Category Archives: Finance & Invesment

Undetected or Unreported?

For all types of elder abuse: for every reported case, there are 23.5 unreported cases.

For financial exploitation: for every reported case, there are 43.9 unreported ones.

For neglect cases: for every case undergoing investigation, there 57.2 unreported cases.

The New York State Elder Abuse Prevalence Study was the second-largest study ever conducted on elder abuse and the first one conducted on a statewide scope. Although the studys contents have not yet been released by New York State Office of Children and Family Services, the grim figures above were presented during a recent conference.

Scarier still, is the implication that the incidences of abuse may actually be even higher since the study excluded older persons who were unable to participate in telephone surveys.

Surprisingly, the most commonly reported was emotional abuse, followed by physical abuse; however, financial exploitation seemed to be the most prevalent form of elder mistreatment.

If previously undetected, how do we know if its occurring at all? And what can you do to stop it?

Prevention

Monitor Financial Activity. Look for these things:

Unusual activity based on ability, e.g. ATM use by a physically impaired person
Unexpected new withdrawals in round numbers ($50, $100, $1,000, etc.)
Withdrawals from a savings account or from checking accounts despite of penalties
Increased financial activity on bank statements
Requests to change account beneficiaries or issuance of authorizations
Elder showing signs of confusion related to finances
Property title changes or re-financing reports

Monitor Inheritance and Wills. Watch out for:

Changes in Power of Attorney or Durable Power of Attorney
Will or trust modifications when the elderly is incapable of requesting changes
Requesting will or trust changes that are in favor of a much younger friend

Caregivers should take note of these unusual behaviors:

Avoidance of discussion of financial matters that were once routine
Elderly showing signs of depression
Caregiver says the elderly wants to avoid calls and visits
Caregiver seeming to be overly concerned with financial matters
Caregiver speaking for the elder even when the elder is around
Perform background check if the caregiver has other means of support other than the elders income

Where to Get Support

For more resources related to elder abuse, you can contact the APS Network. You can find the appropriate contact numbers to call by clicking on the Report Abuse button on their website and then choosing your state.

If you require immediate legal assistance, you can contact local attorneys with years of expertise in elder law. For example, in Indianapolis City, you can reach out to Applegate-Harden Law Firm.

Making an investment is an extremely important decision, not just for business houses but also for individuals. It is crucial that investors consider a few things before they make their investment decision for certain. Market factors are very important and they should be given prime consideration, as they define the future of your investments.

As the global markets are still recovering from the hard-hitting subprime crisis of 2008, taking market factors into consideration have never been so important ever before. It is also necessary that investors consider their long-term goals and not just short-term interests before making an investment. This helps with avoiding a bad or rash investment decision. Let us have a look at some of the important points that demand consideration at the time of an investment:

1. Having an emergency repository of funds: It is a given that all investors must compulsorily have an emergency fund of sorts to help them cope with future exigencies, such as sudden falls in the market, unemployment, and so on. This emergency fund can be built using a portion of the monthly salary over a considerable period of time or alternatively, channeling a large part of the same towards building the fund over a lesser period of time. This would depend on personal choices and financial ability, etc.

2. Assessing ones financial position: Before entering the world of investing, it is extremely important that potential investors take time and conduct an assessment of their financial position. This step is mainly to help potential investors understand their financial risk-taking capacity and also their plan-goal compatibility, while taking the market conditions into consideration.

3. Pre-caution from fraud: Given that the markets are still only just recovering, it is not rare to find fraudulent practitioners in the world of finance and investment. Therefore, it is always advisable to be on the alert for fraud. One way to avoid entering into deals with fraudulent companies is by investigating their authenticity through research, and also checking with friends and family who are also aware of and are engaged in investment.

4. Types of assets and spreading investment risk: Out of stocks, bonds and cash, seldom does one see the simultaneous rise of all three types of assets at the same time. Therefore, it is best if the investor spreads his or her risk and decides to invest in more than one type. That way, in the event that the value of your investment in one type falls, the investment in the other is still available to compensate or fall back on.

A car is the most convenient tool of transportation and plays an important role in one’s daily life. You may choose to buy a car by paying the full amount yourself or by getting the car financed by a bank or any other financing institution. The majority of car buyers opt for car finance in Sydney every year.

In case you opt for car finance, it becomes very important for you to conduct proper research before signing the car finance contract. There is a wide range of options available for car finance in Sydney. Before finalizing your car loan, it is wise to spend considerable time in making sure that the interest rate you are being offered and all the terms and conditions of car finance by any Sydney based lending institution suit you.

The most common mistake that Sydney car finance customers generally commit is that they confide themselves to the terms and conditions of a loan. Pondering over the repayment scheme of your car loan is well worth the time. The other issue of car finance in Sydney is that only a few people spend time comparing interest rates on car loans. Only those who make such car finance comparisons realize how the rates can vary and how beneficial comparing interest rates exercise actually is. These are the people who are not able to save considerable amount of money but also get the best car finance deals in Sydney.

