Owning a home has always been the pinnacle of the American Dream, and a fail proof good investment to anyone who could afford to buy a house. Historically, house prices go up with time, so given a few good years of sprucing up, any home owner could expect to see healthy returns for an investment in the home market.
Enter the current bad economy. Home prices have been falling– most notably over the past year, but statistically for the past two years or more. Due to misguided lending, bad mortgages, over-extended credit, and foreclosures galore, entering the housing market has become harder than ever for those who may want to take the plunge and buy a house in spite of the insecure financial situation of the country, many people are now looking to sell property quick - leaving many opportunities open for the brave property developer!
Mortgages are now exceedingly difficult to secure, requiring applicants to have better credit scores than before, and offering far fewer options to those who may not have enough for a substantial down payment. This is, however, a time of very low interest rates. Now down in the 5% range, those who do have mortgages and stable credit should look into refinancing options. Lowering interest rates by 1% on the average mortgage can save the owner thousands upon thousands of dollars over the life of a 30 year loan, not to mention decrease the monthly mortgage payment. But a new interest rate is only a good deal if it is fixed for the life of the loan.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/
Friday, April 24, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Business management a Type of investment
The investment decision (also known as capital budgeting) is one of the fundamental decisions of business management: Managers determine the investment value of the assets that a business enterprise has within its control or possession. These assets may be physical (such as buildings or machinery), intangible (such as patents, software, goodwill), or financial (see below). Assets are used to produce streams of revenue that often are associated with particular costs or outflows. All together, the manager must determine whether the net present value of the investment to the enterprise is positive using the marginal cost of capital that is associated with the particular area of business.
In terms of financial assets, these are often marketable securities such as a company stock (an equity investment) or bonds (a debt investment). At times the goal of the investment is for producing future cash flows, while at others it may be for purposes of gaining access to more assets by establishing control or influence over the operation of a second company (the investee).
Type of Some Investments
Bank savings
The simplest kind of short term (or cash) investment is a savings account. Returns are low compared to other investments, but returns are guaranteed by the bank - so your investment won't drop in value in the short term like others might. You can withdraw part or all of your money whenever you want (total liquidity). This makes them ideal for short term savings goals, or as a place to keep your emergency fund - They're not a good investment option for medium or long term goals.
Property
Owning property rented to individuals or businesses can be a safe and profitable investment. Returns from property investment come from rental income, after deducting expenses, and from the increase in the value of property over time.
Shares
By investing in shares in a public company listed on a stock exchange you get the right to share in the future income and value of that company. Your return can come in two ways:
* Dividends paid out of the profits made by the company.
* Capital gains made because you're able at some time to sell your shares for more than you paid. Gains may reflect the fact that the company has grown or improved its performance or that the investment community see that it has improved future prospects.
Author : Juliane
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Business-management-a-Type-of-investment/1075303
In terms of financial assets, these are often marketable securities such as a company stock (an equity investment) or bonds (a debt investment). At times the goal of the investment is for producing future cash flows, while at others it may be for purposes of gaining access to more assets by establishing control or influence over the operation of a second company (the investee).
Type of Some Investments
Bank savings
The simplest kind of short term (or cash) investment is a savings account. Returns are low compared to other investments, but returns are guaranteed by the bank - so your investment won't drop in value in the short term like others might. You can withdraw part or all of your money whenever you want (total liquidity). This makes them ideal for short term savings goals, or as a place to keep your emergency fund - They're not a good investment option for medium or long term goals.
Property
Owning property rented to individuals or businesses can be a safe and profitable investment. Returns from property investment come from rental income, after deducting expenses, and from the increase in the value of property over time.
Shares
By investing in shares in a public company listed on a stock exchange you get the right to share in the future income and value of that company. Your return can come in two ways:
* Dividends paid out of the profits made by the company.
* Capital gains made because you're able at some time to sell your shares for more than you paid. Gains may reflect the fact that the company has grown or improved its performance or that the investment community see that it has improved future prospects.
