Have you ever needed a payday loan funded promptly?

Personal Money Store can assist you in getting the top-of-the-line loan for your needs in as little as 2 hours. Everyone needs help now and then. Ask yourself these few questions. Do I need cash to help pay my bills, get groceries or an unexpected expense?

• We require neither credit check nor any faxing
• Secure and confidential
• Lenders compete for your business
• Network of Lenders

It is simple to get the loan you need

We have many companies that compete for your business as soon as you call or apply for a loan online. We will require no credit check nor will we require you to fax any necessary documents.

Our network of providers gives you a great chance of getting the desired loan you need instantly. You’ll not have a long wait, but a quick and prompt response without any waiting nor do you need to look for other services.

Nowadays, many people are very busy

On that note, you can apply for a loan right now, or during your lunch break at work, even when you’re relaxing at home. Applying is easy and quick.

Our easy to use web application and our ability to find lenders quickly mean that you will have money deposited to your account very fast and securely into. This is a short term loan you can use for any emergency or because you are in need of extra cash for daily activities

Online payday loan requires no faxing

When you apply for an instant payday loan, the payday application data will be stored utilizing the latest data encryption and security measures. You can rest assured that your personal information will be kept very confidential and safe in our systems.

Personal Money Store understands that there are times that you need cash for emergency situations. The best thing about using our online service is not having to go out looking for one. We are here to assist you online.

Apply now for a short-term payday loan!

Once you are an approved payday loan applicant, you will be informed immediately that you qualify for a payday loan.  The only agreement is between yourself and the approved lender; and not Personal Money Store. Please always read any necessary agreements you will receive from your lender carefully.

Apply HERE for a Payday Loan Online

Not a still from the film, and Halloween was weeks ago. Grow up, people. From Wikimedia Commons

That’s right, teenie-boppers and anyone else really into this whole vampire thing New Moon comes out Nov. 20th, and the New Moon reviews are starting to pour in.  The consensus among critics is that the film – you’ll have to pardon the pun – really BITES.  (Oh how am I NOT supposed to make that joke?) Rotten Tomatoes along some of the really big reviewers have decided that the novelty has worn off, and are giving the film a hiding.  Maybe payday loans for camping gear to await the premiere won’t be worth it.

Rotten Tomatoes

Even though some feel that Rotten Tomatoes is hit and miss at best, it’s one of most popular review sites for film on the internet.  RT gives New Moon a 30% score.  That is unflattering, to say the least.  Some comments from the New Moon page at RT describe the film as “toothless,” “the second bite was stale,” and one of my personal favorites, “if the first installment…was a celebration of teen sulkiness, this film positively drowns in it.” For some reason, I’m waiting for a two word review to come out saying something like…”Lame Moon.”  (Hello Cleveland!)

Roger Ebert and others

Roger Ebert, though he is at times far too kind to some films, didn’t spare the rod, or anything else when it came to this film.  He gave it one star from four, and one and zero star films are the ones that he pulls no punches with, and those are frankly the most entertaining of his reviews.  From his own website:

“New Moon…takes the tepid achievement of Twilight, guts it, and leaves it for undead.”

“The characters in this movie should be arrested for loitering with intent to moan…Their charisma is by Madame Toussad.”

In case you wondered, Madame Toussad’s is a famous museum, or to the point, perhaps the most famous wax museum in the world.

“…sitting through this experience is like driving a pickup in low gear through a sullen sea of Brylcreem.”

Harsh! MTV’s Kurt Loder seemed to like it, saying the film was an improvement over Twilight BUT that “It’s a very silly picture, of course: Given the source material – Stephanie Meyer’s blathery teen novels – how could it not be?” and that lead actress Kirsten Stewart was a good actress in a “wooden role.”

Of course some critics did like it, but heaping praise on a movie that’s already popular and getting huge box office gates is too easy, and not nearly as fun as trashing it.  That said, movie critics are hit and miss at best, and some seem to be bought by studios outright.  (The movie critic in my hometown paper, for instance – oh, you know who you are, and an adult who only gives 4 star reviews only to Disney films is obviously in need of psychological evaluation.)  I wasn’t planning on putting any quick cash towards New Moon tickets so the New Moon reviews make little difference to me, and it looks like you might want to think twice yourself if you listen to critics.

Payday loans mean that surprise expenses will never leave your budget in a bind. (Photo: Wikipedia.org)

Payday loans are quick short term loans that can be used for urgent situations such as paying off medical bills, car repair and more. The loan amount has to be returned on the day you receive your pay, and the interest rate is fixed by the lender. Payday loans may sound advantageous for meeting unexpected or urgent financial needs, but there are also some disadvantages that cannot be ignored.

Payday Loans Help with Unplanned or Unpredicted Money Requirements

Payday loans are instant loans, as you do not have to wait long to get this loan approved. Thus, the convenience of this loan system is that you can instantly use the loan money to meet your unexpected emergencies. The process of applying for this loan is fast and simple. You just need to fill out a short form and provide documents that include your general information such as your name, address and banking details.

A Few Preventive Steps to Make the Most of Payday Loans

1. Since you are required to provide your bank details and credit details to the lender, it is important to always check the credibility and the reputation of the lender you are going to deal with.
2. It is better to research a bit to find out the interest rates and compare the rates with what your lender is charging. Try to search for around three or four lenders (or even more) and compare their services to get the best deal.
3. Make sure that there are no hidden charges or terms included while applying for a payday loan. Always read the terms and conditions of the lenders providing you the payday loan in order to avoid these charges.
4. It is advisable to plan your loan repayment while applying for payday loans. Since the entire loan amount is to be returned on your next payday, you will need to plan this before so that you will avoid any extension on repayment as this can further burden the upcoming month’s expenditure and also can add to your increasing interest rate.
5. Payday Loans can be an easy solution against unexpected expenditures or monthly needs but we cannot ignore the fact that these loans come with quite a high interest rate.

Avoiding the Pitfalls: Using Payday Loans Well

1. Payday loans are not the best solution for every problem. These loans should not be taken for just any reason, such as fulfilling your luxuries, shopping for fun and so on.
2. You must search properly and go through a list of lenders in order to get the best deal in interest rates. The more you search, the better your chances of finding a good lender providing you with suitable interest rate.
3. You can deal with money shortage due to unplanned monthly budget or unexpected financial burdens with a payday loan easily. However, to avoid any more financial burden from your payday loan, you must have complete knowledge of payday loans. You must know the pros and cons in order to utilize them properly and safely.

Apply for Payday Loans HERE

In what universe does a one percent check cashing fee exceed a $35 overdraft fee for overdrawing a checking account by $.01? (Photo: flickr.com)

In the 1960s and 1970s, many of America’s largest banks decided to go “where the money is” by pulling their branches out of the inner cities and focusing more on affluent areas. It may be sheer coincidence that infamous bank robber John Dillinger once gave that response to the question of why he robbed banks, but I’ll leave that for you to decide. Only in recent years has that trend begun to reverse.

What this exodus created was a growing population of “unbanked” individuals and families, people who depended upon everything from shoe boxes and coffee cans to store their money to check cashers for paycheck services and payday lenders for emergency cash. The traditional view society took of such people who depended upon check cashing and payday lending was that they were the “unsophisticated poor.” However, re-examination of this idea is advisable, as the truth may be that the unbanked are more knowledge about what the banking establishment is foisting upon consumers that we’re willing to admit.

Avoiding the World of High Fees

A recent New York Times article explores the phenomenon of why so many people are resorting to alternative measures rather than depending upon traditional checking accounts. While the journalist fails to produce any conclusive reasons, it doesn’t take much to read between the lines – the cracks in society’s pavement, if you will: overdraft fees of $35 per infraction for a checking account mistake are exorbitantly more expensive than a check casher’s fee of a few percentage points to cash a paycheck.

Jose Abreau Says “No”

A 37-year-old native of the Dominican Republic, Abreau denies the bank representatives who come to his New York coffee shop to recruit him into the world of traditional banking. He doesn’t see the point, as what money he earns beyond his immediate needs is sent to his family back home. He does this in spite of the fact that banks are credit unions are within easy reach. However, so are check cashing businesses.

A recent Pew poll indicates that 86 percent of licensed check cashers in Manhattan are located closer than four blocks from a bank or credit union. People like Jose Abreau actually walk past the banks and credit unions to get to the check cashing businesses and payday loan stores. Perhaps this is because many immigrants come from countries where friends or relatives lost money due to bank collapses or corruption (where there was no FDIC to step in and insure the deposits), but in reality there are a wide variety of reasons. Language barriers can exist, but community outreach groups are available to assist. Financial education is available for those who may not understand how traditional banking works. However, the way many banks treat consumers stands at the top of the list as to why someone would not want to rely upon the banking monolith.

