Break Free From Your Debts Through Debt Management

People can't refrain from borrowing money from banks or credit companies, especially when they are in financial distress. However, many seem to have gone out of control with their debts and are having a difficult time paying them off. If you are in this kind of scenario, debt consolidation is the number one solution to your problem.

What is debt management? Debt management is one of the many debt solutions that aim to reduce the monthly instalments and interest by way of negotiating with the lender. This process is done informally. Within the process, the borrower will have to prove to the lender or lenders that he does not enough money to pay off his debts.

Nowadays, debt management is becoming the primary option of indebted individuals. This cannot only help them lessen or eradicate their debts, but it can also give them financial stability. One of the benefits that borrowers can derive from this is that their debts may be consolidated and may be paid off through a single billing. Persons who have multiple debts amounting to $5,000 to $250,000 are free to avail of this option.

Debt management is not discriminatory as it is open to all indebted people. It really doesn't matter if you have a good or bad credit record, or if you have filed bankruptcy in the past. This, actually, can help people with bad credit record recover from their credit standing.

Debt management has several tools. One is debt consolidation. With this tool, the help of creditors is required. All the debts of a borrower will be consolidated and all be rolled into one. What's even nice about his is that the interests and even the principal may be reduced. This tool also makes it easier for borrowers to monitor their debts.

Another tool is debt counselling. This tool is ideal for people who have debts that are not that big. Its purpose is to teach people how to manage their debts and finances. Some of the ways include spending only what your income can afford and the right way to settle debts.

There are debt management experts that are ready to assist borrowers in getting out of debt. Their role in the process is that they will stand as the negotiator in behalf of the borrowers. However, do not expect that all experts render their services for free.There are debt consolidation experts that collect high fees while others are already satisfied with low fees.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pramod_Dadhich

If I Do an IVA Can I Keep Paying Debts That I Owe to My Family or Friends?

If you have a debt problem, you may also owe money to a family member or friend. We consider whether you can keep up the payments to family debts while carrying out an IVA with all your other creditors.

One of the general rules if you are considering an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) is that all of your unsecured creditors should be treated in the same way.

This means that all unsecured debts should be included in the arrangement so that none are paid over and above any others.

You can therefore include in your IVA private debts to either family members or friends who have lent you money as long as you can prove they exist.

Including family debts

Of course including private debts in your IVA will mean that the person you owe money to will find out that you are proposing an IVA. All the creditors you list will be officially informed by the insolvency practitioner (IP).

A major advantage of including these private debts is that your friend or family member will be eligible to vote on the IVA proposal. Given that they want to help you, their acceptance of the agreement could override other creditors who would otherwise have said no.

Once your IVA is in place, depending on the circumstances, your friend or family member may not be able to share in the proceeds of the IVA if your other commercial creditors specifically request this.

However, as an included creditor, they will then be prevented from taking any further legal action against you to try and collect the money you owe them.

Excluding family debts

It is possible that you may not want to include the debt you owe to your family member in your IVA. Perhaps you do not want them to find out about your situation or you feel you cannot stop paying them.

You do have the option to leave out your friends and family debt. However you cannot then include a budget for continuing to repay it in your living expenses.

Including a budget to pay the loan would reduce the amount available for your IVA payment and ultimately reduce the return to your other creditors. This would be seen as a preferential payment and the other creditors would be unlikely agree to it meaning that your IVA would not be accepted.

Having said that, once your living expenditure budget and monthly IVA payment is agreed, there is nothing then to stop you using some of your agreed living expenses budget to continue to make payments to friends or family.

It is your agreed budget and you can spend it in any way that you like.

However, you should only plan to do this if you can afford to maintain all of your essential living expenses plus your agreed IVA payment.

Resuming payments after your IVA

You should not try and maintain a private loan payment if this puts your IVA payment at risk.

If trying to continue paying your family loan debt means that you struggle in other areas and ultimately start to miss your IVA payments, this could put you in a very serious position.

Doing so could put your IVA at risk of failure and you could face being forced into bankruptcy.

