(ARA) – The economic health of the country is all over the news, and people everywhere are worried about layoffs, retirement savings and the state of their financial affairs. An unemployment rate above 8 percent has everyone looking over their shoulders and counting their pennies. If you’re worried about what to do if you lose your job or just looking for ways to save money, your first step should be to talk to your bank about how you can make the most of your banking relationship.

Here are some simple tips to help you make the most of your money and utilize all the financial tools available to you:

* Keep track of your money and every dollar you save with services like online banking and alerts. Banks offer alerts to help you prevent unnecessary fees and to give you added protection in case irregular account activity is detected on your account. Use online bill pay services wherever you can to help pay bills on time and avoid late fees.

* Look for easy ways to save. Bank of America’s Add It Up program is a free online shopping Web site that rewards customers with up to 20 percent cash back on everyday purchases. If you need to make a purchase, look online for good deals (that often come with free shipping). With the Add It Up program, when you pay with your Bank of America debit or credit card, you can track your savings online and get cash back to the account of your choice. Remember to use online price comparison sites to find savings as well.

“We’re here to help,” says Matt Boss, senior vice president, mass market customer segment for Bank of America. “We have several ways to help consumers get the most from their money — from innovative cash back programs like Add It Up to easy-to-use tools that show people how to keep track of every dollar.”

* If you’re in your 20s, 30s or 40s, hang tight. Keep making contributions to your 401(k) account and speak with your financial adviser about how to safely balance your investments. Keep in mind that you’re investing in retirement for the long term and try not to panic about day to day numbers or stock market fluctuations.

* If you do lose your job, talk to your bank right away to find out which customer assistance programs are available to you. For example, Bank of America will waive monthly maintenance fees and refund non-sufficient fund and overdraft fees if you lose your job.

* Take advantage of the services your bank offers like rolling over your IRA. The bank can help you maximize your investments at a time when you need it most.

“Especially now, when budgeting matters more than ever, your bank can provide immediate opportunities with saving and spending that really add up and assist customers in managing their finances in the long run,” says Boss.

During difficult financial times, your bank can be there to help. You can start by making a reasonable budget, sticking to it and taking advantage of the financial tools available to help you manage your finances.

For more information, visit www.BankofAmerica.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – Losing your job is tough. But in the midst of a recession, rebounding and finding new employment is even harder. While uncertainty and doubt may overwhelm you, job loss can be an opportunity to reevaluate your career, take control of your situation and, most importantly, regain your self-confidence.

However, while building a resume and making connections to find a new job are a priority, the first issue most people should address is money.

The following checklist from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, a not-for-profit financial services organization, provides some immediate tips to stay financially afloat after a job loss.

* Draft a survival budget

Anticipate that you’ll be out of work for at least six months. It’s impossible to predict how long your unemployment will last, of course. But you can control what you spend and save. Tips on increasing your cash flow are also available at thrivent.com/jobchange.

* Make sure you and your dependents have health insurance coverage

It may be least expensive to join your spouse’s plan, if that’s an option. If not, look into COBRA coverage through your former employer. The 2009 economic stimulus package from the federal government requires that a percentage of COBRA premiums be paid by your previous employer for a period of time. Details are available on the U.S. Department of Labor Web site, DOL.gov.

* Examine credit card debt

Contact your credit card company about lowering your interest rate. If you have credit card debt, you may need to make just the minimum payments until you get back to work. If your debt is significant or you are having trouble making even the minimum payments, try to negotiate a payment plan with your creditors. For help managing your debt, learn about Thrivent Financial Bank’s Debt Savvy program.

* File for unemployment benefits

You have a right to receive benefits you’ve paid for. Rules may vary by state.

* Maintain your life insurance coverage

It may be tempting to save cash over the short-term by canceling your life insurance contract. But if you try to resume coverage on a lapsed contract at a later date, you’ll pay more and you may have to prove insurability with a medical exam.

* Avoid drawing upon retirement funds

Resist the urge to dip into retirement savings except as an absolute last resort. Receiving that money now could mean early withdrawal penalties and taxes you hadn’t anticipated. Plus, you’ll lose the potential earning power of that money for your eventual retirement.

