Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Does The Early Bird Get The Worm?

When people plan and invest for retirement, the decision of when to begin taking Social Security benefits eventually comes up. Social Security is an important source of retirement income for many individuals and, therefore, the decision of when to take these benefits can make a big impact on retirement income.A retired worker who is fully insured can elect to start receiving benefits at any ti. . .

Retirement Myths

It is an unfortunate fact that many Americans spend less time planning for their retirement than planning for their vacations. All it takes is intelligent planning – and a clear understanding of the myths that hinder us from building a secure retirement.Consider the following myths: • Myth #1: I’m too young to worry about retirement. You’re never too young to make plans. The sooner you begi. . .

Feathering Your Retirement Nest

What will you look for as you approach your “golden” years? Will it be an affordable condo on the golf course with room for the grandchildren to visit? Must it be close to friends and family or new “senior” friends living close by? Should it be near good medical facilities?The average householder 65 or above earns only two-fifths as much as earners age 45-54 (who are at their peak earning ye. . .

The Hurrier I Go The Behinder I Get

When are Social Security checks potentially loans and not benefits? Why, when you have "excess earnings" of course. In today's economy, many senior citizens still work during their "retirement" either because they want to or, all too often, because they must to make ends meet. Retirees who want to work as well as collect social security retirement benefits must plan their compensation carefu. . .

Options For Preparing Your Taxes

When tax season rolls around each year the are a number of individuals who need to decide how their tax returns will be prepared and filed. Each taxpayer has a number of tax preparation options. These tax preparation options can include self preparation or hiring the services of a tax professional.Individuals who makes the decision to hire the help of a tax professional are likely to hire an ac. . .

Know How To Take Your Lumps

If you are about to retire or change jobs, or if your employer is terminating the company retirement plan, you may be eligible to receive a "lump sum distribution" as defined in the Internal Revenue Code. Such a distribution may be substantial and may represent the cornerstone of your retirement security. So it is important to consider your options carefully before making a decision regarding. . .

Ten Things You Might Not Have Known About Social Security

Social Security is a lot like the ozone layer--we all know it’s there now and we count on it being there in the future. Yet most people don’t know much more about it than that. Here’s a short list of interesting facts about Social Security.(1) Social Security benefits do not automatically start coming in the mail the first day of Normal Retirement Age. They must be applied for. The easiest. . .

Traditional IRAs: Still A Good Idea for 2006

Mark Twain once said, "The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated." Like Mr. Twain's rumored demise, the notion that the traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is no longer a useful part of a financial plan has been greatly exaggerated. Contributions to a traditional IRA continue to be a viable financial and retirement planning tool despite non-deductibility for some individu. . .

Rolling Over Futures Positions

Futures positions in Indian Markets need be closed on the last Thursday of every month or the expiry month. Incase of a holiday on the last Thursday the preceding day would be taken as the closing day.Current Month Futures being the most active we generally take positions in these. Now rolling over these positions need be done incase we need to carry the position for some more time. As there wo. . .

Zero Percent Balance Transfers Can Damage Your Health

What you are about to read may make you reassess your attitude to zero interest balance transfer offers. I will show how these balance transfer offers are pushing more and more people into serious financial difficulties and I will suggest a few ideas on how you can manage your debt better.Credit card debt is rising at an alarming rate and many people are now getting into serious financial diffi. . .

A Simple Real Estate Investment Plan To Make A Million Do...

This is a very simple Real Estate Investment Plan that anyone can do. In fact, because it’s so simple most people won’t do it. There are only three simple steps. STEP 1. Go out and borrow one million dollars. STEP 2. Use the million dollars and buy one million dollars worth of well-selected real estate. STEP 3. Get other people to agree to pay off the million dollar loan for you.Sounds easy. Ri. . .

How To Clear Your Credit Card Debts

These days there are so many ways to let credit get out of control that you will probably be constantly aware of the dangers of over spending. So many people have access to far more credit than they think they need or can afford, and it is a constant challenge not to let it get out of hand and fall into the trap of spending it all. For most people, credit cards are probably the most dangerous e. . .

Rate Tarts – What Are They?

According to leading market analysts, rate tarts are costing the UK lending industry over one billion pounds a year. This is pretty much the same as saying that rate tarts are saving themselves one billion pounds a year. So what, or who are they, and why have they gotten the lending industry’s attention.0% Balance Transfer Credit CardsWell, most people are reasonably familiar with the balance t. . .

