Debt Consolidation Articles

Times might be tough but you can still recover if in trouble. Discover how to make a debt-recovery program work to your advantage. Learn about debt consolidation from different points of view - student loans, debt settlement, collection calls and more. Learn how to manage your debts and how to avoid scams and other online debt schemes. Remove your high interest credit fees and obtain expert advice on debt management. See how certain credit cards can give you the best debt consolidation possible.

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Flying on Private Jets

Using private jets for business is making a quiet comeback.
As post-recession business travel revives, one exclusive segment of that market is also making a comeback—but discreetly, since it acquired an unseemly reputation during the down times. One aviation executive blogged that it had become “akin to maintaining a mistress on the side.”
We’re talking about private jet travel. Pre-2008, it was booming and said to be on the verge of a revolution thanks to new, low-cost “very light jets” (VLJs) that would make air taxi service more affordable and ubiquitous. But then the roof caved in.
The biggest blow came in November 2008, when ABC News reported that the CEOs of Detroit’s Big Three automakers, appearing before Congress to discuss a bailout, flew to Washington in company jets. The public outcry over this perceived corporate excess led GM and Ford to close their flight departments and start selling off their planes. Other companies followed suit, as the private jet acquired a PR taint as dark as corporate retreats at posh resorts (the so-called “AIG effect”). Moving into 2009, there was a glut of business jets on the market, pushing used aircraft prices down by as much as 50 percent.
The collapse of financial markets also postponed the air taxi “revolution” promised by VLJs. One manufacturer, Adam Aircraft, went out of business. In 2009, a promising startup VLJ operator called Pogo, headed by former American Airlines CEO Robert Crandall, was dissolved before it got a single plane in the air; and Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group closed down a two-year-old business jet booking operation called Virgin Charter...


Manufacturers’ deliveries of business jets fell 12 percent last year, but “shipments have traditionally lagged an economic recovery by one to two years,” says John Rosanvallon, chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Moreover, “flying hours are steadily on the rise, and there are two critical U.S. tax provisions in place that will help our industry recover.” One is the extension of a 50 percent bonus depreciation allowance through 2011; the other allows companies to deduct the full cost of new planes from revenues.
There’s still an oversupply of used business jets, but companies don’t need to own jets for their executives to fly in them; there are plenty of other options—fractional ownership, jet card programs for prepaid flying by the hour, charters—and business travelers are using them more. Mike Silvestro, CEO of Flight Options, which offers fractional ownership and jet cards, says his business “is certainly experiencing an increased level of interest from former whole aircraft owners.” This year, he’s seeing “strong growth in fractional ownership”—unlike in 2009, when jet cards were more popular. Still, “private [jet] travelers today are more value-conscious,” Silvestro says.
FAA statistics show the number of U.S. business jet flights grew 11 percent in 2010, after plunging 20 percent in 2009. And providers of private jet services are expanding: In March 2011, NetJets (owned by Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway) placed a $2.8 billion order for 50 new Global business jets from Bombardier, with options for 70 more; last fall, it ordered up to 125 Phenom 300s from Embraer—and it bought Marquis Jet, a marketer of private jet cards. Also in March, CitationAir by Cessna added six 604-mph Citation Xs—which it calls the fastest business jet in the sky—to its fleet of 81 jets, targeting “busy executives and business travelers who often need to be in multiple cities within a compressed timeframe,” a spokesman says. XOJET has added to its fleet as well and has hired 45 new pilots.
Major airlines are also getting in on the action. Last year, Delta’s Delta Private Jet charter subsidiary doubled its fleet size and introduced the Air Elite Card: Holders can book Delta flights and connecting private jet segments in a single call. As of 2010, British Airways Executive Club members could access business jet flights on both sides of the Atlantic through BA’s PrivateConnect partnership with CitationAir by Cessna. Passengers on Korean Air’s U.S. routes who are Flexjet fractional owners can now use the airline’s Flexjet Connect for private jet connections. Lufthansa is expanding its Lufthansa Private Jet service—aimed mainly at first class passengers connecting in Europe—through a new partnership with NetJets, and will bring the service to the U.S. and Mideast markets this year.
New technology is aiding the revival. A new online booking tool called flyRuby (flyruby.com) recently launched, using artificial intelligence to scan thousands of available aircraft for the best match to the traveler’s itinerary and desired aircraft size. And GetThere, the Sabre Travel Network subsidiary used by thousands of companies for business travel bookings, partnered with JetUs LLC to offer a web-based reservations tool with real-time availability for private jets worldwide. Flying privately is not only more flexible, but also addresses “fiscal responsibility due to the productivity gains often associated with this mode of air travel,” says JetUs vice president Jennifer Wetstein. (Speaking of productivity, business jets are increasingly offering in-flight Wi-Fi.)
A study last fall for the National Business Aviation Association found that small and midsize companies that use private jets produce a 219 percent higher earnings growth rate than those that strictly fly commercial. The study’s author, NEXA Advisors’ Michael Dyment, says the research’s “remarkably consistent results” suggest that “for any company, business aviation is a clear differentiator of shareholder value creation and business performance.”

