Do you have a home with a mortgage? Or, are you looking to purchase a home using a mortgage? Mortgages are a great way to afford a home of your dreams and finding a lost cost mortgage is important. But, with interest rates as low as they have been, now is the time to buy if you are looking to. Mortgage rates will only climb for now.
The first thing to consider in a mortgage is the interest rate. Many companies are fighting to give the best interest rate they can in hopes of capitalizing on the high demand that is currently in full swing. So, take advantage of this and shop around. Many banks, mortgage brokers, and even some major real estate companies are competing and offering low rates. Call a few places, get a few quotes before deciding on just one.
Looking for a mortgage means research. Start by looking into your bank. They may offer you a discount of some sort because you are currently banking with them. To make this search even simpler, check out the internet banking sites. Often you can find a mortgage calculator that will give you some idea of what you your payments will be including taxes. Mortgage calculators can help you decide on a 15 year loan or 30 year.
If you are looking for a refinance mortgage, check with your current mortgage holder. They have the ability to redo your mortgage at a lower rate if you are in good standing with them. Of course, they believe they will benefit because refinancing your mortgage can mean extending the loan.
Mortgage lenders of all sorts are willing to work with you to give you the best possible deal. But, right now, mortgage rates are as low as they will be in a long time and that translates into buy it now. But, remember to shop around for the best rates, plans, and conveniences that you can find.
About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.my-mortgages-4me.com/
Technorati tags :
Mortgage | Purchase | Tax | Loan
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Your Secret Weapon... A Budget
For many, the word 'budget' immediately sends shivers down the spine. Why in the world would anyone need or want to budget their money?
First off, budgeting your money does NOT mean you are poor, or are in need of financial assistance. You'd be surprised to know how many considered to be "middle class", regularly budget their money in order to make the most of what they have.
Secondly, designing and implementing a budget does NOT take a Harvard doctorate degree requiring hours upon hours of tedious work.
What is a budget?
Simply put, a budget helps you to track your income and keep your spending habits in check over a certain period of time, allowing you to reach specific goals.
Why Start A Budget
There are many reasons why a family may want to implement a budget. These "reasons" can be labeled BUDGET GOALS. The reason(s) you are budgeting your money.
It is imperative that you actually determine what your GOALS are before actually designing a budget plan.This is what you will be striving for.
Answer the question - 'Why do I want to start budgeting my money?' To save for a new house or car? Saving for your childrens' college education? What about an early retirement?
These are all very important goals that many of us will have to face at some point in our lives. And these are some of the goals that can be tackled through the implementation of a budget.
** Summary - Set Your Goal(s) **
Cash Flow Analysis
It is now time to determine the amount of "cash" that comes into your pocket every month, and the amount that leaves your pocket every month.
This is one of the most important steps in planning your budget, for it allows you to get a whole perspective of your current financial situation. At the same time, analyzing your "cash-flow" allows you to actually see where your incomes are coming from and how it is being spent.
Remember, this does not have to be done professionally nor does it need to be time consuming. In addition to that, try not to track every single penny that you spend. You'll drive yourself crazy. A budget should not frustrate you to death.
Start with your income(s). It's best to take it a month at a time so you get a clear, concise view of what you make on a monthly basis. Don't forget to include any benefit or interest payments you receive.
After you have an idea of the TOTAL amount you receive monthly, it's time to add up the expenses you pay every month. Generally, you can group most expenditures into two categories - fixed and variable.
Fixed bills - mortgage, car, insurance loans, etc...
Variable bills - utilities, phone, car maintenance, entertainment, food, etc...
It is really important that you tally up EVERYTHING that is paid out monthly. That includes all taxes, social security, 401(k) (retirement funds), and any other deductions that you might have taken directly out of your paycheck.
It works best if you write down ALL the expenses/bills that you pay monthly.
If you are having difficulty remembering what is paid every month, take a look back through your financial records, checkbook or bank statements for more accurate numbers.
Remember, you do not want to spend hours and hours, sweating over this. Budgeting should not be like another 9-5 job. The quicker and easier this analysis process is, the more you will be willing to go through with it.
