Financial Dictionary: Accounting, Business & International Finance
Although a 0 APR Balance Transfer offer from a new credit card may seem to be too good to be true, they can actually present a win-win scenario for both the issuer and the cardholder. With some careful planning and strategy, one can maximize the degree to which they benefit from the offer to a level even greater than contemplated by the issuer. The benefit of a 0 APR balance transfer is quite clea…
The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) translates into the price you?ll pay over the course of a year in interest on the money you borrow. For credit card holders, APR means the percentage you?ll be charged for any balance not paid in full by the due date. When you don?t carry balances, you?ll automatically have 0 APR credit cards. The interest-free period extends from the date of a purchase until the c…
When buying a home, taking a mortgage is necessary since none of us have enough capital to pay upfront. As a first time buyer, people get confused with the multiple mortgage options available to them. Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Veteran Affairs (VA) and Rural Housing Service (RHS) are loans that the US government offers. FHA loans have lower down payment requirements but cannot exceed a…
You?ve just purchased a new or used vehicle, and you?re hoping it will run trouble-free for at least a few years. Realistically, though, you know that something is going to come up. What are your options when that happens? Do you set some money aside now to pay for those future repairs or do you take out some insurance against those future repairs in the form of an auto extended warranty? Auto ext…
Like many people around the United States, you may already be a Bank of America customer. If you are ? but haven?t tried out Bank of America online banking yet ? then you?re missing out. Bank of America online banking has many advantages, benefits and features that can enhance your banking experience and make things easier and more convenient. Compared with many other major banks, Bank of America?…
As one of the largest financial institutions in the country, Bank of America has built a reputation for offering its customers the most innovative and cutting-edge features available in the banking world. Bank of America was one of the first to offer online banking services, and today leads the industry in internet banking. Security features like SiteKey and SafePass ensure that sensitive financia…
Automotive forums are often full of questions from first time buyers looking to buy rental cars. The general public perception is that rental cars are often abused and battered by drivers who rent them but the experts at Edmunds have a different opinion. According to them, rental companies maintain the cars well but they recommend that you thoroughly inspect the car before buying. In most cases, r…
At first glance, even the best bank rates seem pitiful if you are considering savings accounts. People who remember how high interest rates were for savings accounts and CDs in the 1980s will be shocked to discover than instead of 9% or 12% interest, they now can be lucky to find something above 1.5% interest. These bank rates apply to Savings, CDs or Money Market accounts. It doesn?t matter if yo…
As an investor, one of your top focuses must be finding the best possible return rates on your investments. Smart investors in this day and age are looking to many different investment products, since diversification is something that can lead to more success and better security. That being said, finding the best money market rates can sometimes be an inexact science, since these rates are often c…
One of the issues in today?s investment world is that with so many companies competing for customers, investors are forced to choose from many different options. Though this competition can most certainly be a good thing, it also complicates matters to an extent. So many Roth IRA providers exist that finding the best Roth IRA can seem nearly impossible. So what should individuals do to find the be…
If you are going to have a savings account, it is only natural to want to find the best savings interest rates. In today?s economy, savings rates are very low compared to some previous years not too long ago. Still, any rate is better than having money sitting around earning nothing. One of the best things ever invented was compounded interest on savings. This is how your money keeps trickling up …
Bank of America, or BofA, is one of the largest banks in the country. BofA?s online banking system is among the most sophisticated available today. As a BofA customer, you are automatically qualified to enjoy BofA online banking services. If you?re a current Bank of America customer, but don?t currently use their online banking services, it?s easy to get started; if you?re new to Bank of America a…
John Deere (also known as ?John Deer? to many people) produces a huge variety of tractors for an equally large list of uses, both residential and commercial. Buying a John Deere tractor is just as big of a decision as buying a car ? perhaps even more so. With a John Deere there are an incredible amount of applications and accessories within each class of tractor, so you really have to know everyth…
The old days of investing are gone, having been replaced by a new, innovative system of online investment. In the past, people who wanted to invest their money had to go through a lengthy process and enlist the help of a certified broker. They had to wait around for that broker and pay big fees for his services. Now, you can buy shares online with the click of a mouse. It can be done in real time,…
Car dealers, like any other business, need to make money to stay in business. The way car dealers do this is by purchasing vehicles from the factory or manufacturer at one price (wholesale or invoice price) and reselling to consumers at a higher price (retail or MSRP). The difference is their profit. The car invoice price is set by the factory and is the same for every dealer purchasing vehicles f…
Citizens Bank offers a wide range of online services for its customers, including twenty-four hour access to account information, online bill pay, and the ability to download up to eighteen months worth of banking records into a home accounting package like Microsoft Money or Quicken. Citizens online banking offers convenience and access for customers, along with outstanding customer service and F…
