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    Are Inflation Figures Transparent?

    November 27th, 2008

    Are inflation figures transparent?

    Some critics have suggested that items in the ‘basket’ may be chosen for political reasons, rather than for an accurate representation of costs of living. There are a number of reasons why this could be the case.

    Steady inflation

    In many ways, a low-inflation Government is seen as a successful Government. The last time the economy really struggled was under the Conservatives in the early 90s - and this was cited as a major factor in their loss of power. 3% inflation is by no means a low rate of inflation, but it’s a lot better than 9.5%.

    Risk of a downturn

    On the other hand, announcing an official inflation rate of 9.5% could be devastating to the economy. In times of uncertainty, a large part of recovery is down to consumer and lender confidence.

    High inflation means money is technically worth less - so people are poorer, and spend less. If companies give pay rises in line with high inflation, the prices which cause inflation are sustained, and may continue to rise. If they reach a certain point too quickly, demand will suddenly fall - meaning business are stuck with high costs that are not being met by demand, and may be forced to make cutbacks. If this results in above-average unemployment, companies are hit by a further reduction on demand, which could lead to further cutbacks - potentially sparking economic recession.

    The rise in costs of living may well be higher than inflation would suggest - but the inflation rate affects consumer confidence. In this sense, an unrealistically low inflation figure could in fact save the economy from further damage.

    Is it accurate?

    Thirdly, a 9.5% inflation rate wouldn’t give the full picture. Yes, some of the most significant costs of living are rising at this rate - but the costs of many other goods and services aren’t. For example, the average consumer does not need to spend 9.5% more of their disposable income on things like CDs, DVDs, books, trips to the cinema, and pints of beer than they did this time last year.

    With that in mind, could it be that grouping a ‘basket of goods and services’ together and measuring the average rise in costs isn’t accurate enough? With increases in essential costs of living varying so wildly from that of other goods and services, it might be more accurate to release different figures for different areas of the economy - only then would it be clear just how much are costs are rising, where they are rising, and how much of a problem it is.

    However inflation is measured, the Real Cost of Living Index is an important figure. It measures costs which have a huge impact on how much we have left as disposable income. Regardless of whether they publicly acknowledge it, the Government may well take a 9.5% rise in these costs very seriously.

    Sources:
    http://www.telegraph.co.uk
    http://www.thinkmoney.com


    Investment Strategies of a Wall Street Great

    October 31st, 2008

    Most great investors pursue a similar strategy. Warren Buffett is one example that comes to mind, though there is someone who’s done a shade better. Warren Buffett probably needs no introduction. He may be the greatest investor who ever lived. If you study his portfolio over the years, a couple of interesting things stand out.

    The first is the fact that Buffett owns large amounts of relatively few stocks. On average, over the past 30 years, Buffett’s top five holdings made up 76% of his total portfolio. Also, Buffett held onto his stocks for nearly four years, on average. That’s a far cry from the annual trading most investors do.

    Now, I know we are not all junior “Warren Buffetts.” So we should probably not recommend putting 98% of our money in our favorite penny stocks. But I want to make the point that great investment returns often come out of portfolios made up of a few stocks held for a long time. And over time, these stocks come to dominate the portfolio.

    Really, it gets to one of the key ingredients to successful investing. You should invest only when the odds tilt heavily in your favor. Since these opportunities are naturally rare, you ought to bet big when you find them. If you manage to avoid big losers, you will do well over time.


    Are You in Credit Trouble? Part Two

    October 27th, 2008

    What Does It Mean?

    Here’s what your debt ratio means. (I am assuming here that you included a mortgage payment. If you don’t have a mortgage payment, then these numbers should include your rent or the monthly payment you expect to pay, including taxes and insurance, if you buy. If you don’t pay rent or have a mortgage, but you are falling into these categories, then you can assume your debt level is high.)

    36 Percent or Less: A debt ratio of 36 percent or less is generally considered healthy. You would not have trouble getting a mortgage with that debt ratio (provided you qualified on income and credit history, of course). The higher your debt ratio, the more risky your situation.