** Summary - Write Down ALL Incomes and Expenditures **
Review Your List
Now that you have your list of incomes and expenditures, it is time to review what you have written. Look and see what bills/expenses can possibly be lowered. Do you notice any excessive spending areas? Any bills you know for sure that can be lowered?
This is where you might have to make some sacrifices. Is your dream of a brand new BMW worth giving up your restaurant outings three times a week? These are the choices you are faced with when you must decide how you are going to reach your goal(s).
Start out small. There's no need to become a first-rate miser overnight. That's hard to do! Take things a step at a time. Implement one money saving strategy a week, or month. Remember though, you decide at how quickly you accomplish your goals.
** Summary - Review And Decide Where To "Cut-Back" **
Track Your Spending
In the real world, you are faced with thousands of advertisements and gimmicks begging you to 'buy their product'.
Buy what you must, just keep in mind your budget.
In order for accurate records, track as much of your spending as possible. Simply save all the receipts you get from your purchases.This is important because you need to tally everything to see how much money you saved at the end of the month.
** Summary - Keep Track Of The Money You Spend **
Compare Results & Modify
Now it's time to find out if all your hard work has paid off. Were you able to lower some bills? Finding out how much you saved is the best part of budgeting. It's exciting! This is what makes the whole budgeting process worthwhile.
Stick with your budget! Modify your spending habits to try and lower bills bit, by bit. You'll soon forget about the whole budget idea, and just see it as a game, where you try and save as much money as possible month by month.
You can find more money saving articles to help lower your bills at:
http://www.SavingSecrets.com/tips.html
** Summary - Compare and Make Necessary Changes For Increased Results **
Conclusion
The hardest part of the whole budget process is starting one. Once you set your mind to implement a budget, and take the time to formulate a written agenda, the rest falls into place.
Budgeting requires some small sacrifices. Changes in lifestyle. Changes in spending habits. Be creative and have fun saving money off your bills. You are doing this for YOU, to accomplish your GOALS, so stick with your budget plan and your will be rewarded!
** Summary - Start YOUR Budget and Accomplish Your Goals! **
About the Author
Gregory Thomas has been writing money-saving articles for SavingSecrets.com now for over 6 years. Hop on over to their website and you'll find FREE money-saving articles, a monthly newsletter, and even a FREE Ebook download just for stopping by! http://www.SavingSecrets.com
Technorati tags :
Budget | Financial | Cash | Analysis | Saving| Money
First off, budgeting your money does NOT mean you are poor, or are in need of financial assistance. You'd be surprised to know how many considered to be "middle class", regularly budget their money in order to make the most of what they have.
Secondly, designing and implementing a budget does NOT take a Harvard doctorate degree requiring hours upon hours of tedious work.
What is a budget?
Simply put, a budget helps you to track your income and keep your spending habits in check over a certain period of time, allowing you to reach specific goals.
Why Start A Budget
There are many reasons why a family may want to implement a budget. These "reasons" can be labeled BUDGET GOALS. The reason(s) you are budgeting your money.
It is imperative that you actually determine what your GOALS are before actually designing a budget plan.This is what you will be striving for.
Answer the question - 'Why do I want to start budgeting my money?' To save for a new house or car? Saving for your childrens' college education? What about an early retirement?
These are all very important goals that many of us will have to face at some point in our lives. And these are some of the goals that can be tackled through the implementation of a budget.
** Summary - Set Your Goal(s) **
Cash Flow Analysis
It is now time to determine the amount of "cash" that comes into your pocket every month, and the amount that leaves your pocket every month.
This is one of the most important steps in planning your budget, for it allows you to get a whole perspective of your current financial situation. At the same time, analyzing your "cash-flow" allows you to actually see where your incomes are coming from and how it is being spent.
Remember, this does not have to be done professionally nor does it need to be time consuming. In addition to that, try not to track every single penny that you spend. You'll drive yourself crazy. A budget should not frustrate you to death.
Start with your income(s). It's best to take it a month at a time so you get a clear, concise view of what you make on a monthly basis. Don't forget to include any benefit or interest payments you receive.
