Elena Lourie and Rami Kafarov never would have met let alone married in Oslo this summer were Chabad-Lubavitch no more than a bunch of affiliated synagogues and rabbis doing what they do, without the Shluchim's trademark passion for a greater vision.
Bringing Elena and Rami togethertookthree Chabad rabbis, one business school with a Chabad-run Jewish studies program, and Chabad's European Jewish Student Center.
Their story amazes me, because it was five Chabad representatives each doing his job in his corner of the world that brought this couple together, said Rabbi Shaul Wilhelm of Chabad of Oslo.
THE MATCH
Here's how a nice Jewish girl from Siberia came to meet a nice Russian-Israeli boy in Brussels.
Elena Lourie's parents were worried. Frantic that their brilliant daughter, a physics student, had little hope of meeting let alone marrying a Jewish man while studying in Norway. They confided their worries to Rabbi Zalman Deutch, their Chabad representative in their home in Perm, a frosty outpost on the Siberian steppes.
So Rabbi Deutch called his colleague who had just move to Oslo in June of 2004, Rabbi Shaul Wilhelm.
Oslo is not known for it's Jewish singles scene, said Rabbi Wilhelm. But he called to offer a Jewish home away from home to Lourie instead, just as he does to all Jewish students and Oslo's Jewish community at large.
Over the next two years, Lourie became part of the Wilhelms' family sharing holiday meals, playing with the children. Still her parents' initial request lurked in Rabbi Wilhelm's mind.
That was when Rabbi Yossi Waks, then the executive director of the European Center for Jewish Students, a Chabad-run program with branches from Austria to Malta, from Switzerland and France to Germany and Ireland, contacted Rabbi Wilhelm. ECJS was hosting its first major event a New Year's weekend retreat that was to bring Jewish university students together in Brussels. After much cajoling, and with a scholarship from ECJS, Lourie boarded a plane to spend Shabbat in Brussels.
Also finding his way to the ECJS Shabbat was Rami Karfarov. Several years before the 2006 New Years Weekend was to be held, in The Hague, Rabbi Shmuel Katzman had gotten to know Kafarov, a Russian-Israeli student at a local university. Concerned that Kafarov's Jewish identity would flag and fade during his university years, Rabbi Katzman recommended a transfer to Lauder Business School in Vienna, where Chabad representatives manage the school's Jewish studies component. Kafarov did so, and flourished.
Rabbi Shaya Boas, director of Jewish student life at Lauder, brought Kafarov's talents with a digital camera to Rabbi Waks's attention, and got Kafarov hired to capture the first-ever ECJS retreat as the event photographer. On break from shooting the ECJS post-Shabbat social, Kafarov sat down at a table where Lourie was taking a breather from all the socializing.
When Kafarov met Lourie, the two were delighted to find they could converse in Russian, and one thing led to another, which led to a five-course wedding feast prepared by Chabad of Oslo's Esther Wilhelm.
THE NETWORK--A UNIQUE MODEL
Stories like the Kafarov and Lourie match are the new reality of the worldwide Chabad community.
Chabad centers have multiplied representatives growing from the hundreds to 4000 in two decades. Unlike a corporation that's gone global, Chabad has become more ubiquitous but not bigger. Each Chabad center is an independent entity, with all fundraising done locally, with one Chabad couple devoting their lives to its success.
They share a sense of brotherhood, a sense of shared mission as spelled out by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, that sees Jewish welfare not as a sweeping whole, but as a constellation of individuals. Their commitment to this idea has them dropping everything to help when a fellow Chabad representative calls.
Calling another Chabad shliach is the most natural thing that I do, said Rabbi Wilhelm, and out of the blue offers of help are not unusual. When a Norwegian now living in Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum's community in Livingston, NJ, discovered Rabbi Wilhelm's website, Rabbi Grossbaum emailed Rabbi Wilhelm to offer assistance.
It's not surprising to get a message like Rabbi Grossbaum's, says Rabbi Wilhelm. It comes from the basic understanding that we are all where we are for the same purpose.
Where once a Chabad representative could offer up sweat equity and compassion, Chabad now has a network of programs that offer solutions to an ever-widening array of challenges.
A Chabad representative who has worried parents of a college student in his community can do more than offer counsel. He can call the Chabad on campus representative at that college to check on the student, offer him a kosher dinner, a healthy place to hang out.
There are Chabad representatives serving in communities near major medical centers like Mayo Clinic who will visit, host family members, and bring home cooked meals. Jews and others battling addiction at Caron in Pennsylvania have a place for Shabbat dinner with the local Chabad rabbi. Families unable to care for their children in Argentina can receive home help and full day care for their children through Chabad's IELADEINU program. Whether it is eye problems in Kiev or a hungry family in Sydney, Chabad has a rabbi, a program, a Shabbat dinner, or professional services that can help.
