Archive for August, 2010 « Previous Entries

Bad Credit Loan Specialist BHM Financial Announces New Division Specializing in Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Funding

By Cassandra_BHM | August 30, 2010

BHM Financial Group, a privately owned financing company specializing in bad and no credit loans has announced their most recent addition to their lending base. The new division MEDILOANS, will specialize in the funding of loans for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in Canada.   This has come about due to BHM Financials sponsoring of PLASTIC SURGERY PORTAL CA .COM which focused on delivering information on Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. Offering an unbiased informational portal , visitors can look for information about procedures, surgeons, risks and any and all important information that helps them in making a informed decisions. After repeated inquires to financing for procedures,  BHM Financial realized a need to offer funding for this type of loan that does not require the same lending criteria as mainstream lenders. Often these types of loans require a lender who recognizes the specific needs of its potential clients and who can meet them. BHM Financial has had a history of providing a specialized type of lending and offers private funding with bypasses the red tape often involved in funding these types of loans. Similar to BHM Financials Car, Truck, RV, Boat and Trailer Tile Loan division, MEDILOANS  base their funding on collateralized loans as additional financing option for their clients.

Unlike typical credit card or personal type lenders can lend limited amounts, usually under $5,000 and require a high FICA score Mediloans, will have the ability to lend between $1,000 and $10,000 for periods of between 1 and 4 years and the clients credit profile does not affect the approval process.

Tina Andes , Marketing Manager for PLASTIC SURGERY PORTAL CA.COM explains the reasons behind the program’s creation, “After spending years in the plastic surgery industry in Beverly Hills ,California and being part of several cutting edge marketing ideas like the reality series “DR 90210″  I always knew there was a demand and a deficiency in the information available and most important the funding for these types of procedures.  BHM Financial was open minded enough to sponsor PLASTIC SURGERYPORTALCA.COM and create MEDILOANS to fill the much needed gap. It’s really a win-win situation for our potential clients and MEDILOANS.” She continues, “Plastic and Cosmetic surgery no longer is just for the stars. Even when looking for work in this economy having some procedures done can give you the confidence that may make the difference or even just help you feel better about yourself.” She adds, “Now that we have a place for people to go to learn about all their options and a way they can finance it as well.”

The loans being offered are called car title loans. These loans are specifically designed for individuals and businesses with bad credit. Since most major banks no longer approve bad credit loans, private lenders such as BHM fill the gap. Car title loans, as the name suggests, are loans that are secured by the equity in the borrower’s vehicle. Because loans are secured the borrower’s credit history is much less significant than with standard loans. Car title loans provided by both Mediloans can be approved within hours and can be processed and funded within 24 hours of the application.

For information on loans provided by Mediloans and BHM Financial Group, the company be contacted by phone at (877)-787-1682 or visit the web site at www.bhmfinancial.com or www.plasticsurgeryportalca.com.

Posted in PR

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How Many Ways Can You Say “Stop Spending!”

By Cassandra_BHM | August 25, 2010

It cannot be said too often that the way people get into financial hot water is because they have over spent. Too easy access to credit, failing to budget, not knowing how much they are really earning-or spending, has kept too many people in the red for far too long. So, here it is again, the Number One Rule to get your life back in the black. Print it out in big bold black letters and stick it to your fridge.

Stop spending. That’s pretty much it. If you stop spending, eventually you’ll get your life back on track. When you do spend, make sure you always spend less than you earn. The only way you can be sure of that is to follow Rule Number Two.

Make a budget. Again, this rule simply cannot be overstated. Without a budget to guide your spending, it’s far too easy to drop $100, $200, or even more, without thinking. Don’t agree? When was the last time you went to the mall, got your hair cut & colored on a whim, bought new jeans, two CDs, and ate lunch out? Make a budget.

This can be as simple as writing down your income each month, from every single source (including cash sources) and then your expenses. If you find that your expenses exceed your income (which, if you’re in the red, is certainly the case) then you have to cut back on your spending. That means looking for places in the spending part of your budget to cut back on. The easiest way to do that is to create two lists regarding your budget, one that has fixed costs, and one that has discretionary costs.

