Free debt consolidation

Borrowing & debt | Money | guardian.co.uk
Tony Levene reports on the little-known organisation that can make or break a loan application

Debt consolidation

Debt Consolidation Home Equity Loans - Debt Consolidation Loan Rates
Looking for debt consolidation loans? LoanWeb offers debt consolidation loan rates and home equity loans. With LoanWeb, it's easy to apply for debt consolidation loans online, you

Debt reduction credit card consolodation

Debt Regret Honored by Receiving the TASC Best Practices Accreditation - PR Web (press release)

Debt Regret Honored by Receiving the TASC Best Practices Accreditation PR Web (press release), WA - Dec 10, 2008 In the past year Debt Regret has been stepping forward as one of the premier companies offering debt consolidation services. ...

Tell Me About Non Profit Debt Consolidation Companies - PWO

Tell Me About Non Profit Debt Consolidation Companies PWO, France - Dec 20, 2008 Non profit debt consolidation companies offer services to lower your monthly payments to creditors, reduce or eliminate interest fees. ...

Non Profit Debt Consolidation Loan-going With A Non Profit Company ... - Meadow Free Press

Non Profit Debt Consolidation Loan-going With A Non Profit Company ... Meadow Free Press, ID - Dec 18, 2008 Also, evaluate the other services they offer, such as debt counseling; often times, these debt consolidation companies will counsel you as to how to break ...

Fueled by profits, a healthcare giant takes aim at suburbs - Boston Globe

Fueled by profits, a healthcare giant takes aim at suburbs Boston Globe, United States - 18 hours ago In other words, while their competitors complain about duplicative services and unfair competition, Partners knows that its suburban strategy has lucrative ...

Get Help with Debt Consolidation and Foreclosure: CESI Launches ... - PR Web (press release)

Get Help with Debt Consolidation and Foreclosure: CESI Launches ... PR Web (press release), WA - Dec 9, 2008 Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) December 9, 2008 -- Consumer Education Services Inc. (CESI), launches three new websites to provide debt consolidation, debt management ...

Debt negotiation

Debt reduction credit card consolidation
Discover how you can live a more wholesome life by getting you out of the debt trap faster and effective with our debt reduction credit card consolidation services

Options in Credit Card Debt Consolidation
For Me? Debt Consolidation - Advantages and Why You Should Consider It; Credit Card Debt Reduction Consolidation Most Viewed EzineArticles in the Finance:Debt-Consolidation Category

Debt settlement

Debt Elimination Network
Please Correct First Name Please Correct Last Name Please Correct Home Phone Please Correct Mobile/Work Phone Please Correct Email Address Please Select a State

Debt Settlement - Debt Reduction - Debt Relief: Avoid Bankruptcy with
Offers consumers quality debt settlement and debt reduction assistance to avoid bankruptcy. Debt settlement and debt reduction are bankruptcy alternatives for debt relief.

Debt Elimination :: Money Management International
Don’t consolidate debt, eliminate it, with debt elimination planning with MMI - Consumer Credit Counseling Services and MMI

Total Debt Elimination and Cash Management - The Secrets Your Banker
How Anyone Can Become Totally Debt Free in 9 Years Or Less - Including Your Home Mortgage. We will show you the best strategy for becoming totally debt free without new loans and

Getting a second job to pay off my debt
If your regular income isn't cutting it, find out how a second income could help cut your debt immediately.

Debt free

Credit experts answer your questions - WRAL
Experts are at WRAL on Thursday to answer your credit counseling and finance questions. Ask about your mortgage, your investments, your retirement. It's free and completely confidential. You can submit questions online or call experts at 919-821-8950

5 Predatory Money Pitches - US News and World Report
The onset of recessionary times is bringing increased efforts by bottom-feeding merchants to take advantage of strapped consumers with offers of "help." You can already see them emerging on cable-TV ads, like so many cockroaches scurrying across a

Merkel Blames German Banks Amidst Criticism Over Budget - Deutsche Welle
German Chancellor Angela Merkel defended her economic policies as the German parliament, the Bundestag, continues to debate the country's 2009 budget. She said enough aid is there, but it's not being used. The second day of the Bundestag's budget

South Africa: The Binds to Come - AllAfrica.com
NEWS that BHP Billiton had abandoned its $66bn bid for Rio Tinto drove BHP Billiton's share price upwards and Rio's sharply downwards. Rating agency Moody's raised the outlook on BHP 's senior debt from negative to stable and warned it might have to

First Data Commences Cash Tender Offers for $115.2 Million of its - Earthtimes
DENVER - (Business Wire) First Data Corporation announced today that it has commenced cash tender offers in respect of an aggregate of $115.2 million of its outstanding unsecured debt securities, which we refer to as the “Notes.” The Notes that

Register for FREE - Wall Street Journal
Please register to gain free access to WSJ tools. An account already exists for the email address entered. Most franchisers don't help franchisees out with financing, but more exceptions are emerging in today's tight credit market. Great Clips Inc

Alabbar: Dubai can and will meet debt obligations - Mena Report
The Dubai government can, and will, meet all its debt obligations, a member of the city’s executive committee said today, highlighting the emirate’s strong financial position by sharing some key balance-sheet figures, including that total

Debt free

Could General Electric Collapse? - The Cutting Edge

The Cutting Edge

Could General Electric Collapse? The Cutting Edge, DC - Nov 17, 2008 Billions are tied up in debt consolidation to home equity loans. The division also owns 1800 commercial airplanes, leasing them to 225 airlines worldwide. ... Deal-making to continue despite downturn Washington Technology all 6 news articles

Fitch 2009 US Packaged Foods Outlook: Sector Stability Despite ... - MarketWatch

Fitch 2009 US Packaged Foods Outlook: Sector Stability Despite ... MarketWatch - 17 hours ago The last major round of consolidation was in the early 2000s and cost savings from those deals have been exhausted. Material debt reduction is not expected ...

Debt help

Demand For Debt Consolidation Expected To Rise Despite Rate Cut - PR Web (press release)

Demand For Debt Consolidation Expected To Rise Despite Rate Cut PR Web (press release), WA - 5 hours ago Demand for unsecured loans for debt consolidation will continue to rise despite the Bank slashing the base rate to 3.0 per cent, it is predicted. ...

Courier Reports Fourth-Quarter and Year-end Results - MarketWatch

Autochannel (press release)

Courier Reports Fourth-Quarter and Year-end Results MarketWatch - Nov 6, 2008 "Until the situation in the global financial marketplace eases and consumer confidence begins to return, we expect the sales environment to remain ... OfficeMax Reports Third Quarter 2008 Financial Results and Non ... Earthtimes (press release) Tim Hortons Inc. Announces 2008 Third Quarter Results SYS-CON Brasil (Assinatura) Playboy Enterprises, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2008 Results MarketWatch MarketWatch all 792 news articles

Fitch Removes Motorola From Rating Watch Negative; Affirms 'BBB ... - MarketWatch

Fitch Removes Motorola From Rating Watch Negative; Affirms 'BBB ... MarketWatch - Nov 6, 2008 --Fitch's expectation for challenging consumer and enterprise markets throughout 2009, negatively affecting Motorola's revenue and potentially resulting in ...

