by: Robert A. Kelly
How to do brochures, throw parties, talk to reporters and write press releases? Or, are we teaching them what PR’s fundamental premise says we should be teaching them?
In so many words, whether they go to work for a business, non-profit, government agency or association, students will soon discover that people act on their own perception of the facts before them, which leads to predictable behaviors about which something can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-desired-action the very people whose behaviors affect the organization the most, the public relations mission is usually accomplished.
Which is why, after public relations students digest THAT basic touchstone, they should be made aware that, as future managers, their core public relations mission will be to pull together the resources and action planning they need to alter individual perception leading to changed behaviors among their most important outside audiences.
But that’s not all! Then PR students should learn that they will have to persuade those key folks to his or her way of thinking, then move them to take actions that allow their subsidiary, division, department, group or office to succeed.
What we want for our new crop of PR students is the knowledge that the right public relations planning really CAN alter individual perception and lead to changed behaviors among the very outside audiences who will help them succeed as managers.
Should you find yourself explaining the role of public relations, you must ask your audience to remember that their PR efforts will demand more than the use of special events, news releases and talk show tactics if they are to receive the quality public relations results they deserve.
As to the results they can expect, tell them how glad they’ll be that they took your advice when capital givers or specifying sources begin to look their way; customers start to make repeat purchases; membership applications begin to rise; new proposals for strategic alliances and joint ventures start showing up; politicians and legislators begin looking at them as key members of the business, non-profit or association communities; new bounces in show room visits occur; prospects actually start to do business with them; and community leaders begin to seek them out.
Discuss with your audience why it’s SO important to know how your most important outside audiences perceive your operations, products or services. Above all, be sure they really believe that perceptions almost always result in behaviors that can help or hurt their operation.
Go over with them the need for monitoring and gathering perceptions by questioning members of their most important outside audiences. Have them ask questions like these: how much do you know about our organization? Have you had prior contact with us and were you pleased with the interchange? Are you familiar with our services or products and employees? Have you experienced problems with our people or procedures?
They should learn that the cost of using professional survey firms to do the opinion gathering work will be considerably more than using their PR colleagues who are already in the perception business. But whether it’s their people or a survey firm asking the questions, the objective remains the same: identify untruths, false assumptions, unfounded rumors, inaccuracies, misconceptions and any other negative perception that might translate into hurtful behaviors.
Public relations students need to know that here they must establish a goal calling for action on the most serious problem areas they uncovered during their key audience perception monitoring. Will that goal be to straighten out a dangerous misconception? Correct a gross inaccuracy? Or, stop a potentially painful rumor before it really gets started?
An equally important lesson is this. Setting a PR goal requires an equally specific strategy that tells you how to get there. Only three strategic options are available to you when it comes to doing something about perception and opinion. Change existing perception, create perception where there may be none, or reinforce it. The wrong strategy pick will taste like mushroom gravy on your pumpkin pie, so be sure your new strategy fits well with your new public relations goal. You certainly don’t want to select “change” when the facts dictate a strategy of reinforcement.
Most students of public relations already know the importance of good writing. Explain to them that now is the time that good writing comes to the fore. They must prepare a persuasive message that will help move their key audience to their way of thinking. It must be a carefully-written message targeted directly at their key external audience. They must come up with really corrective language that is not merely compelling, persuasive and believable, but clear and factual if they are to shift perception/opinion towards their point of view and lead to the behaviors they have in mind.
This step many of your students will find especially interesting. They must now select the communications tactics most likely to carry their message to the attention of their target audience. There are many available. From speeches, facility tours, emails and brochures to consumer briefings, media interviews, newsletters, personal meetings and many others. But be certain that the tactics they pick are known to reach folks just like their audience members.
Another reality PR students need to know is that the credibility of any message is fragile, so how they communicate it is also a concern. Which is why they may wish to unveil their corrective message before smaller meetings and presentations rather than using higher-profile news releases.
As always, the need for a progress report should cause them to begin a second perception monitoring session with members of their external audience. Fortunately, they’ll want to use many of the same questions used in the benchmark session. But now, they will be on strict alert for signs that the bad news perception is being altered in their direction.
Reassure your student audience that, should program momentum slow, they can always speed things up by adding more communications tactics as well as increasing their frequencies.
