Sometimes love just isn't enough (photo by creativecommons.org)

Pet owners love their animals and many of them use payday loans to pay for emergency pet care. Regardless of economic conditions, people will always find ways to provide the best care they possibly can for a loyal dog or a faithful cat.

Today, the average pet owner may have to stretch the budget to the breaking point to pay for an emergency veterinary visit. Dr. Ganner, MD, a veterinarian in Cleveland, Ohio, states, “You never know when a pet can get ill, just like a human. Pets’ surgeries can cost more due to lack of insurance and specialized care. It’s an immediate out-of-pocket expense.”

Save on day-to-day pet expenses

For anyone with a pet, there will always be unexpected medical emergencies. The most basic way to lessen the strain of emergency expenses is to put a little money aside all year long. Here are some ways to save money for your pet’s emergency, without cutting back on the quality of daily care.

1.  Fill prescriptions at Petmeds.com or a human pharmacy. When you fill an animal’s prescription at the veterinarian, you typically pay 30-70% more than you would online or at a regular pharmacy. Rather than blindly accepting the prescription medication handed out at a veterinarian’s office, pet owners should ask veterinarians for written prescriptions and then fill them at regular or online pharmacies.

2.  Buy pet food at superstores like Costco or Sam’s Club. Superstores purchase inventory in great quantities at huge discounts. They carry fairly wide arrays of pet foods, and you are likely to find one of your pet’s favorite brands in their well-stocked aisles. If you don’t find the brand you prefer, talk to the manager and ask if the store will order it. When enough customers ask, superstores respond by purchasing requested products. Their goal is to stock everything their shoppers need, and they work hard to live up to that.

3.  Buy pet toys at superstores or grocery stores. Toys at pet stores and boutiques can cost 50% or more than the same (or very similar) toys at a superstore or grocery store. The reason for this is that pet stores mark up all their products to pay for advertising and promotions. Retail sales are their only source of income, so they have to maximize their markup.

Start an emergency pet fund

If you put aside the money you save on these everyday pet expenses, it will be easier to pay for those inevitable emergency expenses. If your savings are adequate to cover the emergency, a small payday loan can make up the difference. As Dr. Ganner stated, “If people have huge monthly budgets for their pets, it’s difficult to then extend that budget even more when an emergency comes up…but, finding ways to save throughout normal times, can make it much more manageable.”

Love knows no bounds (photo by creativecommons.org)

Love without bounds . . .

People are going to care for their pets regardless of what happens on the economic front. It’s estimated that the pet industry generates over $45.5 billion annually. Global market expert Eugene Fram stated, “It’s a substantial market. The numbers bear that out with more than 60% of households having a pet. It’s a good business and a great target market to pursue.”

But avoid heartache by economizing

Because pet owners are willing to spend so much on the daily care of their pets, they frequently compromise their ability to pay for emergency care. To avoid finding yourself in that stressful situation, it’s a good idea to treat pet care like your other budgeted expenses.

Cut back on daily pet expenses and put the savings aside in an emergency pet fund. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much easier it is to afford the best possible pet care when you need it most if you save just a little every day. With an emergency pet fund at the ready, when emergency strikes, you’ll be able to pay for it without borrowing; or in the worst case, with a much smaller payday loan or a lot less help from family or friends.

If you need a payday loan to get started, Apply NOW!

Americans are looking for debt relief, and forgoing bulking up their emergency funds. In the past, people were taught to pay careful attention to their emergency accounts. They were primarily interested in making sure they had between 3-6 months of income tucked away for emergencies, such as job loss, emergency medical bills or a hefty car repair bill. A new poll is showing that people would rather tackle debt relief, than keep emergency savings as a priority.

According to Russell Meyers, chief economist of Dawson and Brickers, “People used to see emergency funds as a way to save them in times of trouble. Unfortunately with the economy as difficult as it is, many people used their emergency funds. They see getting rid of debt first as key to not having to diminish their savings again.” Rather than start saving, many Americans are looking to consolidate bills, re-budget themselves or strict cut-backs as an option. But is this a wise option?

Savings lost

For years experts have touted the necessity of having between 3-6 months in emergency funds available. This account was a strict no-access account, meant to deal with job loss or another emergency. A good number of Americans spent months putting away money for their emergency accounts. Unfortunately, due to the recession, many savings accounts are gone. Marilyn Moore of Remington, Montana stated, “We used to have an emergency fund and thought it would carry us through any tough time. Unfortunately, it was depleted quickly…we thought it made us immune to financial problems.” Moore is part of many consumers who saw the emergency fund as an emergency tool, but never planned on having to use it.