Not So Unsophisticated, Are They?

Millions of Americans live from paycheck to paycheck. That’s a fact that the current recession has made painfully clear. Yet this does not mean that these consumers who are just making it are unsophisticated. On the contrary, they’re educated enough to see that if a surprise expense or miscalculation dips their checking balance into the red, the resulting overdraft fees are unconscionable. Rather than having such an organization hold their money hostage, many people feel more comfortable with check cashing, where all the money they have is right there in their hands. Check cashing fees are much lower than any overdraft fee or minimum balance penalty.

How Much Lower?

Consider this. Many banks extend customers the “courtesy” to use ATM machines to withdraw more than they actually have in their accounts. This comes with a heavy – and damningly silent – penalty. We’re talking 200 percent on overdraft fees or more. How is this no legal fraud? How can this be advertised as a courtesy? Is it any wonder that check cashing customers don’t want anything to do with such institutional treachery? If banks would charge no overdraft fees and simply not allow purchases that would create overdraft to go through, they’d probably draw more of a customer base. But banks depend upon overdraft fees for much of their operating profit, so it’s clear that they have little incentive to stop.

Imagine this scenario if you don’t already understand just how disillusioned some are with banks. If a working poor family bounces a single check – let’s say it’s for a mere $3 – there’s an overdraft fee of $35 or more. That could be a weekend’s worth of food for hungry children, plus diapers and subway fare. If the family doesn’t keep their balance above a certain figure, they could be paying even more. Yes, if overdraft fee policies were different, I’d be telling a different tale. And some banks and credit unions do offer free checking. But not everyone meets the credit or documentation requirements, or their local bank many not offer the service. For the transportationally challenged, that means taking what’s closest to home.

What Carrot Could Banks Possibly Offer?

Banks are crying out for customers in this recession, aren’t they? What kinds of incentives could they offer to make people want to use their services? Aside from being able to receive direct deposit or develop a credit history, it seems that people would like to earn a decent amount on their money. But savings accounts that offer .0125 percent interest don’t cut the mustard, let alone the artificial buttery spread. It’s better than nothing, but not by much. Factor in the fees and penalties and traditional banking can feel as good as a sock in the eye.

Hiding from “The Man”

Those who avoid traditional bank accounts for the services of check cashers may be hiding, too. I mention this not to justify the practice, but it’s something of which we should be aware. Without a checking account, bill collections and courts have one less option for skimming cash in the event that the consumer owes money. Of course wage garnishment is still a possibility. And what about those people who avoid traditional banking because their income is under the table? Being able to cash in on certain welfare benefits is a powerful lure, which could explain why some consumers don’t feel the compulsion to put their money in the bank where it can be detected so easily.

Not Such a Rosy Picture for Most

One reader commented on the New York Times article in a manner both poetic and bitingly real:

O, these great unwashed masses, unwilling to strap themselves to our glorious consumer banking system where they can know the joys of ATM fees, NSF fees, account maintenance fees, account research fees, etc. , all while enriching themselves on the 1.8 percent interest rate! What is wrong with these people? Don’t they want to be part of the American Dream?

Avoiding traditional banking is second nature for many, but steering clear of it entirely can have its disadvantages. Check cashing is an attractive option for those who can ill-afford the predatory practice of overdraft fees. Unfortunately, that would include most people. Many who have money do not understand just how much the deck is stacked against those with so little. Bank presidents think in terms of profits; bank customers hope not to run afoul of bank policy, as they have become increasingly unprofitable for consumers with each passing year.

Consumers are using payday loans and their tax refunds to pay necessary bills. In the past, taxpayers saw their tax refunds as additional money to do something fun with. Whether it was a vacation, a new TV or a down payment on a vehicle, people used the money for unnecessary items. This year a new poll is showing that most Americans are looking forward to paying off bills and expenses with their tax money. In fact more than 54 percent of those receiving refund money intend to either pay credit card bills, utility bills or other housing-related expenses. This is up from the 35 percent who were in the same position just one year ago.

This news is no surprise to analysts who have spent months studying the economy and the recession. They predicted long ago that people’s attitudes toward spending would be conservative at best. Michael Fortman, economist for Smartmoney.com, stated, “Even with big sales and discounts, many Americans are going to be very cautious going into the future. … They have seen the recession and what it did to many families and they don’t want to get caught up in the issue later on down the road.”

Taxpayers are trying to stretch their budgets

The Obama administration wants this year’s refund money to be fueled back into the economy. Their hope is that the added money will spur the economy out of a recession quicker. However, with the loss of more than 5 million jobs since the end of 2007,this is a difficult task. Add that to research showing the people are focusing any increase in funds to necessary bills, and the result is less discretionary spending. As Fortman concluded, “It makes sense to be frugal when the economy is in such bad shape, but it hurts the economy when everyone does it.”

Taxpayers are trying to stretch their budgets, using payday loans, extreme budgeting, thrift-store shopping and bartering to meet their everyday needs. One mother from Sarasota, Florida stated, “For the past year and a half, I have been trading clothes with other mothers at my son’s school. Without that bartering, it would have been next to impossible to keep our five children clothed.” Creativity is the new way of 2009, as consumers are eager to find new ways of saving money.

Government interventions with the stimulus plan

The question remains whether the government’s intervention with the $787 billion stimulus truly served its purpose. It’s going to be difficult to say whether it did because of the unknown.

Critics maintain that the stimulus’s mixture of government spending and tax cuts benefited large businesses, but did little for immediate relief in the lives of American families. Harvey Leven, lawyer in New York, stated, “The little guy is always down. … Sure, the government extended huge packages to corporate America, but taxpayers — the ones who in the end will pay for the stimulus — are left in the cold. They have to fend for themselves suffering through unemployment, rising interest rates and lowered home values.”

Americans wonder about the future

In the end, many Americans are wondering where the post-recession life will leave them. They are being resourceful when paying bills, using payday loans and tax refund money to cover the costs. Everyone hopes, though, that their return to normalcy will be quick. Hopefully the economy will level itself out and allow people to return to normal spending.

Apply for Payday Loans HERE!

Get ready. From Wikimedia Commons.

The qualifying rounds are going on right now for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which is being held this year in South Africa, 10 years after they held a World Cup (albeit in a different sport).  For the low and uninitiated, FIFA is soccer. Granted, pundits and hooligans are saying that “the only World Cup worth watching is in 2011 in New Zealand” but then again, no one wants to hear from that malicious cadre of malcontents.  No need to waste any payday loans on more TV channels just to get the latest scores, I’ll help you out on this one.  Today, November 18th, is the last day of qualification – so whoever wins today goes.

South Africa automatically qualifies

For the African nations, South Africa is automatically qualified as the host nation – which won’t exactly guarantee them much.  They’re currently ranked 84th in the world.  Association football is the most popular sport in the nation, though in international competition, the most dominant South African presence is in cricket, and most notably in rugby union.  The Springboks are perennially one of the world’s best sides, and won World Cups in 1995 and 2007, being the only nation besides Australia to have won it twice.  (Though they recently were beaten by two English club sides, so they aren’t doing themselves any favors.)

Egypt vs. Algeria

The last available spot for Africa was up for grabs, and it came down to Egypt and Algeria playing to break a tie, as they were even up.  On November 11th, the venue was chosen via draw, and the two faced off at Al Merreikh Stadium in Omdurman, Sudan in front of 50,000 fans.  Algeria’s Antar Yahia scored five minutes before half time, and neither side was able score again, leaving Algeria the victors, 1-0.

Republic of Ireland vs. France

Ireland vs. France shaped up to be a doozy, and seeing the Emerald Isle take on the frogs at Croke Park would be something else.  However, the Luck of the Irish ran out, and the French team ran away with the series, having aggregated 2 goals to the Irish 1, putting paid Irish hopes of World Cup glory.  On the same day, Portugal defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia defeated Russia by virtue of the away goals rule.  (Meaning that the team that was away has goals count twice on aggregate if the match results in a shootout.) European teams usually get far more coverage in the news at times, but then again…they kind of came up with the sport there.  In other news, Bahrain, after defeating Saudi Arabia, had to face off against New Zealand in a play off, and were defeated by the Land of the Long White Cloud, and Costa Rica is currently battling Uruguay, for the 32nd spot on the roster.  (Here is a list of those qualified to go to the 2010 World Cup.)