While in Sydney, car finance is quite popular amongst the first time car buyers, it is a surprise to most people seeking car finance in Sydney to know the amount of money they can save over the loan period when they opt for a car loan that comes with slightly lower interest rates. Therefore, we recommend conducting a thorough comparison of car finance options in Sydney before visiting any car dealer to identify the best car finance in Sydney tailored to suit your budget.

One will also come across many car dealers who offer their customers in-house car finance in Sydney. These car dealers are known to tempt their potential customers to purchase their new car quickly through easy car finance schemes in Sydney. However, we recommend caution when shopping for car finance in Sydney, particularly through the car dealers as in general, car finance offered by car dealers come with higher interest rates and as such, may not be the best car finance in Sydney.

Purchasing real estate is one of the most complicated endeavors that families and businesses undertake. Other than real estate, a number of financial situations are there regarding which taking decision is not that easy or simple. Any mistake, doubt or negligence can make one to suffer from serious financial issues.

Considering the problems which one may face due to lack of inappropriate knowledge and information on financing industry and processes, acquiring assistance from professional mortgage brokers is profitable. A very crucial role is played by mortgage service providers. Through this article, we’ll come to know in detail what they exactly do towards making mortgage process more approachable for the clients.

Discussing specifics of property The experts meet with the clients to discuss the specifics and finances involved with the desired property. This discussion helps them in analyzing various mortgage options and make recommendations on the basis of length, interest rate type, base rate amount and much more. By making use of mortgage calculator they get exact idea of all the amounts concerned with a particular investment plan. Adding to it, the calculations help in coming to the point how much money a client can invest on the purchase.

Trained in financial advising The lending specialists are known to interact directly with leading lenders on behalf of the clients. They discuss each and every point with the lender to make the purchase as much easier for the individuals. They are responsible enough to handle large financial transactions as they are known to be trained in financial advising.

Expertise & specialties Most of the lending firms can be seen offering services to a limited geographical area. Some are known to offer advises and services related to residential mortgage while some can be seen offering services and advices related to corporate investment processes. With expertise and specialties, they work to fulfill demands of the clients while considering specific concerns.

Mortgage services analyze paperwork Researching different plans and policies of various lenders is one of the major roles of professional lenders. Next to it, the service providers are known to analyze paperwork, pass to different professionals in the financing industry for final approval. The firms work with the objective to serve the clients throughout the process related to varied services like refinancing, debt consolidation, purchase, and renewal and customized solutions for first time home buyers, real estate investors, self-employed individuals, and much more.

Hence, through the above discussions it can be said that experienced mortgage brokers through their expertise, knowledge, contacts and use of mortgage calculator offer ideal financial solutions to the individuals.

Lending Experts as a professional mortgage broker offer best rate policy and expert advice based customized mortgage services in Burnaby, BC.

I frequently hear clients say they were told to not pay their mortgage for 3 months so they can apply for a mortgage modification. Then, after submitting all of the paperwork, the modification is denied. Or, they’re just put into a trial period, the whole while believing that their mortgage is modified. Then they really are surprised to be served by the Sheriff with foreclosure documents. They really are rightfully scared, confused and hopeless. They wouldn’t have asked to get a modification if they could afford their mortgage in the first place and now the bank is telling them to pay a minimum of those three months that was not paid so they can apply for a modification or be faced with the prospect of losing their home.

Sometimes, rather then endlessly arguing with the bank, homeowners benefit from meeting with a lawyer knowledgeable about the mortgage modification process or an experienced bankrutpcy lawyer. Many people asked for help with a mortgage modification from their bank hoping to avoid filing for bankruptcy. Some people think that when they file for bankruptcy, they will be forced to sell or lose their home. This is usually not the case. Filing for bankruptcy can sometimes be the only real choice to save your home. In order to learn if bankruptcy may help you, you may want to consult with a local bankruptcy lawyer. If you’re considering filing for bankruptcy in order to protect your home, please don’t wait until the sale date is scheduled. The bank might have dragged their feet with respect to your modification, but time is essential and the earlier you speak with a bankruptcy lawyer, the more options could possibly be available to save your home.

A chapter 13 bankruptcy is the primary chapter of bankruptcy used to stop a mortgage foreclosure. There are very few requirements to qualify to file for a chapter 13 bankruptcy. A chapter 13 bankruptcy will allow you to pay off your past due mortgage amounts over a time period as opposed to right away, like the bank wants.

Only a licensed attorney can provide a homeowner legal advise regarding their situation. There are many ways to locate a qualified lawyer. For example The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys is often a helpful resource in helping distressed homeowners find a qualified lawyer who’s experienced in both mortgage modification issues and the advantages of filing for bankrutpcy protection as it relates to stopping foreclosure proceedings.

