September 2006 - Posts

• How Much Are Credit Cards Costing You?

  Friday, September 29, 2006 6:19 AM

  Many people simply look at whether or not they can afford their monthly payment when looking at their credit cards. They don't sit and figure out how long it will take to pay them off and how much they are costing them over the long run. For example, $2,000 doesn't seem like a huge balance on a credit card Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• U.S. No Longer World's Most Competitive Economy

  Friday, September 29, 2006 6:19 AM

  The recent study of the world's economies reveals that the U.S. has fallen from first place last year to sixth place this year. Switzerland replaces the U.S. as the most competitive economy in the world. It is followed by Finland and Sweden to make up the top three, according to a survey of 125 countries by the Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF) Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• California Monthly Home Sales Plummet

  Friday, September 29, 2006 6:18 AM

  Statewide home sales fell 30.1% from July, according to the California Association of Realtors. "We experienced the greatest year-to-year sales decline last month since August 1982, when sales fell 30.4%," said CAR President Vince Malta. "This is another indication that we're in the initial stages of a long-anticipated adjustment in the market Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• Be Smart About Your Credit

  Friday, September 29, 2006 6:18 AM

  Credit is a complicated matter. Many people don't understand it and don't want to. They know all they need to know. Until they find that they are unable to get any more credit due to their ignorance of the way it really works. I am constantly surprised by the things I hear people say about their credit Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• Mortgage Rates Fall For Ninth Time In 10 Weeks

  Friday, September 29, 2006 6:17 AM

  Mortgage rates fell for the ninth time in 10 weeks as inflation anxiety calms down, according to Freddie Mac's weekly report. For the week ending September 28, 2006, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was down to 6.31% from 6.40% the week prior. One year ago, the 30-year fixed averaged 5 Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• Consolidation Can Save You Money

  Thursday, September 28, 2006 7:19 AM

  You can use many different methods in order to save money. Some of them come in surprising places, such as consolidation. When you think consolidation, you often think of those in money trouble. But consolidation is an appropriate approach to finding extra money in your budget Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• Making Saving Simple

  Thursday, September 28, 2006 7:19 AM

  It really seems as if those who save money come by it easily. For so many people, saving money is just a dream -- they just can't seem to make it happen. Saving money is difficult. Those who have gotten into the habit of saving are often able to keep saving, despite upsets in their life Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• Frugal Ways To Get Rid Of That Stress

  Thursday, September 28, 2006 7:18 AM

  So many people turn to shopping as a way to eliminate stress. They don't realize at the time that the shopping will only add to it in time. If you live a stressed life, you know that many of the things that make it easier also cost more. You can be frugal and beat stress at the same time Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• Setting Goals For Financial Success

  Wednesday, September 27, 2006 6:39 AM

  When it comes to finances, you have to have some goals. Otherwise, why would you be motivated to pay off your debt and save for your future. Goals are what keep us looking towards the finish line, instead of focusing on each step we are taking. They push us forward Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• Low-Tax States Have Stronger Economies

  Wednesday, September 27, 2006 6:39 AM

  A new study of state tax burdens ound that low-tax states outperform the higher tax states in employment, personal income and population. The report, entitled "High Taxes Lower Economic Performance," was conducted by the Maine Heritage Policy Center. It looked at all 50 states and their fiscal years of 1994 to 2004 Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• Why Bother With a Budget

  Wednesday, September 27, 2006 6:38 AM

  Budgets never sound like a good idea to most people. They seem to rank right up their with a diet and an annual check-up. However, they have benefits that far exceed the work that you put into them. The word budget sounds like it means that you will never get to spend what you want to spend again Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• Borrowers Unaware Of Exotic Mortgage Risks

  Wednesday, September 27, 2006 6:37 AM

  Testimony at Senate Banking Committee hearing reveals that homeowners don't fully understand the risks associated with exotic mortgage products. U.S. banking regulators have promised that guidance to lenders on exotic mortgages should be released within a few weeks Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• Living Below Your Means

  Wednesday, September 27, 2006 6:37 AM

  When you live below your means, you find that things work a bit better. I understand the basic idea of living within your means, but you need to take it to another level in order to thrive financially. For those of you who are living beyond your means, living within your means is a good goal to have Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• How to establish good credit

