Money questions? Attend these free talks

Posted on May 12, 2012 by

Got a financial question?

There#x2019;s a good chance of finding the answer in the more than 40 free financial education talks next week in Wichita.

Money Smart Week is funded through a Federal Reserve Bank grant, so there is no hidden agenda by the speakers, said Jeff Witherspoon, executive director of the local nonprofit Consumer Credit Counseling Service.

Talks by local financial planners and experts from nonprofits and consumer groups held around the city will address a variety to topics such as saving for college, preventing fraud against the elderly, and managing debt.

Although there have been a few sessions already, the bulk of the classes will kick off with...

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Finding the right home, with or without Mr. Right

Posted on May 11, 2012 by

I cant tell you how many times a client asks what shell do if Mr. Right comes along, and I always say if he does, then okay, you can keep the investment in your portfolio and rent it, he can move in, or you sell it and take the equity, she says. She speaks from personal experience, having at one point purchased property on her own while in a serious relationship. She was ready to start climbing the property ladder and he wasnt.

More and more single women are entering the market, making up roughly one in four new buyers, according to Ms. Rinomato, who is currently hosting the new HGTV series, Buy Herself, focused on helping singles navigate the world of real estate.

The first...

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Many dealerships need to tune-up their customer service

Posted on May 11, 2012 by

Technically, any licensed mechanic can perform the proper work with approved parts on your vehicle and not void the warranty. Technically, it doesnt have to be a dealer. Technically, a vehicle you lease can be serviced somewhere other than the dealer from whom you leased it, and not have your end of lease turn-in tango affected. Technically.

Reality, of course, is something much different. With so many things impacting the competitive landscape of car selling, dealerships are turning more and more to their service departments to up their bottom line. There was a time, as right-to-repair legislation both here and in the United States battled its way through red tape, that independent...

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Ally Financial Boosts Auto Dealer Credit Lines

Posted on May 10, 2012 by

DETROIT, May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
Ally Financial is increasing wholesale credit lines for auto dealers to take advantage of the U.S. auto market momentum. In the first quarter of 2012, Ally proactively expanded wholesale limits for more than 40 percent of its U.S. dealer clients.

“The flexibility in our credit line administration not only supports dealers, but also aligns with accelerated manufacturer production levels,” said Bill Muir, president of Ally Financial. “We are seeing strong demand for increased...

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MicroBilt Corporation Becomes a Platinum Sponsor in its Continued Support of …

Posted on May 10, 2012 by

Kennesaw, GA (PRWEB) April 17, 2012

MicroBilt, a leading risk management partner in the online short-term lending and other credit markets, has committed to a Platinum level sponsorship of this years Online Lenders Alliance Spring Summit and Fall Business Conference. MicroBilt understands the need for networking and shared solutions within the online lending community. The data solutions company offers online services that quickly verify consumer identity and authenticate bank information such as the ABA routing number.

The Online Lenders Alliance Spring Summit is the only open policy event targeted to the online short-term lending community. During the event, participants...

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General Electric Earnings Cheat Sheet: Booking a Profit Again

Posted on May 9, 2012 by

Samp;P 500 (NYSE:SPY) component General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) reported its results for the first quarter. General Electric is an advanced technology, services and finance company that provides services ranging from aircraft engines to business and consumer financing.

Investing Insights: Whats the Future of Microsofts Stock?

General Electric Company Earnings Cheat Sheet for the First Quarter

Results: Net income for the diversified operations fell to $3.03 billion (29 cents per share) vs. $3.43 billion (31 cents per share) a year earlier. This is a decline of 11.6% from the year-earlier quarter.

Revenue: Fell 8.2% to $35.18 billion from the year-earlier quarter.

Actual...

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Why you need to review your insurance coverage

Posted on May 8, 2012 by

Worse, her life insurance plan already has her protected if an unexpected event pops up.

It sounds like a no-brainer to consider where we are covered before opting for more insurance, but even our credit cards come with coverage such as car rental, collision and trip-cancellation insurance, plus automatic extended warranties for electronic products, and a list of additional insurance perks we probably dont know about unless we ask.

You dont want the expense of too much coverage, or coverage that doesnt match your needs.

If youre looking for a roundup of insurance costs, consider using a free personal finance tool like Mint.com. Mint automatically gathers all of your...

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Easy Ways To Manage Debt In Business

Posted on May 7, 2012 by

We get into debt sometimes willingly and at other times unwillingly. There is no business in real time that can succeed without some elements of debt. It could be borrowing from ‘osusu’, friends, family members and banks; in some cases.

In this volatile economic climate, business owners especially small scale operators face a number of challenges, such as holding too much inventory or sluggish receivables, which can send the cash flow into the red. At some times debt in business can be unavoidable. The following tips will help one in managing business debt.

Some debts are fun when you are acquiring them, but none are fun when you set about retiring them. -Ogden Nash...

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HFIA Partners with TD Bank to Offer Expanded In-store Financing Services

Posted on May 6, 2012 by

Mary Frye, president of Home Furnishings Independents Association, announced that HFIA has joined with TD Bank to bring the Renovate private label credit card program to member stores.

During the High Point Market, Frye along with John Piotrowsky, vice president/product manager TD Retail Card Services, will be available at the associations booth in the atrium of the Furniture Plaza building, 210 South Main Street, High Point, NC, to answer questions regarding the program. Current and prospective HFIA members are invited to visit the booth April 20-24 to obtain information and complete a dealer application.

TD Banks Renovate consumer finance program is an important...

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Buy Here Pay Here chain is probed

Posted on May 5, 2012 by

The nations top consumer watchdog is investigating one of the largest Buy Here Pay Here used car chains, the latest in a rising tide of scrutiny of the little-known industry.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a subpoena seeking information and business documents from DriveTime Automotive Group in Phoenix, according to a regulatory filing this week.

DriveTime, with 90 dealerships nationwide, is the first Buy Here Pay Here company to be investigated by the federal agency that was created in 2010 as part of the overhaul of financial regulations.

The Buy Here Pay Here industry consists of used car dealers that lend to people...

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