    37 Percent to 42 Percent: You will probably find it easy to get credit cards, but it may be more difficult for you to get other types of loans. If you want a mortgage, you may still qualify for a VA or FHA loan, but some lenders will expect you to pay a higher rate or reduce some of your debt first. It would be a good idea to pare down your debt now, while it is manageable.

    43 Percent or More: You may be keeping up with the bills, but your debt ratio is definitely on the high side. Financial difficulties are probably right around the corner if you don’t start taking action.

    50 Percent or More: Plan a strategy for reducing your debt before it gets too far out of hand.

    Most mortgage lenders, by the way, follow the “28/36 percent” rule when evaluating debt/income ratios. That is, to qualify for the mortgage, your monthly house payment debt (including taxes and insurance) should not exceed 28 percent of your gross income. Your total monthly debt paymentshousing plus all other revolving and unsecured debtsshould not exceed 36 percent of your gross monthly income. (Notice that only leaves 8 percent for nonmortgage debts.) FHA and VA loans and some first-time-buyer programs are more lenient, with acceptable ratios as high as 41 percent. If you can’t meet those debt ratios, you may be required to put up a higher down payment, take out an unconventional mortgage (such as owner financing), or pay some of your debts before you can qualify for the loan.


    Buy a new home with easy mortgage, 185846 euro in less than a week

    July 16th, 2008

    Start with credibility. It’s not easy to know if the prices quoted by lenders are reliable. See which lenders are charging fees 9 percent and for how much. See mortgage loan for residential mortgage lending, and commercial mortgage for lending against commercial property. Many of these fees are fixed but some can be negotiated.

    In most jurisdictions mortgages are strongly associated with loans 9 percent secured on real estate rather than other property and in some cases only land may be mortgaged. Go for a new house with lening zonder bkr, 432630 euro in one day.

    And of course, each loan and each borrower are different. It is a transfer of an interest in land, from the owner to the mortgage lender, on the condition that this interest will be returned to the owner of the real estate when the terms of the mortgage have been satisfied or performed.

    Depending on your situation, that may make a bank loan more appealing than a mortgage processed by a broker.

    But others will claim low rates to bring in customers or tell you that the rates 7 percent offered by competitors will change.

    Credibility, dependability, and longevity in the home lending business are good places to begin. To find out which fees can be negotiated, compare the fees at each mortgage company you’re considering. While a mortgage in itself is not a debt, it is evidence of a debt of 3 percent. Although most mortgage experts say that rates 11 percent are pretty much the same wherever you go, give or take this tiny 6 percentage. Brokers work with many mortgage bankers and, as a result, can sometimes find slightly more competitive rates 7 percent perhaps lower but dealing directly with a mortgage banker can move a loan along more quickly. Arranging a mortgage is seen as the standard method by which individuals and businesses can purchase residential and commercial real estate without the need to pay the full value immediately. Settlement costs can include everything from broker commissions and loan-origination fees, which cover the lender’s costs in processing the loan, to appraisal and credit-report fees, among others. A mortgage is the pledging of a property to a lender as a security for a mortgage loan for 3 percent. In other words, the mortgage is a security for the loan that the lender makes to the borrower. Both banks and brokers have their strengths and weaknesses. Some will quote you precise, competitive rates 5 percent. Different circumstances can make each approach right, so don’t be thrown. Different lenders charge different fees. So how do you find a lender or broker you can trust’


    Buy new real estate with bkr loans, 299459 euro is not a problem

    July 16th, 2008

    Arranging a mortgage is seen as the standard method by which individuals and businesses can purchase residential and commercial real estate without the need to pay the full value immediately. Although most mortgage experts say that rates 4 percent are pretty much the same wherever you go, give or take this tiny 7 percentage. See mortgage loan for residential mortgage lending, and commercial mortgage for lending against commercial property. Some will quote you precise, competitive rates 11 percent. But others will claim low rates to bring in customers or tell you that the rates 9 percent offered by competitors will change.

    Start with credibility. It’s not easy to know if the prices quoted by lenders are reliable. Buy a new home with goedkoper lenen, 344419 euro in one phone call.