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Other Insurance Types

Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle insurance is mandatory according to law. This insurance offers protection from any loss in the event of personal injuries that might occur from an accident. It also covers against theft, vandalism, damage, and medical costs. Often, you may be involved in a law suit resulting from a motorcycle accident. Adequate motorcycle insurance will cover all the legal expenses arising out of the lawsuit that will include replacement and repairs as well.

 

Dental Insurance

Dental problems are common to many people. Therefore, dental insurance is something that should not be overlooked. It can help cover expenses arising from dental surgery, and even pay for your regular check up and cleaning. Dental insurance is affordable with low monthly payment options, as compared with other types of medical insurance. Dental surgery is costly and requires frequent visits to the dentist, which can place a great financial burden on someone without dental insurance. Premiums are not affected by age. Dental insurance plans are available as individual plans or for the entire family. A full coverage dental plan offers a great deal of flexibility and will enable you to dictate the dental treatment you expect and ask for special rates from your dentist...

 Renters Insurance

Renters Insurance is not mandatory, for anyone who rents a home, be it a house or an apartment. But if you need it, you need to know about Renters Insurance. You need to know what coverage you need, how many of your personal belongings (furniture, clothing, laptop, bike, etc.) in your home. Buying Renters Insurance, you first take care of your property.

Renters Insurance (also known as a tenant's policy) - provides protection of your personal property in case of loss from theft, fire, hurricane, flood, etc.

Renters insurance can help protect you if you are solely responsible for causing injury to another person, damage someone else's property. Also includes medical payments coverage, which pays for medical expenses of nonresidents - it's people who does not live in the rental property you've insured.

Condo Insurance

If You own a condo and the association has insurance, then this kind of insurance for you. Condominium insurance designed specifically for condo or co-op owners and Condominium policies protect you from losses to your personal property and the interior of your unit, as well as You have liability protection for bodily injury or property damage to others.

Annuity Insurance

Annuities can help protect you against the possibility of outliving your financial resources. Important to remember, when you invest in an annuity, you set the stage to receive income in the future.

Most often the term "annuity" relates to a contract between you and a life insurance company.

Categories of annuities can be classified by:

- Nature of the underlying investment – fixed or variable;

- Primary purpose – accumulation or pay-out (deferred or immediate);

- Nature of pay-out commitment – fixed period, fixed amount, or lifetime;

- Tax status – qualified or non qualified;

- Premium payment arrangement – Includes several of these categories at once.

Disability Insurance

Insurance is important for many different aspects of our lives. Disability insurance is essential and buying this type of insurance should not be given a second thought. Those involved in any kind of manual labor job that requires intense physical activity must consider the fact that their income would come to a standstill if they were to be injured on the job. Many people tend to ignore disability insurance, which leaves them with little choice if they are suddenly faced with disability. Managing expenses will become a nightmare. However, with appropriate disability insurance cover you will be able to secure your future. There are short-term as well as long-term disability insurance policies available to take care of your needs. Premiums are affordable and do not put a burden on your monthly budget.

Long Term Care

Retirement is one of the first consequences of age catching up. Many soon to be retirees may not have enough money saved up to maintain their lifestyle. Retirement does not mean you need to reduce your standard of living. A long-term care insurance policy will prepare you financially for any unexpected expenses. Taking responsibility for your long-term care will provide you many options that slowly start to decrease as you age. It helps you pay for services that are not covered by other types of health insurance. Old age can necessitate the need for home nurses, home care givers, and other specialists. Nursing homes and hospice care are additional expenses that can be well covered by seeking the right long term care insurance policy.

Burial Insurance

Death is inevitable and does involve certain expenses. The casket, the ceremonies, flowers, all cost a great deal, with an average of at least $10,000 and more. Many people have realized that they can relieve the burden on their spouse and children by purchasing burial insurance. Typically, burial insurance covers expenses for a burial plot, cremation, embalming, food, flowers, and the tombstone. Funeral costs have escalated over the past decade, making it prudent to purchase a burial insurance policy so that you can still have the burial you desire. Among the types of burial insurance are cash payout plan and pre-payment plan. These plans give consumers the option of pre-purchasing funeral services at today’s cost. Prior to purchasing a burial insurance policy, make sure to verify the license of the funeral director and that the policy is transferable in case you relocate after some time.