After you have an idea of the TOTAL amount you receive monthly, it's time to add up the expenses you pay every month. Generally, you can group most expenditures into two categories - fixed and variable.
Fixed bills - mortgage, car, insurance loans, etc...
Variable bills - utilities, phone, car maintenance, entertainment, food, etc...
It is really important that you tally up EVERYTHING that is paid out monthly. That includes all taxes, social security, 401(k) (retirement funds), and any other deductions that you might have taken directly out of your paycheck.
It works best if you write down ALL the expenses/bills that you pay monthly.
If you are having difficulty remembering what is paid every month, take a look back through your financial records, checkbook or bank statements for more accurate numbers.
Remember, you do not want to spend hours and hours, sweating over this. Budgeting should not be like another 9-5 job. The quicker and easier this analysis process is, the more you will be willing to go through with it.
** Summary - Write Down ALL Incomes and Expenditures **
Review Your List
Now that you have your list of incomes and expenditures, it is time to review what you have written. Look and see what bills/expenses can possibly be lowered. Do you notice any excessive spending areas? Any bills you know for sure that can be lowered?
This is where you might have to make some sacrifices. Is your dream of a brand new BMW worth giving up your restaurant outings three times a week? These are the choices you are faced with when you must decide how you are going to reach your goal(s).
Start out small. There's no need to become a first-rate miser overnight. That's hard to do! Take things a step at a time. Implement one money saving strategy a week, or month. Remember though, you decide at how quickly you accomplish your goals.
** Summary - Review And Decide Where To "Cut-Back" **
Track Your Spending
In the real world, you are faced with thousands of advertisements and gimmicks begging you to 'buy their product'.
Buy what you must, just keep in mind your budget.
In order for accurate records, track as much of your spending as possible. Simply save all the receipts you get from your purchases.This is important because you need to tally everything to see how much money you saved at the end of the month.
** Summary - Keep Track Of The Money You Spend **
Compare Results & Modify
Now it's time to find out if all your hard work has paid off. Were you able to lower some bills? Finding out how much you saved is the best part of budgeting. It's exciting! This is what makes the whole budgeting process worthwhile.
Stick with your budget! Modify your spending habits to try and lower bills bit, by bit. You'll soon forget about the whole budget idea, and just see it as a game, where you try and save as much money as possible month by month.
You can find more money saving articles to help lower your bills at:
http://www.SavingSecrets.com/tips.html
** Summary - Compare and Make Necessary Changes For Increased Results **
Conclusion
The hardest part of the whole budget process is starting one. Once you set your mind to implement a budget, and take the time to formulate a written agenda, the rest falls into place.
Budgeting requires some small sacrifices. Changes in lifestyle. Changes in spending habits. Be creative and have fun saving money off your bills. You are doing this for YOU, to accomplish your GOALS, so stick with your budget plan and your will be rewarded!
** Summary - Start YOUR Budget and Accomplish Your Goals! **
About the Author
Gregory Thomas has been writing money-saving articles for SavingSecrets.com now for over 6 years. Hop on over to their website and you'll find FREE money-saving articles, a monthly newsletter, and even a FREE Ebook download just for stopping by! http://www.SavingSecrets.com
Technorati tags :
Budget | Financial | Cash | Analysis | Saving| Money
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Your Stock Support Budget
Your Stock Support Budget
By William Cate
Published November 1999
[http://home.earthlink.net/~beowulfinvestments/] [http://home.earthlink.net/~beowulfinvestments/globalvillageinvestmentclubwelcome/]
It costs money to create share buying. Every public company must find the buyers for their shareholders' stock. You must have the buyer when your shareholder sells. If your company fails to find the buyers, your share price will collapse.
To maintain your present share price, your float will trade four times annually. Your float is the stock held by your public shareholders. If your company's float is one million shares, you must expect to find four million shares of buying in the next year. If you keep your present shareholders, you'll cut your stock support costs by 100%. If your insiders can't sell and thus add to the company's float, you'll reduce your future stock support costs by fourfold for every unsold insider share.
