Payday lending has become a highly contentious issue in the UK, after huge criticism from consumers triggered stringent government regulations and a widespread crackdown. Even though we have now reached a point where interest rates have been capped within the sector, there is still criticism regarding the distribution of payday loans to students in the UK. An estimated 25% of undergraduate and postgraduate students in Britain own an average of £342 to payday lenders, which highlights the emotive nature of the sector. Exploring Guarantor Loans: A Viable Alternative As a result of this, a number of alternative, short-term lending options...
Eleanor Roosevelt once said it takes as much energy to wish as to plan; planning is key to a successful financial future. The plan should be realistic with clear aims, a timescale and flexibility to take into account changing circumstances. You may need some help in putting a strategy together but once it is done there is a good chance of your having a better financial future as long as you continue to earn regular income and have the self-discipline to follow the plan. There are some simple principles to follow. You need to live within your means and that...
If you are having financial problems and are planning to file for bankruptcy then you are most likely searching for a bankruptcy attorney that you can afford. Of course, getting an expensive attorney is out of the question. If creditors are after you from all sides, then you really must manage your resources well. If you think the only option for you is to hire run-of-the-mill lawyers, then you obviously are not aware that there is an abundance of very good bankruptcy lawyers. You must consider more than just the legal fees. If you are going to file for bankruptcy...
The forex market is never the most stable or reliable entity, as its derivative nature is susceptible to volatility and rapid change. This was drawn sharply into focus recently by the Greek financial crisis, as a potential default by the stricken nation and subsequent negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has caused huge fluctuations in the market. This has triggered a difficult past week for the forex market, with the Euro gaining after months of decline after it was announced that an agreement had been reached between Greece, the IMF and a selection of European creditors. It subsequently pared...
There are almost as many types of fraud as there are victims of it. From Medicare and insurance fraud to Ponzi schemes and phishing scams, bilking people out of money through deceitful means is a frightfully common occurrence in our tech-heavy modern world. Billions of dollars are lost every year to fraud, and while the financial toll is substantial, money isn’t the only thing lost when a person, institution, or government is taken for a ride and robbed. From the sense of responsibility and self-blame incurred to the health maladies that can also result, here are five hidden costs of...
Keeping a firm hold on finances is a struggle for many people, regardless of the financial situation in which they find themselves. Throw a wrench into the spokes of that common, everyday struggle — like going to and paying for graduate school — and many people choose to give up financial sense-making entirely. However, abandoning your budget and savings goals doesn’t have to accompany going back to school. You think of it as practice run for someday running your own business after you finish your MBA. If you’d like to keep your long-term financial health in focus while you’re earning...
Many people are tempted to believe that true leaders are born not made, but when it comes to leaders of historical importance, that adage rarely seems true. In many ways, leadership, as President John F. Kennedy noted, is indispensable from learning, which means every entrepreneur, pastor, community organizer, or team captain can improve their leadership skills by learning aspects of quality leadership that they then put into practice. But what are the features of great leadership? What traits should be lived out and repeated? While the qualities associated with excellent leadership are often those that are the most obvious, the...
While the American economy seems to have recovered finally from the troubles of seven or eight years ago, competition for good, higher-paying jobs is still pretty fierce. After all, just because unemployment is low doesn’t mean there aren’t dozens or even scores of highly qualified applicants trying to get the same jobs you’re vying for. With so many options available to them, how can you convince a potential employer that you’re the more appealing choice? From going back to school to boost your credentials to crafting a better resume, here are five different ways you can become more competitive in...
Do you need some cash today as opposed to next week or tomorrow? If the thought of selling your blood sends chills up your spine, check out these five easy ways to make money today. Check Out Neighboring Thrift Stores It’s always a great idea to go to your neighborhood pawn shop and sell off a few trinkets. You can have money in a few short hours with the right items. However, if you’ve done this once (or twice) you possibly have nothing more you can part from. So, take a trip to an upscale neighborhood and browse around in...
