you is that by paying for it you can qualify for a loan you might not otherwise be able to get.

Traditional 100% financing programs also come with higher rates and closing costs. This makes sense because as the risk to the lender is higher, you can expect that you will be paying for it. In the case of a no money down mortgage, you will face additional qualification requirements. Typically only those with excellent credit are eligible for a no money down home loan.

A 100% financing program may not be your only option. The Veterans Administration offers mortgage programs that feature similar benefits. If you are a qualifying veteran, you may be eligible for one of the VA's low and no money down programs. With a VA loan, there is no limit on the amount you can borrow and unlike in the old days, you can get more than one VA loan over the course of your lifetime.

If none of these options meets your needs, it may be time to consider a little creative financing. In times when the real estate market is slower and homes are not selling well, it is not uncommon to find deals such as rent to own and owner financing. In the case of rent to own, typically you pay a higher monthly payment to the owner with a pre-determined portion of that going in to a down payment savings account. In some cases, the seller will even offer to hold your mortgage outright.

Creative financing options such as the seller financing and rent to own can be beneficial for both parties. The seller makes a profit on the deal and you can get in to a home in a situation where you might not otherwise be eligible for a traditional mortgage. If you decide to go this route and are fortunate enough to find a seller who will work with you be sure to see a lawyer to have the agreement written up in a fair and binding way.

As you can see, there are options for buyers who have little or no money available for a down payment. It may not always be as simple as it sounds like in the advertisement and there are drawbacks to consider, however it is possible to buy a property without putting money on the table at first.

To learn everything you'll ever need to know about Home Mortgage Loans, visit http://www.gethomemortgageloan.com/ where you will learn more about FHA Mortgage Loans and much much more.

Thursday, January 3, 2008 

Faxless Payday Loans

We are all familiar with unexpected expenses. We all know how difficult and stressful the situation itself can become. Another stress we are all too familiar with is financial stress. Can I afford to fund the expense? Will I need a second income?

If youve recently encountered an emergency expense do you wish to be bogged down with paperwork? Are you interested in making a multitude of phone calls to loan providers? Does the sound of a long and tiresome application excite you? Of course not.

You want a quick, easy and painless solution to your problem. You dont want to spend time twiddling your thumbs while identification and other documentation is processed. Dont let the stress youre experiencing control your life. There is a solution: Faxless Payday Loans.

What is a Payday Loan?
A Payday Loan is a fiscal sum supplied to you by a lender when you need it. Payday Loans are intended for the funding of emergency or unexpected expense situations. Payday Loans typically range from $100 to $1,500. If youre between paychecks and something unexpected hits, you may be interested in taking out a Payday Loan.

Are There Payday Loans the Require No Faxing?
A No Fax Payday Loan, as it is often referred to, is a fiscal sum supplied to you by a lender that does not require documentation for approval. Instead of spending hours faxing paystubs, credit reports and identification to your lender, apply for the same loan hassle free. There is no longer a need to waste countless hours providing lenders with the important documents they so desperately require. You can find a list of no fax payday loans reviewed at Top Payday Loans

What information is required to obtain a Payday Loan?
Although you need not fax multiple documents to the lender, you must provide minimal amounts of personal information. If you wish to obtain a No Fax Payday Loan you must complete a basic application. This application typically asks for your name, address, employment information and phone number. That being said, every application is unique! You cannot expect to see the same questions on every application you review.

When will I receive my Payday Loan?
Upon approval, your loan should be deposited directly into your account within twenty-four hours. Be sure you review the lending terms of each potential provider. Not all providers will offer you twenty-four hour service. If youre having trouble comparing providers a Payday Loan Review website can help!

How and when do I repay my Payday Loan?
No Fax Payday Loans are often repaid upon the receipt of your next paycheck. Lenders often provide you with a wide range of payment options. Again, be sure to research all of your options. Ensure youre making the decision thats right for you! Payday Loan providers understand that no two borrowers are exactly alike.

How much easier can it get? You fill out a basic application, receive your approval letter within minutes and youre spending within twenty-four hours! No paperwork, no faxing and no hassle! Its really that simple.

Dont waste another second dealing with the stress of unexpected expenses. Theres a convenient solution merely a click away! Its time you receive the financial freedom you deserve. Begin enjoying the benefits of a No Fax Payday Loan today.

Jonathan Volk is the Editor of Top Payday Loans, a widely respected Payday Loan Review website. If you need help comparing lending terms, fees or interest rates, Top Payday Loans can help!