How Seniors Can Learn to Cope with Debt

Money (Photo credit: 401(K) 2012)

Seniors can get themselves into debt for various reasons — cars, homes, schooling for kids or grandkids, and large purchases — and all of that debt creates a burden. In some cases, a senior’s debt can even affect his or her retirement savings or Social Security. 

When you have too much debt, though, it requires a lifestyle change to cope with it. The best bit of advice you can take is to avoid purchasing items on credit, but here are some ways to help you cope with the debt you already have. 

Start Looking for Deals

Before making any purchase, ask yourself, “Is this item a “need” or a “want”? If you don’t “need” the item, consider delaying the purchase until the item is on sale. Haven’t you ever heard someone bragging that he or she never buys anything unless it is on sale? This actually is totally possible. Almost every item goes on sale at some point or another, especially after the holidays. 

Here are some other ways to look for good deals: 

• Price Checking: You can use a cellphone bar code scanner to quickly check the price of similar items at several stores. This way you can be sure you are getting the best deal. 
• Shopping Clearance Racks: When items are out of season, you can buy them for a discount on the clearance racks. It’s a great way to save money on clothing. 
• Use two-for-one deals: Of course, everyone still needs to have fun, so you can do things like have a night on the town with entertainment deals. 

Save Money on Groceries 

You have to eat so you can’t save money by not buying groceries, but you can be more conscious of the things you do buy and look for ways to save money at the grocery store. 

Here are a couple of ways: 

• Clip Coupons: Most grocery stores run their own ads, and many will accept competitor coupons. It does take some planning ahead, but the savings are worth the effort. 
• Buy in Bulk: You can save quite a bit of money by purchasing items in bulk that your family uses on a regular basis, like toilet paper, cereal, and many non-perishable items. 

Earn Extra Money

Of course, making more money is the best way to cope with debt. If you’re retired and can’t pick up a part-time job, here are a few ways to make some extra money on the side: 

• Take Online Surveys: There are several market research companies that need people’s opinions. You can earn a little extra money by participating in these quick surveys. 
• Sell Items on auction sites: If you have items lying around that you no longer use, try making a quick buck by selling them online. 
• Host a Yard Sale: This is one of the quickest ways to make some money. Plus, it helps you get rid of clutter in your home. 

Look for Other Ways to Save Money

Some people cope with debt better than others simply because of the lifestyle they choose. Here are some simple changes you can make in your lifestyle to save some money and manage your debt better: 

• Carpool or ride your bike to work. 
• Take a vacation closer to home. 
• Take advantage of matinee senior prices at the movies instead of paying full price at night. 
• Purchase gifts at the RewardIt store. 
• Use your developed skills to make money, like teaching piano or guitar. 

If you implement even one or two of the ideas mentioned above, you’ll be better off financially, which will help you start to cope with your debt. Of course, the more proactive you are about managing your finances, the better off you’ll be.


Natalie Bracco is a freelance financial writer and an amateur baker. When she's not busy in the kitchen, you can find her contributing to sites like caregivers.com.

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10 Ways To Increase The Value of Your Home

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Increasing the value of your home is essential to improving its resale chances, and can help to beat the mortgage crunch and the current housing market. Moreover, by increasing the value of your house, you can get on top of maintenance demands, and ease any long term problems associated with property selling. This can be achieved in a number of ways, from making your home more eco friendly, through to adapting bathrooms, investing in new blinds, and decluttering. These tips, and more, can be found below:

1 - Make Your Home More Eco Friendly

An eco friendly home can stand out in a housing market as the result of its lower energy bills, and long term sustainability. You can make your home more eco friendly by switching white goods for eco saver appliances which use less energy, as well as by installing solar panels as an alternative energy source.

2 - Deep Clean

An occasional deep clean by a professional company can improve your home’s value by removing built up grime, and by resolving hard to reach areas. A deep clean can pressure wash carpets, and get in behind kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

3 - Adapt Bathrooms

If you have two bathrooms, then it is worth considering the conversion of one into a wet room. A waterproofed wet room adds more space than a conventional bathroom by using a walk in shower, and is particularly ideal for disabled and elderly users.

4 - Invest in New Blinds

New blinds with UV resistance and black out coverings can create more flexible options for rooms. Moreover, conservatory blinds can be installed to give new owners the benefit of privacy or natural light.

5 - Improve Your Garden

It shouldn’t cost too much to improve your garden and raise its value. This can be achieved by cutting back weeds, planting flowers and a vegetable garden, and by painting fences and repairing sheds.

6 - Replace Windows

Any leaking or drafty windows will lower the value of a property. Invest in double glazing, or replace older windows with hard wearing vinyl and wood.