Remember, once your IVA has finished, you can always restart your payments towards your private debt and even significantly increase what you have been paying each month as you will no longer have any other unsecured debt payments to worry about.

Whether or not you decide to include private debts to family or friends in an IVA will ultimately depend on your circumstances and the relationship you have with the family member in question.

As such, there are advantages and disadvantages to including such debts depending on your perspective.

However, if you are concerned that your friend or family member is relying on you to keep up your payments to them in full so that they can in turn pay for a loan which they have taken on your behalf, it is important to understand that you may not be able to do this if you start an IVA.

It is therefore important to think very carefully and get the right advice before starting an IVA solution.

If you are struggling with debt, visit www.beatmydebt.com

Our vibrant debt forum gives free access to industry experts and others who have suffered with debt problems.

Useful guides, calculators and information are also available designed to help you understand how to manage and resolve debt problems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Falla

Debt Reduction Calculators: The First Plan of Attack For Minimizing Your Debt

Once you have made the decision to get serious about reducing your debt, there are many debt reduction calculators available to help you formulate a plan. Debt reduction calculators allow you to plug in all the relevant data about a loan including the balance, interest rate and monthly payment. By changing the payment amounts according to the increased amount you are able to pay, you can see the effect to the remaining balance. This shows you not only the amount of time it will take to pay the loan off, but the amount of money in interest payments you will save.

A debt reduction calculator can also provide you with an accurate picture of your current financial situation. If you enter all the current information, including the minimum monthly payment, you will see how long it will take to pay the debt off as it stands. Essentially, you can see how long it will take you to get out of debt by doing it the creditors' way.

Using Debt Reduction Calculators

When you are ready to formulate your plan of attack on your debt, enter the data into the debt calculator that it requests. Usually, they request net income, balances of outstanding debts, interest rates and current payment amounts. As you enter this information, you may want to write it down because you will be changing some of the numbers in order to determine your plan of action. You want to have an accurate accounting of your starting point.

Next, lower the interest rate and see what a difference it makes in the monthly repayment amount. This is important information if you are considering a debt consolidation plan. You can see how much money you would save with lower interest rates and how long it would take to pay the balance off.

Try increasing the payment amount with everything else at the current settings of your debts. Take a look at what only a slight increase over the minimum monthly payment can make. This works well if you are considering the Snowball Method or similar plans of debt reduction. The debt reduction calculator shows you what difference every extra dollar paid makes.

Regaining Control of Your Finances

The purpose of using a debt reduction calculator is to assist you in developing a realistic and achievable plan to manage your finances. Most people just follow what the credit card companies or banks tell them to do. This kind of behavior results in the guarantee of long term debt. By using a debt calculator, you can determine the best way to pay the debts off for the betterment of your financial future. Debt calculators help to clarify the impact of even the smallest alterations to the accomplishment of debt reduction.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Twain

Can I Add New Debts to My Existing Debt Management Plan?

If you are already in a debt management plan, we consider whether you can add additional debts at a later date. Debts which you had either forgotten about or which you have taken out since you started the plan. It is not unusual for someone who has already started a debt management plan (DMP) to want to add additional debts to it.

When you first set up your DMP you may have forgotten about a debt or debts which have now come to light. It may also have been possible for you to borrow additional money since you started your plan which you are now struggling to repay. Although your credit rating is poor, it is quite possible that you have been able to borrow additional money from door step lenders such as Provident or take a pay day loan. These debts are unsecured and can be included in your DMP.

Reaction from original creditors

Including new debts into your debt management plan will mean that all your creditors will receive a slightly lower payment each month. This is because your disposable income - the amount you can pay towards your debts in total - will have to be divided between more accounts.

If any of the people you owe money to in your original plan have already stopped interest and late payment charges, reducing the amount you pay them could mean they start to reapply these charges to your balances once again. They will argue you have broken the original DMP agreement you made with them and so they are at liberty to add additional interest.

