Thousands of people have laser vision correction every year. You probably have co-workers, neighbors, friends and family who ve had some type of vision correction procedure like LASIK. Thousands more each year consider improving their vision with eye surgery but say that fear, time or finances prohibit them from moving forward. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, those who think that laser vision correction is too expensive will see just how affordable it can be.
There are numerous ways to save money on laser vision correction. (Choosing the cheapest surgeon in town is not the recommended solution, by the way.) From employer-sponsored flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts to finance companies that cater to laser vision correction patients, solutions abound.
3rd Party Financing
You have many options when it comes to third party finance companies. You can talk with your local bank or credit union. If you don t have local banking resources, you can also apply to companies that specialize in fee-for-service elective medical procedures. A couple of the most popular choices are Care Credit and CapitalOne Healthcare financing. Typically, these companies offer plans with six, nine, twelve months or more of interest-free financing with lower interest rates than traditional credit cards. Interest rates are dependent on your credit rating.
Credit Cards
There are a plethora of companies out there today with great incentives to use their credit card. Whether it is cash back rewards, airline miles or points that you can redeem for vacations, tickets or cruises, a credit card with a low interest rate may be the right choice for you if you are building points or miles toward a particular reward.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Check with your employer to see if this option is available to you. Some companies offer medical spending accounts so that you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for medical expenses. You can use the dollars for medical insurance premiums or for qualified medical expenditures. Laser vision correction is a qualified expense for most plans but be sure to confirm this with your human resources department for deciding to set this aside for the year. The most important thing to remember about flexible spending plans is that if you don t use the set-aside dollars for the plan year, you lose them. However, there is also a huge benefit to you. You get to use more of your money since it is saved at a pre-tax level and the money is taken from you in equal payments from your paycheck throughout the plan year just as if you were making payments to a credit card company only there s no interest to pay.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Another option to investigate with your employer is the use of a health savings account. Like flexible spending accounts, the money to fund the account is taken from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis and can be used to pay qualified medical expenses. However, unlike the flexible spending accounts, you own the account and whatever money you don t spend on medical expenses is yours to keep and rollover to the next plan year. There are rules and restrictions with these accounts so be sure to get all the details from your human resources department.
Medical Expenses Deduction
And last but not least, you can hit up Uncle Sam for a deduction on your IRS income tax return if you qualify. Generally, if you itemize deductions on your tax return and your medical expenses equal or exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income, you can claim them as a deduction. For more detailed instructions, please talk to your tax adviser.
So you see (pardon the pun), if you really want to correct your sight with a laser vision correction procedure, you can afford it. Explore all of the above options and you re sure to find something that can make laser vision correction fit into your budget this year.
Friday, May 4, 2007
What Your Credit Report Says About You
Your credit report reveals your credit history as for your payment history, how much credit you have extended, prior applications for loans and credit cards. Your past and present addresses are on your credit report along with prior employers. This report also gives every name and variation that you have used to obtain or apply for credit.
Your social security number tracks your every move in the financial world. If someone else uses your social security number, this shows up on your credit record as coming from you. In some cases, fraudulent credit and identity theft can be avoided by checking your credit report annually. For the most part, if you see something wrong on your credit report and question it right away, clearing it from your credit history with proper documentation avoids further problems with your ability to apply and receive credit.
Credit history tells lenders about how you pay your bills. If you pay on time, within one month after becoming due and past sixty days. This allows lenders and creditors to see whether you are a good candidate for a loan or credit card. This also helps lenders determine how much money you can receive at that time.
Many employers now conduct a credit check before hiring. The new ruling that came about a few years back, allows the employer to do a credit check in order to determine if you are a good candidate for the job you are applying for in a specific field. The credit checks supply all the information in your credit history.
Viewing your annual free credit report helps in many ways, if you want to buy a home, get a credit card or a loan, receive some types of insurance or in getting a job, you need to know your credit history and what it says about you before doing anything, including applying for a job. People usually find out they were turned down for a job because of a credit check and later found out the credit history was inaccurate.
The annual free credit report tells if you have been married and divorced as well as vehicles that you may have owned. Your credit report is your life history and needs checking yearly for accuracy to insure your future credit and buying power. Your ability to keep track of your credit history every year prevents so many problems that arise at the time of a personal or home loan.