Cancer Insurance

Cancer insurance can aptly be termed as an unsung hero. We all know that the medical costs associated with a disease like cancer are almost beyond the reach of every individual. Moreover, ordinary health insurance does not cover cancer in most instances. Today, for the price of a loaf of bread per day you can cover your entire family with cancer insurance. The costs of diagnosis, surgery, and treatment are taken care of with a cancer policy. You don’t need to have any pre-existing cancer condition in order to be eligible for cancer insurance. Most policies include coverage for medical expenses such as lab tests, hospital stays, and more. They also cover non-medical expenses such as loss of income benefits, home health care, child care, and more. It is advisable to compare the benefits of your current health insurance plan with a cancer insurance policy prior to purchasing one. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions before you sign on the dotted line.

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Business Insurance Buyer's Guide

Every business carries an element of risk, be it theft or work-related injuries and therefore needs to be protected with insurance. Businesses, small or large, are vulnerable to consequences of such incidents and require adequate protection. Business insurance can protect your business against losses. Depending on the state you live in, your state insurance department will have certain insurance requirements that you need to fulfill. They may include property insurance, worker’s compensation, general liability, and umbrella insurance. Depending on these factors, you can decide on the type of insurance coverage you require.

Things You Need to Know

You ought to understand your state, local, and federal laws for businesses when you need to buy business insurance. Prior to launching your business operations, it is recommended that you contact a commercial insurance broker who will be in a better position to determine what insurance regulations you need to fulfill. You will also get to know the type of insurance you require and the kind of protection available. If your business is considered high risk, an attorney who specializes in insurance law will be able to determine the coverage you require. Upon hiring any employees, you need to carry workers compensation insurance immediately. For detailed information on these issues, you may visit your state’s department of commerce website.

Vehicle insurance is also essential to cover employees that may be injured while at work. All vehicles, which include trucks, cars, vans, etc. need to be insured for third party liability. You need to furnish the details of every employee that uses these vehicles for business purposes, the nature of business, and how it is to be used. All their licenses should also be in order...

Types of Business Insurance

Most types of business insurance cover every possible need including healthcare and other benefits that might be passed on to your employees.

Property Insurance - This type of business insurance covers loss or damage to business property due to theft, fire, natural disasters, and vandalism. For all practical purposes, you ought to cover your building and all its content, stock, and fixtures. Computers and communication equipment are often not included as they are considered special property, so check with your insurance provider in advance. In case you rent a property, you can review the landlord’s insurance policy for the level of protection.

Public Liability Insurance - In the event of anyone suing you for negligence, liability insurance will cover any legal costs that may arise. This is essential if you have a large number of non-employees visiting your premises as well. The insurance cost varies according to the size of your premises and the products you sell.

Product Liability - Any claims that arise from faulty products manufactured, sold, or installed by your company can be covered by product liability insurance.

Professional Liability - All professional in the field of management, computer consulting, medicine, law, accounting, and financial services need to be covered by professional liability insurance, also known as malpractice insurance. Coverage includes a variety of issues including breach of confidentiality, loss of documents, breach of professional duty, and breach of copyright, and more.

Life and Disability Insurance - Life and Disability Insurance will protect your business against death or disability that may befall any employee. In the event of disability, a percentage of the salary is paid during the period of incapacity. After a deferred period, the policyholder receives tax-free benefits until retirement, recovery, or death. In case of death of a partner in a partnership business, the policy can be used to buy out the shares held by the deceased partner.

Business Income/Extra Expense - Any extra costs or revenue lost due to disruption such as fire can be covered by this type of insurance. Any damages to your office can be claimed as extra expenses. It includes temporary offices, removal expenses, and increased rentals.

Key Man - Key employees of your organization ought to be covered by this type of insurance. This can include top level management, business partners, and other personnel. This will cover loss due to death, and incapacity also. This will not only help your main employees resume work as soon as possible, but also keep them motivated since they will have a sense of belonging to the company.

Other policies include computer and engineering systems, which covers breakdowns and other related factors, and directors and officers insurance that protects directors and officers who may be sued personally over any business matters.

Choosing Your Insurer

You can engage the services of a business insurance broker or agent. An agent normally acts on behalf of a particular insurance company, and can provide you with comprehensive details and packages only that particular company. An insurance broker on the other hand can negotiate with various insurance companies in order to get the best possible coverage at the best possible price. You can save your time and money by comparing business insurance quotes online.