Quitclaim deed versus living trust is the eternal question - Ventura County Star

Quitclaim deed versus living trust is the eternal question Ventura County Star, CA - 6 hours ago Just remember: Money is going to be hard to get these days and if you can't find a loan, the only reputable debt consolidation company is the Consumer ...

Best Rated Debt Consolidation Companies Review - PR-CANADA.net (press release)

Best Rated Debt Consolidation Companies Review PR-CANADA.net (press release), Montenegro - Oct 24, 2008 DebtConsolidationCity.org points out that “Consumer are advised to research and compare different debt consolidation companies or debt settlement services, ...

The Debt Advisor: “Banks must pass on rescue package if Britain is ... - Introducer Today

The Debt Advisor: “Banks must pass on rescue package if Britain is ... Introducer Today, UK - Nov 7, 2008 “It is believed that there were as many as 400000 people last year who would normally have sorted their debts through debt consolidation. ...

Debt management

Debt management - Yahoo! Search Results
Web Search Results. Results 1 - 6 of about 6077289 for Debt management from the Web. Search took 0.31 seconds. (About this page…) Debt Management

Debt Solutions :: Debt Relief Services
Debt Solutions:: Debt Relief Services By submitting your request, you grant permission for up to 3 of our Premier Partners to contact you by phone even if you are on the Do Not

NancollasGreer :
Debt Management together with self help remedies. It is always our aim to try and provide you

Debt Management Information - Bills.com
Learn debt management tools now so you’re not overwhelmed with debt after college graduation. Find tips at Bills.com.

Debt consolidation plan

Low Rate Secured Personal Loan: Easy Finances to Satisfy Your ... - Best Syndication

Best Syndication

Low Rate Secured Personal Loan: Easy Finances to Satisfy Your ... Best Syndication, CA - 19 hours ago To find low rate secured personal loan, debt consolidation loans, debtconsolidation loan, cheap rates that best suits your needs visit ...

Debt negotiation

Credit Card Debt Consolidation Champions
Looking for credit card debt consolidation? We can get rid of your interest while Credit Card Debt; Debt Reduction; Consolidate Credit Cards; Debt Services; Calculator; Contact

Credit Card Debt Settlement, Debt Negotiation & Consolidation Program
Debt Settlement can reduce your credit card balances by more than 50%. Superior Debt Relief specializes in credit card reduction through negotiation techniques.

Debt negotiation

American Families Tightening Belts As Crisis Comes Home - WTVF
The dramatic changes in the U. S. financial system -- the debt write-downs and consolidation of corporate balance sheets -- are now mirrored at kitchen tables around the United States. Households are cutting spending, paying down debt, and rebuilding

House District 116: Confrontation colors campaign - Maine Sunday Telegram
In presidential politics, personal attacks and attempts to link events of the distant past with future performance are part of the game. They are less common in Maine's legislative races, but they are coloring a contest in Portland, where a fiesty

Debt solutions

Total Debt Freedom Earns a Place in the HOT 50 List of Canada's - PR.com
Toronto, Canada, October 12, 2008 --( PR.com )-- Total Debt Freedom Inc. is pleased to announce that it has earned a place among PROFIT Magazine’s “9th annual PROFIT HOT 50” list of Canada fastest growing companies. Richard Cooper, Founder and

Debt help

Bad Credit Loans & Credit Cards - Get approved in minutes!
Have bad credit? Apply here for personal loans, home mortgages, or debt consolidation. Our lenders will try to help you find the right loan regardless of poor credit history.

DebtFREE :: Welcome
Discover how you can become completely debt free (credit cards, cars, even mortgages) with our secure, online, FREE Cash-FLOW Analysis™ and get your own FREE copy of Great Credit

Debt consolidation home loan

York could lose schools, gain debt - Portsmouth Herald
YORK, Maine — Facing education budget increases and reduced state funding, the towns of York, Wells and Ogunquit must deal with hard choices in the wake of a school consolidation report presented on Monday by the Reorganization Planning Committee

Paddling into deeper waters

The Darwins may have taken exceptional measures to tackle their debt, but this shame associated with bankruptcy drives plenty of people every year to lesser lengths to avoid it. Sadly, many of these people finish up in expensive debt management plans or individual voluntary arrangements - both alternatives to bankruptcy - that are not always suitable for them. They then end up in a worse scenario, with bigger debts and worries than they started with.

Independent debt advice organisation the Bankruptcy Advisory Service - which does not simply advocate bankruptcy as a solution - says one of its major gripes is the lack of advice about the options available to people in debt. Unclear about what they should do, people either bury their head in the sand or turn to companies that sell debt solutions for help.



Read More

Debt solutions

Jeremy Warner: WaMu may offer template for B&B solution - The Independent
Thank goodness for Jamie Dimon, the chairman of JP Morgan Chase. He seems to be one of the few bankers still capable of instilling confidence. More importantly, his bank is one of the few in the US to have escaped largely unscathed from the present

Our View: This year's ballot measures - East Valley Tribune
The Tribune Editorial Board doesn’t endorse any candidate for office. But we do share our views with readers about ballot measures as part of our role as a community watchdog and political observer. The following is a summary of where we stand on

JPMorgan Has Its Hands Full With WaMu - Street.Com
You can find more stories like this in our On the Brink series. The market loved JPMorgan Chase's ( JPM Quote - Cramer on JPM - Stock Picks ) acquisition of Washington Mutual ( WM Quote - Cramer on WM - Stock Picks ) , sending shares of what is now

Chase's WaMu buyout gives it the most branches in D-FW - Dallas Morning News
J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.'s purchase of Washington Mutual Inc. will give it the most bank branches in North Texas – even if some of them are apt to be closed. Chase bought WaMu's assets after the Seattle-based thrift became the largest bank to fail

Advent of 1-stop banking - Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
The implosion of two of the nation’s leading investment banks has thrust commercial banks into the spotlight. With their acquisition of investment banks and retail brokerages over the years, commercial banks have assumed a model more common in

How BI could have provided early warning to financial market meltdown - Computerworld
Share September 24, 2008 (InfoWorld) In the coming weeks the feds and the surviving financial services institutions will have the daunting task of unraveling all the securitized loans and other instruments that are hiding the toxic investments. But

NATION BRIEFLY

He spoke at a credit-counseling agency in Arkansas that helps people saddled with debt.

Senate leaders hope soon to get back to the bill after their weeklong break; it has been snagged over an unrelated dispute about tax breaks and renewable energy.

GM, Toyota, Ford all post big U.S. June sales drops

DETROIT - General Motors Corp. soundly beat Toyota Motor Corp. in June to retain its traditional U.S. sales lead, but GM sales still dropped 18.2 percent during a dismal month for large automakers.

Toyota's U.S. sales fell 21.4 percent, while Ford Motor Co. said it sales tumbled nearly 28 percent. Chrysler LLC took a huge hit for the month with sales down 35.9 percent.

GM's shares bounced more than 2 percent higher in late trading Tuesday after sinking to their lowest level in more than a half century during Monday's session.




Read More

EDITORIAL: A start

7--The consolidation of earned income tax collection could be the nose of the camel under the tent when it comes to streamlining government in Pennsylvania.

Gov. Ed Rendell last week signed into law a bill that consolidates the number of collectors for earned income tax payments from 560 to 69. Their jurisdictions would generally follow county lines. (Pennsylvania has 67 counties.)