Commerce Bank upgraded its online banking program in 2003, converting a rarely-used tool into a free staple of its banking experience. The attempt proved fruitful?consumers leapt onto the new application with enthusiasm. Today, Commerce Bank continues to offer the high quality banking software that is necessary in today?s banking market. A quick look through its terms and conditions and online ban…
In current years, cell phones have greatly surpassed traditional house phones in popularity. This is because cell phones allow users to stay in constant communication with their friends, family, and business associates. Unlike traditional land-lines, cell phones can be used when on the road, when traveling, and in the case of emergency. Cell phones have increased so significantly in popularity cer…
Kinecta Credit Union (aka ? Kinecta Federal Credit Union) is celebrating its 70th anniversary of service and commitment to its members. Founded in 1940 and named Hughes Aircraft Employee Federal Credit Union, the company was started because the employees at Hughes Aircraft didn?t like having to take their lunch breaks to do banking business. When Howard Hughes was approached with the idea, he thou…
If you haven?t checked since you were a youngster, you may be trying to discover how to get your credit report from TRW. TRW, Inc. was once one of the largest corporations in the country with 156,000 employees in several different divisions, including automotive, aerospace, and credit reporting. Thompson Ramo Wooldridge Inc (TRW) began back in 1901 as the Cleveland Cap Screw Company. They were amo…
As of this writing, the current prime rate is 3.25% and has been at that level since December 16, 2008. That being said, to truly understand what goes into the rate will require a bit more analysis. Contrary to popular belief, the prime rate is not set by the government, the Federal Reserve, or by market traders. Every financial institution is free to set their own prime rate at whatever level the…
There is no question about it, no matter what type of loan you want, interest rates today are very low. Some are approaching historical lows, including mortgage and refinancing rates. Current refinance rates for home loans and home equity products are at or below 5% nationally, which has been encouraging to new home buyers and those who want to get rid of old high interest mortgages. Buyers who ar…
If you?ve conducted a simple Google search on how to donate a car to charity you?ve no doubt come face to face with an overwhelming onslaught of companies offering to ?help? you do it. But these companies are not charities themselves, and so the convenience they are offering is not free. Somebody, whether it?s you or the charity you?re donating to, is paying this intermediary for their services, a…
The Dow Jones, Dow 30, or simply the Dow are common names that refer to the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), a well-known stock market index. The index is used by stock brokers, financial analysts, and investors as a means to gauge the daily performance of the stock market. Even though there are other indices used on Wall Street as well, the Dow Jones is one of the oldest and most widely track…
Every financial news report seems to focus on ?the Dow.? When the Dow goes up, everyone gets excited, and when it goes down, everyone gets upset. But what is the Dow? Clearly, it?s a means of measuring the overall growth and health of the market, but what exactly does that number mean? And how is it calculated? How does it affect my investments, and how, if possible, can I invest in its growth and…
For retired people over the age of 60, an equity release plan is an excellent way to improve their quality of life. Equity release plans allow retirees to tap into their equity in their homes while also ensuring that they will be able to remain in the home for their entire life. Another way of looking at an equity release plan is that it is a reverse mortgage. In a mortgage, the homeowner borrows …
The quickest and most convenient way to file yearly income taxes is with free tax filing online. A large amount of taxpayers are using online services and receiving a refund in less than half the time it takes when filing by mail. The majority of taxpayers who file free online taxes receive their returns weeks, and even months, before those who fill out standard paper forms and send them to the IR…
If you?re like many people these days, then chances are you?re finding it a lot harder than it used to be to make ends meet. Between your monthly utilities, your rent, your car payment, and many other expenses, it can be hard to keep up, as well as tempting to turn to your credit cards to pick up the slack. Before you know it, you could be suffering under a crushing debt with no clue how to get ou…
It is a sobering reality that American consumer debt is nearing 2 trillion dollars while a full 30% of borrowers have had at least one late payment over 60 days. In a difficult economy, those with excessive financial liabilities can find it important, and even necessary, to obtain a free debt analysis. Making changes based on the counseling can provide immediate relief and long term solutions. The…
Free online checking used to be a service that was only offered by banks that operated only in the online sphere. Perhaps out of fear of losing customers, many of the major U.S. banking institutions began to offer online checking account services; Bank of America, Citi Group, T.D. Bank, and others began to simplify the process of viewing statements and canceled checks, placing stops on payments, a…
Everyone must file tax returns if they have income in the United States. Some people want to find out where they can get those tax returns done for free. There are several places and different ways to find help getting free tax return service. The government website, www.irs.gov, is the first and most obvious place to begin searching for help with tax returns. On this website, visitors can do thei…
One of the best things about investing in mutual funds is that they provide a nice bit of security for an otherwise volatile portfolio. People target mutual funds because they offer steady growth and they offer a nice degree of balance. With that said, there is no reason why individuals can?t experience high growth with their mutual funds. Finding a solid growth mutual fund is something that will …