Author : Juliane
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Business-management-a-Type-of-investment/1075303
Getting Out of an Annuity
An annuity is an insurance policy of sorts where you agree to one of two types of plan, either a fixed or variable annuity, and agree to the stipulations of purchasing payments. With the sum paid into the annuity the insurer agrees to pay either periodic payments based or a large lump sum at the end of a pre-set length of time. This type of financial insurance is helpful for those who like to know they have something tucked away in case of an emergency that is at their disposal regardless of the economic condition of the bank. But what happens when you or a loved one have a medical emergency and need that money now rather than 10 years from now? Breaking an annuity can be a difficult and costly endeavor. There are several reasons why cashing out of an annuity is a bad idea.
The first reason is the consideration of the payment dates. The closer to the payment date, the larger your payment will be. Subsequently, the farther away your payment date, the smaller your payment will be if you choose to close early. For example, a $100,000 annuity which pays you in 2015. If you were to close it now, in 2008, your payment would be considerably less than if you waited 4 years to 2012. Often, if you try and cash the annuity out early, you'll be very lucky to get 1/4 of what you might at the payout date.
Second reason related to the first, is the consideration of the bottom line. The payout date, as discussed before, should be taken into serious consideration as to whether or not having the money in hand now is worth the loss of potentially half of your original investment. The short term benefit of having money in your hand today rather than in the future can often overshadow the security of allowing the money to grow long term. Be certain that you are ready to give up more money at a future date to less money now.
The last reason is the consideration of hidden charges, fees, or taxes which may decrease your payment even further if you close out the annuity early. As an example, the fee for someone under 59 years of age who, upon closing the annuity, would forfeit 10% of the taxable portion to the IRS. Getting around such penalties is near impossible. To buy another annuity would still involve IRS penalties.
Though cashing out an annuity without penalty may seem after this information, hopeless, there are alternatives. One such alternative is the 1035 exchange, where you literally exchange one kind of annuity for another. One can also research any waivers which can fend off the penalties which may incur.
Clearly investing in an annuity is intending to be a long term deal and breaking it before the agreed time may greatly decrease your return. Before deciding whether or not to close an annuity, go over the details, yes even the fine print, and refresh your memory on what penalties may accompany your decision. Luckily there are some instances where serious injury or illness may wave the penalty if the result of such illness is the cashing out of your annuity. As with any major financial decision, do not act without first carefully weighing your options.
Author : Joe
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Getting-Out-of-an-Annuity/1011500
The first reason is the consideration of the payment dates. The closer to the payment date, the larger your payment will be. Subsequently, the farther away your payment date, the smaller your payment will be if you choose to close early. For example, a $100,000 annuity which pays you in 2015. If you were to close it now, in 2008, your payment would be considerably less than if you waited 4 years to 2012. Often, if you try and cash the annuity out early, you'll be very lucky to get 1/4 of what you might at the payout date.
Second reason related to the first, is the consideration of the bottom line. The payout date, as discussed before, should be taken into serious consideration as to whether or not having the money in hand now is worth the loss of potentially half of your original investment. The short term benefit of having money in your hand today rather than in the future can often overshadow the security of allowing the money to grow long term. Be certain that you are ready to give up more money at a future date to less money now.
The last reason is the consideration of hidden charges, fees, or taxes which may decrease your payment even further if you close out the annuity early. As an example, the fee for someone under 59 years of age who, upon closing the annuity, would forfeit 10% of the taxable portion to the IRS. Getting around such penalties is near impossible. To buy another annuity would still involve IRS penalties.
Though cashing out an annuity without penalty may seem after this information, hopeless, there are alternatives. One such alternative is the 1035 exchange, where you literally exchange one kind of annuity for another. One can also research any waivers which can fend off the penalties which may incur.
Clearly investing in an annuity is intending to be a long term deal and breaking it before the agreed time may greatly decrease your return. Before deciding whether or not to close an annuity, go over the details, yes even the fine print, and refresh your memory on what penalties may accompany your decision. Luckily there are some instances where serious injury or illness may wave the penalty if the result of such illness is the cashing out of your annuity. As with any major financial decision, do not act without first carefully weighing your options.