Students everywhere need reassurance that they’re on the right track, and future business, non-profit, government and association managers getting their first exposure to PR are no different. What they need to know about public relations are three realities.
First, as outlined above, they must marshall the resources and action planning needed to alter individual perception leading to changed behaviors among their most important outside audiences.
Second, they must help persuade those key folks to his or her way of thinking.
And third, move them to take actions that allow their division, subsidiary, department, group or office to succeed.
end
Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net Word count is 1245 including guidelines and resource box.
Robert A. Kelly © 2005.
Robert A. Kelly
Bob Kelly counsels and writes for business, non-profit, government and association managers about using the fundamental premise of public relations to achieve their operating objectives. He has published over 200 articles on the subject which are listed at EzineArticles.com, click Expert Author, click Robert A. Kelly. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S. Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University, major in public relations.
mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net
Visit:www.PRCommentary.com
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Tips on How to Apply for a Credit Card
by: Morgan Hamilton
Deciding to apply for a credit card is not a decision you should take lightly. Many stores try to get you to impulsively apply at the register, and you should never agree. Credit cards can affect your financial situation for years so you should certainly think before you act. If you want to apply for a credit card, there are a few steps you should take beforehand.
Evaluation
Before you apply for a credit card, you should do an evaluation of your finances. Get a free credit report and make sure everything is accurate. You will want to know what your credit score is so you will know which cards to look at when you apply for a credit card. If there is anything unusual or incorrect on your credit report, deal with it immediately. Many people never look at their credit report, and therefore have no idea what may or may not be on it. It is important to clear up anything incorrect on your credit report before you apply for a credit card.
Research
After getting everything strait with your credit report, you should begin researching. Research cards that fit your credit score. Make a list of important characteristics you want in a credit card. Look for the best deals in several areas. Before you apply for a credit card, you should make sure you understand everything about the card and the company’s policies. Look at the interest rates, rewards programs, and other characteristics.
Be wary of great introductory offers. When you apply for a credit card, many companies will offer you fantastic introductory deals. It is great to take advantage of these deals, however you should be sure that the terms won’t change unexpectedly after the introductory offer time period is over. For example, you will need to know what the interest rate will be after the offer before you apply for a credit card.
Conclusion
Once you find several credit cards with terms that you understand and like, categorize them by your choice. Apply to one at a time. If you only need one card and apply to three, you run the chance of getting approved for all three. This will not only reflect on your credit report, but also give you the inconvenience of canceling two of them. So, be patient and wait for a response.
When you apply for a credit card, you are vowing that you will be responsible financially. Deciding to apply for a credit card means that you know you will be able to pay the balance off in a timely manner. If you are not sure of your ability to pay, you should never apply for a credit card. Be responsible, examine, and research before applying!
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com
Deciding to apply for a credit card is not a decision you should take lightly. Many stores try to get you to impulsively apply at the register, and you should never agree. Credit cards can affect your financial situation for years so you should certainly think before you act. If you want to apply for a credit card, there are a few steps you should take beforehand.
Evaluation
Before you apply for a credit card, you should do an evaluation of your finances. Get a free credit report and make sure everything is accurate. You will want to know what your credit score is so you will know which cards to look at when you apply for a credit card. If there is anything unusual or incorrect on your credit report, deal with it immediately. Many people never look at their credit report, and therefore have no idea what may or may not be on it. It is important to clear up anything incorrect on your credit report before you apply for a credit card.
Research
After getting everything strait with your credit report, you should begin researching. Research cards that fit your credit score. Make a list of important characteristics you want in a credit card. Look for the best deals in several areas. Before you apply for a credit card, you should make sure you understand everything about the card and the company’s policies. Look at the interest rates, rewards programs, and other characteristics.
Be wary of great introductory offers. When you apply for a credit card, many companies will offer you fantastic introductory deals. It is great to take advantage of these deals, however you should be sure that the terms won’t change unexpectedly after the introductory offer time period is over. For example, you will need to know what the interest rate will be after the offer before you apply for a credit card.
Conclusion
Once you find several credit cards with terms that you understand and like, categorize them by your choice. Apply to one at a time. If you only need one card and apply to three, you run the chance of getting approved for all three. This will not only reflect on your credit report, but also give you the inconvenience of canceling two of them. So, be patient and wait for a response.