You can find additional tips on job interviews, information on job boards and networking, sample resumes and more, including money tips for after you land a job at Thrivent Financial’s Web site www.thrivent.com/jobchange.

“Regaining financial security is a critical part of dealing with job loss,” says Laura Dierke, manager of financial education programs for Thrivent Financial. ”Working in partnership with your family to discuss these money topics can be extremely beneficial.”

The road to a successful job transition will come with many twists and turns. But taking ownership of the situation, moving forward with confidence and taking advantage of the tools available will help you get back into the job market.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – It twists, it turns, it goes up, it comes down and it even has the uncanny ability to make many of us feel a bit wobbly and nauseous. The economic roller coaster has taken all of us for a wild ride, particularly over the past year. Unfortunately, 2009 has already proven to have even more twists and turns in store for us.

So what can you do now to help gain back some control over your financial life? Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, a not-for-profit financial services organization, offers the following timeless tips to help you survive the ride.

* Pay down your debt, but don’t forget to pay yourself too.
Generally speaking, the sooner you pay off your debt — especially consumer debt like credit cards — the better off you’ll be. However, also set aside money on a regular basis for an emergency cash fund.

* Track, then manage, your cash flow.
It’s impossible to manage your money if you don’t have a feel for what you take in and where your money goes. A budget can be a real lifesaver in terms of ensuring that you have a solid financial foundation.

* Insure the fundamentals (health, property, income and life).
Everything you own is at risk if your fundamental needs of your life are not properly insured.
A financial professional can assist you in determining the appropriate level of insurance for your specific circumstances.

* Grow your job skills.
Perhaps one of the most neglected of our assets is our job skills. Continually seek to grow and enhance your value to your current employer or potential employers by growing your job skills through continuing education, volunteer experiences and more.

* Direct your bonus or raise toward financial priorities.
If you are lucky enough to have received a bonus or raise, put it towards a financial priority, like paying down your debt, creating an emergency savings fund, continuing education or building your retirement account.

* Invest for the long term.
Given the performance of the equity markets, it may be tempting to discontinue participation in your company’s 401(k) account. Don’t. Letting emotions override sound economic decisions could be a big mistake. It is wise to continue to participate in a 401(k) program, especially if your company is matching your contribution.

* Consider time, not timing.
When will you need the money? The strategy of someone 25 years away from retirement versus just one or two is obviously going to be different. Make sure your portfolio is rebalanced and is appropriately diversified for your risk tolerance, but also make sure you are ready to take advantage of a market rebound.

* Build your financial knowledge.
Read financial publications, listen to financial shows, talk to friends and financial professionals. The more you know, the better decisions you will make concerning the financial choices you have.

* Talk with loved ones about location of financial documents.
It is especially important for senior parents and adult children to discuss this matter. Every family will differ regarding their comfort level around discussing specifics of end-of-life and healthcare issues, but all families should, at a minimum, inform their loved ones where specific financial documents can be found (e.g., health care directives; long-term care and life insurance policies; pension and retirement account information).

* Meet with a financial professional and work with a strong company.
A financial professional can be invaluable in helping you create and track a financial program appropriate to your goals. Work with someone you trust; someone who has an excellent reputation and plenty of positive references. Ask the right questions to make sure the company or companies you will be working with are strong and stable.

* Live generously.
It is easy to get caught up in everything going on in our world. Don’t forget to give back. Make financial donations when you can and look for opportunities to volunteer and share.

For more information, go to www.thrivent.com.

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(ARA) – If you lay awake late at night worrying about your finances you’re not alone. The credit crunch is taking its toll on sleep habits, with Americans losing valuable shut-eye every night, according to new research from The Body Shop. Nearly half of people interviewed claim they are getting a worse night’s sleep than before, mostly thanks to the economic downturn.

Conducted in March, The Body Shop Sleep Survey of more than 1,000 people reveals the extent of sleep lost each night across the country as men and women toss and turn worrying about the economic crisis. Twenty-eight percent of people are suffering from at least one hour of less sleep each night than in previous years, with men more badly affected than women. And one in eight people are losing at least two hours more sleep per night than before the credit crunch kicked in.