Once there is a track record or your new monthly payments being paid on time, your creditors should be persuaded to freeze their interest once again. However, you should remember that a debt management plan is an informal agreement and there are no guarantees of when interest will be frozen.

Your DMP Company says they can no longer work with you

If you are working with a debt management company who manages your debt management plan there is no reason why they cannot simply include the new debts into your plan for you. Having said that, some debt management organisations may argue that you have broken the rules of your DMP by taking more credit. They may then react by telling you that they can no longer deal with you. If this is the case, you can move to a new debt management company.

Remember, many debt management companies will make a charge to take on a new case. However there are some that will not charge you a fee if you are already in a plan.

Ideally you should shop around and find one of these but at the very least understand what if any charge the new company will make to take on your DMP.

Take action

It is always best not to get yourself in a position where you have to add new debts to an existing debt management plan if you can possibly help it. When you are setting up a DMP, if you do not think you can remember all of your debts, a good tip is to get a copy of your credit file. This will help you identify everyone that you owe money to.

Once you are in your plan, the best advice is that you should not borrow more money if you can possibly avoid it.

If you do find that you are still struggling to make your DMP payment and keep up with all of your other household bills, then you should speak to your debt management company. Discuss your living expenses budget with them again and look to reduce the amount you pay each month rather than borrow more from a door stop lender.

Of course, this is all very often easier said than done. If you do find yourself in a position where you have extra debts, do not delay in adding them to your existing DMP. Taking action and adding them to your plan may cause some short term pain. However, having them in the plan will mean that they can be repaid in a managed and sensible way.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Falla

Can We Still Use a Joint Bank Account If I Do a Debt Management Plan?

If you are planning to start a debt management plan one of the most important things to consider is your bank account. We consider your options if you currently have an account in joint names with someone else.

Whether or not you can continue using a joint bank account when you start your debt management plan (DMP) will largely depend on whether there is currently an outstanding overdraft and whether you personally owe anything else to the same bank.

If the answer to these questions is no, then there should be no problem with both you and the other joint account holder continuing to use the account.

However, if there is an overdraft on the account and or you owe other debts to the same bank, then what you do with the account requires more thought.

No other debt with the bank

Generally speaking, if you start a debt management plan, all of the unsecured debts that you owe should be included. This includes the full outstanding overdraft on any joint bank account.

However, if you have no other debts to the same bank, then there is an argument for leaving the overdraft out of the DMP and keeping the bank account running.

The reason for this is that even if you include the overdraft debt in your DMP, the other joint account holder is still liable for 100 percent of the outstanding overdraft debt anyway.

As such, keeping the account open gives you both the opportunity to repay the overdraft in a sensible way and saves going through the hassle of you both opening a new account and changing all your payment direct debits.

If you do decide to keep your account open in these circumstances, it is import that you then keep the overdraft facility under control and make plans to pay it off as soon as possible.

Bank offsetting

If you have other debts with the same bank such as credit cards or a personal loan you will almost certainly be including these in your debt management plan. In these circumstances, you should both stop using any joint bank account and open a new one.

This is the case even if there is no outstanding overdraft on your account because of what is known as the offsetting rule.

This rule means that your bank can offset unpaid debts in one account such as a credit card from a positive balance in another account such as a savings or current account.

The bank can do this without your permission and without warning and can do so even with funds paid into the account from the other joint account holder who is not party to the other debts.

The only way to be certain of preventing off setting from happening is to stop using your bank account entirely and move to a different bank where you do not owe any money.

The other joint account holder will have to do the same thing. You may want to open another joint account elsewhere or have two separate accounts from now on. This will ensure that both of your funds are protected.

If there is currently no overdraft on the bank account, you may not be able to physically close it. However, the other third party should try to have their name removed from the account.

This is so they do not become liable for any overdraft that may develop in the future if the bank tries to take loan or credit card payments while there is no money in the account.

Liability for overdraft debt

If you decide to open a new bank account and there is an outstanding overdraft on your joint account, remember that even if you include this balance in your debt management plan, the other joint account holder will also remain liable for this joint debt.