Credit card companies in a bad light

After the banking and lending crash, consumers are more aware of finding debt relief than ever. Many are forgoing building savings and putting extra money into their debt. “Paying down debt is a priority with many customers…the recession brought out the bad side in credit card companies and people saw it. They are worried about what credit companies are going to charge them for next,” state Montgomery Rawl, economist teacher at Stanford University.

Studies are showing that people are moving towards paying cash for items, and leaning away from credit altogether. They saw the high interest rates card companies were suddenly charging. They saw their credit limits being sliced. The Obama administration vows to hold companies to a higher standard, but it will take time for those laws to pass. Consumers are opting for paying down credit and using it only for emergencies in the future. As Moore added, “We are not going to get taken to the cleaners by credit card companies when we’re having a hard enough time as it is already.”

Economist Rawl confirmed, “History has proven that when times get tough, people cut back on credit card usage and turn to good old cash for funding. It happened in the 70s and 80s…with this recession more people had been using credit, so that makes a larger sum of people turning their back on it now than ever before.”

Cash is king

Cash is still the most reliable option, according to many consumers. They are using cash to pay down debt and find debt relief, and then vow to use credit sparingly. Many people insist that cash is the most advantageous way to keep track of funds and truly budget. In the recession, every advantage Americans can get, they need to use wisely.

Everyone comes across those times when there is month left at the end of the money but the thought of using short term loans to cover those times doesn’t always occur to everyone. Instead of seeking ways to carry them through until the next payday, they make unsuccessful attempts to prioritize their bills, sometimes failing to recognize the importance of paying all their debts.

Your credit record

Some are often uneducated in the way credit works and think that as long as they pay the payments, even if they are late, it will not affect their credit negatively. They don’t realize even paying late affects their credit rating at least with that company. When you consistently pay credit cards late, the issuer will eventually refuse to reissue your cards when they expire, and this action will negatively affect your credit. To avoid that potential, you need to plan ahead for those times you may need to weather a financial crisis.

Have a backup plan in place before you need it

Another problem many people have is they don’t plan ahead for emergencies by having money in a savings account. Lack of emergency funds leads many people to rely on credit cards to pay for daily expenses and leaves them struggling to make the payments when they charge more than they can afford to pay when the minimum payments increases. Instead of looking for a temporary solution, they resort to skipping payments or paying amounts lower than the lender requires. When the lender starts calling, they become frustrated and try to avoid facing the situation, especially if they don’t have money set aside. It’s always advisable to have the equivalent of two months’ salary in a savings account but during an economic downturn, as we are currently experiencing, most people are struggling just to make ends meet thus leaving them few funds for emergencies.

Don’t let your situation overwhelm you

If you let your situation get the best of you, it will be more difficult to find a solution. Instead of seeking temporary relief with short term loans when necessary, many people become stressed, frustrated and angry—emotions that prevent them from having the ability to do something positive and encouraging. Those who have a backup plan, whether it’s a savings account or a place they can obtain short term funding, will spend less time fretting over their situation and more time taking action. There is no shame in suffering a temporary financial setback but when you let it get the best of you and take no action, it will become substantially worse. Address the problem, find the solution and take action immediately.

Quick action offers the most success

When you discover you are not going to have enough money to pay all of your debts when they are due, you should take action immediately. Don’t wait until the creditors start calling to look for short term loans to pull you through the crisis—the sooner you take action the easier it will be to get back on the right track and the less money you will need to borrow to increase your immediate cash flow.

Being employed means you can still apply for payday loans for emergency funds. These very short term loans get some bad press, but used correctly can be the greatest gift to cash-strapped workers. The trick is to research the terms very well and be sure not to borrow more than you can afford to pay back on your next payday. These loans can make a lot of sense if something unexpected crops up and you know you would have the spare cash when you get paid but just can’t get it together immediately. They should never be used if the loan would put strain on your income and see you short of money.

Don’t set up a vicious circle

It is most important that people don’t overextend themselves when using short term loans. Badly managed, these crunch-time loans can mean continually borrowing to cover paying for the previous amount and still having enough expendable cash to live on. It is wise to remember that any amount will need to be paid back and to only borrow what you can comfortably afford to go without the following payday. Even though it’s tempting to get a payday loan for non essentials, be very careful you don’t put yourself or your family into a worse situation.

