Business Ian Magazine

We see advertisements for quick cash loans every day. “Need quick cash? Want a loan on your paycheck? Need to pay some bills and get creditors off your back?” These loans can be pay day loans, cash advance loans, check advance loans, post-dated check loans or deferred deposit check loans. Typically the borrower rights out a check for the amount of the loan plus a fee (not post dated as that is illegal). This fee can range from 10% to 40% of the loan and the borrower usually has two weeks to pay it off in full. Most can’t pay it off in time and end up owing, in some cases, more in fees than the amount of the original loan.

Some states like South Carolina have placed limits on the fee amount allowed. South Carolina law limits this fee to 15% of the amount borrowed. If you were to look at this in a yearly APR it would be 390% interest. Most states have usury laws which limit a yearly rate to 30% or under on most loans. Currently Pay Day stores slip by by stating that loans are paid off in 2 weeks so no violation has occurred and that they are providing a much needed service to people that have no where else to go.

The actuality is that most of these borrowers cannot repay on time and so they are forced to pay the interest and take out another loan to cover the principle. And they pay dearly for this. Currently the average borrower in South Carolina takes 10-15 loans to payoff their original loan amount. These statistics are similar in most other states. Which means the borrower will pay $400 – $500 in loan fees on a $400 loan. This is absurd usury and should be illegal as it is not helping anyone except the lender. It is predatory lending at best that just gets borrowers in deeper debt than before.

“Some will say, that little man has to have somewhere to go,” said state Rep. Eldridge Emory, “Butif he gets money this way, he’s just digging a hole deeper and deeper, and he’s not going to get out.”

Several states like North Carolina have currently banned this form of predatory lending. Pay Day and similar quick cash loan schemes are not allowed in North Carolina. Other states are beginning to consider legislation and to put laws in place that will further control and possibly even curb pay day loans altogether. Still more needs to be done. Pay day lending companies have high dollar lawyers and are probably lobbying your state politicians right now to protect their interests. If enough people complain the states will all have to do something about this predatory form of lending.

David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He holds numerous patents and awards for his research. For more useful information please visit: http://www.bestbraindrain.blogspot.com

Miles credit cards also known as airline credit cards and frequent flyer credit cards are becoming more and more popular all the time. The reason is that the cardholder of a miles credit card is given reward points when they use their miles credit cards. These accumulated points can be transferred into airline tickets, hotel stays, and car rentals.

Today you can find a variety of miles credit card offers by several different companies and all of them will offer wonderful incentives to get your business. Not only are the rewards different for each miles credit card but so are the terms and conditions and the miles per dollar spent. Be sure to investigate every miles credit card before you apply to ensure that you understand the minimum number of air miles you must accumulate before you can redeem them for any rewards that are offered.

A miles credit card is really great for people that travel all the time for either business or pleasure. If you only fly once or twice a year for a get-a-way, you may discover they are not a big benefit. Every miles credit card has higher interest rates, annual fees and finance charges after the introductory period, than a regular credit card and if you do use your credit card enough you will not be able to enjoy the benefits that are offered.

You also may find that a miles credit card will only allow you to travel with one airline. This can be troublesome if this airline does not travel to all the destinations that you normally frequent. It is best to shop around until you can find a miles credit card that offers flexibility in choosing an airline, low interest rates, low annual fees, and one with the most air miles.

Today you can find a miles credit card that will offer bonus miles or points on your first charge, no annual fee for the first year, and 0% APR on all purchases made during the first 12 months and balance transfers. However, you must read what happens after that introductory special. Many of these miles credit cards charge a yearly fee of around $75 for the membership and 17% percent interest. This may make you step back and see if the miles credit card is really worth the price you pay. You may be able to purchase an airline ticket with the savings from not having a miles credit card.

If you are a frequent traveler, however, the rewards normally outweigh the charges. You will be able to earn points that can be transferred into air miles and enjoy free or discounted flights with the air miles you have earned. This can be great for a free flight to your favorite destination or for a business meeting. Either way, redeeming the points for a hotel stay, a flight or for a car rental will be worth having a miles credit card since you have to fly all the time anyway.

For more on the benefits of a miles credit card, Robert Alan recommends that you visit http://www.creditcardassist.com/airline/creditcards.html

Just as there is no best credit card for everyone, there’s no single one that stands out as the worst, or one to avoid. It’s all about finding the one that fits your needs and your circumstances. It may be easy to say ‘avoid any credit card that has an APR above x%’ – but there are people out there who need a card and can only qualify for one with a high APR. If one doesn’t compare credit cards based on APR or annual fee, then how does one determine which are best avoided?