Loans UK– Loans to Suit Every Pocket

Human desires are unlimited but the finance that one acquires always seems to be scarce. Thanks to the diversity of loans available in the UK finance market which helps in fulfilling the desires and dreams of millions of the UK residents.UK loan market at present is swamped with infinite number of loan options. Different loans have been designed keeping in mind the diverse needs and expectation. . .

Choosing To Apply For A 0% Intro Rate Credit Card

If you’re of age and with a permanent source of income, maybe it’s time to own a credit card. If you haven’t ever considered owning a credit card, maybe it’s time to do so. There are a lot of good things that could be made possible simply by owning a credit card.First, credit cards could be of utmost use in times of emergency and unplanned events. If your car breaks down and you don’t have cash. . .

Discount Points May Be Wise When Purchasing a Home

There are many expenses one must pay when closing on a mortgage. Some of these include taxes, a down payment, loan origination fees, and miscellaneous fees for couriers, copying or other office expenses. No one likes paying these costs, but they are part of the process of taking out a loan. There is one item that can be paid for at closing that may be worthwhile, however, and that is something . . .

How to Decide on Chequeing and Savings Accounts

Choosing the right bank accounts can be a difficult task... after all, you're making major decisions that can directly affect your finances. Unfortunately, there isn't a catch-all way to look at choosing different types of bank accounts... chequeing and savings accounts have different considerations and should be looked at from different viewpoints before making your decision on either.This art. . .

Tax-Free Retirement Planning Services

For many self-employed individuals and small business owners, employer retirement plans are a key part of retirement savings. Understanding how the employer retirement plan fits into an overall retirement plan is important to being able to plan adequately for retirement. Congress believes that employers should be encouraged to assist individuals in this retirement planning stage. Congress re. . .

Mystery Shopping Improves Bottom Line For Businesses

Keeping a satisfied, repeat customer is an ongoing challenge that all retail outlets face, especially when it comes to building a solid bottom line.Many factors – positive and negative – can influence bottom line performance, so quantifying the financial return on investment of any new initiative can be difficult. One solution for maintaining customer loyalty is the implementation of a solid my. . .

A Guide to Home Equity Lines of Credit

It seems as though you can't turn on the television or read the newspaper without seeing some advertisement for lenders offering home equity loans or lines of credit. Perhaps you aren't really in the market for a loan, but after seeing all of the commercials and ads have begun to wonder about getting a line of credit. Maybe you want to do some home improvements, or are looking for a way to pay . . .

Deciding Between Secured and Unsecured Loans

Finding the right loan for you and your financial needs is important... after all, you don't want to pay any more for your loan than you absolutely have to. When shopping for a loan, however, you might find yourself facing a decision between applying for secured and unsecured loans.If you're not entirely sure what the difference is or which type of loan is right for you, then the information pr. . .

Lifestyle Banking – Living For Pay Day

For some people it comes mid-month, for others at month’s end. Occasionally it comes right at the start of the month – just in time for you to watch those figures plummet.And what am I talking about? Pay day.Lifestyle banking is the term for a new breed of loan, and it’s an appropriate moniker – as our lifestyles have sped up, digitised, and, ultimately, revolutionised our lives so has our dema. . .

How to Repair Your Bad Credit with Debt Consolidation

Sometimes, when we owe money, it seems like the bottom hasdropped from our glass. When it comes to debt relief andrepairing credit ratings, the road always seems uphill. One ofthe best solutions for getting out of debt is finding a way topay off your bills. If you elect to go with a debt consolidationprogram, then look for a program that will not charge you highrates of interest, costly monthly. . .

Of Investors and Investments: One Trillion...and Still Co...

So…Who’s got the Trillion?Any time you mention casually a Trillion dollars, people tend to listen. Especially, in the investments world. But, even in the world of investments, people just don’t talk in terms of well… a trillion dollars. And, they never talk about it concerning any single individual. Well…not “never”. Forgive the bad grammar, but it isn’t every day I get to talk about a man who . . .

4 Critical Things You Should Demand From A Tax Professional

1. COMPETENCE AND CREDIBILITYIt is very important that you research the credentials ofthe person you have preparing your taxes. Look forcredentials such as enrolled agent or CPA, which will giveyou some assurance that the preparer has had adequateeducation and meets ethical standards. Also, make sure thatthe tax preparer you choose can and will take the time toresearch any issues they may not b. . .