Jane L. Weatherly, Attorney at Law, PLLC is a bankruptcy law firm located in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, The firm is a debt relief agency and assists consumers file for protection under the United States Bankruptcy Code. For more information, please call (919)758-9296 or visit .

Investment banking is a widely accepted phenomenon presently, the major reason being expert advice provided at every step you need to take. Financial giants take the responsibility of making sure your money grows avoiding the risk of down fall. Today every person at some point or the other thinks about investing some amount of money in the stock market. A major worry of all these people is the uncertainty; investment banking beats these blues and offers best possible investment advice to its customers.

A major chunk of people involved in investment banking do not have the time to keep an eye on the ever changing markets and track their returns. In such cases arises the need for investment banking services. These companies do all the hard work of market research and analysis and advice investors on where to put their money for maximum returns. This also depends upon the amount of money the person is willing to investment.

There are many sectors in which investment banking is being carried out, few of them include retail healthcare, insurance and automobiles. Another emerging trend in this banking is that of equity investments. Equity investment banking is based on the dividends of the existing shares an individual holds. There are expert advisors who guide the movement of funds here as well so that there are no last moment disappointing surprises.

When it comes to investing money not all have the perfect knack hence it is always good to seek help of an expert investment banking company or equity investment banking services. Money after all is a crucial issue and you would always want to see it grow systematically. Another advantage of investment experts is they help you understand the market well. You get to know where your money is going and the reason behind it too. These services do come with at some extra cost but are sure to give you peaceful night sleeps and not make check the stock market prices every now and then. Let the experts do their job so that you can relax and reap the benefits.

Choosing the right financial advisor is also important in such cases. Also reading the fine print before finalizing anything is advised as there are many terms and conditions that come along with investment banking. You can take reviews of family members, friends, colleagues etc in deciding which and choose. There are numerous financial institutions and each one of them is offering investment banking services due to its rising demand.

Foreclosures for unpaid property taxes vary widely by state and county. Sometimes the house is auctioned off to satisfy the taxes. Other times, a lien or certificate is sold to the high bidder. And in some areas, no sale is conducted and the property is simply transferred from the homeowner to the county or other tax agency. In most jurisdictions, homeowners have the right to redeem their property after the auction for delinquent taxes.

The following are some defenses homeowners can still raise after a sheriff sale to delay or challenge the foreclosure process and auction:

* Irregularity in conducting the sale
* Sale price at auction was grossly inadequate
* Homeowners did not receive notice as required
* Sheriff sale was not advertised as required

Any physical problems with a property make proceeding with a foreclosure much less desirable for lenders. An appraisal, Broker’s Price Opinion, or other type of valuation from a trustworthy source should be included with any workout proposal, loan modification, or short sale request homeowners make if there are deficiencies in the condition of the house.

If borrowers run into a brick wall dealing with the mortgage servicing company, they can go a step above and contact the holder of the loan. Large banks, institutional lenders, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac, among others, will often push a servicer to intervene and work out a solution with homeowners to stop foreclosure, modify a loan, or delay a sheriff sale.

Most people think that Wall Street was primarily responsible for securitizing junk loans and unleashing the subprime crisis. In reality, though, over 50% of mortgage securitizations are guaranteed or issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (two government-sponsored enterprises), or Ginnie Mae (Government National Mortgage Association).

In a mortgage modification or other workout agreement, it is always easier to negotiate down interest charges, late fees, and other unexpended costs to the lender. These are costs the lender has not paid out of pocket, but has instead just tacked onto the loan balance. They can and should be negotiated away.

According to the Truth in Lending Act, homeowners can request their mortgage servicer to identify for them the person or company or organization that holds the mortgage. The servicer must comply with this request.

Sometimes homeowners are able to delay a sheriff sale over and over again. While this seems a little counter-intuitive, if the lender does not accept the request for a postponement, it may face liability for acting in bad faith. Pursuing foreclosure and using the courts is usually considered the last option, and if the owners are working on a mortgage modification or short sale, for instance, the county auction can be called off relatively easily.

There are several reason for taking loan such as losing the job, a fall in income, any medical emergency or any other crisis. However, with increasing needs people are falling prey to the vicious of loans. Therefore, people facing foreclosure or are struggling to make their mortgage loan payments can easily prefer loan modification. If is not easy to make an attempt for loan modification but if you are consulting an experienced attorney then they can easily help you with the negotiations.

Loan modification attorneys have started to specialize in this area, therefore nowadays you can easily find an attorney for your process, but it is highly advisable to prefer the most reliable one. Therefore, if you are searching for the best then you can easily take the help of the internet.