Once you realize how your credit report and credit score affect your every day life, you will want a copy every year to view for any inconsistencies that appear on the report. Corrections usually clear up any misunderstanding that occurs because of your credit history.
You can also find more information at Free Annual Credit Report and Free Credit Report Online. Creditscorereportguide.org is a comprehensive resource to find guidness about credit score.
Your social security number tracks your every move in the financial world. If someone else uses your social security number, this shows up on your credit record as coming from you. In some cases, fraudulent credit and identity theft can be avoided by checking your credit report annually. For the most part, if you see something wrong on your credit report and question it right away, clearing it from your credit history with proper documentation avoids further problems with your ability to apply and receive credit.
Credit history tells lenders about how you pay your bills. If you pay on time, within one month after becoming due and past sixty days. This allows lenders and creditors to see whether you are a good candidate for a loan or credit card. This also helps lenders determine how much money you can receive at that time.
Many employers now conduct a credit check before hiring. The new ruling that came about a few years back, allows the employer to do a credit check in order to determine if you are a good candidate for the job you are applying for in a specific field. The credit checks supply all the information in your credit history.
Viewing your annual free credit report helps in many ways, if you want to buy a home, get a credit card or a loan, receive some types of insurance or in getting a job, you need to know your credit history and what it says about you before doing anything, including applying for a job. People usually find out they were turned down for a job because of a credit check and later found out the credit history was inaccurate.
The annual free credit report tells if you have been married and divorced as well as vehicles that you may have owned. Your credit report is your life history and needs checking yearly for accuracy to insure your future credit and buying power. Your ability to keep track of your credit history every year prevents so many problems that arise at the time of a personal or home loan.
Once you realize how your credit report and credit score affect your every day life, you will want a copy every year to view for any inconsistencies that appear on the report. Corrections usually clear up any misunderstanding that occurs because of your credit history.
You can also find more information at Free Annual Credit Report and Free Credit Report Online. Creditscorereportguide.org is a comprehensive resource to find guidness about credit score.
Detailed Information About Business Gold Delta Skymiles from American Express
The American Express has come up with the Business Gold Delta Skymiles from American Express aimed at the small business sector. The card promises the much needed financial help in the form of a credit line of up to $50000. The card is very apt for the business owners who can take advantage of savings on flying miles as the card enables the customers to accumulate considerable airline miles for the Delta and Song airlines.
The Basic Features Of The Card
The annual fee applicable is $85, which is waived off for the first year. An applicant, having a charge card account with the American Express, however, will enjoy a special benefit and will be charged a mere $30 towards fee for the Business Gold Delta Skymiles Card.
The card has a regular APR of 17.99 percent, which is above the average. You should have no problems if you clear your payments regularly. Defaulters, i.e., people who carry balances, will find the card not very beneficial and they will accrue huge credit card debts.
The Card Benefits
The Business Gold Delta Skymiles from American Express awards the users with points. If you spend one dollar on general purchases, then you can earn one point. According to the double points program, you can take back 2 points for every dollar spent at super markets gas stations, drug stores and United States postal services. You can also earn double points if you use the card to make purchases with Delta and Song airlines or for wireless phone bills.
The good news is that the miles earned have no expiration period but you should keep your account active for a three-year time period.
You will receive 15000 start-up miles for making the first purchase with the card. You will be awarded with additional 5000 bonus miles for making purchases worth $15000 and $25000 annually. You will also be eligible for 1000 bonus miles for each additional card application submitted with the basic card application (for up to five additional cards).
Equipped with this card you can save money for the discounts at the FedEx, AT&T, Hertz and many more.
The Extra Benefits
The Business Gold Delta Skymiles from American Express offers a myriad of other benefits and perquisites. You can receive purchase protection related services, travel accident insurance and discounts from those merchants and retailers who are a member of the American Express network. You can also benefit from the various account related services, purchase protection, emergency check in service and other similar services.
Richard Gilliland Provides Expert opinions and reviews to help you Compare and Apply for a Credit Card - Compare Credit Card Offers with Credit-Wisdom.com - Unraveling the best in Personal and Business Credit Cards.
