Beleaguered Entrepreneur Finds Turnaround Assistance in his Neighborhood

When a local business owner ran into trouble, he turned to his neighbors and was overwhelmed with the response. "Everyone was in the same boat that I was", said Dan, "but nobody was talking about it. Now we are. Now we are helping each other".

Arlington Heights, IL (PRWEB) November 23, 2008 -- Dan Hostetler is an entrepreneur whose business has recently been put in harm's way due to the economic downturn. Instead of running for the protection of the courts, like many of his fellow business owners, he turned to his neighborhood for assistance. With the help of his wife, a graphic-designer-turned-retail-salesperson (also due to the downturn), the Hostetlers designed a simple but honest flyer pleading for their neighbor's help in keeping the home that they had lived in for 16 years. They then distributed them to their neighbor's homes including Dan's Resume and other ideas, including a tip on how to save money on natural gas bills.

The response was overwhelming.

Neighbors Sippy and Ed came over and asked for 20 more copies that they could take to their church. Neighbor Bill, in back, came over and offered to chip in financially. Neighbor Joe Pena immediately designed a website that explained one of Dan's tips on how to save money on natural gas bills that he made available, for free, at http://www.viddler.com/explore/clubweb/videos/11/. Neighbors filled the answering machine with wishes of support and offers of help.

The unexpected positivity of their neighbors reaction to their plea for help has reinvigorated the Hostetlers expectations for the future. Says Dan, "I have known these people for many years but the confessions of their fears, which are identical to mine, has brought us to a new, more meaningful, level of relationship. I really care for these people in a way that has been brought about by the confession of my financial problems to them. It turns out that we're all in the same boat."

His wife, Tere, agrees. Says Tere, "I have cried more by their wonderful, selfless offers than I cried when we couldn't make our mortgage payments".

JK Harris Reminds Taxpayers of Changes for Upcoming Tax Season

Tax season is approaching and JK Harris and Company wants to make sure taxpayers are aware of changes that may affect them.

North Charleston, S.C. (PRWEB) November 23, 2008 -- As the year draws to a close, it is a good time to be thinking about tax planning. According to Peter Hukki, Enrolled Agent with JK Harris and Company, the nation's largest tax representation firm, there are new credits, as well as extensions of previous credits taxpayers need to consider.

"This year, there are several changes to the tax laws taxpayers should be aware of in preparing for the upcoming filing season," said Hukki, an Enrolled Agent of 34 years. "There are new credits to be aware of as well as extensions of previous credits you may qualify for."

One credit likely to benefit a large pool of taxpayers is the First Time Homebuyer's Credit for qualified buyers who purchased or will purchase a home between April 8, 2008 and July 1, 2009. The credit will either reduce how much you pay or increase your refund. The credit will give you 10% of the purchase price of your new home, up to a refundable credit of $7,500. According to Hukki, this credit is basically a zero interest loan, as it must be repaid over 15 years starting two years after the year in which you claim the credit. If you claimed the maximum credit of $7,500, your repayment would be an additional tax of $500 each year when you file your return.

There is still a tax credit available on certain hybrid vehicles. If you are planning to buy a qualifying hybrid vehicle, you should do it by December 31, 2008 to receive a tax credit. This credit is only allowed on a certain number of hybrid vehicles produced by each manufacturer. More information is available on the credit at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom.

This past October, President Bush signed into law the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which has more than 100 tax provisions worth over $150 billion in tax benefits. Included in the Act are:

* Another AMT patch to protect middle class taxpayers from paying the Alternative Minimum Tax or AMT, a tax originally intended for those who were not paying any income tax due to large write-offs or exempt interest income.

* Popular tax breaks for education, such as the $250 deduction for teachers who buy out-of-pocket classroom supplies, as well as the Tuition and Fees deduction for eligible taxpayers with higher education expenses.