And if the local Chabad rabbi doesn't know the answer, he knows where to find it. Rabbi Zalman Heber, director of Chabad of Tacoma, WA, checks in with Shluchim Achdus, an email network exclusively for Chabad representatives, about once a day. He scans the messages to see if there's something he can help with. He's emailed a speech for a brit milah ceremony to a fellow Shliach in another state, and received help with delicate real estate negotiations for his new center from around the world.
It's heartwarming to know you are not alone, said Rabbi Heber. Even in the dead of night. Chabad's worldwide spread means that when a rabbi is puzzling over a community matter at midnight, it's mid-morning in Australia and there's someone up who can offer advice and answers.
Recently, one of Rabbi Heber's community members was fretting over the emotional state of his son training on an army base in Fort Knox, TN. Rabbi Heber phoned Chabad representative closest to Fort Knox. The rabbi jumped into the car and drove 60 miles to meet a stranger because a fellow Chabad rabbi left a voicemail.
We are all working toward the same goal. So my issue is your issue. Your problem is my problem. It is my responsibility to help, Rabbi Heber said. It's a worldwide family.
Original article can be found in:
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Sunday, November 11, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Getting A Second Mortgage Loan
A second mortgage refers to getting a loan that is secured by the value of your property minus the mortgage. When a house obtains such a loan then the lender will be able to put under distraint your property. But this sequester comes second after the first execution of the first loan. A second mortgage is almost similar to a home equity loan, the term referring to the same subject and it is a good idea to get these loans when the interest you currently pay drops.
A second mortgage is ideal when you do not know what sum of money you should borrow or you plan to move sooner out of the mortgaged house. Another advantage of the second mortgage is that sometimes it is tax deductible. Of course, not all of these loans are tax free thus you should ask your financial consultant to be sure. You also must be careful to not outrun the value of your house with both mortgages.
There are a lot of utilities offered by the second mortgage, especially because you can use the money for college, to do repairs in your home or to consolidate debt. But no matter your reason why you are making a loan, make sure it is a good purpose because the risk is big and if you do not manage to pay, you can lose your home.
A second mortgage is not eligible for everybody and because the risks are big, particularly if you lend a big sum of money that is very close to the value of your house, then you should reconsider your options and look maybe for private mortgage insurance. When deciding to get a loan you should evaluate the cash you get and what debts you have to pay every month. If the money is not sufficient to cover all of your necessities then maybe you can consider refinancing the first mortgage. Refinancing will ensure lower rates and cash, which is more than you can get in a second mortgage. Besides refinancing after you made the second loan will force you to pay off the second loan.
People make second mortgages mostly because they can guarantee this loan with the same property they made their first loan to. Not until long ago, a second borrowing would have been considered a sign of financial desperation. That is why it was so hard to obtain. Even today, although you do not have to put up as much effort, it is still a big decision to make because normally the interest rate is bigger than your first mortgage interest rate. Experts recommend you should get a second mortgage only when the rate interest for your first mortgage is very low and only in this case.
In order to qualify for a second mortgage sometimes people get them altogether with the first mortgage. But this only happens when you do not have the sufficient cash and thus do not reach the percentage required by the company to give you the loan.
If you are in a very difficult financial position, most experts recommend refinancing. Although it is harder to go get the company to reconsider your rates interest it is still worth the trouble because then you are sure you are going to pay less. Do not forget that you will also have to pay all the necessary taxes and fees and you should avoid sustaining your decision on the interest rate. With a second mortgage you will get a smaller loan and the interest will be lower due to this, but you also risk paying unnecessary exceed money.
A second mortgage is ideal when you do not know what sum of money you should borrow or you plan to move sooner out of the mortgaged house. Another advantage of the second mortgage is that sometimes it is tax deductible. Of course, not all of these loans are tax free thus you should ask your financial consultant to be sure. You also must be careful to not outrun the value of your house with both mortgages.
There are a lot of utilities offered by the second mortgage, especially because you can use the money for college, to do repairs in your home or to consolidate debt. But no matter your reason why you are making a loan, make sure it is a good purpose because the risk is big and if you do not manage to pay, you can lose your home.
A second mortgage is not eligible for everybody and because the risks are big, particularly if you lend a big sum of money that is very close to the value of your house, then you should reconsider your options and look maybe for private mortgage insurance. When deciding to get a loan you should evaluate the cash you get and what debts you have to pay every month. If the money is not sufficient to cover all of your necessities then maybe you can consider refinancing the first mortgage. Refinancing will ensure lower rates and cash, which is more than you can get in a second mortgage. Besides refinancing after you made the second loan will force you to pay off the second loan.