As such if you are doing a household income and expenditure you should make sure there is a budget available for the other account holder to make monthly payments into the old account so that the overdraft is gradually paid off.

If you do not do this then the bank may well start collection activities against the other account holder.

Opening a new account

Generally speaking, unless you owe nothing to the bank in question, if you are planning to start a debt management plan, it will be sensible for both you and the other account holder to open a new account elsewhere.

You should open a new account as soon as possible as it will be easier to do when you have a good credit rating.

Once you start your debt management plan, your credit rating will quickly become worse so it is best not to wait.

However, if you feel your credit rating is already poor, do not worry. There are many banks which now provide simple banking facilities for people with poor credit ratings. Many of these now also give a debit card with these accounts.

If you are struggling with debt, visit www.beatmydebt.com

Our vibrant forum gives free access to industry experts and others who have suffered with debt problems.

Useful guides, calculators and information are also available designed to help you understand how to manage and resolve debt problems.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Falla

Get Out Of Debt - A Guide For You

Debt is something many of us live with and manage reasonably well, but unfortunately, some of us do not do this effectively and find it very difficult to get out of debt once we are in it.

The problems are simply down to two parties:

* You, as the borrower and your need to borrow money;
* The lender: a bank, building society or loan company and their need to make money.

Often, these lenders extort large amounts of interest from those who can least afford to repay it and therefore making it almost impossible to get out of debt - unless you understand the power of compound interest that the banks use to leverage their hold over you. This age-old trick by the financial industry easily becomes a spiral of debt if not dealt with early on. Before you know it, those bank charges from last month (which you forgot about) have added up to a large sum and been taken out of your account. In turn, this takes you through your overdraft limit, racking up another charge on top of the debts you already have and the overdraft charges, and so on.

Now it could be that you can't afford to pay your debts in full. Get in touch with your loan or credit card providers directly (you don't need a debt management company to do this for you and ultimately charge you a fee for the privilege if you use their services) and negotiate a deal for yourself to repay them what you can afford - you will find most are happy to do this if it's possible and it suits them too, so don't bury your head in the sand. Seek help first from the people who lent you the money in the first place!

However, in this hypothetical situation, it has gone from bad to worse and this is a daily occurrence in the world of personal finance for many people. Many people feel embarrassed about their personal finances when they go wrong and shy away from the problems that are mounting in front of their very eyes. But you don't have to do it alone. If this is you, you need to get out of debt right away - and I have a strategy below which will help you to do that!

Now it's time to take control of your finances and fight back! Here's a simple strategy detailing how to get out of debt:

1. If possible, transfer all your credit card debts or high-interest loans to a credit card balance transfer (ie. onto an interest-free or reduced rate credit card for a fixed period of time) to allow you to reduce the amount of interest you will repay over the coming months;
2. If you can't get a balance transfer (if your credit record is poor, for example), then rather than saving money up (although do try to keep some cash aside for emergencies), repay all your loans and credit cards FIRST before saving cash. Ideally, it should be the loan balance on the highest interest rate that you incur on any outstanding balances you have
3. DO NOT USE YOUR NEW OR EXISTING CREDIT CARDS! Your balance transfer credit card may begin to charge you high levels of interest on your spending - therefore defeating you from your objective;
4. By paying back your loans earlier and in higher amounts, you will save more money in lower amounts of interest to be repaid than the amount of interest you would make in saving any spare cash in a savings account;
5. Repay the minimum payments on your remaining credit card balances you owe to keep them happy and off your back (and not damage your credit record too, of course);
6. Once you have paid off the balance of your highest interest rate loan or credit card, then use that spare money to pay back the next highest interest rate ON TOP of the minimum payments you were making before this extra money became available;
7. Whatever you do, DO NOT start to think you have more money at this stage and begin to spend it - you have simply started the process of getting out of debt!
8. Keep following this strategy until your ALL your immediate credit card debts and short-term loans are paid off and your earnings are finally your own again (car loans and similar types of credit are often manageable by this stage for most people, so get to this stage and you are almost free of debt)!
9. Once this is achieved, start saving some cash for emergencies and, if possible;
10. Start to make some additional payments to your mortgage (as the interest rate on your property is likely to be much higher than the interest you could earn on your savings in total), or;
11. If you are already paying something extra off your mortgage balance each month, you should save some money in cash ISAs or alternative investments that you are comfortable with.