They are the leading service providers that offer high standard attorney service to people suffering from loan issues. Before modifying any mortgage, their professionals will help you to to investigate the HARP 2.0 programs before making any decision. Their professionals will complete the modification, and will allow you to have insurmountable amount of past due payments. They excel in providing several benefits which include Unlimited Loan-to-Value Restrictions, Lower Banking Fees & Rates, Owner, Investment, Second Homes OK, 30, 20 & 15 Terms Available, Less “Red Tape” and More Lender Participation.

The home affordable refinance program harprequire a quick eligibility which includes that your home loan is owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, loan should be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac before May 31, 2009, you are currently on your mortgage payments, you owe more than your home is worth, or is there minimal equity in your home, you have made all of your mortgage payments on time in the last 6 months and you have had NO sixty (60) day late payments in the past 12 months.

Their loan modification specialistwill make it easier for lenders to refinance HARP-eligible mortgages which otherwise would be difficult. Their services will help you to stand in a better position by experiencing a reduction in monthly principal and interest payments. Their efforts will move you from a more risky loan structure to a more stable product. Their home improvement loans

The main aim of the loan modification is to provide access to low-cost refinancing for responsible homeowners suffering from falling home prices. Their solution provide mortgage insurance flexibilities and offer mortgage refinances with no limits on LTV.

For more information regarding their services and facilities you can directly log on to their website. Customers are given special attention and the queries are dealt with special care, so feel free to contact them.

So you just got a new Mac huh? And now you’re trying to figure out how to make the transition from life as a Windows user to a new operating system. Finding the right personal finance software can be a challenge. If you were using Quicken on your old Windows computer, you’ve probably heard that there is a version of Quicken just for the Macintosh computer. Unfortunately, many of the features found in Windows Quicken. Also, using an emulator (letting you run Windows applications on a Mac) can get complicated and is prone to its own set of problems. So now what to do?
I suggest looking into Liquid Ledger. This personal finance software solution comes with a robust set of features which can help you track your money down to the last cent. The goal of any good money application is to let you see what you’re spending and what you’re bringing in. Once you determine this, you can make wiser choices about how to budget your money. Here are some features that Liquid Ledger offers:
* The program saves you time and energy by allowing you to automatically schedule regularly occurring payments. The software will alert you when the payment is due, keeping you from having to remember all those bills. You also have the peace of mind that forgetting a payment is a thing of the past.
* Create a budget, then compare how much you planned to spend against how much you actually spent. This lets you see your situation all during the month and find out why the money always seems to disappear.
* Liquid Ledger lets you create powerful reports that let you determine your net worth.
* If you’re a programmer (or even if you’re not), you can use AppleScript to automatically perform repetitive tasks within the program, saving you even more time!
* Travel a lot? Need an application that lets you go back and forth between different currencies? No problem! Liquid Ledger seamlessly transfers funds from one account to another in any number of currencies.
* Liquid Ledger uses bank jargon you’re already familiar with as a customer. This means you won’t be left scratching your head wondering what this or that means.
* You can print your own checks…how cool is that! As long as you have either a laser-jet printer or inkjet printer, you can use the drag-and-drop GUI to create custom templates.
* No need to enter data over again from your old OS-you can import (and export) account information in QIF, CSV, and OFX formats.
Using Liquid Ledger, you can track transactions, keep up with investments, and balance your checkbook, all inside a straightforward user interface that’s a snap to learn. So if you’re making the switch from Windows to Mac, you owe it to yourself to take a look at Liquid Ledger for your personal finance software needs.

News has become a part and parcel of modern lifestyle. No matter whether you are watching television news or reading a newspaper or reading news stories at a news portal, the objective is the same getting updated with what is happening around you in all aspects. Businessmen, investors, and corporate people give more importance on business news rather than other news. And for investors and businessmen in the Indian market, business news on India caters to their thirst for information every now and then. Most people rely on a market news portal that carries detailed information related to business news on India. The greatest advantage of reading news at such a platform is that you can read a relevant news article several times and browse through the numerous pages at ease to your hearts content and to your convenience.

The influence of business is such that even those who are not involved in any stock market investment or business do read business news on India. In the future if they happen to start investing, they will set sail easily no matter what the tide is. To assess the direction of a trend, especially for short term and long term trading, collect statistical data records of market fluctuations over a certain period of time.

You can also view the up-to-the-minute currency exchange rates at a market news platform. Almost all financial sites do run online calculators to help you calculate the currency values and thus find the currency exchange rates of the desired countries. For international traders and forex traders, getting updated with the latest currency exchange rates is a must. Once you are updated with market news, will no doubt stay away from confusion in case of taking an investment decision.

The activities in the money market change according to what the investors do with stocks and commodities. There are varied investment options in the market today. If you read market news regularly you will know about the latest investment products as well as existing ones that are lucrative. This way you can diversify your investment plans and facilitate yourself and your family with a secured present and future.