Ergonomic Awareness Has Become an Important Factor for Em...

Thanks to Wojciech Jestrzebowski, a Polish scholar, who introduced the term Ergonomics back in 1857 we know more about how we can incorporate the use of equipment to help with some of the daunting work duties that may take its toll on our bodies in the long term. It has only been in the recent years that companies have taken notice and have implemented ergonomic equipment in the work place. . . .

Deciding when to File a Tax Return?

April 15th – “The Day of Reckoning”! Every year, millions of Americans get ready to pay taxes to Uncle Sam, or get ready to collect a tax refund from Uncle Sam; when did this become the great day that it is for taxpayers, and when are we actually required to file a income tax return? Let’s take a look at the beginnings of the income tax date of April 15 and why it was chosen? The first known. . .

Credit Card Applications – Getting Approved After Refusal

It can be disheartening when you apply for a credit card and get turned down. However, in the vast majority of cases, it really is not anything that you need to worry about. While there are some people out there who would be approved for virtually everything they could think of applying for, for the vast majority of us, applying for a credit card can take a little time and some trial and error.. . .

Business Coaching And Training

The buzz has grown in recent years, and coaching is now not only talked about, but valued by corporations and their many tiers and leaders. An organization is made of individuals, and it follows then that an organization works at its very best when its constituent pieces, i.e. you and me, function at their very best. A collection of individual potentials becomes the potential of the team. This . . .

Successful People are Professionals and Entrepreneurs!

This is a secret to the financial success of the Jewish tribe. Many Jewish families understand that professional credentials are the best union cards to higher salaries. Think about it. Some of the highest earning individuals I know are car mechanics and plumbers who worked regular jobs AND studied hard to get the best possible training and certifications in the field. A medical degree for . . .

Why Self-Published eBooks are Winners

Myths abound about print books being the right kind of book and eBooks are on their last leg. These ideas spring from traditional publishing. Hopeful authors have read it many times--that a true book, one that will bring you reverent kudos, must be in print and must be long. And it must have a top agent and publisher. Maybe true five-ten years ago. Like you, I believed it at first and went dow. . .

Helping Lift the Home Loans Haze

So...you're about to buy a property and need a home loan...Where do you begin?Whether you are a first home buyer, have bought and sold several times, are re-financing, seeking an equity loan, or even a reverse motgage - there are a lot of thing to consider...Do you choose fixed rate, variable rate, adjustable rate - or interest only.Rates, fees, costs - can all vary.Let's have a look at the dif. . .

Create a Business that 'eNthems' Out from the Crowd: A Co...

Every country has a national anthem, so why not every company? That is exactly the question that http://www.enthem.com puts forth to potential customers.This new and innovative Website offers businesses the opportunity to create an official company anthem or “eNthem.” Why have customers listen to “on-hold” music, when you can use these precious minutes to communicate what your company is all ab. . .

How Credit Card Incentive Programs Work

With the popularity of credit cards today, it's no wonder that there are a variety of incentive programs offered by different card companies in an effort to get consumers to choose one company's cards over another. Some incentive programs offer you cash back on your purchases, while others offer free airline miles or discounts on certain items or from certain retailers... but incentive programs. . .

The SIMPLE Way to Save For Retirement

A relative newcomer to the retirement plan market, the SIMPLE IRA can be a cost-effective retirement planning alternative for small employers and their employees. A SIMPLE IRA plan consists of a deferral program for eligible employees, along with mandatory contributions by employers. An eligible employer is defined as an employer who has no more than 100 employees that received at least $5,00. . .

Don't Make Money Because Of Money

Since you are on our way into generating online multiple income streams, let’s talk about “money” (income = money). When you plant a tree, you need a seed and you need to know the seed well; know the type of seed you are planting and know how to take care of it. The same theory applies into generating multiple income streams; you need to know the “money” as well. You have to learn how to be fri. . .

Signs that It's Time to Find a New Bank

Banking can be an important part of your life, but just like anything else it can go wrong if you're not careful. Sometimes a bank changes ownership or drastically alters their policies, making your banking experience much less than it should be... other times they simply don't keep up with other banks and aren't able to offer you the advantages that some of the other banks in your area have. W. . .

Choosing the Right Credit Card for Your Business

Doing business can be expensive... especially if you're just starting out in your chosen business. In order to make ends meet and get everything that your business needs, you might want to consider getting a business credit card or at least a credit card that is to be used specifically for business purposes. With all of the different options available in credit cards for both businesses and ind. . .