If you follow this suggested strategy PROPERLY, you can and will get out of debt like I did. It can be painful at times and it will be very tempting to start spending again (even on the forbidden credit card), but don't do it!

After you have cleared your first big debt, stick to the get out of debt plan detailed above and use that spare money to power down the debts you have elsewhere. This is using the bank's trick of compound interest against them now - you have turned the situation around and in your favour and from here you should be able to get out of debt!

By using the money you have spare to pay more debts, you are reducing the interest you owe overall with each additional payment and therefore SAVING yourself more cash than you could save up and gain interest on alone at today's relatively low interest rates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clare_G

A Debt-Free Life

Living a life that is free from debt is hard to achieve. It is different when you're at retirement age, so while you're still strong, you have to work hard and learn to manage your finances wisely. It is not enough that you have a decent job to become healthy. You also have to exercise regularly and eat the right kinds of foods. There are some things that you should know to attain freedom from debt.

The first thing that you have to do is to work out a budget. How much is the family's monthly income? Identify the fixed expenses that you have like utilities, insurance, education, etc. you have to make sure that your income is divided into the necessary expenses of the home. Don't forget to have an allotment for unexpected expenses. It is significant to have a goal so that you will know if you're on the right path. Goal setting can help you in improving your financial life.

Saving money is important especially if you're still young. You have to set aside an amount every payday. You can put it in your savings account or you can keep it somewhere that no one knows. When an unexpected situation arises and you need money, you will have something to use and cover the expenses.

A lot of people buy on impulse. If you want to avoid debt, it's better to avoid too much spending. You have to make a shopping list whenever you go to the store. You also have to eat first before going out so that you can stick to the list. Just in case you already have debts, there is nothing to worry. You have to repay them little by little. You can devise a plan to get rid of the bills one at a time. All household accounts must be filed. This will allow you if you're making improvements in your life.

Avoid buying on credit. This will only make your debt problems worse. You have to be thrifty. If you want to solve your financial problems, you will need a lot of support from your family. Make sure that you're patient and hard working. You won't be able to make if you're lazy. Money is hard to find these days. You have to work for every cent that you're earning. It is just right that you spend it on the most important expenses.

Take time in reading info sources on how to handle money. You can't change overnight. Gradual changes will help you in attaining your goals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Mccoin

What You Need to Know About an Online BLS Class

Basic Life Support is a course designed for healthcare providers as well as individuals interested in resuscitation skills. The knowledge acquired by the students will help them to properly respond during life-threatening situations. The 1-2 day program provides instructions concerning a variety of medical procedures such as Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, proper application of Automatic External Defibrillator, and how to relieve choking in infants, children, adults and the elderly. It is usually performed inside a facility, but these days an online BLS class is also available.

In a physical room setting, practice dummies are used in order to gain hands-on experience on resuscitation techniques. This includes rescue breathing, then adult to child CPR with AED with 1-2 rescuers. During the program, participants are also taught to how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, which is critical if a patient is choking, as well as basic bag-mask techniques.

Luckily, many cities have multiple sites that offer such arrangements. If you are interested in engaging in this activity in order to receive your certification, you need to check with the American Heart Association first in order to know the nearest training center you can visit. They are the ones that facilitate such medical course and they have the latest equipments and highly trained instructors.

For busy healthcare professionals who need more flexible training options, they can choose to take an online BLS class. Here, students are required to complete computer-based lessons through a series of self-paced modules. They also need to answer short multiple-choice questions that are based from real-life emergency cases, and feedbacks are given to them in accordance to their answers so as to proceed through 10 critical checkpoints. In the case of the sequences for reviving the heart and lung function, participants can access review sections and videos, and in some cases they are also required to meet with an instructor to complete the hands-on skills practice session.