* The option to deduct state and local sales taxes rather than just state income tax. This benefits taxpayers living in states where there is no state income tax (Florida, Texas, Alaska, Nevada, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming).

* The option for IRA owners who have reached 70 ½ and must begin withdrawing money from their retirement accounts allowing them to contribute up to $100,000 tax -free to charity.

"It is very important taxpayers are aware of the changes Congress makes year to year to the tax code," said Hukki. "For many taxpayers, it is best to seek professional assistance to insure you are not missing out on any deductions or credits you might be entitled to."

Taxpayers can find more information on a larger range of tax changes for individuals at http://www.irs.gov/formspubs.

About JK Harris:

JK Harris & Company, LLC, (www.jkharris.com) based in North Charleston, S.C., is the nation's largest tax representation firm and has served over 225,000 customers since its founding in 1997 by John K. Harris. JK Harris consultants are available to meet with consumers in over 425 locations nationwide by appointment only. The company also provides services for student loan debt, fee-based financial planning, tax return preparation, and audit representation.

Payday Loan Deposit.Com: Announces "Fast Response" Technology With Faxless Payday Loans

Payday Loan Deposit.Com has announced the utilization of innovative "fast response" technology, allowing for quick integration of applicant results it delivers from a growing lender network.

Delray Beach, FL (PRWEB) November 22, 2008 -- Payday Loan Deposit.Com has announced the utilization of innovative "fast response" technology, allowing for quick integration of applicant results it delivers from a growing lender network.

"Payday loan consumers expect fast application results from lender networks," a representative explained. "As a result, Payday Loan Deposit has invested considerably in technology and has implemented a platform that consistent delivers fast quality results, matching consumers with the most suitable lenders based on their immediate financial needs."

Payday loans are commonly referred to in many different ways these days. Meanwhile, consumers are inundated with a lot of information. How do you make sense of it all?

Innovation has helped to position paydayloandeposit.com successfully within the busy payday loan space. The PaydayLoanDeposit.com (http://www.paydayloandeposit.com) focus on precision on fast and accurate customer service with fast loan turnaround has helped the service to carve out a noteworthy brand.

"We know that it is especially crucial this time of year to be in the forefront of providing reliable, secure and responsive payday loans (http://www.paydayloandeposit.com)" a company representative noted.

PaydayLoanDeposit.Com specializes in what is commonly known in the industry as the "no fax payday loan." As the name implies, this type of loan provides consumers with minimal hassle and a fast way to get an application submitted, processed and approved. Applying for a "no fax payday loan" is a viable option to consider when holiday cash-crunched consumers need money fast. Additionally, it's a convenient service that can really help when an unexpected expense comes up and the borrower cannot wait until their next pay check.

What exactly is a no fax payday loan? As mentioned, it is a payday or cash advance loan (http://www.paydayloandeposit.com). The purpose is to help the consumer when an emergency strikes or when the borrower finds that they need to stretch their paycheck just a bit more.

"We know the importance of no fax loans," the PaydayLoanDeposit.Com spokesperson stated. "When online payday lenders came on the scene about 5 years ago, you had to fax in a variety of documents in order to get approved for a loan. As a result, people often preferred going to a local payday loan store due to less hassles and quicker turn around."

Of course, as with everything on the Internet, all you have to do is blink and things change. This is the case with online cash advance lenders; with improved methods of verifying accounts and employment, the tedious faxing was eliminated. The no fax payday loan was born, making online processing the easiest and best way to get a cash advance.

What are the advantages of a PaydayLoanDeposit.Com No Fax Payday Loan?

1) Convenient - It is an easy online application process.

2) Fast - In most cases, the approval is in less than 30 minutes and the money is deposited into your account the next business day.

3) No Faxing - PaydayLoanDeposit.Com customers do not send any documents to its lending network.

4) Peace of Mind - this process gives the borrower a sense of security knowing that he or she can receive a cash advance loan when needed.

