Victoria Beckham to design Longoria's wedding dress

Singer-turned-designer Victoria Beckham will design friend and actress Eva Longoria's wedding dress.

The 41-year-old fashion designer has been asked to create the former "Desperate Housewives" actress' bridal gown when she and fiancé Jose Antonio marry next summer, reports mirror.co.uk.

A source said: "Posh (Victoria) is keen to expand the wedding dress side of the business, so it's a dream come true for her to land this gig.

"She knew she was doing it before Jose even proposed."

Longoria, 40, was previously married to American soap actor Tyler Christopher, then French basketball star Tony Parker, and is now set to wed the Mexican TV boss in 2016, much to the delight of Beckham.

"Eva's wedding photographs will be seen all over the world, so it'll be perfect publicity for Posh," the insider added.

INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS

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The International Sports Federations are international non-governmental organisations recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as administering one or more sports at world level. The national federations administering those sports are affiliated to them. While conserving their independence and autonomy in the administration of their sports, International Sports Federations seeking IOC recognition must ensure that their statutes, practice and activities conform with the Olympic Charter.

The IFs have the responsibility and duty to manage and to monitor the everyday running of the world's various sports disciplines, including for those on the programme, the practical organisation of events during the Games. The IFs must also supervise the development of athletes practising these sports at every level. Each IF governs its sport at world level and ensures its promotion and development. They monitor the everyday administration of their sports and guarantee the regular organisation of competitions as well as respect for the rules of fair play.

The IFs may formulate proposals addressed to the IOC concerning the Olympic Charter and the Olympic Movement in general, including the organising and holding of the Olympic Games; give their opinions concerning the candidatures for organising the Olympic Games, particularly concerning the technical capabilities of the candidate cities; collaborate in the preparation of the Olympic Congresses; and participate in the activities of the IOC commissions.

Association of Federations
In order to discuss common problems and decide on their events calendars, the summer federations, the winter federations and the recognised federations have formed associations: the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations (AIOWF), and the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF).

What is Payday Loan?

A payday loan (also called a payday advance, salary loan, payroll loan, small dollar loan, short term or cash advance loan) is a small, short-term unsecured loan, "regardless of whether repayment of loans is linked to a borrower's payday."The loans are also sometimes referred to as "cash advances," though that term can also refer to cash provided against a prearranged line of credit such as a credit card. Payday advance loans rely on the consumer having previous payroll and employment records. Legislation regarding payday loans varies widely between different countries and, within the USA, between different states.

To prevent usury (unreasonable and excessive rates of interest), some jurisdictions limit the annual percentage rate (APR) that any lender, including payday lenders, can charge. Some jurisdictions outlaw payday lending entirely, and some have very few restrictions on payday lenders. In the United States, the rates of these loans were formerly restricted in most states by the Uniform Small Loan Laws (USLL), with 36%-40% APR generally the norm.

There are many different ways to calculate annual percentage rate of a loan. Depending on which method is used, the rate calculated may differ dramatically. E.g., for a $15 charge on a $100 14-day payday loan, it could be (from the borrower's perspective) anywhere from 391% to 3733%.

Although some have noted that these loans appear to carry substantial risk to the lender, it has recently been shown that these loans carry no more long term risk for the lender than other forms of credit.These studies seem to be confirmed by the SEC 10-K filings of at least one lender, who notes a charge-off rate of 3.2%.

What is an Unsecured Debt?

An unsecured debt is an obligation or debt that does not have specific property (like your house or car) serving as collateral for payment of the debt. If you fail to make payment on an unsecured debt, the creditor cannot take any of your property without first suing you and getting a court judgment. (There are a few exceptions to this rule.)
A secured debt, on the other hand, has a piece of property serving as collateral for the debt. If you fail to make payments, the creditor can take the property.

Common Types of Unsecured Debts
Common types of unsecured debts include:
most department store and other credit card charges
student loans
telephone, electric, and other utility bills (except to the extent that you are required to post a deposit)
medical bills
personal loans that you were not required to execute a security agreement or mortgage to obtain
court judgments that have not yet been enforced through remedies such as garnishment or attachment
income taxes (unless they are so seriously delinquent that they have gone into collection and become subject to a governmental lien), and
back rent (except in states that allow landlord liens).
Most debts are unsecured. The primary exceptions are home and auto loans, which are almost always secured.
Advances on lines of credit can be unsecured claims. Some lines of credit are unsecured, backed only by your promise to repay advances taken against them. Obligations on home equity lines of credit, on the other hand, are typically secured claims (secured by your home).
What Happens If You Don't Pay an Unsecured Debt?
If you fail make payment on an unsecured debt, the creditor can contact you to try to obtain payment, report the delinquent debt to a credit reporting agency, or file a lawsuit against you. Generally, a nongovernmental, unsecured creditor cannot seize any of your assets without a court judgment.
How Unsecured Creditors Can Get a Court Judgment
To obtain a judgment, a creditor must file a complaint in state or federal court and serve you with a copy (this is the start of the lawsuit). You have the right to file an answer to the complaint and contest the lawsuit before a judgment can be entered.
Remedies Once the Creditor Has a Judgment
Once a creditor obtains a court judgment against you, it can proceed with collection remedies. Collection remedies and procedures are governed primarily by state law. A judgment creditor may, among other things:
take your examination under oath to obtain information about your income, other obligations, and assets
garnish your wages and bank accounts, and
attach and sell real and personal property.
The percentage of your wages that can be garnished varies from state to state. State and federal law also exempt some real and personal property from collection. Creditors cannot garnish or collect from assets to the extent that they are covered by exemptions.   Exemptions available to you may protect your home equity, household furniture, pension plans, and other items of property from your creditors' collection efforts.
Exceptions to the Court Judgment Rule
If you default on a federally-insured student loan, the Department of Education can garnish up to 15% of your disposable income without a court judgment. State and federal tax authorities also may undertake collection remedies without first going to court.

What is a Refund Anticipation Loan?

Refund anticipation loan (RAL) is a short-term consumer loan in the United States provided by a third party against an expected tax refund for the duration it takes the tax authority to pay the refund. The loan term was usually about two to three weeks, related to the time it took the U.S. Internal Revenue Service to deposit refunds in electronic accounts. The loans were designed to make the refund available in as little as 24 hours. They were secured by a taxpayer’s expected tax refund, and designed to offer customers quicker access to funds.

The costs to the borrower could be significant compared to other lending and some consumer organizations warned consumers of the risk involved in this type of loan.[1] They are a largely discontinued financial product and beginning with the 2013 tax filing season, they have been largely replaced with the similar refund anticipation checks (RAC),[2][3] as well as a hodge podge of other financial products.[4]

RACs are temporary accounts which wait for the client's IRS tax refund, and which also provides a way for the client to pay for tax preparation out of the refund. Both financial products have similar fees and similar risks of third-party bank "cross-collection".

