National Bankcard Monitor Review

Businesses have chosen the route of aggressive marketing to sell their products to the ever-increasing number of consumers.  Consumerism has its fair share of pros and cons.  With so much variety available for any given product, people enjoy the whole concept of shopping.  This has been made even easier, with credit available for payments.  Banks and credit card companies have enticing offers and easy payment plans available to their customers, to fulfill their cravings. It is not only impulsive shopping we are talking about, but also other essential things like owning a home or car that requires borrowing.  All these classify as debt.  They attract a huge rate of interest too.  Every individual or family has a fair amount of debt in terms of mortgages, car loans, pending bills, credit card bills etc.  It is fine as long as the repayment towards these loans are on time and planned according to the income.  Otherwise, it can be a serious concern. 

Recession and unemployment are playing spoilt sport in the financial plans of many people.  More often they find that even though they are paying towards their debt, they are barely covering the interest due. Thus, getting into the debt trap.  Everybody wants to be debt free as soon as possible. 

Again thanks to aggressive marketing, there are different options being offered by banks and other non-banking organizations for people to become debt free.  These can have very technical sounding names like debt restructuring, debt consolidation and debt settlement etc. They all sum up to some thing more disastrous.  The overall credit score is affected.  It is not an option for a person, who wishes to repay his debt and maintain a good relationship with his lenders. 

In this scenario, National Bankcard Monitor is a right choice.  It offers professional help to the customer, who is sure of his or her repayment potential.  The company offers a faster way to get rid of debt, to be stress free and enjoy the house or car purchased and in the process, save some money by way of interest.  The company has a number of plans available for the customer to choose from, one which may suit his or her requirements. The company has a panel of experts who study the debt amount to be repaid by the customer, and work out a schedule for its prompt closure.  Of course, they do it for a fee, but it is negligible compared to the amount of money saved by way of interest.  It is not a magic potion that works on your debt instantly.  They do no claim to get your loans written off or paid off. The company helps you, as a valued customer, to manage your finances better. 

National Bankcard Monitor has professional expertise and the necessary tools to better manage your debt.  Their services are easy to obtain.  All the information is available online.  Select a plan suitable for you, fill in the data required and sign up for a nominal fee.  Many satisfied customers have gone for upgrades to better manage their finances.  The company offers a solution for people to better enjoy what they earn.

How To Survive During An Economic Downturn

As tough as it may sound, economic downturns are one of the hard facts of life and are considered as part of the flow and ebb of a country's economy. There are many factors which bring about economic-recession but whatever the underlying cause might be, the ripple effect caused by the drawback of an economy is far reaching and usually affects a majority of individuals in any given country. In view of this, it is mandatory that an individual should take drastic measures to survive this bleak economic period. The following are some tips on how to survive during an economic downturn

Plan Ahead

This is considered as one of the best strategies when it comes to surviving an economic downturn. In order to shield yourself from the diverse effects associated with economical downturns, you should set up proper strategies specifically aimed at counteracting the financial difficulties experienced during this period. Setting up an emergency savings account is one of the ways to go about doing this.

Avoid Bad Debt

There are two types of debts; good debts and debts. Good debts are debts incurred on basic utility bills usually in form of electricity, rent, water and gas bills. In order to live a comfortable life, an individual has no choice but to spend money on such utilities. On the other hand, bad debt refers to utility bills on items or luxuries that an individual can live without; these include club subscriptions and pay-TV.

In order to survive economic recession, bad debt should be avoided at all cost. This means that, an individual has to forfeit unnecessary luxuries that would only drive up the cost of living.

Use Debit Cards Instead Of Credit Cards

The use of credit cards during an economic downturn is one of the biggest mistakes an individual can make. By using a credit card, you are actually spending money that you do not have. In an attempt to continue living the life they were living before the downturn, most individuals end up accumulating huge balances on their credit cards. Debit cards are different from credit cards in that, the money is taken directly from a bank account and there is no interest incurred during its use.

The use of a debit card makes an individual aware of their spending limits and also shields an individual from the high interest rates associated with the use of credit cards. By doing this, an individual has a higher chance of surviving during an economic downturn.

Pay Down Debt

During economic downturns, it is usually advisable to pay down debts such as credit card debts. Increasing credit card payments even by a small margin will help you save a lot of money in the long run and is also instrumental in helping an individual come out of an economic crunch unscathed.

Cook at home

You can save up more by cooking at home as opposed to eating out. When doing this, it is usually advisable to buy packaged food in bulk in order to save more money.