Emergencies do happen

Regardless of our best intentions, emergencies do happen. Often they happen at the worst possible time. Medical bills, accidents, car repairs are just a few reasons people look to secure some extra funds quickly. There will always be times when we need money before our next payday. More and more people are living from one payday to the next with not a lot of cash in reserve. And truth be known, individuals should be circulating as much money as they can afford back into their local economy. The economic recovery will depend on this. There are still people employed and when stuck for emergency cash, a traditional loan might take too long to secure.

A good record means fast cash

The first payday loan will be the longest you have to wait for cash, although still very quick and convenient. The lender needs only to verify your employment details with your employer and a few other things. Once approved, the cash is immediately transferred into your account. Online applications make the process faster and more streamlined than ever before. Once paid back successfully within the loan terms, if you ever need another short term loan the process is even faster as the lender already has your details. This alleviates the need for credit checks, or security. There will be a loan fee charged rather than interest.

Are payday loan fees fair?

This is where a lot of the bad press comes from. The fees are often calculated as a very high interest rate in comparison to a traditional loan. However, considering the loans are small and fast, the rates are reasonable. Provided the borrower is not borrowing more than they can afford to pay back, these types of loans run smoothly. Some say it’s much easier for people to get these loans when they cannot afford to pay the money back. Again, it must be stressed to think carefully about any borrowing. If you are in doubt, seek some professional advice or ask the prospective payday loan provider about any concerns you might have.

Where's my check?

If this ever happens to you, remember the option of a payday loan. Yes, it happened to me once, and boy was that tough! I work in a shipping company. A few months ago, something unexpected happened to me. I did not receive my paycheck. Everybody in my company received their paycheck but I was left in a lurch. I came to know due to ‘some technical reason’ my salary was put on hold. Since there was no negative performance on my part, I was flabbergasted, to say the least.

More pay next month won’t help this month

I quickly asked my boss and he said that in the coming month I would be given double the salary plus compensation of any loss I suffered. That would not exactly help me now because every month, the lion’s share of my salary goes into paying my monthly bills, such as the electricity bills, telephone bills, internet bills, mobile phone bills, gas bills, children’s school fees, grocery expenditures, etc. If I don’t receive a month’s salary, then my financial is a mess, which actually happened then.

Strike one: borrowing money from friends

Who would lend me enough money to pay all my bills? I have never borrowed money from my family or friends and I didn’t want to start now.  However I found that I had very few, or rather no, option left to me. I went to my friend Jonathan and told him what I was going through. Because of the difficult economy, Jonathan was also struggling financially and couldn’t lend me the money I needed.  However, Jonathan is a financial advisor by profession and what he suggested was something truly appreciable.

A payday loan

Jonathan told me about a payday loan. He told me that if the loan was approved, I should be able to get the money in a day. He told me about a reputable money lender website and how it could help me get a loan in a jiffy. Since, I’m not internet savvy, I did not take much interest.

Where can I get a payday loan?

Jonathan guided me through personalmoneystore.com’s website and helped me fill out the online application form. Frankly speaking, I was able to get my loan approved in few minutes. I did not have to submit any documents or pledge any collateral against the loan.

They did not even do a credit check. The money lender gave me the flexibility of choosing from $100 to $1,500 as the loan amount. My loan was approved in no time and the cash was transferred to my bank account within a few hours.

Funds in 2 hours

Paid all my bills and now living happily!

I paid all my bills and avoided any late fees.  Paying off the payday loan was no problem, because my employer finally paid me the skipped paycheck.  I am thankful for payday loans to have helped me, when it really mattered.

Payday loans aren’t the only short-term consumer credit service that is growing in popularity with higher-income consumers these days. According to Maria Halkias of The Dallas Morning News, rent-to-own stores like Rent-A-Center (America’s largest) are seeing more higher-income customers than they have in years. This is an expected byproduct of the current recession: Rent-A-Center’s year-end figures actually exceeded expectations.

Similar results have been reported in the pawn shop industry. Such returns have even prompted many cash advance outlet stores to expand their offerings to include pawn services. Some have also ventured into the buying and selling of gold, which makes particular sense when the value of the U.S. dollar is low. Cash America Director of Public Relations Yolanda Walker said people are finding “creative ways to make ends meet.”