The Associated Press reported the measure is designed to create standard reporting rules and result in a more efficient system.

State officials estimate local taxing bodies will recoup more than $230 million in uncollected revenues as a result.

The measure is the result of a 2004 report by the Department of Community and Economic Development that said the tax collection system was fragmented and inefficient.



Read More

Government Offers Help To Debt-Crisis Families Facing Repossession.

They give free, confidential advice and are available through the Credit and Debt Hotline on 1800 808 488.

``You can also find them through some neighbourhood centres, community legal centres, church groups and charitable organisations.''

Community financial counsellors provide free help for people with debt difficulties. They operate throughout New South Wales and provide confidential advice on financial matters.

Trained counsellors can provide options for changing and improving people's financial situation. They can explain what government assistance is available and negotiate, advocate or mediate, on behalf of people in trouble, with credit providers and government agencies.

Financial counsellors can also assist with information on debt recovery, bankruptcy and other para-legal matters, as well as ensure appropriate referral to other sources of assistance, for example Legal Aid, personal counselling and government services.



Read More

Last of the big spenders?

'Debt', the dreaded word. Debt does not have to be a negative word though, as there are two kinds of debt, one being bad and the other good.

The bad debt applies to unnecessary wants, which usually end up draining your cash flow. Good debt on the other hand allows you to build assets, thus giving you a return on your debt!

Questions you should be asking

Do your expenses ever exceed your income? Are you in overdraft? Is your credit cards maxed to the limit? Do you pay your accounts timeously? Or do you wait for the dreaded phone call? Do you save the proportionate amount of your income, as you should?

Do any or all of the above apply to you? If they do, the first step to solving you debt problem is to be totally honest and calculate how much debt you are actually in.



Read More

Free debt consolidation

US works on bank debt plan, UK targets shorts - ABS-CBN
NEW YORK/WASHINGTON - Governments on both sides of the Atlantic took radical steps to restore confidence in battered financial markets on Thursday, as the United States proposed a taxpayer-funded mopping up of toxic mortgage-related debt and Britain

Bailout cost: higher than you think - CNN Money
FORTUNE (New York) -- Henry Paulson and Ben Bernanke have saved us, for now, from a market meltdown - but at the cost of allowing the folks who caused the current crisis to keep ducking reality. In the long run, guess who gets to bear that cost? The

Credit crunch squeezes Florida economy - St. Petersburg Times
To avoid defaulting on her nearly $1,500 monthly house payment, Maria Folk sold a family boat, unhooked her cable, even canceled her household phone line. But when the New Port Richey resident has called her mortgage lender pleading for a reduction

Plunder: Investigating Our Economic Calamity and the Subprime Scandal - MediaChannel.org
Danny Schechter is a media activist, critic, independent filmmaker, TV producer as well as an author of 10 books and lecturer on media issues. Some call him “The News Dissector,” and that’s the name of his popular blog on media issues. He’s

Global Telecom & Technology, Inc. Q2 2008 Earnings Call Transcript - Seekingalpha.com
Good day, everyone. Welcome to the Global Telecom & Technology, Inc. second quarter 2008 earnings conference call. Today's call is being recorded. At this time I’d like to turn the call over to Mike Bower, Vice President of Finance and Investor

Technology sector’s recent run of success is stumbling - Times Online
Phoenix IT makes much of its money from disaster recovery – providing emergency back-up services to companies to ensure that they can keep trading despite disruptions to their business. But when that disruption is as severe as insolvency, there is

Week Ahead: Another Market Roller Coaster? - CNBC
The U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve have pulled out their financial jumper cables, but it's the details that will determine whether their massive bailout plan will recharge the markets and economy. In the week ahead, the markets will focus on how

Only way to pay bills is to starve

They used the Citizens' Advice Bureau's latest annual meeting to warn the situation is going to get even worse. Rachael Walker, a money advice co-ordinator at the bureau, said: "Many of our clients are now coming to us with gas or electricity bills that they are not able to pay back along with their ongoing usage. "And... we have seen some cases where clients are cutting back on their food just so they can have their gas or electricity." She put the numbers involved in going without food as 'a growing minority'. She described their mood as depressed and distressed. "We are expecting the current situation to worsen," warned Miss Walker. This is one sign of how the dramatically-changed financial situation of the past 12 months is taking its toll on the CAB's clients. Cases of debt seen by its volunteers and advisors have soared by 25 per cent in the year to the end of March.



Read More

Debt crisis spreads to credit cards

The thrift's $175 million second-quarter loss from its card unit stemmed from higher delinquencies and an inability to sell some card debt to investors because of illiquid markets. It was Washington Mutual's first card loss since it entered the business in 2005 when it bought Providian Financial Corp. .



Read More

New help for families with cashflow problems

They will be able to get specialist advice on issues such as problems with debt, mortgages and utility bills.

Launching Money Guidance treasury secretary Yvette Cooper said: "We need to make it much easier for people to get access to information, help and advice."

The website and telephone helpline will be overseen by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

.



Read More

Obama proposes bankruptcy changes

He also promised to enact a 120-day moratorium "on adverse credit actions from collectors, such as foreclosure" to free families from concerns about debt collectors while trying to recover. His campaign said he would also amend the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which bars discrimination in lending, to include protection for disaster victims, so that lenders do not unfairly restrict credit to such families.

.



Read More

Fishing for answers: Key report due on status of groundfish

The result is consolidation of the industry, with boat owners who have money or financial support buying permits from those who don't, she said.

Michael Matulaitis, who owns and captains the Fairhaven dragger Rosemarie, said additional fishing restrictions could push groundfishermen — many of whom are gambling that they will make a lot of money when stocks rebuild in the future — deeper into debt.

"People are hanging on by a thread right now and any more cuts are really going to take us deep," Mr. Matulaitis said.

Making a business plan, especially for the 2009 fishing year, is especially difficult for boat owners given the uncertainty surrounding future fishing regulations, he said.

Under the groundfish rebuilding plan, regional fisheries managers must introduce new fishing restrictions by May 1, 2009.



Read More

Collecting Money in a Bad Economy

(N.H.) author of several books on debt collection who ran a collection agency for eight years. Her first piece of advice for preventing late payments? Require customers to apply for credit. Credit applications (BusinessWeek.com, 1/8/04), which can be bought at office supply stores, record contact information for the customer, personal references and business references, like banks or employers.

Calling references can help you evaluate a customer's risk, but even if you don't check them, just using the form can deter customers who might default. "When you have someone fill out that credit application, it lets them know that you're serious about your business and you're not just handing out credit," Dunn says. If you wind up in court over an unpaid debt, the signed credit application will bolster your case.



Read More

Debt consolidation plan

An explanatory summary of online consolidate debt
Debt Bill Consolidation Online: Consumer citezin advice debt chief facts citezin advice debt is as curries instructive as financiers we could possibly make switches it, as well

Debt bill consolidation articles
debt and bill consolidation online info Entertaining a bank deferment loan free life is massingers a desire we all canadains have.

Online Debt Consolidation | Debt Recovery
There are lots of benefits of an online debt consolidation program. The Benefits Of Online Debt Consolidation. An online debt consolidation brings virtually endless advantages

creditors' collection practices scrutinized

"Faced with rising food and gas prices and little income growth, fewer resources have been available to manage debt."

