Sunday, September 23, 2012

Service Delivery - The Fastest Way To Wealth Creation

You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want - Zig Zigler.

To consistently create wealth in life, you must in one way or the other be adding value to the life of someone. You must be providing solutions to the problems being faced by some people. Without adding value or solving people's problems you cannot create wealth. Except of course if you are born into a rich family. Problem solving derives from service delivery. You can bet therefore that service delivery is one sure way of increasing cash flow into your life.

To create wealth therefore, you need to consistently think along this line. You need to be wealth conscious. You need to think to grow rich. When you increase the inflow of money into your life, you get motivated. Money put more meaning into your life. Money helps you solve many of your earthly problems - your feeding, your clothing, your housing and even your security problems. In short, the basic needs of life according to Maslows "Hierarchy of Needs".

Your road to creating wealth and avoiding poverty almost always travel through your professional relationships in life. Whatever it is your profession is or your calling in life, the more people you serve in that relationship the more productive that relationship will become and the more money will flow into your life. The more of the problems you solve in that your professional relationship the more wealth you will be able to create. You can consequently have more fun and enjoy more financial success when you stop trying to get what you want and start helping other people get what they want.

Deepak Chopra in his book "Creating Affluence" noted that "Money is lives energy that we exchange and use as a result of the service we provide to the universe." Unexpectedly large amount of money will flow into your life from unexpectedly large degrees of service in your professional relationships. To generate unexpected service to humanity therefore, you need to ask yourself "What do they expect?" After satisfying yourself about what that is, you will then ask yourself, "What can I do that they do not expect?" It is always the unexpected service delivery that gets talked about. It is always what people keeps talking about that increases your professional value in life. Above all it is when your professional value increases and is consistently being talked about that you increase the flow of money into your life and consistently create more wealth.

Note this as well; great wealth comes from the habit of going the extra mile in your professional relationships. You should therefore endeavor to do a little more than you are paid for.

Notes of caution though, never allow wealth creation to be your purpose in life. It could be a goal, a means to an end but never your purpose in life. A means to living a happy and blissful life, but never the main objective in your life. Money making is important but never should it be your main aim of living.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Venice Is A Bit Of France

It starts with the terrible floods of 1966, an "annus horribilis" for the city of Doges. The Piazza San Marco is buried under 1.50 meters of water. Unheard. The disaster is history, oh so damaging to the lagoon city-fragile-hit in its pile foundations and most famous monuments. The Basilica della Salute was built by 1630 to pay homage to the Virgin after the outbreak of plague (one third of Venetians died) suffered considerable damage, starting with the beautiful statuary in shambles. A sign indicating the entrance: "Beware of falling angels." Hopelessness and helplessness.

The phenomenon of the acqua alta has taken alarming proportions here: the doom of Venice furniture minds. Maurice Barres, in the early twentieth century, announced:

"And the waves crashing in orchestrating the eternal theme of death in Venice of excessive love of life."

That Unesco, although it took, which triggered the mobilization of States committed to the survival of the lagoon city, born of water, threatened with burial. France, in the person of Gaston Palewski, one of the first companions of De Gaulle in London, former ambassador to Rome, in love with Italy and Venice, set up the first Committee for the Safeguarding of Venice, a private association responsible raise funds in order to restore first the Basilica della Salute. A monumental work, completed by local architects, a great initiative to the credit of the patrons who have helped, and France, mother of the arts.
The will of France
In the vaporetto that leads to Piazza San Marco, the Accademia, Jerome Francis Zieseniss, a French historian specializing in the fate of Napoleon, he wrote a biography of Marshal Berthier noticed suggests a Parisian-legged white s 'Salute to exclaim: "Oh, I know it's a church that belongs to France!" To Zieseniss, something is gained: Palewski Gaston has pulled it off, and France, thanks to this spectacular renovation, has will be withdrawn, profit and glory. There was an example to follow, "said the historian, concerned with Venice, a masterpiece in peril.

Through the ambassador to Italy, Gerard Gaussen Zieseniss Jerome Francis, who had a crush on the Serenissima at the age of 18 years (he lives in a beautiful palazzo Sestier (Ward) Dorsoduro) is appointed in 1999 President of the French Committee for the Safeguarding of Venice, in charge of looking for funds destined for public buildings. And there is much to do, the list of endangered monuments is impressive.