Some financial products are more complicated than others, and those demand a higher level of research from people who want to come away with a good investment. If you are interested in certificate of deposit investments, then you will need to shop around for the best rates. Finding the highest CD rate needs to be a concern, but you should also research the terms and conditions associated with that…
Consumers attempting to qualify for a home mortgage or even a car loan are frequently surprised to learn that the low interest rates so prominently displayed on websites and placards to do not actually pertain to them. Instead, due to low credit scores they may only qualify for the highest interest rates the bank or financial institution charges. This underscores the importance of becoming well aw…
High interest CD accounts, also known as certificates of deposit, can frequently offer the returns of riskier investments while also offering the protection of being covered by FDIC insurance. In today?s market where savings accounts frequently offer yields of under 0.1%, certificates of deposit are excellent vehicles for cash which will be left for a set period of time. The economic principle of …
For many people, their home is their biggest asset. More than a physical structure and source of shelter and comfort, it is also a vehicle for significant wealth creation through the buildup of equity. Home equity loans and lines of credit are methods that homeowners can use to tap into that equity. To understand the concept of equity, a simple example is in order. In 2000, a median priced house c…
A home payment calculator is an excellent tool to help one understand what one can expect to pay for a home. Although a good house payment calculator will require some basic information from the borrower, it can give an amazingly accurate estimate of one?s home price. To understand what a house payment calculator does, one needs to understand what goes into a house payment. When real estate and mo…
Because interest rates can make such a difference in the final cost of a home, homeowners considering refinancing a mortgage need some good tools, including a home refinance calculator, before making a decision. A home mortgage refinance calculator can help them determine the actual amount they will be paying each month. With interest rates rising and falling almost daily, this tool, offered onlin…
Home refinance rates are just slightly different than regular mortgage rates. They are a little bit higher, but the rates still depend upon many factors to set the final rate. When you consider the different fees than can be involved, appraisals of property and other costs of refinancing, the loan may not seem as advantageous as originally thought. Refinancing does, however, definitely have its pl…
A John Deere Tractor is the most useful item for farmers today. It will help you cut your farming costs down, and help your farm grow much quicker. You can buy a John Deere Tractor brand new or used. Buying a new tractor is always the best option, if it is within your budget, as it comes with a warranty. You can find many great used tractors also, and they are much less expensive than new ones. Al…
It can be very difficult to estimate a tax return before actually sitting down to do the paperwork, but this can be very important in the event that a taxpayer actually owes money. After all, it only makes sense to file as soon as possible for those who will get money back. Those who will have to pay should probably wait until closer to the tax filing deadline. This will allow them to save up the …
If you are mechanically inclined, buying an old car and fixing it may be a better investment than buying a new car. Assuming you have the skills, the room and the tools, getting a ?repairable? may be a good idea for a number of reasons. You can find real deals on classic cars which you certainly won?t be able to find or afford if you buy them already restored. You can customize your junk car to yo…
Parents have likely heard their kids say ?I need money now.? The kids might be in college and they cannot wait for the check to make it through the mail, or they might be away for the weekend and need some extra cash. No matter what the case, you need to find a way to send money to your kids quickly. Luckily, there are several options for parents who are in this predicament. PayPal allows people t…
The Internal Revenue Service has made electronic filing of income taxes available for individuals, businesses, corporations, charities, and tax professionals. In fact, for excise taxes, legislation now requires using e-file in some cases. Many types of software are available for e-filing. The IRS does not require or endorse any one brand over another. Filing your taxes electronically is certainly …
An IRS Offer in Compromise ? or OIC ? is a settlement agreement between a taxpayer and the Internal Revenue Service in terms of which the IRS agrees to accept payment of an amount less than that owed by the taxpayer in full and final settlement of their claim. The IRS has made it clear that Offers in Compromise can only be considered after all other settlement options have been exhausted, and this…
One of the best things about investing is that there is an option for everyone. People with lots of money to invest who want guaranteed, short term growth can consider a Jumbo CD. Investing in Jumbo CDs is not nearly as simple as it might seem, though. There are tons of different banks that offer these investment products, and each one purports to be the best in the business. How are you supposed …
It seems as though there are more people applying for home refinance loans today than ever before. With home prices having run up to record highs in 2006, most homeowners felt real estate would continue its upward trend forever. The logical thinking was that the population was increasing and land was decreasing; therefore, home values would have to rise. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Just …
Not only is Internet one of the most helpful tool in providing you with the information you need, and helping you handle bills and payments, the Internet is also a great instrument for you to make money online, provided that you have a reliable network connection. 1. Freelance Writing and Editing If writing is one of your passions, you should look into the many freelance blogging, content writin…