Upon successful completion of the whole process, the participants will receive their course completion card. Accordingly, online BLS class is the most ideal option for medical professionals that are seeking for an alternative to first-time or renewal school-based training. It is also more convenient since they are not required to sit inside an educational facility. Rather, e-learning can be undertaken at the desired pace of the pupil.

If you're thinking of receiving your certification through this, it is in your best interest to choose a website that offers AHA approved courses. You must consider that at most times, hospitals across the US will not admit any healthcare worker's certification, unless it is accredited by the aforesaid organization. Hence, you need to carefully pick the website where you intend to receive your training.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bucky_Squire

Environmental Online Education - Avoid Needless Journeys By Teaching And Learning From Home

An Introduction.

One of the most discussed topics over the last 20 years has been the earth and its' environment. Many organisations and governments have attempted to educate people to change their thinking regarding ecological or "green issues". Whether it is recycling, lowering the "carbon footprint" or reducing CFCs there is seldom a day goes by where such subjects and issues aren't prevalent on the news, either in newspapers, online or on TV. In more recent times there has been a large focus on travelling and the harmful effects needless journeys can bring. Indeed, many companies or organisations have suggested "share a car schemes" or faster lanes on our highways or motorways in a bid to encourage people to car-share and travel less.

In the city of London, "congestion charges" have been introduced as a means to lower and control travelling by individuals. Whilst such endeavours are admiral, there is still an "onus" upon us as individuals to "make a difference", however small, where possible. Many ideas and solutions to lower needless travelling are already well documented. However, one area, which can make a big difference, but is often overlooked are the advantages Online Education can bring to the environment.

How can Online Education Help Teachers, Students & The Environment?

There are many Online Educational Services available, perhaps the most effective are those which encourage the use of webcams as the "virtual classroom". Such services allow both teachers and students to teach or learn online, regardless of where they may live. Unless a lesson actually requires physical touch between the student and teacher, online lessons should be as affective as actual face to face lessons.

There are two main benefits that Online Education can give to the students, teachers and the environment:

* As lessons take place from the home, teachers no longer need to leave the house in order to teach their students. They are able to save time, money and help the environment by avoiding needless journeys.
* Similarly, students no longer have to make unnecessary journeys to visit their teachers. All of this helps the harmful effects travelling can produce to the environment.

How can Students & Teachers Teach or Learn Online?

* Online Learning & Teaching is surprisingly easy. Essentially, both parties only need the following:
* A standard PC, Notebook or Laptop.
* Access to the internet.
* Use of the main free "IM Tools" (Instant Message Tools), Skype, MSN (Windows Live Messenger), OoVoo or Yahoo Messenger.
* A Webcam and Standard headphones, headset (or earphone/mic combination). Both of which are reasonably inexpensive to buy.
* An Online Educational Service allowing teachers and students to find easily find each other, as well as handle booking and financial transactions.

The Next Step...

Whilst we have discussed the advantages that Online Learning can give to Teacher, Student and the environment, there are other factors you should consider:

How Can I as a Teacher find students to teach online?

How do I avoid double-booking issues?

How can I manage the financial transactions regarding lesson bookings?

Thankfully our services solve all of these issues, which then leave both teacher and student free to teach and learn.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Bentley

Online MBA Helps You To Become a Successful Entrepreneur

Successful entrepreneurs recognize and develop a viable business opportunity, have confidence in the market potential for their new products and services, and are committed to "running the race." They keep success in sight even when others may have difficulty focusing. The incredible magnitude of potential entrepreneurial opportunities is a clear reflection of the commercial energy fostered by a market economy. We believe that the time you spent in Online MBA course of financial tools and techniques may be most important investments you make.

For example after working for a large corporation for nearly five years, you are considering launching a web - based business. Product development and testing require financing that exceeds your limited personal resources. How much external financing do you need to make a credible attempt with the new venture? How much of the venture's ownership will you have to surrender to attract this initial financing?While we want to avoid most generalizations about entrepreneurial traits or characteristics, there are three we consider important. First, successful entrepreneurs recognize and seize commercial opportunities, frequently before others even have inkling. All these topics are discussed during in online executive MBA as well as Online MS in IT.