Use public transport

Transport expenditure can be cut down extensively through the use of public transport. In order to further subsidize transport expenses, an individual can walk or cycle to a given location.
By doing this, an individual is assured of surviving an economic downturn in relative comfort.

Author Bio: Blogger who talks about all things finance for http://easyrefine.com/ 

The Benefits of Investing in an EB-5 Regional Center

-->

The Immigrant Investor Program, which is administered by the United States Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS) agency, was established by Congress over twenty years ago to encourage foreign investment and economic growth in the U.S. By investing at least $500,000 in a commercial enterprise that creates or preserves 10 permanent full-time jobs, foreign entrepreneurs can secure a permanent visa, or green card. A green card awarded through the Immigrant Investor Program is also called an EB-5 visa, since it is the fifth category of employment-based visas created by the U.S. government.

There are two options available to foreign investors who want a permanent visa, each distinguished by the amount of the investment. For example, a foreign national could invest $1,000,000 in a commercial enterprise anywhere in the United States, and if that investment leads to the creation or preservation of 10 permanent full-time jobs within two years (with certain exceptions), the investor will be given a permanent visa.

Or, a foreign investor could obtain a permanent visa by investing $500,000 in a commercial enterprise in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) and create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs as a result of that investment. A Targeted Employment Area is a rural area or a region that is currently experiencing 150% of the national unemployment rate. The required investment, while substantial, is not unreasonably high and is relatively affordable for foreign nationals with access to significant financial resources.

The Regional Center model has become by far the most popular option for foreign investors seeking permanent visas through the Immigrant Investor Program. An EB-5 Regional Center is an entity that is involved in the promotion of investment, job creation, and commercial development. The “Regional Center” designation is given by USCIS when certain criteria, such as the filing of a business plan and economists’ report demonstrating the reasonable expectations of the proposed commercial enterprise, have been met. There are several reasons why the Regional Center approach has become so popular in recent years.

First, investments from several foreign citizens can be pooled and managed by a group of U.S.-based managers who can help shepherd a commercial project to completion. Theoretically, a foreign national can make an investment and let the managers do the rest. Once USCIS verifies the investment and designates the Regional Center, the investor can obtain a conditional visa that allows him or her to stay in the United States until the job creation requirement of the Immigrant Investor Program is met, generally two years. Moreover, whereas an investor in a commercial project that is not a designated Regional Center must show that 10 permanent full-time jobs have been created as a direct result of the investment, a investor in a Regional Center can meet the job creation requirement by demonstrating that 10 jobs have been created either directly or indirectly as a result of the investment, a slightly more flexible standard. The application process for Regional Centers can also be expedited in certain circumstances, given Congress’ and USCIS’s stated preference for the Regional Center model. Of the 10,000 EB-5 visas set aside each year, at least 3,000 are designated for foreign nationals who invest in Regional Centers. USCIS has said that the 3,000 permanent visas represent a yearly minimum, and the agency will award more as needed.

EB-5 Program is a Win-Win, Creating Jobs and Making American Dreams Come True

As the United States struggles to reinvigorate its economy and create jobs, a decades old program is experiencing record popularity in the U.S., and just may hold the keys to some much needed economic stimulus.

The EB-5 visa program, also known as the Immigrant Investor Program, was created in 1990 by Congress in an effort to stimulate the American economy, promote job growth and encourage capital investment by wealthy foreign investors.  The program provides U.S. green cards to foreign investors and their families, enabling them to become permanent residents in the United States, in exchange for a sizeable investment in a U.S. venture.  The investor must contribute either $1 Million in any location throughout the U.S., or $500,000 to a project located in a rural or high unemployment area.  Furthermore, the investment must create or preserve a minimum of ten full-time, permanent jobs for qualified American workers within two years after the investor’s admission into the United States.

The EB-5 program, named that because it is the fifth category of employment based visas issued by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, is estimated to have created about 34,000 jobs over the life of the program.  However, that number looks to be rising rapidly, as the program is now more popular than ever.  The number of applicants for the EB-5 Visa has risen from 1,000 in 2009, to 2,000 in 2010, to over 3,000 in 2011.  And with each of the successful applications bringing with it at least 10 new jobs, the potential for a significant economic impact becomes apparent.  In Oregon alone, where the program is experiencing heightened popularity, projections are that as many as 1,000 jobs will be created in the next two years.

