Bank Credit Cards

First Citizens Bank is one of the many institutions that offer
credit cards. However, before you go on that journey and apply,
let\'s review a few details. The grace period for First Citizens
cards is around \'25\' days. If you go over that cycle then you
will pay \'finance\' charges. This is not uncommon, so therefore
we are looking good. The payments on new account statements
should be paid in full, otherwise the cardholder will roll over
to the next grace cycle, which will accumulate charges.

The card is like most cards, in that if you fail to make full
payment at the end of the grace period, then you will be charged
\'financial\' fees, APR, and your balance will roll over to the
next cycle, where this process will continue until you payoff
the credit card.

The cash advances on the First card are frightening, since it
appears that the financial rates are charged per day, until the
balance is paid in full. You might want to look more into this
if you are applying for a First Citizen Credit card. Bank is
offering Variable Cards, so you may want to ask the lender if
there are Fixed Rate cards available. The fixed rate cards
rarely won\'t increase the APR on the card, while the Variables
are subject to change at any giving time.

The bank explains that cardholders agreed to pay the dues on the
credit cards, which will include the \finance\ fees. The bank
explains that the fees are multiplied by the cardholders
\'average daily balance,\ and by each month on the APR and equals
up to \'1/12\' of the APR. The bank further advises that the APR
is based on standard codes, and can change at anytime. All APR
on purchases is currently at 12.00%, which is a good rate. The
card has a \'non-refundable\' annual fee which is \$15.00.\ there
are fees that will apply to late payments, returns, credit limit
overrides, and researching.

While this card may have a few provisions, it would not be one
of the cards that I would choose at the start. If you are
looking for a credit card, it pays to review all bankcards and
the credit cards offered over the internet. The cards on the
internet require carefully consideration, because you are at
more risk. However, there are legitimate companies online that
offer low interest rates, and fees on credit cards. It makes
sense to compare each card and what the cards offer before
applying for a card.

Security Your security and confidentiality is important.
Therefore, you will need to visit secure sites if you are
applying online. The securest sites have the\'s\' behind the http
in the search engine, while other secure sites have a lock and
key. If you apply and are accepted for a major credit card,
protect it as though it was your life. In all respects,
technically if you get a credit card it can determine the fate
of your life\'s course.

In other words, if you have a credit card and use it unwisely
you are subject to land in debt. Millions of people around the
world are filing bankruptcy or consolidating their bills. Don\'t
let this happen to you!

Cards Purpose The credit cards purpose is to offer you a line of
credit. You can use the credit wisely and stay free of debt, or
you can abuse the card and find more stress in your life than
you can handle. In addition, you must be careful where you put
your credit card, as well as be careful where you use your
credit card. If you use your card on an unsecured site, you
might find your self in court finding identity theft, if the
authorities are lucky enough to catch the culprit. Identity
theft predators are the worst time, and in many cases, the
predators are never caught. Some of the best crooks in the world
are identity thieves.

Finally, if you are looking for a credit card, the banks may be
wiser than going online, however use the Internet to learn more
about credit cards so that you have a weapon when you apply at
the banks.

Holiday Loans: Sponsoring Your Much Awaited Holiday Trip

Since how long have you been delaying the holiday trip, which your wife and children thoroughly deserve? Not having the adequate resources is no longer the excuse you can give them day in and day out. Is it possible to see all shades of life through a television or a magazine? Definitely not!

Isn\'t it boring to follow the same routine? What is the best way to leave all your tensions behind and make a merry? Witnessing some amazing natural beauty at a hill station or dancing on the ship in the midst of a sea like there is no tomorrow are some thoughts that can drive anyone crazy.

So, how can one make these so near yet so far thoughts come true? Just draw a holiday loan and make your family see the colourful world with their very own eyes. Holiday loans are packaged according to the needs of the borrower. Depending upon your repayment strength and financial soundness, you can opt for a secured or an unsecured holiday loan.

Both secured and unsecured holiday loans have their pros and cons.

Collateral has to be present in case of a secured holiday loan, whereas unsecured holiday loan is free from this thorn in the flesh.

Because lender is running the risk of lending you money without a security, the rate of interest is quite high in unsecured holiday loans.

Secured holiday loans can be obtained for a long-term period as you are offering collateral to obtain the loan, but no such privilege is there in unsecured holiday loans.

Generally, lenders don\'t lend big amounts in unsecured holiday loans, as they run a fear of borrower turning bankrupt.

Unsecured holiday loans are easy and speedier to obtain, as they do not involve legal formalities. Hence, the torturing paper work is not present in unsecured holiday loans.

Your bad credit history can never act as a hindrance in your way while opting for unsecured holiday loans. You can make your dream of going out on a dream holiday turn into a reality by opting for such a loan.

Besides all this, one has to be extra cautious while opting for an unsecured holiday loan, as rate of interest charged is quite high and choosing the best deal out of the numerous offers of the lenders is not making your job any easier. You must compare the offers of various lenders to choose the one that matches your requirements and circumstances.

Irrespective of advantages or disadvantages of secured and unsecured holiday loans, the statistics prove that unsecured holiday loans are being preferred by people because of the increasing rates of property repossession by the lenders.

About the Author: The author is a business writer specializing in finance and credit products and has written authoritative articles on the finance industry. He has done his masters in Business Administration and is currently assisting Loans Park as a finance specialist.

For More Information Please Visit: http://www.loans-park.co.uk

Refinance Your RV Loan and Save Thousands

How much can I save by refinancing my existing RV loan?

The answer to this question depends upon several factors. It
would depend on how much you could reduce your interest rate. It
would also depend on your unpaid loan balance. You would need to
weigh the potential savings against the closing costs... if any.

For example: If a loan with $50,000 remaining to be paid at 8.5%
interest could be refinanced at 6.25%, you could save more than
$11,400 in finance charges over the term of a 15 year loan. You
could also choose to lower your payments, or lower your
repayment term. The choice is yours, but in the case of RV
refinancing, there are usually very minimal closing costs. This
means that virtually any savings in interest rate make
refinancing a smart move.

What's your percentage rate?

Finance is a tricky business that can help you save thousands of
dollars, or can sneak up and bite you in the behind. There is
more to consider than interest rate and payments when financing
any type of vehicle, although these are the two things that
people usually focus on.

The first factor to consider is obviously interest rate. The
savings of even a quarter to a half percent in interest rate can
translate into thousands of dollars over the course of the loan.
This will be one aspect of comparison between your dealer's F &
I department and alternate sources of financing that are
currently available.

The second aspect you must consider is term. In other words, how
long will they finance the loan. This will directly effect your
monthly payment amount. You should normally choose a long enough
term to provide a comfortable payment, but not so long as to
severely limit the amount of principle included in your payment.

Dealership vs. Bank Financing

Most banks are set up primarily to finance automotive loans with
maximum terms of only 5 to 6 years. Because of constantly rising
car prices, some banks and credit unions are now offering longer
terms. Rarely however, will they go any longer than 7 years.
Even if you are financing an RV, the same terms will apply. This
can make for an extremely high payment.