As many people struggle to pay for necessities, they skip making debt payments. Many creditors in turn are seeking relief by taking borrowers to court. But in some cases the actions of the financial institutions in carrying out court orders are of questionable legality, according to a new report out by the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General.

The inspector general found that some financial institutions are apparently violating federal law by garnisheeing accounts that receive electronic deposits of Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance, and/or Supplemental Security Income payments. These funds are supposed to be protected from creditors except under certain conditions.



Read More

A DEBT TO FEMINISM

When I turned 5, my parents signed me up for soccer. I later added basketball and softball and, in high school, alpine ski racing.

This may not sound particularly remarkable for a kid from 1980s suburbia, and it is not. What is remarkable is the ease and unremarkableness of my pursuing all of these sports. Those sports, 20 years prior, had been so dominated by men that average female athletes like me would have had zero options to participate.

My mother never received any specialized athletic training beyond PE until she started taking Pilates classes as an adult in 2002. That didn't mean that she wasn't active -- she grew up in New Hampshire, where she hiked, camped, ice skated and played pickup softball. She took swimming lessons as a child and became a lifeguard when she was 16.



Read More

A Surprise About Gender And Saving Money

Also, check out the Women Institute for a Secure Retirement site which is chock full of practical advice.

So start saving. You will be grateful you did when you retire.

Tips from Beth Kobliner, author of Get A Financial Life:

Meet your match. Contribute at least enough to your 401(k) to meet your employer's match. Many companies will match up to 6 percent of your contribution, offering, on average, 50 cents for every $1 you put in. That's a great deal.
Go with a Roth. Once you reach your company's matching limit, consider opening a Roth IRA. As long as you make under $101,000 as a single person or $159,000 as part of a married couple, you can put away $5,000 a year ($6,000 if you are 50 years old or older). If you make more, you might still be able to save at least some money in a Roth.




Read More

Rising Debt Cases Reveal Erratic System

The debt-collection caseload has swollen with consumers' increased use of credit cards and has expanded further in the past 18 months on the rise in home foreclosures, unemployment and household costs. While there aren't any recent state statistics on the lawsuits, attorneys and court officials agree they're seeing the surge.

"We are blamed for clogging the courts with cases, yet at the same time we are not receiving the resources that we are paying for," said Robert Markoff, a creditors' attorney in Chicago at Baker, Miller, Markoff & Krasny who argues that the courts are collecting more filing fees, but aren't reinvesting that money in handling the cases.

Creditors' attorneys mainly want statewide court standards for dealing with the cases, making clear what is required in the way of attorney appearances, documentation and proof for reaching a default judgment, which is the most common outcome for such lawsuits.



Read More

BWUCCUL carefully managing loan portfolio

Although seeking to move forward with caution, the Credit Union will still continue to pursue consumer and vehicle loans, debt consolidation and unsecured lines of credit, as these continue to be the major components of their short- to medium-term lending.

The report stated that in the earlier part of the financial year, the BWUCCUL limited its loans for mortgages to one per month in order to control the risk of using short-term deposits to lend long term.

In addition, the Board sought other alternatives to ensure that funds were available for long-term lending, it added.

In seeking to accomplish this, they successfully negotiated a loan from the Housing Credit Fund via the Central Bank to lend to lower income members, so as to aid them in realising their dream of owing a piece of the rock.



Read More

Insight: Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it's . Supernat

He will want quality advice on something, and he will want proper information before making a decision." Impartial civil servants also declare that they are better directed and better managed than before. Many SNP figures, Salmond included, trace their strength in government to the moment the Lib Dems refused to go into coalition with them last year. "It was the best thing that could have happened to us," Salmond has said. As a result, he and his team have been able to run an organisation on their own terms, with a direction and a focus that, they believe, is being noticed by the public at large.And as for the wider political picture, Salmond and his allies only see it getting rosier. The Conservatives are now nailed on to win the General Election in 2010 – handing the SNP the perfect chance to demonstrate to Scots that they are being ruled by a party not of their choosing.



Read More

Elizabeth Warren On The Rising Cost Of Credit Debt

That advice may have worked in your parents' day, but today you have to be smart with your money. Not just a little smart, but super smart. You have to learn the new rules — the rules nobody told you and nobody talks about. And you have to learn them fast.

Just for a moment, forget what you know about money. Forget about your bills. Forget the size of your paycheck. Forget your shopping trips and the shoes you just bought. We want to give you a new perspective on your money, a different way to think about it. We want you to explore new possibilities.

What if we told you that this book could show you how to cover your bills, without worry or fear? No more bounced checks. No more anxiety about how you'll make it through the month. Just the power to pay your bills on time, and then to relax in security and comfort.


Read More

Saving for a rainy day

Don't start with any other savings or work towards other financial goals even paying off debt before you've got at least a small cushion against life's inevitable knocks.

Why would you put money into an emergency fund if you've got lots of expensive debt? Because if it hits the fan and you can't cope you'll find yourself even deeper in debt.

If you owe a lot of money, save until you have a small emergency fund and then start tackling your debt. Once you're debt free, but before you start other investments, continue to ramp up your emergency fund and you'll have a far better chance of avoiding debt forever.

An essential part of any debt reduction plan

People with emergency funds invariably emerge from crises in better financial shape than those without and are far less likely to accumulate debt.



Read More

Here's Why Jefferson County, Alabama, Has to Go Bust

Then the fun really began, as the county binged on financial instruments called interest-rate swaps, and also converted almost all of its fixed-rate debt to variable-rate. The collapse of the bond-insurance industry earlier this year and the speculative nature of swaps and derivatives now have the cost of that sewer debt exploding.

Somehow, the county's citizens have to stop the clock. Then they have to ask why all this happened. Then they have to tell everyone else the cautionary tale so that other public-finance officers don't get into the same mess.

The odd thing about municipal bankruptcy is that it's voluntary. If they had the opportunity, I imagine that the county's creditors, themselves hard-pressed, would have compelled it to enter financial rehab long before now.



Read More

DBP to offer P7.65B in debt notes

MANILA, Philippines State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) plans to offer as much as P7.65 billion worth of debt notes that may qualify as tier 2, or supplementary, capital sometime in August.

The bank recently obtained a mandate from the central bank to revive the issuance, which was part of a P10-billion fund-raising effort planned by the DBP about two years ago.

DBP did not complete the issuance within the period approved by the central bank, ranking sources in the central bank said.

DBP plans to offer lower tier 2, or subordinated, notes that will mature in 10 years and subject to optional redemption by the issuer after five years.

Proceeds of such debt issues are eligible for computing banks compliance with capital adequacy ratio requirements.



Read More

Putting wife in debt is a form of abuse

Counseling doesn't work. Every time we've seen someone, he calls the person a quack and ends the session. What on earth do I do? Sadly Broke in Simi, Calif.

Dear Simi: Controlling the money so the spouse does not have access and then refusing to pay for a spouse's necessities or insurance is indeed a form of abuse. Before taking any action, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (ndvh.org) at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) and ask for help. Then call an attorney.

Dear Annie: My niece is getting married, and I don't want my husband to attend because he has no sense of respect. We also have a special-needs son, and when we take him, I always end up missing the event. At the last wedding I sat outside with my son waiting for my husband to relieve me so I could get a bite to eat; he never came.