Discretionary costs are the things you pay for that you could do without, or at least reduce, such as groceries, cable, internet, DVDs, and even utilities like water and electricity. Even fixed costs that you think you have to pay, such as rent, can almost always be lowered-sometimes dramatically. It’s just a matter of choice. And many other costs, like insurance or credit card rates, can also be negotiated. It’s a matter of determination, and the willingness to spend the time on the telephone negotiating a lower fee or rate.

Begin paying back. Whatever debts you have incurred, if you haven’t declared bankruptcy, can be paid back at a rate that you can afford. Again, it’s a matter of contacting your creditors, and negotiating a repayment scheme. Sometimes your lines of credit or cards may be shut down, but that’s a small price to pay to get your financial life back in the black. And credit cards can always be re-issued.

Start saving something. If you have already begun a repayment scheme, now add a savings plan to your budget. Make it an automatic deduction from your bank each month into an account that your debit card cannot access. Don’t worry if it’s only $10 or $20-the action is more important than the amount, at this point. Eventually shoot for 10% of your gross income.

Every time you stop spending, make a budget, save a little money, or pay a debt down or off, you’ve discovered another way to say “stop spending.” Language like that will soon get you out of debt and living in the black. And that feels fantastic.

Posted in Being Frugal, Reducing Debt

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BHM Financial Group Welcomes Vernon Cash Solutions to their New Payday Lender Program

By Cassandra_BHM | August 24, 2010

BHM Financial a Vernon Cash Solutions, a Vernon, B.C. based Payday loan provider has joined forces with Car Title loan provider, BHM Financial Group. The companies have connected through BHM’s new Payday Affiliate Program which enables Payday lenders to offer their clientele a larger number of services, including car title loans. BHM Financial Group, a privately owned lender of secured bad credit loans, began this new program earlier this year to great success.

The affiliate program geared towards Payday lenders and other financial related service providers enables the smaller lenders to offer larger loans through BHM Financial Group. Vernon Cash Solutions is the newest member of the program and is now able to cater to the needs of a larger clientele. Molly Wider of BHM Financial Group explains the reason for the creation of such a program, “In the past, BHM was only offering our services online. This meant that anyone without an internet connection, or who wasn’t comfortable applying for a loan online wasn’t able to benefit from our services. We decided that the best way to reach customers nationwide (as we currently do online), was to build relationships with already established financial related service providers with storefronts.” She continued, “By affiliating ourselves with lenders such as Vernon Cash Solutions, who already have a valued place in their community, we are able to provide our loans to clients who prefer to apply face to face rather than online and we are able to do so through a reputable member of the community.”

The loans offered through BHM Financial and now, through Vernon Cash Solutions are car title loans. These are loans that are specifically intended for individuals and companies that have bad credit and cannot therefore obtain financing at a standard financial institution. The loans are secured using the value of the borrower’s vehicle, but the car’s title remains in the borrower’s name at all times unless the loan is defaulted.

Payday lenders who sign up for the program who were previously only able to advance small amounts of cash for a limited time - usually up to the borrower’s payday, can now offer loans in amounts anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 and with more flexible repayment terms of between 1 and 3 years. “I think this is a good opportunity for us and for Payday lenders to expand our respective businesses.” Said Wider of the affiliate program, “It really makes sense for us to be working together in this way.”

Car title loans provided by BHM Financial and Vernon Cash Solutions can be approved and funded in as little as 24 hours. Clients of Vernon Cash Solutions will still received the same high standard of service they are used to receiving. BHM’s car title loans will simply be added to their already offered services.

BHM Financial is expanding its Payday lender program throughout the country and is accepting registrations for the program through its website. For information about the Payday lender affiliate program, or BHM Financial’s loans, they can be found on the web at http://www.bhmfinancial.com. For more information on loans provided by Vernon Cash Solutions, the company be reached at (250) 571-3419.

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How Parents can Save for Their Children’s Education

By Cassandra_BHM | August 23, 2010

More than 93 per cent of parents want their children to have a post-secondary education. With the cost of tuition, books and living expenses rising by the month, planning years in advance for these inevitable years of school can alleviate the financial stress of leaving it to the last minute. There are many factors to consider as well when it comes to planning on these expenses, such as if your child will attend out of state, will live at home while in school or will be able to handle a part-time job while attending school. A four-year University program will certainly cost a pretty penny when factoring in the cost of books and supplies.

This cost can take many years to pay off if the fees are funded through student loans, leaving many young students in massive debt, and without a job, on graduation day. It is best to begin saving for your child’s education as soon as you can.