This ought to be good

The wait is going to stink, but that being said, the 2010 FIFA World Cup is going to kick off in June of 2010.  It would be worth some payday loans to go there to watch.

This should be considered a deadly weapon, in light of banks' runaway abuse of overdraft fee policies. (Photo: flickr.com)

Overdraft fees across the board have attracted the interest of Congress lately. Many have said that the way in which overdraft fees are assessed by banks and credit unions is predatory and dishonest. Charging the same high fee for each infraction – even if is for 1 cent – and then charging an additional fee for each day a customer’s account is overdrawn makes it nearly impossible for  already cash-strapped consumers to raise their heads above water.

In a recent case before California’s Supreme Court (Paul Miller et al. v Bank of American, NT & SA No. S149178), the ruling from Kruger v. Wells Fargo Bank (1974) 11 Cal.3d 352, 356 [113 Cal.Rptr. 449, 521 P.2d 441] (Kruger) was put to the test for Paul Miller, a retiree who depends upon Supplemental Social Security for his income (since 1992). Funds are directly deposited into his Bank of America checking account (since 1994). At the time that the direct deposits began, Miller was promised by Bank of America employees that those deposits would “be safe from debits or charges” unless he authorized otherwise.

But Overdraft Fees Came Calling

First, Bank of America accidentally deposited $1,799.83 in Miller’s account. They realized the error and reversed the credit, but not until Miller had made some charges. B of A also failed to give Miller notice of the deduction. The result was that his balance dipped below zero. Overdraft fees followed, which depleted a social security payment. For reference, Bank of America’s NSF fees at that time ranged from $14 to $32 per transaction. Up to five NSF fees could be processed against a checking account per day, with a maximum of $160 in overdraft fees allowed.

Miller pointed out that depleting his social security payment made it impossible for him to pay his rent or living expenses. Yet Bank of America told their long-time customer that he’d have to repay the part of the erroneous credit that he’d spent, but that he “could open a separate checking account for his SSI deposits that would not be used for repayment.” Miller did this, but a few months later the bank twice dipped into this new account to cover the overdraft fees. Both times Miller complained and the money was credited back to him.

And the Same Thing Happened Again

Although he did so infrequently, Miller occasionally overdrew his checking account. Each time, Bank of America hit him with overdraft fees that automatically deducted from his social security income. Bank employees who’d previously assured Miller that no deductions could be made from social security deposits without authorization now claimed that such funds received no “special treatment.”

Interestingly, during trial, a Bank of America executive responsible for checking products at Miller’s branch testified that Bank of America “could develop the capability to identify accounts into which public benefit funds are directly deposited, and could bypass charging NSF fees to those accounts.”

Why Didn’t Bank of America Take the Customer-Friendly Route with Overdraft Fees?

The same executive testified that “in order to prohibit certain account holders from overdrawing their accounts (which would eliminate the Bank’s need to recoup overdrafts or charge NSF fees), the Bank would have to ‘bounce’ more checks, withhold check deposits for the maximum allowable period of four days instead of one or two days before the Bank would make the funds available for withdrawal, eliminate point-of-sale purchases (but not personal identification number (PIN) transactions), and restrict automated teller machine (ATM) withdrawals from non-Bank ATMs.” The executive also stated that larger transactions would be processed before small – regardless of when the transactions occurred – because Bank of America felt larger transactions were “more important.”

More Important for Whom?

Any consumer who has felt the barbed sting of overdraft fees knows that the reordering of transactions is a way that banks stack the deck against consumers. Bank of America claimed in the Miller case that “the Bank’s practice of processing larger transactions before smaller ones results in the same total amount being overdrawn from a particular account.” Yes, but as Mr. Miller’s team clarified, doing so “increases the number and amount of NSF fees imposed.”

Miller would have none of that. His complaints alleged such things as “fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, as well as violations of Code of Civil Procedure section 704.080; the Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA), Civil Code section 1750 et seq.; the unfair competition law (UCL), Business and Professions Code section 17200 et seq., and the false advertising act, Business and Professions Code section 17500 et seq.” That’s a lengthy list of charges. How would Bank of America fare?

Nearly $300 Million at Stake in Overdraft Fees Alone

The California trial court found that fraud, negligent misrepresentation, CLRA, UCL, and false advertising claims were all viable issues that could be tried. A class was even certified that included “[a]ll California residents who have, have had or will have, at any time after August 13, 1994, a checking or savings deposit account with Bank of America into which payments of Social Security benefits or other public benefits are or have been directly deposited by the government or its agent.”

By the numbers, Bank of America had 1,079,414 such accounts in 2003. They received more than $800 million in government benefits via direct deposit. From January 1994 to May 2003, Bank of America took “at least $284,211,273 in NSF and other overdraft fees from accounts containing Social Security direct deposits.”

What Did the Jury Find in the Miller Case?

The jury found that Bank of America violated the CLRA by “falsely represent[ing] that it ha[d] the right to use Social Security funds from direct deposit accounts that receive government benefits including Social Security funds to pay overdrafts, insufficient fund[s] fees, . . . and money claims it has against class members.” Thus, the jury awarded $75,077,836 in compensatory damages for the class action. Each member also received $1,000 in statutory damages. Finally, Miller received $275,000 for emotional distress.

However, the Court of Appeal later reversed the trial court’s judgment, holding that Kruger did not apply. This is apparently still under review at this time.

What is the Kruger Argument?

Essentially, Kruger stated that a bank “may not exercise its right of setoff against deposits which, derived from unemployment and disability benefits, are protected from the claims of creditors.” But the Appeals Court found that the 1974 Kruger ruling “only applied to cases in which government payments were redirected to pay debts outside the bank.” Overdraft fees, by that logic, are internal debts.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) sided with Bank of America’s ability to honor overdraft fees in the event of insufficient funds. They claimed that banks can do this without infringing upon 12 United States Code section 24, par. Seventh, or 12 Code of Federal Regulations part 7.4002 or 7.4007 (2009). (Letter, at p. 1). Overdraft fees are considered account maintenance, rather than creating a debt that the bank later collects.

The Consumer Loses Again

Runaway overdraft fees continue to plague consumers who can ill afford them. This is not to say that consumers should not be responsible for their expenditures, but in the case of Miller, I would argue extenuating circumstances. Until this is settled in California court – and until Congress forces banks to curtail abusive overdraft fee practices – the old phrase “buyer beware” still applies. At least there’s no deception with payday loans…

Recover from Cash Crunch Instantly

Given the current never-ending tight credit crunch, a lot of people are now using no fax payday loans to ensure that they keep up with their planned and unplanned expenses such as credit card payments and other expected bill payments like rent or auto loans. Even unexpected bills and expenses like repair of a disabled vehicle or maybe electronic equipment such as a laptop computer or even hospital bills can be covered.

It’s a Fax-Less Loan

No fax payday loans do not require you to fax your I.D. and bank documents. Because of this, they are also known as fax-less loans. People who have Internet access and a savings or checking account can instantly decrease their financial worries using cash that is always available through a no fax payday loan.

They’re Available Online

Unlike other types of loans that require you to fax proof of identity and other information, a no fax payday loan just requires you to visit your lender’s Web site or their office within your neighborhood, fill out a simple form and submit. Your application will be assessed and you will get a reply almost instantly. You may even get the loan money in your account within the hour in some cases.

No Credit History Checks are Done

If you need cash to lower your financial stress or that of your entire family, then you should look in the direction of a no fax payday loan. These loans don’t require a check on your past credit records for your loan to be approved and paid out. So even if you have a bad credit history, you can still secure a no fax payday loan easily.

They are Collateral-Free

No fax payday loans are hassle-free because they are impersonal and easy to obtain. They also do not require any collateral submission. So that’s one less hassle for your loan approval.

Avoid Trouble with Collectors

Payday loans can keep you out of trouble with collectors. If you owe some money that requires urgent payment and you can’t make that before your next payday, then a no fax payday loan can help you sort that out and avoid being taken to court or have the collectors show up at your door.

Cheaper than Overdraft Fees

No fax payday loans are generally cheaper than overdraft fees. If you are in dire need of avoiding or eliminating overdraft fee, then a no fax payday loan is your way out. It offers a major advantage as a short-term financial backup plan against overdrawing your checking or savings account, especially in difficult financial situations of today.