Did you know there are ways to make money quick that are completely legitimate? There are tons of ways to make money quick. All that is required of a person is a bit of creativity and a determined attitude! If you are in a bind and need to make money fast, then why not try out one of the following tips? 1. Open a Checking, Savings, or Investing Account If you need a checking account, then now is …
Make a list of the important features you are looking for in a new car. Storage space and gas mileage are two of the most common features that many people consider when shopping for a new vehicle. The specifications you seek should be dependent on how your vehicle will be used. If you have children, space is going to be a big concern. If you travel a great deal, gas mileage may be your top need. U…
?No closing cost? refinance loans do not have any closing costs, which would normally cost a substantial amount and have to be paid out-of-pocket. Closing costs include some one time fees like charges for appraisals, surveyors, credit reports, title insurance, lender and brokers? fees, escrow and recording fees, and some recurring fees such as property taxes, home insurance and interest. A no clos…
One of the ways that the internet has revolutionized the financial world is by providing access to both information and trading portals. Now, investors can act for themselves, not worrying about traditional brokers or investment firms. Online commodities trading has brought about many positives, but there are some potential pitfalls that individuals must be well aware of. If you want to get starte…
The brokerage industry has been transformed through discount online brokerages. Finding a stock broker online has never been easier; they abound by the tens seeking to attract investors hungry for the lowest commissions. The offer can sometimes be misleading, however, because the old adage ?you get what you pay for? is taken literally. The lowest price can mean the lowest quality; therefore, the l…
Stock brokers used to be extremely valuable. They are now becoming irrelevant. This is due to the surge of online trading companies. These online trading companies allow you to trade on your own without having to use a stock broker as a middleman. Stock brokers didn?t just have value because they were the ones putting the trades in, they also had great value because of the knowledge they possessed…
If you have an Orchard Bank credit card, then you?re eligible to take advantage of Orchard Bank online services. With a few clicks of the mouse button, you can access your account online and perform many useful functions. Signing up is free and easy; keeping track of your balance and other important information is a snap with Orchard Bank online. You can learn more about online services by Orchard…
Anyone who has watched any amount of financial television is familiar with the term ?Prime Interest Rate.? When this rate goes up, potential home buyers are encourage to lock in their interest rates and wait, and when it goes down, they are encouraged to refinance or purchase a new house. The meaning of this interest rate, as well as how it is determined, remains obscure however. So what is the pr…
Most people have three options available to them for retirement savings?traditional saving methods, tax deferred savings such as traditional IRA and 401k plans, and Roth IRAs which offer tax-free withdrawals. All have different benefits, but also carry different drawbacks and requirements. A Roth IRA calculator can help investors figure out if a Roth IRA is the right investment vehicle for them. T…
There is a very good CD out that is titled ?The Richest Man in Babylon?. It is a narrated story, a parable of ancient times and a very wise and very rich man. His advice was sought by all those who had known him all his life. They were amazed at his prosperity and the way in which his money grew. He explained to them that the few coins they earn as they go through life, with some of them set aside…
St. George Bank, owned by the Westpac Group, is the largest retail and consumer financial institution in Australia. It was founded in 1937 as a home loan provider and remained so until 1992 when it gained status as a full bank. St. George claims it reached its number one position by following three key strategies: providing excellent customer service, participating in the community, and giving cus…
You pride yourself on your iron-clad personal safety. Never do you leave your wallet unguarded, and you are wise to the attempts of phone scammers who try to get vital personal information from you. As careful as you are, even you are not immune to this threat. You may be surprised to know that even cautious, savvy people can be the innocent victims of thieving predators. Here are some additional …
Long term investors are well aware that there is no better place for a return on investment than the stock market. While there have been several bear markets in the past century, the Dow has risen exponentially since its inception. Blue chips have been the primary drivers, which are slow and steady large-cap stocks that often pay dividends. Overall, long term investing has been a profitable strate…
Cincinnati is located in the heart of the Midwest, where cars are revered as transportation above all other means. Because of this, the Cincinnati used car business is brisk, and used cars in Cincinnati are plentiful. Used cars can be found from private sellers, on used car lots, and from new car dealers. In this economy, many car shoppers in Cincinnati and throughout the Midwest are taking a look…
The internet has made finding a cheap car so much easier than the days when all you could do was look in your local newspaper?s classified section. Now, you can search and compare prices and get the exact make, model and year you want for the price you want to pay. Some of the online middlemen of cheap used cars are Car Max, Auto Trader, Cars for a Grand and Cheap Car Listings. There is even a sit…
Although the term IRA can refer to a number of things from an Irish political group to a famous American composer of showtunes, the typical answer to the question ?What is an IRA?? is that it is a retirement account. Different from any regular savings account, an IRA is also tax-advantaged. Invented in 1986 as a part of President Reagan?s sweeping tax reforms, Individual Retirement Accounts are a …