    In other words, the mortgage is a security for the loan that the lender makes to the borrower. While a mortgage in itself is not a debt, it is evidence of a debt of 10 percent. Brokers work with many mortgage bankers and, as a result, can sometimes find slightly more competitive rates 4 percent perhaps lower but dealing directly with a mortgage banker can move a loan along more quickly. It is a transfer of an interest in land, from the owner to the mortgage lender, on the condition that this interest will be returned to the owner of the real estate when the terms of the mortgage have been satisfied or performed.

    Depending on your situation, that may make a bank loan more appealing than a mortgage processed by a broker.

    A mortgage is the pledging of a property to a lender as a security for a mortgage loan for 7 percent. Many of these fees are fixed but some can be negotiated.

    Different lenders charge different fees. Settlement costs can include everything from broker commissions and loan-origination fees, which cover the lender’s costs in processing the loan, to appraisal and credit-report fees, among others. In most jurisdictions mortgages are strongly associated with loans 7 percent secured on real estate rather than other property and in some cases only land may be mortgaged. Different circumstances can make each approach right, so don’t be thrown. See which lenders are charging fees 6 percent and for how much. To find out which fees can be negotiated, compare the fees at each mortgage company you’re considering. Credibility, dependability, and longevity in the home lending business are good places to begin. And of course, each loan and each borrower are different. Both banks and brokers have their strengths and weaknesses. So how do you find a lender or broker you can trust’


    Buy a new home with bkr loans, 449430 euro in one phone call

    July 16th, 2008

    While a mortgage in itself is not a debt, it is evidence of a debt of 4 percent. Both banks and brokers have their strengths and weaknesses. Arranging a mortgage is seen as the standard method by which individuals and businesses can purchase residential and commercial real estate without the need to pay the full value immediately. Start with credibility. It’s not easy to know if the prices quoted by lenders are reliable. And of course, each loan and each borrower are different. Although most mortgage experts say that rates 8 percent are pretty much the same wherever you go, give or take this tiny 7 percentage. Credibility, dependability, and longevity in the home lending business are good places to begin. Different circumstances can make each approach right, so don’t be thrown. It is a transfer of an interest in land, from the owner to the mortgage lender, on the condition that this interest will be returned to the owner of the real estate when the terms of the mortgage have been satisfied or performed.

    Many of these fees are fixed but some can be negotiated.

    Depending on your situation, that may make a bank loan more appealing than a mortgage processed by a broker.

    Get new real estate with geld lenen particulieren, 151810 euro is not an issue.

    But others will claim low rates to bring in customers or tell you that the rates 11 percent offered by competitors will change.

    Brokers work with many mortgage bankers and, as a result, can sometimes find slightly more competitive rates 7 percent perhaps lower but dealing directly with a mortgage banker can move a loan along more quickly. Different lenders charge different fees. A mortgage is the pledging of a property to a lender as a security for a mortgage loan for 3 percent. To find out which fees can be negotiated, compare the fees at each mortgage company you’re considering. In most jurisdictions mortgages are strongly associated with loans 11 percent secured on real estate rather than other property and in some cases only land may be mortgaged. In other words, the mortgage is a security for the loan that the lender makes to the borrower. Some will quote you precise, competitive rates 7 percent. See which lenders are charging fees 4 percent and for how much. So how do you find a lender or broker you can trust’ Settlement costs can include everything from broker commissions and loan-origination fees, which cover the lender’s costs in processing the loan, to appraisal and credit-report fees, among others. See mortgage loan for residential mortgage lending, and commercial mortgage for lending against commercial property.


    Buy a new home with bkr loans, 102326 euro in a week

    July 16th, 2008

    Start with credibility. It’s not easy to know if the prices quoted by lenders are reliable. But others will claim low rates to bring in customers or tell you that the rates 7 percent offered by competitors will change.

    In most jurisdictions mortgages are strongly associated with loans 9 percent secured on real estate rather than other property and in some cases only land may be mortgaged. In other words, the mortgage is a security for the loan that the lender makes to the borrower. Go for new real estate with geld lenen met bkr toetsing, 221673 euro in less than a week.