Money Worries Are No. 1 Sleep-depriver

Not surprisingly, research carried out by The Body Shop reveals that money worries are the No. 1 sleep-depriver, cited by 38 percent of those surveyed. Furthermore, Americans are also having restless nights worrying about their families.

High up the list of things stopping people from nodding off at night are worries relating to:

* Job security (21 percent)
* Food bills (16 percent)
* Paying mortgage or rent (15 percent)
* Cost of heating bills (13 percent)

Sleepy and Less Productive

Sleep deprivation has a negative effect on productivity and stress levels. At a time when people are worrying about financial security, most people said that lack of sleep made it hard for them to concentrate, while 31 percent said it was more difficult to focus at work. Worryingly, the effects of sleep loss have been cited as being similar or worse than the effects of drinking alcohol to excess.

Twenty percent of people say they are more likely to argue with their partners when they are sleep-deprived, while a few have even admitted to snapping at strangers.

Sex is Snooze Solution, Say Men

So what’s the solution for a peaceful night? Sex, according to men. A frisky quarter of men revealed that this is their antidote to sleeplessness, compared with just 12.9 percent of women. However, topping the poll of sleeping aids are age-old remedies of hot baths and hot drinks, while counting sheep remains a popular alternative.

Sleep S.O.S.

The Body Shop Deep Sleep Dreamy Pillow & Body Mist could be the answer the nation’s insomniacs have been waiting for. This quick-drying mist-spray is packed with a soothing medley of chamomile, jujube date, geranium, juniper and patchouli essential oils to promote tranquility for a deeper, restful night of sleep. Applied to the pillow or body, the mist employs special encapsulation technology that allows bursts of active fragrance to be released throughout the night to aid more satisfying sleep.

For more information, visit www.TheBodyShop-USA.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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“For consumers, part of weathering this storm will be ensuring that they have the proper financial umbrella,” says Lucy Duni, vice president of consumer education at TrueCredit.com by TransUnion. “There is no better time for consumers to put their finances in order and prepare for the possibility of losing their source of income.”

In addition to polishing their resumes and portfolios, current and future job seekers should make sure their financial reputation reflects their desirability as a potential employee, since the survey, commissioned by TrueCredit.com and conducted by Zogby International also revealed that nearly one in six human resources decision makers (16 percent) say their company uses a pre-employment credit report as part of the screening process for potential employees.

TrueCredit.com offers the following advice to consumers:

* Drop the Shopping Habit – With unemployment rates skyrocketing, it’s time to examine your budget. Even if you aren’t worried about losing your job, sticking to a strict budget well within your means will create a safety net if something happens to your income.

* Stash Some Cash — In the past, having enough to cover three-to-six months of expenses was considered adequate, but today, aim to stash enough to maintain living expenses for no less than six months. If you do lose your job, your savings will allow you to continue making your payments, and will help you avoid missing payments altogether.

* Live Within Your Means — In addition to saving, you should make paying down debt a priority while you have cash coming in. In terms of credit card debt, shoot for carrying balances that are less than 35 percent of a card’s limit.

* Don’t Be Late — One of the most important contributors to a strong credit history is paying bills on time. Regardless of your employment status, you should try to pay at least the minimum amount due on time each month.

* Limit New Credit – Use restraint when applying for credit, as multiple applications over a brief period of time can negatively impact your credit score. In these tough economic times, you don’t want to appear desperate to lenders or potential employers.

* Know What Employers Are Seeing — Monitor your credit reports to keep tabs on your credit history. If you lose your current job and need to seek new employment, your credit report is one of the factors that potential employers might check.

To learn more about managing your finances, visit the learning center at www.gotruecredit.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – As criminals get smarter, we all need to watch our money and personal information even more closely. Something as simple and seemingly secure as wiring money to your family is highly vulnerable to financial fraud, depending on the service you use. If you are planning to transfer money in the future, make sure you are protecting yourself.

Wire transfer businesses are often smaller mom-and-pop organizations that are very common in larger cities or areas with high ethnic populations. These businesses are often used by immigrants to send money back to their home countries, also known as remittances.

Worldwide remittances amount to more than $126 billion and have become a considerable force in the economy of many countries, U.S. Immigration Support estimates. Last year alone, Mexico received more than $17 billion in remittances through America-based workers, the highest of all countries.