Choosing the Right Interest-Bearing Chequeing Account

For years, consumers had to pay for the convenience of being able to write cheques for the goods and services that they purchased. As time has gone by, however, a number of banks have not only gotten rid of some of the excess charges and fees associated with chequeing accounts but have also begun creating chequeing accounts that pay interest to the account holder. These interest-bearing chequei. . .

Trading Systems - When to Override a System

When should you override a trading strategy?Let's use the following example for trading the e-mini S&P:Your system establishes a long position at 1190.00 and the profit target order was placed at 1192.25 ($112.50 profit per contract). Prices moved up to 1192.00 and reversed. One hour later the system tries to reverse at 1191.00. Again prices moved up to 1190.75 and reversed. Two times the syste. . .

Do Your Own Taxes with Online Software

Taxes are so complicated that it has become a year-round job just to keep up. Everything you do throughout the year has an impact on your taxes. Did you get married? Did you buy/sell a home? Did you have children? Did you change jobs? Did you put any money into a retirement account? Did you donate to charity? And on…and on…and on.Thousands and thousands of laws for Federal filing alone, but in . . .

Our Brains and Decision-Making: Emotional or Rational?

Neuroscientists are now discovering more about the brain and how it processes information and makes decisions. While much remains to be learned, apparently we may not be as rational and in control of our senses as we think we are. The closer scientists look, the clearer it becomes that we are much like our animal ancestors. To understand the brain better, think of it in terms of three layers:1.. . .

February’s Surf Shop Expo at Westpoint

Exeter’s Westpoint Arena will hold host to the Surf Shop’s annual Winter Conference and Exhibition dedicated to the boardsports industry, this coming February 7th and 8th. The exhibition is the only one of it’s kind in the whole of Europe and aims to increase awareness of the skills and attributes of the boardsports industry.The show will feature a whole host of businesses both new and old, alo. . .

Powerful Presenters Close More Sales

For many professionals (consultants, designers, architects, etc.), presentations are a key aspect of the sales cycle that can't be ignored. Let’s face it, you’ve got a lot riding on how you look, what you say, and the way you answer questions. In order to get more new clients, you must become a master of the art of a quality presentation.A successful presenter is one who comes across as confide. . .

Goal Getting - An Alternate Way To Approach Your Direct S...

In my many years of Party Plan direct selling I have seen it time and time again... women come home from their annual convention fired up, determined that by next year they'll be able to walk the stage in the top 10, earn the cruise and have enough income to purchase their dream home on the ocean. It is great to come home motivated and excited about your company. Having big dreams is a wonderfu. . .

Internet Scams Add to Worries of Online Banks

The advent of the Internet has been a huge boon to the banking industry. Long concerned about the costs of doing business, banks have quickly embraced the Internet as a way of doing business with their customers without having to pay employees to handle the transactions. The Internet is open for business 24 hours a day and a "teller" is always on call in the form of a fully automated system.Unf. . .

Hidden Tax Opportunity For Tax-Deferred Investments

As IRA and other retirement plan account balances continue to grow larger, often into very significant amounts, the need to understand tax characteristics becomes more critical. These types of accounts offer the tremendous benefit of tax deferral, as everyone is well aware, but a “taxing” problem may remain upon the death of the participant. This quandary is known as income in respect of a dece. . .

Changing Jobs? Don’t let your 401(k) slip away.

Changing Jobs? Don’t let your 401(k) slip away. Today’s job market is more transitory than ever. And, as more and more individuals switch jobs, they begin to wonder what they should do with the money they have accumulated in their employer-sponsored retirement plans such as their 401(k) plans. The good news for 401(k) plan participants is that your retirement plan assets are very portable so y. . .

Mortgage Tips for First Time Buyers

A home is the single most expensive thing most people will ever purchase. In addition, paying off a home loan can take as long as forty years and will involve paying an amount of interest that exceeds the cost of the house itself. In short, buying a house is not something to be done without a lot of forethought. With the average American living in their homes for seven years or less, most mortg. . .

When to Link Chequeing and Savings Accounts

Have you ever had an overdraft cheque? It can be a major inconvenience, especially if the overdraft was only by a small amount. To help consumers to avoid the problem of minor overdrafts, a number of banks offer a link between chequeing accounts and savings accounts... this allows the cheque to be processed using additional funds provided by your savings account.A standard overdraft fee is stil. . .