7 - Declutter

Removing your personal items can make a home more attractive to a potential buyer, and will make more use of available space. Decluttering will also give you the chance to be ruthless about throwing away anything that you’ve been hoarding.

8 - Make the Most of Natural Light

Open out rooms with natural light, which can be achieved by installing roller blinds, or leaving open skylights in attics and bedrooms. Alternatively, you can improve the atmosphere of a room just by cleaning windows.

9 - Extensions

Adding an extension that’s suitable to your home will boost its value. Possible examples might include a conservatory, or the conversion of a space to become a new bedroom.

10 - Make Neutral Renovations

When remodelling and renovating for a future sale, don’t do anything too unusual, and focus on neutral colours and fixtures that will appeal to buyers who want to make a property their own. Similarly, avoid adding energy hungry installations like jacuzzis or outdoor pools.

Author Bio: Liam Ohm is a regular blogger on all aspects of finance. From GBP guarantor loans to how to your home can save you money – he has a passion for passing his knowledge onto others.

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Aircraft Management - A Growing Industry

Executive aircraft are an essential part of any growing corporation. They are a complex and expensive asset, and even mid-sized companies find them necessary to do business in the 21st century. No longer is the corporate jet thought of as a luxury. In the national and global world, a jet is a necessary expense.

After a company has made the initial purchase of the aircraft, the proper storage and maintenance decisions for the plane need to make. Does the company hire personnel to manage the maintenance, scheduling, and administrative tasks for your aircraft? Or does it find a company that provides aircraft management?

Individuals who may fly more frequently and seek reliability in their travel will lean towards considering jet travel membership, which has a prepaid balance of flight hours they can use when needed. 

The programs and cards offer savings and excellent benefits that create a seamless flying experience for all individuals and business teams. 

If considering an aircraft management company, they can provide all the services needed depending on the type of certificate you want the aircraft to place with. Part-91 certificates are exclusively for aircraft owner operations, prohibiting lease or charter usage.

Part-135 certificates allow for a management company to use your aircraft for charter at your permission when not in use by your company. If you do not expect to use your aircraft full time, using a management company charter is a great way to subsidize the costs of plane ownership.

There are two ways you can have your aircraft managed.

A Charter Aircraft Management program is designed primarily for corporations that have an existing flight department but want to have an Executive Jet Management's base of charter customers who want private jet travel.

This program allows the corporate jet's owner to subsidize some of the maintenance expenses by leasing the plane out to individuals for short periods.

A Turnkey Aircraft Management program is your own flight department. The plane's maintenance, flight operations, and accounting services are managed by specialized personnel who know your aircraft completely.

Your Owners Services Manager is charged with knowing your schedule and coordinating with our Flight Center to verify your aircraft is ready for your itinerary. And your Client Relations VP is aware of all areas of your aircraft's operation and stays current on your needs as an aircraft owner.

Unsecured Personal Loans in Times of Need

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Most people use unsecured loans when in need of financial assistance. Usually, personal loans are associated with secured loans. A secured loan wants the borrower to have collateral (i.e. a home, land, car, etc.). The lender has the legal right to take the collateral in the event that the borrower doesn't make the required payments. 
People are hesitant to take on a secured loan since they do not want to put their car or home on the line or they just don't have any collateral. In this case, there is another available option for you. 

Unsecured Loans 

An unsecured personal loan is a type of loan which is based solely upon the borrower’s credit score. Since you're not furnishing your lender any form of collateral, you can expect that the rate of interest that goes with this kind of loan is a little bit higher compared to a secured loan because of the high risk involved. 

Factors that Affect a Lender’s Decisions 

A borrower can either have a good to excellent credit score or a bad credit score. Take for example the person with bad credit. There are unsecured loans available for people with bad credit, however, he/she will be given a lower loan amount and a higher interest rate. For a person who has excellent credit score, instant approval plus a higher loan amount and lower interest rate is to be expected. 

What you earn can also affect a lender’s decision. It serves as a guarantee that you can pay back your loan on time. People with good average income are more preferable by lenders than people with lower income. 

Rules for Repayment 

Each lending company has a different set of Terms and Conditions as well as payback options. Generally, the payback term of an unsecured personal loan is shorter than a secured loan since quick repayment of funds is considered as a securer option by most lending companies. Normally, borrowers are only given five years or less to pay back their unsecured loans, no matter how much they've borrowed. 

3 Helpful Tips for Unsecured Loans Applicants 

1.Shop Around. 
Some people make the mistake of submitting loan applications to every lending companies they come across. Make the best of the internet. Research lenders who offer unsecured loans. Compare your possible options and pick the one that offers the best deal. 