This is where the RV dealer has an advantage. RV dealers are set
up with lenders who finance recreational vehicles on a daily
basis. In order to fit the payments into your budget, you can
easily finance for 10, 15 or even 20 years. This can mean the
difference between an affordable payment - and one that is
difficult, if not impossible.

Alternate Sources of Financing

With the emergence of the Internet, many specialized financing
companies have gained prominence. Most of these companies
specialize in recreational vehicle financing. This not only
includes RV, but also boats, aircraft and other higher priced
items.

The primary benefit of using a specialized recreational vehicle
finance company is that you will nearly always secure a much
lower interest rate. In many cases we have seen a savings of 1%
to 2% over the financing rate offered by the RV dealer's finance
department, or even the customer's local bank or credit union.

When using a specialized finance company, you should allow for a
5 to 7 day processing and funding period. Applications are
normally taken by secure form on the Internet, with supporting
documentation usually handled by fax. You will be required to
provide a recent pay stub and your last 2 years W-2 forms from
your tax returns. If you are self-employed or retired, you may
be required to provide tax returns or proof of retirement income.

Remember, if you are purchasing or refinancing an RV you should
always investigate your financing options to secure your best
interest rate and terms. Even though specialized recreational
vehicle financing take a little longer to process, it's usually
well worth the wait. Don't let your impatience end up costing
you thousands of dollars in finance charges.

Barry Wilder

Buying Florida Investment Properties and Where It's Hot

Relaxing in Style: Florida Investment Properties

In Florida, relaxing in the sun and sand is a way of life. There's no better way to experience a slice of Florida living than buying your own space. Florida Investment Property provide just thata place that you can return to year after year for the perfect vacation. One of the pleasures of living and vacationing in this peninsula state is that no matter where you go, the warm, inviting beach is nearby. Florida's attractions can also be in your neighborhood when you decide on a Florida Investment Property.

Inland, you'll find Florida Investment Properties in every city and vacation destination. From tiny beachfront flats to grand sky-scraping apartment homes, you'll find a range of choices and prices to consider. Florida Investment Properties can be just about any property with a Florida style that becomes your home away from home.

A condominium gives you and your family easy access to Florida's unparalleled beaches and attractions. A comfortable space where you can come and go as you please, Florida Investment Properties offer a way for visitors to get a taste of Florida living. Many of the most affordable condos lie near attractions such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Florida Investment Properties allow families to split their time between the excitement of theme parks and the relaxing calm of the waves.

Finding Florida Investment Property

There are plenty of perfect locations for Florida Investment Properties. From the historic sands of St. Augustine to the urban shores of Miami Beach, the beautiful Gulf of Mexico to the roaring surf of the Atlantic in Daytona. At any of these spots you can find a wealth of properties for sale in central Florida. Below are the hot spots for Florida investment property. In these locations, Florida Investment Properties describe a certain way of living and can be right beside the waves or a few miles inland. In Orlando Florida, a condo near the attractions is still a short car ride away from the beach. As the saying goes, what matters is location, location, location.

Properties for sale in Central Florida

Orlando's central location makes it a perfect fit for vacationers who want it all. In the midst of attractions, beaches and the arts, Orlando is more of an area than just a city. You'll find luxury Caribbean inspired condos central to Disney and the renewed Cypress Gardens. These villas offer families a place to settle near exciting theme parks with a relaxing residence to call home.

Families can find a diverse spread of activities to suit teens and toddlers. Apart from the theme parks, Orlando is home to upscale malls and outlets, museums and clubs. Because Orlando is smack in the middle of Florida, it is an easy place to launch a day or weekend trip. Kennedy Space Center is only an hour away, as well as Tampa Florida and Daytona Beach. When you decide to make Orlando your spot for a Florida Investment Property purchase, there are plenty of choices for your home away from home. Properties located close to the theme parks are a great choice because of their centralized location. One property close to Walt Disney World in Davenport Florida, called the Bimini Bay Resort, gives owners a cool, Caribbean style bungalow complete with all the comforts of home.

Florida Investment Properties like the Bimini Bay Resort are unique in the quiet retreat they offer. Unlike hotels near the theme parks that are often crowded with other visitors, your own Florida Investment Property lets your family relax in a comfortable place that's all your own. Davenport is also minutes from Cypress Gardens, a newly constructed adventure park.

Kissimmee, another Central Florida town close to the theme parks is home to family resorts at discount rates. Kids and parents can both find fun in the Kissimmee area. In the middle of outlet malls, amusement parks and exciting dining experiences like Medieval Times, this is one of Central Florida's best vacation deals.

If you decide on a beachside condominium, New Smyrna, Daytona and Cocoa Beach are Orlando's hotspots. These Florida Investment Properties will still keep you close to Orlando's attractions. A home beside the Atlantic Ocean gives families a true taste of the Florida lifestyle.

4. South Florida Investment Property Purchases

Apart from Orlando, there are plenty of beachside towns to house your perfect Florida Investment Property. Below you'll find a snapshot of beautiful beachside cities spread throughout the state. Consider what your family needs in a Florida Investment Property ;a place to get away in a quiet corner of the state or a thriving town with plenty of activities for everyone.

One beach destination in Florida is Sarasota. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota is an artsy town home to a lot of condominiums owned by retired men and women. These Florida Investment Properies tend to be in high price ranges though they are beautiful. Sarasota is home to quaint shopping areas by the beach as well as cozy marinas and restaurants. Along the Gulf of Mexico is a saint of a beach perfect for a condominium purchase. St. Petersburg, just below Tampa is another quiet place to own a Florida Investment Property. St. Pete is a relaxed beach town dotted with bed and breakfasts, family owned restaurants and ritzy hotels.

If a spicier place is where you want your Florida Investment Property, then cruise on down to Miami. This non-stop town is the place for a jet set young couple ready to party. Just on the tip of the sunshine state, Miami is a Latin hub filled with nightlife and hot beaches.

5. North Florida Investment Property Purchases

On the opposite tip of the state than Miami is Destin beach. Located in what Floridians call the panhandle, Destin is known for snow-white beaches and quiet vacation destinations near the capital of Tallahassee. Here, Florida Investment Properties are close to the border states of Alabama and Georgia; perfect for border hopping if you so choose. Destin also offers places where you can camp right on the Gulf (that is, if you want to leave your comfy condominium for a night).

St. Augustine is also an exciting place to vacation in a Florida Investment Property. For history buffs, this is the place to find the oldest settlements in Florida. From the Spanish fort made of shells to the oldest schoolhouse, St. Augustine surrounds visitors with nostalgia. There are also plenty of opportunities for golf and tennis at the nearby resort town of Ponte Vedra Beach.

Where to Start Shopping for Florida Investment Property

According to Florida's official website for visitors, www.flausa.com, Florida welcomed 74.5 million visitors from around the world in 2003. Once you decide on Florida as the place for your vacation, the daunting task of finding the right condominium purchase lies before you. Flausa.com is a good starting ground for learning more about everything Florida has to offer. The official website for visiting the state, you can contact the Florida tourism bureau directly with questions. From the site you can also access booking calendars and even keep a list of your family's reservations. Here, industry leaders also keep up with the latest vacation specials. There are many sites which provide a detailed list of Florida Investment Properties with lists of virtually every city available. There are other sites to check out for lists of Florida Investment Properties or you can contact your realtor.

