Your Financial Education

I am sure of the fact that many people are unfulfilled in their lives, particularly with their jobs, relationships and financial status. Today I want to discuss a very important issue- and I believe that many people will agree with me. I will start with this question: With the way the economy has turned,what do you think is the solution to financial lack?

Not many people have the guts or even the patience to learn about money. Human beings are creatures of habit and if one is happy with just going about their usual routine - though it may always bring them disappointment- then that is what that person will do until something so drastic happens that forces them to finally take action. Even if you do not become a big business owner, why not invest your money as opposed to saving it in the traditional way?

Financial education is, undoubtedly the most crucial element of education every person needs in this world to enjoy life. I am terrified of people who have the 'its fine to have just enough' mentality because we all know that having just enough means being able to pay your bills then hoping someone helps you get by along the month. Have you ever heard someone tell you they have more month than money? Unfortunately, for millions, the world over, that is the average person's cry. It is sad really, that we choose to use outdated strategies that were used up to five decades ago that will not only disappoint us but will see us living in abject poverty during our retirement years.

I have made it a mission to educate myself financially for my well-being. I find that it is especially important for women to learn about making and managing money because too often women rely on their counterparts for support and are often disappointed. Decide today what you want in future and plan for it meticulously. Attend seminars, read books, seek out mentors and most importantly, stay focused because if you sell your dream to someone else you will be miserable for the rest of your life. Oh, and love does NOT pay the bills!

For women, I suggest you read 'Rich Woman' by Kim Kiyosaki and 'Rich Dad's Guide To Investing' by Robert T. Kiyosaki. Have a splendid day and remember to put your financial education above all else because then you can have a firm foundation to do anything that you want.

Student Prepaid Debit Cards Rise in Popularity

For years credit card companies and banks were allowed to market their credit cards to students on college campuses. The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act of 2009 (CARD Act) changed the rules. The regulations were implemented to help prevent these companies from contributing to student credit card debt.

Today, a college student won't find banks enticing them to use their high-interest credit cards to rack up thousands of dollars of debt. Instead, colleges are working with prepaid card providers to offer student prepaid debit cards that drastically reduce the possibility of incurring a large amount of debt. Student prepaid cards can also double as school ID cards with two strips on the back to make them even more versatile.

The Basics of Prepaid Debit Cards for Students
A student prepaid card isn't tied to a bank account or line of credit, and can be used anywhere Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Students can only access the money placed on the card, and they aren't charged interest for their purchases.

Prepaid debit cards continue to rise in popularity. In fact, 2011 saw an 11 percent increase in consumer usage over the previous year. This is largely due to the fact that more and more consumers are growing tired of the rising fees of traditional checking accounts, and are also avoiding the pitfalls of credit card debt. With some fees hitting a high of 21 percent at financial institutions where it can be difficult for consumers to obtain an account in the first place, prepaid debit cards-including student prepaid debit cards-are an ideal solution.

Why Prepaid Debit Cards for Students?
Student prepaid debit cards offer students and higher education institutions many benefits. They may double as ID cards students use to gain access to campus buildings, in addition to being used to pay for purchases on and off campus. They provide financial and facility security, and financial aid disbursements can be easily received.

Advantages of Student Prepaid Debit Cards
Prepaid cards offer colleges, students, and parents many benefits:
• The amount of money on a prepaid card is determined by how much has been already deposited on the card-not available credit. While there are background checks, students are not turned down if they have some credit issues.
• Students don't risk damaging their credit score, which can make it more difficult to obtain loans and credit in the future.
• Student prepaid debit cards can be used everywhere MasterCard and Visa are accepted, including both online and in-store purchases.
• Students can learn essential money management skills. Since a prepaid card doesn't allow a student to spend more than what is deposited, there is virtually no risk of overspending. Parents have an easy way to promote their students' financial responsibility.
• Students can pay bills with their prepaid cards and withdraw cash from ATMs on and off campus.
• Parents can add allowances to the student prepaid debit card for safer spending compared to cash. Student loan payments can also be automatically distributed directly from the card for tuition, fees, books, and other student items.
• Prepaid cards reduce the risks of identity theft since their cards are not linked to lines of credit or bank accounts.

Student prepaid debit cards help reduce debt, save time and money, and improve security on campus. Learn more about the advantages of using a CampusCard by visiting the prepaid debit card experts at CardFlex.

Can Your Business Bank on ACH Payment Processing?