Panda Security, a leading provider of security software for consumers and businesses, conducted a multi-year study in order to see how secure these types of businesses were. The results are alarming. Panda found that these businesses, numbering approximately 66,000 in the United States alone, are at extremely high risk for cybercrime like personal identity breaches and theft.

Surprisingly, the computers present in more than 300 offices audited by a team of researchers are typically basic computers with very few enhancements or software additions. In repeated visits over the past two years, Panda Security consistently found that trial antivirus software on these machines had long since expired and any kind of proactive security measure was almost always viewed as an unnecessary business expense. In addition, employees at these businesses are frequently minimum wage young adults who spend time chatting, using social networks and visiting chat sites on the very same computers that store sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license records, tax records and credit card information. This results in highly vulnerable systems that are very easy for criminals to attack, according to the report.

Money transfers are a regular part of many Americans’ lives, so it’s important to make sure that you take steps to secure your transaction. Here are some tips that Panda Security suggests you follow if you need to wire money:

1. Ask the wire transfer agent what security measures are in place to ensure the confidentiality of your personal information.

2. Make sure you understand what anti-fraud measures are in place at the receiving location in order to safeguard your money.

3. Call your beneficiary immediately after sending money so that it can be picked up before interception is likely to occur.

4. Try to send remittances before common dates such as Christmas, Mother’s Day, etc.

5. Find out if there is any insurance if the transfer is intercepted. If not, consider using a service that provides this.

6. Be sure to ask around to determine whether a shop has a good track record before going there to complete your transaction.

7. If making the transaction yourself from a computer, visit “Infected or Not” (www.infectedornot.com) and run a free scan of the computer to ensure that it is virus and threat-free.

For all businesses geared towards U.S. immigrant money transfer, Panda Security recommends having an up-to-date anti-malware suite in place that is set to scan regularly. To get a complimentary security consultation from Panda Security or obtain a copy of their recent study, businesses can visit http://us.pandasecurity.com/criticalalert.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Consolidation loans are often a wonderful way to see the light again and to get things in order. But, if the wrong one is selected or it the consumer is taken advantage of, that relief will be extremely temporary as more trouble is soon to follow. By getting suckered into a bad consolidation credit debt relief loan or program, you are digging your own grave again. In the beginning, things may be looking better but as the ugly terms of the loan start to surface, you will be soon wishing you had never taken out a bad consolidation credit debt relief loan in the first place.

What They Do To You

A bad consolidation credit debt relief loan is often times something that is meant for the purpose of taking advantage of you. As with most all other consolidation loans, you are generally placing another lien on your home, which means if you default on your consolidation loan, they can come after your home. For most people, this is not a problem because the consolidation loan they got is a healthy one and one that they can maintain. But for others who end up with a bad consolidation credit debt relief loan, they may be facing foreclosure instead of bill collector calls for a past due credit card.

If someone is trying to get you into a bad consolidation credit debt relief loan, you will know based on the terms of the loan. It is extremely important that you read all of the fine print and if you are not able to understand all of the legal aspects of the agreement, then it is highly advisable that you take it to someone who can, such as a lawyer. Even though you may have to pay a small fee, that is much better then falling into the trap of a bad consolidation credit debt relief loan and paying the price by no longer having a home to call your own.

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The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Countrywide Bank, FSB, the nation’s third largest federal savings bank, shows that the majority of Americans who have both savings and checking accounts keep them at the same bank; they have never thought of having the accounts at separate banks, and have no automatic savings plan in place.

“Consumers are potentially leaving money on the table,” says Pierre P. Habis, managing director for deposits and investment services at Countrywide Bank. “Serious savers view their savings accounts as ‘one way’ only, meaning they make more deposits than withdrawals. They succeed at this by keeping their transactional banking relationship at one bank and savings at another.”

“We’ve found that if consumers’ checking and savings are under the same roof, it’s too easy to draw from that nest egg, and that’s when savings stagnate,” he adds.

So what are the three secrets of successful savers? Habis offers the following advice:

1. Separate

In the Harris survey, 71 percent of respondents said they keep their savings and checking accounts in the same bank. And 67 percent have never even considered separating their accounts. This, Habis says, can be a serious mistake.