Read More

Debt consolidation and reduction

Qwest, union talk past contract's end - CNN Money
DENVER (AP) -- Qwest Communications International Inc. and members of its largest union kept negotiating Sunday as a labor contract expired. Workers represented by the Communications Workers of America had voted to authorize a strike if needed, but CWA organizing coordinator Al Kogler said no strike

Hundreds flee Grand Canyon after dam breaks - Houston Chronicle
PHOENIX — An earthen dam weakened by heavy rains broke near the Grand Canyon early Sunday, flooding a tribal town and forcing officials to pluck hundreds of residents and campers from the gorge by helicopter. No injuries were immediately reported. About 400 members of the Havasupai tribe live in

Meade Instruments Reports Q1 Fiscal 2009 Net Income of $1.8 Million

And, although we believe the turnaround remains on track, we will continue to implement headcount reductions, facility consolidation and reductions in corporate overhead and manufacturing costs to ensure that the turnaround maintains its pace, and to reduce the corporate structure in line with our new revenue model. At the same time, we are focusing on revenue growth through select new product introductions."

Mr. Muellner continued, "Liquidity continues to be strong thanks to the sale of the sports optics brands and related inventory during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2009. With the much-improved liquidity, reduced level of business complexity and plans for further reductions in overhead costs, we believe that we will have sufficient cash flow to support current operations through fiscal 2009, and provide us with additional flexibility in fiscal 2010.



Read More

Solomons Broadcaster Warned of Disconnection Over Power Debt

In a statement, Minister Huni'ehu said the debt crisis reached this point because SIEA's fuel suppliers are paid on a hand to mouth basis. He also said that the board and management of the statutory body have failed to effectively manage SIEA. He said from now on SIEA management will be accountable to the SIEA board, while the board is accountable to the mines and energy minister.

Amongst other management control measures, the minister said the SIEA management must collect outstanding debts owing to the authority and to take action against those who fail to pay up.

In a bid to collect bills, the authority have sent disconnection warning letters to clients, including national broadcaster SIBC. SIBC owes SIEA more than 325,000 dollars [assuming Solomons dollars, approx 46,000 US] in electricity bills since January this year.



Read More

Hines Building first to open in 'city center'

Rents usually spent on offices will go to retire the mortgage debt eventually allowing those financial resources to be put into chamber programs when the mortgage is retired, Larsen said.

Work continues on the Hines Building even as offices are becoming occupied. The chamber still is developing the entryway "welcome center" being funded by Alcoa Howmet Castings through the Alcoa Foundation.

Northwestern Mutual -- a financial services company that provides insurance and investment products -- has been in Muskegon for more than 100 years, according to managing director Michael Youngdahl, who has worked for the company here for 38 years. Northwestern has come full circle with its move back downtown from offices in Norton Shores.

For years, the company had offices in a building that was removed to build the Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor and then it moved into the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts before moving to Norton Shores several years ago.



Read More

Debt management

Is John Edwards Still Lying? - ABC News
A one-time close friend of John Edwards' ex-mistress says the former Senator is still not telling the whole truth about how his affair with Rielle Hunter began. Former senator repeatedly denied affair before finally admitting it. Edwards told ABC News' Bob Woodruff last week ( STORY | VIDEO ) that

Miss. bus crash kills 3, survivors to head home - Seattle Times
More than 30 vacationers on board a casino bus that overturned in Mississippi, killing three people, were expected to fly back to South Carolina on Monday, a spokeswoman for Harrah's Entertainment said. Mississippi Highway Patrol Sgt. Leslie White identified the dead as Charlotte Carros, of

Source: American woman hurt in Beijing knife attack now stable - CNN Sports Illustrated
Bachman's husband, Todd, was killed by the same attacker on Saturday The Chinese assailant committed suicide shortly after the knife attacks BEIJING (AP) -- The condition of the American mother of a former Olympian who was stabbed on the opening day of Olympics competition was improving Monday, a

Scientists closer to developing invisibility cloak - San Francisco Gate
Scientists say they are a step closer to developing materials that could render people and objects invisible. Researchers have demonstrated for the first time they were able to cloak three-dimensional objects using artificially engineered materials that redirect light around the objects. Previously

Harrington shines on gloomy course - Baltimore Sun
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Padraig Harrington rallied from three shots behind yesterday to win the PGA Championship , closing with a 4-under-par 66 at Oakland Hills to become only the fourth player to win the British Open and PGA in the same year. If the winner was familiar, so was the finish

Verizon Contract Provides New Union Jobs, Health Care For Active, Retired Workers - All Headline News
WASHINGTON (AHN) -- A new tentative three-year contract settlement has been signed between Verizon and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). According to an IBEW spokesman, the settlement achieves union employees' major goals of

Isaac Hayes of 'Shaft' fame collapses and dies at home - Herald Tribune
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Isaac Hayes, the baritone-voiced soul crooner who laid the groundwork for disco and whose "Theme From Shaft" won both Academy and Grammy awards, died Sunday afternoon after he collapsed near a treadmill, authorities said. Isaac Hayes and his wife, Adjowa, pose for the first family

Making Peace With Your Plastic

I am someone who at times has racked up credit-card debt. I always intend to pay off my balance in full every month, but there have been months when my debt has accrued. (Having good credit and very low interest rates has made this a less expensive proposition for me than for many others.)

When my debt has built up, I've tended to blame external factors. (Being a single parent isn't easy on the finances!) But in truth, of course, it's always been my fault.

While I'm disciplined about putting money aside for retirement and savings -- thanks to automated-payment technology, it's easy to make sure my money goes where it should before I get my hands on it -- I've never been good at keeping a daily record of what I'm spending. At times, that has led to charging more than I could afford to pay off at the end of the month.



Read More

AHFC awards $625000 to increase home ownership

The AHFC has included a requirement that all sponsors' borrowers also receive weatherization counseling as a condition of their loan approval.

Ultimately, the program will provide financing to low-income individuals or people who wouldn't otherwise qualify for financing because of income limitations, down payment requirements and other considerations.

Recipient eligibility is based on 80 percent of the median income for the area, adjusted family size and property location, as well as lending criteria established by the sponsors' guidelines.

There are currently eight sponsors consisting of five nonprofits and three regional housing authorities.

Combined, they will administer about $16.5 million in loans to 550 borrowers.

Each sponsor is limited to an annual application amount of $625,000.



Read More

KBC receives final approval and closes acquisition of Istrobanka

KBC was already present in Slovakia through its subsidiary SOB Bank, and the consolidation of ISTROBANKA and SOB Bank will create the fourth largest banking operation in Slovakia, with a market share of approximately 10%. In the coming months, both ISTROBANKA and SOB Bank will fully concentrate on preparations for the introduction of the euro and on the merger of both banks (second half of 2009). Commenting on the deal, André Bergen, KBC Group CEO, had this to say: 'Together, SOB and ISTROBANKA will form the fourth largest banking operation in the country. KBC has now strengthened its position in the attractive and increasingly consolidating Slovakian market, one which offers enormous potential for the further penetration of banking and insurance products. The future merger of both banks will offer considerable cross-selling potential in both retail and corporate banking and lead to economies of scale, thus creating significant value and benefits for shareholders, employees and customers." Daniel Kollar, CEO of SOB Bank and Country Manager of SOB Group in Slovakia added:'ISTROBANKA is a quality bank, with a professional management team, highly experienced and dedicated staff, and a clear commercial strategy and business plan that focuses on organic growth.