A similar process in Canada to a RAL is termed "tax rebate discounting".

1) What are alternatives to RALs?
Here are some ways to avoid the high costs and risks of RALs and get your tax refund back quickly at the same time:
E-file and request direct deposit — When a taxpayer e-files, they can request the IRS and the state to electronically deposit the refund directly into their personal checking or savings account. It typically takes less than 21 calendar days for the IRS and less than 10 calendar days for the state to process and electronically deposit a refund.
Open a bank account — A taxpayer should open a checking or savings account so their refund can be electronically deposited and available for immediate use. Many banks and credit unions will set-up an account for free. If a person chooses to use a check-cashing store, you will be charged fees to cash a check ($50 on average).
Visit a free tax preparation site (commonly referred to as VITA or TCE) — Trained volunteers will prepare an individual´s tax return for free. Plus, many sites will file the return electronically to speed up the refund. To find a VITA or TCE site, call (800) 829-1040, dial "211", or visit irs.gov.

2) How does the RAL process work?
When a taxpayer receives a RAL, the tax preparer lends the taxpayer the amount of their tax refund less the cost of interest and fees for the loan. When the government sends the actual refund check, it is directly deposited into the bank that made the loan. If the refund is smaller than anticipated due to deductions for items like unpaid child support or traffic tickets, the full amount of the loan must still be repaid.

3) How much does a RAL cost?
The cost of a RAL can vary widely and consumers should understand all the costs associated with this type of loan. RALs often carry extremely high interest rates. In addition, there are often other charges like electronic filing fees, application fees and a fee to cash the loan check. When all the costs of an RAL are added up, taxpayers can be spending more than 10% of their refund just to get the money a few days sooner.

4) What should I ask if I am considering a RAL?
Taxpayers should be sure to read the fine print and ask a lot of questions before signing up for a RAL. Remember that most taxpayers who file electronically receive their refunds in less than 21 days. Paying the costs associated with a RAL could be a large price to pay for getting your money a few days quicker. Before deciding on a RAL, make sure you know the answers to the following questions:
What is the interest rate?
What fees are you being charged?
What happens if your tax refund is less than you thought it would be?

5) Who offers RALs?
Businesses that prepare and file an individual's tax return typically offer RALs. This could include a tax preparation business, car dealership, furniture store, or check casher.

6) What is a creditor who provides RALs required to disclose in writing?
A creditor must disclose:
Any charges or fees for electronically filing the tax return.
The total dollar amount of all charges and fees.
The estimated annual percentage rate of the loan.
That the customer is responsible for repayment of the loan and the loan fees even if the tax refund is not paid or is paid in a lower amount than was anticipated.
The expected length of time by which the customer will receive the loan proceeds.
That the customer's tax return can be e-filed without obtaining a refund anticipation loan.
The anticipated length of time within which customers could expect to receive their refund if their tax return was e-filed, and the customer does not request a refund anticipation loan.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet

Technology can be defined as applications, instruments, or processes that enhance or simplify the aspects of everyday life. The vehicle you use to drive to work is an example of technology that simplifies life. Or, the Internet, as a whole, can be seen as technology that has greatly enhanced our lives. While the introduction of the Internet led to many benefits, unfortunately, it also came with its own set of problems. Most significantly, these problems can negatively impact your security and privacy.

Let’s address some of the advantages and disadvantages (drawbacks) of the Internet, and what you can do to keep your security and privacy intact.



Electronic Communications:
The Advantage:
Before the Internet came into existence, to communicate with someone who isn’t in the same room as you, you would have to call them on a phone. Or if you wanted to send them a note you had to send a letter through snail mail. With the introduction of the Internet, we now have the ability to send and receive messages through electronic mail- virtually instantaneously and without the need of a postage stamp.

The Problem:
Unfortunately, the ability to send and receive emails also created a means for cybercriminals to distribute spam and malware. Malware hiding in email attachments could wreak havoc to your PC or possibly even create a backdoor for an attacker to infiltrate your system. Through emails, cybercriminals saw this as another opportunity to play on human emotions and lure victims into revealing sensitive information through phishing scams.

What You Can Do
In addition to making sure your PC has an antivirus and two-way firewall, the key here is to think before you click. Did you get an email indicating there was unusual activity with your account and that you should click on this link to verify? Or, did you receive an email confirmation of a flight you did not make? In either instance, do not panic. If you’re unsure whether the email is legitimate or not, the best way to find out is to log into your online account directly to check on the claim. As always, never open email attachments from a sender you do not know.

Online Shopping:
The Advantage:
With the Internet came the convenience of online shopping. Rather than having to drive to a mall and wait in long lines to make a purchase, you can now do all of your shopping with a few clicks of the mouse. In addition, the Internet made it easier for individuals to price compare between different online retailers to see which one offers the best selections and prices.

The Problem:
While the Internet brought upon convenience for individuals to make online purchases, this also created yet another way for cybercriminals to steal personal information and to distribute malware.

First, cybercriminals create fake websites that offer goods at unbelievable prices to attract individuals. For example, during the Holiday Season you might search for the best electronic deals through a search engine. Cybercriminals can trick you into clicking on their fake website by boosting their ranking in the search engine results page (SERP) through a technique called SEO poisoning. You might think you’re making a legitimate purchase, but in actuality the cybercriminal has just taken hold of your personal information and could now use it to commit identity theft or sell it to the black market.

Second, cybercriminals can spread malware on legitimate websites by means of drive-by-downloads. Since popular and legitimate online shopping websites already receive a ton of visitors, this makes it much easier for cybercriminals to infect a wider reach of computers in a shorter amount of time. Legitimate websites could unknowingly distribute malware to visitors through malicious advertisements (or malvertisements) that are run by third-party vendors, or simply by hackers who have compromised the website itself.

What You Can Do
Rather than using a search engine to search for amazing deals during the Holiday season, it’s better to go to the official website of the online retailer directly. And if you’re thinking about making a purchase from unknown online retailers, simply don’t. When it comes to online retailer that might not be as popular or well-known as Amazon, tools such as MyWOT can give you a better idea of the reputation of the website. Additionally, PC security that comes with anti-phishing is a must in helping you avoid fraudulent websites. And just in case the legitimate website you’re visiting has been compromised, your security software is there to stop the threats before it has a chance to infect your PC!