Keep your primary savings and checking accounts at different financial institutions. This strategy may help you get the best rates, and will make it more difficult to dip into your savings – one of the worst saving mistakes people commit. Shop around for institutions that offer the best possible terms. It is possible that the institution that best meets your checking needs might not be suited for providing market-leading savings rates.

2. Automate

Sixty one percent of the respondents in the Harris poll do not automatically transfer or deposit a set amount into their savings on a regular basis. Paying yourself first is one of the hallmarks of a basic savings plan. Habis recommends that consumers establish a savings plan, whereby a percentage of your income, or a set dollar amount, is automatically deposited into your savings account on a regular basis. “Start out by trying to allocate a small amount, perhaps even $20 per week to start, towards a high-yielding account,” says Habis.

3. Shop for the Best Rate

If you’re not sure what the annual percentage yield (APY) is on your savings account, how do you know if your money is working hard for you? According to the survey, 32 percent of adults with savings accounts don’t know what the yield and corresponding interest rate is, and 45 percent know that it is less than 5 percent. To find the best rate, survey several banks and compare the APY on your savings accounts, money market accounts or certificates of deposit.

Avoid leaving money on the table by ensuring that your account has market-leading savings rates. Web sites such as www.bankrate.com help consumers identify the highest rates available in their market.

“As with any financial decision, consumers should carefully evaluate their options and fully understand the advantages and disadvantages before making a change,” Habis says. “Consumers can maximize their returns if they separate, automate and always seek the best rate.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Feels And Looks Just Like Google, MSN Or Yahoo

Another useful aspect to using the forex search engine called ForexSearchEngine.net is that its feel and look is just like as if you were using Google, MSN or Yahoo and thus there are no technical hurdles to overcome and by using this extremely useful forex search engine you will also obtain the best results whether you are a professional or seasoned trader.

The fact is that many professionals and everyday traders need as much information as is possible regarding forex currencies and markets and rather than look to Google and other popular search engines to provide them with this information, using a dedicated forex search engine such as ForexSearchEngine.net will provide you with the required data without causing you to make any great effort.

Also, ForexSearchEngine.net uses the same technology as is used by Google and so you can be assured that you get the most relevant search engine results, resulting in quicker as well as more efficient results and it also saves you a lot of time in not having to skip from one search engine to another.

Actually, by using this forex search engine you are getting three search engines rolled into one and the best part is that ForexSearchEngine.net focuses only on forex trading and it also provides supporting products as well as services that every forex trader will need in the course of his forex dealings. So, because every trader will prefer using a forex search engine that gives them access to Gann, Fibonacci and even Elliot wave theories in a trice, and which also gives them important news stories without needing to do much searching, ForexSearchEngine.net is the way to go.

In fact, when you use ForexSearchEngine.net, it will filter out those web pages as well as websites that are not relevant and so the results will be relevant to your search criteria and in addition, it also provides “recommend a website” where you can ask for relevant websites and even blogs that need to be included in its results.

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There are two major areas that can produce federal debt for individuals, being behind in paying their income taxes and defaulting on federal student loans. Legal troubles can also add to the debt if federal fines have been added to a criminal history. However, for the vast majority of individuals bad federal debt relief is about finding ways out of owing tons of money in past due taxes and fines as well as over due education loans.

While bankruptcy is the most efficient tool for eliminating unsecured debt, new federal laws, as  well as the old ones, do not allow for bad federal debt relief on money owed for taxes and defaulted school loans. There are certain circumstances in which a portion of past due taxes may be included in a petition for bankruptcy, but a lot depends on how long the debt has been owed and amount that has accumulated.

No Such Thing As A Free Education

In the recent past, many students would take out federally insured student loans for their higher education and after graduation, before they starting working would file for bankruptcy, leaving their Uncle Sam holding the bill for their education. Today, eliminating this bad federal debt relief on loans on which they have defaulted is considerably tougher.

Before a student loan is even considered for bankruptcy, the student has to prove that being required ti repay the loan would place them in a serious financial hardship. However, finding bad federal debt relief for student loans is often made tougher through bankruptcy, with the government arguing that with all other financial obligations removed through the court, the hardship of paying back the loans is reduced.

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