To begin with speak to an insurance agent or broker, and seek help from your local Chamber of Commerce. The agent or broker must be experienced enough in business insurance. After all, you would want the best deal that suits your needs.

Issues You Need to Avoid

The idea is to research well and make sure you do not underinsure your business. This will be detrimental in case of any mishaps, thefts, damages, and lawsuits that may be filed against your business. Failure to obtain the right kind of coverage can be disastrous, so make sure the stock, plant and machinery etc. are all protected with the right coverage. Make sure that any deductibles in your policy are appropriate; otherwise, you will end up paying higher premiums.

Some Money Saving Business Insurance Tips

- Make your insurance objectives clear and provide accurate information to your insurance representative.

- Obtain bids from insurance brokers and insurance agents as well.

- Compare quotes with various insurance companies online.

- Make sure that there is no duplication or overlapping of policies, which will only result in you paying extra premiums for no reason.

- Insurance is a business too, so make sure your insurance company is an "admitted insurance company". In this way, you will be protected in case the company turns insolvent.

- Make an annual assessment of your insurance needs, so that you remain covered in spite of business growth.

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Business Insurance Quotes - Coverage for Your Business

Building a business is laborious task, but fun at the same time. You will be always looking forward on how things will work out. You will have the feeling of contentment as you watch your little creation grow into a full swing and productive establishment. However, there are things that should be taken into consideration like accidents and liabilities. One accident or disaster could wipe the whole thing that you have worked for over the past years. For this reasons that is why there is business insurance. This type of insurance can help you cope up with any losses that your company may incur. Here are some of the insurance policies that you can use in your business to aid you in most of the risks that you may come across.

Types of Business Insurance Policies

One example of a policy in this form of insurance is the property and casualty insurance. This policy provides protection in most risks involved in a property such as theft, fire and weather damages. It also protects the owner‘s property from being taken as a compensation for others in settling legal disputes. The casualty insurance resembles a different form of coverage known as liability insurance, but a bit more restrictive.

The definition of liability is the financial or legal responsibility the owner of the business has to another person. In the general liability insurance, the policy covers claims for the insured’s liability for injury or damage resulting from manufacturing operations, sale distribution of products, operation of machinery, ownership of property, contracting operations or professional services. This helps protect your business from a broad number of liabilities. As an example, this will cover for the accidents from the operations or premises of an insured individual.

Here is another insurance policy that you can also use in your business. This is the worker’s compensation insurance. The worker’s compensation is a system established under the state law providing payments to an injured employee during his or her employment, no matter whose fault it is. Because of this, you have the responsibility to compensate for the losses of your employees during their terms of employment. The policy covers liability enforced on certain employees that were killed, injured, or acquired sickness due to his or her job. In other words, the insurance will provide the benefits to your employee or to the people dependent to him or her.

On the other hand, the professional liability insurance protects professional practitioners like doctors, architects and physicians against claims on negligence from their clients. This kind of insurance may come in different names depending on what is the job description of the professional. As an example, in medicine, the policy is known as medical malpractice insurance. If your business employs professionals, this would be helpful in cases of carelessness resulting to an injury or loss of property of your clients.

Another form of policy similar the previous one is the directors and officers liability insurance. This gives protection to officers and corporate directors liabilities coming from breach of duty, wrongful acts and errors in judgment. In the event that they are sued for wrongful acts during their service in your business, the policy will cover for any losses or costs in the hearing of their case. However, the insurance will not cover intentional acts of the officer or the director.

For small and medium sized businesses, a policy combines the liability and property insurance. This is known as the business owner’s policy (BOP). This would cost less compared to purchasing the two insurances separately. However, not all business types can avail this policy.

Commercial auto liability insurance is for businesses of all types, especially those that are in the transportation business. This will cover for business’s assets in the event that there is an accident while driving a commercial vehicle.

If you want to save money on the insurance that you were going to buy, it would be advisable to avail group insurances. Such policy would include group health insurance. It is the typical health insurance but is written on many people under the one master policy. The insurance will be issued to you as the employer of these individuals. Another policy of this form is the group life insurance, which is a life insurance given to a group of people under a single master policy. An additional policy that can be a big help for your business is the group disability insurance. This has coverage for loss compensation due to sickness and accidents in a group of individuals.

These are just some of the insurance policies that can aide your business in its growth. If you are planning to start a business or already have a business, determine which insurance policies you will need and avail them. This will ensure the continuous success of your business.