Florida Investment Properties are a unique and relaxing way to spend your vacations. Florida Investment Properties are unlike any other homes in their embrace of carefree Florida living. Whether you breathe in the ocean from your balcony or take in the sun on an inland patio, a condominium gives you a chance to make Florida your home for as long as you and your family can. Florida investment properties are one way to participate in the growing tourism and real estate prices.

All Rights Reserved 2005

Lisa Carson
Florida investment Properties expert
www.biminibayresortinvestment.com
Lcarson@biminibayresortinvestment.com

Make Sure Your Credit Report Works For You

You just filled out a mountain of loan application forms. Now, you wait for a call from the loan officer. You feel confident; loan applications have never been a problem for you. The phone rings and your loan officer says, \there\'s a problem with your credit report\. Your frustration increases because you know your high FICO Score (Fair Isaac Credit Organization) saves you money. Something must be inaccurate on your credit report. Now what?

Since credit and identity verification play a major role when applying for a loan, take action to get the FICO Score you deserve on your credit report. FICO uses a mathematical model when giving every creditor a score. FICO scores:

* Your payment history

* Your debt level (how much you owe now)

* What types of credit you used in the past

* Your credit history (how many years have you been borrowing)

* Your most recent credit approvals

If you think you are the only loan applicant with credit report inaccuracies, you are not! Mistakes on credit reports are the norm. Errors on credit reports affect more than 75 percent of consumers. Misrepresentations on your credit report hurt you in a number of ways.

Loan report errors may keep you from getting the job you want. Many employers use credit reports when considering you as an employee. Loan report errors may cost you more when applying for insurance coverage; insurance companies raise rates for people with low credit scores.

When you get turned-down for a loan, get a higher interest rate than usual, get turned-down for a job, or your insurance premiums are rated highly, you can get help. If your credit report led to these higher costs for services, you are eligible for credit repair.

Finding credit report errors is the first step. Most of us just have no idea how to fix these errors. Getting turned-down for credit disappoints and frustrates. Fixing the problem yourself may overwhelm and discourage. Getting help from an expert will help you work through these issues professionally and effectively.

Of course preventing these mistakes on your credit report is the first step toward credit prevention and protection. Fixing credit reports takes a lot of time; get professional help to fix them before you run into problems and embarrassment. Asking for help saves you time and money. For example, an undiscovered credit report error could cost you one to two percent in interest rates on a $100,000 mortgage making you pay more than $40,000 in over-payments during the life of the loan.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees the right of the consumer to dispute any inaccurate and erroneous or obsolete information showing up on your credit report. A credit expert helps you exercise your rights guaranteed under this Act. Take your first step by reviewing the credit repair resources found at Better Credit Repair.com

Larry Guidi is affiliated with Benchmark Literacy Group Credit Educational Services as an independent representative. He offers consumers a 12-month clean credit checkup through the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and, TransUnion. Larry is a well-known advocate of consumer reporting accuracy. You may call Larry Guidi (408)210-4035) and learn how he can help you increase your credit score. Learn more about his services at Better Credit Guaranteed.com - Copyright 2005 Larry Guidi

Are You Tired of Money Simply Flirting With You?

If you are like most then you are fed up with the money tease. The money tease is where you spot an opportunity that could potentially be lucrative for you. You hear how the opportunity is working for everyone else. They are making money hand over fist.

Picture this tease. Someone told you about an amazing opportunity to build wealth. The money looks so attractive to you. Look, the money is even winking at you. The wink represents the claims of making $100,000 or more. You try to play it cool and ask for more information. The money nods and signals for you to come and join it for a movie. The movie is the sales pitch of a greater income.

During the movie the money moves a little closer to you. That\'s when the salesperson promises to treat you right and make all your dreams come true. You smile and imagine how you will feel when you end all your financial worries.

The money moves in even closer and whispers in your ear, \I\'m everything you\'ll ever need\. You smile and nod your head and smiling through your thoughts say to yourself, \this is what I\'ve been waiting for\. The salesperson knows its time to move to the commitment stage.

The commitment stage is where you decide to \go steady\ with the product or service. You have to devote your time and effort to the product or service. Then reality takes over. You begin to notice that this \going steady\ is taking valuable time away from your family, fun and other activities, so you stop devoting time to the product or service.

You later find out that you fell for the money tease. The salesperson knew that you would not follow through anyway, because most people don\'t. To top it off, the salesperson most likely has not done what they have claimed (which is making $100,000).

Well let me tell you how to stop the tease. First, think carefully about the opportunity. Does it seem possible? I show clients how to easily spot financial opportunities in less than 5 minutes flat! Your time is too precious to be wasted conducting boring research.

Second, will the opportunity keep your interest long-term? I show clients how to make money from high gas prices, which in turn will make gold prices rise. Can you see two profit opportunities here? I also work to get them their first check as quickly as possible. When you make money you will be so excited that I won\'t be able to hold you back from telling everyone about the Money Tracks System.

Third, is the organization accessible should you need them? It does not matter what the company promises if they are not available when you need them. No teasing here - I\'m known for giving my direct PERSONAL phone number. If a customer is valuable then there\'s no better way to let them know this than to give them a personal phone number.

Finally, I leave you with fortune building advice I call Dave\'s Diamond. They summarize the main points of the message.

Dave\'s Diamond #1: Think carefully about the opportunity

Dave\'s Diamond #2: Be sure the opportunity will hold your interest long-term

Dave\'s Diamond #3: Be sure you can reach the organization

To Your Continued Wealth-building,

David

P.S. Visit www.themoneymotivator.com and order Wealthy Investing Secrets and learn how to Crack the Wealth Code.

Copyright David D. Wells. This Article and all contents are proprietary products. All rights reserved. You are welcome to forward the entire Newsletter to anyone interested.

Often referred to as The Money Motivator, David D. Wells is passionate about helping people Crack the Wealth Code to become money magnets. Let him teach you the techniques Hillary Clinton used to turn $1,000 into $100,000 in the course of a year.

Words That Will Save You Big Time In Rehab Real Estate

Power Tip!



Have you ever wanted just one phrase that you could say at the right time, and it save you hundreds, or thousands of dollars?



When it comes to getting the best price from contractors, plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, you name it, there is a simple phrase that often works like magic in reducing your costs.



These specialties are always competing for work. However, if you ask any of them they will likely tell you that they are extremely busy!



They might be. They might not.



There's a game going on here. They need to appear very busy so their services are in demand and support the prices they will ask for. At the same time, you need to appear to be willing and able to get prices from many sources. (Don't just make it appear that way, get multiple bids whenever it's practical!) It's a balance that must be struck.



The good part is that now you know the game...so play both sides since you know what the other side's play.