The Basic Features Of The Card
The annual fee applicable is $85, which is waived off for the first year. An applicant, having a charge card account with the American Express, however, will enjoy a special benefit and will be charged a mere $30 towards fee for the Business Gold Delta Skymiles Card.
The card has a regular APR of 17.99 percent, which is above the average. You should have no problems if you clear your payments regularly. Defaulters, i.e., people who carry balances, will find the card not very beneficial and they will accrue huge credit card debts.
The Card Benefits
The Business Gold Delta Skymiles from American Express awards the users with points. If you spend one dollar on general purchases, then you can earn one point. According to the double points program, you can take back 2 points for every dollar spent at super markets gas stations, drug stores and United States postal services. You can also earn double points if you use the card to make purchases with Delta and Song airlines or for wireless phone bills.
The good news is that the miles earned have no expiration period but you should keep your account active for a three-year time period.
You will receive 15000 start-up miles for making the first purchase with the card. You will be awarded with additional 5000 bonus miles for making purchases worth $15000 and $25000 annually. You will also be eligible for 1000 bonus miles for each additional card application submitted with the basic card application (for up to five additional cards).
Equipped with this card you can save money for the discounts at the FedEx, AT&T, Hertz and many more.
The Extra Benefits
The Business Gold Delta Skymiles from American Express offers a myriad of other benefits and perquisites. You can receive purchase protection related services, travel accident insurance and discounts from those merchants and retailers who are a member of the American Express network. You can also benefit from the various account related services, purchase protection, emergency check in service and other similar services.
Richard Gilliland Provides Expert opinions and reviews to help you Compare and Apply for a Credit Card - Compare Credit Card Offers with Credit-Wisdom.com - Unraveling the best in Personal and Business Credit Cards.
Comparing Business Credit Cards For Profit
Every credit card company wants to get your business. In most cases, though, only one will get it. This means that if you are to get the best deal out there for you and your business, that you are going to have to shop around. Here are some tips on what to look for so that your business can have more than just credit, but also have some savings, too, along with it.
Start With The Type Of Card
You already know what kinds of business expenses require a lot of money each month. This means that in order for you to get the most savings, you need to match a credit card - if possible, with this expense. For instance, if one of your expenses is gas for your vehicles, then this is the type of card to look for. Or, if you or your agents fly a lot, then you would want a business credit card that will give you the highest rewards in air miles and hotel points.
Look At The Rewards Given
A lot of savings can be earned here. Some business credit cards will give you the highest percentage of points on things that your business uses regularly - like office supplies, building supplies, or even hardware supplies. Another card may give you great savings on all of your wireless services. While these features typically come on a more general type of business credit card, points on these types of purchases could mean the greatest savings for you or your business.
Obviously, the choice could be difficult. Still, most business credit cards will give you additional savings on your other purchases, too. You also may be able to take advantage of a card that gives you a lot of points as soon as you make your first purchase with the card, or go with a business credit card that will allow you to use your points to purchase new vehicles.
Consider The Interest Rate And Fees
Just about every business credit card comes with an interest rate. This can range anywhere from 7.99%up to 18.24%. You definitely want to take this into consideration if you normally leave a balance on the card. On the other hand, the interest rate will not matter if you always pay the balance on time every month. For those cards that do not have an interest rate, they will have an annual fee which can range from about $40 to about $125. If you leave a balance on the card, the annual fee may be a better deal for you. Be sure to compare any other fees, too.
Get Balance Transfer
If you already have an existing balance on another credit card, and are paying high interest, then you need balance transfer. Most business credit cards only allow you to have this feature for the life of the introductory offer - some are shorter. Others, though, may allow you to have 0% APR interest for the life of the transfer, giving you great savings. Watch out for charges when you make transfers.
Find out about getting extra business credit cards for your other employees that may need them. This is often free of charge, but not all companies provide this service.
Start With The Type Of Card
You already know what kinds of business expenses require a lot of money each month. This means that in order for you to get the most savings, you need to match a credit card - if possible, with this expense. For instance, if one of your expenses is gas for your vehicles, then this is the type of card to look for. Or, if you or your agents fly a lot, then you would want a business credit card that will give you the highest rewards in air miles and hotel points.