People make second mortgages mostly because they can guarantee this loan with the same property they made their first loan to. Not until long ago, a second borrowing would have been considered a sign of financial desperation. That is why it was so hard to obtain. Even today, although you do not have to put up as much effort, it is still a big decision to make because normally the interest rate is bigger than your first mortgage interest rate. Experts recommend you should get a second mortgage only when the rate interest for your first mortgage is very low and only in this case.
In order to qualify for a second mortgage sometimes people get them altogether with the first mortgage. But this only happens when you do not have the sufficient cash and thus do not reach the percentage required by the company to give you the loan.
If you are in a very difficult financial position, most experts recommend refinancing. Although it is harder to go get the company to reconsider your rates interest it is still worth the trouble because then you are sure you are going to pay less. Do not forget that you will also have to pay all the necessary taxes and fees and you should avoid sustaining your decision on the interest rate. With a second mortgage you will get a smaller loan and the interest will be lower due to this, but you also risk paying unnecessary exceed money.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
It Is Just Me, Or People Getting Ruder?
I've been wondering this for a while and have been dying to ask my business colleagues and friends. But whenever I'm get ready to pop the question, I manage to convince myself that it's silly, reveals my cynical nature (or advance years!) and is probably just a figment of my jaded imagination certainly not worthy of intelligent discussion.
The question, however, continued to reside nervously on the tip of my tongue, eager to fly out (particularly just after leaving my apparently mute colleague a fourth voice mail message). But it wasn't until I read Keith Ferrazzi's masterful book, Never Eat Alone that I summoned the courage to thunderously and openly inquire, Are people, particularly those in business, much ruder than they use to be?
And Have we become so numb to it that we actually expect - and worst yet, accept it as normal and okay?
I think yes. I hope I'm wrong.
Let me, however, step back a bit Why did Ferrazzi's book serve as my catalyst?
The short answer is that it's just plain good. It is a brilliantly written book simple without being simplistic in the same league as Dale Carnegie's classic How to Win Friends and Influence People. And in an age when everyone seems to be a marketing, internet or personal motivation coach it's refreshing to read something so balanced and genuinely inspired. Most importantly, however, Ferrazzi reminds us that we're not in this alone - people make business happen!
He reiterates what some of us already know. We're all better off emotionally, financially, and physically when we take the time to build thoughtful, intimate (not in the biblical sense :>) and sincere relationships with others. Ferrazzi says that while our personal styles and levels of openness should be adjusted as appropriate, making strong human connections is essential to our well being. I couldn't agree more! This is, after all, what it's all about and long overdue advice. Thanks, Keith!
But then it occurred to me. How can you develop relationships with people when they don't call, email, or show up even when they've promised to do so?!
And I'm not referring about those little, unintentional slip-ups that happen to all of us occasionally - like when you've forgotten your Aunt Hilda's birthday; or waited until the last minute to send in your wedding RSVP; or failed to send a thank-you note.
No, what I'm talking about is far more baffling and egregious. I'm referring to the friends who call you one day before your big dinner party and reiterate how much they're looking forward to seeing you - and then don't show up no explanation, no call, no nothing.
Or how about that real estate agent who promises to get back to you with a price no later than 2 pm, and you never hear from them again?
And what about that old friend or colleague who can't wait to have lunch with you next Thursday and then doesn't return your confirmation calls or emails?
Then there's my favorite you've killed yourself to help someone get something urgent done (usually a boss or co-worker) and even managed to save the day You email the document before the deadline, sure that the recipient will be relieved and grateful. But you never find out. No thank you. No way to go. No nothing.
Or is it just me? Maybe so
I was raised in a home where we were taught to treat everyone with the same amount of respect and kindness. Period. Behavior that didn't measure up to this standard was not tolerated. We learned that the true measure of someone's character rested in their commitment to do the right thing - even when they didn't have to.
For example, whenever I leave a hotel room, I wipe off the counters; gather my towels together in one convenient spot; turn off the television, lights and air conditioning; return the iron to the closet; and make sure that all my scraps of paper are where they belong in the trash can.
Why? Because it's just the right thing to do (and my mother would probably rise up out of her grave and kick my butt if I didn't :>). Yes, hotels employ a cleaning staff who are paid to clean up after me, but why should they? It's my mess. I was responsible for making it, so I am responsible for cleaning it up even if I don't have to.
I have adopted my parents' code and although I sometimes fail, I continually strive to measure up to those standards.
But what does this look like in the real world? It means you 1. Return calls even if it's only to say no
2. Honor your commitments if you tell someone you're going to do something, you do it. If you absolutely cannot, you let them know beforehand.
3. When you're asked to RSVP, you do so
4. Say thank you and please to strangers, friends, family members, waiters and waitresses, taxi drivers, colleagues, children, teenagers everyone.