Easily Pay Back on Your Next Payday

You can pay back your faxless payday loan with your next pay check. In fact, you can have the entire amount automatically transferred to your lender from your bank account on your payday or the next day of your payday.
It’s easy to see that a faxless payday loan is safe, fast, easy and less stressful to apply for and can help you get out of your current financial conditions no matter how bad they may be.

Apply for a No Fax Payday Loan HERE!

Credit card interest rates are going up. Has your bank dropped the bomb on you? (Photo: wilpf.org)

If you have been relying on credit cards to get by each month, you may need to borrow money just to pay the minimum payment these days. Credit card companies are raising interest rates dramatically in an effort to stay ahead of the declining economy. But the problem is that they are not just doing this to those who have had problems paying their bills on time, but those who have always paid on time. Does this seem unfair to you? Yes, but the cold reality is that people who have had their credit cards for 10, 20 or even 30 years, with previous interest rates at about nine percent, are now getting slapped with rates over 20 percent!

Is This Legal?

Yes, because the fine print in your agreement that you signed when you first accepted your credit card states that they can raise your rates at their discretion. But it will not be for long, because the new rules affecting their behavior, known as the Card Act of 2009, will not take effect until August, 2010. Regardless of your personal situation, even if it hasn’t changed, the overall financial environment has changed, creating more risk for banks and credit card companies. If they spread out the risk, they can limit their losses on those who default on their payments.

Shouldn’t I Be Notified?

Currently, banks do not need to give you more than 15 days to let you know that your rate will be increased, and what you can do about it. Did you miss this notification? You probably did, as they put this in your monthly statement, or even in a separate envelope that you may mistake for junk mail and throw it away. You have a chance to decline the new rate and continue paying off your bill, but if you miss the deadline, you will be stuck with the new rate. After August, 2010, you will get at least 45 days notice, which should help you actually see it.

My Rates Increased – Now What?

The ideal situation is that you catch the notification before the deadline and call your bank right away to let them know that you decline this new rate. If you opt out of this new rate, they will close your account, but you will continue paying off the balance at the lower rate.

However, if you miss the deadline, another option is to pay off any balance that you owe and close your account. You can possibly borrow money at a lower rate than what your credit card is currently at to pay off the balance and save yourself thousands of dollars in interest rates.

Or, if you want to keep the account open, transfer the balance to a lower rate card. Be sure to check your credit on your other card first, as well as what the balance transfer fee is. If you are not careful, you may end up paying more in fees doing this, than if you were to accept the changes and keep your account open.

Plan Ahead

The best route to saving money in the long term is to plan ahead. Before you borrow money to pay off your high credit card debt, create a budget that shows where your money will go and when. This way, you know exactly what to count on. Of course, creating a budget is only half the story—you must stick to the budget you create, so that you will have no need for credit cards or high interest loans in the first place.

(Photo via Exalthim, Flickr.com)

The power of the internet is unlimited. It has evolved into something of global demand as more people are leaving the traditional ways of communicating and running to the internet to give ‘fast’ and ‘convenience’ a whole new meaning. Just about everything can be accessed online; payday loans, cars, household goods, clothing, and even tools for credit repair. The internet has become one of the major, most dynamic ways to communicate. It has only improved over the years and continues to open new doors to other monetary options and striking opportunities.

Employment Opportunity: Netflix Jobs

Netflix, the nation’s largest online DVD service, has been the number one source for online movie rentals for the past decade. Now, Netflix is taking their online service to a professional standpoint by offering employment opportunities to everyone across the United States. Netflix jobs can be reviewed on their website. Get on their job opportunities page, type in a preferred position, and easily search through their locations and departments for job openings.

Company History

Netflix was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings who said he had no idea if people would actually use his service. The Internet has proved itself yet again to be a viable asset to any market. In 1999, Netflix launched its Internet-based subscription service and signed up some 239,000 subscribers in the first year. Today they have amassed a vast collection of 100,000 titles and approximately 10 million subscribers. What an accomplishment!

More Netflix Jobs Info

According to Wikipedia, the company is well-known for its worker-oriented culture, including unlimited vacation time for salaried workers. Netflix is also known for its innovative management practices. In order to attract the best talents and employ the most qualified individuals, the company pays salaries that are generally much higher than customary. Netflix is one of the few companies that allow employees to take any amount of their paychecks in stock options.
“We’re unafraid to pay high… At most companies, average performers get an average raise,” says Hastings. “At Netflix, they get a generous severance package.”

An Aerial view of the Silverdome. From Wikimedia Commons.

The Pontiac Silverdome, located in Pontiac (duh) Michigan, just outside of Detroit, has sold for a cool $583,000.  An entire sports arena, for between the cost of two and three average homes in America – that’s getting some big-time real estate on the cheap.  One wonders if the new owners will ever need mortgage loan modification.  It was bid on at auction by a private Canadian Real Estate firm out of Toronto, whose name isn’t available presently. They delivered the winning bid, but the sale isn’t final yet.  According to an article from the Detroit Free Press, it was costing the city of Pontiac about three times that much just to maintain the place per year, and the Detroit area isn’t exactly the land of milk and honey lately.

The former loud and proud home of Detroit Sports

A local college professor and high school sports star, C. Don Davidson, was the lynch pin.  He had grown up in the Detroit area and returned to the Detroit area in 1965, surprised to see the Pontiac area having declined since his absence.  He thought it would be a dandy idea to build a stadium for the Lions.

In 1966, he was hired by the University of Detroit in the architectural department.  (He held a Masters in Urban Planning and Architecture, and previously had helped design Jacksonville International Airport.)  His big project was an urban renewal of Pontiac, including a sports stadium.  He began with talks with William Clay Ford, owner of the Lions for a move.  By 1970, Pontiac was approved as the site for a new stadium, and he was hired as chief project designer by O’Dell, Hewlett and Luckenbach, an architectural firm.  The stadium was completed in 1975 – at a cost of almost $56 million – as the new home of the Detroit Lions.  They had previously been sharing Tiger Stadium with the Detroit Tigers, as was common even back then for professional football teams, and by fall 1975, the Lions’ new home was open for business as Pontiac Metropolitan Stadium.

Why “Silverdome?”

The top of the stadium was made of fiberglass coated with Teflon, which is white to the naked eye, but silver with reflection from the sun.  The roof was entirely supported by air pressure within the stadium.

From the ’70s until recently

In 1978, the Detroit Pistons moved in, and shared the building with the Lions until 1988.  It was the largest (it seats over 93,000; 80,000 for football) and loudest stadium in the NFL until 1997, and it’s still the third-largest stadium in the U.S.  (FedEx Field and Cowboy Stadium are second and first, respectively.)  The Lions moved out in 2001 to Ford Field.  It was largely empty afterward, though the parking lot was used as a drive-in cinema from ‘03 to ‘06.

The Present

The Silverdome has been host to many events, including WrestleMania III, the sporting event with the largest attendance ever (the record still stands). It’s also been host to legions of concerts – you name the huge band, they’ve played there.   By October 2009, the city of Pontiac put it up for auction.  The new owners, who will have a very reasonable mortgage on a HUGE building, plan to use it to host Major League Soccer games.  Granted, they paid more than a few payday loans, but they got an incredible deal.

Image from Flickr.

Like a couple of runaway teenagers proclaiming they “don’t need nobody!” Coke and Costco are sticking to their respective guns. The result is that Costco won’t restock Coke products until the companies reach an agreement. Costco and Coke couldn’t agree on  pricing, so Costco said it won’t order Coke products unless the Coca-Cola Company comes down on prices. This is a financial situation that payday loans can’t fix.

Though Costco is one of the largest wholesale retailers in the U.S., Coca-Cola Company is definitely the Goliath of this fight. Coke is the largest soft drink maker in the world, and let’s not forget the Coca-Cola Company owns several non-soft-drink brands, too. The outcome of this feud will likely depend on whether the absence of the Coca-Cola Company’s many beverage brands puts a dent in Costco’s profits.

Coca-Cola brand recognition

It’s tough to predict how much of an effect not carrying Coke products will have on Costco. For every person who will gladly drink any cola flavored beverage at hand, there’s a person who says “just water” after a restaurant server says they carry Pepsi. For every office employee who uses whatever vending machine is available, there’s one who will walk across the street to buy his or her favorite brand of soda.

The cola wars have successfully created a large group of people who are vehemently loyal in each camp, but Costco will just have to do the math to find out whether paying the price for Coke is worth it. My gut tells me that Costco customers are more concerned with saving money than they are with brand loyalty. However…

Coke is more than Coke

We must bear in mind that it isn’t just cola at stake here. The Coca-Cola Company owns many beverage brands, including Sprite and Barq’s rootbeer. It also makes Vitamin Water, Minute Maid products, Odwalla, Powerade and Dasani bottled water, just to name a few.