Read More

Secured loans still a viable debt solution

For anyone in debt, the important thing is to seek impartial debt advice from a company that offers a wide range of debt solutions - a company that has an in-depth understanding of each solution's benefits and drawbacks and can recommend the one that constitutes their optimal route out of debt."# # #Read more Press Releases from Melanie Taylor:
Debt Management Helps Borrowers Cope With Tough TimesDebt Consolidation Expert Comments on Financial SurveyDebt management company anticipates impact of fewer house salesDebt consolidation & declining consumer confidenceDebt management frees up money for fuel and foodDebt Advisers caution homeowners after CML forecastManaging debt - with the 'nice decade' behind usThe IVA - lifeline in a rising tide of repossessions?Debt management - the only option?Latest interest rate rise could push borrowers over the edgeOther Similar Press Release Topics:
Guaranteed Tax Relief Get Out of Tax Debt Now Guaranteed!CONQUER RECESSION DEPRESSIONAward Pay Gifting Program Experiences Rapid GrowthRed Devils on the LooseElite Ayrshire Business Circle gets the brutal truth about the economyBoost Your Business During The Sluggish Economy with Help From DCandP.comNegative Outlook for China's Economy, Chinese Government BondsHigh Yield Income Fund benefiting from credit crunch and high rate of foreclosures nation-wideLeading Dallas Based Real Estate Investing Company Teams With United First Financial To Help Homeowners Eliminate 1/2 to 2/3 Of Their Remaining Mortgage PaymentsSenate Bill Targets China's Artificial Credit Rating Press Release Contact Information: Melanie Taylor
Think Money LtdHead of Corporate Relations
Pennington House
Salford, Greater Manchester
UK M50 2ZY
Voice: 0845 056 6480
E-Mail: Email us Here
Website: Visit Our Website Disclaimer: If you have any questions regarding information in this press release, please contact the person listed in the contact module of this page.



Read More

Consumer debt mounts, loans default – but lenders prosper

The collection agencies call at least 20 times a day. For a little quiet, Diane McLeod stashes her phone in the dishwasher. But right up until she hit the wall financially, McLeod was a dream customer for lenders. She juggled two mortgages, both with interest rates that rose over time, a car loan and high-cost credit card debt. She worked two jobs so she could afford her small, two-bedroom ranch house in suburban Philadelphia, the Kia she drove to work, and the handbags and knickknacks she liked.

Then last year, back-to-back medical emergencies helped push her over the edge. She could no longer afford either her home payments or her credit card bills. Then she lost her job. Now her home is in foreclosure and her credit profile in ruins.

McLeod, who is 47, readily admits her money problems are largely of her own making.



Read More

Debt sinks Obus Forme

Nearly 10 years later, Roberts' company, Integral Orthopedics Inc., has been pushed into receivership after piling up roughly $11 million in debt.

A court-appointed receiver, RSM Richter Inc., has put the business up for sale and hopes to line up a buyer by the end of next month.

After Roberts died, his son Brian took over the company.

.



Read More

US Airways CEO: We'll get through the turmoil

A big proponent of consolidation, Parker said he's still interested in merging with another airline, but thinks mergers and acquisitions are dead in the current economic climate and until after the election.

"I'm still interested. The industry would be better served if it was less fragmented. But we are fine on a stand-alone basis," he added. "US Airways does not need a merge to be a viable airline."

Parker sought a merger with Delta, and later United. In April, Delta said it would merge with Northwest, and in June United said it would form an alliance with Continental. Parker says, for now, US Airways will go it alone.

Parker said he's encouraged that the industry as a whole has cut 10 percent more flights, and next year will likely cut another 10 percent.



Read More

Hundreds crowd hearing on proposed tax hike in Wildwood

Some suggested consolidation was the answer. We all have Wildwood in our name," one man said of the town's neighboring communities.Others asked what can be cut to make up the difference. Troiano said the city is working with the staff it needs as a resort town and further cuts would hamper the services residents and visitors require.Some questioned previous budgetary decisions, such as the construction of a new recreation center at Maxwell Field.But all said 25 cents was simply too much to take."The bottom line is this tax increase is abominable," said Kathleen Taintor, a longtime city taxpayer.Troiano reiterated his desire to bring more ratables to town in the form of high-rise hotels, which he said would lessen the tax burden in the long term."The more ratables you have, the better your tax rate's going to be," Troiano said.Resident John Bruno asked about the short-term."What has been done?" Bruno asked of the mayor's plan to lessen the burden in 2008.Troiano said he was negotiating and working with multiple buyers to close a land sale that would result in a much lower tax increase for the year."You don't make a sale until you make a sale," Troiano said of his desire to hold off releasing details until a deal is done.Bruno questioned the decision, however, again to use a land sale, what he called a Band-Aid, to hold off what appears to be an inevitable tax increase."I'll offer the Band-Aid until I get these high-rises up," Troiano said.Troiano said that with a sale, the tax increase would more likely be less than 10 cents.Other residents asked about what is being done to increase revenues, such as charging fees for many of the events that make use of city beaches.Troiano said "the free ride is over," and the city will pursue revenue from those events.



Read More

The Seeds of Success

"I found myself $7 million in debt, without realizing that it really was a colossally stupid deal," McCann says.

"But the good news was that Chris [his younger brother] had joined the company, and we paid down the debt over the next five years, and while it was a stupid deal, it was also the best thing we ever could have done."

It goes to show that taking a risk is a part of growing a business, but it needs to be a calculated one.

"You can be creative in your business without having a creative bone in your body," McCann says. He offers an example how years ago, he created a program called Fresh Rewards, where if you bought nine bouquets, that 10th one was free.

"People get a kick out of getting a free bouquet, and I remember people said that'll never work; nobody's going to use the card," McCann says.




Read More

Neuberger sale wouldn't crunch Lehman debt ratings

N: Quote, Profile, Research) were to sell its asset management business, any impact on its debt ratings would likely be minimal, analysts at Fitch Ratings and Moody's Investors Service said on Friday.

Media reports in recent weeks have said that Lehman may look to sell its asset management business, most recently a CNBC report on Friday.

Asset management businesses generate relatively steady earnings for investment banks. Those steady earnings are a positive for credit ratings that are based in part on how likely a company is to generate the cash flow to pay its debt.

In the case of Lehman, its asset management business is relatively small.

"They've done very well with the business, but it's not of sufficient size or scale to offset volatility for the rest of the business," said Eileen Fahey, analyst at Fitch.



Read More

Personal debt consolidation

Moody's raises the Japan debt rating on fiscal policy - Hürriyet

AFP

Moody's raises the Japan debt rating on fiscal policy Hürriyet, Turkey - 21 hours ago The increase on long-term, local-currency debt from A1 "was prompted by expectations of continued fiscal restraint and consolidation, coupled with an ... Moody's upgrades Japan's debt rating AFP Japan Debt Rating Raised By Moody's on Fiscal Policy (Update2) Bloomberg Japan's government debt upgraded to 'Aa3' from 'A1' - Moody's Forbes Middle East North Africa Financial Network - Wall Street Journal all 22 news articles

Business Highlights

The Oracle of Omaha is betting that the country's candy jar is recession-proof.