5. Call when you're going to be late
6. Return emails (unless it's spam)
7. Welcome people into your home do your best to make them feel comfortable and important
8. Clean up after yourself
9. Value other people's privacy
10. Honor your parents
11. Respect elders
12. Chew gum quietly
13. Say excuse me when you burp
14. Open doors for others
15. Allow someone with only two items to move ahead of you in the grocery line
16. Respect other cultures, religions, ethnicities and the like.
17. Don't push in front of someone even if you're in a car
18. Share your things
19. Don't act like a pig even if it's at an All-You-Can-Eat buffet
20. Don't brag
21. Never litter
Are these rules a thing of the past? Pass in today's fast-paced culture? Old fashioned? Silly? Or am I just imagining things?
But if I'm not why? Are we overloaded, overbooked and over committed? Has it become too easy to make excuses? Have we been forced into a every-man-for-himself mindset? Did our parents and teachers fail us?
Or is it that we just don't care because they're not important. What do you think?
The question, however, continued to reside nervously on the tip of my tongue, eager to fly out (particularly just after leaving my apparently mute colleague a fourth voice mail message). But it wasn't until I read Keith Ferrazzi's masterful book, Never Eat Alone that I summoned the courage to thunderously and openly inquire, Are people, particularly those in business, much ruder than they use to be?
And Have we become so numb to it that we actually expect - and worst yet, accept it as normal and okay?
I think yes. I hope I'm wrong.
Let me, however, step back a bit Why did Ferrazzi's book serve as my catalyst?
The short answer is that it's just plain good. It is a brilliantly written book simple without being simplistic in the same league as Dale Carnegie's classic How to Win Friends and Influence People. And in an age when everyone seems to be a marketing, internet or personal motivation coach it's refreshing to read something so balanced and genuinely inspired. Most importantly, however, Ferrazzi reminds us that we're not in this alone - people make business happen!
He reiterates what some of us already know. We're all better off emotionally, financially, and physically when we take the time to build thoughtful, intimate (not in the biblical sense :>) and sincere relationships with others. Ferrazzi says that while our personal styles and levels of openness should be adjusted as appropriate, making strong human connections is essential to our well being. I couldn't agree more! This is, after all, what it's all about and long overdue advice. Thanks, Keith!
But then it occurred to me. How can you develop relationships with people when they don't call, email, or show up even when they've promised to do so?!
And I'm not referring about those little, unintentional slip-ups that happen to all of us occasionally - like when you've forgotten your Aunt Hilda's birthday; or waited until the last minute to send in your wedding RSVP; or failed to send a thank-you note.
No, what I'm talking about is far more baffling and egregious. I'm referring to the friends who call you one day before your big dinner party and reiterate how much they're looking forward to seeing you - and then don't show up no explanation, no call, no nothing.
Or how about that real estate agent who promises to get back to you with a price no later than 2 pm, and you never hear from them again?
And what about that old friend or colleague who can't wait to have lunch with you next Thursday and then doesn't return your confirmation calls or emails?
Then there's my favorite you've killed yourself to help someone get something urgent done (usually a boss or co-worker) and even managed to save the day You email the document before the deadline, sure that the recipient will be relieved and grateful. But you never find out. No thank you. No way to go. No nothing.
Or is it just me? Maybe so
I was raised in a home where we were taught to treat everyone with the same amount of respect and kindness. Period. Behavior that didn't measure up to this standard was not tolerated. We learned that the true measure of someone's character rested in their commitment to do the right thing - even when they didn't have to.
For example, whenever I leave a hotel room, I wipe off the counters; gather my towels together in one convenient spot; turn off the television, lights and air conditioning; return the iron to the closet; and make sure that all my scraps of paper are where they belong in the trash can.
Why? Because it's just the right thing to do (and my mother would probably rise up out of her grave and kick my butt if I didn't :>). Yes, hotels employ a cleaning staff who are paid to clean up after me, but why should they? It's my mess. I was responsible for making it, so I am responsible for cleaning it up even if I don't have to.
I have adopted my parents' code and although I sometimes fail, I continually strive to measure up to those standards.
But what does this look like in the real world? It means you 1. Return calls even if it's only to say no
2. Honor your commitments if you tell someone you're going to do something, you do it. If you absolutely cannot, you let them know beforehand.
3. When you're asked to RSVP, you do so
4. Say thank you and please to strangers, friends, family members, waiters and waitresses, taxi drivers, colleagues, children, teenagers everyone.
5. Call when you're going to be late
6. Return emails (unless it's spam)
7. Welcome people into your home do your best to make them feel comfortable and important
8. Clean up after yourself
9. Value other people's privacy
10. Honor your parents
11. Respect elders
12. Chew gum quietly
13. Say excuse me when you burp
14. Open doors for others
15. Allow someone with only two items to move ahead of you in the grocery line
16. Respect other cultures, religions, ethnicities and the like.
17. Don't push in front of someone even if you're in a car
18. Share your things
19. Don't act like a pig even if it's at an All-You-Can-Eat buffet
20. Don't brag
21. Never litter
Are these rules a thing of the past? Pass in today's fast-paced culture? Old fashioned? Silly? Or am I just imagining things?