Online Banking:
The Advantage:
Nowadays, online banking is practically the norm. You log into your online accounts to pay bills, transfer funds, or just to check your balance. Prior to online banking, you would have to drive to your local bank and wait in line for the next teller to have your transactions completed. With the Internet, you can avoid the line all together simply by remotely logging into your account on your computer and completing your transaction from there any time of day or night.

The Problem:
While the Internet brought upon efficiency and convenience of banking for consumers, this also gave cybercriminals a means to potentially steal your hard-earned cash. Cybercriminals could trick you into downloading a backdoor Trojan that would give them a back entry to your PC, where they could then record your banking credentials. Or, as mentioned in the section on “Electronic Communications”, cybercriminals could deceive you into revealing your credentials through a phishing scam. All of this could be done via the Internet without leaving any trace.

What You Can Do
One of the last things you want to happen to you is for a cybercriminal to have access to your finances. Cybercriminals can take advantage of vulnerabilities in outdated software and use it to infect your PC with malware that can steal your banking credentials, so be sure to have adequate PC security software and to keep your operating system, Web browsers, and other applications up-to-date. When it comes to accessing your online banking account at a public hotspot, only do so if you’re connected to a VPN (virtual private network).

The Internet of Things (IoT)
The Advantage:
The main advantage of the Internet is its ability to connect billions of computers and devices to each other. Not only does the Internet create convenience in sharing and receiving information between users, another advantage of the modern Internet is its ability for automation. Enter “The Internet of Things”, where devices and sensors communicate with each other to automatically perform a designated task or function. For example, a smart thermostat could reduce your energy cost by automatically adjusting the temperature when it senses you have left the house. Additionally, it “learns” your heating and cooling preferences and adjusts them to your liking.

The Problem:
While a smart thermostat can aid in reducing your energy cost, the downside is that a hacker could exploit the hardware of the thermostat and use it to spy on home owners. Since smart thermostats have access to information such as when you’re home or away, your zip code, and your WiFi credentials, a hacker who compromises the thermostat will now have access to all of this information.

Smart thermostats aren’t the only devices vulnerable to attacks. According to a recent study, 70 percent of IoT devices are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. This list includes thermostats, TVs, webcams, sprinkler control systems, home alarms, and door locks- just to name a few. The truth of the matter is that all of these devices have loopholes and vulnerabilities that could be exploited by just about anyone.

What You Can Do
If you chose to use IoT devices, make sure to examine the privacy policies and security features before making a purchase decision. Also, when new security patches or software updates are available, you should immediately update to the latest version. And finally, don’t be afraid to contact the company that manufacturers the device, should you have questions or concerns about the product.

Never Let Your Guard Down
Are we saying we should go back to how things were before the Internet? Absolutely not! The Internet offers great opportunity and advancement. However, keep in mind, the more convenient something is, the less secure it will be making it a lot more vulnerable for a hacker to exploit its weaknesses. Enjoy what the Internet has to offer, but always be conscious of the potential risks, as doing so goes a long way to helping you stay more secure in this connected world.

Criteria for The World's Healthiest Foods

Among the thousands of different foods our world provides, the majority contain at least several of the nutrients our bodies need but to be included as one of the World's Healthiest Foods they had to meet the criteria listed below.
The criteria we used will also help you understand why some of your favorite (and also nutritious) foods may not be included on our list. For example, Readers have asked why pomegranate, a very nutritious food, is not included on our website. While pomegranates taste great and are rich in vitamins and flavonoid phytonutrients, they are still rather expensive which makes them not as widely available to many people.

1. The World's Healthiest Foods are the Most Nutrient Dense

The World's Healthiest Foods have been selected because they are among the richest sources of many of the essential nutrients needed for optimal health. We used a concept called nutrient density to determine which foods have the highest nutritional value.
Nutrient density is a measure of the amount of nutrients a food contains in comparison to the number of calories. A food is more nutrient dense when the level of nutrients is high in relationship to the number of calories the food contains. By eating the World's Healthiest Foods, you'll get all the essential nutrients that you need for excellent health, including vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, essential fatty acids, fiber and more for the least number of calories. Read more about Our Food and Recipe Rating System.

2. The World's Healthiest Foods are Whole Foods

The World's Healthiest Foods are also whole foods complete with all their rich natural endowment of nutrients. They have not been highly processed nor do they contain synthetic, artificial or irradiated ingredients. And whenever possible, The Healthier Way of Eating recommends purchasing "Organically Grown" foods, since they not only promote your health, but also the health of our planet.
3. The World's Healthiest Foods are Familiar Foods

The World's Healthiest Foods are common "everyday" foods. These include the fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, lean meats, fish, olive oil, herbs and spices that are familiar to most people.
4. The World's Healthiest Foods are Readily Available

Although there are many foods that are exceptionally nutritious, many of them are not readily available in different areas of the country. The World's Healthiest Foods are foods that the majority people can easily find at their local market.
5. The World's Healthiest Foods are Affordable

We have selected foods that are not only familiar and available, but also affordable, especially if you purchase them locally and in season. This is also the time when they are the freshest and of the best quality.
6. The World's Healthiest Foods Taste Good

The World's Healthiest Foods are also some of the world's best tasting foods. We have created recipes using the World's Healthiest Foods that do not overpower, but enhance, the unique flavor of each food. Each recipe provides a flavor adventure so you can discover new ways to experience and enjoy the great natural tastes of these foods.

What Is the Real Definition of Beauty?

Beauty is power; a smile is its sword 

Beauty has varied throughout time, various cultures and the vast different perceptions of the world. Beauty has been described and depicted through pictures and concepts penetrating our minds. Beauty has been defined in so many ways. What I have discovered is that beauty is simple. Beauty is happiness.

It's the images and moments that inspire and represent the most distinct and remarkable attractiveness of our souls. It's the moments we feel free and real. It's the moments we feel proud and eminent. It's the moments we feel alive. It seems like that element should be inherent, but it isn't.

Beauty is often distorted, misunderstood and shadowed by a wide amount of conflicting pressures. It is something we endlessly strive for, rather than see in the true essence of our happiest moments.

I think of the times I've been most happy and whether or not those align with common beauty standards. It hasn't been the nights my hair stayed intact, body dressed attractively, or skin shined flawlessly. It's been the moments I felt beauty because of happiness, which was not derived from my appearance -- at all.

I love the beauty that pulsates through my body with my lover's hand on the back of my messy hair, and lips pressed against mine. I love the beauty of how I feel on the beach, with my hair stuck to my face by the salty ocean water and the way my skin feels being touched by the sand and sun. I love the beauty of my sweaty face and squealing voice as I belt out lyrics at a concert. I love photos that capture my beauty during unrehearsed moments. These are the times when I feel most beautiful because I'm alive, not because of what an exterior image has brainwashed me to believe.