With financing from Warren Buffett, candy maker Mars Inc. on Monday said it is buying confectioner Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. for an estimated $23 billion in cash. The deal would marry brands that sweet-toothed Americans have munched on for decades: Mars owns Snickers and M&Ms; Wrigley's gum brands include Juicy Fruit, Orbit, Extra and Big Red.

.


Read More

Who's the boss? You or your debt?

In these tough financial times, many look at debt as a dirty word. But who among us is debt free?

Chances are if you have a house or a car you've financed that purchase. And even day-to-day expenses such as gas, groceries or business lunches are handled with credit cards.

To be financially sound, the goal should be to have a handle on your debt. You should have control over what you owe instead of it controlling you.

My husband and I do this about every six months or so because, like most people, our finances change periodically. If we get raises, buy a new car or add a new member to the family, the money situation changes.

In order to really know where your money's going, you need a realistic assessment of what comes in and what goes out.


Read More

(AFX UK Focus) 2008-04-29 00:00 Business Highlights

(AP) - Mars buying gum maker Wrigley with financing from Buffett

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Oracle of Omaha is betting that the country's candy jar is recession-proof.

With financing from Warren Buffett, candy maker Mars Inc. on Monday said it is buying confectioner Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. for an estimated $23 billion in cash. The deal would marry brands that sweet-toothed Americans have munched on for decades: Mars owns Snickers and M&Ms; Wrigley's gum brands include Juicy Fruit, Orbit, Extra and Big Red.

Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. will purchase a $2.1 billion minority equity interest in the Wrigley subsidiary once the deal is completed. The Omaha, Neb.-based company also offered $4.4 billion of subordinated debt to fund the deal.

If the buyout receives regulatory and shareholder approval, the combined companies would leapfrog over Britain's Cadbury Schweppes as the world's largest confection maker -- a move that's already fueling speculation that the buyout could spawn a round of candy industry consolidation.


Read More

CONSUMER WATCH

Have trouble with debt? There's help If you are a compulsive debtor, you need to get yourself some help.

You are not someone who is in financial trouble because of sloppy spending habits. You're in it for the emotional high that you get when making purchases.

It's time to reverse that destructive behavior.

Bruce McClary, corporate trainer for ClearPoint Financial Solutions Inc., a nonprofit credit-counseling firm based in Henrico County, said that can't be fixed in a one-hour debt-counseling session.

You may need debt counseling plus a support group. Debt counseling, the kind you get at such organizations as ClearPoint, (877) 422-9044, can help you get your finances on track.

A support group such as Debtors Anonymous, (800) 421-2383, can help uncover the reasons for your spending behavior and provide emotional support so that you can recover.


Read More

Interest rate rises brake loan funding

Interest rate hikes have put a brake on lending, with firms and home buyers borrowing less, new figures show. Total commercial finance commitments slumped by 10.4 per cent in February, to $45.723 billion, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) said on Tuesday. Lease finance dropped 4.4 per cent, to $596 million while housing finance for owner occupiers fell 6.0 per cent, to $14.947 billion. Personal finance commitments went against the down trend, rising by an adjusted 0.9 per cent in the month, to $7.451 billion. CommSec equities economist Savanth Sebastian said the latest lending figures were further indicators the recent interest rate rises have impacted on the Australian economy. "For the Reserve Bank the rate hikes have worked and the emerging slowdown would fit right in with its long term plans of a soft landing while keeping inflation under check," he said.


Read More

Concurrent Computer Corporation Announces Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2008 Financial Results

Concurrent (Nasdaq: CCUR), a worldwide leader of on-demand and real-time computing technology, today announced its results for the third quarter of its fiscal year ended June 30, 2008. The Company also announced that its Board of Directors has authorized management to seek approval from Concurrent's stockholders for a reverse split of Concurrent common stock at a ratio of one-for-ten.

.


Read More

GreenPath Counselors Advise Diligence in Tax Rebate Spending

As Money Smart week in Michigan comes to a close, and National Financial Literacy month begins to wind down, counselors at GreenPath Debt Solutions advise consumers to exercise good money management practices when they receive their imminent U.S. Economic Stimulus tax rebate checks beginning next week.

"Everybody's thrilled about receiving unexpected cash right now, but unnecessary spending could lead to a lot of personal finance problems," said Mark Ernst, a GreenPath credit counselor in Farmington Hills, Mich. "Given the state of many families' finances lately, I'd like to see people think about their rebate as a way to overcome financial challenges first; they can stimulate the economy later."

GreenPath counselors suggest consumers prioritize their rebate spending as follows:Pay off any late utility or housing expenses.Pay down credit card debt.


Read More

Franco-American churches wax, wane

The Rev. Louis G. Gagnier came to Springfield in 1873. His arrival from Canada indicated that the local French-Canadian community now had a priest who would stay and see that churches of their own were built and maintained.

Gagnier said his first Mass in Springfield for 180 families at the Indian Orchard Water Rights Co. Hall at the corner of Myrtle and Main streets on March 2, 1873. One week later he ministered to the needs of another large group of French-Canadians by holding services at the Springfield City Hall.

The dynamic priest came to be known as the "Builder of Churches." During his more than 50 years in the priesthood, he served at and helped create more than 30 churches throughout New England. In Springfield he founded two of the city's three French-Catholic parishes, St.


Read More

DATA SNAP: UK Mar Net Consumer Lending +GBP8.2B Vs +GBP9.6B

LONDON (Dow Jones)--U.K. consumer appetite for debt fell to its lowest level for nearly six years in March, as mortgage lending fell and mortgage approvals hit a series low, data from the Bank of England showed Tuesday. Total net consumer lending grew GBP8.2 billion in March from a downwardly revised GBP9.6 billion in February. That was lower than the GBP8.5 billion expected by economists. The BOE said February's original net lending was reported at GBP9.8 billion. The biggest monthly falls came in mortgage lending and consumer credit. Mortgage lending slid to GBP6.9 billion in March from a downwardly revised GBP7.3 billion in February, while consumer credit fell to GBP1.2 billion, as forecast, from GBP2.3 billion in February. Meanwhile, mortgage approvals sunk to 64,000 in March from a downwardly revised 72,000.


Read More

Target: Financial abuse of elderly

Anne Mills lost her financial security in 2005 after giving power of attorney to a neighbor who sold her Charlotte house. That neighbor is now charged with embezzling from the sale.

The 89-year-old woman's misfortune isn't unique. Elderly people are often the victims of such cases in North Carolina.

But one thing sets this case apart: It's being prosecuted. After three years without a single prosecution, Mecklenburg County is working to crack down on elderly financial exploitation. In a recent 20-month period, county social workers calculated $1.6 million in losses from cases they investigated. And the problem, which costs taxpayers when exploited seniors are forced to go on Medicaid, is destined to grow as baby boomers age.

Such cases can be difficult to prosecute, some law enforcement authorities say.


Read More

Families put less emphasis on shopping

Eastsiders Adrian and Haydee Duran have three master's degrees between them, but they're learning how to manage their money better during GECU's second yearlong Savings Challenge contest.

"We figured with our education, we'd be fine, but we're having to rethink our plan for the future and make sure we're OK," said Haydee Duran, a schoolteacher.