Visit our related resources page for further information through payday loan articles (http://www.paydayloandeposit.com/Articles.aspx).

PPI an Antidote to Mortgage Arrears Says Burgesses

Figures released by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, detailing an alarming growth in the number of homeowners falling into mortgage arrears, has prompted Payment Protection Insurance lobbyist Sara-Ann Burgess to urge homeowners to purchase cover that pays a monthly income should they lose their jobs.

Braintree, Essex (PRWEB) November 22, 2008 -- Figures released by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, detailing an alarming growth in the number of homeowners falling into mortgage arrears, has prompted Payment Protection Insurance (http://www.britishinsurance.com) lobbyist Sara-Ann Burgess to urge homeowners to purchase cover that pays a monthly income should they lose their jobs.

"There's a clear correlation between the increasing number of job losses and mortgage arrears, so it makes sense to buy a policy that will ensure continuity of income to meet monthly bills. PPI provides a valuable financial safety net for people whose income is interrupted through accident, sickness or unemployment."

According to figures released today, the CML reports the number of households at the end of September 08 with more than three months of mortgage arrears was 168,000. In June 08, the figure was 155,600, whilst in March it tallied 142,000.

It's widely-recognised that the economic downturn, slow income growth and increases in food and fuel costs have taken their toll and the CML predicts the number of households in arrears by the end of the year will far exceed its previous forecast of 170.000.

Sara-Ann continues: "168,000 households in arrears by Q3 this year equates to around 613* households per day unable to meet their loan repayment. This figure is staggering and frightening. Whilst I realise PPI may not be suitable for all, I do wonder how many homeowners could have given themselves some financial breathing space with a policy that pays their bills for up to a year."

PPI cover is sold per £100 of benefit and purchasers can opt for unemployment or accident and sickness cover, or all three. One of a few to continue offering employment cover only is independent firm, British Insurance (http://www.britishinsurance.com). It charges £3.40 per £100 for unemployment, £3.90 per £100 for accident, sickness and unemployment and £1.90 per £100 for accident and sickness.

The CML paints a bleak picture and is asking members to avoid repossession at all costs and suggests the Government concentrates on providing more assistance in next week's pre-Budget report. It concedes that lenders cannot change the causes of financial difficulty, ie unemployment, and is aware the arrears situation will get worse before it gets better.

"It's all very well calling for lenders to be more sympathetic to homeowners' dilemmas and lobbying the Government to do more," says Sara-Ann, "but monthly bills still won't get paid and debts will continue to rise. I believe the only immediate practical solution is PPI. A small monthly outlay could pay rich dividends over the course of a year if the unexpected was to occur."

Repossession statistics stand at 11,300 for the end of September. In June 08, the figure was 10,100 and it March it stood at 8,800. Sara-Ann concludes: "To the end of September, some 41** homes were repossessed daily. And this doesn't take into account properties that have repossession orders hanging over them.

"More has to be done by the lenders and Government to prevent this happening, but also insurers have a duty of care to ensure their cover is accessible and affordable to all and consumers need to be aware of the options open to them."

Bad Credit Loans: A Good Option for Bad Times

UK Consumers turn to bad credit loans (http://www.loansbadcredit.org.uk) to get through temporary difficulties explains Andy Hygate from www.loansbadcredit.org.uk.

London, UK (PRWEB) November 22, 2008 -- UK Consumers turn to bad credit loans (http://www.loansbadcredit.org.uk) to get through temporary difficulties, explains Andy Hygate from www.loansbadcredit.org.uk.

The entire world is now worried about the economic future and even the most stalwart and dependable financial organisations have become shaky, unreliable, and reluctant to lend money to just about anyone. Meanwhile the confidence and hope of ordinary wage earners and small businesses is crumbling as they realise that it is nearly impossible to get loans they so desperately need.