Sign of the times

The trend of Rent-A-Center, payday loan stores and pawn shops looks to continue as the economy suffers. The need for credit doesn’t sleep, and more people are being rejected by traditional (bank) financing avenues. Halkias finds that current Rent-A-Center customers have “average household incomes in the $20,000 to $50,000 range.”

Yet with current economic burdens such as they are, renting a replacement refrigerator for $17.99 a week is what the average family can afford. Buying a new one can be a distant dream. Similarly, when emergency funds are needed in a pinch and traditional banking fails to fill the bill, consumers can rely upon payday loans for their speed, convenience and discretion. Moreover, rates that are commonly in the $15 to $20 per $100 range for two-week loans are much more affordable than the distressingly common alternative of relying upon checking overdraft protection.

Nice price, but don't use your American Express there!

Kevin Drum blogs on Mother Jones that there’s yet another reason to rely upon a cash advance when you need emergency funds. Actually, that’s my interpretation, because it’s an easy connection to make. And for many thousands of people, it would be exceedingly more useful than depending upon a credit card that judges you based upon where you shop. Whether they’re attempting to be a social crusader or simply being snooty, American Express is apparently monitoring cardholders’ credit statements closely. If you shop at Wal-Mart, your credit limit could be lowered.

That’s what happened to Kevin Johnson, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. He actually received a letter from American Express which stated that “other customers who have used their card at establishments where you recently shopped (Wal-Mart) have a poor repayment history with American Express.” In other words, American Express persecuted Johnson for value shopping. They lowered his limit to reduce their “risk of exposure.” And in other news, misguided legislators are chomping at the bit to take away consumers’ right to choose payday loans when they need extra cash.

What is AMEX’s official response?

AMEX spokeswoman Lisa Gonzalez wouldn’t name any names, but she doesn’t have to, does she?

We’re just doing this to manage risk… customers who have loans outstanding with certain lenders or customers who make transactions with certain merchants tend to have a higher proportion of credit issues or a higher probability of default.

Then there’s American Express spokeswoman Susan Korchak. In a lackluster attempt at spin control, she told the New York Times that it was all “just a big misunderstanding” that the language about “establishments” where Mr. Johnson recently shopped wasn’t a way to single him or anyone else out for shopping anywhere in particular.

OK, then just what are you saying, AMEX?

Denial does not excuse you from abusing the public, American Express. It simply spreads more of your slime on the wall. And if you think people like Kevin Johnson are going to lie down and take what credit card companies like you are trying to put over on innocent people, think again. Mr. Johnson has taken it upon himself to be a consumer advocate against the likes of you. Cash Advance Mojo and his colleagues at Personal Money Store wish Kevin Johnson and like-minded citizens the best in their fight for financial freedom.

Related articles

• Carded: Customers Spied on Then Penalized (abcnews.go.com)
• NewCreditRules Asks, Which Of These Stores Will Get Your AMEX Card Reduced? [American Express] (consumerist.com)
• Credit Card/banks lowering credit limits based on WHERE you shop (americablog.com)

Help in hard times

Welcome back to Part II of this series on “Financial Preservation in 2009,” courtesy of personalmoneystore.com’s payday loans money blog. This series will continue addressing how to prevent financial crisis as a result of unemployment in 2009 by preparing now.

Here are a few things you can do to save extra money today while you still have a job, so that you have the necessary emergency funds you need later this year if you find that you don’t.

Are Those Car Payments Really Necessary?

Nobody can blame you for wanting what is hot or the current trend, but when it comes to automobiles, staying with the current trend can cost you a lot of extra money.

When buying a new car, not only does it require high monthly payments but also higher insurance rates and higher taxes and licensing, delivering one whammy after another to your pocketbook, and needing payday loans to cover for it.

Is this really necessary? Downgrading to a newer used vehicle, or even an older model that has been nicely taken care of and properly maintained, will save you both in monthly payments and taxes and licensing.

You may even be able to trade your current vehicle for an older model that the dealer has gotten on a trade-in. This could get you out of payments altogether.

This should be carefully considered if you are concerned with your job’s longevity as it can save you thousands of dollars which, if saved as emergency funds, could preserve you in a time of financial need.

Downgrading Digital Services

Consumers today are gadget-obsessed, having a multitude of gadgets and digital subscriptions that may be cheap by themselves but add up to a considerable sum when considering other digital services in your home.

These digital services include things such as your cell phone, cable television, digital media, satellite radio or any other of the digital packages available today.