  Tuesday, September 26, 2006 10:37 PM

  It can be surprising how many people don't have a credit history. There are actually quite a few older consumers without a very strong credit history. They may have never had any credit in their names. Many wives find that their credit has always been maintained through their husbands Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• Interest rates could be worse

  Tuesday, September 26, 2006 10:35 PM

  If you are looking to borrow, don't let interest rates scare you. Despite how the increase is being played up in the media, they aren't that bad yet. Yes, those with alternative and adjustable-rate mortgages are going to be feeling a crunch when the interest rates adjust Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• When markets begin to fall

  Tuesday, September 26, 2006 10:34 PM

  Many sellers begin to panic when the real estate market begins to decline. But many don't really need to worry. There are quite a few sellers that lament having to lower their home's asking price. They worry over the "lost" money. It isn't an issue of losing money by selling; it is an issue of less profit Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• How to destroy your credit

  Tuesday, September 26, 2006 10:28 PM

  It is so easy to destroy your credit. In fact, you can do it in only a couple of months. According to CNN Money, the five easiest ways to destroy your credit score are: 1. Paying your bills late. 2. Carrying a high balance on your credit cards. 3. Closing a credit card account Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• The finances of your first home purchase

  Tuesday, September 26, 2006 10:26 PM

  Buying your first home can be a time of many questions. For example, how do you even get started? The steps to buying a home are simple. If you take the time, you will find the process faster and less stressful. The key is to avoid jumping into something you aren't ready for yet Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• Resale homes offer many benefits

  Tuesday, September 26, 2006 10:25 PM

  Most people would rather purchase new when it comes to many things. New cars are a little more appealing than used. There seems to be a prestige about building a brand new house that isn't there with buying used. But a resale home has a lot of advantages over new Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• When your spending more than you make

  Tuesday, September 26, 2006 12:33 AM

  It is very easy nowadays to spend more than you make. Credit cards have made it as simple as swiping a little card through a reader. You don't even have to sign at many places, such as fast food drive-thrus. And you never really realize that you are spending more than you make Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• Are you addicted to debt?

  Tuesday, September 26, 2006 12:32 AM

  Debt is one of those things that you never see coming. It is so innocent. So quite. Yet it is deadly. It is addicting. It will control you before you even know what is going on. It sounds a little overdramatic. But it isn't. Debt is one of those things that flips on you Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• Increasing your credit score

  Tuesday, September 26, 2006 12:31 AM

  Over 30 million Americans have less than perfect credit report ratings. There are a lot of consumers out there looking to increase their credit scores. You can tell this simply by observing how many advertisements there are out there for quick and easy credit repair Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• You have options when dealing with debt

  Tuesday, September 26, 2006 12:29 AM

  So often, those burdened with too much debt feel that they have no way out. Out of desperation, they jump at the very first solution that comes their way. Many Americans are drowing in debt. But there are several solutions that can help. The key is to step back and consider your options based on how much debt you have and your spending habits Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• How to save money the easy way

  Tuesday, September 26, 2006 12:22 AM

  One of the most important aspects of money management is saving money. It is also one of the hardest parts to master. Saving is basically a habit that you have to form. Much like making a habit out of only paying for things with cash, it is slightly tough Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• Treasury lightens up on Freddie and Fannie

  Tuesday, September 26, 2006 12:19 AM

  The Treasury Department is softening towards Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the strict limits that they say should be placed on their mortgage and security holdings. Congress is currently debating how strictly a new regulator should define the portfolio limits for the two government sponsored enterprises Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• The importance of emergency savings

  Tuesday, September 26, 2006 12:16 AM

  Emergency savings accounts are the backbone of a well managed financial plan. Think of it as your own personal little insurance company. Emergency savings allow you to maintain your current lifestyle and budget, even when things go wrong. For example, ever have a car break down when you can least afford it? Worried about losing your job? Have you ever had an appliance stop working or your home need repairs? If you have an emergency savings account, you don't need to worry Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

• What does it take to get out of debt?

  Tuesday, September 26, 2006 12:13 AM

  Debt is a force that can totally take over your life. And you might not even realize that it is happening. Then one day, you wake up and there it is. Your credit cards are all maxed out. You can't seem to juggle things the way you used to. There just isn't enough money Read More Posted by rateempire 0 Comments Go to top

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The above content is provided for educational and informational purposes only, does not constitute a recommendation to enter in any securities transactions or to engage in any of the investment strategies presented in such content, and does not represent the opinions of Zecco or its employees.