According to Acumen Research, 60 per cent of potential University students do not discuss educational finances with their peers or parents until they are around the tenth grade. This is obviously too late to begin saving. Parents should begin by putting whatever they can away when they children are at a young age. Sean Junor, manager for the Educational Policy Institute suggests finding out what your child’s interests are as they grow up. Keeping tabs on their interests can provide a bit of a guide when it comes to later schooling. If your child is interested in food, then a culinary school could be what you should be saving for.

Knowing this type of information early on allows you, as a parent, to realize if they will be more likely to attend a local college for two years or an international university studying specialized sciences for eight years, for instance. The cost from one option to the other is a staggering difference. Getting an idea of your child’s academic goal will be a great start to knowing the amount of money that will be required.

If putting several hundred dollars a month into an educational account is not feasible, then put away what you can afford, when you can afford it. Junor says, “You’ve got to start somewhere. The key is to sit down and determine how much you have at your disposal to start saving right now.”

Taking advantage of programs such as the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESPs) and the Canada Education Savings Grant early on can also have a significant impact in your end result. RESPs allow for (eventual) tax-free withdrawal. The money put into a Canada Educations Savings account by modest-income families is matched by the government and allows them to begin saving for a Canada Learning Bond. If you live in Alberta, additional programs such as the Alberta Centennial Educations Savings Plan is worth looking into.

Posted in Financial Dreams, Uncategorized

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Financial Choices When you are Young Can Impact Your Retirement

By Cassandra_BHM | August 19, 2010

Retirement should mean having enough money saved so that one does not have to work any more for the rest of their lives. Images of traveling, frolicking on sandy beaches or gardening until your thumbs turn green is how most people define their retirement days. These things are definitely possible as long as you pay attention to the financial choices you make in your younger years.

There are a few things you can do however, that can easily rob you of your retirement dream. I’m sure we’ve all hear the saying ‘champagne tastes on a beer budget’. This refers to people who have a lifestyle that sees them live beyond their financial means. Living beyond your means cannot only suck up each paycheck before you’ve even earned it, it can also dampen your chances at saving a cushy nest egg.

There are many different mindsets when it comes to earning potential. Some people do their best to maximize earnings by utilizing company incentives or having a side-business as well as a full-time job. There are others who are quite content earning just enough to get by each month. Making that effort to earn a little more can really pay off in the long run. Even if it’s only a few hundred dollars a month, it will still add up to a few thousand in your account at the end of the year.

If you have children who have decided to go to University, it should not be left up to you to pay for it. Even though retirement may seem far away, planning for your future should be priority. As parents, saving for a college fund is very generous, but it can also be the gift that robs you of your retirement. With a little effort, students can make their way through university with many of the government programs, student loans, grants and scholarships that are available.

One of the most harmful ways to ruin any chances of a retirement fund is taking on too much debt. There are some exceptions such as university education or a mortgage, but large loans should not be relied on for every little purchase. Whether you’re running to the bank or racking up credit cards, be sure to pay off what you owe as fast as you can. Making only the minimum monthly payments can extend the life of a loan by ten years and cost you thousands of extra dollars. Not only will paying off what you owe quickly save you the interest, it will free up your money for investing.

Posted in Financial Dreams

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Couples and Their Money

By Cassandra_BHM | August 18, 2010

Couples fight about lots of things, and according to a recent survey, they fight most about money. But they’re not fighting about debt, even though Canadians are now deeper in debt doo-doo than ever before. What 86% of couples are fighting about is how they spend their money, according to a recent survey from Credit Canada and Capital One Canada.

In fact, how money gets spent is a much more contentious issue than how much debt a couple has-more than twice as many spouses, 48%, argue about how money is spent than the 24% that argue about their total debt load. And the survey results get even more surprising.

Nearly one in five men, and more than one in five women, have actually hidden their debts from their mates. But lying about money isn’t all that troubles couples and their debts these days.

Couples worry when they cannot stick to their budgets. Who doesn’t? More than 50% reported they were kept awake at night worrying they couldn’t stay with the budgets they had set, and 37% have lain awake worrying about their finances in general. At the same time, one in four couples worrying about their finances had still not reduced their spending because of the recession.