Ministers are being pressured to force British banks to loosen their purse strings and lend critical funds to businesses and homeowners that are being squeezed by the credit crunch, but so far there has been little positive response. The financial institutions themselves are so concerned about their own weak levels of cash reserves that they are even afraid to lend to each other - much less to ordinary customers who face drastic challenges while trying to cope with higher prices and less job stability.

• Banks have increased the interest rates they charge their customers, despite the significant drop in the bank base rate. The base rate is now at around three percent, which is the lowest it has been in half a century. But the average annual interest charge on credit cards has climbed to nearly 18 percent.

• Rates on store cards are even higher in many cases, with many merchants charging 25 percent or more. High Street chain shops like Principles, Karen Millen and Oasis, for example, have been known to charge close to 29 percent.

• But these high rates - and the conspicuous lack of personal and business loans - are happening while the Insolvency Service reports alarming rates of personal bankruptcy. Insolvency in the UK has soared approximately 12 per cent within the past three or four months, and about 175 people each day were declared bankrupt in the third quarter of the year.

• The Guardian also reported that company liquidations have also surged by 25 percent in the past three months, a figure that represents more than a 10 percent rise from the previous quarter. So far this year the rate of liquidations has grown by more than 26 percent when compared to figures for 2007.

Those who do become insolvent face an uphill battle in terms of their financial future, too, because while they attempt to make a new fresh start, conventional lenders reject their requests for loans due to their lowered credit scores and damaged payment histories.

But bad credit lenders are still lending just as much now - and in fact much more than they normally do - because they specialise in loans made to people with less than stellar credit. These non-traditional credit companies base their whole fundamental business on serving customers and small businesses who have bad credit, low credit scores, and less income and assets - so they actually make more loans during times like these when banks and other conventional lenders turn customers away and reject mortgage applications.

Those who have experienced a bankruptcy, trouble paying their mortgage on time, or a tightening of credit card credit limits can typically get loan approval without any difficulty through these bad credit lenders.

Some British consumers use bad credit loans - which earned their name because they are made to those with poor credit - to get through temporary difficulties such as a short-term budget crisis or loss of employment. Others use them for longer term financing, such as car loans, property remortgaging, or business capital. Whatever financial needs one may have, loans for bad credit (http://www.loansbadcredit.org.uk/loan_quote.html) can offer a helping hand - and the necessary funds - to get through this tough economic period.

WOT Releases Extended Protection for Web-Based Email Users

WOT, Web of Trust, extends the security protection of its popular browser add-on to the top three Internet-based email services -- Google Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail. WOT checks links embedded in email and warns users of dangerous websites to help them avoid spyware, spam, phishing, identity theft and other Internet fraud, before they risk clicking.

Helsinki, Finland (PRWEB) November 21, 2008 -- WOT, Web of Trust, extends the security protection of its popular browser add-on to the top three Internet-based email services -- Google Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail. WOT checks links embedded in email and warns users of dangerous websites to help them avoid spyware, spam, phishing, identity theft and other Internet fraud, before they risk clicking.

Cybercriminals are using the current upheaval in the financial marketplace to send phishing email to steal sensitive financial data and spread malicious software. WOT provides consumers with information that alerts them if a link in an email is not safe and should be avoided. "Scammers are using targeted techniques, like using personal information -- your real name, account number, social security number -- to increase the authenticity of their message. The messages may regard loans, mortgages, or savings, and are disguised to come from one of the recently acquired financial institutions," said CEO Esa Suurio.

Free Internet security protection from online threats

WOT, Web of Trust, offers Internet users preventive protection against online threats. The WOT security add-on provides safety ratings to search results when using Google, Yahoo!, Wikipedia, Digg and other popular sites, helping the user to protect their computer and personal information. Website rating information is updated continuously by the user community and numerous trusted sources, such as listings of malware and phishing sites. The free internet security add-on works with Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers and can be downloaded at http://www.mywot.com.

