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The monthly point-to-point index change is determined by subtracting the prior month’s index value from current month’s index value and dividing it by the prior month’s index value. If this results in a positive monthly point-to-point index change and is not more than the declared cap, then it is used as the capped index change for that month. If it is more than the declared cap, then we use the declared cap as the capped index change for that month.

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Tags: annuity, point+to+point+index

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With no end in sight to rising gas prices, consumers should take control of how they drive their vehicle to get more miles per gallon.

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Tags: save+gas, save+money

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For real property, there is a 1031 exchange into a tenant in common property. This works well for investors that don’t want to manage property anymore, but still enjoy the benefits of real estate ownership. This is a subject covered in many of my previous articles.

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Tags: annuity, 1031+exchange

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If you have some missed payments, you need to talk to your lender. They usually want to help you keep your home (and keep on paying on the loan!). They will be sympathetic to any plans that you have for making up the payments that you have missed. They may even agree to extend the period of your loan so that you don’t have to pay any more right now, but just keep on with the same monthly payment.

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Tags: foreclosure

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Should you ever face the unfortunate experience of filing bankruptcy chances are that you will see someone else who is filing bankruptcy for the 2nd time or maybe even the 3rd time. This simple means that although bankruptcy hampers your credit ratings substantially, it’s not impossible to get credit, you just have to know how. More importantly, you should try not to get into the same situation again.

You must remember is that although a bankruptcy can legally remain on your credit report for up to ten years your credit can start improving immediately after your case is closed. You must understand that while after bankruptcy you may be tempted to never use your credit card again in order to build up a credit score. It is better that you do - to the extent that you start using it immediately if you can muster the will power to use it wisely and pay your bills on time.

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In case you’re thinking of filing bankruptcy, the home that you live in will also form part of the assets that could be sold in order to pay the creditors.

If you are a part owner of the house, the house will still be sold and the creditors will be paid for with your share in the house while the remaining money will be paid to the other part owners. However, if your family is living with you in the house it is sometimes possible to delay the sale of the house for a year or so.

If the trustee is not able to sell your house he may still have a charge on it for a period that could last three years. In this period, if the value of your home increases it will belong to the trustee to pay off the debts. Even if the process of bankruptcy is complete and the house is sold - still the benefit of any increase will go to the trustee.

There is also a provision whereby your family, husband or wife will have the option to buy the stake in your house and in this way you will be able to keep that asset outside of the bankruptcy process and may continue living in it.

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Tags: bankruptcy

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Bankruptcy may seem to be an easy solution for major financial problems. But it is always better to avoid filing bankruptcy at all cost and to turn to it only as a last resort.

Once you file for bankruptcy, this point will remain on your credit record for ten years. This will make it difficult for you to receive loans and credit. Some lenders may allow for limited credit with bankrupt; but only after extensive explanations, and at a higher interest rate and with added credit fees. Another reason for avoiding bankruptcy is that some types of bankruptcy call for repossession of assets. Once the bank finds that there is something with you that is not necessary for living, the item may be seized to pay for debts and bankruptcy expenses.

With bankruptcy, financial difficulty will not be solved and your life becomes an open book as the court pries into all aspects of life wherein you will have to provide all financial information like savings, investments and assets. Though bankruptcy may seem to suggest some freedom from financial debts, there may be other debts that will have to be paid like alimony, court judgment costs or child support.

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Tags: bankruptcy

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Truth in Lending Laws

As a borrower, it is often difficult to know your legal rights regarding home equity lines of credit. This is especially true with private hard money loans from bad credit mortgage lenders. Borrowers need to be aware that the Truth in Lending Act requires lenders to disclose the specific terms and costs of their home equity plans - terms such as APR, broker charges, the payment terms, and any variable-rates that may apply. It is also important to note that a lender and anyone else associated with the transaction may not charge a fee until after the terms and costs have been disclosed to the borrower. These disclosures will typically be available to you once your receive the application form from the lender. If a term or cost in the loan is altered or changed before the loan goes into effect (other than a variable-rate feature), the borrower must be informed. If this causes the borrower the change their mind about the loan, the lender is required to refund any fees collected.

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Tags: home+equity

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If you need money and you are a home owner, a home equity line of credit (also known as "HELOC") could help you solve your problem. With this, you can borrow money against the equity in your home, i.e. the difference between your home value and your current mortgage debt.

As you are taking money against your home, asking for a home equity line of credit is a serious task; you must sure you are going to get a type of service which is fitting exactly with your needs.

Here are a list of five points that you have to care about if you want avoiding some nasty effects:

1) Cost of the application process

Some lenders offer home equity line of credits with a large one time fee. Others don’t mention it but continue to add "underground" costs. Ask your lender clear informations of this and an explanations of the items in the legal documents about costs.

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Tags: home+equity

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During the 2005 Atlantic tropical hurricane season there were many bankruptcies from small businesses and individuals who could not pay their bills. All along the Gulf Coast, New Orleans and many people in Florida had lost everything including their jobs, their homes and had no way to support themselves or pay the bills.

Luckily FEMA was able to come forth with monies, but generally it was not enough for them and the checks came too late. Anyone who is ever done business with the government of the United States of America knows that they never pay their bills on time for services rendered and it should not be surprising that FEMA did not cut checks to the people in their time of need in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina.

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Tags: bankruptcy

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