The surge in popularity may be attributable to several factors, including, not surprisingly, the economic downturn of late in the United States.  Not only has the downturn created an even greater need to create permanent, full-time jobs, but it has also resulted in a reduction in domestic lending through the traditional bank loan route.  As a result, some developers see the EB-5 program as an alternative way to raise their needed capital.  By soliciting a group of EB-5 investors and pooling their investments together at a regional center, they can generate the large sums of capital that they need to make their projects a reality.
At the same time as the demand for EB-5 investor capital has risen in the U.S., in China, where the majority of EB-5 investors originate, the country’s economic prosperity has resulted in a greater number of interested investors who can afford the hefty price tag of the EB-5 visa.  With supply rising to meet increased demand, the program provides a win-win scenario for everyone.   Even the public at large benefits from responsible and innovative initiatives, such as Miami, Florida’s EB-5 funded Florida Organic Aquaculture, a natural and sustainable shrimp farm which recycles shrimp by-products to feed oysters and fertilize sea asparagus.  The farm can operate 365 days a year and yields ten times the output of a traditional farm, passing cost savings and environmental benefits along to the public.

The EB-5 program has also grown in recent years due to increased interest from Latin American investors.  Unfortunately, the popularity among wealthy Latin Americans stems largely from the fact that they do not feel safe in their home countries, facing the constant threat of kidnappings and extortion. This goes to show that even during these dark economic times, the United States is still a premier destination for immigrants seeking a better life.

Christian Home Business ideas – A Lot of Advantages

Work from home ideas are fast catching up. They have a lot of advantages over the typical office work life. The first and foremost is not being bound by a 9 to 5 job. There is no stress of driving long distances, having to tackle with traffic snarls and going on a guilt trip of neglecting home. Another major factor that makes it a suitable proposition to earn some money is that it is a legitimate source of income. There is no cutthroat competition and strategizing typical to the corporate world. People who are concerned about their religious ethics find this a much sober option; at the same time feel satisfied at having contributed to the family income in some way or the other.

A Christian home business also requires the same amount of planning and nurturing like any other business. Work out a business plan and execute it properly for it to be a success. Much time needs to be spent on short-listing what kind of business is viable. This entirely rests on your strengths and passions. The results are always the best when your heart is completely into it. Some of the Christian home business ideas would be to manage a website giving information about local service providers, church activities and even manage a website selling online greeting cards. The revenue from such websites would be by way of selling advertisement space and also commission from the business benefiting from the traffic to your site. Web designing is also a good proposition if you have the required skills. Online services like proof reading, typing, bookkeeping etc are also well paying options to look into. Affiliate marketing, where in you sell another persons product or services, and earn a commission is also a good option.

Whatever be the nature of the business, it ultimately sees the best results depending upon the effort and dedication put in. It may not be a very high paying business, but at the end of the day, it satisfies your soul. It is ethical and gives you the satisfaction of doing something worthwhile, and truly make you feel a master of your time.

Immigrant Investor Program Helps Foreign Entrepreneurs Obtain Green Cards

The U.S. government’s Immigrant Investor Program is all the rage among wealthy foreign investors who wish to obtain permanent residency visas to live and work in the United States.

The Program, which was created by Congress two decades ago in an effort to encourage economic development and job creation on the domestic front, offers wealthy overseas investors an opportunity to secure a green card by investing at least $500,000 in a domestic commercial enterprise.  A foreign investor can put either half a million dollars in a commercial project in a Targeted Employment Area (defined as a rural area or an area experiencing 150% of the national unemployment rate), or one million dollars anywhere else.  Regardless of where and how much an immigrant entrepreneur wishes to invest, the commercial investment must lead to the creation or preservation of 10 permanent full time jobs within two years. 

A conditional visa is awarded once an investor’s application has been approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services agency (USCIS), which administers the Immigrant Investor Program.  If a foreign investor meets the requirements of the Program, he or she (and his or her family) will be granted permanent green cards.  These green cards are one of five employment-based visas available to foreign nationals.  This particular employment-based green card is often referred to as an EB-5 visa, since it is the fifth category of employment-based visas offered by the U.S. government.  After a foreign investor has had an EB-5 visa for five years, he or she (and his or her immediate family) may apply for full U.S citizenship.

In order to meet the stringent requirements of the EB-5 visa program, most foreign investors use Regional Centers to oversee the development and management of commercial enterprises in which they have placed their money and their hopes of obtaining a green card.  Regional Centers are essentially development groups led by U.S.-based managers and business professionals who oversee EB-5 projects, attract additional financing when necessary, and most importantly, make sure the projects comply with the federal government’s EB-5 program rules and regulations.  EB-5 Regional Centers identify good areas for investment, develop a business plan for EB-5 enterprises, help file the necessary paperwork with the USCIS, and present the agency with sound economic analyses that show the reasonable job-creation potential of the project.  Since the goal of the Immigrant Investor Program is to promote economic growth here at home, USCIS prefers the EB-5 Regional Center model to individual investment models because they have better track records and are more likely to lead to successful commercial projects that create jobs and infuse economically stricken communities with much-needed cash.