"France is the only major country to have roots in Venice, a common history embodied by the Napoleonic Wing of Piazza San Marco, the former royal palace in 1807, built in six years under the responsibility of the Vice- Eugene de Beauharnais King instead of the church Sansovino destroyed for modernization of the lagoon city-it was the wish of the Emperor, long hated by the Venetians. "

The royal palace was transformed into the Correr Museum in 1922, named after a Venetian nobleman and philanthropist, art collector, by imposing neoclassical architecture, the museum has become one of "the city and the Venetian civilization."

For the new president of the French, the restoration of the former royal palace is the first project, the only one who can motivate a club patrons in metropolitan France and elsewhere, the only reason a charity in depth. No better location in Venice: in front of the Basilica San Marco. Visibility ideal.

In three years, the entrance portico, the magnificent marble staircase, the ballroom, the lobby, the Throne Room will be restored to 2.5 million euros. This is not a luxury but a necessity: the biting weather, climate and humidity have caused enormous damage. This is just the beginning: in 2004, there were thirteen pieces to restore, all occupied by administrative offices of the lagoon city is Procuratie are running around the Piazza San Marco
Three years of work to
It was not easy to dislodge officials mired in the humdrum of amenities. Luckily, Renata Codello, Superintendent of Monuments of Venice, the most powerful woman in the city, defends the project of the French: it was noticed that he was returning to the Venetian one of its main attractions it for the neo-Corinthian church. And then, the quadra Zieseniss, skilled diplomat, managed to raise funds from sponsors, individuals and societies, very committed to the preservation of the major sites of the city dear Byron, Proust and Hemingway. Venice, here and there, is the subject of an almost religious cult. On the French model, Americans have set up a committee: "Save Venice".

Of the twenty million tourists, according to the "mayor Giorgio Orsoni, who walk the bridges, churches, docks, squares, blocks and hotels in the peninsula with dozens of channels, the French hold the upper hand - not only for the Carnival, the winter. Note that since the restoration of the Correr Museum and its pictorial beauty, architectural, historical, heading the 150,000 annual visitors has been reached. He must also know that a core of French people of all backgrounds have taken up residence in the lagoon city, some of whom are loyal donors of the Committee, as Chantal Mrieux. Others such as James Pourtales Countess, the Count Florian Colonna Walewski, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gradis industrialist Henry Hermand, designer Matteo Corvino support activities to safeguard it to harvest 2.5 million euros complete the restoration program Correr Museum and the memory of the Emperor. No nothing.

The method used by Jerome Francis Zieseniss is to "offer" every room of the former palace in one or more donors, from 150,000 to 250,000 euros, their unit name on a plaque. An appreciation for the ego.

Thus, the World Monuments Fund, based in Paris, the Florence Gould Foundation, LVMH, the Foundation Napoleon, in addition to private sponsors finance the second part of the renovations. Three years of work in sight.

For Jerome Francis Zieseniss, the soul of the Committee, is the work of his life dedicated to Venice to Napoleon. At Sotheby's in New York, he redeems in 2008 by the Committee with a splendid statue of the Emperor, now in the Correr Museum.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

How To Become A Big Rig Truck Driver

Becoming a truck driver can be a great choice for those who want a secure and well-paying job. Truck drivers travel across the country and can find security in knowing that they work in an industry that makes the economy go. Because of the level of difficulty involved in driving a big rig, you will need adequate training before you ever hit the road on your own. If you wish to become a big rig truck driver, investigate what the regulations are in your state and find a good truck driving school to attend.

Enroll in a truck driving school. The truck driving school will train you in all you need to know about driving big rigs and prepare you to get your Class A commercial driver's license. Check if the truck driving school is certified to ensure that the school is of good quality. Many schools are not certified, but you may feel better about the school if it is.

Ask the truck driving school instructors how much time you will spend behind the wheel. Many times, the schools will tell you how many hours their class is, but you want to make sure you have enough time behind the wheel to get the feel and experience of driving a truck. You don't want to finish the class and not feel comfortable behind the wheel.

If you don't have the money to attend a truck driving school, ask the schools about payment plans. Many truck driving schools will loan you the money for their school and let you make a payment plan. Inquire about this when talking to them.

After attending school, you will need to pass the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) exam, administered by the United States Department of Transportation. You'll also have to pass a physical exam. The physical exam will need to be taken every two years, and when you pass you will be given a green card to carry with you at all times when you are driving. Your truck driving school will let you know about these requirements and, when you are ready, will set you up to pass your written test and driving test for your Class A commercial driver's license.