Examine each of the packages you have and decide whether they are used enough to justify what you are currently spending. After your evaluation, you will be able to determine whether to downgrade each respective package or terminate it all altogether.

Debt Consolidation And Payment Insurance

When loosing your job, payday loans are not typically an option due to employment requirements, which means the only funds that will be available to you during this time will be the funds from your unemployment office.

These funds alone will likely not be sufficient to pay your bills, leaving you to pick and choose between which bills you are going to pay and which bills you are not.

Defaulting with creditors wreaks havoc on your personal credit rating. You may have to hire one of the many credit repair services or credit repair companies to help you repair your credit in the event that you do so.

Defaults can take several years to cycle off your credit report, so what you do now will save you both time and money later.

Here are two things you can do now to better position yourself with your outstanding debts so that you won’t be forced to default on any of your current creditors down the road provided you still have them.

Payment Insurance

The first thing you can to is purchase payment insurance through your creditors. Payment insurance will pay your monthly minimum payments in the event that a financial crisis befalls you and you are not able to pay yourself.

The cost of payment insurance varies from one creditor to the next but it is usually a very small sum and is calculated based on the current balance of the account. For example it may be $1 for every $100 dollars of your current account balance.

Debt Consolidation

The second thing you can do is consolidate your debts. Preferably, consolidating your debts into your home mortgage would be the best option if you’re in a position to do so.

With the current interest rates on home loans as low as they are, it may be in your best interest to refinance your debts into your home mortgage.

This allows you to spread that debt over a 30-year term, making the payments far more manageable. You end up spending more in the long run, but it’s a nice safety net to keep you from defaulting with your creditors in the event of limited cash flow.

Lastly, don’t forget about the options we provide you here at personalmoneystore.com. If you find yourself in need of quick cash payday loans to avoid the more spendy late payment fees associated with many of your creditors, we can help. Provided you are still employed, that is.

Good luck in 2009!

Does debt have you bound up and feeling like a police officer bound up, not able to reach the donuts? Try consolidating your debt with a home equity loan. (image from flickr)

When struggling with personal debt, you may be tempted to apply for a personal loan, payday loans or try to borrow money from other sources from time to time simply to relieve the financial pressure you may feel weighing in upon you.

In this article we will attempt to address some of the advantages and disadvantages of the various debt payment options that may be available to you to pay down, pay off  and take control of the debts you owe.

Payday Loans

Payday loans, although a valuable service for emergency funds, are not the best option for paying off or consolidating debt. Payday loans are more a source of emergency funds for dire situations, such as when your car breaks down and you need money for quick repairs or if you want to avoid a late payment penalty with a creditor.

Because payday loans usually limit you to a maximum of $1,500, it is likely that a payday loan would not be sufficient to cover and or consolidate your debts anyway. There are better options available to you that can provide you with a lower interest rate.

Withdrawals On Your 401(k)

A lot of people resort to using funds that they have put aside in their 401k savings plan. This is a tempting but ill-advised approach to debt relief.

Remember, the funds that are in your 401k are reserved for your retirement years. Using these funds to bail yourself out of financial trouble today may cause another crisis for you several years from now. You may find at retirement you don’t have sufficient funds in the account to last through your retirement years.

Taking money out of your 401k will cost you more than you think. You have to take into account how much you will be taxed for on the withdrawal of these funds plus the total amount of interest these funds would have acquired between now and the age you retire. This adds up to be a significant sum.

Home Equity Loans

Home equity loans are usually the best option for consolidating and paying off your debts. Home equity loans are obtained by borrowing against the equitable portion of your home’s value. This gives you the advantage of lower interest rates than most other options. Plus, interest paid on home equity loans is tax deductible.

When borrowing against your home equity, be sure to remember defaulting on or failure to pay your home equity loan payments can result in losing your home.

Avoid Repeating The Cycle

The biggest thing to remember when paying off your consumer credit debt, regardless of the options you choose, is to avoid repeating the cycle again by running up your credit card balances that have been paid off.

If you find that your money spending habits are habitually putting you under financial stress, you may find it helpful to work with a debt counseling service that can help you manage your finances in the future. Click to learn more about debt consolidation.

The people of Zimbabwe, Africa, are still in desperate need of emergency funds. Similar to how some people defy the use of instant payday loans, the country’s president Robert Mugabe is somewhat in denial of what is really happening in the deteriorating nation.