It's those sensations that ignite the real flame of confidence and beauty in the souls of those constantly bombarded with messages telling them to believe otherwise. It's the little moments, like when someone looks at you with respect and admiration. It's the true ecstasy of falling in love with people and places in a magically easy way. It's the way it feels to achieve a goal you're worked tirelessly to achieve. It's the wrinkles from every effortless smile and furrowed brow of strength that make a face perfect. It's the moments that build the women we become and strive to be. Beauty is in the heart, and the way it shines through.

We are all unique women, with experiences and memories that tie together seamlessly into a blanket of our own versions of beauty. We are different shapes, sizes, colors, and heritage. We are mothers, daughters, and grandmothers. We are activists, innovators, achievers and inspirations. We are the lives and change we create, and that is beauty.

Our bodies are simply a shell that allows us to radiate these experiences and accomplishments through. They are a case that displays our happiest and most incredible experiences for the world to share with us. No culture, company or concept could ever define beauty. It is composed of the moments that draw upon our strength, and consume us with the remarkable and intoxicating experience of being alive.

Bank Loans and Overdrafts (GCSE)

A bank overdraft is a limit on borrowing on a bank current account. With an overdraft the amount of borrowing may vary on a daily basis.

A bank loan is a fixed amount for a fixed term with regular fixed repayments. The interest on a loan tends to be lower than an overdraft.

Example of a loan:

A business borrows £12,000 from a bank over 3 years at an interest rate of 5%. The approximate repayments on this loan would be £392 a month for 36 months (£14,112).

A fixed term means how many months or years before the loan has to be repaid in full.

Normally a fixed term loan will be for a greater amount than an overdraft.

Overdrafts

Loans

Advantages

Flexibility – can change the amount borrowed within limits

Interest is only paid on amounts borrowed

Larger amounts can be borrowed

Lower interest rates than overdrafts

Regular repayments help plan cash flow

Disadvantages

Cannot be used for large borrowing

Rates of interest higher than loans

Bank can change limit at any time or ask for money to be paid back sooner than expected

Less flexible than an overdraft

Have to pay back in stated time or risk further financial problems


Debentures

A debenture is a long term loan which is usually secured against a specific asset (e.g. the factory) or the overall assets of a business. A debenture is repayable at a fixed date and has a fixed rate of interest.

Debentures are different from ordinary shares because:

The lender has no voting rights in the company.

The loan attracts interests – whereas holders of ordinary shares get dividends.

The providers of loans are paid out before ordinary shareholders in the event that the business fails (assuming there is some cash left).

Cyber crime victims refuse to hand over computers for police analysis as backlog creates year-long delays

Victims of cyber crime are refusing to hand over their computers to police for analysis because a substantial backlog means that they could be deprived of them for months.

Fear follows crime, and is its punishment

Researchers found that one police force had a nine-month backlog of devices waiting to be examined, despite spending £180,000 on outsourcing the work to the private sector.

Delays of up to 12 months to examine devices were not uncommon, according to the report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary.


Victims have told officers they are not willing to accept a year of disruption while waiting for overwhelmed specialists to extract information.

“We cannot afford backlogs and we cannot afford to outsource,” a senior officer said.

The report provides the latest evidence of delays and failures to properly investigate the fast-growing area of crime. One person in the UK falls victim to a fraud or a cyber attack every four seconds.

Inspectors reported earlier this year how an alleged paedophile had fled to the Czech Republic during the three years it took for police to examine his computer.

The man – who had attacked his partner – had his computer seized in March 2011 after the woman said that he had indecent images of children on it. That was only confirmed in January 2014, by which time the man had left the UK.

In another case, a sex offender fled to Spain to avoid prosecution and computers were seized from his home in 2012. An officer was asked three times to compile a file of evidence against the fugitive, but more than two years later it had not been done.


“Having hundreds of computers in a backlog awaiting full examination does not support the victim and undoubtedly does not do anything to prevent further crime,” said the report Real lives, Real crimes, released today. It said there were “significant backlogs” with specialist units unable to cope with the demand.

The report also said that forces were losing opportunities to claw back money from fraud because of the time it took to start proper inquiries. Total losses reported to Action Fraud – the national central point for collecting details of online crime – amounted to £3.5bn in the year to 2015.

The report said that police officers might only have a window of about 24 hours to act, before money was transferred from UK bank accounts. But it found that it took 30 days on average before it was allocated to an investigator.

“This delay presents a substantial opportunity to the offender who has the ability to generate a complex money trail, often involving bank accounts outside the jurisdiction, to salt away the fraudulently-obtained funds,” the report found.

An examination of cases found that officers lacked empathy with the victims, and had even turned down the offer of evidence that had been carefully collected by the victim.

Stephen Kavanagh, the police chief responsible for digital investigations, said: “More still needs to be done.”

Work at Home Jobs With No Startup Fees

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Most people want to find a work at home opportunity that does not charge a fee. Usually, it is because they are concerned about being scammed. Scammers will usually offer a deal that is too good to be true and then will likely ask for personal information and a bank account number. It is important that you avoid sites that ask for that kind of information. It is very important to be aware of the popular work at home scams online today. Here is a list of some great websites that do not require a startup fee.

"Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it."

Work at Home Opportunities that Don’t Charge a Startup Fee I will try to keep this list updated for those who do not want to pay any upfront fees to start a home-based job. If you personally know someone that would be interested in finding a work from home job with no startup fees, feel free to share. Tutor.com – This Company offers online tutoring opportunities. You are able to set up your own schedule depending on your availability and they do not charge any sign up fees. Accolade Support – This Company will bring you on board as an independent contractor to provide PC desktop support. The pay offered is between $8.25 and $10 an hour. They do not charge any fees. Aim-for-a-Tutor – To be considered for a job with this company you need to send a well written resume to jobs@aim4a.com. You will need to include a paragraph that says why you are interested in the position, provide your available hours, give your skype name and how much you hope to earn. Once hired you will provide one-on-one tutoring online. 1-800-Translate – They hire people to work as freelance translators from around the world. No fees involved. Speakwrite – They hire only from Canada and the USA to work as typists. They receive many applications and as a result they will often put the application process on hold. Keep checking back from time to time. The Coding Network– You need previous work experience for this position. They hire medical coders to work from home. Great American Opportunities– If you enjoy data entry this is a great opportunity for you. You work as an independent contractor keying in magazine subscriptions and gift orders that come in for their school fundraising projects. In order to qualify for the position, you will be required to take and pass a test. The email to use when sending your resume is greatamerican@gafundraising.com Google Ads Quality Rater – The position involves carrying out an evaluation of google search engines. It is a part –time work from home opportunity. You need to have a college degree to qualify for this position and you must also take and pass the test that they administer. They provide training before you can work for them. Click n Work – The positions available with this company are numerous. They include web searchers, data entry, writers and phone interviewers among others. Brainfuse– This Company offers flexible hours working from your home as an online tutor. They do not charge any fees to start. Terescription– You will need foot pedal to work with Terescription. They hire for the position of transcriber in the entertainment business and you get to work from home. AB Global – You need to be bilingual to work as a translator in this family owned company. They do not charge any fees to get started. 1-800-Flowers – This Company is based in New York. They are a flower company and they usually hire call center agents on a permanent, seasonal and temporary basis. You need a land line telephone, internet access and a computer in order to work for them. It is important to note that they hire from specific states only. You need to have previous call center work experience and over 18 to work for them. Your communication and writing skills should also be good. You can check out their website for further information. 1-800-Contacts – This Company looks to hire customer service reps to work from home. You need to be within a 50 mile radius of Draper, Utah in order to work for them. They pay about $10 an hour with added incentives.