But if I'm not why? Are we overloaded, overbooked and over committed? Has it become too easy to make excuses? Have we been forced into a every-man-for-himself mindset? Did our parents and teachers fail us?
Or is it that we just don't care because they're not important. What do you think?
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
How You Can Start A Field Inspection Business For Under $400
Like most of us, you've thought about starting your own business. Be your own supervisor. No longer stuck in rush-hour traffic, or experience the 9 to 5 rat race. But wouldn't that be expensive, starting my own business? Well, there's an interesting and profitable business that you can start for under $ 400.
The business we're discussing is starting an independent field inspection business. Independent field inspectors go to properties, typically around their own neighborhood, and record the condition of things, like any damages to the property. For instance, an inspector might visit a home of a person that got a home loan from the bank, and the inspector's job is to make sure they are actually living there and keeping the property maintained. There are countless further inspector jobs too: paying a visit to building sites to check the condition of leased equipment, checking out a house after a new insurance policy has been created to check for various safety risks, or verify square footage of the home, checking a foreclosed property for a lender, and more.
Best of all, these jobs pay well and take remarkably limited time. You just take a few pictures, fill out some standard forms, and then you're on your way. It's feasible to make $ 25 or even more in 30 minutes or less.
Well, that seems really good. But, there's got to be heaps of start-up costs. Not to mention all that special training I 'll require. I don't have time to take classes. Not so! Here is the really good news:
There is limited or no formal instruction required. And the start-up costs are low. In fact you may currently have all the items you want, however if not, you can purchase them for less than you think. In addition to internet accessibility and a dependable vehicle to get you from job to job, here's what you 'll need:
A clipboard - under $ 5
Tape measure - $ 10
Cell phone having e-mail capabilities - $ 50 to $ 100
Digital camera system - $ 100 to $ 250
An uncomplicated clipboard will do. You simply need something to hold your forms while you're filling them out. The tape measure is a must if you must take measurements at a property. Having a mobile phone with email abilities will make it more simple for national field inspection companies to get in touch with you and get a quick response as well. A home pc will typically work fine for this, but a cell phone with wifi you can access while you're out on the job will make your job easier. And finally, you need a decent digital camera system, even a point and shoot will do. You simply need one that is able to take clear pics. No requirement to purchase a costly camera system.
So why not take the first step? You can start getting field inspector jobs before you know it without going broke to do it. But remember, time is cash, so get started today! To learn more, read Drive By Profits.
The business we're discussing is starting an independent field inspection business. Independent field inspectors go to properties, typically around their own neighborhood, and record the condition of things, like any damages to the property. For instance, an inspector might visit a home of a person that got a home loan from the bank, and the inspector's job is to make sure they are actually living there and keeping the property maintained. There are countless further inspector jobs too: paying a visit to building sites to check the condition of leased equipment, checking out a house after a new insurance policy has been created to check for various safety risks, or verify square footage of the home, checking a foreclosed property for a lender, and more.
Best of all, these jobs pay well and take remarkably limited time. You just take a few pictures, fill out some standard forms, and then you're on your way. It's feasible to make $ 25 or even more in 30 minutes or less.
Well, that seems really good. But, there's got to be heaps of start-up costs. Not to mention all that special training I 'll require. I don't have time to take classes. Not so! Here is the really good news:
There is limited or no formal instruction required. And the start-up costs are low. In fact you may currently have all the items you want, however if not, you can purchase them for less than you think. In addition to internet accessibility and a dependable vehicle to get you from job to job, here's what you 'll need:
A clipboard - under $ 5
Tape measure - $ 10
Cell phone having e-mail capabilities - $ 50 to $ 100
Digital camera system - $ 100 to $ 250
An uncomplicated clipboard will do. You simply need something to hold your forms while you're filling them out. The tape measure is a must if you must take measurements at a property. Having a mobile phone with email abilities will make it more simple for national field inspection companies to get in touch with you and get a quick response as well. A home pc will typically work fine for this, but a cell phone with wifi you can access while you're out on the job will make your job easier. And finally, you need a decent digital camera system, even a point and shoot will do. You simply need one that is able to take clear pics. No requirement to purchase a costly camera system.
So why not take the first step? You can start getting field inspector jobs before you know it without going broke to do it. But remember, time is cash, so get started today! To learn more, read Drive By Profits.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
$25,000 Unsecured Personal Loans: Making Sure Of Approval Despite No Security
The general understanding is that large loans, like a ,000 unsecured personal loan, are unlikely to be granted when bad credit is part of the equation. But actually, getting even a large loan approved with no collateral and low credit rating, is possible. All lenders ever want is the criteria met and the right boxes ticked.