Author : Joe
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Getting-Out-of-an-Annuity/1011500
Why People Are Rushing To Learn Real Estate Investing From Dean Graziosi
Since 1999, through his seminars, workshops, and television appearances, Dean Graziosi has touched the lives of countless of people all over the country. He has incorporated all his proven techniques for total fulfillment into books that are easy to read and easy to use. Using clear language and vivid examples, Dean Graziosi shows how personal, financial, professional, and relationship success cannot be separated. Rather, they are one in the same, and are actually easy to achieve.
Dean Graziosi didn't have a lot of mentors in his life, but even at a young age, whether it was luck or genetics, Dean Graziosi truly believed that whatever he wanted to do, he could do. He admits he has often thought that was silly, but perhaps that silliness - to believe that he could do anything - was what allowed him to be successful.
No matter what obstacles he faced, when he decided to accomplish something, he believed he could do it. When people looked at him and thought “you're crazy, or nuts" he became more secure. How can you grow if you don't try something out of your comfort zone?
Graziosi just looked at the naysayers and I feel bad for them because they didn't want to at least try. He looks back and feels blessed that he was gifted with that attitude, and feels so fortunate that he can share that with people. As a kid, Dean Graziosi's mom literally worked two jobs and made about $90 a week. They lived in the only trailer park in town. He and his sister had hand-me-downs, and their mom drove such a junky car, they would make her drop them off two blocks away from school so the kids wouldn't make fun of their car.
With his can do attitude, and the necessity of finding ways to make money, Dean turned his attention to finding ways to make money in real estate. With no knowledge and a lot of desire, he bought his first investment property, an apartment building. That deal worked so well, Graziosi started some creative real estate investing, and made one real estate investment after another after another, without using a dime of his own money, and started generating a small fortune at a young age.
Upon release his new book, “Be A Real Estate Millionaire: Secret Strategies for Lifetime Wealth Today" quickly became the fastest selling real estate investing book in the country. It is a simple, straight forward real estate investing guide for people who want to know how they can use the same strategies Dean has been using for over 20 years, and teaching to novice real estate investors all across the United States.
Dean Graziosi currently operates several successful ventures, and has properties from New York to Arizona. He has achieved great success in all areas of his life, using a variety of simple to teach techniques. He has also authored “Think a Little Different" a guide to building personal wealth through real estate.
Appearing on national television since 1999, Dean has helped thousands of regular people achieve tremendous financial and personal success. His books, audio and video products have sold millions of copies to date. Dean Graziosi lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and travels extensively, helping people throughout the United States to achieve their own dreams of success and fulfillment. "Be A Real Estate Millionaire" is exciting to read and easy to understand. Rest assured that even if you're an old pro at real estate investing Dean's book is worth every penny if you want simple, no-nonsense real estate investing advice.
Author : Jamesnoha
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Why-People-Are-Rushing-To-Learn-Real-Estate-Investing-From-Dean-Graziosi/966995
Dean Graziosi didn't have a lot of mentors in his life, but even at a young age, whether it was luck or genetics, Dean Graziosi truly believed that whatever he wanted to do, he could do. He admits he has often thought that was silly, but perhaps that silliness - to believe that he could do anything - was what allowed him to be successful.
No matter what obstacles he faced, when he decided to accomplish something, he believed he could do it. When people looked at him and thought “you're crazy, or nuts" he became more secure. How can you grow if you don't try something out of your comfort zone?
Graziosi just looked at the naysayers and I feel bad for them because they didn't want to at least try. He looks back and feels blessed that he was gifted with that attitude, and feels so fortunate that he can share that with people. As a kid, Dean Graziosi's mom literally worked two jobs and made about $90 a week. They lived in the only trailer park in town. He and his sister had hand-me-downs, and their mom drove such a junky car, they would make her drop them off two blocks away from school so the kids wouldn't make fun of their car.