How to turn the tables


* Have an idea of what the job will cost. Just a ball park idea will do.
* If you are told something that you think it high, ask why so high. There might be more to it than you know. The reason for the high price might be reasonable. Discuss alternatives.


(For example, if you electrician points out that the breakers you need are especially expensive, ask if he's got any used breakers that are still in good shape.)
* Then use the magic phrase...



Here it is...



Is that your final and best price?



Very often the person you are talking to will squirm a bit at this point. They are having to think...


Is my price fair?


Am I over pricing something here?


Can I save this customer some money?


Does the customer know something I don't?



While your contractor/laborer thinks about this, don't say a word.



I've experienced many reactions from That's the best I can do to If you give me the job, I'll knock it down to...



Often I've gotten a range of options that could save me money. More often than not, it saves my money!



It works like magic if:


* They understand that they aren't your sole source of the service they provide


* They know you are willing to wait for the best price


* They know you aren't a push over


* They know you might be a source of future income



But, it WILL work like magic when properly applied. In my own experience, I can point to many thousands of dollars of savings using this simple question.



We like to save money by keeping prices for services reasonable, true enough. At the same time, I advocate and approach of don't let anyone get hurt. If you award a job to someone and it winds up costing them more than expected, I help that person out. I don't want someone to lose money on a job and leave with a bad taste in their mouth and never want to do work for me again. Be aware of when someone gets hurt. That said, watch out for those that claim to get hurt with each job.



Try out that phrase today. It works in many situations...not just rehab real estate, but in just about any competitive environment.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

--------------------------

Bruce W. Ford is the editor of Rehab-Real-Estate.com. Get his important Special Report entitled 12 Things Real Estate Investment Gurus Won't Tell You at Rehab-Real-Estate.com.

Is Paying Off Your Mortgage Early Just A Pipedream?

Simple fact number one: The average mortgage term if longer than most jail sentences.
If you take out a 25 year mortgage, even on an interest rate of around 6%, you are still going to be paying nearly the same as your original loan in interest so it\'s little wonder that people are always dreaming of ways to pay off their mortgage early.

But the question is, is it possible? Can you really expect to be free of your mortgage earlier than its full term without winning the lottery? Well, the simple answer is yes. You need to pick the right mortgage for a start. Shop around and find a mortgage that allows, and even offers benefits for early payments against your loan.

Once you have a mortgage in place where you are rewarded for making early payments the next thing you\'re going to need to work out is where the extra money is going to come from. This can be daunting because often people look at where they can acquire large sums to make big dents in the mortgage as early as possible.

It doesn\'t have to be that dramatic though; any additional payment above your standard monthly rate is going to help, so let\'s start by thinking much smaller than anything as dramatic as a lottery win.

Look at your monthly expenses and see where you\'re spending on things that you don\'t really need, or would be prepared to live without for 2 or 3 years if you knew your mortgage would be paid at the end of it.

Let\'s take for example Satellite TV. If you were to take about 30 a month and put it against your mortgage instead you would save about 19,000 over the full term of a standard 25 year mortgage. So that\'s a pretty big saving right there. Now, about that lottery ticket Why not invest the extra money in something where you\'ll definitely win?

Simple fact number two: Your home is the largest purchase you\'ll ever make.
Bearing this in mind it\'s a strange quirk of human nature that while we will shop around to save money on tins of beans in the supermarket, we\'re much less likely to shop around to get the best deal on our mortgages.

With a mortgage you can often save thousands by shopping around and moving your mortgage to a lender offering a better deal. You can do this many times over the course of the mortgage if you\'re careful not to get tied in to one provider and should take advantage of the offers that are available.

The mortgage lenders know that we\'re unlikely to move our mortgages around much so offer some very impressive incentives to acquire new business on the basis that most people will never switch again. Use this to your advantage and move your mortgage whenever there\'s a better deal on the table somewhere else, and your current loan agreement allows it.

In this area it really can be worth getting some sound financial advice as the savings on offer can be really very significant. Speak to your financial advisor about this regularly and you could well be paying off your mortgage a lot sooner than you would have ever thought possible.

Paula Marriss is a financial advisor and editorial contributor at The Money Zone. For more information on personal finance visit http://www.money-zone.net.

Residential Real Estate More About Personalities than Homes

Standing around at a cocktail party or the water cooler you first hear about the dynamic with the personalities of a real estate transaction than the home that was just purchased or sold. The sellers who took every light-bulb, the low-ball offer, the realty agent who took negotiations on a needless tangent that derailed the transaction, the home inspector that killed the deal and the sellers attorney whose specialty is litigation not real estate contracts.

Home buyers and sellers don\'t go through the home sale or purchase process very often and either want to forget the troubles or figure that the occasional reactive roller coaster ride of buying or selling a home is the norm. Often the buyer and seller don\'t realize that they can contribute to the roller coaster ride out of naivety or a lack of information. To take back the transaction process and become more proactive Mark Nash author of 1001Tips for Buying and Selling a Home offers some examples of personalities you might run into and how to manage them.

-Sellers. They have what you want, the house, but they need buyers to move on. Everything should be in writing, the contract, counteroffers and acceptance. Timelines for responses should be clear. Personal property included with the sale must be listed in detail. Possession should be clearly defined down to the minute. Keep terms and demands reasonable. Don\'t create unnecessary hurdles for buyers; they can contribute to buyer\'s remorse. You don\'t have to like or meet the buyers. Perform the purchase contract in good faith.

-Buyers. They have what the sellers need, the money to cash out and move on. Review real estate contracts long before you write one. Understand the home purchase process before you enter into it. Don\'t think you\'ll get everything you want; this is not an adversarial business transaction. Plan your strategy beforehand and during negotiations what you really want for price, closing date and contingencies; once you\'ve agreed to terms in writing, it becomes difficult to change them. Don\'t waive rights that are boilerplate in a contract such as an attorney approval period, home inspection or the sale of your current home, without speaking to an attorney. Keep emotions in check.

-Real estate agents. Take the time to find a good one before you start the process to buy or sell a home. Ask friends, family and business associates for agent referrals. Listen carefully to what you hear about their agent experiences. The agent you retain should be a full-time, experienced (at least 3 years in the business) and produces a minimum sales volume for the market in the mid-range. Stay away from friends or family as your agent, I have seen too many agents who manipulate familiar relationships. Ask to see lists of closed buyer and sellers from the last 2 years.

-Attorneys. You need one to purchase or sell a home despite the contrary. Search for an experienced legal advisor who specializes in residential real estate law. Your uncle or a friend of a friend who is a lawyer that has a focus in corporate law, might derail a transaction because they have a propensity to litigate and not negotiate.

-Home Inspectors. Most states now require home inspectors to be certified or licensed which is good for consumers. Utilize a professional inspector that has been recommended to you by someone who has used them in the last six months. Avoid hiring an inspector your real estate agent uses, they might be a bit too cozy for your unbiased needs. Look for an inspector who looks at the big picture, every home, new or old, has some minor repair issues. You want to investigate the structural integrity and discover any material defects in a home. The best inspectors don\'t give advice on negotiating the purchase price based on inspector results or solicit buyers for the work to repair inspection deficiencies.