10 Habits Of Successful Real Estate Investors

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Joint ventures, wholesaling and property management are just a few of the ways investors can profit from real estate, but it takes a little savvy to become successful in this competitive arena. While certain universities do offer coursework and programs that specifically benefit real estate investors, a degree is not necessarily a prerequisite to profitable real estate investing. Whether an investor has a degree or not, there are certain characteristics that top real estate investors commonly possess. This slideshow will identify 10 habits that highly effective real estate investors share.

Make A Plan
Real estate investors must approach their real estate activities as a business in order to establish and achieve short- and long-term goals. A business plan also allows investors to visualize the big picture, which helps maintain focus on the goals rather than on any minor setbacks. Real estate investing can be complicated and demanding, and a solid plan can keep investors organized and on task.

Know The Market
Effective real estate investors acquire an in-depth knowledge of their selected market(s). Keeping abreast of current trends, including any changes in consumer spending habits, mortgage rates and the unemployment rate, to name a few, enables real estate investors to acknowledge current conditions, and plan for the future. This enables investors to predict when trends may change, creating potential opportunities for the prepared investor.

Be Honest

Real estate investors are usually not obligated to uphold a particular degree of ethics. Although it would be easy to take advantage of this situation, most successful real estate investors maintain high ethical standards. Since real estate investing involves people, an investor's reputation is likely to be far reaching. Effective real estate investors know it is better to be fair, rather than seeing what they can get away with.

Develop A Niche

It is important for investors to develop a focus in order to gain the depth of knowledge essential to becoming successful. Taking the time to develop this level of understanding is integral to the long-term success of the investor. Once a particular market is mastered, the investor can move on to additional areas using the same in-depth approach.

Encourage Referrals

Referrals generate a sizable portion of a real estate investor's business, so it is critical that investors treat others with respect. This includes business partners, associates, clients, renters and anyone with whom the investor has a business relationship. Effective real estate investors pay attention to detail, listen and respond to complaints and concerns, and represent their business in a positive and professional manner.

Stay Educated

As with any business, it is imperative to stay up to date with the laws, regulations, terminology and trends that form the basis of the real estate investor's business. Investors who fall behind risk not only losing momentum in their businesses, but also legal ramifications if laws are ignored or broken. Successful real estate investors stay educated and adapt to any regulatory changes or economic trends.

Understand The Risks

Stock or futures market investors are inundated with warnings regarding the inherent risks involved in investing. Real estate investors, however, are more likely to see advertisements claiming just the opposite - that it is easy to make money in real estate. Prudent real estate investors understand the risks - not only in terms of real estate deals, but also the legal implications involved - and adjust their businesses to reduce those risks.

Invest In An Accountant

Taxes comprise a significant portion of a real estate investor's yearly expenses. Understanding current tax laws can be complicated and take time away from the business at hand. Sharp real estate investors retain the services of a qualified, reputable accountant to handle the business's books. The costs associated with the accountant can be negligible when compared to the savings a professional can bring to the business.

Find Help

Learning the real estate investing business is challenging to someone attempting to do things on their own. Effective real estate investors often attribute part of their success to others - whether a mentor, lawyer or supportive friend. Rather than risk time and money tacking a difficult problem, successful real estate investors know it is worth the additional costs (in terms of money and ego) to embrace other people's expertise.

What is Commercial Real Estate Loan?

Commercial real estate (CRE) is income-producing real estate that is used solely for business purposes, such as retail centers, office complexes, hotels and apartments. Financing – including the acquisition, development and construction of these properties – is typically accomplished through commercial real estate loans: mortgage loans secured byliens on commercial, rather than residential, property.

Just as with residential loans, banks and independent lenders are actively involved in making loans on commercial real estate. In addition, insurance companies, pension funds, private investors and other capital sources, including the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 504 Loan program, make loans for commercial real estate.

Here, we take a look at commercial real estate loans: how they differ from residential loans, their characteristics and what lenders look for.

Individuals vs. Entities

While residential mortgages are typically made to individual borrowers, commercial real estate loans are often made to business entities (e.g., corporations, developers, partnerships, funds and trusts). These entities are often formed for the specific purpose of owning commercial real estate.

An entity may not have a financial track record or any credit history, in which case the lender may require the principals or owners of the entity to guarantee the loan. This provides the lender with an individual (or group of individuals) with a credit history and/or financial track record – and from whom they can recover in the event of loan default. If this type of guaranty is not required by the lender, and the property is the only means of recovery in the event of loan default, the loan is called a non-recourse loan, meaning that the lender has no recourse against anyone or anything other than the property.

Loan Repayment Schedules

A residential mortgage is a type of amortized loan in which the debt is repaid in regular installments over a period of time. The most popular residential mortgage product is the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Residential buyers have other options, as well, including 25-year and 15-year mortgages. Longer amortization periods typically involve smaller monthly payments and higher total interest costs over the life of the loan, while shorter amortization periods generally entail larger monthly payments and lower total interest costs. Residential loans are amortized over the life of the loan so that the loan is fully repaid at the end of the loan term. A borrower with a $200,000 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 5%, for example, would make 360 monthly payments of $1,073.64, after which the loan would be fully repaid.

Unlike residential loans, the terms of commercial loans typically range from five years (or less) to 20 years, and the amortization period is often longer than the term of the loan. A lender, for example, might make a commercial loan for a term of seven years with an amortization period of 30 years. In this situation, the investor would make payments for seven years of an amount based on the loan being paid off over 30 years, followed by one final “balloon” payment of the entire remaining balance on the loan. For example, an investor with a $1 million commercial loan at 7% would make monthly payments of $6,653.02 for seven years, followed by a final balloon payment of $918,127.64 that would pay off the loan in full.