With his can do attitude, and the necessity of finding ways to make money, Dean turned his attention to finding ways to make money in real estate. With no knowledge and a lot of desire, he bought his first investment property, an apartment building. That deal worked so well, Graziosi started some creative real estate investing, and made one real estate investment after another after another, without using a dime of his own money, and started generating a small fortune at a young age.
Upon release his new book, “Be A Real Estate Millionaire: Secret Strategies for Lifetime Wealth Today" quickly became the fastest selling real estate investing book in the country. It is a simple, straight forward real estate investing guide for people who want to know how they can use the same strategies Dean has been using for over 20 years, and teaching to novice real estate investors all across the United States.
Dean Graziosi currently operates several successful ventures, and has properties from New York to Arizona. He has achieved great success in all areas of his life, using a variety of simple to teach techniques. He has also authored “Think a Little Different" a guide to building personal wealth through real estate.
Appearing on national television since 1999, Dean has helped thousands of regular people achieve tremendous financial and personal success. His books, audio and video products have sold millions of copies to date. Dean Graziosi lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and travels extensively, helping people throughout the United States to achieve their own dreams of success and fulfillment. "Be A Real Estate Millionaire" is exciting to read and easy to understand. Rest assured that even if you're an old pro at real estate investing Dean's book is worth every penny if you want simple, no-nonsense real estate investing advice.
Author : Jamesnoha
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Why-People-Are-Rushing-To-Learn-Real-Estate-Investing-From-Dean-Graziosi/966995
Visitors and Residency Permits in Bulgaria
Planning Your Visit To Bulgaria
When you look to travel to Bulgaria for either a holiday or looking to purchase any type of property, you need to be aware of the legal requirements of doing both prior to booking that trip. Generally, you don't need to have any one particular type of visa to take the trip, but, you do need to enquire from your country of origin's passport office or governmental branch handling visa permits as to what you really need from where you are starting your travels from. For instance, if you are coming from such countries as UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Monaco and Switzerland, you can generally remain for 30 days in any six month period. If you are traveling from other countries such as Austria, Germany, France, Belgium, Greece, Cyprus, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Latvia or Chile, you can remain for 90 days in any six month period.
It is always best to contact the Bulgarian embassy or consulate that is in your country to ensure you are aware of your allowable stay period. It is best to be safe than sorry.
Perhaps you are looking to stay in Bulgaria past those allowable stay periods on your visa, you will need to apply for what is called a long stay visa, also known as a visa type D, from the same Bulgarian consulate or embassy in your country. Of course, this is not without cost. The cost for this type of visa can range anywhere from 25 USD for US citizens to 44 GBP for UK residents. You can visit the website of the embassy for the latest updates and information required for this type of visa. In the UK, you can visit, http://www.bulgarianembassy.org.uk/ or http://www.bulgaria-embassy.org/ .
As with any type of passport, you will need to provide two current picture ID's, what is called a “state of purpose" which basically provides proof that you can support yourself financially when you do make it to Bulgaria along with proof of accommodation. With the visa type D, you can stay and remain in Bulgaria for up to six months. If you are actually wishing to visit Bulgaria for the intentions of immigrating, once you arrive in Bulgaria do not leave for three months as you cannot reenter the country with that same visa (remember , the 90 day regular visa permit allowance).
Immigrating to Bulgaria with a Residence Permit
There are three types of residency permits for those wishing to immigrate to Bulgaria. You should be aware of what each of them covers so that you don't obtain the incorrect one for your needs.
If you do have a visit type D, you can directly apply to the Bulgarian Ministry of Internal Affairs for a change in your permit status to a residency permit.
Temporary residence permits allow you to remain in Bulgaria for one full year, but under the guidelines that you must be financially supporting yourself and that you are making regular contributions to the social security system, have a permanent residence and that you have private medical insurance. If you are, in fact, a student or marrying a Bulgarian national, you may also be granted the residency permit.