Look At The Rewards Given
A lot of savings can be earned here. Some business credit cards will give you the highest percentage of points on things that your business uses regularly - like office supplies, building supplies, or even hardware supplies. Another card may give you great savings on all of your wireless services. While these features typically come on a more general type of business credit card, points on these types of purchases could mean the greatest savings for you or your business.
Obviously, the choice could be difficult. Still, most business credit cards will give you additional savings on your other purchases, too. You also may be able to take advantage of a card that gives you a lot of points as soon as you make your first purchase with the card, or go with a business credit card that will allow you to use your points to purchase new vehicles.
Consider The Interest Rate And Fees
Just about every business credit card comes with an interest rate. This can range anywhere from 7.99%up to 18.24%. You definitely want to take this into consideration if you normally leave a balance on the card. On the other hand, the interest rate will not matter if you always pay the balance on time every month. For those cards that do not have an interest rate, they will have an annual fee which can range from about $40 to about $125. If you leave a balance on the card, the annual fee may be a better deal for you. Be sure to compare any other fees, too.
Get Balance Transfer
If you already have an existing balance on another credit card, and are paying high interest, then you need balance transfer. Most business credit cards only allow you to have this feature for the life of the introductory offer - some are shorter. Others, though, may allow you to have 0% APR interest for the life of the transfer, giving you great savings. Watch out for charges when you make transfers.
Find out about getting extra business credit cards for your other employees that may need them. This is often free of charge, but not all companies provide this service.
Wooing Small Business with Business Credit Cards
A few weeks ago (April 18, 2007), Discover Financial Services launched a new business credit card that offers frequent flier miles to small business owners. Among the credit card brands, Discover was one of the last to start offering business credit cards to the small business sector. Reportedly, this is only the latest in a virtual avalanche of business credit cards designed for small business.
One cannot but wonder at the sudden interest.
Perhaps a glance at recent research material will offer some clues. Data shows that in 2006, the small business sector spent $4.9 trillion; but only one-twentieth (5%) of that money was paid through business credit cards in any form (credit or debit card). The credit card companies now want in on that huge market, and believe they can induce small business owners to not only make use of their business credit cards but also to spend more on their cards.
To achieve this, the credit card companies will have to convince the small business owners to use business credit cards in less traditional ways. Traditionally, business credit cards have largely been used to cover travel and entertainment expenses. What card companies want is for businesses to use their business credit cards for everyday spend.
This is the reason behind the new cash back rewards business credit cards. These cards offer 5% discounts on purchases of office supplies, gasoline, courier services and other essential business needs. MasterCard even went as far as launching a business credit card targeted at a specific industry: contractors and construction companies. MasterCard was also the first card company to provide zero-liability protection to small business credit card holders.
Discover's recently launched business credit cards offer small business the chance to purchase checkbooks. This enables small business owners to pay for purchases from vendors that don't accept business credit cards. These checkbooks tap into the spending limit on their Discover business credit cards. Visa offers a directly competing program.
American Express sponsors various networking events for small business credit card holders. It also features one of the most extensive business resource databases to help users of its business credit cards to address and resolve their everyday business management problems and concerns.
How big is the potential market for business credit cards, you may ask? If you take the $4.9 trillion small business spending in 2006 and double the current business credit card spend from 5% ($245 billion) to 10%, you have $490 billion. If you charge 15% interest on that, you have a $74 billion potential contribution to profits. In fact, market research companies forecast double-digit growth in small business credit cards between now and 2010, and total charges are projected to reach $740.2 billion by that year. That is a lot of profit.
It has been an uphill climb to get small business owners to subscribe to an expanded use of business credit cards. It takes time, but eventually business owners will respond. One issue that business credit card issuers will have to address is the marked preference of small businesses to pay their full balance for the month as and when it falls due. Card companies do not earn from such transactions. That should be food enough for thought.
One cannot but wonder at the sudden interest.
Perhaps a glance at recent research material will offer some clues. Data shows that in 2006, the small business sector spent $4.9 trillion; but only one-twentieth (5%) of that money was paid through business credit cards in any form (credit or debit card). The credit card companies now want in on that huge market, and believe they can induce small business owners to not only make use of their business credit cards but also to spend more on their cards.