There is a Cholera Epidemic

In a recent article I discussed the country’s deteriorating health conditions, which are threatening the lives of thousands of Zimbabweans. Sadly, hundreds have weakened and surrendered to this terrible tribulation. There’s no doubt that instant payday loans, along with a substantial plan, is needed to provide this nation the medical help it desperately needs. Mugabe, however, seems to be ambivalent to this reality.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Great Britain is urging all nations to stand together to defend human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe and to tell President Mugabe that “enough is enough.” Despite Mugabe’s apathy, Brown continues to emphasize the importance of getting medicine to those in need. The prime minister has also issued a statement declaring that the first priority is to deliver aid to Zimbabwe, including rehydration and disease-testing packs. He has emphasized to the United Nations Security Council that the country’s catastrophic conditions are in urgent need of attention. Mugabe continues to argue that Zimbabwe is not in critical condition. He claims there was no cholera and says the country’s health crisis is over. He describes Brown and President Bush as “crooks … guilty of deliberate lies in order to commit acts of aggression.”

“What’s the Real Deal?”

The government in Zimbabwe is shattered, and the state is unable (and seems to be unwilling) to protect its people from this crisis that has become an international emergency. It seems Mugabe is more concerned about his presidential seat than the livelihood and well-being of his people. Despite abundant physical evidence of the spreading cholera in Zimbabwe, Mugabe’s government continues to veer divert focus to other irrelevant concerns, accusing Western powers of attempting to exploit the crisis to force his departure. President Bush, along with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, has called recently for the 84-year-old leader to step down.

Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, Zimbabwean minister of information and publicity, told reporters, “I don’t have kind words for all heads of state who have made utterances against Zimbabwe, one by one, and I hope this is the last time they open their dirty mouths on Zimbabwe.” With this kind of outlook, it appears this mission will only become more difficult to achieve, and the medical and political conditions in Zimbabwe will continue to deteriorate. Without any assistance from the government, the people of Zimbabwe can only stand on the sidelines and hope for a resolution. In almost the same way, without the help of instant payday loans when an unexpected expense arise, getting your finances back in perspective can be a lot more difficult to handle.

No Money Without a Plan

Instant payday loans are essential in situations like this. And those who assist with aid and development must be responsible and capable of devising a productive plan to prepare for unexpected circumstances. Emergency funds are vital, but what’s more important than the amount of financial aid is budgeting the use of the money.  It’s like instant payday loans; if you use them irresponsibly, you are setting yourself up for future disappointment.

There are many reasons why you might use quick payday loans. An unexpected bill can arrive at an inappropriate time, or maybe your car breaks down and you won’t be able to get to and from work because of the lack of extra funds to cover the cost. People use quick payday loans in emergency situations. Not only can they save you money by helping you avoid bounced checks and late fees on a bill, but they can help get you out of a heartrending, disastrous situation. I would like to share a story of a really great friend of mine.

Best Friends Forever

Megan grew up in a loving home in Parker, Colorado. Although she was raised in a family that did not indulge in many of the material luxuries in life, such as fancy cars and mansion-like homes, she was the happiest kid on the block. Megan, along with her two sisters and a brother, were the most polite and well-behaved children I could remember during my childhood. They were thankful and treasured every little thing they had. I met Megan in my second grade class and became friends immediately. We went everywhere together; school, church, and every recreation event. For almost two years, for extra money, we even waitressed at the same restaurant. I became a part of her family as much as she became a part of mine.

We Said Goodbye and Went Our Separate Ways

Megan’s father was a school bus driver and her mother worked as a housekeeper. Although both her parents had never completed high school, education was a must in their family.  Not only were they polite and well-behaved, they were the brightest kids I knew. Come to think of it, Megan was always my tutor during my high school days. If I had a question or was unsure of something regarding any school assignment, I was sure I’d find peace of mind through Megan and her family. We went our separate ways after high school. Megan was offered a scholarship to attend one of the best schools, and considering the fact she came from a family that was in need of an extra cash flow, she was thrilled to be offered such an opportunity. We tried to stay in contact and exchange on-line memos as much as possible. After a period of time, I received an unexpected call from her, excitingly announcing her engagement with “the sweetest guy” she’d ever met. After her marriage, our relationship was put on a complete halt – until our reunion last year. I would never have guessed what she had endured.

What Really Happened?