Once you have completed your truck driving school, you will have obtained your Class A commercial driver's license. This is the license that shows that you can handle a big rig on the road and is what you need to get hired as a truck driver. Some schools will help you network with employers after you have received your Class A license.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Basics of Stock Market in Panama

The initial step to understanding Panama stock broker accounts is to know the basics of how the stock markets work. A stock is the term used to connote the smallest component of ownership in a company. If you own a stock, this signifies you are part owner of that company. This means that you have a right to vote on decisions made by the company and if that company distributes out its profits to the shareholders, you will likely get your fair share too.

When choosing your own stock, the key element to look at from the company profile is of course the earnings of the company. The earnings or most commonly known as the profit of the business is the determinant of how much a stock will cost. But when actually buying one, you must also focus on the value of that stock in the future. One thing to look at is the product of that company. Make sure that the product is still saleable in the future for you to reap out all the benefits from being a part owner of any reputable company. Stock brokers will definitely come into play when you choose your stocks from the market. If you have already chosen a stock that will suit your needs and preferences then go ahead and buy it.

Buying stocks have been basically hands on during the years that have passed but nowadays off shore stock trading accounts can be found in some countries. One such country is Panama, the land dubbed as the Bridge of the World.

Panama has a number of exceptional and private features that make offshore stock brokerage accounts safe and easy to use. Panama offers a stable and neutral form of government that eliminates the danger of losing track of your money because of political upheavals that may arise. This peaceful country also holds a treaty with the USA that allows USA to grant protection to it from any form of invasion or upheaval.

You also do not have to be physically present in the country to get a stock brokerage account in this place. Stock brokerage activities can now be done online. Auctions, purchases and other stock activities can now be made through secure email with privacy policies and anonymous services.

Trading can also be done using a personal account, foundation or a corporate account. Personal accounts must maintain balances of over ,000.00. Corporate accounts are those that use the total assets of corporations to purchase or trade stocks. Panama banking accounts arrange full service for stock brokerage accounts done in the area. Privacy and secrecy are valued virtues of these firms, and you can surely safeguard your earnings through their system.

So if you are considering going into the stock brokerage market and opening up an offshore account to safeguard your money, keep in mind that Panama has a lot to offer for you. Their excellent offshore banking system made leaps into advancing offshore trading of the stock market today.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Personal Finance: Best Tips and Practices Today

Do you ever wonder where your money goes every month? Does it sometimes seem as though you cannot afford to do things because your financial obligations are holding you back? If you find that you are asking yourself these sorts of questions, perhaps you should take a look at your financial situation and assess whether you are practicing good personal finance management or not. Good personal finance management spends within their income, plan for the future and solve financial problems as they arise. Poor personal finance management pay more, do without and fall behind. If you find yourself in the second category, you can do something about it. You can learn to take charge of your finances by planning your personal finances.

Planning your personal finances doesn't always come naturally, and even if you're just beginning to take your financial matters seriously, then you likely need a few personal finance tips.

Evaluate your current financial situation. One of the most important goals for most people is financial independence. Collect accurate information about your personal financial situation. Calculate your net worth which includes the real estate, saving and retirement accounts, and all other assets. This will help you decide how much money you can set aside for meeting future needs and goals.

A basic personal finance tip is to make a budget. A personal finance budget is information made up of your income and expenses and the more accurate this information is, the more likely you are be able to meet your goals and realize your dreams. A personal finance budget should be made for at most one year at a time and include a list of your monthly expenses.

All expenses must be included. To be sure of that go through all your paid bills, check register and credit card receipts to find expenditures that recure every month and expenditures that happen less frequently. Personal finance budgeting requires some small sacrifices. To be able to make good personal financial decisions and set priorities, you must know where your money is actually going. Start your budget and accomplish your goals.

Get an electronic bill pay. This is a very convenient way to pay your bills. You pay them electronically, by direct withdrawal from your bank account. The transaction is processed immediately. You can even link your bill pay service to your personal finance budget, so that your expenditures are automatically entered in the appropriate category. Personal financial management can be really easy.

Make an investment and finance plan. Now that the fundamental state of your personal financial security has been established, the time has come for the more prosperous part of your personal financial life. You need to make a personal finance plan of what you really want in life that money can buy. Your personal financial plan can be as simple or as detailed as you want it to be. Find out how to finally start to implement this plan and get the money to finance it. This is the long term part of your financial. This journey is the most interesting and exciting part of personal financing you can have toward financial freedom.

You can prepare for a secure personal financial future by following these simple tips. When you take control with your money, you don't have to worry about debt taking control of you.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

How Debt Settlement Programs And Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Differ

When the pressure of debt gets too much to handle effectively, there are solutions out there. The only real question is which to choose. The best options are constructive repayment agreements, and the two most common are debt settlement programs and a bankruptcy agreement under the terms of Chapter 13.

