Banking For Students And Graduates By Peter Kenny

If you are a student or have recently graduated, then there a large number of bank accounts and financial products designed specifically for you. Although students used to be much derided for the large government grants they received, those days are long gone and students today have to be financially astute in order to avoid large debts. If you are a student or recent graduate then here are some tips about the types of accounts to look for.

Why so many student accounts?

Student and graduate accounts are more and more common, and they usually have a wide range of features and good rates. Although students are generally fairly poor and cannot pay back money they borrow, banks want to offer these accounts to students in the hope that they will remain loyal to their company once they are earning good money.

Student accounts

When you go to university you might have a simple current account, but the best thing to do is to open a dedicated student account. Student accounts offer a wide range of benefits, including vouchers and discounts for clothing and record shops. However, the most important part of your student account is the interest-free overdraft

Overdrafts

When you are at university it is likely that at some point you are going to need an overdraft facility to handle the fees whilst not bringing in a lot of money. Therefore it is essential that you pick an account with a good interest-free overdraft limit. Try and find the bank that has the highest level of interest-free overdraft, because any unauthorised borrowing will cost you a lot of money.

Overall package

Although the overdraft limit is important, you should look at the overall account package. Look at other fees and charges that the bank applies to your account, as well as the extra benefits on offer. Some student accounts will offer students a credit card with their account amongst other benefits. Try and find the best overall account package for your needs.

Dedicated support

In addition to the account benefits, you need to make sure that the student account you choose has dedicated support, as this can help you when times are tough. An even better option is a bank that has a branch on your campus, because a dedicated student bank manager is more likely to be sympathetic to your financial difficulties. Online banking is also something to look out for, as this can help you move funds and pay bills quickly when you need to, as well as helping you to closely monitor your spending.

Graduate accounts

Once you have finished university, many banks will offer you an upgrade to a graduate account. It is worth looking at these when you get your student account, as the right student and graduate package can really help you to move smoothly from student to worker. Whatever package you choose, don’t be afraid to move accounts and banks, and shop around before you make any decision.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=93383&ca=Finances

The Bond Market And How You Can Benefit By Joseph Kenny

In the investment world, there are two words we hear more than any others—stocks and bonds. While each can offer their own advantages and disadvantages, both should be included in your portfolio. As a general rule, stocks have outperformed bonds since 1926; returning 10.4 percent against government bonds’ 5.4 percent showing.

However, when stocks go bad—and they will—bonds will always be there for you. Over short periods of time (like the bear market of 2000 to 2002) bonds easily outpaced the growth of stocks. However the world of bonds can be a confusing one, so let’s learn a little more about them.

Why to get fond of bonds

The first word in smart investing is “diversification”. That means you own a good mix of volatile stocks and steady bonds in your portfolio. When one takes a hit, the other will usually hold steady.

Whereas stocks will only give you liquid results when you sell, bonds pay interest regularly, making them an attractive investment choice for retirees looking for regular income.

Bonds are also some of the some of the safest investment choices you can make, second only to cash. U.S. Treasuries offer a risk-free vehicle of stashing funds for a limited amount of time, and you’ll usually see modest gains while you’re at it.

Also, many bonds provide income that’s tax-free. That’s a good thing, even though most of these pay a lower yield than what you might get from taxable bonds.

Bonds at work

When you purchase a bond, you’re basically lending money to a corporation or the government so they can go about their everyday business or complete certain projects. In return, they pay you interest annually and then give back what you’ve invested once the bond “matures”, meaning its term ends.

Now for a little lingo. A bond’s “par value” is the price paid for it when it was new. A “coupon”, is what the bond pays annually in interest. For example, a $10,000 bond paying 8 percent a year would have a coupon of $800. If you don’t buy a bond new, you’ll be purchasing from another person in the “secondary” market, and you’ll pay the current market price on the bond (which fluctuates daily) though still receiving the same coupon. A bond’s “total return” is all the money you will earn off of the bond. That includes the annual interest along with its loss or gain in the market.

Bountiful Bonds

There are a ton of bonds to choose from, but the safest choice is a U.S. Treasury. Interest and payments on these are guaranteed by the “full faith and credit” of the United States Government.

Within Treasuries, there are several bonds to choose from, all requiring different investment commitments, terms, and interest rates.

You can also choose from mortgage-backed bonds, which can yield around 1 percent more than Treasury bonds with a typical $25,000 investment. Then there are corporate bonds. Most of these are issued in $1,000 denominations and have terms ranging form one to 20 years, or even a few weeks to 100 years. The values of corporate bonds depend on the credit of the company you’re bonding. Like everything else, it’s a risk-reward proposition when selecting a corporate bond.

Finally, you can also purchase municipal bonds in state and local governments and agencies. These are usually available in denominations starting at $5,000, with terms of 30 to 40 years. The great thing about municipal bonds is that your interest returns are typically exempt from most federal, state, and local taxes.

Risk-Reward

Though bonds are typically less volatile than stocks, there are still risks. Interest payments can be worn by inflation. If interest rates rise, bond prices will fall. Also, some bond issuers reserve the right to “call” back bonds before term. If this happens, you’ll only get “par value” on the buy back, though “callable” bonds offer higher interest returns than noncallable bonds. Also, if a corporation you have bonded goes belly-up, say goodbye to your money. Finally, bonds, as with most investments, are at the mercy of the ups and downs of the everyday market. Just remember, the longer before your bond matures, the more unpredictable it becomes.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=93474&ca=Finances

Got To Get Away: Stretch Your Vacation Dollars By Joseph Kenny

With the dollar receiving an old fashioned beating from the euro right now, vacations to popular European destinations like England, France and Spain have become quite pricey. Not to fret though, with a little planning, you can still enjoy your European vacation without breaking the bank.