Businesses rely on security electronically and physically. The days of paper checks and cash almost seem archaic for businesses, especially when it comes to paying the bills. ACH or Automated Clearing House is a highly sophisticated network of financial transactions between vendors, financial institutions, banks, and businesses. ACH is responsible for processing large volume payments, including payroll.

How ACH Payment Processing Works
ACH works on a transaction-by-transaction basis. It starts when a receiver authorizes an ACH debit on a bank account or credit line. The receiver is the account holder who grants access by ACH. The originator is the company requesting the funds, such as a business vendor or supplier. The receiver must provide prior authorization in order for ACH to process forthcoming transactions, which can be written or electronic. Once authorization is received, the payment is issued to the originator. Although it sounds like a long, drawn out process, an ACH transaction is typically accomplished in the same time as a credit card transaction.

Different Uses of the ACH System
There are a variety of uses for ACH payment processing, including:
• Business-to-government payments
• Business-to-business payments
• Direct debit of a customer's account (e.g., mortgage payments, utility payments, rents, etc.)
• Direct deposit to a customer's account (e.g., payroll, government payments, tax refunds, etc.)
• eCommerce payments
• Federal, state, and other local tax payments or refunds

Benefits of ACH Payment Processing
Employers, employees, businesses and their clients all benefit from the use of ACH. This batch-based process is inexpensive, faster, and more secure than any other type of electronic payment service available today. And, of course, it is far more safe and environmentally-friendly than processing paper checks. ACH payment processing has numerous advantages:

• Security: Approximately nine million Americans fall victim to identity theft on an annual basis, according to the FTC. Unfortunately, 85 percent of these thefts are the direct result of identity thieves obtaining critical data from bank statements, paper checks, and credit card bills. ACH transactions are 100 percent electronic, so there are no paper forms or statements processed for identity thieves to access.

• Fund access: When employers pay via paper check, employees have to take the time to deposit the check and then wait the specified time for the check to clear. This can mean an employee must wait three to five business days to access his paycheck. ACH payment processing, on the other hand, makes funds immediately accessible after they are deposited into an employee's account.

• Convenience: Business owners who have recurring payments can set up an automatic account with an ACH provider. That provider can then automatically make payments on the business's behalf for vendor payments, retail payments, service agreements, utility bills, and salary payments to employees, thus reducing the amount of time spent each month on accounts payable.

• Cost-effective: The biggest benefit of ACH, aside from security, is that it is cost-effective for businesses. Although ACH has associated fees, the costs associated with accepting credit cards and creating, purchasing, and using paper checks costs a business considerably more-especially when a business factors in the cost of man hours spent on accounting and paper check management.

It's no wonder that ACH is the preferred payment method for companies of all types and sizes. Learn more about the benefits of ACH payment processing for your business by visiting merchant payment processing experts.

Capital One Bank

Capital One Bank Offers Many Good Online Resources

Capitol One is one of the most recognized names in the credit card industry, and millions of people enjoy the benefits of this service, but today they also are becoming known for online banking. In 2012 ING sold their American banking branch to Capitol One, and after a seamless transition, 7.5 million people are appreciating the convenience, benefits, and comfort of banking at home with Capital One 360 Online Banking.

Many Capital One 360 customers are most happy with the savings account features offered to them. While most traditional banks have very low interest rates, Capital One gives users a much more competitive rate to save money, often boasting 15 times higher rate than other banks. They also do not charge fees and have no minimum requirement for accounts. They offer free transfers and are FDIC insured. One of the most interesting features is their sub-account to help online users to track savings for certain categories. For example, one might have a vacation fund, emergency fund, or even a special fund for holidays. This allows customers to automatically deposit money into selected accounts, helping them set savings goals and track their progress.

Traditional checking accounts are also popular with users. These are competitive for earning interest, and also have no maintenance fees or minimum required balance. Users can write checks, make ATM withdrawals at over 40,000 ATM machines in the US, and utilize online bill pay. They can also use debit cards and do not have overdraft fees. Mobile apps and electronic transfers are also making this way of banking even more convenient. They offer "remote check deposit," which means customers can take a picture of a check with Snapshot, their smartphone app, and remotely deposit it. They save time and money as there are no stamps, envelopes, or mailing hassles.

One of the growing trends today is teaching teens and kids about money, and Capital One 360 provides a complete resource to parents to help with this. One of these is an account called MONEY, and it caters to teens and parents. This gives the same excellent benefits of other accounts, but it provides parents with texts and alerts to keep up with transfers. There are also other account options to help younger kids to learn about earning interest, and there is even an option to directly deposit some or all of their allowance into their account.