The fact is that lenders are always willing to lend to applicants because it is their only way of making a profit. So, the task of getting loan approval without security really comes down to convincing the lender that the risks associated with the loan are not that big at all.
This generally means proving an ability to make repayments, as well as the terms being affordable. If these two aspects are confirmed, the chances of getting an unsecured personal loan are very strong.
Why No Collateral is a Problem
The reason why collateral is such a valuable commodity amongst lenders is that it provides a degree of loan security. It lessens the perceived risk of the loan deal. So, it is very useful when a large loan sum is needed. With a ,000 unsecured personal loan, however, the applicant has to find another way to ease the concerns of the lender.
Collateral is a source of compensation that eases the financial blow for the lender should the borrower default on the loan. And with lower risk, the interest rate charged is lowered too. This in turn makes approval much easier - much easier than getting approval without security.
The only catch is that collateral has to match the loan in terms of its value. This is no problem when seeking a ,000 loan, with an item of jewelry worth ,000 offered in security. But for larger sums, like ,000, finding collateral can be difficult. Sometimes, an unsecured personal loan is the only option open.
Cosigners Are A Key Addition
Lenders really only want to be sure they will get their money back. When a cosigner is added to the application, confidence becomes is sky-high. In fact, getting approval on a ,000 unsecured personal loan becomes almost a formality.
The reason is that a cosigner is effectively a guarantor, providing an assurance that monthly repayments will be paid, even when the borrower is not able to make them. What this means is that all risk associated with the loan is negated, so getting approval without security is basically assured.
However, a cosigner needs to be accepted by the lender first, and to be so, they must have a sufficient income and an excellent credit rating. This can mean a suitable candidate is a little harder to find. But if found, the unsecured personal loan will get the green light.
Check Your Credit Score
When considering your loan options, it is wise to know what the significance bad credit has in the application. Actually, it has only a minor influence over the approval process, affecting the interest rate charged, so even a ,000 unsecured personal loan can be approved with a low credit score.
It is important to know your credit status, so get a copy of your credit report from one of the credit agencies that produce them. This can cost a small fee usually, but once a year it is possible to get a free abridged version.
Still, it is the debt-to-income ratio that is more important. At 40:60, a maximum 40% of excess income can be committed to repaying the new loan. The ratio is strictly adhered to by lenders, especially when it comes to granting approval without security. So, to get an unsecured personal loans be within the ratio figure.
The fact is that lenders are always willing to lend to applicants because it is their only way of making a profit. So, the task of getting loan approval without security really comes down to convincing the lender that the risks associated with the loan are not that big at all.
This generally means proving an ability to make repayments, as well as the terms being affordable. If these two aspects are confirmed, the chances of getting an unsecured personal loan are very strong.
Why No Collateral is a Problem
The reason why collateral is such a valuable commodity amongst lenders is that it provides a degree of loan security. It lessens the perceived risk of the loan deal. So, it is very useful when a large loan sum is needed. With a ,000 unsecured personal loan, however, the applicant has to find another way to ease the concerns of the lender.
Collateral is a source of compensation that eases the financial blow for the lender should the borrower default on the loan. And with lower risk, the interest rate charged is lowered too. This in turn makes approval much easier - much easier than getting approval without security.
The only catch is that collateral has to match the loan in terms of its value. This is no problem when seeking a ,000 loan, with an item of jewelry worth ,000 offered in security. But for larger sums, like ,000, finding collateral can be difficult. Sometimes, an unsecured personal loan is the only option open.
Cosigners Are A Key Addition
Lenders really only want to be sure they will get their money back. When a cosigner is added to the application, confidence becomes is sky-high. In fact, getting approval on a ,000 unsecured personal loan becomes almost a formality.
The reason is that a cosigner is effectively a guarantor, providing an assurance that monthly repayments will be paid, even when the borrower is not able to make them. What this means is that all risk associated with the loan is negated, so getting approval without security is basically assured.
However, a cosigner needs to be accepted by the lender first, and to be so, they must have a sufficient income and an excellent credit rating. This can mean a suitable candidate is a little harder to find. But if found, the unsecured personal loan will get the green light.
Check Your Credit Score
When considering your loan options, it is wise to know what the significance bad credit has in the application. Actually, it has only a minor influence over the approval process, affecting the interest rate charged, so even a ,000 unsecured personal loan can be approved with a low credit score.
It is important to know your credit status, so get a copy of your credit report from one of the credit agencies that produce them. This can cost a small fee usually, but once a year it is possible to get a free abridged version.