The annual supply and demand for your company's stock isn't constant in the Market. You get a favorable write-up. Demand for your stock temporarily jumps up. A major shareholder liquidates their position. The supply of your stock temporarily increases in the Market. You need to level the supply/demand curve. You can often do it by working with your shareholders. Your goal should be to maintain a sustainable share price. Your share price should trade within a narrow range.
There's a silver-lining about bad news. If your shareholders hear it from you, you'll gain credibility. If they hear it from you, it won't sound as bad as hearing it from their broker, a newspaper article, or in the Shareholders' Annual Report. Budget money to spread bad news. It's a sound long term strategy.
A Stock Support Rule of Thumb for OTCBB companies is that it costs a dime to create a share of buying, when your share price is below one dollar. For a share price above one dollar add five cents for every dollar of the share price above one dollar. This means that it costs a quarter to support a four-dollar share price. Multiply this share cost by your float and then by four and you have an annual budget for stock support.
Stock support and compliance costs are the best arguments against going public. You must convert these costs into a strong share price. You must use your strong share price to buy profitable assets for your company. The profitable assets must improve your bottomline. If you don't use your stock as money to build your company, your long term shareholders will lose their investment in your company. You'll fail.
If you believe that your share price reflects the merits of your company, don't go public. Your share price will languish for years as you await some Fundamentalist writer to discover the value in your company. Meanwhile the pragmatic CEO builds value by using their strong share price to buy profitable assets. It can take twenty years to create a hundred million dollar private company. It can take 20 months for a public company to buy for stock a hundred million dollar public company. The option is your company can earn the money, pay taxes, reinvest and grow. Or, you can go public, print your own money called stock, and use your strong share price
to buy assets and become a hundred million dollar company. Your decision involves your willingness to spend money to ensure a strong share price.
To contact the author: Visit the Beowulf Investments website: [http://home.earthlink.net/~beowulfinvestments/] Or, visit the Global Village Investment Club Website:
[http://home.earthlink.net/~beowulfinvestments/globalvillageinvestmentclubwelcome/]
About the Author
He has been the Managing Director of Beowulf Investments [http://home.earthlink.net/~beowulfinvestments/] since 1981 and is the Executive Director of the Global Village Investment Club [http://home.earthlink.net/~beowulfinvestments/globalvillageinvestmentclubwelcome/]
By William Cate
Published November 1999
[http://home.earthlink.net/~beowulfinvestments/] [http://home.earthlink.net/~beowulfinvestments/globalvillageinvestmentclubwelcome/]
It costs money to create share buying. Every public company must find the buyers for their shareholders' stock. You must have the buyer when your shareholder sells. If your company fails to find the buyers, your share price will collapse.
To maintain your present share price, your float will trade four times annually. Your float is the stock held by your public shareholders. If your company's float is one million shares, you must expect to find four million shares of buying in the next year. If you keep your present shareholders, you'll cut your stock support costs by 100%. If your insiders can't sell and thus add to the company's float, you'll reduce your future stock support costs by fourfold for every unsold insider share.
The annual supply and demand for your company's stock isn't constant in the Market. You get a favorable write-up. Demand for your stock temporarily jumps up. A major shareholder liquidates their position. The supply of your stock temporarily increases in the Market. You need to level the supply/demand curve. You can often do it by working with your shareholders. Your goal should be to maintain a sustainable share price. Your share price should trade within a narrow range.
There's a silver-lining about bad news. If your shareholders hear it from you, you'll gain credibility. If they hear it from you, it won't sound as bad as hearing it from their broker, a newspaper article, or in the Shareholders' Annual Report. Budget money to spread bad news. It's a sound long term strategy.
A Stock Support Rule of Thumb for OTCBB companies is that it costs a dime to create a share of buying, when your share price is below one dollar. For a share price above one dollar add five cents for every dollar of the share price above one dollar. This means that it costs a quarter to support a four-dollar share price. Multiply this share cost by your float and then by four and you have an annual budget for stock support.
Stock support and compliance costs are the best arguments against going public. You must convert these costs into a strong share price. You must use your strong share price to buy profitable assets for your company. The profitable assets must improve your bottomline. If you don't use your stock as money to build your company, your long term shareholders will lose their investment in your company. You'll fail.