What does this tell us, as Canadian couples?
We need to talk to each other about our spending habits, and our comfort with debt loads, and reach some agreement about how our we’ll pool and spend our resources-before we spend it. Here are a few tips that may help resolve some of the debt tension in your household:

The good news is very few Canadian couples think their money worries will result in divorce. It shouldn’t-his bad credit rating doesn’t affect hers, or vice versa. So even if your partner has bad credit habits, it will only affect you if you have signed on to that new credit card, in-store credit line, line of credit or other credit source.

Posted in Being Frugal, Reducing Debt

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Canadian Pension Plan Requires Improvement

By Cassandra_BHM | August 17, 2010

There was a recent eye-opening announcement from our American neighbours, that almost 3 million Americans have been forced to claim their retirement pensions earlier than expected. That means a few things when it comes to their financial security.

One, by claiming their pension several years before they are eligible to get a full pension, they are only receiving a partial pension. Living on a full pension is not always do-able, which is why so many financial advisors hammer home the need to save that retirement nest egg as soon as you can.

Applying for a retirement pension years earlier than expected also means people stand a chance at running out of funds before they planned. However, Canadians are concerned with the level of CPP they will eventually be collecting as well, so the government has stepped in and offered a pension plan reform. It will see a gradual, yet moderate expansion of the CPP. This means that Canadians could be adding more money now to their eventual government retirement plan.

However, some are concerned that if the younger working class, as in the post-baby boomers, begin to contribute more, they will be paying more into the program than they will get in return when it comes time for them to retire. There are other voiced concerns such as that of Alberta Finance Minister Ted Morton, “We think it’s a gross overreaction and that the problem of underfunding is limited to a small sector of the Canadian workforce and that CPP expansion hits everybody. Secondly, we think CPP is a form of payroll tax and it’s a job killer.”

Quebec’s minister of employment Sam Hamad, wanted to take a ‘wait and see’ approach, saying, “We aren’t for or against what is proposed, however, there are questions on the table and we need to address them as soon as possible. These proposals came on Thursday and we will take the time to look at them.”

Other CPP reform supporters like Ken Georgetti, president of the Canadian Labour Congress feels that the current CPP benefits should be doubled. The National Union of Public and General Employees union has figured that approximately one-third of retiring Canadians are doing so with only their Old Age Security as well as their CPP benefits, which has them living on about $17,000 a year.

Before the reform can move forward, at least two-thirds of the provinces that would be representing at least two-thirds of Canada’s population would have to agree. By the time the young working class and post-baby boomers retire, the cost of living will most likely be a lot more, maybe even double what it is today.

Posted in Financial Dreams, In the News

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Fergie on the Brink of Bankruptcy

By Cassandra_BHM | August 16, 2010

Several months ago there were whispers that Fergie’s personal accounts may be in the red. She has appeared on television claiming to be living a ‘hard up’ life as a single parent, even though her recent divorce settlement left her with more than $4 million, which has since dissipated into thin air.

Perhaps it was the spending spree she enjoyed on a recent New York trip where a whopping $6,000 was left in exchange for 20-pairs of shoes, or maybe it was the $100,000 in must-have dresses that she spent in the same day that has left her scrambling for money to pay the bills. Either way, its no wonder Fergie finds herself on the brink of bankruptcy. Although she has had millions in the past, they have been spent in more-or-less an ‘un-wise’ fashion.

Being referred to as a spendaholic, Fergie, now 50, is estimated to be approximately $4 million in debt from shopping. After releasing her entire staff of 12 in an attempt to save herself from bankruptcy, she still managed a weekend trip to the Virgin Islands, all the while the High Court is waiting for her defence on an unpaid bill for $400,000.

News stories spread like wildfire a few months ago when the famous Duchess was caught trying to sell access to her ex-husband for $1 million. She has since been warned that her credit is frozen after missing a payment and the Royal family has declared her unfit to be a member and have made it clear that they will no longer bail her out and that her debt is hers alone; that she is on her own. Fergie may very well end up being forced to declare bankruptcy which you can guarantee, will cause immense embarrassment to the royal name.

Fergie’s situation is not typical for most of us to that degree of debt, however, any amount of debt that cannot be managed can easily become out of control. While bankruptcy is an option, it should not be the first resource one thinks of when they feel bills piling up. Sitting with an advisor and considering a consolidation loan is a much-preferred solution. If you are in a similar situation where your monthly debt load is taking over your monthly finances, you may want to contact a private lender for help.