To achieve this, the credit card companies will have to convince the small business owners to use business credit cards in less traditional ways. Traditionally, business credit cards have largely been used to cover travel and entertainment expenses. What card companies want is for businesses to use their business credit cards for everyday spend.
This is the reason behind the new cash back rewards business credit cards. These cards offer 5% discounts on purchases of office supplies, gasoline, courier services and other essential business needs. MasterCard even went as far as launching a business credit card targeted at a specific industry: contractors and construction companies. MasterCard was also the first card company to provide zero-liability protection to small business credit card holders.
Discover's recently launched business credit cards offer small business the chance to purchase checkbooks. This enables small business owners to pay for purchases from vendors that don't accept business credit cards. These checkbooks tap into the spending limit on their Discover business credit cards. Visa offers a directly competing program.
American Express sponsors various networking events for small business credit card holders. It also features one of the most extensive business resource databases to help users of its business credit cards to address and resolve their everyday business management problems and concerns.
How big is the potential market for business credit cards, you may ask? If you take the $4.9 trillion small business spending in 2006 and double the current business credit card spend from 5% ($245 billion) to 10%, you have $490 billion. If you charge 15% interest on that, you have a $74 billion potential contribution to profits. In fact, market research companies forecast double-digit growth in small business credit cards between now and 2010, and total charges are projected to reach $740.2 billion by that year. That is a lot of profit.
It has been an uphill climb to get small business owners to subscribe to an expanded use of business credit cards. It takes time, but eventually business owners will respond. One issue that business credit card issuers will have to address is the marked preference of small businesses to pay their full balance for the month as and when it falls due. Card companies do not earn from such transactions. That should be food enough for thought.
A Loan Based On Your Income
When you are borrowing not on the basis of your assets but only on the basis of your monthly income, it obviously follows that the loan amount that you can get is limited. This is because your assets may run into several thousand pounds but your income is usually limited. So, the amount of loan that you may get based on your income is also quite limited.
Your home is safe in case of unsecured loans. The lender has nothing to do with your assets. Even if you advertently or inadvertently make any default in repayment, the lender can only bring a suit against you in the court of law but he cannot repossess your assets. It means that your assets are hundred per cent safe in case of unsecured loans.
Apart from the above said advantages, an unsecured loan also bestows upon you the following advantages:
Quick processing - Unsecured loan permits the borrower to access fast cash by just filling a simple application form. Unsecured loan is ideal if you require money in quick time.
Appropriate for short term debts - If you require finance for up to ten years, then an unsecured loan is ideal for you.
Multi purpose uses - You can use an unsecured loan to repay your credit card bills, medical expenses, holiday expenses, home improvement expenses and much more.
Also available in bad credit situations - Some lenders can provide you an unsecured loan even in case of bad credit history. The rate of interest is bound to be high in such cases.
You can also get your unsecured loan online. This makes it possible for you to apply from the comfort of your home. You do not need to personally visit the lenders' premises. This aspect makes an unsecured loan to be more consumer-friendly.
Your home is safe in case of unsecured loans. The lender has nothing to do with your assets. Even if you advertently or inadvertently make any default in repayment, the lender can only bring a suit against you in the court of law but he cannot repossess your assets. It means that your assets are hundred per cent safe in case of unsecured loans.
Apart from the above said advantages, an unsecured loan also bestows upon you the following advantages:
Quick processing - Unsecured loan permits the borrower to access fast cash by just filling a simple application form. Unsecured loan is ideal if you require money in quick time.
Appropriate for short term debts - If you require finance for up to ten years, then an unsecured loan is ideal for you.
Multi purpose uses - You can use an unsecured loan to repay your credit card bills, medical expenses, holiday expenses, home improvement expenses and much more.
Also available in bad credit situations - Some lenders can provide you an unsecured loan even in case of bad credit history. The rate of interest is bound to be high in such cases.
You can also get your unsecured loan online. This makes it possible for you to apply from the comfort of your home. You do not need to personally visit the lenders' premises. This aspect makes an unsecured loan to be more consumer-friendly.