Supporting Facts of WOT

• WOT has been downloaded by 1.9 million users

• Information on 20.8 million websites

• 1 in every 20 websites is harmful

• WOT users can contribute by rating and commenting on websites

• WOT also receives information from a large number of trusted sources, such as PhishTank, hpHosts, DNS-BH Malware Domain list and Artists Against 419.

Resources

• WOT demo video (http://www.mywot.com/demo)

• Screen prints, logos, and photos (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mywot/sets)

How To Turn The Credit Crunch Into a Credit Bounce

With the current economic situation many of us find ourselves in difficult times, although there is no need to suffer in silence. Harrington Brooks, a UK-based company, offers debt relief to all those who need debt help with their new range of debt solutions.

(PRWEB) November 21, 2008 -- There was a time -- last season, perhaps -- when crunches were considered good. Back then they were called ab crunches and made your body look amazing. These days, crunches are bad for your wallet and go by multiple names: credit crunch, financial crunch, cash crunch. With all the bad news going around, we're hoping to give you something to smile about.

What does the credit crunch mean for you? It could mean that your health will suffer from all the stress. Your repayments may increase and you will not be able to pay them all. Having unpaid bills would make anyone feel guilty, and worse, anxious.

You need to try to settle your debts or/and make repayment arrangements with your creditors. Try not to enter into any new credit agreements and focus on paying off what debts you have right now.

The credit crunch causes a reduction in the availability of loans and other types of credit. This has been going on for the last year. We also saw an increase in the amount of bad and toxic debt: the Bank of England estimates toxic debt losses at £1,800bn. Banks hoard cash and do not want to risk defaulting clients. It also means that prices for goods and services are increasing.

Harrington Brooks has new services to help customers get rid of their debt and focus on making the rest of their lives as attractive as their wallets: , a, and . There is also a banking account (http://www.harringtonbrooks.co.uk/extradirectbank.php), guaranteed if you can proof your identity, which is backed by Extra Direct, for all clients including those people who have filed for bankruptcy. This is in addition to debt management plans (http://www.harringtonbrooks.co.uk/debt-management.php), individual voluntary arrangements and loans & remortgages. This means that your life can improve exponentially when you use the services offered by Harrington Brooks.

If you're feeling stressed out just thinking about the amount of debt you have, why not read the personal finance blog or section for advice on how to manage your finances. You will find advice on things such as debt management, IVA (http://www.harringtonbrooks.co.uk/individual-voluntary-agreement-iva.php) and personal bankruptcy (http://www.harringtonbrooks.co.uk/bankruptcy.php) besides the occasional posts about how to live a good quality of life on a budget.

Harrington Brooks (http://www.harringtonbrooks.co.uk) is one of the longest established financial practices in the UK, with an unrivalled reputation with Government Legislative Bodies, Regulators and Creditors alike.

Established in 1998, Harrington Brooks offers people who are in debt a full range of solutions, all under one roof. We have helped over 40,000 clients by repaying over £130 million of debt through Harrington Brooks. Further details on our range of financial solutions can be found at www.harringtonbrooks.co.uk, or by speaking to one of our expert advisors on 0808 131 0040.

Parents Reticent to Discuss Christmas with the Grandparents

Despite the current economic crisis, grandparents are set to spend £50 on average per grandchild at Christmas.

Brighton, East Sussex (PRWEB) November 21, 2008 -- With British grandparents having an average 4 grandchildren*, that is upwards of £200 on kid's presents alone according to new research out today from Family Investments, family savings and investments specialist and UK's leading Child Trust Fund provider (http://www.familyinvestments.co.uk/).

Grandparents in Scotland will be spending more than the rest of the country this year, being the most likely region to spend over £200 on one grandchild alone. In contrast grandparents in the East will be spending the least, with a budget of between £25 - £50.

But despite Grandparent's best intentions, parents would prefer alternative Christmas presents for their children from grandparents this year, with more than half of the parents questioned saying they would prefer grandparents to make a contribution towards their child's savings account alongside a smaller gift. Yet almost two out of every three parents (64%) feel too uncomfortable to broach the subject without being asked.