Costco does carry substitues for most Coca-Cola Company products, but there are definitely customers who will opt to buy their favorite beverages elsewhere rather than buying another brand of orange juice or Vitarain instead of Vitaminwater. The question is how many.

Connect the dots between empty calories and an empty wallet.

You may often hear the adage “at least you have your health” when a person’s financial state is dire. We often make a distinction between our physical well-being and our financial well-being. However, there are more similarities between keeping our bodies and our bank accounts healthy than may appear on the surface.

Many people who struggle with weight tie food to emotions. They eat a lot to make themselves feel better, often opting for foods that make them feel warm and full but are not really healthy. In the same way, people use money to make themselves feel better, often taking out payday loans and buying items such as clothes that they know they don’t need. They buy them to make themselves feel better about something. Perhaps they want to feel more powerful and in control. Both of these approaches lead to bad habits for physical and financial health.

Bad Habits Lead to Bad Decisions

Many people just get into the habit of doing counterproductive things. They grab their favorite snack that is high in “feel good” but low in nutrition and pop it their mouths without thinking. They buy the same $5 coffee because it is the purchase that makes them feel like it is going to be a good day even though they could make their own coffee for almost a month for the same price.

These thoughtless, poor habits add up to bloated waistlines and bloated expenditure sheets. Further, impulsiveness can become a bad habit, as well. Impulse eating or buying is just a way someone can circumvent their better judgment. People know that stopping and thinking would lead them to a choice better for their cholesterol and their bottom line, but they would rather feed their habits than satisfy the need to improve their health.

No Quick Fixes for the Soaring Scale or Escalating Debt

Every calorie adds to your weight problem. Every dime you spend can’t be used to reduce your debt and bring financial security. Just like every bite of food goes into the calorie counter, each expenditure goes into the financial formula no matter how small.

People do not become obese overnight, nor do they become financially insolvent that quickly. It happens little by little. It took years to get this way, and it will take years to fix it. Many think more money is the quick fix, but 3 out of every 4 lottery winners end up in worse financial shape within 5 years of winning their fortunes. They all thought more money was the answer, but better spending habits and discipline are the only real answers.

Out With the Bad and in With the Good

You have to eat, just like you have to spend money. Trying to live in constant denial and restraint only leads to binges in eating and spending. You need to focus on creating new habits to replace the old ones.

You need to remove yourself from temptation, as well. Clear the house of junk food and put your cash in a CD or savings account where it is not easily accessed. Training yourself to view food and money differently will help you manage both of them better. They are not the cures for your emotional needs. They simply enable you to keep needing them. Turn your mind around and use food as fuel and money as a vehicle to a healthier lifestyle.

If you are looking for help from a payday loan, APPLY HERE

Payday loans have not put this woman on the street. This study indicates that there is in fact no clear correlation between using payday loans and facing financial calamity like bankruptcy. (Photo: flickr.com)

Human Ecology professors Ruth Berry and Karen Duncan of the University of Manitoba appear to have been ready to point the accusing finger at payday loans in Canada. Given supporting data, it appears they would have been happy to report that payday loans and bankruptcy were strongly connected in the Great White North. However, “The Importance of Payday Loans in Canadian Consumer Insolvency” does nothing of the sort because doing so would fly in the face of hard evidence. There is no clear correlation between bankruptcy and use of payday loans in Canada, according to the authors of this study. In fact, the overall financial well-being of payday loan customers appeared to be slightly more favorable than those surveyed who did not use payday loans.

Payday Loans in Urban Centers and Inner Cities

In much the same way that payday lending has grown across the American landscape, payday lenders have stepped in to serve people of the inner cities who have been abandoned by the traditional banking industry – all because there wasn’t enough money to be had. And yet the same banks are the ones who charge payday loan companies with exploiting the public. While it is true that interest rates (when annualized as APR) for payday loans are higher than some traditional bank loans, the ease and convenience of payday loans tends to trump the offerings of banks and credit unions who demand higher customer qualifications and force applicants through a maze of paperwork. Credit-constrained consumers who lack liquid assets continue to find payday loans infinitely useful.

Berry and Duncan Want to Find the Payday Loan-Insolvency Connection

In their quest for this grail, the authors obtain data from “the main industry players in the payday loan field in Canada,” namely National Money Mart Company, RentCash and Cash Money. They also reference the Canadian Payday Loan Association, which is the national industry association that represents at least 40 payday loan companies (including those mentioned above), and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada through analysis of related studies.

Previous Studies Didn’t Find a Connection, Either

“Not much literature exists connecting the experience of payday loans with consumers filing for bankruptcy,” write the authors. Perhaps this is because there isn’t a real connection? One study they cite found that only one in 10 payday loan customers filed for bankruptcy following a payday loan. Other studies noted a similar percentage. Those respondents who were found to have multiple payday loans at the same time may have been more prone to bankruptcy, but this group was found to be a minority. Moderate usage – which represents the majority of payday loans – shows no clear correlation with bankruptcy filings. In fact, a study by Robert Mayer (”Payday Lending and Personal Bankruptcy,” 2004) showed that those who displayed such moderate use owed only 17 percent of net monthly income, which is hardly a bankruptcy-inducing situation.

More Findings that Break the Mold

• The authors’ data indicated that payday loan customers tended to hold less in the way of long-term loans that did those surveyed who did not use payday loans. Such loans were most often mortgage loans.
• Interestingly, those who filed for bankruptcy and had used payday loans carried “significantly less” short-term debt than those bankruptcy filers who had not filed for payday loans. Payday loan customers held a mean of $14,485 in debt for 2005 and $13,938 for 2006, while those who did not use payday loans showed a mean debt of $25,972 and $26,615 in those years.
• Insolvent consumers didn’t display any tendency toward being either male or female.
• Households surveyed who used payday loans tended to be smaller than those households who didn’t.

Data by City

Berry and Duncan analyzed data from a number of major Canadian cities. What they found tended to be consistent with what has been discussed thus far: that payday loans do not correlate directly to bankruptcy and that payday loan consumers tended to display greater financial well-being than those surveyed who had never used the short term loans. Here’s a sampling:

Vancouver: Bankruptcy households who used payday loans versus those who did not displayed a higher average income.

Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto: Payday loan users showed much less long-term debt.

Installment Loans: Yet Another Path to Avoiding Bankruptcy

Berry and Duncan freely admit that “bankrupts with payday loans are more likely to be employed and have higher incomes and lower debt-to-income ratios than other bankrupts.” This brings them to their burning question: “Do payday loans contribute to bankruptcy?” Numerous studies paint very different pictures regarding the average amount for payday loans. Since more of them point to relatively small figures, it seems unlikely that such amounts would contribute heavily to bankruptcy. And since many lenders offer installment loans as an option in the event that a consumer is unable to pay their payday loan on the maturity date, there is a built-in path leading away from default and bankruptcy.

There’s an Indictment in Here Somewhere

Despite the fact that they found that payday loan customers tended to be more financially healthy than those respondents who never used the product, Berry and Duncan continue to operate from the position that payday loans are some evil product that should be avoided at all costs. Such is not the case, truly. They fulfill a need that traditional banking has largely ignored. Oh, but if only “mainstream lenders provided more accessible services, and educational institutions and non-profit or government agencies gave more objective information about payday lenders in public service advertisements, perhaps these borrowers might attempt to access other lending options,” write the authors. They follow that statement with the false claim that payday lenders do not make their interest rates known to consumers. In America, payday loan companies are required by the Truth in Lending Act to make this information readily available to consumers.

Prescience and Payday Loan Law

If there were only a database in place that could record payday loan usage, then perhaps there would be fewer abuses. That’s what the authors suggest in their 2007 study, and it has come to pass in numerous U.S. states. “A model that might be considered for regulating the number of payday loans held by one individual is the Drug Program Information Database (DPIN) which connects Manitoba Health and all pharmacies in Manitoba to a central database,” they write in reference to a 2006 Manitoba Centre for Health Policy study. “This prevents duplication and double-doctoring by providing the dispensing pharmacy with real time information to show the patient’s drug profile and allows the pharmacist to deny filling a prescription, which is the same or similar to another recently prescribed.” This is quite similar to what we see with payday loan databases. Such inventions do tend to lean toward the nanny state frame of mind, but many lawmakers have insisted upon pushing it through.