When you apply for a credit card, you are vowing that you will be responsible financially. Deciding to apply for a credit card means that you know you will be able to pay the balance off in a timely manner. If you are not sure of your ability to pay, you should never apply for a credit card. Be responsible, examine, and research before applying!
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com
How to Use and Select Stock Photography Services
by: Roy Barker
There are two main types of photography to sell, that is assignment photography and Stock Photography. Assignment photography is taking photographs of a predetermined event, and stock Photography is taking photographs in the hope that you will be able to find a future buyer. Most professional photographers take both types, the weddings and portraits take care of immediate bills, as they command a higher price, because they are generally only of interest to a limited number of people. There are exceptions like being hired for a specific assignment to photograph an Olympic Event, and then being able to sell that photograph Internationally. In general, stock photographs command a lower price, but they are more saleable to a wider base.
Stock photographs’ are generally sold on the Internet through what is known as “Stock Libraries”. They generally all work on a very similar system, you take photographs and submit them to a stock library and they sell them to interested parties such as travel brochure companies, advertising agents, book publishers. This way of marketing photographs has distinct advantages, if you are a part time freelancer, or have just started your own business. Either way you are probably too busy making portfolios, and taking pictures to market them. Another factor, which makes this method of marketing advantageous, is that when you are starting you do not have the network of contacts to market your photographs. Added to that there are some people who won’t or can’t perfect their marketing skills.
A downside of this marketing method is that there is a little more to it than taking photographs and waiting for the Royalty cheques to come in. Most stock libraries, will want to re-caption your pictures to fit in with their image, this can be a time consuming process and it can take months to get them online. Like many aspects of selling it is a “numbers game”, the more photographs you have available to sell the more you are likely to sell. This is a fairly general aspect of marketing, but it is more specific in this instance, as prospective buyers may look at other images, if they like one particular one. Because of the time factor of getting your work to the buyers or the public, many stock libraries, have insisted on a minimum contract, which means that they typically ask to retain your work for a minimum of two years.
Some of the stock libraries are general and some are more specific. Marine Themes obviously specialise in underwater photography, and they scan and correct all their images before sale. They are then color corrected to ensure that any prints will be the best quality. All this takes time, to get the images actually for sale on the Internet. The benefit is that marine photography is highly specialised, and this process does increase your chances to merchandise your work.
In the past the market was limited to buyers who were sent colour brochures and made their selection from them, now the market is expanding, as many libraries have widened their sales base by allowing customer’s to make their purchases directly on line. This factor alone has increased the numbers game the more people who have access, the more who are likely to buy. Some stock libraries are general and some are highly specific such as South African images. Some cover specialist areas such as marine photography, or nature.
So how do you choose the stock library that will be the most beneficial to you? There are independent reports covering the various strengths and weaknesses. The annual Freelance Photographer's Market Handbook in the UK features a section on stock libraries and is an excellent reference guide. Some of the stock libraries have been established for ten years. They have hundreds of photographer’s and hundreds of thousands of images. As a result of this they may be reluctant to take on new clients. However if you have a large portfolio available immediately it may be worth trying one of the older companies. However you will be competing with established photographers who have built up a client base. Many of the new companies have less than a hundred photographers and you will start by being a bigger fish in a smaller pond.
At the end of the day, the choice has to be your personal decision, and there is nothing to stop you from registering with more than one library. Whilst the market is growing and will continue to grow to encompass on line sales, remember to consider that sales from a printed catalogue will be important for a while, and it may be advantageous for you to choose a library with a well referenced catalogue.
Every stock library has different terms and conditions. In general most give you a straight 50% of the earnings. However some do let the images go into the hands of “sub agents”, and they will expect an additional cut from any sales. Read your contract well before you sign and beware of copyright issues. Normally when the photograph is sold the buyer is issued with a license number, which only allows them to use the image the once. You minimise your royalties if you allow a buyer to pay once and then get multiple uses out of it.
All in all if you are prepared to look at your market strategy over a long period of time, stock libraries offer you an option. There are forums for professional photographers that do address the issue, and it may be worth you looking into othe peoples style and work. Here are some I recommend you look into and consider selling your stock through:- PhotoStockPlus and Photo.com
There are also available a huge number of royalty free sites. You may question why buyer’s would consider paying for an image whilst they can obtain other’s free? The answer here is that royalty free photographs don’t make them free, you do purchase them, but you have the rights to re-use the stock photos and CDs for as many different projects and clients as you wish without paying further licensing fees.