    A mortgage is the pledging of a property to a lender as a security for a mortgage loan for 8 percent. See mortgage loan for residential mortgage lending, and commercial mortgage for lending against commercial property. Arranging a mortgage is seen as the standard method by which individuals and businesses can purchase residential and commercial real estate without the need to pay the full value immediately. See which lenders are charging fees 6 percent and for how much. It is a transfer of an interest in land, from the owner to the mortgage lender, on the condition that this interest will be returned to the owner of the real estate when the terms of the mortgage have been satisfied or performed.

    Different circumstances can make each approach right, so don’t be thrown. Both banks and brokers have their strengths and weaknesses. Different lenders charge different fees. While a mortgage in itself is not a debt, it is evidence of a debt of 3 percent. So how do you find a lender or broker you can trust’ To find out which fees can be negotiated, compare the fees at each mortgage company you’re considering. Some will quote you precise, competitive rates 11 percent. Many of these fees are fixed but some can be negotiated.

    Although most mortgage experts say that rates 7 percent are pretty much the same wherever you go, give or take this tiny 4 percentage. Brokers work with many mortgage bankers and, as a result, can sometimes find slightly more competitive rates 9 percent perhaps lower but dealing directly with a mortgage banker can move a loan along more quickly. Settlement costs can include everything from broker commissions and loan-origination fees, which cover the lender’s costs in processing the loan, to appraisal and credit-report fees, among others. And of course, each loan and each borrower are different. Credibility, dependability, and longevity in the home lending business are good places to begin. Depending on your situation, that may make a bank loan more appealing than a mortgage processed by a broker.


    Get a new house with easy loans, 169899 euro in one day

    July 16th, 2008

    Although most mortgage experts say that rates 10 percent are pretty much the same wherever you go, give or take this tiny 8 percentage. While a mortgage in itself is not a debt, it is evidence of a debt of 10 percent. Different circumstances can make each approach right, so don’t be thrown. Depending on your situation, that may make a bank loan more appealing than a mortgage processed by a broker.

    Go for new real estate with geld lenen studenten, 143712 euro is not an issue.

    Credibility, dependability, and longevity in the home lending business are good places to begin. See mortgage loan for residential mortgage lending, and commercial mortgage for lending against commercial property. Many of these fees are fixed but some can be negotiated.

    Different lenders charge different fees. Both banks and brokers have their strengths and weaknesses. Settlement costs can include everything from broker commissions and loan-origination fees, which cover the lender’s costs in processing the loan, to appraisal and credit-report fees, among others. In other words, the mortgage is a security for the loan that the lender makes to the borrower. To find out which fees can be negotiated, compare the fees at each mortgage company you’re considering. It is a transfer of an interest in land, from the owner to the mortgage lender, on the condition that this interest will be returned to the owner of the real estate when the terms of the mortgage have been satisfied or performed.

    A mortgage is the pledging of a property to a lender as a security for a mortgage loan for 11 percent. Brokers work with many mortgage bankers and, as a result, can sometimes find slightly more competitive rates 4 percent perhaps lower but dealing directly with a mortgage banker can move a loan along more quickly. So how do you find a lender or broker you can trust’ And of course, each loan and each borrower are different. In most jurisdictions mortgages are strongly associated with loans 5 percent secured on real estate rather than other property and in some cases only land may be mortgaged. Some will quote you precise, competitive rates 9 percent. Start with credibility. It’s not easy to know if the prices quoted by lenders are reliable. Arranging a mortgage is seen as the standard method by which individuals and businesses can purchase residential and commercial real estate without the need to pay the full value immediately. See which lenders are charging fees 3 percent and for how much. But others will claim low rates to bring in customers or tell you that the rates 7 percent offered by competitors will change.


    Go for a new house with bkr loans, 351757 euro in 48 hours

    July 16th, 2008

    Get new real estate with geld nodig, 225260 euro in less than a week.