Not flying across the pond for some R&R? You can still save cash by traveling smart, regardless of your vacation destination. Read on, oh wandering soul.

Prevent your wallet from getting euro-trashed

If you’re heading to Europe, prepare yourself financially. While Paris and London are must-sees for the vacationing Yankee, they can put a hurting on your billfold. Vacations in Western Europe today cost 35 to 40 percent more than they did as little as two years ago. Why? It’s all about the exchange rate. The euro rules the day over our weakened dollar, meaning you’ll have to pick and choose your spots when it comes to traveling abroad.

Before you book, research your options. Purchasing a vacation package (airfare & hotel) through an online travel broker like expedia.com or travelocity.com could save you big bucks. If you’re planning on staying long-term in one place, look into renting a house or apartment. It’s cheaper than a hotel room, sleeps more, is roomier, and you’ll be able to cook your own food instead of eating out every day. Also, many vacation packages will allow you to “lock in” a rate well before your travel dates. If the dollar continues to fall against the euro after you book, you’ll save big and look like a genius. If the dollar rallies, however, you lose.

Remember, Europe is more than just England and France. Consider visiting some of the Eastern Block countries like Hungary, Poland or Lithuania—you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Gone are the Cold War misconceptions of these countries. Instead, travelers will encounter friendly natives, stunning views, and vibrant nightlife. What’s more, these countries have yet to adopt the euro, meaning your dollar will go a lot farther.

But if it’s Western Europe or bust for you, you can still ease the pain that the mighty euro brings. Book your trip early to ensure you get the flights and hotels you want. If you want to see a lot of Europe, consider a cruise. If you’re on a budget, consider a short three or four day stopover and tackle only the sights you absolutely have to see. Finally, when traveling about the European countryside, always set a daily limit on your spending.

Destination: anywhere? Money saving travel tips.

Regardless of where you vacation, following a few simple rules will minimize the impact on your bottom line while maximizing your fun. Always remember to:

1. Shop around. Just like anything else, deals are to be had if you know where to look. Check online resources for the best deals.

2. Only use a travel agent for big trips to far away places. You can handle the details of a weekend getaway.

3. Travel in the off season. Find out when your desired destination’s peak tourist season is, and don’t go then. Off season prices are much more acceptable.

4. Flexibility is key. Changing your travel itinerary by just a day or two can save you big.

5. For cruises, book early to take advantage of big savings. If using an agent, get one who’s a cruise expert. She can save you money and probably secure a few perks along the way.

6. When renting a car, only get the smallest possible one you can handle. It’s cheaper and so is the gas. At the counter, ask for a free upgrade; it doesn’t hurt to try. Always refuel your rental before you return it to avoid getting gouged by the return lot. Never rent a car at the airport, rates are better elsewhere. Finally, if you can understand the city’s public transportation, use it instead of renting a car.

7. When on the road, carry a cooler full of drinks and snacks. By stopping at a grocery store and loading up on supplies (e.g., aspirin, water, sunscreen, film) before you wander the countryside, you’ll avoid being taken to the cleaners by roadside tourist traps.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=94187&ca=Finances

Dollar Drink Night: Boozing With Coworkers Could Help You Financially By Joseph Kenny

There’s a group in every office. They hit the nearby watering hole for happy hour once or twice a week after work to vent shared frustrations, talk about the boss behind his back, maybe even plot future career moves. Thumbing your nose at this carousing crew? Think twice, turning down an invite to grab a post-shift drink might be hazardous to your financial future.

A recent study published by The Journal of Labor Research shows that drinkers earn 10 to 14 percent more than those who avoid the bottle altogether. The reason? The study contends it’s something called social capital. That is, the more you’re out enjoying a drink, the more people you meet. The more people you meet, the more doors that are opened for you professionally. And as is the general rule in the business world—it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

The study contends that specifically, it’s drinkers who hit the bar that see the most benefits financially, as opposed to those who tip the glass at home. It’s all about social capital, which the study defines as “a person’s social characteristics, including social skills, charisma, and the size of his Rolodex, which enable him to reap market and nonmarket returns from interactions with others.” Drinkers who hit the bars have a lot of it, drinkers who sip alone have a little less, nondrinkers have less yet.

The study argues that it’s possible that abstainers may steer clear of social occasions involving drinking, and if not, they will socialize with other nondrinkers or less social people. It’s also possible that abstainers might be considered boring by drinkers, and not be invited to a gathering at all. Those who drink socially may have an easier time attaining a higher paying job or reinforce bonds with coworkers or associates who could have a direct impact on salary. Though the reasons behind nondrinkers’ lack of social capital weren’t specifically tackled in the study, one thing is clear—drinkers earn significantly more than those who abstain.

For example, female drinkers pull in 14 percent more than their nondrinking counterparts. Men who hit the bottle regularly earn 10 percent more than guys who stick with soft drinks.

The pot gets even sweeter for males who hit their favorite watering hole on a regular basis. Men who visited a bar at least once a month earned an additional 7 percent over the 10 percent advantage. That isn’t the case for women barflies, however. No marked advantage was shown for ladies who visited pubs regularly over those who did not.

Though not sponsored by any interests in the alcohol industry, the study was conducted as a response to recent anti-alcohol campaigns on college campuses, limits on alcohol advertising, and tax increases on liquor. Authors of the study contend that since their research shows that drinkers earn significantly more than nondrinkers, perhaps attempting to discourage drinking in society might have a negative impact on our ability to earn.

So next time your cubicle partner asks you to join the crew for a drink after work, think twice before you pass. According to the stats, it might be to your benefit to say “First round’s on me”.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=93477&ca=Finances