The length of the loan term and the amortization period will affect the rate the lender charges. Depending on the investor’s credit strength, these terms may be negotiable. In general, the longer the loan repayment schedule, the higher the interest rate.

Loan-to-Value Ratios

Another way that commercial and residential loans differ is in the loan-to-value ratio (LTV): a figure that measures the value of a loan against the value of the property. A lender calculates LTV by dividing the amount of the loan by the lesser of the property’s appraised value or purchase price. For example, the LTV for a $90,000 loan on a $100,000 property would be 90% ($90,000 ÷ $100,000 = 0.9, or 90%).

For both commercial and residential loans, borrowers with lower LTVs will generally qualify for more favorable financing rates than those with higher LTVs. The reason: They have more equity (or stake) in the property, which equals less risk in the eyes of the lender.

High LTVs are allowed for certain residential mortgages: Up to 100% LTV is allowed for VA and USDA loans; up to 96.5% for FHA loans (loans that are insured by the Federal Housing Administration); and up to 95% for conventional loans (those guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac).

Commercial loan LTVs, in contrast, generally fall into the 65% to 80% range. While some loans may be made at higher LTVs, they are less common. The specific LTV often depends on the loan category. For example, a maximum LTV of 65% may be allowed for raw land, while an LTV of up to 80% might be acceptable for a multifamily construction. There are no VA or FHA programs in commercial lending, and no private mortgage insurance. Therefore, lenders have no insurance to cover borrower default and must rely on the real property pledged as security.

Note: Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is a type of insurance policy that protects lenders from the risk of default and foreclosure, allowing buyers who are unable to make a significant down payment (or choose to not to) to obtain mortgage financing at affordable rates. If a borrower purchases a residential property and puts down less than 20%, the lender will minimize its risk by requiring the borrower to buy insurance from a PMI company. See How To Get Rid Of Private Mortgage Insurance.

Debt-Service Coverage Ratio

Commercial lenders also look at the debt-service coverage ratio (DSCR), which compares a property’s annual net operating income (NOI) to its annual mortgage debt service (including principal and interest), measuring the property’s ability to service its debt. It is calculated by dividing the NOI by the annual debt service. For example, a property with $140,000 in NOI and $100,000 in annual mortgage debt service would have a DSCR of 1.40 ($140,000 ÷ $100,000 = 1.4). The ratio helps lenders determine the maximum loan size based on the cash flow generated by the property.

A DSCR of less than 1 indicates a negative cash flow. For example, a DSCR of .92 means that there is only enough NOI to cover 92% of annual debt service. In general, commercial lenders look for DSCRs of at least 1.25 to ensure adequate cash flow. A lower DSCR may be acceptable for loans with shorter amortization periods and/or properties with stable cash flows. Higher ratios may be required for properties with volatile cash flows – for example, hotels, which lack the long-term (and therefore, more predictable) tenant leases common to other types of commercial real estate.

Interest Rates and Fees

Interest rates on commercial loans are generally higher than on residential loans. In addition, commercial real estate loans usually involve fees that add to the overall cost of the loan, including appraisal, legal, loan application, loan origination and/or survey fees. Some costs must be paid up front before the loan is approved (or rejected), while others apply annually. For example, a loan may have a one-time loan origination fee of 1%, due at the time of closing, and an annual fee of one quarter of one percent (0.25%) until the loan is fully paid. A $1 million loan, for example, might require a 1% loan origination fee equal to $10,000 to be paid up front, with a 0.25% fee of $2,500 paid annually (in addition to interest).

Prepayment

A commercial real estate loan may have restrictions on prepayment, designed to preserve the lender’s anticipated yield on a loan. If the investors settle a debt before the loan’s maturity date, they will likely have to pay prepayment penalties. There are four primary types of “exit” penalties for paying off a loan early:

Prepayment Penalty. This is the most basic prepayment penalty, calculated by multiplying the current outstanding balance by a specified prepayment penalty.

Interest Guarantee. The lender is entitled to a specified amount of interest, even if the loan is paid off early. For example, a loan may have a 10% interest rate guaranteed for 60 months, with a 5% exit fee after that.

Lockout. The borrower cannot pay off the loan before a specified period of time, such as a 5-year lockout.

Defeasance. A substitution of collateral. Instead of paying cash to the lender, the borrower exchanges new collateral (usually Treasury securities) for the original loan collateral. High penalties can be attached to this method of paying off a loan.

Prepayment terms are identified in the loan documents and can be negotiated along with other loan terms in commercial real estate loans. Options should be understood ahead of time and evaluated before paying off a loan early.

The Bottom Line

With commercial real estate, it is usually an investor (often a business entity) that purchases the property, leases out space and collects rent from the businesses that operate within the property: The investment is intended to be an income-producing property.

When evaluating commercial real estate loans, lenders consider the loan’s collateral; the creditworthiness of the entity (or principals/owners), including three to five years of financial statements and income tax returns; and financial ratios, such as the loan-to-value ratio and the debt-service coverage ratio. For more information, read 7 Steps To A Hot Commercial Real Estate Deal and Find Fortune In Commercial Real Estate.

Want to know about Home Equity Loan?

A home equity loan is a type of loan in which the borrower uses the equity of his or her home as collateral. Home equity loans are often used to finance major expenses such as home repairs, medical bills, or college education. A home equity loan creates a lien against the borrower's house and reduces actual home equity.

Most home equity loans require good to excellent credit history, reasonable loan-to-value and combined loan-to-value ratios. Home equity loans come in two types: closed end (traditionally just called a home-equity loan) and open end (aka a home-equity line of credit). Both are usually referred to as second mortgages, because they are secured against the value of the property, just like a traditional mortgage. Home equity loans and lines of credit are usually, but not always, for a shorter term than first mortgages. Home equity loan can be used as a person's main mortgage in place of a traditional mortgage. However, one can not purchase a home using a home equity loan, one can only use a home equity loan to refinance. In the United States, in most cases it is possible to deduct home equity loan interest on one's personal income taxes. 

There is a specific difference between a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit (HELOC). A HELOC is a line of revolving credit with an adjustable interest rate whereas a home equity loan is a one time lump-sum loan, often with a fixed interest rate. With a HELOC the borrower can choose when and how often to borrow against the equity in the property, with the lender setting an initial limit to the credit line based on criteria similar to those used for closed-end loans. Like the closed-end loan, it may be possible to borrow up to an amount equal to the value of the home, minus any liens. These lines of credit are available up to 30 years, usually at a variable interest rate. The minimum monthly payment can be as low as only the interest that is due. Typically, the interest rate is based on the prime rate plus a margin.