If you believe that your share price reflects the merits of your company, don't go public. Your share price will languish for years as you await some Fundamentalist writer to discover the value in your company. Meanwhile the pragmatic CEO builds value by using their strong share price to buy profitable assets. It can take twenty years to create a hundred million dollar private company. It can take 20 months for a public company to buy for stock a hundred million dollar public company. The option is your company can earn the money, pay taxes, reinvest and grow. Or, you can go public, print your own money called stock, and use your strong share price
to buy assets and become a hundred million dollar company. Your decision involves your willingness to spend money to ensure a strong share price.
To contact the author: Visit the Beowulf Investments website: [http://home.earthlink.net/~beowulfinvestments/] Or, visit the Global Village Investment Club Website:
[http://home.earthlink.net/~beowulfinvestments/globalvillageinvestmentclubwelcome/]
About the Author
He has been the Managing Director of Beowulf Investments [http://home.earthlink.net/~beowulfinvestments/] since 1981 and is the Executive Director of the Global Village Investment Club [http://home.earthlink.net/~beowulfinvestments/globalvillageinvestmentclubwelcome/]
Your Tip Earnings and Taxes
The internal revenue service has recently been taking steps to cut down on clutter and streamline the tax filing process. Now they've simplified business tax return extensions.
Automatic Extension Requests For Businesses
In past years, some businesses had to go through a lot of paperwork to file request for extensions to file annual business tax returns. This included filing partial extension forms such as forms 8800, 8736, 7004 and 2758. I get a headache just thinking about it. Apparently, IRS agents got one as well and have decided to do something about.
The internal revenue service has announced it is doing away with all the different forms for filing requests for an extension to file business tax returns. Now, all businesses can use one form to get an automatic six month extension. Form 7004 is the document you will need. It is entitled Application for Automatic 6 Month Extension to File Certain Business Income Tax, Information and Other Returns. Okay, so the IRS hasn't figured out short titles. This is still a positive step in reducing the morass of forms typically required to get extensions.
To use Form 7004 for your 2005 tax filings, you must file it by the date the tax return filing is due. You are then automatically given a six month extension to file the return. Importantly, the extension is only for the filing of the return, not the payment of any tax due. If you owe tax, you still have to the amount due by the original filing period. Failure to do so will lead to penalties and interest being applied to the amount you owe when you finally get around to taking care of the tax returns.
End of the World?
One is tempted to predict the end of the world coming soon. I don't know about hell freezing over, but the actions taking by the IRS in the last calendar year are the stuff of myth. First, the IRS went to bat for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, even issuing detailed instructions on how to claim their losses on past tax returns to get refunds to help them out. Second, the IRS actually raised the mileage allowance in the middle of the year to give business travelers a larger deduction because the IRS felt gas prices were to high. Now, the IRS is eliminating unnecessary and frustrating procedures to make tax filings simpler. The end must be near.
About the author:
Richard A. Chapo is with http://www.businesstaxrecovery.com - recovery of business taxes through tax help and tax relief. Visit http://www.businesstaxrecovery.com/articles to read more business tax articles.
Automatic Extension Requests For Businesses
In past years, some businesses had to go through a lot of paperwork to file request for extensions to file annual business tax returns. This included filing partial extension forms such as forms 8800, 8736, 7004 and 2758. I get a headache just thinking about it. Apparently, IRS agents got one as well and have decided to do something about.
The internal revenue service has announced it is doing away with all the different forms for filing requests for an extension to file business tax returns. Now, all businesses can use one form to get an automatic six month extension. Form 7004 is the document you will need. It is entitled Application for Automatic 6 Month Extension to File Certain Business Income Tax, Information and Other Returns. Okay, so the IRS hasn't figured out short titles. This is still a positive step in reducing the morass of forms typically required to get extensions.
To use Form 7004 for your 2005 tax filings, you must file it by the date the tax return filing is due. You are then automatically given a six month extension to file the return. Importantly, the extension is only for the filing of the return, not the payment of any tax due. If you owe tax, you still have to the amount due by the original filing period. Failure to do so will lead to penalties and interest being applied to the amount you owe when you finally get around to taking care of the tax returns.