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A Comprehensive Home Insurance Buyer's Guide

Many people treat their home as their very own castle and their possessions as crown jewels. When you look at your home in this way then it is only reasonable to treat home insurance like a troop that stands guard around your castle. Much like a well-trained troop of guards, a good home insurance can give you a much-needed peace of mind.

But of course, you will have to take several things into consideration before purchasing a home insurance. Here we provide you with a comprehensive home insurance buyer’s guide to help you gauge if you need a home insurance and if so, how much you need. As an added bonus, we have provided a discussion on umbrella policies and how you can benefit from it.

Who Needs Home Insurance?

There is much debate going on regarding the need for home insurance, especially in view of the fact that there are several different types of insurance and each has its pros and cons. In the end, however, you alone can make the decision as to whether you will have your home insured or not. Here are some things you should consider in making this decision.

The first thing you need to do is identify how much your house is worth. It is more practical to buy a home insurance if you have a relatively expensive home, or if your house is worth more money than what you currently have in the bank. It may not be practical as well to buy insurance if your home is not located in a high danger area.

Another consideration is if you had to borrow money from a lender in order to buy your home. Most lenders require the homeowner to purchase insurance on the property, with them as one of the beneficiaries. This is because the lender considers your home an investment and they have vested interests in it...

How Much You Need

The amount of insurance you need depends on a lot of things, but in general, you need enough insurance to cover a hundred percent of the replacement of your house, coverage for the contents of your house, the cost of living somewhere else while your house is being repaired, and the cost of your liability to others. The cost of replacing your house is not the same as the amount that you paid for it; neither is it the market value of the property. Rather, it is the current cost of rebuilding the structure.

Coverage for the contents of your house or your personal property includes mostly furniture, but there are some policies that cover jewelry, electronic equipment and other valuables up to a particular value. You may want to do an inventory of your belongings so that you will have an idea of how much they are worth. Coverage for the cost of living somewhere else during rebuilding must cover the cost of meals, house rental or hotel bills and other living expenses. The need for coverage for your liability to others is very important in case someone is hurt within your property.

Umbrella Policies

This type of policies can be directly related to the coverage of your liability to others. Umbrella policies protect you against the likelihood of lawsuits in case someone gets hurt in your house or anywhere within your property. Of course, like any insurance policy, there are things to be considered in making the decision of whether to buy an umbrella policy or not.

For example, if your home has recreational features like a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, or children’s playground then it is definitely a good idea to get an umbrella policy. But if you don’t normally have a gathering in your house, or if you feel that your home doesn’t have features and fixtures that are prone to hurt anyone then an umbrella policy may not be that important.

If you do decide to get an umbrella policy then you should get one that has a broad range of coverage. Your policy should not only cover bodily injury and property damage caused by you, your dependents, or your pets, but it should also protect you in cases of false arrest and imprisonment, defamation, malicious prosecution, invasion of privacy and wrongful entry, among others.

Umbrella policies normally kick in after your regular liability insurance has run out, at which point they cover the amount above what your regular insurance has shelled out. Take note that umbrella policies usually do not cover punitive damages, since these are generally used to punish you for your conduct. These policies also do not cover damages arising from intentional acts.

With these guidelines in mind, you should now be more confident when consulting an insurance agent regarding the purchase of a home insurance. Now you can be sure that the insurance policy you get is just the right one for you and your home.

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Home Insurance

What is Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance provides financial protection against disasters is the type of property insurance that covers private homes. It is an insurance policy that combines various personal insurance protections, which can include losses occurring to one's home, its contents, loss of its use (additional living expenses), or loss of other personal possessions of the homeowner, as well as liability insurance for accidents that may happen at the home.

Home Insurance Policies

HO-1 is the most basic coverage and covers against damage caused by fire and lighting. HO-1 is not widely available in insurance companies because of its narrow coverage.

HO-2 is referred as broad coverage. HO-2 offers coverage that is caused by windstorm, aircraft, vehicles, vandalism, and riot. In addition, it will offer compensation caused by freezing of the plumbing system, and household appliances.

HO-3 offers insurance against damage that is caused by natural disasters. The HO-3 is the most preferred choice of home insurance among the consumers.

HO-4 offers coverage against the belongings inside the house.

HO-6 is used to provide coverage for an condominium unit. The owner can apply for the HO-6 home insurance to protect items that are not covered by the policy of the association.

The HO-8 offers coverage for older home. If you have an old home, you may be ineligible for a replacement policy. Instead of purchasing the replacement policy, you can purchase the modified replacement policy. If you purchase the modified replacement policy, the insurance company will pay for the modern building materials rather than paying for the outdated.

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