The two are quite similar in principle, with their core reasons being to facilitate the repayments of debts, either in full or in part. The result is to lift the burden of debt off the debtor. But which is the best option to choose? Is a Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan going to damage a credit reputation? Or is a settlement program the right way forward?

These are just some of the issues to consider, and while old bankruptcy options were taken advantage of, creditors are now better protected. Clearing debts effectively comes down to two key choices, both of which can see debts cleared with just 30% to 50% of the sum repaid, to so which is actually better?

Debt Settlement

There are some great advantages to adopting a debt settlement program to ease the financial burden, not least the fact that what is paid to clear the debt is lowered. But when compared to the alternative bankruptcy, there are some negatives. For example, settlement is more expensive, costing up to ,000 in service fees.

The greater expense comes down to the fact that debt settlement companies charge a fee based on the size of the debt involved, so a larger debt will mean a higher fee. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a fixed rate. Also, the term of a settlement is usually 3-4 years, which means payments can be larger.

But perhaps the biggest negative is that the creditor is in control when it comes to negotiations. This is because the agreement is a voluntary agreement, so the debtor has every right to reject proposals. Sometimes clearing debts effectively means holding out for better terms, but the creditor car pull the plug at any time and seek legal action instead.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

When it comes to fees, bankruptcy is actually a lot less expensive than a debt settlement program. The reason is partly down to the fact that practically no negotiations are needed, just to have the necessary paperwork prepared and legal representation. So, expect costs of between ,500 and ,000.

The term of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy agreement has recently been extended to a maximum of 5 years, so the task of clearing debts constructively is greatly improved. Principally, the monthly repayments are lowered thanks to the longer term.

With a court taking on the case, neither party can act independently. So, creditors cannot take legal action once the Chapter 13 process has begun. For the most part, the plan leading to clearing debts effectively, and once the final ruling is made, it cannot be repealed.

The After Effects

But how does the eventual ruling actually affect the debtor? Through a debt settlement program, the creditor will get at least a share of the money owed to them. However, the credit record will state that the debt was paid through a settlement plan and the credit score will be lowered significantly. The good news is that credit worthiness can be regained after just 2 years.

With a Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan, the decision goes on the credit report and stays there for as long as 10 years, severely damaging the credit score. Also, when any bankruptcy ruling is made, the records are made available publicly, so people have access to relevant records. So, clearing debts effectively can have its price.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Is it a Good Idea to Rent Used Bucket Trucks?

Many industries that rely regularly on bucket trucks choose to purchase their own fleet of these vehicles. For example, electric companies own a number of them because their business relies on them on a daily basis. On the other hand, there are industries that also require their use but only on an occasional basis. For example, orchard farms use these vehicles only during certain seasons and therefore turn to renting, rather than purchasing this equipment. So, a company may wonder if it is a good idea to lease used bucket trucks.

Rental Options

There are many companies that offer bucket trucks for rent. In most cases, the equipment being offered was previously part of a fleet and has since been replaced by their first owners. These vehicles are then reconditioned before they are made available to eliminate any defects or damage so the customers who use them can trust that they are safe to use.

Companies that offer used bucket trucks for rent have various lending terms so their clients can easily find a vehicle that suits their needs. The terms offered by most lending companies are daily, weekly, monthly and even yearly rates. For contract terms that reach a year, most lending companies offer flexible and lower rates to their clients. Some lending companies even offer borrow-to-own equipment. With these terms, the lessee will own the vehicle after borrowing it on contract for a certain period of time.

Rental Positives

Renting a bucket truck has advantages and disadvantages depending upon the nature of the business and how the equipment will be used. One of the biggest advantages of leasing is that it gives a company the option to use a bucket truck without having to purchase one. This set-up is ideal for a business that only requires the use of this equipment occasionally, since buying and maintaining a vehicle would be impractical if it is only used once or twice a year.

Renting is also good for businesses that are just beginning to use this type of equipment. By leasing, they can experiment with the ways this equipment could optimize their necessary work. A company that is planning to purchase a bucket truck can determine the type that is best for them by leasing various models with different specifications and using them to see which ones are right for their needs.

Renting makes this equipment available to smaller businesses that cannot afford the high cost of purchasing a brand new or used bucket truck. By leasing, terms can be chosen that will fit the way the equipment is used.