Rather than putting together a list of credit cards to avoid, it’s far more profitable to pay attention to a list of do’s and don’ts that will help you select the best for your circumstances and situation.

1. Know yourself.
There are some very good comparison websites where you’ll find guides to selecting the best credit card for your spending and money management style. In general, if you tend to pay your accounts in full each month, apply for a card that offers you rewards for using it on things you’ll purchase anyway. If you tend to carry balances on your account, pay attention to the APR and avoid those with high APR’s and late fees that kick in with a vengeance.

2. Know the credit cards you’re applying for.
Do your homework before you make applications. Take the time to read cardholder agreements so that you know all the fees, penalties and conditions to which you’re agreeing. In particular, look for the following – all of which have to be outlined in the card member agreement:

- Annual fees or participation fees which will be charged to your new card. You’ll be liable for the first year’s fees even if you never use the card.

- The APR (annual percentage rate) is the interest rate that will be charged on your outstanding balance. The agreement must also disclose whether the rate is fixed or variable, and if it’s variable when and how often it can be changed, and how much notice they’re required to give you.

- Transaction fees for particular transactions, like cash advances, may be additional. Those need to be listed in the agreement.

- Any monthly fees for your card. Some credit card companies charge a monthly fee whether or not you use the card.

- The method used to compute the interest on your balance can make a big difference in the fees that you’re charged. Knowing how and when those fees are computed can save you a considerable amount of money.

3. Avoid ‘fake’ credit cards.
Be sure to read all the information about the options you’re considering carefully. There are some offers that imply that you’ll get a major credit card with a large spending limit – but the card that you actually get is only valid if you purchase items from their catalog or online merchants. You’ll pay a premium price for a limited number of products at high interest rates – and in most cases, you’ll pay a high annual membership fee and monthly participation fee which you’ll be billed for even if you never use the card.

When you’re looking for the best credit card, make sure you take the time compare all the options before making your applications.

Jon Francis has been involved with finance for many years! With an in-depth knowledge of the credit card UK market help helps others get the best from a credit card. For more information visit http://www.moneyeverything.com/cards.

If you’re getting ready to apply for a credit card for the first time, you may be concerned about finding the best credit card.

Here’s a secret little tip for you – there’s no such thing as a best credit card. There’s only the right one for you. And even the right ‘one’ can go woefully wrong if you don’t handle it wisely. Here are a few nuggets of advice from experienced users – some of whom learned the hard way how NOT to handle plastic.

1. Before you make applications, take stock of your spending and saving habits.
Does money burn a hole in your pocket? Are you the type that does without lunch for two days before payday because you HAD to buy that scarf on sale? If so, credit cards are going to be a dangerous temptation in your wallet. Minimize the dangers of temptation by opting for a credit card with a low spending limit and the lowest interest rate that you can find. That way you can only dig yourself so far into debt before the spending limit stops you.

2. Consider why you need a credit card.
People want cards for lots of different reasons, and those reasons can help you choose the best option for your situation. If you want the convenience of not having to carry cash, for instance, and a ready record of all your spending – but you don’t intend to live beyond your means on plastic, then a good choice for you is a rewards option with a mid-range APR. By charging everyday purchases on your card, you’ll keep a running record of your expenses AND earn cash back or rewards. It’s a good plan for you as long as you only charge what you can afford to pay off in full each month. That way you won’t be incurring interest on your balance – so the APR doesn’t mean much.

3. Choose the right credit card for the job.
The best credit card for charging large purchases is not the same as the one that’s right for everyday use for expense accounts and the like. If you need a card in order to finance a new computer or refrigerator – something that you’ll pay off over the course of the next several months – you’ll want a card that has a low APR. If you shop carefully for your credit card, you may even find one that offers discounts on large purchases, and insures any item that you buy with it against loss or damage for up to a year.

4. Read the cardholder agreement in full before applying. There’s more to your credit card than just the APR. Before you choose a card, take the time to read ALL the small print. Total up annual fees, application and processing fees, late fees, transaction fees and any other charges that may be hiding behind the legalese so that you know exactly what it will cost you to apply for and use each credit card.

That last is especially important. Shop as carefully FOR your credit card as you will WITH your credit card. If you don’t, you could find yourself in a situation where your new card arrives – complete with a balance of

It is a common belief that the human brain is somehow empty at birth, and as the child begins to grow and receive stimulus, the neurons start making connections. Science is now discovering, however, that the reverse may be true. The infant is actually born with many more neuron connections than most adults have. It may be that learning does not happen by making neuron connections, but rather by “weeding out” those that are not used. If this is true, then we are all, literally, born with brilliant minds and we must “use it or lose it.”