-Mortgage Loan Consultants. Don\'t be lured by low teaser rates on mortgages, often their are hefty fees later to close the loan. Look for a major mortgage company that has competitive rates, responsive and organized loan consultants and require your consultant to attend the closing, I\'ve seen more mortgage melt-downs at closing than I care to remember.

Mark Nash\'s fourth real estate book, \1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home\ (2005), and working as a real estate broker in Chicago are the foundation for his consumer-centric real estate perspective which has been featured on ABC-TV, CBS The Early Show, Bloomberg TV, CNN-TV, Chicago Sun Times & Tribune, Fidelity Investor\'s Weekly, Dow Jones Market Watch, HGTVpro.com, MSNBC.com, The New York Times, Realty Times, Universal Press Syndicate and USA Today.

How To Build A Buyer's List

I recently spoke to a few people who wanted to get involved in wholesaling properties. Wholesaling properties is a great niche to be in because if you can find the right leads you will have no problems selling your properties and selling them fast. But before you can sell them fast you need to have a buyers list. A buyers list is one of the most important parts of a wholesalers business. When you are wholesaling properties you want to be able to flip them as fast as possible, and with a strong buyers list organized the right way this process becomes a whole lot easier.

What are some sources for buyers?

Your local real estate investment club is a great resource for buyers. If you are an investor it is absolutely critical that you know the investors in your area and have contact with them. When you meet them find out what part of investing they focus on and take note. Certain investors at your local clubs may not be interested in buying properties from other investors because it is not their particular concentration. But those that are looking for those types of deals are great. You know they are investors so your real estate investment clubs should be your first source for creating your buyers list.

Another source for potential buyers is from signs and classifieds. When you see any advertisement that says \We Buy Houses\ or any other advertisement that is clearly from an investor, write down the number. When you get home call the number and just start talking to the investor. Find out what sort of properties they are interested in. Take notes on each conversation that you have and keep meticulous records

One of the best sources for a buyers list is your local section 8 office. Call your local office or visit them and get a list of the local landlords in your area. This will give you a large list of people who are active in real estate investing and are potential buyers. Again, once you have the list contact each investor and talk to them and try and get a feel for what types of properties they are looking for. On a side note, you may also be able to find a burnt out landlord that would be willing to sell you their rental property or properties at a discount. So not only can this step help create a buyers list but you may also generate a few good leads from this easy step.

Remember when you are collecting all these names to take lots of notes. Get each persons contact information and as much other information as you can. One critical piece of info is the email address. When you have a property and you have 100 emails of potential buyers, all you have to do is send out one email and you have reached 100 potential buyers in literally seconds. Regardless of the strategy I am going over next, this is a very powerful way to flip your properties very quickly.

So now you have a buyers list, what next?

The next step that I recommend is to sort your buyers list. The reason you do this is to take away a lot of the hassles you might face. If you have your list separated into an A, B, C, and D list; you will find wholesaling a lot easier. You\'re A list may be those that can bring cash to the table within a week. Your B list may be those that have pre-qualified for a specific loan amount. Your C list may be those who have not pre-qualified but you believe could be able to get the financing in a month\'s time. Then your D list may be those who you have no reason to contact because you don\'t believe they will be able to get the money from anywhere.

However you divide your list up, this process will help out because you simply progress down your list. Start with your A list then your B list and so on down the line until you have a buyer and the property is sold.

I have also found it helpful to have a website where you can put pictures and descriptions of your properties. This however is not necessary however due to a new program a good friend of mine has created where you can list you properties and anyone can view them. To listen to an interview I conducted with this person and find out more about his program visit http://www.reaudiotips.com/mikecollins.htm

Ross Treakle is a real estate investor and an internet marketer. Ross has recently created a website for real estate investors. The website is quickly becoming a great resource for investors to educate themselves as well as find good, quality materials available on the internet. To find out more about Ross Treakle and his new website, visit us at http://www.reaudiotips.com

Requirements To Produce Tax Information (What's Up With That?)

What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
--Strother Martin in Cool Hand Luke

Statutory Law

Governments pass laws, it's what they do. It is the job of others to interpret the laws that Parliament has made.

Statutory Construction

It is presume[d that the legislature avoids superfluous or meaningless words, that it does not pointlessly repeat itself or speak in vain. Every word in a statute is presumed to make sense and to have a specific role to play in advancing the legislative purpose: Tower v. M.N.R., [2004 1 F.C. 183 (F.C.A.) per MALONE J.A. per curium at para. 15.

Also Communities Economic Development Fund v. Canadian Pickles Corp., [1991 3 S.C.R. 388, per IACOBUCCI, J. at page 408Interpretation of the Canadian Income Tax Act (ITA) in practice is primarily done by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA); followed closely by tax accountants and lawyers with the tying vote going to the Courts.

The Legislative Purpose

To raise money and implement federal policies.

The Accounting/Legal Purpose

To assist taxpayers to legally structure their affairs so as to minimize the taxes they must pay: IRC v. Westminster, [1936 A.C. 1 (H.L.), at p. 19 and Stubart Investments Ltd. v. The Queen, [1984 1 S.C.R. 536 (S.C.C.), at p. 540.

It is not difficult to foresee that the legislative objective and private sector tax adviser will frequently disagree. While CRA wins many such arguments by default (e.g., the taxpayer can't, or won't, fight) for those that do contest a restrictive or erroneous interpretation of the ITA, there is a heartening rate of success.

A caveat should be interjected here, this presumes challenges where have been made thoughtfully; that is, were CRA got it wrong and the taxpayer has called them on it. Frivolous challenged or specious arguments (i.e., R. v. Klundert) are not going to succeed.

Legislative Tools

In order to expedite the collection of taxes Parliament has given CRA broad powers to enforce the ITA, some require taxpayers to cooperate under a compulsion of law.

While such compulsion may be permissible in the civil context (R. v. McKinlay Transport Ltd., [1990 1 S.C.R. 627), the same is not true if the information sought or seized by CRA will be used to prosecute the taxpayer for an offence under the ITA (R. v. Jarvis [2002 3 S.C.R. 757; s. 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms).

Thus the following material assumes a CRA civil audit, but if you believe that in your situation CRA abused these provisions while you were under a criminal prosecution (e.g., s. 239(1)(d) ITA for evasion) then obtain immediately legal advice.

S. 230(1) ITA: Books & Records

Every person carrying on business or required to pay, or collect, taxes under the ITA is required to keep records and books of account at their place of business or residence. What books? Enough to enable you to calculate the taxes and for CRA to see that you did it correctly. Person includes corporations (s. 248(1) ITA).

This ties into with the obligation on each Canadian taxpayer to estimate the amount of the taxes payable in any taxation year under s. 151 ITA.

S. 231.1(1) ITA: Inspect, Audit & Examine Books

Someone from CRA may, enter your place of business to inspect, audit or examine your books and records, or those of another taxpayer, to see you fulfilled your obligation under s. 151, above. They may not enter your home without a search warrant, unless you invite them in.