Correlation Does Not Imply Causation

And in this case, the authors can’t even draw a correlation between payday loans and bankruptcy filings in Canada. Certainly, those who have filed for bankruptcy would be burdened by any additional debt (including payday loans), but that implies no correlation (let alone causation). “It is not possible to determine whether the loan is hastening the insolvent’s decision to file for bankruptcy,” write Berry and Duncan. I’d go further than that, based upon their findings. I’ll say what they appear unwilling to admit: that payday loans help more than they hurt when used moderately (as most are). Bankruptcy is frequently the result of a complex mixture of financial and social issues. Payday loans are no scapegoat.

Payday loans are heavily regulated in the Canadian province of Manitoba. This flies in the face of reason, as 310-LOAN's executive study indicates. (Photo: picasaweb.google.com)

Governments both large and small often take it upon themselves to decide what consumers should or shouldn’t be able to do with their own money. Call this the “nanny state” mentality if you will. Regardless, it seems that a population is somewhat less than empowered if the ability to make financial choices is taken away, replaced by rules (explicit or otherwise). Through the eyes of capitalism, if consumers are not afforded self-determination, the market flounders and the people become increasingly dependent upon their government for financial protection.

The payday loans industry has taken its lumps when it comes to regulation-happy governments. Despite well-reasoned arguments that reflect the trends, tendencies and – dare I say it – general will of the people, numerous governments have managed to push through legislation that effectively kills consumer choice and destroys the payday lending industry within the affected region. In addition to the obvious unemployment that results from such careless legislation, the consumers who demanded the payday loan product are driven to less desirable (more expensive) alternatives. There’s a reason they weren’t depending upon the traditional banking system in the first place. Just because payday lending is regulated out of states and provinces doesn’t mean all of the consumers who depending upon payday loans are acceptable risks by traditional banking industry standards.

Manitoba Allows 17 Percent APR

This rate cannot sustain a payday lending business that relies upon payday loans alone for operating profits. It’s been proven many times over. Canada’s provinces have made life difficult for businesses that offer payday loans. British Columbia has a 23 percent APR rate cap, Quebec caps rates at 35 percent and Nova Scotia allows 60 percent. Compared with Nova Scotia, it seems that Manitoba payday lending lobbyists forgot to show up for the party. I jest, of course. One 2007 study by Andrew Smyth and Nathan Slee of 310-LOAN (considered to be Canada’s largest direct payday lender) makes such a clear case that one wonders if Manitoba’s government even read it. If they had read it and still voted to go with a 17 percent APR cap, you’d wonder either what axe they have to grind or who was fronting their retreat to Aruba.

“Evidence pertaining to public hearings before the Manitoba Public Utility Board to determine maximum allowable charges and fees for payday loans“

To preface the study, the authors cite a comment by Manitoba’s Minister of Finance at the time, Greg Selinger. Selinger said that “The intention is not to drive the companies out of business, because people are showing an interest in having this service, but to make sure that when they offer the service they do it in a way that’s just and reasonable.”

What is “Just and Reasonable?”

310-LOAN, according to the authors, clearly explains their fee structure to customers before any agreements are signed. They also verify that customers are actively employed as opposed to depending upon pensions or social assistance. That is a reasonable way to treat one’s payday loan customers, it would seem. Furthermore, 310-LOAN will not accept applicants who already have more than two NSF transactions in their recent banking history or more than one outstanding payday loan with another lender. They accept applicants who can reasonably repay their payday loans. Such is a protection for both the consumer and the payday loan company. Just and reasonable care is taken that neither party is exploited.

Who Uses Payday Loans?

The study authors utilize payday loan studies from Statistics Canada (StatsCan), IpsosReid, Environics, The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) and StratCom. When available, these findings are compared against the general Manitoban population. The data for Manitoba indicates that payday loans are used by consumers who earn a slightly below average income for the province, but these consumers are far from being the “victimized poor.”

Average Age: Neither Too Young nor Too Old

According to Environics, the average Manitoba payday loans customer is 39 years old. StatsCan puts the number at 39.5, while PIAC found the average to be 42. With these and all the following results, it should be noted (and perhaps goes without saying) that the survey audiences are not identical.

Gender Split

It’s nearly a 50/50 split according to most studies. The 2006 Census for Manitoba gave a three to four percent bump up for female payday loan customers, however.

Marital Status: Most are From Married Households

The 2006 Census found that 48 percent of payday loan customers in Manitoba were married. Environics recorded 49 percent while PIAC was significantly higher at 59 percent. For single payday loan customers, the numbers were almost identical across the board: 35 percent by the Census, 35 by Environics and 31 percent according to PIAC. Only a small sample listed themselves as separated, divorced or widowed: 17 percent in the Census, 15 percent by Environics’ count and 10 percent according to PIAC.

They Will Have Residency

Partakers of payday loans in Manitoba tend to weight more heavily toward being renters, but the RBC Home Ownership Survey used for a portion of the data indicates that a majority (61 percent) do indeed own homes. In total, renters totaled 39 (RBC), 76 (Environics) and 41 percent of the respondents. Home ownership was 61 percent according to RBC, 21 percent for Environics and 59 percent for PIAC. The variations in the Environics study are curious, but not discussed by the study authors.

Household Income: Below Average, But Not Poor

Manitoba’s payday loan portrait is decidedly middle-class according to data the study authors present. Using 2001 Census data for the province, the average income for all Manitobans was $58,360. Looking at payday loan customers, PIAC found that the average income level was $51,400 and StratCom (using stats for Toronto in the Ontario province) marked it at $53,480. Environics was considerably lower at $41,376, while StratCom (using Vancouver, British Columbia data) was $42,026.

Education Level: Educated Payday Loan Customers

Using the same sources as the previous indicator, the 2001 Census found that 23 percent of Manitobans had graduated from university, 31 percent had gone to college or vocational school and 24 percent had at least a high school diploma (leaving 23 percent under that education level). StratCom (again for Vancouver) puts those numbers at 16, 28, 44 and 12 percent, respectively. StratCom Toronto clocks in at 26, 36, 34 and a miniscule three percent (more highly educated in urban Ontario, it seems). Environics’ distribution is 21, 43, 20 and 14 percent and PIAC’s is 18, 23 52 and six percent.

Employment: Payday Loan Customers Have Steady Jobs

As stated earlier, 310-LOAN requires that their customers be gainfully employed. While this standard is not exclusive in the payday lending industry as a whole, it is a dominant requirement to which most lenders adhere. Looking first at the general population of Manitoba as surveyed by Environics, we see the following breakdown, supporting the notion that payday loans in Manitoba and beyond are taken by consumers with the ability to repay:

• Employed: 62 percent
• Unemployed: Four percent (very low by today’s standards)
• Student: Six percent
• Retired: 21 percent
• Homemaker: Four percent

The total sample of payday loan customers taken by StratCom (Vancouver and Toronto) is as follows:

• Employed: 89 percent
• Unemployed: Four percent
• Student: One percent
• Retired: Four percent
• Homemaker: One percent

For Environics in Manitoba:

• Employed: 78 percent
• Unemployed: Seven percent
• Student: Two percent
• Retired: Five percent
• Homemaker: Two percent

And finally PIAC:

• Employed: 70 percent
• Unemployed: 10 percent
• Student: Eight percent
• Retired: Seven percent
• Homemaker: Five percent

Why Does Manitoba Use Payday Loans?

Emergency cash and money to cover unexpected expenses are the main reasons given in the PIAC and Environics studies, report the 310-LOAN study authors. Environics also found that consumers use payday loans to avoid bouncing a check. For Environics:

• Necessary Emergency Cash: 36 percent
• Covering Surprise Expenses: 24 percent
• To Cover a Potential Bounced Check: 21 percent
• Short-term Income Shortage: 11 percent
• For Discretionary Purchases: Four percent
• Other: Three percent

PIAC showed similar results, but notice the differences, which are not excluded to the categories PIAC respondents didn’t even cite that did rank in the Environics study:

• Necessary Emergency Cash: 31 percent
• Covering Surprise Expenses: 34 percent
• Bounced Check: Seven percent (why it’s so much lower is unclear)
• For a Major Purchase: Five percent
• Discretionary Purchases: 16 percent (why so much higher?)

When Banks Simply Won’t Do

Speed, convenience, privacy and the ability to handle emergency financial situations were all significant indicators for payday loan customers across multiple study sources. In addition, there is some evidence that suggests some dissatisfaction with traditional banking sources. See the authors’ study for specific numbers. It should also be noted that the studies referenced lean significantly toward “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” for consumer approval level with payday loans and alternative financial services.