Publisher & Author: Roy Barker. Roy specializes in profitable photography solutions for passionate and keen photographers. A whole world awaits keen eyes, imagination and some get up and go. Find out how you can easily expand your passion and skills in photography into a profitable career at www.photo-photography-resource.com/
There are two main types of photography to sell, that is assignment photography and Stock Photography. Assignment photography is taking photographs of a predetermined event, and stock Photography is taking photographs in the hope that you will be able to find a future buyer. Most professional photographers take both types, the weddings and portraits take care of immediate bills, as they command a higher price, because they are generally only of interest to a limited number of people. There are exceptions like being hired for a specific assignment to photograph an Olympic Event, and then being able to sell that photograph Internationally. In general, stock photographs command a lower price, but they are more saleable to a wider base.
Stock photographs’ are generally sold on the Internet through what is known as “Stock Libraries”. They generally all work on a very similar system, you take photographs and submit them to a stock library and they sell them to interested parties such as travel brochure companies, advertising agents, book publishers. This way of marketing photographs has distinct advantages, if you are a part time freelancer, or have just started your own business. Either way you are probably too busy making portfolios, and taking pictures to market them. Another factor, which makes this method of marketing advantageous, is that when you are starting you do not have the network of contacts to market your photographs. Added to that there are some people who won’t or can’t perfect their marketing skills.
A downside of this marketing method is that there is a little more to it than taking photographs and waiting for the Royalty cheques to come in. Most stock libraries, will want to re-caption your pictures to fit in with their image, this can be a time consuming process and it can take months to get them online. Like many aspects of selling it is a “numbers game”, the more photographs you have available to sell the more you are likely to sell. This is a fairly general aspect of marketing, but it is more specific in this instance, as prospective buyers may look at other images, if they like one particular one. Because of the time factor of getting your work to the buyers or the public, many stock libraries, have insisted on a minimum contract, which means that they typically ask to retain your work for a minimum of two years.
Some of the stock libraries are general and some are more specific. Marine Themes obviously specialise in underwater photography, and they scan and correct all their images before sale. They are then color corrected to ensure that any prints will be the best quality. All this takes time, to get the images actually for sale on the Internet. The benefit is that marine photography is highly specialised, and this process does increase your chances to merchandise your work.
In the past the market was limited to buyers who were sent colour brochures and made their selection from them, now the market is expanding, as many libraries have widened their sales base by allowing customer’s to make their purchases directly on line. This factor alone has increased the numbers game the more people who have access, the more who are likely to buy. Some stock libraries are general and some are highly specific such as South African images. Some cover specialist areas such as marine photography, or nature.
So how do you choose the stock library that will be the most beneficial to you? There are independent reports covering the various strengths and weaknesses. The annual Freelance Photographer's Market Handbook in the UK features a section on stock libraries and is an excellent reference guide. Some of the stock libraries have been established for ten years. They have hundreds of photographer’s and hundreds of thousands of images. As a result of this they may be reluctant to take on new clients. However if you have a large portfolio available immediately it may be worth trying one of the older companies. However you will be competing with established photographers who have built up a client base. Many of the new companies have less than a hundred photographers and you will start by being a bigger fish in a smaller pond.
At the end of the day, the choice has to be your personal decision, and there is nothing to stop you from registering with more than one library. Whilst the market is growing and will continue to grow to encompass on line sales, remember to consider that sales from a printed catalogue will be important for a while, and it may be advantageous for you to choose a library with a well referenced catalogue.
Every stock library has different terms and conditions. In general most give you a straight 50% of the earnings. However some do let the images go into the hands of “sub agents”, and they will expect an additional cut from any sales. Read your contract well before you sign and beware of copyright issues. Normally when the photograph is sold the buyer is issued with a license number, which only allows them to use the image the once. You minimise your royalties if you allow a buyer to pay once and then get multiple uses out of it.