As one might expect, EB-5 Regional Centers have popped up all over the country, and there are dozens more in the pipeline.  The economic boom in China, India, Southeast Asia and elsewhere over the last decade, coupled with the severe recession in the United States, has made the EB-5 program a relatively affordable and attractive option for wealthy foreign entrepreneurs seeking permanent residency visas for themselves and their families.  This positive trend is expected to continue over the next few years as businesses and development firms from the United States increase their EB-5 outreach in order to secure financing for commercial projects that would otherwise not be possible from domestic sources.

Guide to California cash advance

Many a time, people are caught in a difficult financial situation. Lack of liquidity to meet these demands, that may be due to medical emergencies, repairs that need immediate attention or even some good investment option, can be stressful to deal with. It may become difficult to stretch the urgent payment of bills to the next paycheck. This is where a payday cash advance helps.

California cash advance companies offer a variety of financial planning options. It is legal, and any US citizen above the age of 18 can avail of their services. With a verifiable identity and income proof, and ready access to the Internet, you can shop online for the various lenders.

Once the lender has been shortlisted, fill up the form online and wait for the company to do the necessary risk assessment. This will take a few hours time and the cash will be made available to you in your bank checking account within 24 hours. Past borrowing history and income are determining factors. The maximum amount eligible is $300 and the term can be between 7 to 31 days. To make the best use out of the cash advance loans, make sure that the companies offering the loans are transparent about their charges. Applications must be made through secure servers. Look for companies that have good customer rating and are reliable. A lot of data is available on the Internet; with people writing about their past experiences with different companies.

Negotiate the best terms that suit you with regard to interest and charges and make good use of the competitive offers. Give importance to the fine print because these short-term loans have a very high interest and more than often people get trapped. Due to stress and urgency in getting the cash required to meet your emergency, you may miss out on key points of what you are getting into. Caution and planning will make this a pleasant experience. Always plan towards repaying the loan with the next paycheck. This ensures a good debt history. Payday cash advances must be strictly used as bridges between paychecks.

HOW TO INVEST YOUR MONEY DURING BAD ECONOMIC TIMES

Economic recession is a time where people fall into debt as they are unable to effectively manage their finances. The situation becomes difficult handle investment plans under tough economic conditions. To make sure your future economy is secured try analyzing your countries economy and plan up the necessary steps that will protect your personal life. So, make sure you take wise decisions and choose smart ways when it’s time for investment plans during a recession.

Tips for investments during economic recession:

• Plan to clear all your debts before scheduling for any new investments in bad economic times.
• Check the latest plans introduced while dealing with payment of credit bills. Hence due to the economic crisis companies plan to take a few necessary steps accordingly with the companies rules and regulations.
• Invest money in gold and silver. Investments in such items can help you during an economic recession as you can sell these items and receive money.
• Try to invest in risky investments which incur the potential of earning huge profits
• Real estate investment can also be a way to invest money which is helpful in reselling your property considering the account with the economic situation
• Investment in shares can also be done which allow you to protect your amount and sell them by taking the advice of experts and to earn greater benefits
• Business investment will also be suited to long term security of your money
• Make a point to invest in insurance plans such as health, accidental and death loans along with PPI claims which provide security to policies under emergencies
• PPI claims are payment protection insurance claims. It provides an allowance if you’re in a situation where you can’t pay back with the payment bills; these claims will be helpful to overcome from high interest rates and will pay them in your absence
• Treasury bond investments help to secure money for a long period either of ten years or more. This may sound to be strange but these bonds are helpful in case of sudden crises. These are stored aside and are collected in means of annual profits with lower interest rates which provides security to your money
• In case of any available spare cash, you can make sure to invest them within any organisation to provide security; Certificates of Deposits is an organisation provided by banks to give security to your money for six months to an year

When running with any organisation it doesn’t only look for cash flow and profits; it makes a point with the gross margins and growth of revenue which add up to show growth for a firm. Therefore, investment plans and ideas need to be organized to add on advantages and to be secured even when you are faced with bad economic times.

About the Author:
My name is Sarah.I am a tech writer from UK. I am into Finance.Catch me @financeport