Capital One 360 also offers a range of other banking options, including home equity loans, stock investments, retirement accounts, and business related savings accounts, CDs, and 401 (K) plans. One of the most convenient, unique choices is the direct integration to Sharebuilder. This is an online broker that allows customers to invest in stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs. The unique pairing of Capital One and Sharebuilder online, is just one more convenience that draws in customers.

Capital One continues to be known for its excellence in the credit card industry, but customers are realizing that Capital One 360 Online Banking offers them a complete banking experience without leaving their homes or businesses. More and more people are choosing Capital One online banking services to work with their busy lives, helping them become more financially secure.

A Sound Financial Plan - Live Like a King on Your Budget

So you want to be rich, wealthy, or financially independent. Seems impossible, right? It's not as hard as you'd think. Let's start with some questions. How many times have you questioned how someone you personally know seems to spend money like it's free? Have you wondered where they are getting their extra money from especially if they make a similar amount of income as you? Have you tried to figure out how they can afford "this" while they are purchasing "that"? We all have, and from my experience, there can be one of two major things happening:

1. They are living beyond their means, overspending daily, and will eventually get into trouble.
2. They have created a sound financial plan, save daily, and can spend their money knowing they are OK to do so.

Both of the above examples will allow an individual to purchase things they want and need but the person who creates a sound financial plan and sacrifices a little "now" will be able to keep much more of their very hard-earned money. A little bit of sacrifice really does go a long way.

Living Beyond Your Means

Most of us at some point in our lives will "live beyond our means" whether by choice or necessity, but when this idea, along with overspending, becomes regular practice it's only a matter of time before something happens that could create very real and big financial problem. Living beyond your means keeps you on the edge of paycheck survival and beyond. Below are some behaviors of living beyond your means:

• Using a credit card to pay for everything
• Using a credit card to pay for emergencies (no need for this - save an emergency fund instead)
• Spending more when paying by credit card vs. paying with cash
• Living paycheck to paycheck without having any extra money or savings
• Using savings, retirement money, or other investments to pay for regular bills and goods
• Having a spenders mentality - "I earn my money to be able to spend it"
• Not tracking what you earn and spend (living on a budget)
• Making purchases based on the thinking "I can afford the payments"
• Playing the game "keeping up with the Joneses"

A Sound Financial Plan

A strong financial plan starts with your desire to get your finances in order and then your ability to put your plan into action. Once you begin your plan and stay with it you will begin to experience many great benefits such as:

• Never paying credit card interest rates and bills again
• Never having to scramble for money when there is an emergency
• Not having to live pay check to pay check for the rest of your life
• Knowing how to control your money
• Knowing where your money is going
• Making your money work for you
• Being able to purchase more expensive items with cash
• Being able to treat yourself without it creating a debt burden

That's just the tip of the iceberg and every individual will have different benefits. Having a positive surprise from hard work on your finances is one of the best feelings of accomplishment and pride. It's also addictive! Below is a small list of steps you can take to begin creating your own financial plan.

Set Goals - Create some realistic and reasonable goals for your plan. Take it slow at first and once you have reached a goal, review it, revise it, or change it as needed.

Track Your Money and Create a Budget - I am a big money tracking and budget nerd because they work so well. If you know where your money is going you can then make educated decisions about how to handle your money.

Save an Emergency Fund - Saving 3-6 months of your expenses is a great way to have a decent sized stash of cash to pay for those unexpected, but all to regular, emergencies we all have.

Pay Off High Interest Debts - High interest credit cards, auto loans, or any other loan that isn't directly related to improving your finances (example: a business loan) that is at a very high rate must be paid off and destroyed.

Save, Invest, and Build Wealth - Choose a savings or investment method that you are comfortable with and can understand. Savings accounts and some investments are pretty simple. Other investments may be very complicated. If you can't understand it don't invest in it.

Have Fun and Enjoy - The whole reason for creating this plan is give you more enjoyment out of life. Once your plan is set and working, you will see that it is well worth the time, and you will wonder how you ever got along without it.

Hopefully you can see that it's not too difficult to create a very reasonable and sound financial plan to fit your needs. The hardest part now is to stop reading and thinking about it and begin to take action. So, close down your web browser and get to work!