All in all if you are prepared to look at your market strategy over a long period of time, stock libraries offer you an option. There are forums for professional photographers that do address the issue, and it may be worth you looking into othe peoples style and work. Here are some I recommend you look into and consider selling your stock through:- PhotoStockPlus and Photo.com
There are also available a huge number of royalty free sites. You may question why buyer’s would consider paying for an image whilst they can obtain other’s free? The answer here is that royalty free photographs don’t make them free, you do purchase them, but you have the rights to re-use the stock photos and CDs for as many different projects and clients as you wish without paying further licensing fees.
Publisher & Author: Roy Barker. Roy specializes in profitable photography solutions for passionate and keen photographers. A whole world awaits keen eyes, imagination and some get up and go. Find out how you can easily expand your passion and skills in photography into a profitable career at www.photo-photography-resource.com/
How to Find the Best Credit Cards
by: Morgan Hamilton
Finding the best credit cards in today’s world can be a bit challenging. Although you may receive hundreds of credit card applications in your mailbox each year, not all of them are worth your time and energy. To find the best credit cards, you should use a general checklist when examining each application. By using this checklist you can guarantee that you know exactly what type of credit card you are applying for and what to expect after you are approved.
Fees
Many people sign up for credit cards without realizing they may be overlooking hidden charges. Credit card companies have the right to charge new cardholders a one-time enrollment fee. This fee can cost as much as $40 in some cases. Most of the time this fee is only explained in the tiny print on the back of the application. With most applicants neglecting to read all of the print, they never know about the fee until the first bill arrives.
Another fee that many credit card companies charge is a monthly or yearly cardholder fee. This fee is one that is automatically charged to your credit card each month or year. It is in addition to any finance charges and other fees. It is simply a fee that you pay to have the credit card. Even if you do not make any charges for the entire year, you will still be charged this fee. The best credit cards available are those that have no fees. These “no fee” credit cards can be found if you look and read the applications carefully. Many credit card companies are even beginning to advertise themselves as being “no fee” companies. There is no reason you should pay unnecessary fees when you can get other the best credit cards without fees. So, be sure you are reading the fine print and asking questions before you get a new credit card.
Interest Rates
Anyone who has ever had a credit card knows about interest rates. The best credit cards are those that have a low interest rate. Many credit cards will charge up to 21% interest on all purchases. This makes it very difficult for many cardholders to ever pay off their credit cards. The best credit cards have interest rates lower than 15%. Some credit cards will even allow you a lower interest or no interest on purchases paid off in less than 30 days. It can certainly be to your advantage to use these options some of the best credit cards offer. If you want to try to get your interest rate lowered, simply call your credit card company and request a rate change. If you have been a good cardholder then companies with the best credit cards will take your request seriously. Remember, the best credit cards are not necessary those with the highest spending limit. There are other behind the scenes factors you should certainly consider. Hidden fees and high interest rates can haunt you and your credit for years. Be sure to check these things out before even applying for a new credit card. You will be glad you researched the best credit cards and your pocketbook will be glad as well.
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com.
Finding the best credit cards in today’s world can be a bit challenging. Although you may receive hundreds of credit card applications in your mailbox each year, not all of them are worth your time and energy. To find the best credit cards, you should use a general checklist when examining each application. By using this checklist you can guarantee that you know exactly what type of credit card you are applying for and what to expect after you are approved.
Fees
Many people sign up for credit cards without realizing they may be overlooking hidden charges. Credit card companies have the right to charge new cardholders a one-time enrollment fee. This fee can cost as much as $40 in some cases. Most of the time this fee is only explained in the tiny print on the back of the application. With most applicants neglecting to read all of the print, they never know about the fee until the first bill arrives.
Another fee that many credit card companies charge is a monthly or yearly cardholder fee. This fee is one that is automatically charged to your credit card each month or year. It is in addition to any finance charges and other fees. It is simply a fee that you pay to have the credit card. Even if you do not make any charges for the entire year, you will still be charged this fee. The best credit cards available are those that have no fees. These “no fee” credit cards can be found if you look and read the applications carefully. Many credit card companies are even beginning to advertise themselves as being “no fee” companies. There is no reason you should pay unnecessary fees when you can get other the best credit cards without fees. So, be sure you are reading the fine print and asking questions before you get a new credit card.
