Personal finances

The National City - First Niagara switch-over

PG Admin12 — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:12:25 GMT

How has the switch to First Niagara gone for you? Please share your stories in this forum.

Credit Card Debt Consolidation Loans For Eliminate Your Debt

claire989 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:04:47 GMT

Credit Card Debt Consolidation Loans For Eliminate Your Debt

“As it comes to merge your debt, the internet provides you the best three alternatives. Whereas you need to select from credit card debt consolidation loan , credit card debt management, or credit card debt settlement, you should be aware of each one of them before selecting the best option, which suits your requirements.” Free Debt Consultant Services

Many individuals are not aware of this three debt elimination programs , however all of these three have unique aspect of helping individuals paying their debts at ease. Debt Consolidation Loan A consolidate unsecured debt loan gets all of your high interest credit card debts and revolves into one single low interest loan. To qualify for such type of loan you need to be homeowner. The plan behind this is to consolidated your all the debts for a loan which has a lower rate of interest, which will in fact be able to afford to pay on the actually amount. Moreover, it would help you eventually get out of your debts. For More Info Get Free Debt Consultant Services

• Debt Management

Debt management companies deal through individuals to help them learning to get control over their finances. These debt management companies train individuals how to design a budget, stick to it, and even help them in making a program to chase for paying off their debts. Many credit card debt management companies are non-profit and exist exclusively to facilitate individuals getting on right path. These companies don’t provide loans or negotiations and they rarely deal with creditors. Instead, they would work with you, so you would get the tools to safe your financial future.

• Debt Settlement

Debt settlement companies in fact visit your creditors on your behalf. These companies really work hard to negotiate by credit card companies to lessen what you in fact owed. They even help you in getting lower rate of interest, would lessen your late payment penalties, and even obtain credit card companies to lower the actually balance you owed. Many of the credit card debt settlement companies would set a plan where you need to pay them one amount each month and they will make your payments to your creditors. Once you hire these companies, they would help you in correcting your financial standing and will assist you for the best way out. Make them your leading step to your bright financial future but don’t let them exploit you in the loan terms and fees they charge you.

Is the recession over?

PG Admin12 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:52:33 GMT

What will it take for you, personally, to believe that the recession is coming to an end?

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Congress, Credit, Duh!

bossman — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:07:12 GMT

So the new credit card law goes into effect next year. Why not next week?

We'll have to watch our pockets because by next year, anything these companies can do to screw us, they will. Rates, especially , will go up.

I've received notices from 3 companies that I do business with, that my credit limits have been lowered. I've never been late or past due with these companies. Their letters all said they appreciate my business, but they have to do what they have to do. I really wanted to puke, but I really don't care that they cut me off. There will come a time when they will be soliciting new business, and then I'm going to send them their letters back and tell them what they can wipe with them!

Did you ever try to re-negotiate new terms with them like the TV commercial says? For kicks, a few years ago, I tried it. The Pope has a better chance of turning Protestant than we do of getting lower rates or reduced terms.

Too bad that they can't go bankrupt, but our government won't let that happen. The government will let it happen to us, however.

Isn't this a wonderful country?

Bossman Mike

Top 50 forum: How are you coping?

PG Admin12 — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:44:46 GMT

Dear readers:

This year's Top 50 in Business special section will examine how the Pittsburgh region is surviving and thriving in an economic downturn. What steps are you and your family taking to make it through these tough economic times?

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Note: If you would like your comments to be considered for inclusion in the special print edition, please include your name and hometown.

Where's my share?

bossman — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:58:55 GMT

I guess I am fortunate. I just get by, paying my bills. I'm not delinquent on any of them.

I suffer from a serious illness, which is my business and I don't use as an excuse. My bills include my meds.

My question is: because I am responsible, I don't see how I can partake of any of the stimulus package that Alabama, I mean Obama has made available. My income is not great, just enough to get me by, but it is higher than most of those needed to qualify for LIHEAP, etc.

Am I put behind the 8-ball due to other's irresponsibilities? Is this fair? I know I am not the only one in this boat, but something is wrong.

Bossman Mike

Bargain Hunters! Share your stories about the Black Friday shopping experience

PG Admin10 — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:10:00 GMT

What did you find when you hit the stores today ... share your updates and anecdotes from savvy shopping's extreme sport: Black Friday.

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How will the credit crisis impact you?

PG Admin1 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:29:34 GMT

Investment experts say the evolving credit crisis could have a profound impact on individual investors, from working longer to pay for retirement to living more frugally [ read Post-Gazette story. ]

How do you think the crisis will impact you?

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How Will You Protect Your Investments After the Most Turbulent Week in Wall Street's History?

Toadsly — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:16:44 GMT

The government’s “Cash for Trash” intervention that turned around the sharp decline in financials on Wall Street is buying investors precious time to reformulate their asset allocations and forestall financial disaster.

Pittsburgh has many well-informed investors, and I hope they’ll share their expertise with the less enlightened. Health experts counsel patients to learn as much about their condition as possible, so they can monitor their care and increase chances for recovery, and that advice rings true for investing.

Here’s my take on current conditions:

Until we reach the bottom in the housing market, and it starts to recover, financials are extremely risky. The half-a-trillion dollar financial bailout will restore confidence in the banking sector, but no one knows the total amount of red ink institutions have accumulated until housing starts to recover. This giant pail of American debt Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson is creating may lead to hyperinflation.

Another troubling move that helped Wall Street recover is the ban on short selling for 800 listed companies. Some experts say this intervention creates false prices and when the ban is lifted, on October 2, a crash of epic proportions will occur as all that pent up short selling explodes. I THINK IT’S A CERTAINTY THIS BAN WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL AFTER THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION!

My advice is to favor companies with large cash reserves. Buy large cap technologies; industrials; commodities. Many of these companies were going up as financials crashed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. As always diversify; liquidity is a big plus in a churning market – protecting your investments; not growth, is paramount. Stay away from the BRIC countries for now!

Do you agree with my evaluation? If not, or if so, please add your expertise. We, small investors, need your savvy input!