What Does a Harsh Rate Cap Do to Payday Loans in Manitoba?

310-LOAN’s study authors attempt to illustrate this is terms of where their own business is in the product life cycle. They claim payday lending is reaching the maturity stage, where saturation in society is relatively high. “In the case of payday loans, as more lenders appear, consumers are more exposed to the product and more inclined to use it,” write the authors. The saturation tends to intensify competition, leading the market toward greater self-regulation of pricing. This competition ultimately benefits the consumer, but the competition must be allowed to reach its apex if they are to fully reap the benefits. That’s the nature of a free-market economy.

Canadian Government Thinks Competition Should Already Be Maxed

Thus, they think rates should have already reached the lowest “consumer-friendly” point. Since they consider rates to be too high (a notion that the average consumer surveyed disputes), governments impose rate caps. It kills payday lenders, but does not kill demand for payday loans.

310-LOAN finds that while payday lending has grown quickly, supply is only now starting to catch up with demand. Their support for this notion is that payday loan industry advertising spending in Manitoba has begun to exceed revenue increases only in this most recent stage in payday lending’s life cycle. Earlier findings (where the supply was lower) wouldn’t need excessive advertising in order to gain customers. Demand provided fuel for growth.

Section 347 of the Criminal Code Has Delayed Saturation

Legal woes for the payday loan industry have slowed growth. This is not to say that the product is illegal; it certainly is not. But enough roadblocks were set up by the Canadian legal system to slow payday loan industry growth. In many cases, it was even a barrier to entry for potential payday lenders. This kept many potential investors away as well.

Competition and Lower Rates: the U.S. Model

The authors cite a Federal Reserve study by Donald Morgan (”Defining and Detecting Predatory Lending“) in which the connection between more payday loan stores per capita and lower rates is made quite clear. This does not mean, as the authors comment on a 60 percent APR cap that some Manitoba lawmakers had proposed before going off the deep end at 17 percent, that such a rate would be sustainable. That’s far from the truth in their estimation. In fact, it had been widely acknowledged that 60 percent is not financially viable for payday loan companies.

“Without an agreed upon method of calculating an unconscionable rate,” write the study authors, “we suggest that the board consider the costs involved in issuing short-term, small sum loans in the market today in order to effectively set the limit on the cost of borrowing.” Using a well-known Ernst & Young study, they note the profit margins for what are considered to be Canada’s “big five” banks:

• CIBC: 23.61 percent
• BMO Bank of Montreal: 27.43 percent
• RBC Royal Bank: 23.26 percent
• Scotiabank: 32.81 percent
• TD Canada Trust: 35.51 percent
  Average: 28.52 percent

Also based upon Ernst & Young findings, the authors note that the rate for issuing a $279 payday loan is $74.08. That’s 26.55 percent for the loan issued, which compares quite favorably with the average banking profit margin above. Based upon the authors’ interpretation of data on 11 payday lenders, such a rate would allow 10 of them to “remain in the market and stimulate and immediate increase in supply and investment in the payday loan industry.”

The Risks of an Excessively Low Rate Ceiling

Allow the industry to evolve in a natural free-market setting, argue the study authors. That will enhance both product and pricing according to consumer need. Set the rates too low and lenders must slash costs wherever possible and abandon efforts to meet consumer need. For instance, allowing for installment loans has proven to be popular with consumers in many locations, but the cost associated would be impossible to swallow for lenders if rates are cut to the proverbial quick. For consumers, there is anecdotal evidence that the convenience of installment loans would outweigh having the least expensive loan possible under law.

Life Dictates Debt, Not Payday Lenders

Situations like job loss, illness and family or other personal difficulties tend to have the greatest impact upon a consumer’s ability to repay short term credit such as payday loans. Yet the Manitoba government (or any government) wants the public to believe that it is the rates of supposedly predatory lenders that cause the problem. Thus, they see rate caps as the only answer. Consumers and even economists do not tend to share such views. Interest rate caps to not solve personal and societal issues; they merely restrict the free market and tend to add trouble rather than subtract it.

Tomatoes - a great source of niacin. From Wikimedia commons.

Niacin is one of the essential vitamins that a person has to consume, and recent studies have shown it to help decrease bad cholesterol, and boost the good kind.  That means people might go so far as to throw a few payday loans in beefing up their supply.   However, there is good news -  it turns out there’s a lot of foods that contain it.  You probably already get enough, and don’t even know it.

Also known as Vitamin B3 – Even if you only ate fast food, you’d still get some

Niacin is one of the vitamins that is present in so many foods that most people already eat, so unless you basically only eat McDonald’s Dollar Menu or Ramen noodles (look out college students) then you probably already receive close to if not more than your daily share, so don’t bother buying supplements.

Niacin is present in the following foods:

• Tomatoes (a lot of people already know this)
• Avocados
• Dates
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes (Thanksgiving is coming up!)
• Asparagus
• Leafy veggies
• Chicken
• Beef
• Eggs
• Milk
• Tuna and Salmon
• Beans/Legumes (the musical fruit!)
• Nuts
• Mushrooms
• Brewer’s Yeast

HOLD THE PHONE – Did you just say BREWER’S YEAST?

Yes, Virginia, I said it – Brewer’s yeast contains Niacin.  That means that you are getting vitamins and nutrients with  sweet, delicious, beer, but first, the following caveats: first, only in moderation (moderate drinkers outlive both heavy drinkers and teetotalers) and follow all laws to the letter regarding driving.  That said, if you want to have a brew or two (1 -2 glasses a day are  good for you) and get the benefits of the yeast, you are better off with a craft ale.  Not only will it taste far better than that pathetic yellow water with the ad campaigns, but craft ales have yeast in the bottle, as part of the conditioning process.  Deschutes Brewery and Sierra Nevada are excellent craft breweries, that make beer that will knock your socks off, and are available nationwide.  However, don’t rely on it as your only source – this is only meant as a side benefit – and only in responsible moderation.

Wait a minute – what about the good cholesterol?

Niacin boosts HDL (High Density Lipoprotein – the good kind!) and helps break down low density (lower density lipoprotein, or the bad kind).  Niacin is also one of the 5 vitamins that you should have daily in order to avoid disease.  Niacin deficiency is called Pellagra – and it’s nasty.  (The others are Vitamin C and scurvy, Vitamin D and rickets, Thiamin (Vitamin B1) and beriberi, and Vitamin A and the unimaginatively titled Vitamin A Deficiency Syndrome.)  The more you can do to reduce low density cholesterol (quit with the bacon burgers already) the better.

“Miracle” Vitamin Crazes are not that bright

There are plenty of foods that already contain your daily recommended amounts.  Don’t put any payday loans in niacin pills or other nutritional supplements.  Do a little bit of research, and you can learn how to get plenty of vitamins and minerals from better eating – you’ll eat better, feel better, and live better as a result.

Are guaranteed loans just wishful thinking?

Guaranteed Loans and Santa Claus: They're not real!

There are no such things as guaranteed loans. (You kind of knew that when you asked.) But if you’re hoping to get cash today, it’s guaranteed that Personal Money Store can almost always find a lender to grant your wish on the very best terms available.

There are no guaranteed loans, but payday loans are easy to get

Although there are no guaranteed loans, payday lenders generally don’t run credit checks. You can usually get a payday loan even if you have bad credit or no credit at all. You can usually get a payday loan despite having financial problems. You can get a payday loan if you’ve filed for bankruptcy, had your wages garnished, lost your home or car in a foreclosure or repossession, or are getting a divorce.

Payday loans are probably the most easily accessible form of credit available today. At Personal Money Store, your application is very likely to be approved even though there are no guaranteed loans.

You must be a sane adult with a regular income

To get a payday loan, you usually must have a job with a regular income and you must have been employed for the minimum time prescribed by the lender. You must have legal capacity to enter into a contract, so you cannot, for example, be a minor. Nor can you be insane. (Insanity can be a problem for people who have reached the age of majority but still believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and Guaranteed Loans.)

You must be a sociable person with a bank account

If you want an online payday loan, you have to have a bank account because online payday lenders deliver loan funds by electronic transfer. You usually have to know at least two people to get a payday loan, because lenders usually require personal references, although they generally don’t contact the references before making the loan. (References can be a problem for hermits, recluses, and other shut-ins, even when they have regular incomes and bank accounts.)

You mustn’t have too much of a good thing

Depending on whether your state has a “cooling off” law, you may not be able to get a payday loan if you’ve recently had too many in a row. Many state legislatures have determined that if there were were such things as guaranteed loans, too many people would become too deeply mired in payday loan debt all too quickly.