Getting a bad credit loan with a private lender can be incredibly easy since many lenders specialize in working with clientele with bad credit. Some lenders can have your loan approved within hours and have your loan wired to your account within 24 hours. Think of the freedom you can have by consolidating your bills into one with a bad credit loan, all the while, rebuilding your credit rating during the repayment process.

Posted in Bankruptcy, In the News

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Creative Careers That Require Imagination

By Cassandra_BHM | August 13, 2010

Getting paid to be creative is only one of the benefits to this list of great imaginative jobs.

It’s the age of technology so of course being a Graphic Designer tops the list. This sought after, in demand career is full of nothing but creativity and imagination…and the more, the better. Designing website layouts, graphics, audio and other forms of interactive media is where the fun begins. Training is required. Taking one of the many certificate programs will get you started, but earning a degree in computer multimedia or animation will help you earn top dollar. Average salary, $47,000.

There’s no short when it comes to finding people who love to play video games, so becoming a Video Game Designer is another great choice for a creative career. Sharing innovative ideas and developing new animated worlds screams volumes of fun. A degree in animation or in video game design will help you earn an average $46,000.

With so many avenues open to market with, it’s a wonder companies know where to start. Becoming a Marketing Professional by sharing knowledge and creating ways for businesses to communicate with customers is an ideal job in today’s tech world. A marketing and communications program can certainly help you get your career off to a good start. On average, marketing professionals earned a whopping $108,000 in 2008.

Often having the right idea just isn’t enough. Having the right idea and the right vision to execute it will usually result in a successful business. Creating a successful company takes a lot of skill as well as imagination. Helping to bring bright ideas to life is the job of a Business Entrepreneur. Getting an associate or bachelors degree in business administration will get you in the door. To pocket the substantial $111,000 annual earnings, you will need to add an MBA to that degree.

Many people don’t think of a Chef as a creative career, but getting out your culinary imagination is a great way to show them what you can cook up…in the kitchen. Being creative and inventive with a mixture of food and presentation will earn you a cool $38,000. Getting a degree in culinary arts will do the trick.

Going back to school can seem like only a dream for many people. With the cost of tuition being at a peak, it can be intimidating to even think about a successful career change. If money is what’s holding you back and traditional bank loans are not an option, why not join the thousands of other Canadians who have opted for a bad credit loan to finance their education. A dream career is well worth the effort.

Posted in Financial Dreams, Uncategorized

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Safeguards for Shopping Online

By Cassandra_BHM | August 12, 2010

The benefits of online shopping are endless. No lines or crowds, no lost car in the parking lot. No bags to shuffle and carry from store to store and no running around looking for deals. The best part, however, is not having to leave your home, so it’s no wonder Canadians spend billions of dollars each year on online shopping. Many retailers say their websites are as busy as their stores, especially during the holiday season.

There are a few setbacks to online shopping such as shipping costs and the one to two week delivery times. Online shoppers also run the risk of card theft and other forms of fraud. If you find online shopping is a preference, you may want to beef up your own personal security to safeguard your information.

First and foremost, it is always advised to shop from a trusted computer. Using public computers will get the job done, but at what cost? There is no way to know if their security is up to date, if phishing sites have been screened or if your credit card isn’t being recorded. It’s a much better idea to shop from your home computer where you can control security.

Shopping from sites you know or have dealt with before is also a way to guarantee a good experience. If you want to shop at a new online store, do a BBB (Better Business Bureau) check on them first, or ask people you know if they’ve used them. Look to make sure they offer a physical address and other contact information.
Updating your software is a very important way to ensure your security is kept up to date with any new viruses. Make sure to keep all your anti-virus software, spyware and your computer’s firewall up to date and activated.

When it comes time to pay for your purchase, make sure the website has a secure server. Once again, paying from a home computer rather than a public one offers extra security. Make sure the web address is an ‘https’ website and not ‘http’. Also, make certain the company has a key icon or a padlock at the bottom of the screen. If the key or padlock is broken, you are not on a secure server. Most companies are protected by third party services like VeriSign, so look for their security features.

Shopping with a credit card makes paying for your purchases online much easier, but it also important to protect your card and your credit.

Posted in Uncategorized

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