End of the World?
One is tempted to predict the end of the world coming soon. I don't know about hell freezing over, but the actions taking by the IRS in the last calendar year are the stuff of myth. First, the IRS went to bat for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, even issuing detailed instructions on how to claim their losses on past tax returns to get refunds to help them out. Second, the IRS actually raised the mileage allowance in the middle of the year to give business travelers a larger deduction because the IRS felt gas prices were to high. Now, the IRS is eliminating unnecessary and frustrating procedures to make tax filings simpler. The end must be near.
About the author:
Richard A. Chapo is with http://www.businesstaxrecovery.com - recovery of business taxes through tax help and tax relief. Visit http://www.businesstaxrecovery.com/articles to read more business tax articles.
Your Tip Earnings and Taxes - Corrected
If you work in a service where you get tips, guess what? The IRS expects you to report them and pay taxes on them.
Your Tip Earnings and Taxes
The internal revenue service takes a very simple approach to tips. It views all tips you make in your job as taxable income that must be reported and for which taxes must be paid. Put another way, the IRS has a simple but brutal view towards taxes
Now tips come in different forms. Some are received directly from customers while others are automatically added to the customer's bill. The IRS takes the position you must report and pay taxes on both amounts. This also includes taxes you earn through any group splitting where all tips are collected together and then split amongst the employees. On top of this, the IRS also takes the view that any non-cash tips such as tickets to something are also income that should be reported and taxes paid on. Put another way, the internal revenue services gets you coming and going.
To make things a little more brutal, the internal revenue service requires you to take some steps in reporting tips. If your tips total $20 or more in any calendar month from a single job, you are supposed to report the total to the employer by the 10th day of the next month. The employer is then supposed to withhold federal income tax, social security and Medicare taxes from your paycheck. Keep in mind that the failure to do so can lead to the placement of a 50 percent penalty on your taxes. Obviously, the IRS is fairly serious about getting its money.
Tips paid to waitresses, bartenders, barbacks and so on are a hot spot with the IRS and always have. Since tips tend to be given in cash form, the potential for forgetting to report them is particularly high. The IRS seems to think so and has shown a generally aggressive attitude on the subject. If you indicate you are a waitress or bartender on your tax return, but fail to report any tip income, it could be audit time.
About the author:
Richard A. Chapo is with http://www.businesstaxrecovery.com - recovery of business taxes through tax help and tax relief. Visit http://www.businesstaxrecovery.com/articles to read more business tax articles.
Your Tip Earnings and Taxes
The internal revenue service takes a very simple approach to tips. It views all tips you make in your job as taxable income that must be reported and for which taxes must be paid. Put another way, the IRS has a simple but brutal view towards taxes
Now tips come in different forms. Some are received directly from customers while others are automatically added to the customer's bill. The IRS takes the position you must report and pay taxes on both amounts. This also includes taxes you earn through any group splitting where all tips are collected together and then split amongst the employees. On top of this, the IRS also takes the view that any non-cash tips such as tickets to something are also income that should be reported and taxes paid on. Put another way, the internal revenue services gets you coming and going.
To make things a little more brutal, the internal revenue service requires you to take some steps in reporting tips. If your tips total $20 or more in any calendar month from a single job, you are supposed to report the total to the employer by the 10th day of the next month. The employer is then supposed to withhold federal income tax, social security and Medicare taxes from your paycheck. Keep in mind that the failure to do so can lead to the placement of a 50 percent penalty on your taxes. Obviously, the IRS is fairly serious about getting its money.
Tips paid to waitresses, bartenders, barbacks and so on are a hot spot with the IRS and always have. Since tips tend to be given in cash form, the potential for forgetting to report them is particularly high. The IRS seems to think so and has shown a generally aggressive attitude on the subject. If you indicate you are a waitress or bartender on your tax return, but fail to report any tip income, it could be audit time.
About the author:
Richard A. Chapo is with http://www.businesstaxrecovery.com - recovery of business taxes through tax help and tax relief. Visit http://www.businesstaxrecovery.com/articles to read more business tax articles.
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