Permanent Residency can be granted if you have remained in Bulgaria for two consecutive years or if you are married to a Bulgarian national. Another possible granting of permanent residency can unfold if you have been applying on a yearly basis for the temporary residence permit and have spanned over five years. You can then apply under those provisions to remain full time. If you are originally of Bulgarian descent, or a child of a Bulgarian, or a foreign citizen already having permanent residency status, you can apply to be allowed an indefinite stay in Bulgaria; essentially making you an official Bulgarian national.
Work Permits
Along with having a visa type D to live in Bulgaria, you are required to have a valid work permit. You cannot, under any circumstances, obtain this permit when you have already arrived in Bulgaria and are looking to gain the permit then. You must apply for this prior to leaving your home country and can be obtained at any Bulgarian embassy.
Author : Jajay
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Visitors-and-Residency-Permits-in-Bulgaria/920303
When you look to travel to Bulgaria for either a holiday or looking to purchase any type of property, you need to be aware of the legal requirements of doing both prior to booking that trip. Generally, you don't need to have any one particular type of visa to take the trip, but, you do need to enquire from your country of origin's passport office or governmental branch handling visa permits as to what you really need from where you are starting your travels from. For instance, if you are coming from such countries as UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Monaco and Switzerland, you can generally remain for 30 days in any six month period. If you are traveling from other countries such as Austria, Germany, France, Belgium, Greece, Cyprus, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Latvia or Chile, you can remain for 90 days in any six month period.
It is always best to contact the Bulgarian embassy or consulate that is in your country to ensure you are aware of your allowable stay period. It is best to be safe than sorry.
Perhaps you are looking to stay in Bulgaria past those allowable stay periods on your visa, you will need to apply for what is called a long stay visa, also known as a visa type D, from the same Bulgarian consulate or embassy in your country. Of course, this is not without cost. The cost for this type of visa can range anywhere from 25 USD for US citizens to 44 GBP for UK residents. You can visit the website of the embassy for the latest updates and information required for this type of visa. In the UK, you can visit, http://www.bulgarianembassy.org.uk/ or http://www.bulgaria-embassy.org/ .
As with any type of passport, you will need to provide two current picture ID's, what is called a “state of purpose" which basically provides proof that you can support yourself financially when you do make it to Bulgaria along with proof of accommodation. With the visa type D, you can stay and remain in Bulgaria for up to six months. If you are actually wishing to visit Bulgaria for the intentions of immigrating, once you arrive in Bulgaria do not leave for three months as you cannot reenter the country with that same visa (remember , the 90 day regular visa permit allowance).
Immigrating to Bulgaria with a Residence Permit
There are three types of residency permits for those wishing to immigrate to Bulgaria. You should be aware of what each of them covers so that you don't obtain the incorrect one for your needs.
If you do have a visit type D, you can directly apply to the Bulgarian Ministry of Internal Affairs for a change in your permit status to a residency permit.
Temporary residence permits allow you to remain in Bulgaria for one full year, but under the guidelines that you must be financially supporting yourself and that you are making regular contributions to the social security system, have a permanent residence and that you have private medical insurance. If you are, in fact, a student or marrying a Bulgarian national, you may also be granted the residency permit.
Permanent Residency can be granted if you have remained in Bulgaria for two consecutive years or if you are married to a Bulgarian national. Another possible granting of permanent residency can unfold if you have been applying on a yearly basis for the temporary residence permit and have spanned over five years. You can then apply under those provisions to remain full time. If you are originally of Bulgarian descent, or a child of a Bulgarian, or a foreign citizen already having permanent residency status, you can apply to be allowed an indefinite stay in Bulgaria; essentially making you an official Bulgarian national.
Work Permits
Along with having a visa type D to live in Bulgaria, you are required to have a valid work permit. You cannot, under any circumstances, obtain this permit when you have already arrived in Bulgaria and are looking to gain the permit then. You must apply for this prior to leaving your home country and can be obtained at any Bulgarian embassy.
Author : Jajay
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Visitors-and-Residency-Permits-in-Bulgaria/920303
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)