Although the wording of this provision is broad, it is not unlimited: the person has to be authorized, their approach has to be at a reasonable time(s), the request has to be related to enforcement of the ITA and it is restricted to inspect[ing, audit[ing or examination[s.

If you are subject to such a compliance audit you will want to have your accountant involved as soon as possible in the process.

If, however, you are audited and shortly thereafter charged with an offence under the ITA speak with your lawyer as this audit, it may have violated s. 7 of the Charter and the Jarvis principles.

S. 231.2(1) ITA: Requirements To Provide Information and Documents (RPIDs)

If CRA wants you (or a third party) to produce (a) information or (b) any document the Minister of National Revenue (MNR) may, for any purpose related the ITA, give notice served to you, or that third person, personally requiring production, within a reasonable time, of stipulated materials listed in the notice: Tower, above, s. 17.

Like you, CRA must follow the wording of s. 231.1(1) ITA (Ludmer v. Canada, [1995 2 F.C. 3 (F.C.A.), CHEVALIER D.J. at p. 17).

CRA does get this wrong from time to time. Just how serious their error is you can discuss with your lawyer. An irregular RPID doesn't necessarily mean the evidence will be excluded, but the mere possibility is sufficient to justify your lawyer thoroughly reviewing the memoranda, RPIDs and related materials for errors.

Only the MNR (or his delegate) can issue RPIDs. RPIDs must be subject to prior approval and the delegate must act in a quasi-judicial manner; or in other words, if they don't act unreasonably.

The Supreme Court of Canada has held that a taxpayer may have substantive defences to successfully attack RPIDs and any resulting prosecution (McKinlay Transport), defence which include:

1) unauthorized fishing expeditions by CRA (James Richardson & Sons, Ltd. v. M.N.R. [18841 S.C.R. 614 at p. 623), and

2) there is no a genuine and serious inquiry into a taxpayer's liability (relying on Canadian Bank of Commerce v. A.G. Canada (1962), 35 D.L.R. (2d) 49).

The court ruled that the test is objective, which means that what's important is statutory compliance not CRA's good faith.

If the Requirement power was used improperly and all of the resulting information was obtained in violation of the Charter then your lawyer may ask the Court to exclude the evidence: Charter s. 24(2).

If search warrants were obtained ased solely on information gleaned in violation of the Charter [those warrants are invalid: R. v. Evans, [1996 1 S.C.R. 8 at para. 26.

S. 231.2(2) ITA: Unnamed Persons

The MNR shall not impose on any third party a RPID to provide information or any document relating to any one, or more, unnamed persons without prior judicial authority.

The Supreme Court of Canada has held that warrantless searches are prima facie a violation of s. 8 of the Charter: R. v. Collins, [1987 1 S.C.R. 265 per LAMER, J. at para. 22 and it then becomes a question of fact whether that violation was easonable.

To rebut this presumption the onus will be on the Crown/CRA; but normally a search will be reasonable if it is authorized by law, if the law itself is reasonable and if the manner in which the search was carried out is reasonable (Collins, at para. 23).

In other words, an RPID will be legal if:

*the ITA was followed, exactly (Tower);

*if it was done in the civil context (McKinlay Transport);

*if there was a genuine and serious inquiry into a taxpayers liability (Canadian Bank of Commerce); and

*the taxpayer was named (s. 231.2(2) ITA; Artistic Ideas Inc. v. Canada (CRA), 2004 FC 573 (F.C.T.D.) per SNIDER, J.);

And, an RPID will not be valid and enforceable if:

*the ITA was not followed;

*if the MNRs delegate didnt act quasi-judicially;

*if the RPID was used as part of an investigation (Jarvis);

*if CRA was fishing (Richardson & Sons); and

*if CRA didn't obtain prior authorization for the RPID (Hunter v. Southam Inc., [1984 2 S.C.R. 145 DICKSON J.)

This is a simplified version of the law, only your lawyer can give you advice about your particular situation.

S. 231.3(1) ITA: Search Warrants

CRA can apply to a judge for a search warrant (SW) without notice to you.

A CRA officer must swear an Information to Obtain (s. 231.3(2) ITA) and under s. 231.3(3) ITA a judge may issue the search warrant if they are is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe:

(a) an offence under the ITA was committed;

(b) a document or thing that may afford evidence of the offence; and

(c) the building to be searched is likely to be contain such a document.

S. 231.3(3) ITA now reads may issue rather than shall because the Baron v. Canada, [1993 1 S.C.R. 416 declared the former invalid as a violation of s. 8 Charter because it unduly restricted judicial discretion in refusing to issue search warrants. So you can see judicious challenges can change not only the results, but the law as well.

S. 487 Criminal Code

Provides an alternative procedure for applying for SWs, similar to the foregoing; which in practice, CRA uses regularly; as you might imagine s. 487 has been extensively litigated and it is generally well understood by the criminal bar.

S. 231.5(1) ITA

Where any document is seized, inspected, examined or provided under ss. 231.1 to 231.4 ITA the CRA officer my make copies. Such copies, when certified, have the same probative force as the original.

S. 231.5(2) ITA

No person shall hinder, molest or interfere with any person doing anything he is authorized to do under ss. 231.1 to 231.4. If you think that CRA has violated your rights or otherwise failed to comply with the ITA V then call your lawyer. Don't try to stop them yourself.

S. 238(1) ITA

Provides that every person who has failed to file a return as and to comply with the sections of the ITA listed therein is guilty of an offence and in addition to any other penalty (e.g., s. 162(1) ITA). If convicted a taxpayer is subject to a fine and imprisonment

The Bottom Line

Although the CRA uses these provisions frequently, they don't always do so correctly.

Some CRA officers have testified that they followed CRA practices rather than the ITA per se (e.g., s. 231.2(2) ITA), but as only the statutory provisions that are binding this may give your lawyer grounds to challenge CRA use or reliance on any materials found.

Parliament has spoken, but sometimes CRA hasn't listened; that failure to communicate may, if your lawyer decides circumstances warrant it, may justify challenging CRA on their use of their requirement powers.

Staff WriterFor - Tax Evasion Resources - http://www.taxevasionresources.com

Going global through mutual funds

There are more than 13500 different publicly traded companies in the world today, and there are over 700 more companies expected to go public within a year. In addition, every major developed country offers investors various bonds to invest in. All of this makes for a lot of different investments and plenty of choice. Investors can take advantage of this choice through a good global balanced fund that invests in bonds and stocks or a global equity fund that invests in stocks all around the world.



A global equity fund invests in stock markets around the world. These funds will have a portion of their investments invested in North America. Europe, and Asia. Some of these funds will own hundreds of securities in order to participate in the growth prospects of many firms while diversifying the risk associated with investing in different companies. A good global equity fund will be a foundation for a well-diversified mutual fund portfolio for almost any investor. Investors could consider including the AGF International Value Fund, the BPI Global Equity Fund, or the Fidelity International Portfolio Fund in their portfolios.