Rental Negatives

While leasing a bucket truck has its advantages, there are also a few drawbacks to this type of arrangement. Since borrowed bucket trucks are used by various renters, it would not be surprising to borrow a vehicle that has defects. Any previous user could have damaged the vehicle and it could have gone unnoticed by the leasing company. The defective vehicle could compromise the safety of the operator of the equipment. When leasing a used bucket truck, always choose a company that is known for conducting a thorough inspection of their fleet and has an excellent maintenance program. If the equipment will be used near live wires, it should be dielectrically tested at least once a year to test the effectiveness of its insulation.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

The Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act (mdia)

The Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act goes into effect on July 30, 2009. Please understand that this is federal legislation that could affect your closing date. All mortgage professionals must comply with the requirements as noted below. A loan cannot close or fund unless it has met the requirements listed below. The requirement is applicable for all mortgage loans (unless exempted as noted below). It has been implemented to protect the consumer, but it could cause delays in the closing.

On July 30, 2008, Congress enacted the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA). Within HERA, Congress included amendments to TILA which are known as the Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act of 2008 (MDIA). On October 3, 2008 Congress further amended the Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act as part of the enactment of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (Stabilization Act). With the enactment of HERA and the Stabilization Act, the Federal Reserve Board is now amending Regulation Z with all provisions of the MDIA and making these changes effective as of July 30, 2009.

The immediate changes you need to know about MDIA requirements are as follows:

1. MDIA implements a 3-7-3 rule that creates new timing and waiting requirements with regard to the issuing of Truth-in-Lending disclosures and when closing can occur. The 3-7-3 rule requires the lender to:

a. Upon the taking or receipt of a loan application, provide an initial Truth In Lending(TIL) to the borrower(s) within 3 business days of the application (no change to current requirement).

b. Impose a waiting period BEFORE allowing a mortgage loan to close. The waiting period requires a lender to wait until the 7th business day following the delivery or mailing of the initial TIL to the borrower(s) before a creditor may close any loan. The 7 day period may be waived only if there is a bona fide and/or extreme and/or urgent reason to do so. This would be handled in the same manner as a waiver of rescission, which is virtually impossible to achieve. Therefore, there will be virtually no waivers of the 7 day waiting period.

c. Impose an additional 3 day waiting period before a loan may close in any instance in which the Truth In Lending(TIL) is outside of regulatory tolerances (e.g., for regular or fixed rate loans more than .125% and for irregular loans more than .25%). The 3 day period begins with the mailing of the TIL. A corrected TIL is required whenever a TIL is outside of regulatory tolerances.

d. The TIL may be mailed via regular mail or overnight or by e-sign or e-mail. However the lender sends the TIL, they must still comply with the 3 day waiting period. MDIA does not assume a quicker waiting period might occur and does not allow the lender to proceed until after the 3 day waiting period has ended.

2. Lenders can under no circumstances collect any upfront fees prior to the consumer's receipt of an accurate TIL unless the fee is to cover the cost of the consumer's credit report.

a. The fee collected must be bona fide and reasonable (no padding of fees and do not collect a fee unless the consumer is actually responsive if there was no intent to charge them for the credit report).

b. A lender and third party such as a broker must adhere to the same rules regarding the collection of fees. If a third party forwards a consumer's written application to a lender, both the lender and third party do not collect any fee, other than a credit report fee if a credit report was pulled.

c. If a third party forwards a consumer's written application to a second creditor following a prior creditor/lender's denial of an application made by the same consumer (or following the consumer's withdrawal), where fees have already been assessed, the new creditor/lender or third party does not collect or impose any additional fee until the consumer receives an initial TIL from the new creditor/lender.

3. An initial Truth-in-Lending disclosure must now be issued on a closed-end principal dwelling and a second home whether transaction is a home purchase transaction, a new construction loan, or a refinance. Previously, initial TIL's were not required on refinances. The changes continue to exclude issuing an initial TIL on an investment property loan or a HELOC.

a.. For a primary residence, any non-owner occupant must also receive a copy of any TIL that is issued.

4. A new required "Notice" will be added to the TIL advising a consumer they are not obligated to proceed with the loan if they do not wish to do so.

5. No initial TIL is required if a consumer withdraws or is denied within 3 days receipt of the loan application.

6. Under the amended rules, a business day is any day other than Sunday or a legal holiday - which is the same as the current rescission day definition.

7. Any waiver of the 3 or 7 day waiting periods must be treated the same as waiving rescission. There must be a bona fide emergency before a waiver request will be considered.

a. A waiver when granted may not be a preprinted letter. The borrower(s) must handwrite a request to waive the 3 day or 7 day period and must describe the bona fide emergency.

b. Any waiver requested and granted must be signed by all parties that take part in the transaction.

8. MDIA does not amend any requirements specific to HELOC loans.