Types of Homeowners’ Insurance Policies

Most people need homeowner’s insurance because their home is their single most expensive asset, which, if lost, would create financial hardship for most people. Also, virtually all mortgage lenders require that the mortgagor buy insurance to cover their security for the loan.

Most homeowner policies cover the dwelling, other structures on the property, the contents of the dwelling and other structures, and will also pay for living expenses if the primary residence is uninhabitable. Most also provide personal liability insurance.


Homeowner’s insurance was first introduced in the 1950s. Today, most homeowners’ insurance policies are based on forms developed by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and the American Association of Insurance Services (AAIS). For commercial and personal lines of insurance, ISO provides:

statistical, actuarial, underwriting and claims information and analysis;
consulting and technical services;
policy language;
information about specific locations;
fraud-identification tools;
and data processing for insurers, reinsurers, agents, brokers, self-insureds, risk managers, and insurance regulators and other government agencies.
While some insurers use their own forms, most of these are similar to ISO forms. The most recent homeowners’ insurance policies are based on the Homeowners 2000 Program (HO 2000), which incorporated changes to make the policy more compliant with court decisions and to accommodate changing lifestyles since the last revision in 1991. The rest of the information presented is based on the HO 2000 policies.

Homeowner’s insurance is available for 1- to 4-family dwellings. No more than 2 families or 2 boarders may occupy any single residence. Although homeowner’s insurance is for private residences only, certain businesses can be included, such as day care or home offices established for a business or profession; however, it does not cover professional liability, which should be purchased as a separate policy. There are also different policies for condominium or cooperative owners and renters.

Five types of credit card you will fall under

1. Max Payers or Full Payers:
These are the most responsible kind of people. They have an idea of what the statement would be in advance and also prepare for the expense. They pay their outstanding credit completely and never pay a single paisa as interest. They are not the kind of payers that a credit card company makes money from. However, they pay back, thereby allowing the credit card issuer to keep the money in circulation.
Max payers also keep an eye on offers that come along with the card and make the best use of them. They never miss out on movie tickets or brunches that come associated with a card.
2. Revolvers:
We aren’t talking about Colt revolvers. They are a different type of credit card holders who do not believe in paying their dues to the full.  They pay only the minimum amount due, or little more than that, and go about making purchases on their cards as usual.  High interest rates do not bother them. No matter how big or small the outstanding amount, they believe in revolving their credit, hence earning their name.  They are the darlings of the credit card companies, for the companies make money at their expense.  Revolvers, be prepared to see your credit scores make a downside dash.
3. Non-Payers:
Contrary to the first two categories, non-payers manage to obtain all the credit cards offered to them, use them all up to the maximum available credit and then not pay up at all.  These are the type of customers that any credit card company would not like to have.  When card dues are not paid, it not only affects your chance of getting any sort of further credit; like a car or a home loan. You can also be subject to legal action by the issuer.
Many of the people that fall into this type have often obtained their cards fraudulently.  There is nothing good about being a non-payer.
4. Traders:
Traders are the smartest credit card users. They are always on the lookout for cards with maximum rewards, cash back, longest payback tenure etc. After using the maximum amount on a card and cashing in the reward points, they are on the pry for cards that offer transfer of balance without any fee or have least rate of interest.  Being very clever, they do not transfer the entire balance. A small sum is left in the old card so that the reward points are not wiped out. The new company, to which the transfer is made, generally offers a lower rate of interest or no interest for a limited number of months. Traders end up making the best of both the worlds. This is no easy game and you have to be very cautious and well informed to be a trader. A small lapse could make your house of cards tumble.
5. Non users:
We have a number of people who boast about owning all sorts of cards; gold, platinum, coral and more. But when it comes to using them, they just don’t. Non-users are typically those people who have previously gotten into trouble for using their card wrongly or those who like to be extra cautious with their expenditure. Frequent cycles of revolving credit burns a hole in their pocket and revolvers then reform themselves and turn into non-users. As they were once the darlings of credit card issuers, they are often enticed into using their cards again.
Non -users being true to their name, refrain entirely.

What is eMarketing ?

Marketing has pretty much been around forever in one form or another. Since the day when humans first started trading whatever it was that they first traded, marketing was there. Marketing was the stories they used to convince other humans to trade. Humans have come a long way since then, (Well, we like to think we have) and marketing has too.

The methods of marketing have changed and improved, and we've become a lot more efficient at telling our stories and getting our marketing messages out there. eMarketing is the product of the meeting between modern communication technologies and the age-old marketing principles that humans have always applied.

That said, the specifics are reasonably complex and are best handled piece by piece. So we’ve decided to break it all down and tackle the parts one at a time. This week we’ll be looking at the "what" and "why" of eMarketing, outlining the benefits and pointing out how it differs from traditional marketing methods.

By the end of the series we're pretty sure you'll have everything you need to tell better marketing stories.

What is eMarketing?
Very simply put, eMarketing or electronic marketing refers to the application of marketing principles and techniques via electronic media and more specifically the Internet. The terms eMarketing, Internet marketing and online marketing, are frequently interchanged, and can often be considered synonymous.

eMarketing is the process of marketing a brand using the Internet. It includes both direct response marketing and indirect marketing elements and uses a range of technologies to help connect businesses to their customers.

By such a definition, eMarketing encompasses all the activities a business conducts via the worldwide web with the aim of attracting new business, retaining current business and developing its brand identity.

Why is it important?
When implemented correctly, the return on investment (ROI) from eMarketing can far exceed that of traditional marketing strategies.

Whether you're a "bricks and mortar" business or a concern operating purely online, the Internet is a force that cannot be ignored. It can be a means to reach literally millions of people every year. It's at the forefront of a redefinition of way businesses interact with their customers.

Benifits of life insurance

Life Insurance provides the dual benefits of savings and security. The following benefits explain why this investment tool should be an integral part of your financial plans.


Advantages of Life Insurance

Risk Cover - Life today is full of uncertainties; in this scenario Life Insurance ensures that your loved ones continue to enjoy a good quality of life against any unforeseen event.

Planning for life stage needs - Life Insurance not only provides for financial support in the event of untimely death but also acts as a long term investment. You can meet your goals, be it your children's education, their marriage, building your dream home or planning a relaxed retired life, according to your life stage and risk appetite. Traditional life insurance policies i.e. traditional endowment plans, offer in-built guarantees and defined maturity benefits through variety of product options such as Money Back, Guaranteed Cash Values, Guaranteed Maturity Values.