A global balanced fund is a fund that invests in both stock and bond markets around the world. These funds will also always have a portion of their investments invested in stock and bond markets located in North America, Europe, and Asia. They are more conservative than global equity funds because they invest in a combination of stocks and bonds, which affect the fund\'s performance. Over the long term these funds will provide a lower rate of return for investors but they will also exhibit a lot less risk than a global equity fund. They exhibit less risk because bonds are less volatile than stocks; they do not decline in value to the same magnitude or at the same time as global equity funds. A conservative investor should find a good global balanced fund that will serve as a good foundation for a diversified portfolio.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

About the author: Tony Reed is the author of " Going global through mutual funds", please visit his website Mutual Funds & Stock Trading for more information.

This article is free for republishing as long as you leave the article title, author name, body and resource box intact (means NO changes) with the links made active.

Mortgages Points and Interest Rates Go Hand in Hand

When it comes to mortgages, many people tend to look at points
and interest rates as to separate issues. In fact, they can
almost always be used as leverage against each other.

Points and Interest Rates

Two critical components of a home loan are the interest rate and
points charged at the outset. The interest rate is simply the
cost of borrowing the money and applies to the total amount
borrowed, to wit, six percent for example. The points on a home
loan are an up-front fee that equates to a percentage of the
loan. For instance, one point equates to an up-front fee equal
to one percent of the total loan value. Paying one point on a
$300,000 loan would equate to a fee of $3,000.

Many people jump to the conclusion that points are bad and
should be avoided at all costs. While this may seem like common
sense, it is not true in all situations. From the lender's view
point, points and interest rates work hand in hand. If you have
a unique cash situation, you may be able to save a ton of
interest over the life of a loan by paying increased points at
the outset of the loan. Generally, the more you pay in points,
the lower the interest rate on the loan.

If you intend to hold onto your property for a long time, paying
maximum points on the mortgage makes sense if you have the cash.
The reason for this is the money spent on the points will be
easily recovered if you can reduce the interest rate by a full
percentage point or more. Saving even one percent on an interest
rate will save you tens of thousands of dollars in interest
payments on a thirty year loan. In such a situation, it makes
sense to pay $6,000 or so in point to save $30,000 or $40,000 in
future interest payments. Of course, you have to have the cash
available to do it.

If you intend to hold onto a home for a short period of time,
the same issues need to be considered. In this case, however,
you will not have time to recover any money paid in points
because you intend to sell in a few years. As a result, you want
to shop for a loan that requires no points be paid. Yes, you
will have to accept a higher interest rate on the loan, but this
should be somewhat immaterial if you are only buying for the
short term.

The bigger point is points and interest rates should be viewed
as connected parts of a mortgage. As a borrower, you can
negotiate with lenders to raise or lower either one by tweaking
the other.

Getting life insurance advice

We all know that if you have dependants or a mortgage, then it
makes sense to take out life insurance - however, as there are
so many different types of life insurance to choose from, it is
always a good idea to get life insurance advice.

Choosing and getting the right life insurance policy is of the
utmost importance - after all, this policy will help repay the
mortgage and / or other debts after your death, ensuring that
your partner and family will not be left with financial
difficulty to add to their grief.

There are plenty of life insurance policies out there such as
index-linked or joint life, and with varying premiums and
understandably it can be confusing knowing which policy is right
for you.

So where can you get life insurance advice? You can get advice
on life insurance from a number of places, such as your bank, a
financial adviser or other financial organisation. You can also
use the internet - it can be great for research and there are
plenty of websites where you simply fill in a short form and
someone will get in touch to see what your needs are etc. They
will then make suggestions for the type of policy most suitable
for you.

You can also get life insurance quotes online too, to give you a
good idea as to how much it would cost to get insured. Most of
these websites will give you an immediate online quote - free
and without obligation - so that you can get a feel for how much
your premiums will be.

You should remember, however, that until you complete an
application form any quotes are for guidance purposes only and
they could change once you have completed a full application.
However, if this does happen and you are not happy with what the
premium will be, you do not have to proceed with the policy.

On a final note, when applying for a life insurance policy, do
always tell the truth on your application form no matter how
negative you feel it might be. For example, if you are a smoker
or a heavy drinker and you don't disclose your full medical
history, you may get cover that may not be valid should someone
need to claim. What this means that should you die and it
transpires that you did not disclose facts when completing your
application form, the insurers legally don't have to pay out
your claim - not a good situation for your loved ones to be in.

When taking advice on life insurance, your can always ask for
assistance when you decide to go ahead with a policy and
complete your life insurance application.

First of all, life insurance premiums are now up to 40% cheaper
than they were a few years ago due to advances in medicine
helping us all to live longer, so now may be a good time to
either check your existing arrangements or take out a policy.

It is always a good idea to get several life insurance quotes
before applying for a policy. This is because premiums - even
for the 'cheaper' type of policies - can vary from provider to
provider, so by getting a life insurance quote first, you can
shop around for the most competitively priced life insurance
policy.

Avail Secured Loans To Forget The Trauma Of Bad Credit Score

Bad credit score - an impaired phase in loan market that hinders the borrowers to avail loans. Lenders generally hesitate to provide loan to such kind of borrowers due to their bad credit score. You may have faced this trouble, if you are affected with poor credit score. It is the time to find out the alternative way to come out of this trauma. And the way is bad credit secured loans.

You may have doubt that what a credit score is. So, at first you need to know about credit score. Generally, a credit score is the estimation of one\'s financial credit value. This credit score or FICO are ranged from 300 to 850. When the credit score is measured 580 or below, then it is counted as bad credit score. Thus, at first be sure what the exactly your credit score is. People with bad credit score could be CCJ\'s, IVA\'s, Defaults, Arrears, people who have previously filed for bankruptcy and late payment.

Now, with secured loans that are meant for persons with bad credit history, you are getting a chance to eliminate your poor credit score. To avail these loans you will have to place a security. As security, you can use your home or other real estate, vehicles, saving accounts and other valuable objects. Here, I want to mention that a high valuable object will ensure you to avail a high amount. Sometimes, in such cases the rate of interest, charged on the loan amount, may be lower.

With these loans, you can borrow anything from 5000 to 100,000 along with a repayment period of 5 to 25 years. The interest rate on bad credit secured loans is relatively low as these loans are secured on borrower\'s property.

However, a bouquet of benefits is served along with these loans. With bad credit secured loans, you can improve your credit history and stop them from getting negative impact on your credit report. The new loan will begin to make positive reports so long as you make your payments on time and keep it up to date. Besides, other purposes like home improvement, holidaying, higher study, business expansion can be fulfilled with these loans.

At the same time, I must suggest that take time before applying for these loans. Check whether you are able to repay the loan amount or not. Do not forget, lenders can repossess your property if you cannot pay-off the amount on time. Above all, your poor credit score will turn into more poor for that.

Bad Credit Secured Loans are good option for borrowers to improve their credit score. If you are a proud property possessor then use your property to improve your bad credit score.