Haydee and her husband, Adrian, the .


Read More

UPDATE: UK Consumer Lending Dn, Mtge Approvals Hit Series Low

LONDON (Dow Jones)--U.K. consumer appetite for debt fell to its lowest level for nearly six years in March while mortgage approvals hit a series low as the global credit crunch continued to affect the economy, data from the Bank of England showed Tuesday. Total net consumer lending grew GBP8.2 billion in March from a downwardly revised GBP9.6 billion in February. That was lower than market expectations of GBP8.5 billion, according to a Dow Jones Newswires survey of economists. February's net lending figure was revised from GBP9.8 billion reported last month. The biggest monthly falls came in mortgage lending and consumer credit. Mortgage lending slid to GBP6.9 billion in March from a downwardly revised GBP7.3 billion in February, while consumer credit fell to GBP1.2 billion, as forecast, from GBP2.3 billion in February.


Read More

Revenue of $402.4 Million, Adjusted Net Income of $18.7 Million and $255.2 Million of Non-GAAP Cash and Cash ...

CDC Corporation (NASDAQ: CHINA), a leading global enterprise software and new media company, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year-ended December 31, 2007. Total revenue for full year 2007 was (U.S.)$402.4 million, an increase of 30 percent from (U.S.)$309.5 million in 2006. Adjusted net income(a) was (U.S.)$18.7 million for 2007. Non-GAAP cash and cash equivalents(c) were (U.S.)$255.2 million as of December 31, 2007.

"Despite the economic downturn, I believe our company is in a strong position," said Peter Yip, CEO, CDC Corporation. "We finished 2007 with record Q4 revenue of (U.S)$107.7 million while our software business achieved record milestones for the full year in all key metrics including license, maintenance and services revenue, and adjusted net income.


Read More

(AFX UK Focus) 2008-04-30 11:03 India's sovereign rating affirmed at 'BBB-' with stable outlook - S&P

MUMBAI (Thomson Financial) - Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said it has affirmed its 'BBB-' long-term and 'A-3' short-term sovereign credit ratings on India, and added the outlook on the long-term rating remains stable, reflecting the country's strong economic prospects, external balance sheet, and its deep capital market, which supports a weak, but improving, fiscal position.

The rating agency said India's economic prospects remain strong, underpinned by the dynamic service sector, gradual deregulation of the industrial sector, continued trade liberalization, and modest improvements in infrastructure.

Economic growth is also benefiting from higher consumption and private investment demand, due to a growing middle class and favourable demographics, S&P said.

"Commitment to fiscal consolidation across all levels of government looks to be entrenched, aided by both strong revenue collection and expenditure controls," S&P's credit analyst Takahira Ogawa said.


Read More

Invacare Corporation Reports Improved Earnings for Its First Quarter (3º)

24/04/2008 10:00:00 Business Wire in the Company s distribution businesses in the region and at the Company s subsidiary which manufactures microprocessor controllers, as well as continued cost reduction initiatives.
As previously announced, the Company is continuing to focus on reducing costs by moving manufacturing from New Zealand to China.
This process is partially complete, on track and expected to be fully complete during the third quarter of this year.
FINANCIAL CONDITION Total debt outstanding was $538.7 million at the end of the quarter, resulting in a debt-to-total-capitalization ratio of 48.2% versus 49.3% at the end of 2007.
The Company s debt outstanding increased slightly by $0.9 million during the quarter largely as a result of the negative operating cash flow for the period.


Read More

City loan fund helps make art pay

Once they conceived the idea for a combined crafts and clothing boutique, the pieces came together quickly for partners Matthew Brown and Jaime Jennings.

The owners of Fancy Tiger Crafts and Clothing on South Broadway wrote their business plan, lucked into the location they wanted and opened their doors mere months after the idea popped into their heads.

Luck was with them again when they needed cash to grow, in the form of the Creative Enterprises Revolving Loan Fund, a program administered by Denver's Micro Business Development Corp.

The program, which doubled its maximum loan amount to $40,000 this year, is funded through $100,000 in annual Community Development Block Grant Funds and is designed to help small arts-related businesses start or expand in Denver.

The seed for the loan program came from the Mayor's Task Force on Creative Spaces, which in early 2006 found that the city's artists didn't typically view what they were doing as a business enterprise, even if they used their art to make a living.


Read More

Cafe Bistro Coffeehouse Business Plan

The Watertower is a full-service restaurant/cafe located in the Sweet Auburn District of Atlanta. The restaurant features a full menu of moderately priced "comfort" food influenced by African and French cooking traditions, but based upon time honored recipes from around the world. The cafe section of The Watertower features a coffeehouse with a dessert bar, magazines, and space for live performers.

The Watertower will be owned and operated by The Watertower LLC, a Georgia limited liability corporation managed by David N. Patton IV, a resident of the Empowerment Zone. The members of the LLC are David N. Patton IV (80%) and the Historic District Development Corporation (20%).

This business plan offers financial institutions an opportunity to review our vision and strategic focus.


Read More

Sage Credit Company Sees Great Opportunity in the Reverse Mortgage Market

23/04/2008 18:08:00 Business Wire Sage Credit Company (www.sagecreditcompany.com) sees tremendous opportunity in the reverse mortgage sector in the coming years.
Currently there are over 80 million Baby Boomers entering their retirement years.
Many of them are house rich but cash poor and the equity in their homes can provide them with a steady source of income without them having to give up their home, or sell it to finance their retirement years.
Reverse mortgages can provide funds for living expenses, remodeling, travel, medical bills and other needs.
That is why reverse mortgages have grown rapidly recently.
Of the 345,762 reverse loans issued by the FHA, nearly one-third were made in 2007 and 27% of those were in California, according to the AARP Public Policy Institute and HUD.


Read More

LodgeNet Reports Results for First Quarter 2008

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LodgeNet Interactive Corporation (Nasdaq: LNET) today reported quarterly revenue of $139.8 million, an increase of $64.5 million or 85.7% over first quarter of 2007. The Company also reported a net loss of $(13.0) million or $(0.58) per share (basic and diluted) for the first quarter of 2008, which included $5.9 million of expenses for restructuring, integration (3), and amortization of acquired intangibles, all related to the 2007 acquisitions of On Command and StayOnline. Net loss for the first quarter of 2008, excluding restructuring and integration expenses and amortization of acquired intangible, was $(7.1) million or $(0.32) per share.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080115/AQTU120LOGO)

The following financial highlights are in thousands of dollars, except per-share data and average shares outstanding:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 2007 Total revenue $139,787 $75,285 Operating (loss) income (1,847) 6,117 Net loss (13,011) (28) Net loss per common share (1) $(0.58) $(0.00) Adjusted Operating Cash Flow (2) $34,551 $22,712 Average shares outstanding (basic) 22,606,699 19,040,156 Average shares outstanding (diluted) 22,606,699 19,040,156 (1) Based on the average shares outstanding for both basic and diluted.


Read More

Media General shareholders elect 3 dissidents to board

Three nominees backed by a dissident investor group that has been pushing for changes at Media General Inc. have won seats on the nine-member board of the media company.

The newspaper publisher and television station operator had opposed the nominees but said Thursday that a preliminary count shows shareholders have elected them to its board at its annual meeting in suburban Richmond.

.


Read More