Some payday lenders obtain Teletrack reports

It bears repeating that payday lenders generally don’t run formal credit checks. Some, however, use Teletrack reports to make credit-risk assessments. Teletrack is not a traditional credit bureau, and unlike a credit check, a Teletrack check won’t show up on your credit report. Teletrack provides analyses of consumer credit histories based on information obtained from payday loan companies, furniture companies, vehicle financing firms, high-risk consumer finance companies, credit card companies, banks and credit unions, as well as public records.

Teletrack doesn’t make credit-worthiness decisions, but it provides information to payday lenders who may then use it to approve or deny loan applications. Teletrack is considered a consumer credit reporting firm and is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

You won’t get a loan if you don’t apply, guaranteed

So you see, there are no guaranteed loans, although you’re very likely to get a personal loan when you apply at Personal Money Store. If you need to borrow money now and know that you can pay it back on your next payday without having to borrow again, then apply today. Chances are your wish will be granted right away.

Apply for the Best Payday Loans HERE!

(Photo via Bensonkua, Flickr.com)

Black Friday has been the top trend for the past several weeks. Everyone is itching to find great deals offering for Black Friday 2009. Black Friday, which lands on the day after Thanksgiving Day, unofficially kicks off the holiday shopping season. And boy, things are looking hot, hot, hot.

Dirt Cheap Target Appliances

Who needs payday loans when you can get $3 Target appliances? Apparently, according to rumors, Target’s $3 appliances will include toasters, coffee makers, sandwich makers and slow cookers to name a few. And we’re not talking low-quality products. $3 Target appliances are made by Chefmate. Target will also give away a $10 gift certificate for every Benjamin you spend between 5 a.m. and noon. My question is what the heck is Target thinking? Don’t they know this could possibly start a war?

More Black Friday Deals at Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart Black Friday ads is particularly causing excitement because of their hot Black Friday special on Blackberry phones. Wal-Mart is offering a free $100 gift card on any Blackberry purchase with a 2-year contract. Fortunately, buyers will not have to deal with just one cell phone carrier. Wal-Mart has teamed up with all four major cell phone carriers: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Even better, you don’t have to wait till Black Friday to take advantage of Wal-Mart’s Black Friday offerings. Items from Wal-Mart Black Friday Ads 2009 will hit store shelves on Saturday November 14.

Best Buy: Making the Best of Black Friday 2009

Best Buy, one of America’s favorite retailers for consumer electronics, is also catching headlines with their extensive Black Friday ads this year. From what it looks like, you probably won’t need payday loans to make the best buys. They have cell phones, kitchen stuff, household appliances, television, computers, digital cameras, video games, movies, and more – all with incredible markdown prices!

For instance, you can get an Insignia Blu-ray Disc Player for less than 100 bucks. What about a Magellan SE4 GPS? With this GPS device you can easily locate interesting destinations in all the 48 contiguous states, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The Magellan SE4 GPS is going for only $119.99 at Best Buy. That’s a $60 saving on just one item! Check out Best Buy’s Black Friday ads for more offerings.

Don’t Forget To Plan and Budget!

With all these offerings available during this time of the year, more people are feeling the urge to spend. Of course, Black Friday is the best time to spend and save money along the way. Your urge to spend, however, can still leave you in need of financial help if you’re not careful. So don’t forget to plan and budget for all your holiday needs.

Many people rely on nontraditional loans like payday loans, installment loans, and cash advances to make ends meet. Although there are some signs that the economy has reached its low and should be on an upswing shortly, many businesses are still in distress. The latest large corporation to feel the strain of the recession is the Six Flags amusement park company. The company recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, seeking to reorganize debt of $1.8 billion.

Business to continue as usual

According to Six Flags CEO Mark Shapiro, the bankruptcy filing won’t affect the operations of the company’s 20 theme parks located throughout the US, Mexico, and Canada. Although the company had a record year in 2008, bringing in over 25 million customers, its debt has become unmanageable. The debt is estimated to be near $2.4 billion, and the company can no longer sustain it.

Discounted prices may still break the average budget

Because of the recession many people have cut amusement parks and other entertainment out of the budget. Six Flags, like other theme parks, reduced its prices to gain customers, a tactic normally used on in slow seasons like early spring and late fall. Specials like $10 entry fees, discounts on food and drinks, and two-for-one fares are all being used at the parks. Sharpiro added, “We are trying to maintain the revenues we do have as we face a restructure of debt. Six Flags will extend all discounting possible to better serve customers who are feeling the recession’s limitation of their funds.”

Consumer response

Many consumers see the Six Flag bankruptcy as another indication that the recession is not yet over. They believe more financial blows are to come. Economist Gary Lindall of Citigroup stats, “When you see industry giants having serious financial issues, it’s an indicator that individual problems could potentially still occur…people are taking notice of billion-dollar corporations’ actions and acting accordingly with their personal finances.”
Consumers are bracing themselves for more financial strain when it comes to dealing with everyday bills and expenses. Many qualifying customers are using payday loans, cash advances and installment loans as normal budgetary aids, rather than solely for emergency purposes. Analyst Dale Prichard of Smartmoney.com stated, “It used to be that nontraditional loans were looked at as an unusual choice and used for out-of-the-ordinary expenses. Research is showing that many Americans are looking to these types of funding every month as a way to cover their regular bills.”

New ways to balance the budget

The popularity of nontraditional loans is expected to grow exponentially in coming years as hard-hit consumers recover from the recession. Although there are some signs of an end to the current wave of economic problems, there are still a lot of financial issues to settle. For example, many homeowners are in the midst of mortgage modification programs and have yet to actually get used to their mortgage payments again. Because of changes in the credit industry, some people have to manage their finances without the credit cards they once relied on. Changes like these are making people wary of the future.

In the end . . .

As big corporations continue to struggle through the after effects of the recession, people are left to manage their finances with additional and nontraditional methods. Payday loans, installment loans, and cash advances are working their way into the regular consumer agenda, rather than being solely emergency options.

(Photo imuttoo, Flickr.com)

Best Buy Black Friday ads can now be found online and it’s definitely causing hype. How would you like an Insignia Blu-ray Disc Player for less than a $100? What about a Dynex 19″ 720p LCD HDTV for less than a $150? Save your drools, however, because things are about to heat up ever more.

Best Buy is tackling Black Friday with their hottest Black Friday deals from Kitchen & Housewares to automotive and home theater appliances. With Best Buy’s great Black Friday offerings, you probably won’t need payday loans after all to make ends meet during the busy holiday season.

Best Buy Black Friday Ads 2009

According to BlackFriday.info, you can find great Best Buy Black Friday deals throughout the whole store. For instance, if you happen to need a new phone, check out these Black Friday cell phone deals at Best Buy.

AT&T Sony Ericsson W518a – Free w/2 Year Contract *

BoostMobile Motorola Clutch i465 – $59.99 eBay

DLO Jam Jacket For iPhone – $9.99

Jabra BT-2080 Bluetooth Headset – $19.99

LG Chocolate Touch From Verizon w/Two Year Activation – $0.00 *

MiFi 2200 By Novatel Wireless w/Two Year Activation – $0.00

What about a new television set? I know the hubby would love a bigger screen at home, right in time for the 2010 Super Bowl bash.

Dynex 19″ 720p LCD HDTV (Model # DX-L19-10A) – $149.99

Dynex 32″ 720p LCD HDTV (Model # DX-L321-10A) – $299.99 *

Dynex 40″ 1080p 60Hz LCD HDTV (Model # DX-L40-10A) – $499.99

Insignia 42″ 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV (Model # NS-L42Q120-10A) – $699.99 *

LG 32″ 1080p LCD HDTV (Model # 32LH30-UA) – $439.99

Who needs payday loans at this rate? You can get the extended list for Best Buy Black Friday Ads 2009 here.

Go beyond Black Friday Ads and save money!

If you want to save money take advantage of all the special offerings for Black Friday 2009. But if you want to save more money, do your own research. You can find other great deals than just Best Buy Black Friday Ads. Major retailers like Wal-Mart, Sears and Target are doing their best to attract more customers during this time of the year when people are searching for the best places to spend their money for the holiday festivities.

Keep in mind, however, that just because it’s a Black Friday offering doesn’t mean it’s the best deal out there. Make a list of things to buy, search for Black Friday deals from various retailers, and compare prices. You’d be surprised with how much more money you can save just by doing a little research.