The Frugal Rebel » Frugality

What Makes Checking Accounts Excellent to Have

Kevin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:52:03 +0000

While it is not absolutely necessary to have a checking account to get by living, opening up an account with a reputable financial institution can make all the difference in the world. Making things much simpler, faster and safer. When it comes time to pay bills, depending on the individual, someone could go from carrying around a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars just to get money orders. Although the chances of getting robbed are not very common, there is still that chance it could happen and that alone should be reason enough to open an account and take advantage of great checking account promotions going on. Many banks and credit unions will attempt to draw in customers because they want to increase their account holder number and profits thus if they are willing to give away some money initially they will make that money back somewhere down the line through loans and fees.

Being an account holder of a checking account is very safe, especially when dealing with a reputable bank that is insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) because up to one hundred thousand dollars is covered for each person. Furthermore, instead of having to get tons of money orders and carry a large amount of cash around it is much, much easier to simply pay bills automatically through the internet and set up a payment plan to withdraw the money right when the payment is required. When dealing with financial institutions, there are going to be some that are better than others and the most effective way to test several financial institutions out is by finding the best checking account bonus choices and giving each branch a shot. All in all, while it may take a little bit of time to find the perfect bank or credit union for staying loyal to, as long as someone takes advantage of the bonuses that are given then everything should be worth it in the end.

The Top Beach Towns In Central America For An Affordable Retirement

Kevin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:12:03 +0000

In these recession minded times, cost of living considerations have become important. In fact the Center for Retirement Research in Boston has estimated that 51% of US retirees have not saved up enough money for their retirement. No wonder some of these people are thinking about relocating aboard in countries that offer a lower cost of living than back home.

Central American counties are often top of the list for cheap places to retire due to their proximity to the US. Airline links have improved dramatically over the past few years and the region is well connected by daily direct flights to key US hubs. It also helps that Central America is a beautiful part of the world. With opportunities on both the Caribbean and the Pacific property investors are spoiled for choice. In this article we narrow down the options by highlighting 3 beach towns that stand out form the rest for both living and retirement.

Starting off in Belize, market watchers are pointing to Placencia as a place that offers profit potential for real estate investors. It boasts the largest beach on the mainland of Belize and is already an up-and-coming tourism destination. The place has an eye to the future. The road from the Southern Highway that runs the length of the Peninsula to Placencia village has recently been paved and a international airport is currently under construction at Riversdale. Placencia should definitely be on your short list.

Heading south, the Azuero Peninsula in Panama should not be overlooked as a real estate destination, particularly around the town of Pedasi. The relative remoteness of the peninsula from Panama City (it’s about 5 hours drive) compared to more ‘traditional’ real estate areas such as Coronado and San Carlos has held the region back to a certain extent. But visit Pedasi now and you’ll get the sense that you’re visiting Panama’s new tourism and investment frontier. Our advice, get in now while the prices are still cheap and take advantage of all the benefits of a Panama retirement.

Next we head to Nicaragua and San Juan del Sur, it’s most important tourism spot on the Pacific coast. San Juan still retains the character of a small fishing village but has recently caught the attention of real estate developers and investors. The half moon bay setting is beautiful and the hills around the town offer the classic ocean view real estate that retirees dream about. Life in Nicaragua is cheap (some analysts place Nicaragua as the country with the lowest cost of living in Central America) and the real estate very affordable. No wonder more people are considering a Nicaragua retirement.

So there you have it, 3 beach side towns that we think offer the promise for capital appreciation. They’re already firm fixtures on the tourism map and we’re betting that the real estate dollars are following right behind.

3 Options To Help You Clear Debt From Your Life

Kevin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 03:37:06 +0000

If you’re currently experiencing significant financial pressure, then you’ve probably considered a host of different options in an attempt to get your life back on track. Because financial pressure can wreak havoc on people psychologically, most are willing to do whatever it takes to put an end to their misery. This often includes rushing into programs that may or may not be a good fit for their individual situation. Although it may seem counter-intuitive to take your time when it comes to getting out of debt, it really is in your best interest to avoid signing up for the first debt relief option that comes your way.

In looking at many of the most common debt relief options, there is literally a plan for just about everyone. In order to make the right decision for your individual situation it’s always best to consult with a qualified and reputable financial professional. Listed below in no particular order are 3 of the most common options to clear debt from your life –

1.   Credit Counseling – this process refers to the act of paying an agency to make your payment for you. It’s particularly attractive to borrowers that have the funds available to make their payments, but that lack the initiative to ensure that all of their creditors are paid on time.
2.   Debt Settlement – this process involves a company that works on your behalf to negotiate directly with your creditors. The goal here is to agree upon a significant reduction in the total amount you owe.
3.   Bankruptcy – often considered the most severe form of financial repair, the personal bankruptcy process under Chapter 7 attempts to eliminate large portions of your debt. You must be approved to file based on your financial situation, and if approved, you will experience a significant blow to your credit rating.

Ultimately, dealing with debt is all about looking at your individual situation and applying the best possible solution. With so many different options available, finding the right one is all about working with a financial professional to determine the best course of action.