The Perks of Having Business Bank Accounts

Start-up businesses would often forego opening business bank accounts and opt to use their personal bank accounts instead. Why is this so? For one, opening a separate account may mean incurring additional expenses. Another thing is that new entrepreneurs would want to reduce risks andso they want to establish their business names first before considering account options. Some are also hesitant to open business bank accounts because they think that it would be too much of a hassle to deal with the legalities associated with opening a corporate account. But should you follow in their footsteps?

Advantages of Opening a Company Bank Accounts

There are in fact a lot of advantages of having business bank accounts. Here are some of them:

• It organises your finances and makes it easier for you to check your income and expenditure for the year. If you don't have a business account, it will prove to be more difficult and time-consuming since you will have to separate and distinguish the personal transactions from that of the business banking transactions.


• Another advantage of having business bank accounts is that it gives your business a professional profile especially when it comes to transactions with customers. This also shows that you are serious and focus-oriented on the ends of the business. And besides, a guaranteed business account will also help speed up the day-to-day financial transactions that you have.


• The edge of having a separate business bank account would be transparency in financial transactions and in declaration of income. The flow of income and expenses should be clear. This also further shows tax authorities that you are a responsible business owner because you uphold transparency in business transactions and can pay your taxes in a timely manner.


• Having a company or business bank account will actually get you more perks than nuisance. Some banking institutions for example would offer free business banking for a year for start-up businesses. Some banks could also offer business accounting software to be used on their day-to-day business operations on finances.


• Finally, it will be easier for you to apply for business loans if you have an active business bank account.

Online Banking at Its Peak

A great thing about the technological advancements available today is that banking can already be done online. Online banking has become a growing necessity for business people who are always on the go, thereby making financial transactions very easy and convenient, as everything is done on a virtual landscape and can be completed quickly. Online banking also provides you easy access to your business data and income, and helps you keep track of your expenses. The element of speedy transactions is magnified online as well because your borganisation now runs on your own time and not on banking hours. You can easily pay bills and receive funds in a secure and fast manner, no matter what time of the day it is. So, with common banking concerns at bay, the company can now focus more on other important matters like generating sales.

The Reality About PPI Insurance Claims Companies

In case your Payment Protection Insurance happens to be mis-sold and now you're looking to get it back (and even if you're not), chances are PPI insurance claims companies have been courting you non-stop. You've most likely been bombarded with messages; perhaps you've seen fliers. Or maybe some random salesperson has halted you before and advertised PPI insurance claims service that assures the quick return of your hard earned cash.

And perhaps, if you've experienced those uncooperative banks, you might be lured to take them up on their offer.

Payment protection insurance (PPI) guarantees repayment of loans just in case you lose your job, get sick, get impaired, or die. Today, the problem is it's not impossible to claim your PPI stat. A number of high-profile banks and companies have been mis-selling PPI on a big scale for over ten years. While the true mis-selling has reduced since the government designed a crackdown of these shady (but popular) companies, the people whose PPI had been mis-sold are have a tough time. These companies often reject claims or process them very slowly.

This is where PPI insurance claims companies come in. They work as middlemen and fixers, promising quick processing of your PPI insurance claims. But don't be tricked. Regardless how appealing it is to just let somebody else handle your PPI because working with your bank is just very stressful, never ever employ a PPI insurance claims company.

Here's the fact: PPI insurance claims companies don't make processing of your claims go faster. In reality, employing middlemen will likely make things even sluggish than they seem to be. In case you really need a refund, have it returned yourself. For another, PPI insurance claims providers get a tremendous amount of your PPI money for taxes, services, and other stuff like that. You're lucky if you get 1 / 2 of your PPI cash back.

If you should get your cash back (and you must), you've got to depend on yourself. Act by yourself. Seek guidance but never help. You've been mislead once; don't allow PPI insurance claims companies con you again.

For trusted advice on how to get back PPI, look into PPI support communities (both on the web and in the real world). Numerous organizations were created during and after the PPI disaster, and there are many accounts of success among them. Listen to their stories and maybe you may follow their cases. Besides, misery loves company. Railing and cursing against your PPI company and/or the claims company you've wrongly hired in a crowd might prove cathartic to you.

While you're searching for advice from people who are in the same boat, you may pull out those old PPI transaction folders you haven't seen for years and begin re-reading those papers. Review all your contracts and transactions. Look into the fine print. And then visit the bank and make your claim. Provided that there's no problem with your data, they must start processing and filing your claim.

If however your bank/PPI firm is being stubborn (as is necessary), you can always file a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. They'll look into your case and pressure the bank to pay quickly and completely. Use this as your last measure.