Interest Rates
Anyone who has ever had a credit card knows about interest rates. The best credit cards are those that have a low interest rate. Many credit cards will charge up to 21% interest on all purchases. This makes it very difficult for many cardholders to ever pay off their credit cards. The best credit cards have interest rates lower than 15%. Some credit cards will even allow you a lower interest or no interest on purchases paid off in less than 30 days. It can certainly be to your advantage to use these options some of the best credit cards offer. If you want to try to get your interest rate lowered, simply call your credit card company and request a rate change. If you have been a good cardholder then companies with the best credit cards will take your request seriously. Remember, the best credit cards are not necessary those with the highest spending limit. There are other behind the scenes factors you should certainly consider. Hidden fees and high interest rates can haunt you and your credit for years. Be sure to check these things out before even applying for a new credit card. You will be glad you researched the best credit cards and your pocketbook will be glad as well.
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com.
How Much Insurance Do I Need?
by: Jeff Lakie
Insurance is a complicated business, and it can be unpleasant to talk about because no one likes talking about death… especially their own death! Because of those two reasons, many people do not think about insurance very much. However, most people should have some kind of insurance.
But how can you tell what kind of insurance you need? It is such as specialized industry, with insurance brokers requiring licenses in order to understand it and sell it, so it can sometimes make you feel like you are at the doctor and you have no idea what the doctor is talking about! What makes matters worse, is that insurance brokers (the only people who know what they're talking about) are usually paid by commission based on the amount they sell. So, while you are likely to get an insurance broker who is a good, ethical person, you might still be concerned that they are overestimating your need.
So how much do you need?
There are two secrets to knowing how much insurance you need:
1. Determine the need. The first is to identify the costs that will be incurred at your death and the expenses that will go on after your death. Cost that will be incurred at your death include estate taxes, funeral costs, and wages that your loved ones will lose as they take time off of work to mourn for you. Costs that will go on after your death are things like, the mortgage on your house, as well as car payments, saving for the children's education, the wages you'll no longer be able to provide to your family.
2. Determine the period. The second step is to identify whether these expenses are short-term expenses are long-term expenses. Temporary expenses are ones that will only cost you money if you die within a certain period of time. Temporary expenses include your children's education and your house and car. It is possible, that these may be paid off before you pass away. However, if you die before they are paid off, it is good to have insurance to cover the rest of the payments. On the other hand, permanent expenses are things that will always be around. For example, your estate taxes, funeral costs, and the wages that your loved ones will lose when they mourn for you are all costs that occur once and they can be paid off… but it doesn't matter when you die, those costs will always be there.
Once you have done these two steps you will have a pretty good idea of how much insurance you need and how long you need it for. Now you are ready to talk to your broker and you'll have a pretty good idea what they're talking about. Bring the list with you and ask them to address each one. They may suggest the more coverage (and sometimes they may suggest less coverage) but having a little bit of knowledge before you make the appointment will give you an advantage and helped you know how much insurance you actually need.
Jeff Lakie is the founder of http://www.my-farmers-insurance.info and http://www.my-home-insurance.info websites providing information on Insurance.
Insurance is a complicated business, and it can be unpleasant to talk about because no one likes talking about death… especially their own death! Because of those two reasons, many people do not think about insurance very much. However, most people should have some kind of insurance.
But how can you tell what kind of insurance you need? It is such as specialized industry, with insurance brokers requiring licenses in order to understand it and sell it, so it can sometimes make you feel like you are at the doctor and you have no idea what the doctor is talking about! What makes matters worse, is that insurance brokers (the only people who know what they're talking about) are usually paid by commission based on the amount they sell. So, while you are likely to get an insurance broker who is a good, ethical person, you might still be concerned that they are overestimating your need.
So how much do you need?
There are two secrets to knowing how much insurance you need:
1. Determine the need. The first is to identify the costs that will be incurred at your death and the expenses that will go on after your death. Cost that will be incurred at your death include estate taxes, funeral costs, and wages that your loved ones will lose as they take time off of work to mourn for you. Costs that will go on after your death are things like, the mortgage on your house, as well as car payments, saving for the children's education, the wages you'll no longer be able to provide to your family.