In the first weeks of life, most babies will babble every possible sound imaginable. Yet, these children will later lose the ability to create sounds that are not a part of the language they have been trained to speak. Therefore, the child’s environment will play a tremendous role in brain development.

Scientists claim that in our society the average individual uses only 5 – 10% of the brain’s potential. Imagine what your life could be like if you were able to stimulate your mind into activating even a small portion of that unused potential!

Begin by asking yourself:

1. If I could have anything at all, what would it be?
2. What would I need to do to attain it?
3. What stops me from doing those things now?
4. How can I overcome those challenges to attain the life I desire?

These questions move us into the realms of imagination and positive thinking — the qualities that will allow you to awaken that other 90% and keep those neurons firing! Now you might say to yourself, “I already have a positive attitude,” or, perhaps “that positive stuff doesn’t work — all I need is willpower!” But the following demonstration proves that the imagination is far more powerful than willpower can ever be.

Okay, ready for the test? Gather all of your strength and “willpower.” Be sure NOT to do the following … here it comes … DON’T think of a red firetruck!!

What happened?

You automatically thought of a red firetruck, right? This is because when the “will” and the “imagination” are in conflict, the imagination always wins. Most people spend a great deal of time telling themselves what they DON’T want, instead of what they DO want. Even with every ounce of willpower they can muster, they somehow end up with more of the same old thing. That’s because the mind works in pictures, not words. Imagination is the secret ingredient of life. If people imagine themselves “rich,” regardless of the amount of money they have, chances are they will be healthy and strong and live an abundant life. If a rich man imagines himself poor or on the brink of losing his fortune, it is likely that trouble and sickness will plague him to the grave.

All that we are searching for in life is already present within ourselves. The sooner we come to believe in the power of our own imagination, the easier our lives will become. I challenge you to stretch your mind to the possibility of accomplishment beyond your present aspirations. What if, in an attempt to reach your goals, you awakened the powerful latent genius within? How would you feel if you found the cure for AIDS or cancer? Think of the people who would benefit from your achievement. The reality is that until everyone on the planet imagines a world of health and vitality for all, there will always be disease and woe. Take charge of your life now. Imagine your way to health and happiness and it will be so.

Dr. Patrick Porter is an entrepreneur, award-winning author, and motivational speaker. His electrifying keynote speeches and seminars deliver the real life, nuts ‘n bolts concepts. For more information go to: http://www.PatrickKPorter.com

If YOU don’t understand “The Long Tail” of network marketing recruiting, your chance of success is pretty small.

Thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands … probably millions of people have quit network marketing, totally frustrated, thinking they failed.

The truth is, they just worked the wrong theory.

The Long Tail is a different way of looking at MLM. In the heavy hitters’ business model, you buy leads, call the leads, 98% don’t join, it’s over, burn ‘em off, next, next, next. And the 2% who do join you get disillusioned by no income in the first 6 weeks, so they’re off to some other pie-in-the-sky bizop.

versus … in the Long Tail model, you offer people a valuable freebie in exchange for their contact information. Then you call them up, you talk, you find out what they want & need, you offer them help, you build “know, like & trust” with them.

You continue contacting them at least once a month and over time, they’ll begin to join you in your business. The result is, you are leveraging every minute and dollar you spend to the maximum. And you wind up with people who really want to be in business with you …

***People Who Will Actually Build YOUR Business***

Network marketing recruiting is a relationship-building process for 2 main reasons:

1. You can’t sell a lick and you know it – so there’s no chance you’ll ever build any kind of business based on you selling something or recruiting somebody. That is why buying a list of leads from some unknown source – or even a known source – makes no sense whatsoever.

2. Your #1 goal is to create an income to support the lifestyle you want, an income which you can pass down to your children’s children. That means you must find business partners who will stick around. And that means you can’t just sell them something. You have to build a relationship with them … which you may do quickly … or which may take months or years.

The key is to make time work for you. If you’re just burning through a list of purchased names, you are always fighting time, because none of those people has had the time to get to know you. But if your goal is to “stock the pond” with real business partner prospects, and build a relationship, then time is working in your favor. The longer they know you, the more contacts you’ll make with them, the more likely they’ll start to see YOU as someone very special in this business.

***People Haven’t Changed Much Over The Last Thousand Years***

They still want love. They want passion in their personal lives and their professional lives. They want self-satisfaction & health, security & achievement, freedom & trust, fun & financial independence.

People will still want these things a thousand years from now.

The mistakes I see people make in this business astonish me … the wrong directions they take and the worthless busywork they do.