A couple months into her marriage things got pretty ugly. It turned out “Joe” was not the man she thought he’d be. She was his prisoner, restricted from the world. Fortunately, she was able to keep a part-time job. Since she was cut off from her family, friends and her personal assets, her situation only got worse. It breaks my heart just thinking of it. She detailed the terrible aspects of her marriage (which I prefer not to enclose) and how she found the strength to escape.

Hope, Recovery, and Quick Payday Loans

Bottom-line is I’m glad Megan is doing better now. She would not be here today if she hadn’t escaped when she did. Her scars are still visible, but if it weren’t for the help of loyal friends, their support and a couple of quick payday loans, she probably would not have had the chance for her wounds to heal. Payday loans have saved many people from heading towards a tragedy and have also provided assistance to recovery – even with something as devastating as Megan’s.

Ever needed a payday loan to cover overdraft fees or ATM fees that your bank has charged you? If you haven’t, you just might be looking for one sooner than you think. Because of economic turmoil, banks are forecasting that overdraft fees and ATM fees will continue to rise above the average of $34.65 and $1.98, to try and cover losses over bad mortgage loans and poor investments. So what does this mean for you? Hopefully better budgeting and planning.

Paying Interest to Access Your Money

As convenient as an ATM machine is, you should really pick and choose which ones you use. Most banks charge a fee for using competitors’ ATM machines and sometimes that fee can be up to $2.50. If you only take out $20, you’re paying 12.5% interest on your own money. It’s kind of ridiculous, huh?  A payday loan that is paid back on the very next payday has less interest then that. The best way to avoid these fees is to use your bank’s ATM machine or find out which ATM machines are in your bank’s network. Planning ahead can make a world of difference on your bank statement.

Pesky Overdraft Fees

We have all over drafted our accounts for extra money for something at one point or another; it happens. My personal favorite though is when I purchase something at the grocery store after my paycheck has been deposited into my account and because deposits get posted after debits for the day, I get charged an overdraft fee even though the money was in my account before I made the purchase. Banks look for any way possible to charge you a fee to help boost their bottom dollar. What’s even worse is some banks charge an overdraft fee for every purchase over your limit, no matter how small, and then charge you for every day that your account is in the negative.

Where Does It End?

It doesn’t end, plain and simple. Banks will keep raising fees no matter what. The real question is, how much will they rise? Even if your bank is not raising its overdraft fees, you should really look into what fees they are raising. Banks are tacking on fees to savings accounts for too much activity in the account or if you keep a balance over a certain amount. It kind of defeats the purpose of saving emergency funds if you’re going to get charged to do so. Other fees rising include service fees, overdraft protection fees, and bounced check fees for those accounts that do not have overdraft protection. The best thing you can do is get a list of all the fees your bank charges and then ask how each of the fees applies to your account.

Knowing Is Half the Battle

Being responsible about your checking and savings account is the best advice I can give you. Make a budget and pay attention to accounts by balancing your checkbook and watching activity online. Knowing what’s going on with your money at all times is half of the battle with bank fees. Times do get rough though and accidents are bound to happen. If you find yourself in a crunch with the bank, there is always a payday loan around to bail you out.

The thought of living in a country with limited food and water, no educational functioning affair or a way to obtain some sort of instant payday loans to get the medical attention you desperately need is absolutely depressing. That’s exactly what the people of Zimbabwe, Africa are undergoing at this time. Many are suffering from broken-down water supplies and seeking water from polluted rivers. This is yet another hard thrust to the people of Africa.

Zimbabwe Cholera Breakout

A cholera epidemic is spinning out of control, leaving more than 400 people dead and thousands infected. This tribulation is left unchecked because of critical cash shortages. With no other alternative to work with, many residents have dug holes in their front yards in hopes of finding water. The nation cannot afford chemicals to treat their water or for doctors to treat victims, thus the number of cases is radically increasing by the day. With poverty and the lack of resources, such as instant payday loans and emergency funds, or without a sensible government to begin with, it can be extremely hard to escape something so devastating.

The Fight to Survive

Last Friday, a group from Chitungwiza filed an application in the High Court suing the government-run Zimbabwe National Water Authority, which is responsible for supplying water to the afflicted nation. Arthur Taderera, the chairman of the Chitungwiza Residents, points the finger at ZINWA stating that “due to their lack of diligence and constant supplies of clean water to my place of residence, diseases like cholera surfaced and people are dying.” With no medical treatment, clean water and/or effective sewage systems, these people are left with no confidence or hope for a resolution, only to await their death.