Kate Baker, Head of savings and investments at Family Investments said: "Grandchildren are central to the lives of many grandparents and so it is no surprise that they want to treat their grandchildren at Christmas. But spending £50 on Christmas gifts might not necessarily be the right thing in the eyes of parents."

"My message to well-meaning grandparents, would be to talk to the parents of your grandchildren and ask them what they would prefer. In our experience, parents feel that the grandparent's already do enough for the children or they don't feel comfortable raising the subject of money. But re-directing your generosity and making a donation into the children's savings account, along with a small present on the day, will create a more lasting and welcome legacy."

Families Seek 'Bad Credit' Loans to Save Their Homes

Struggling families weighed down by mortgage debt worries are turning to 'bad credit loans' to bail them out and save their homes. Growing numbers of homeowners with poor credit are seeking unsecured loans online to help solve their mortgage debt problems, reports Credit Problems No Problem (www.creditproblemsnoproblem.co.uk).

Newton Abbot, Devon, UK (PRWEB) November 6, 2008 -- Struggling families weighed down by mortgage debt worries are turning to 'bad credit loans' to bail them out and save their homes.

Growing numbers of homeowners with poor credit are seeking unsecured loans online to help solve their mortgage debt problems, reports Credit Problems No Problem (www.creditproblemsnoproblem.co.uk).

"We are getting increasing numbers of calls from people who need money to pay their mortgage loans," said a spokesman for Credit Problems No Problem, which specialises in loans for borrowers with bad credit.

"Families can't afford to pay their mortgage bills. They desperately need cash but they have money problems."

Falling house prices and the return of negative equity are making life a misery for households with bad credit listings such as County Court Judgements (CCJs) and defaults.

Negative equity is returning to the UK housing market with a vengeance, leaving families stuck with large mortgage debt worries and homes they are unable to sell unless they incur big losses.

Some families forced by negative equity to abandon their house move plans are making do with essential home improvements instead.

"They need unsecured loans to cover the cost of necessary home improvements but may have CCJs or defaults against their name," said the spokesman for Credit Problems No Problem.

"Bad credit need not be a problem though. We can help you to get money - even if you think you're credit blacklisted."

Credit Problems No Problem is hearing from increasing numbers of people caught in the negative equity trap.

One self-employed couple aged in their 20s invested £155,000 in a starter home that is now worth £10,000 less than they paid for it.

Twelve months ago a similar property three doors away from them sold for £175,000.

"They face the fact that their home has lost £30,000 in a year and house prices are still falling. Some £10,000 of their hard-earned money has gone and they are now in negative equity."

Credit Problems No Problem is helping people such as these as they search for 'poor credit loans', 'bad credit loans' or 'CCJ loans'.

Credit Problems No Problem holds a Consumer Credit Licence issued by the Office of Fair Trading. The company is also covered by the Financial Ombudsman.

Credit Problems No Problem is also registered with the Information Commissioner's Office for Data Protection.

For rapid help, phone 0800 412 5634 or visit www.creditproblemsnoproblem.co.uk

Notes For Editors

www.creditproblemsnoproblem.co.uk

Credit Problems No Problem Ltd

TBC House

Cavalier Road

Newton Abbot

TQ12 6TZ

United Kingdom

Tel: 0800 412 5634

Credit Problems No Problem was formed in 2003, bringing together a team of specialists that together offers 26 years of expertise to help applicants gain the unsecured loans they need.

From its UK head office in Devon, Credit Problems No Problem operates across Britain, sourcing loans for people with bad credit.

Credit Problems No Problem holds a Consumer Credit Licence issued by the Office of Fair Trading. The company is also covered by the Financial Ombudsman.

Credit Problems No Problem is also registered with the Information Commissioner's Office for Data Protection.

No fuss service - guaranteed.

November 2008