If you want happiness and fortune & fulfillment in your life, if you want a lifetime of luck, you need to create relationships with people. To do that, you need to study people and understand them. If you will only do that, the opportunities you’ll be presented with are endless.

For you to have great success, it’s critical that you have that “Long Tail” viewpoint of building relationships. Over time, those relationships will pay off for you.

That’s why you must promote YOURSELF to people, not some product or company. Unexpected things can happen to products or companies. But if you build the relationship of YOU and that person, then eventually, there’s a good chance you are the one they will come to for help and/or advice … and/or your business opportunity, whatever it is at that particular time.

***It’s Not The Product Or The Company Or Even The Money That Is The Magic***

Most people focus on the money. Recruit someone today. Sell a product today. When they call people, they churn & burn. If a prospect won’t join now, today, then hang up and call the next one.

The problem is, people quickly spot that “me first” attitude. It’s what they’ve come to expect. It gets you nowhere except frustrated and out of the network marketing business.

It’s time to realize that the magic isn’t the product, the company, or the money. The magic is YOU.

One way to make money in any market is to simply be there and see things in their early stages. Get involved and contribute to others in the same market. I learned long ago how important it is to your financial success & your happiness to be able to predict the future, by seeing things as they really are now.

***See Into The Future***

You can do that, too … all it takes is a strong commitment. Understand the problems people have in network marketing, and what causes them, and what the solutions are. And if you know that much, it’s easy to build value-based relationships with people, because they will know that you are sincere, that the information you are giving them is true … and that you are helping them.

This is all I have ever done in network marketing, and I promise you, it works like crazy. This very article is a perfect example.

The majority still believe network marketing recruiting is a sales process. There are very, very few who realize that the big organizations are built by people who understand The Long Tail … the value of building long-term relationships.

Most people are still focused on making money right now, this afternoon at the latest. But for the money to happen, you must first be a person willing to give value to others with no expectation of return. And your plan should be to continue doing exactly that, over time, so that you can take advantage of The Long Tail of network marketing recruiting.

Michael Dlouhy has recorded a CD (“Color To Success”) and written an ebook (“Powerful Networking Secrets”) devoted to network marketing recruiting by building relationships. Visit Michael at http://www.AskMichaelDlouhy.com/.

Cheap life insurance is out there, if you know what you’re looking for. That’s why it’s important to do your research. You’ve got to educate yourself on the various types of life insurance policies that are available, including additional benefits that may or may not be offered.

Plus, you should make an effort to research your options as they relate to the various life insurance companies. It’ll be to your advantage to know what you want and need in terms of cheap life insurance before you start getting quotes.

Term vs. whole life

The first big determinant of cheap life insurance is the type you select. Term life insurance will almost always cost you less than whole life insurance. Term insurance is purchased for a specific period of time, for a specific face value.

Whole life, as the name implies, provides life insurance benefits for the rest of your life, whether that ends up being 10 years or 50. Whole life insurance policies generally have a cash value aspect meaning you’ll pay more in monthly premiums. The amount over and above that which is necessary to cover the premium is used for investment purposes.

Even if you do choose whole life insurance, your costs can be lower if you look around for a policy that has lower fees. The fees you want to pay attention to aren’t really fees, they’re commissions. Commissions can eat away at the cash value of your whole life policy. When researching, look for the term, “low load” as that generally means lower fees.

But be careful. You’ll find this type of life insurance won’t be cheap if you withdraw funds. When the policy’s cash value is greater than the premiums paid, you’ll likely have to pay taxes. A loan against the cash value may have the same end result.

Think long and hard about this type of life insurance policy; it’s not meant to be a substitute for a more traditional type of investment plan. And the premiums you’ll pay will be hefty.

Steer clear of guaranteed issue policies

Also when looking for a cheap life insurance policy, you won’t find it in a “guaranteed issue” type of policy. These policies are guaranteed to cover anyone, regardless health. No medical exam is required but that convenience comes with a big price tag.

Because the life insurance company is taking a substantial risk by insuring individuals without knowing their state of health, premiums will be high. If you’re healthy, opt instead for a traditional term policy.

If you’re not healthy, taking steps to improve your health may help you find cheaper life insurance. Lowering weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels are beneficial steps. Kicking the nicotine habit is also advisable. The better your health at the time of application, the cheaper your life insurance premium should be.

Finally, to get cheap life insurance, purchase just what you need. Reevaluate your life insurance needs periodically and adjust upwards or down as necessary. The bottom line: Finding cheap life insurance is possible, but it does take work.

Find Cheap Life Insurance at http://www.life-insurance-online.co.uk in the UK. You will not believe our low insurance rates.