“And just when you thought it was over…”

There are severe shortages of basic commodities in many different areas. The lack of money is only part of the economic crush that is adding further distress in the country. The Zimbabwean currency is worth a microscopic fraction of the value it had at the start of the year. Since the Central Bank effectively floated the currency in early May after years of an official peg, the currency has decrease in value by about 84 percent. On top of that, the unemployment rate in Zimbabwe is about 90 percent. Fuel is also in short supply and inflation is officially over 230 million percent. You can see why instant payday loans are absolutely necessary in situations like these.

Consider Yourself Lucky

This disturbing affair is truly a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a country like ours. The cholera epidemic that many of the people in Africa are facing right now is in addition to many of the heartbreaking ordeals that are happening around the world. Poverty, suffering and sadness are some of the only ways to describe what these people have become familiar with. It has become a part of their lives and has been for many years.

Recognize the Gifts that Life Brings and Be Grateful

Unlike many who are suffering around the world, we are blessed to have the simplest things in life – like food, water, shelter, and instant payday loans to help during temporary financial shortages. We should never take for granted what we have and be thankful each day for even the littlest things we have in life.

Low gas prices and no fax payday loans are some of the things to be thankful for this holiday season. People from across the country plan to travel by automobile since the gas prices have dropped more than 50 percent. People are saving anywhere from $150 to $500 – and even more in some cases – a month. It has been a long time since $25 could cover a gas bill for several days. With the way the economy is going, this is truly a blessing.

Natural Disasters and Gas Prices

Big storms in 2004 and 2005 did significant damage to oil drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Nightmares of devastating gas prices were quickly becoming a reality after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. After Katrina and Rita, gas prices spiked to over $3 a gallon. Although this year’s Hurricane Ike did not cause as much damage as the experts predicted, it still caused a scare during a vulnerable time for America’s economy. We cannot always predict the extent of damage when a storm comes along, but being prepared for the worst is the best move to make. Thankfully, no fax payday loans are available when cash crunches occur.

Importance of Future Gas Price Preparation

Being prepared for higher gas prices goes along with this. Whether you like it or not, high gas prices are here to stay and no one, not even the government, can do anything about it. As we may be enjoying the temporary relief of low gas prices right now, bear in mind that it is important that you prepare for future gas prices. While you are spending less to fill your gas tank, put away the money you save and perhaps invest in a vehicle that will lead to more savings in the future.

Purchase a Fuel-Efficient Car

Maybe a hybrid car is not one of the things on your list, but there are other inexpensive ways to maintain that extra cash flow with an efficient vehicle. Before purchasing, do your research. Don’t go car shopping under the intention to purchase the best monster truck out there. Instead, you will save a lot more by purchasing the most gas-efficient car. Talk to the people around you about what kind of cars have performed well over the years, prolifically and efficiently. Don’t rely 100 percent on car dealers; they are there to make a sale and are not always honest.

Save the Green – In Your Wallet & Environment

Even if you do get the most gas-efficient car in the world, make sure that you are also driving efficiently. You can still generate extra money by changing your driving habits. Carpool to work, school, and/or any type of events if possible. Be smart and write or plan out a driving-to-do route before starting your day of errands. Riding a bike also saves you more money and gas. The best part of it is that it reduces air pollution, which benefits the environment as well as the health of the community in general.

Keep Your Back Covered with No Fax Payday Loans

As you become proficient with these money-gas-saving techniques, you will eventually discover how much you can actually save just by being practical. The extra money you save will come in handy during the holidays and help you endure an unexpected financial ordeal. However, sometimes a financial ordeal can get out of hand and you might need a little assistance. When that unforeseen event devours your emergency funds, no fax payday loans are a fast and efficient way to help get your finances back on track.

Get Quick Payday Loans Today!

Helping Hand to Pay Bills

You can get this extra cash you need usually within a couple of hours or the same day depending on the time of day that you completed your loan application. Typically there are no credit checks or faxing required when you apply for quick payday loans. Because we are not a lender ourselves we connect you with a group of lenders in order to find the one that best fits your needs. We only submit your personal information to one lender at a time in order to keep things as private as possible.

Take Action On Your Finances

It is fast and easy. The typical time it takes to get money for your bills or other expenses is about three minutes or so. That is a simple and fast way to get the extra cash you need in a hurry. We encourage you to act now and take care of those bills before they get out of control. Late fees are much more expensive than small quick payday loans designed to help you pay those emergency bills and other expenses in a hurry.