EARN MONEY SURVEY
Google ships ads out to other search engines and content networks. Content network is the default setting for Google Adwords. Being in the Content network of Google is like the kiss of death for any marketer and their wallet. Ads shown here get killed in the click through rate (CTR) because the user isn't looking to click ads, they are interested in the website's content- not your ad. Besides this, on the rare occasion they do click your ad, conversions are miniscule. This is also where fraud occurs. Adsense based sites get their ads from the Content network. Ever heard of click robots...earn money survey
2. Keywords are too general
Let's say someone is in the mortgage industry... they shouldn't use the general word 'mortgage' if they are selling reverse mortgages or second mortgages. Some people figure the word 'mortgage' will cover their bases, but it only drains their bank account...earn money survey
3. Use quotes and brackets around your keywords If a marketer is using the keywords making money on the internet and doesn't use quotes or brackets, then ANY search that has ANY of those 5 words in it will trigger an impression and drive your CTR down dramatically.
If a searcher uses the words 'making chocolate brownies' your ad pops up. The quotes and brackets specify the keyword phrase you want to focus on. With quotes, your search phrase stays intact but may have other words before or after it. With brackets, the seracher only used those 5 words in the exact order YOU put them in...earn money survey
4. Put the keyword in the title or body of your ad About 80% of marketers don't use the keyword in their ads at all. I put in the words 'training my dog' and only one ad was an exact match. It's true that people search based on what they want to achieve. Training my dog was my goal. Another example would be 'buy tires'. If 'buy tires' were in the title or body of the ad this would add to the quality score.
5. There's a way to cut a deal with other search engines and bypass the content network There are 3 places Google shows ads: a. Home page b. Content network c. Other search engines
It's not uncommon to have 40% of your ads shipped out to other search engines. Once you track this activity you can cut a deal with them and pay half the price per click.
People who have a bad CTR and poor quality score end up paying more per click for minimal results. Google makes a fortune on desperate advertisers who are often novices in the business opportunity industry.
The average click through price for an inexperienced marketer in this arena is $2.00-$4.00/click. Experienced marketers only pay $.75-$1.00/click.
Google will alternate quality ads and poor ads on the home page in order to satisfy both revenue and users search queries. However, the poor expensive ads are usually getting low conversion therefore draining your account. Is it any wonder the stock price was north of $500 a share earlier this year?
2. Keywords are too general
Let's say someone is in the mortgage industry... they shouldn't use the general word 'mortgage' if they are selling reverse mortgages or second mortgages. Some people figure the word 'mortgage' will cover their bases, but it only drains their bank account...earn money survey
3. Use quotes and brackets around your keywords If a marketer is using the keywords making money on the internet and doesn't use quotes or brackets, then ANY search that has ANY of those 5 words in it will trigger an impression and drive your CTR down dramatically.
If a searcher uses the words 'making chocolate brownies' your ad pops up. The quotes and brackets specify the keyword phrase you want to focus on. With quotes, your search phrase stays intact but may have other words before or after it. With brackets, the seracher only used those 5 words in the exact order YOU put them in...earn money survey
4. Put the keyword in the title or body of your ad About 80% of marketers don't use the keyword in their ads at all. I put in the words 'training my dog' and only one ad was an exact match. It's true that people search based on what they want to achieve. Training my dog was my goal. Another example would be 'buy tires'. If 'buy tires' were in the title or body of the ad this would add to the quality score.
5. There's a way to cut a deal with other search engines and bypass the content network There are 3 places Google shows ads: a. Home page b. Content network c. Other search engines
It's not uncommon to have 40% of your ads shipped out to other search engines. Once you track this activity you can cut a deal with them and pay half the price per click.
People who have a bad CTR and poor quality score end up paying more per click for minimal results. Google makes a fortune on desperate advertisers who are often novices in the business opportunity industry.
The average click through price for an inexperienced marketer in this arena is $2.00-$4.00/click. Experienced marketers only pay $.75-$1.00/click.
Google will alternate quality ads and poor ads on the home page in order to satisfy both revenue and users search queries. However, the poor expensive ads are usually getting low conversion therefore draining your account. Is it any wonder the stock price was north of $500 a share earlier this year?
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