2.Negotiate. 
Having a bad credit history should not stop you from requesting a lower interest rates and better deals. Try to ask your preferred lender if they can provide you with a longer repayment term or lower monthly payments. Make sure you do your own research first before signing the contract. 

3.Can You Really Afford Paying the Loan Back? 
You have already found an unsecured loan that is just right for your needs, but, it's important to ask yourself if you're able to make your payment on time. A late or missed payment can leave a negative remark on your credit report.

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Teaching Teens to Save Money

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Parents mostly complain that teenagers do not listen to them. The opposite is true when it comes to advice regarding 'money matters'. Teens actually welcome their parent’s input about their finances. 
In the past few years, teenagers have earned billions of dollars with part-time and summer jobs. 

Some have spent most of what they earned, while others saved most or even all of it for a big purchase, or for their college education. 

Kids these days are becoming more and more aware of their family's source of income and financial status. They apply these money-spending principles when they venture out on their own. 

Thus, it becomes more of a parent’s responsibility to start “training” their teenage kids to use their money wisely. 

Here are some ways on how you, as a parent, can teach your teens to save those hard-earned bucks: 

1. Lead by example. 

With your lifestyle, the children will see how you spend your money. If they see you allotting a certain amount for a specific household need, they will eventually do the same when they get to earn their own keep. 

2. Help your teens get a bank account. 

Establishing a bank account under their name would give them an instant financial responsibility. Sit down and explain to them how to manage their own account, and the “rewards” that they get once they save enough.Their savings could go to their college tuition, or a big purchase like a car. 

Additionally, it gives them a sense of accomplishment once they have saved up, with something concrete to show for it. You may check out the special benefits that banks offer for teens who open their accounts at such an early age. 

3. Construct a “spending plan”. 

Once they hear the word 'budget', teens tend to cringe at the mere thought of having to restrict the spending of their money. Instead, you and your teen son or daughter could build a “spending plan”. This would get them excited, and think of ways on how they can wisely spend their savings.

Also, have them list down their earnings versus their expenses. Let them know the difference between the items that they need and the luxury items that they want, which they can actually do without.

4. Make a “mock” investment in the stock market. 

Make them aware of the options that they have financially. Casually introduce to them the business part of your daily newspapers and have them make “mock” investments for companies who manufactures products that they like. Monitor the stocks together and this would give them another option of investing their money in the future. 

You can teach your children good habits and many of them will learn them. But there are always the kids that know everything already. These you can only do so much with. Don't be discouraged if they take your advice. These kinds of kids need to learn from their own mistakes. And hopefully they do.

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Angus Reed, Prudentia, Dubai and Renewable Energy

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Solar energy and renewable energy are two technologies we have at our disposal that can be a part of the solution, for our future energy needs. All of our non-renewable fossil fuel energy sources are coming close to a plateau in supply. While demand continues to rise every year renewable energy sources are becoming the only solution to our energy needs.

Currently wind and solar energy have gone to the top of the list as sources for cheap renewable energy. The technology has become more readily available and manufacturing costs has reached a greater affordability level.

Angus Reed, Australian businessman, has taken the lead into making renewable energy a part of everyday life. Angus Reed, Director of Prudentia Investments, leads one of Australia's most respected integrated property and investment management group. Through his experience in real estate development across the globe including Australia, Dubai ,and other countries he has made early investments in renewable energy and his efforts are bearing fruit. 

Angus Reed's dedication to renewable energy has moved Prudentia into the lead of Australia’s growing sustainable energy industry with its investiture in solar company Nu Energy. Under Angus Reed’s guidance, Prudentia is using its expertise in alternative energy supplies around Australia for other projects. These projects include the planned, "The Range at Croydon", a groundbreaking housing development in eastern Melbourne and "Hutton Rise", a modern housing project in Prospect Launceston. 

Angus Reed and Prudentia have also built Cambridge Park in Tasmania. This project includes Tasmania’s first incorporated homemaker center and Hydro Tasmania Conference Center, which won a 5-Star Green Star Office Design award from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

Angus Reed's most recent success has been Melbourne's new Wyndham Harbor project. This new project includes attractively priced apartments, a 1,400 ship harbor, and a modern shopping area. This new development will mean more jobs, residences, and tax income for Melbourne and surrounding area.

More companies are putting money into research and development of renewable energy technology everyday, eventually it will makes its way into more homes and the overall demand for oil and coal will decline thus helping the environment. With government regulation and incentives encouraging sustainable energy development and the application of these technologies toward the countries energy needs, we will see the demand of non-renewable energy sources decline.