2. Determine the period. The second step is to identify whether these expenses are short-term expenses are long-term expenses. Temporary expenses are ones that will only cost you money if you die within a certain period of time. Temporary expenses include your children's education and your house and car. It is possible, that these may be paid off before you pass away. However, if you die before they are paid off, it is good to have insurance to cover the rest of the payments. On the other hand, permanent expenses are things that will always be around. For example, your estate taxes, funeral costs, and the wages that your loved ones will lose when they mourn for you are all costs that occur once and they can be paid off… but it doesn't matter when you die, those costs will always be there.
Once you have done these two steps you will have a pretty good idea of how much insurance you need and how long you need it for. Now you are ready to talk to your broker and you'll have a pretty good idea what they're talking about. Bring the list with you and ask them to address each one. They may suggest the more coverage (and sometimes they may suggest less coverage) but having a little bit of knowledge before you make the appointment will give you an advantage and helped you know how much insurance you actually need.
Jeff Lakie is the founder of http://www.my-farmers-insurance.info and http://www.my-home-insurance.info websites providing information on Insurance.
A Guide to Bad Credit Credit Cards
by: Morgan Hamilton
Having less than perfect credit can hurt you and your financial future. One way to get yourself out of the dark hole of credit is by responsibly using a credit card. If you have bad credit and are looking for a credit card, you may want to stick with the bad credit credit cards. Bad credit credit cards are just like regular credit cards, but they are specifically for high risk cardholders.
Since your credit score is low, you are considered high risk to the credit card companies. Bad credit credit cards should be used responsibly however or your situation will just worsen. If you think there is even a possibility of you defaulting on the card, simply don’t even apply. Before applying for bad credit credit cards, be sure to check out the common terms for bad credit credit cards.
Credit Limits
Credit limits on bad credit credit cards are usually relatively low. The highest limit you will usually see is around $1000. This is for your own protection. The lower your limit, the more likely you are to use the card and pay off your balance in a timely manner. It is much more difficult to pay off higher balances. Therefore, don’t think of the low balance as a disadvantage.
APR
Most APR rates on bad credit credit cards are very reasonable. They fall around 10% which is good for a credit card. Try to find cards that hold the lowest interest rate possible. This will help you repay your charges quickly while giving your credit score a positive boost.
Fees
Although typically annual fees on credit cards should be avoiding, with bad credit credit cards, they are standard. Bad credit credit cards often charge annual fees of up to $50 or more. This is a protective act for the credit card company. It may be something you simply must accept if your credit score is low and you need a credit card.
Another fee you may encounter is an enrollment fee. Again, this is something no one with good credit should ever accept. However, with bad credit credit cards, the enrollment fee is common.
Credit Bureau Reporting
Make sure than any bad credit credit card you apply for reports to all of the major credit bureaus. This will help you regain good credit. You don’t want to pay diligently on a card that cannot help your credit. You may have to call customer support ahead of time to ask this question, but it is worth your attention.
Bad credit credit cards can be just the things that save your credit. If you want to boost your credit, then consider getting one of these unique cards. Just remember to spend and repay responsibly. In no time you can have your credit looking 100% better!
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com.
Having less than perfect credit can hurt you and your financial future. One way to get yourself out of the dark hole of credit is by responsibly using a credit card. If you have bad credit and are looking for a credit card, you may want to stick with the bad credit credit cards. Bad credit credit cards are just like regular credit cards, but they are specifically for high risk cardholders.
Since your credit score is low, you are considered high risk to the credit card companies. Bad credit credit cards should be used responsibly however or your situation will just worsen. If you think there is even a possibility of you defaulting on the card, simply don’t even apply. Before applying for bad credit credit cards, be sure to check out the common terms for bad credit credit cards.
Credit Limits
Credit limits on bad credit credit cards are usually relatively low. The highest limit you will usually see is around $1000. This is for your own protection. The lower your limit, the more likely you are to use the card and pay off your balance in a timely manner. It is much more difficult to pay off higher balances. Therefore, don’t think of the low balance as a disadvantage.
APR
Most APR rates on bad credit credit cards are very reasonable. They fall around 10% which is good for a credit card. Try to find cards that hold the lowest interest rate possible. This will help you repay your charges quickly while giving your credit score a positive boost.
Fees
Although typically annual fees on credit cards should be avoiding, with bad credit credit cards, they are standard. Bad credit credit cards often charge annual fees of up to $50 or more. This is a protective act for the credit card company. It may be something you simply must accept if your credit score is low and you need a credit card.