Aldrich Chappel has been associated with get-secured-loans, since its inception. Having completed his Masters in Finance from Lancaster University Management School, he undertook to provide useful advice through his articles that have been found very useful by the residents of the UK. To Find Secured loans, cheap secured loans UK visit http://www.get-secured-loans.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=AldrichChappel

Bad News Why The Financial News Media Can Cost You Money!

The communication innovations we have around us today like the internet, financial newspapers, and special interest television channels focused on investing like CNBC are a high speed pipeline of nonsensical chatter. All these sources of information mean that there is no shortage of media people trying to answer our questions about the stock market and specific stocks. You have to remember that the news media are constantly competing to survive against other stuff you can watch. If they don't always sound like they know exactly what is going on then you won't watch their presentations. If you don't tune into their show then their ratings go down. If their ratings go down they get fired and their show gets cancelled.

This means that financial journalists are in the business of finding great stories and sounding like authorities no matter what. The stock market is a great place for them to dig up news 'scoops' to feed to the public. They don't really check their facts very well and sometimes not at all. This means that if some insider wants to feed you a line of bull manure then all they have to do is maintain good connections with financial journalists, sponsor an investment show, or outright buy an investing TV channel like Jack Welch, the CEO of GE, did when he set up CNBC. What a great way for inside executives to control the flow of news information to the public then to actually own one of the only financial news channelsbut not so great for you!

These journalists also kick up the fire by bringing in so-called 'experts' to talk about each side of some topic that real experts would not consider important. This just makes it all the more confusing for the public to understand what is important when buying or selling a stock. Shows on CNBC like 'Closing Bell', 'Kudlow & Company', and 'Mad Money' do nothing but confuse and misdirect the attention of most individual investors in the public. Even worse this means that the financial news media allows overpriced stocks to be recommended through analysts in the inside web that inside executives are dumping on the public because they are trying to get out. This actually happened at the top of the bull market in 1999. For a great historical description of what happened read Maggie Mahar's book entitled Bull.

The famous Yale University Economist, Prof. Bob Shiller, Ph.D. is particularly harsh on the media in his book Irrational Exuberance. Dr. Shiller is one the economists that Alan Greenspan respects most and where he got the term Irrational Exuberance. He portrays the media as sound-bite-driven where superficial opinions are preferred over in-depth analyses. I agree whole heartedly with him and contend that it is also done just because the industry would rather have the retail investor confused and emotionally pliable to get you to buy and sell when they want with total disregard for your best interests!

People who had invested their life savings in the stock market were ripped off in the stock market because the financial news media and analysts were hyping up what a great buy stocks were at the very top of the market in 1999 and 2000. At the same time inside corporate executives were selling out everything they had. What is amazing is that our federal government in the form of the Security Exchange Commission never did a thing about it. There was never an blanket case taken or an outcry that almost all of the inside executives had somehow magically sold out of the market six months before the market crashed.

Here is the valuable tip I want you to consider in this issue of The Wallet Doctor: when you are a beginner investor it is important that you DO NOT WATCH THE FINANCIAL NEWS OR READ THE FINANCIAL NEWSPAPERS! Don't let the stock market industry lead you around by the nose like livestock to the slaughter house. Don't listen to what they want you to listen to. You should focus on learning what is important in the stock market and the mass media will only confuse you until you have educated yourself. Also, don't forget that I show you how to focus on what is important to identify stocks that are low priced but unlikely to go lower because the insiders may be buying them up and I show you when to sell when the same insiders are likely dumping the same stocks on the public in my course The Blue Collar Base Bonanza - What the insiders [definitely don't want you to know! You can get more course information on the course website at www.BaseBonanza.com.

Recommended reading:

1. Mahar, M. Bull! A History of the Boom, 1929-1999 (New York, HarperBusiness , 2003)

2. Shiller, R., Irrational Exhuberance, (New York, Broadway Books, 2000)

I wish you the great abundance in your life you deserve because of what you are and don't forget that happiness is found only in the precious present moment!

About the author: Dr. Scott Brown, Ph.D., the Wallet Doctor, is a successful futures trader, real estate investor, and stock investor. Dr. Brown holds a Ph.D. in finance from the University of South Carolina and a Master in International Management from the prestigious American Graduate School of International Business a.k.a. Thunderbird. His 1998 articles in Technical Analysis of Stocks and Commodities were prophetic in predicting an impending stock market crash. He has helped many people become profitable investors by looking out over many years to spot stocks that are low and primed for rise in the new bull market. In 1998 he was shouting out to the world to get out of the stock market but now he is shouting to everyone that it is time to get in! The Wallet Doctor is not only sought after for investment advice and coaching in stock investing but also in futures trading and real estate investing. For more information visit Dr. Brown's site at http://www.BonanzaBase.com or sign up for his investment tips at http://www.WalletDoctor.com

How Soon will We See Antagomirs in the Clinic? Is Alnylam a Buy?

Are antagomirs the best compounds that could be practical for treating multiple human diseases? Could companies like Alnylam (ALNY) initiate first clinical trials using antagomirs relatively soon? I believe the answers to both questions are yes.

The paper published a couple of days ago by the scientists from Alnylam, the Rockefeller, and NY University (see the abstract below) provides perhaps the most convincing evidence from animal studies that RNAi-related approaches could be practical for treating multiple human diseases. While the experiments were done in mice, there is little doubt that the approach could be tailored to humans. Two points in the paper are critical. First, there is very specific and potent inhibition of the targeted miRNAs. Second, the application of the \drug\, antagomir, delivered via simple intravenous injection, affected most tissues in the animals. Both the amounts of antagomirs introduced and the delivery method (intravenous injection) are likely feasible for humans.

When could the first clinical trials be initiated in humans? Now that there is an antagomir tool to knock down miRNAs, what we need are target miRNAs that could be involved in human diseases. While there are many protein coding genes known or suspected to be involved in various diseases, almost nothing is known about miRNAs in this respect. But, this is going to change were quickly via research in the academia and the industry. There are already examples of miRNAs implicated in cancer. For instance, miRNA let-7 is a suspected tumor suppressor. Knocking out a tumor suppressor won\'t stop cancer. So other miRNAs that are required for cancer survival and not cancer suppression are needed. I am sure the research to locate such miRNAs is in high gear already. We will probably see the first clinical trials using antigomirs in the 1-2 years.

Simple calculation shows that the antagomir dose used on mice (80 mg/kg) translates to about 6 g/injection for an adult person. Now, with 6 g/dose what could be the price tag to synthesize compounds like antagomirs? Antagomir synthesis is essentially the same as synthesis of modified RNA oligonucleotides. My estimates are that antagomirs could cost around 1000$/g or 6,000$/dose for humans. So, even if the drug\'s effect could last around a month like in mice, the medicine is still pricey. Of course, the price should come down as the scale of the synthesis is increased but I still see the expensive price of synthesis as a potential problem for commercialization of antagomir-base therapies.

Reference:
Nature. 2005 Oct 30; [Epub ahead of print
Silencing of microRNAs in vivo with \'antagomirs\'.
Krutzfeldt J, Rajewsky N, Braich R, Rajeev KG, Tuschl T, Manoharan M,
Stoffel M.

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