Protection against rising health expenses - Life Insurers through riders or stand alone health insurance plans offer the benefits of protection against critical diseases and hospitalization expenses. This benefit has assumed critical importance given the increasing incidence of lifestyle diseases and escalating medical costs.

Builds the habit of thrift - Life Insurance is a long-term contract where as policyholder, you have to pay a fixed amount at a defined periodicity. This builds the habit of long-term savings. Regular savings over a long period ensures that a decent corpus is built to meet financial needs at various life stages.
Safe and profitable long-term investment - Life Insurance is a highly regulated sector. IRDA of India, the regulatory body, through various rules and regulations ensures that the safety of the policyholder's money is the primary responsibility of all stakeholders. Life Insurance being a long-term savings instrument, also ensures that the life insurers focus on returns over a long-term and do not take risky investment decisions for short term gains.
Assured income through annuities - Life Insurance is one of the best instruments for retirement planning. The money saved during the earning life span is utilized to provide a steady source of income during the retired phase of life.
Protection plus savings over a long term - Since traditional policies are viewed both by the distributors as well as the customers as a long term commitment; these policies help the policyholders meet the dual need of protection and long term wealth creation efficiently.

Growth through dividends - Traditional policies offer an opportunity to participate in the economic growth without taking the investment risk. The investment income is distributed among the policyholders through annual announcement of dividends/bonus.
Facility of loans without affecting the policy benefits - Policyholders have the option of taking loan against the policy. This helps you meet your unplanned life stage needs without adversely affecting the benefits of the policy they have bought.
Tax Benefits-Insurance plans provide attractive tax-benefits for both at the time of entry and exit under most of the plans.
Mortgage Redemption- Insurance acts as an effective tool to cover mortgages and loans taken by the policyholders so that, in case of any unforeseen event, the burden of repayment does not fall on the bereaved family.

Types of mortgage loan

Popular Types of Mortgage Loan Programs


Fixed-Rate Mortgage Types
This is the granddaddy of them all. Today you can choose from 5-year, 10-year, 15-year, 20-year-, 30-year, 40-year and even 50-year fixed-rate mortgages, all of which are completely amortized.

FHA Loans
FHA mortgage loan types are insured by the government through mortgage insurance that is funded into the loan. First-time home buyers are ideal candidates for an FHA loan because the down payment requirements are minimal and fico scores do not matter.

VA Loans
This type of government loan is available to veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Services and, in certain cases, to spouses of deceased veterans. The requirements vary depending on the year of service and whether the discharge was honorable or dishonorable. The main benefit to a VA loan is the borrower does not need a down payment. The loan is guaranteed by the Department of Veteran Affairs, but funded by a conventional lender.


Interest-Only Mortgage Types
Calling a mortgage loan type an "interest-only mortgage" is a bit misleading because these loans are not really interest only, meaning the borrower pays only interest on the loan. Interest-only loans contain an option to make an interest-only payment. The option is available only for a certain period of time. However, some junior mortgages are indeed interest only and require a balloon payment, consisting of the original loan balance at maturity.


Hybrid Types of Mortgage Loans

Option ARM Mortgage Types
Option ARM loans are complicated. They are adjustable-rate mortgages, meaning the interest rate fluctuates periodically. Like the name implies, borrowers can choose from a variety of payment options and index rates. But beware of the minimum payment option, which can result in negative amortization.

Combo / Piggyback Mortgage Loan Types
This type of mortgage financing consists of two loans: a first mortgage and a second mortgage. The mortgages can be adjustable-rate mortgages or fixed-rate or a combination of the two. Borrowers take out two loans when the down payment is less than 20% to avoid paying private mortgage insurance.

LIFE INSURANCE

Life insurance or life assurance, especially in the Commonwealth, is a contract between an insurance policy holder and an insurer or assurer, where the insurer promises to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money (the benefit) in exchange for a premium, upon the death of an insured person (often the policy holder). Depending on the contract, other events such as terminal illness or critical illness can also trigger payment. The policy holder typically pays a premium, either regularly or as one lump sum. Other expenses (such as funeral expenses) can also be included in the benefits.


Life policies are legal contracts and the terms of the contract describe the limitations of the insured events. Specific exclusions are often written into the contract to limit the liability of the insurer; common examples are claims relating to suicide, fraud, war, riot, and civil commotion.

Life-based contracts tend to fall into two major categories:

Protection policies – designed to provide a benefit, typically a lump sum payment, in the event of specified event. A common form of a protection policy design is term insurance.
Investment policies – where the main objective is to facilitate the growth of capital by regular or single premiums. Common forms (in the U.S.) are whole life, universal life, and variable life policies.

AUTO CAR INSURANCE

Premier Responsible Driver Plan® - In addition to accident and minor violation forgiveness, your deductible decreases if you remain accident free! For 6 month policies, your deductible decreases $50 per term. For 12 month policies, your deductible decreases $100 per term. Plus, if your car ever does get totaled, your deductible is waived.

Money saving discounts
In addition to our competitive insurance rates, you may be eligible for up to 15 money-saving discounts including multi-car, safe driver and good payer. And, customers who have an auto, home and additional policies with Travelers can see savings of up to 13% on their auto policy.

With so many discounts there are so many ways you could save.

Great Coverage with our Optional Packages
We offer four optional packages designed to meet your individual needs and enhance your peace of mind. They include:

Responsible Driver PlanSM - Even responsible drivers can get into accidents. The Responsible Driver Plan forgives one accident and one minor violation every 36 months, protecting your premium from isolated mishaps.
Premier Roadside Assistance® - This package includes towing service up to 100 miles, complete roadside care for flat tires, jump starts or lockouts, $500 of coverage for your personal possessions damaged or stolen in a covered loss, and up to $600 to cover food, lodging or alternative transportation if your breakdown occurs over 100 miles from home and your car is out of commission for at least 24 hours.
Premier New Car Replacement® - Protect your new car for 3, even up to 5 years – 2 years longer than many insurance policies. And this package can pay to replace your totaled car with a new one.
Travelers will be there when you need us
In the event of a loss, we know you want it resolved quickly. With Travelers, you get:

Fast, efficient claim service and 24/7 claim reporting
More than 12,000 claim professionals located across the country who respond quickly to routine and catastrophic claims
Employees, expertly trained at Travelers Claim University, to inspect your property/auto in the event of a loss
Catastrophe response teams and vans that mobilize quickly in the event of a severe weather event or disaster
We've been providing trusted service for more than a hundred years, and we'll be there for you.

Be confident in your insurance choices. Contact your Travelers representative today. We'll work with you to develop an auto insurance policy that fits your needs and your budget.