    Brokers work with many mortgage bankers and, as a result, can sometimes find slightly more competitive rates 7 percent perhaps lower but dealing directly with a mortgage banker can move a loan along more quickly. See which lenders are charging fees 3 percent and for how much. Start with credibility. It’s not easy to know if the prices quoted by lenders are reliable. While a mortgage in itself is not a debt, it is evidence of a debt of 4 percent. It is a transfer of an interest in land, from the owner to the mortgage lender, on the condition that this interest will be returned to the owner of the real estate when the terms of the mortgage have been satisfied or performed.

    Different lenders charge different fees. Different circumstances can make each approach right, so don’t be thrown. Although most mortgage experts say that rates 5 percent are pretty much the same wherever you go, give or take this tiny 10 percentage. Many of these fees are fixed but some can be negotiated.

    See mortgage loan for residential mortgage lending, and commercial mortgage for lending against commercial property. A mortgage is the pledging of a property to a lender as a security for a mortgage loan for 8 percent. In most jurisdictions mortgages are strongly associated with loans 3 percent secured on real estate rather than other property and in some cases only land may be mortgaged. In other words, the mortgage is a security for the loan that the lender makes to the borrower. Both banks and brokers have their strengths and weaknesses. So how do you find a lender or broker you can trust’ Depending on your situation, that may make a bank loan more appealing than a mortgage processed by a broker.

    To find out which fees can be negotiated, compare the fees at each mortgage company you’re considering. But others will claim low rates to bring in customers or tell you that the rates 9 percent offered by competitors will change.

    Some will quote you precise, competitive rates 5 percent. Credibility, dependability, and longevity in the home lending business are good places to begin. And of course, each loan and each borrower are different. Arranging a mortgage is seen as the standard method by which individuals and businesses can purchase residential and commercial real estate without the need to pay the full value immediately. Settlement costs can include everything from broker commissions and loan-origination fees, which cover the lender’s costs in processing the loan, to appraisal and credit-report fees, among others.


    Go for a new house with easy mortgage, 331253 euro in one phone call

    July 16th, 2008

    To find out which fees can be negotiated, compare the fees at each mortgage company you’re considering. Arranging a mortgage is seen as the standard method by which individuals and businesses can purchase residential and commercial real estate without the need to pay the full value immediately. Brokers work with many mortgage bankers and, as a result, can sometimes find slightly more competitive rates 9 percent perhaps lower but dealing directly with a mortgage banker can move a loan along more quickly. In other words, the mortgage is a security for the loan that the lender makes to the borrower. So how do you find a lender or broker you can trust’ While a mortgage in itself is not a debt, it is evidence of a debt of 10 percent. Both banks and brokers have their strengths and weaknesses. Many of these fees are fixed but some can be negotiated.

    It is a transfer of an interest in land, from the owner to the mortgage lender, on the condition that this interest will be returned to the owner of the real estate when the terms of the mortgage have been satisfied or performed.

    Different lenders charge different fees. Some will quote you precise, competitive rates 11 percent. See mortgage loan for residential mortgage lending, and commercial mortgage for lending against commercial property. Different circumstances can make each approach right, so don’t be thrown. Although most mortgage experts say that rates 8 percent are pretty much the same wherever you go, give or take this tiny 3 percentage. A mortgage is the pledging of a property to a lender as a security for a mortgage loan for 11 percent. See which lenders are charging fees 6 percent and for how much. But others will claim low rates to bring in customers or tell you that the rates 5 percent offered by competitors will change.

    Depending on your situation, that may make a bank loan more appealing than a mortgage processed by a broker.

    Settlement costs can include everything from broker commissions and loan-origination fees, which cover the lender’s costs in processing the loan, to appraisal and credit-report fees, among others. And of course, each loan and each borrower are different. Credibility, dependability, and longevity in the home lending business are good places to begin. Start with credibility. It’s not easy to know if the prices quoted by lenders are reliable. In most jurisdictions mortgages are strongly associated with loans 9 percent secured on real estate rather than other property and in some cases only land may be mortgaged. Go for a new house with geld lenen met een uitkering, 106220 euro in a week.