Still, it is the debt-to-income ratio that is more important. At 40:60, a maximum 40% of excess income can be committed to repaying the new loan. The ratio is strictly adhered to by lenders, especially when it comes to granting approval without security. So, to get an unsecured personal loans be within the ratio figure.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Real Estate Recipe Postcards - Do They Work?
Are real estate recipe postcards a "delicious dish" for postcard marketing success, or are they a waste of time and money?
Only the individual marketer can answer that question with any finality. The answer will come from experimentation and testing with various postcard marketing tactics, comparing one strategy against another, etc. But I'd be happy to give my take on the subject, based on the time I spent working in the postcard marketing industry.
What's a Real Estate Recipe Postcard?
Let's start with a quick definition, just so we're on the same page. A real estate recipe postcard is a marketing postcard sent from a real estate agent to their audience (usually homeowners and potential home buyers). On one side of the postcard, there's a picture of a tasty dish with the recipe listed out. You know, chili con carne, bananas foster ... that sort of thing.
On the other side of the recipe postcard, the agent will list his or her contact info with some form of "Call me when you need help" message. The basic premise is that the recipient likes the recipe so much -- or finds the postcard so thoughtful -- that they dial up the agent and say, "Will you help me buy / sell a home?"
I know, it's a bit of a stretch. But that's how real estate recipe postcards are supposed to work. The question is, do they work that way? An even better question is, how do the response rates from a real estate recipe postcard stack up against a postcard that makes a powerful offer and employs proven strategies of direct mail marketing?
To my knowledge, there has never been any study on the effectiveness of real estate recipe postcards (when compared to a different form of real estate postcard). Sure, you'll find a handful of testimonials here and there, and perhaps some "Use real estate recipe postcards!" promotional copy on a postcard company's website ... but that's probably it.
So here's my take on the subject, based on my professional experience with both postcard marketing in general and real estate marketing in particular.
Me personally, I wouldn't spend a dime on real estate recipe postcards. And do you want to know why? Because while a real estate recipe postcard might produce one response out of a thousands mailers, there are ways to get much better response rates. You know ... those tried-and-true postcard marketing techniques, like making an offer of some kind.
There are also ways to combine the real estate postcard with an informational website, thereby creating a "super card" that can improve the success of both marketing channels. In short, I believe there are much stronger approaches to real estate postcard marketing than simply slapping on a recipe and waiting for the phone to ring. But that's just me.
* You may republish this article online if you retain the author's byline and active hyperlinks below. Copyright 2007, Brandon Cornett.
Only the individual marketer can answer that question with any finality. The answer will come from experimentation and testing with various postcard marketing tactics, comparing one strategy against another, etc. But I'd be happy to give my take on the subject, based on the time I spent working in the postcard marketing industry.
What's a Real Estate Recipe Postcard?
Let's start with a quick definition, just so we're on the same page. A real estate recipe postcard is a marketing postcard sent from a real estate agent to their audience (usually homeowners and potential home buyers). On one side of the postcard, there's a picture of a tasty dish with the recipe listed out. You know, chili con carne, bananas foster ... that sort of thing.
On the other side of the recipe postcard, the agent will list his or her contact info with some form of "Call me when you need help" message. The basic premise is that the recipient likes the recipe so much -- or finds the postcard so thoughtful -- that they dial up the agent and say, "Will you help me buy / sell a home?"
I know, it's a bit of a stretch. But that's how real estate recipe postcards are supposed to work. The question is, do they work that way? An even better question is, how do the response rates from a real estate recipe postcard stack up against a postcard that makes a powerful offer and employs proven strategies of direct mail marketing?
To my knowledge, there has never been any study on the effectiveness of real estate recipe postcards (when compared to a different form of real estate postcard). Sure, you'll find a handful of testimonials here and there, and perhaps some "Use real estate recipe postcards!" promotional copy on a postcard company's website ... but that's probably it.
So here's my take on the subject, based on my professional experience with both postcard marketing in general and real estate marketing in particular.
Me personally, I wouldn't spend a dime on real estate recipe postcards. And do you want to know why? Because while a real estate recipe postcard might produce one response out of a thousands mailers, there are ways to get much better response rates. You know ... those tried-and-true postcard marketing techniques, like making an offer of some kind.
There are also ways to combine the real estate postcard with an informational website, thereby creating a "super card" that can improve the success of both marketing channels. In short, I believe there are much stronger approaches to real estate postcard marketing than simply slapping on a recipe and waiting for the phone to ring. But that's just me.
* You may republish this article online if you retain the author's byline and active hyperlinks below. Copyright 2007, Brandon Cornett.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Plumbing Apprenticeships - Fast Track Plumbing Courses - Become A Plumber
Plumbing apprenticeships are becoming very difficult to obtain and it is now rare to obtain places for apprentices at the current time.
It has been made worse by government legislation that states that all employees have to by law have a minimum level of pay and holidays, in addition to all the usual company benefits. So, the problem is mostly a financial one when we consider plumbing apprenticeships overall.