Another fee you may encounter is an enrollment fee. Again, this is something no one with good credit should ever accept. However, with bad credit credit cards, the enrollment fee is common.
Credit Bureau Reporting
Make sure than any bad credit credit card you apply for reports to all of the major credit bureaus. This will help you regain good credit. You don’t want to pay diligently on a card that cannot help your credit. You may have to call customer support ahead of time to ask this question, but it is worth your attention.
Bad credit credit cards can be just the things that save your credit. If you want to boost your credit, then consider getting one of these unique cards. Just remember to spend and repay responsibly. In no time you can have your credit looking 100% better!
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com.
Buying Rental Properties - Some Tips
by: Steve Gillman
Buying rental properties can be a great way to build your wealth. However, as in most real estate investment, it is sometimes difficult to know if you've found a good deal - especially the first time. Here are some things to look for to be sure that rental is a great investment.
1. Location. If traffic is heavier, rentals are easier to rent. A sign will often pull more response than an ad in the paper. If it is a nice locale, it will usually rent faster. This is also true of places close to amenities.
2. Numbers. Run the numbers. Get every last expense figured into your calculations, and be sure that you will have positive cash flow from the start.
3. High home prices. Look in towns with high home prices, as this creates rental demand. What do people do when they can't afford to buy? They rent.
4. Low maintenance buildings. Avoid cedar-shake roofs, and wood-sided buildings. Look beyond current expenses to how much maintenance the building will need. Low maintenance means less headaches and more profits.
5. Good rental history. Ask to see the rental history. Note how long residents are staying on average, and how well they pay on time.
6. Below market rents. Buying rental properties with below-market rents means you get to raise rents. Raising rents means you imediately raise the value, because rental property values are based on income.
7. Complies with zoning and fire codes. Have it inspected, and ask local officials if there are any problems.
8. Less than 20 years old. This is somewhat arbitrary, but if you limit your search to newer buildings, you will be less likely to have building code and maintenance problems.
9.Owner/manager that is out of state. These properties are often the best deals, because it is tough to manage a property from far away. An out of state seller is often more concerned with a quick sale than a high price.
10. Neighborhood is stable or improving. Stable is okay, but if you can buy in a neighborhood that is improving, you'll rent the units more easily, and therefore get automatic appreciation in value with time.
Steve Gillman has invested in real estate for years. See a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500 on his home page, or go straight to the section on real estate investing: http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com/investing-in-real-estate.html
Buying rental properties can be a great way to build your wealth. However, as in most real estate investment, it is sometimes difficult to know if you've found a good deal - especially the first time. Here are some things to look for to be sure that rental is a great investment.
1. Location. If traffic is heavier, rentals are easier to rent. A sign will often pull more response than an ad in the paper. If it is a nice locale, it will usually rent faster. This is also true of places close to amenities.
2. Numbers. Run the numbers. Get every last expense figured into your calculations, and be sure that you will have positive cash flow from the start.
3. High home prices. Look in towns with high home prices, as this creates rental demand. What do people do when they can't afford to buy? They rent.
4. Low maintenance buildings. Avoid cedar-shake roofs, and wood-sided buildings. Look beyond current expenses to how much maintenance the building will need. Low maintenance means less headaches and more profits.
5. Good rental history. Ask to see the rental history. Note how long residents are staying on average, and how well they pay on time.
6. Below market rents. Buying rental properties with below-market rents means you get to raise rents. Raising rents means you imediately raise the value, because rental property values are based on income.
7. Complies with zoning and fire codes. Have it inspected, and ask local officials if there are any problems.
8. Less than 20 years old. This is somewhat arbitrary, but if you limit your search to newer buildings, you will be less likely to have building code and maintenance problems.
9.Owner/manager that is out of state. These properties are often the best deals, because it is tough to manage a property from far away. An out of state seller is often more concerned with a quick sale than a high price.
10. Neighborhood is stable or improving. Stable is okay, but if you can buy in a neighborhood that is improving, you'll rent the units more easily, and therefore get automatic appreciation in value with time.
Steve Gillman has invested in real estate for years. See a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500 on his home page, or go straight to the section on real estate investing: http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com/investing-in-real-estate.html
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