In an ideal world everybody should have a good level of pay and working conditions, but this was not the case in old days. Although this might be an ideal situation in the modern world most small employers do not have that level of resources to finance the plumbing apprentice; it really is that simple.
What has consequently happened then is that plumbing businesses do not offer plumbing apprenticeships at all; they have ceased.
The consequence of this is that there is now a shortage of highly trained plumbers over the whole of the UK.
The situation is not getting any better because rather than the government giving financial help to small companies to get the training back, they have chosen to adopt a policy of providing subsidies for thousands of immigrants to the UK where more often than not poor quality trades people are welcomed with open arms.
The eastern bloc countries especially are coming here in their thousands.
This has to a point filled some holes in the market, but at a huge cost. It is a shame because people already living here wanting to become plumbers here are being told there are no plumbing training jobs or plumbing apprenticeships at all.
It is a growing problem because cheap labour from foreign countries does mostly have a negative effect. Many people coming here find that they are not able to survive without government intervention because the cost of living is so high. They are helped financially causing a further drain to the taxpayer.
In the old days somebody wanting to start a plumbing apprenticeship would work for very little money on the understanding that he or she would start at an early age, usually live at home, and be supported by mum or dad whilst the training was going on.
The early sacrifice of money and benefits at work would be compensated at a later date once the training was complete. This way, the employer could afford to finance the apprentice plumber.
In fact, it was normal for the parents or guardians to also enter into the plumbing apprenticeship contract to provide living expenses whilst the training was carried out.
Five years later, a fully qualified plumber would emerge. Those days are long gone, and it seems that right now they will never return.
People have different expectations nowadays and it is unlikely that people learning the plumbing trade would be prepared to sacrifice five years of wages just to learn a trade.
Of course, plumbing apprenticeships started early, usually when you left school at sixteen and it would follow that even aged twenty one, most firms would only allow newly qualified plumbers to carry out small works, and not large plumbing jobs.
When we take a look at some of the work carried out by plumbers of years ago we can see the quality and skills needed. They were artisans and it took years to become an expert.
It is fair to say that proper plumbing apprenticeships are almost dead. There are so few opportunities for people now that this route is almost just a pipe dream. It is still possible to get started in plumbing but for the majority of people they will have to look at a different route.
It has been made worse by government legislation that states that all employees have to by law have a minimum level of pay and holidays, in addition to all the usual company benefits. So, the problem is mostly a financial one when we consider plumbing apprenticeships overall.
In an ideal world everybody should have a good level of pay and working conditions, but this was not the case in old days. Although this might be an ideal situation in the modern world most small employers do not have that level of resources to finance the plumbing apprentice; it really is that simple.
What has consequently happened then is that plumbing businesses do not offer plumbing apprenticeships at all; they have ceased.
The consequence of this is that there is now a shortage of highly trained plumbers over the whole of the UK.
The situation is not getting any better because rather than the government giving financial help to small companies to get the training back, they have chosen to adopt a policy of providing subsidies for thousands of immigrants to the UK where more often than not poor quality trades people are welcomed with open arms.
The eastern bloc countries especially are coming here in their thousands.
This has to a point filled some holes in the market, but at a huge cost. It is a shame because people already living here wanting to become plumbers here are being told there are no plumbing training jobs or plumbing apprenticeships at all.
It is a growing problem because cheap labour from foreign countries does mostly have a negative effect. Many people coming here find that they are not able to survive without government intervention because the cost of living is so high. They are helped financially causing a further drain to the taxpayer.
In the old days somebody wanting to start a plumbing apprenticeship would work for very little money on the understanding that he or she would start at an early age, usually live at home, and be supported by mum or dad whilst the training was going on.
The early sacrifice of money and benefits at work would be compensated at a later date once the training was complete. This way, the employer could afford to finance the apprentice plumber.
In fact, it was normal for the parents or guardians to also enter into the plumbing apprenticeship contract to provide living expenses whilst the training was carried out.
Five years later, a fully qualified plumber would emerge. Those days are long gone, and it seems that right now they will never return.
People have different expectations nowadays and it is unlikely that people learning the plumbing trade would be prepared to sacrifice five years of wages just to learn a trade.
Of course, plumbing apprenticeships started early, usually when you left school at sixteen and it would follow that even aged twenty one, most firms would only allow newly qualified plumbers to carry out small works, and not large plumbing jobs.
When we take a look at some of the work carried out by plumbers of years ago we can see the quality and skills needed. They were artisans and it took years to become an expert.
It is fair to say that proper plumbing apprenticeships are almost dead. There are so few opportunities for people now that this route is almost just a pipe dream. It is still possible to get started in plumbing but for the majority of people they will have to look at a different route.
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