If you feel the entrepreneurship bug biting, you are not alone. Remember, the annual number of new Indian business formations runs in the millions. Small and growing enterprises are critical to the Indian economy; small firms provide 60 to 80 percent of net new jobs. Firms with fewer than 500 employees represent over 99 percent of all employers and employ over half of the private workforce. They are responsible for about half of the private gross domestic product. During the past century, entrepreneurial firms' innovations included personal computers, heart pacemakers, optical scanners, soft contact lenses, and double-knit fabric. While Online MBA in finance draws its basic principles from both entrepreneurship and finance. The seven principles we emphasize are:

* Real, human, and financing capital must be rented from owners.
* Risk and expected reward go hand in hand
* While accounting is the language of business, cash is the currency.
* New venture's financing involves search, negotiation, and privacy
* A venture's financial objective is to increase value
* It is dangerous to assume that people act against their own self-interests
* Venture character and reputation can be assets or liabilities

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shefali_Garg

Do You Know What to Look for in Affordable Online Colleges?

With the current unemployment rate up around ten percent, this is no time to be looking for a job without a degree. Even for the most low-end jobs, you still need some education or training and if you don't have it, your only choice may be to head back to flipping burgers. If the only thing that is holding you back from getting your education is the price of college, then you should know that there affordable online colleges that are accredited and quick and easy to get through.

The first thing that you should look for if you are considering affordable online colleges for your education is an accreditation. Without a national accreditation, your degree might not be worth the paper that it is printed on. As tempting as it may be to get your four year degree by writing a single essay and paying a couple hundred bucks, no one will believe it is real and you won't really be accomplishing anything at all, so make sure you are dealing with a legitimate college.

Affordable online colleges usually offer some form of financial aid and will be able to help you get federal and state financial aid as well. Many people are able to make it through school without having to pay a dime until they graduate, which can really take a lot of the pressure off of you while you are trying to learn.

If you are currently working, have a family, or have other obligations, then you may want to look for affordable online colleges that offer a more flexible class schedule. When you go to a traditional college, school starts twice a year. Online colleges often allow you to take classes at your own pace, starting whenever you want, or they have class sessions that start every six weeks or so. This will not only help you graduate faster, but will allow you to get started sooner, too.

Affordable online colleges really are the ideal way to get your education, earn a diploma or certificate, and start making a life the way that you want it. You can get through school much quicker than you would if you went to a traditional school, you can learn at your own pace, never have to travel to campus, and finally get the education that you have always wanted so that you can finally get the job that you have always desired.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carla_J._Kaplan

Five Simple Steps to Success for Earning Your Online Bachelor's Degree in Education

Do you have an urgent desire to help others in their educational efforts? Do you derive enormous personal satisfaction from watching a pupil's potential develop before your very eyes? Maybe you have an insatiable appetite for academics and a perpetual thirst for knowledge. If you see yourself in any of the above roles, a career in education is the perfect stage for acting out your deepest desires.

A vast potential of undeveloped intellect and talent lies dormant within our youth. It is now easier than ever to can play a part in developing huge human resources. Play the student's part and study the following lines carefully. Class is hereby commenced to present the script for obtaining an online bachelor's degree in education.

#1 - Accreditation

As usual, it all starts at "A." In this case, it stands for accreditation. This is the first step to choosing an online degree program. In the field of Education, three levels of accreditation are customary: regional, national, and programmatic. This last accreditation category is specific to Education-related disciplines within institutions.

Peruse a school's online website or other literature to determine what level(s) of accreditation it has attained. The US Dept. of Education also features a searchable database at its official website to verify any school or program's accreditation. It is especially essential for Education majors to insure that the specific institutional program is duly accredited.

A mandatory pre-exam prerequisite for such licensure is prior graduation from an accredited teacher training program. The professional agencies that confer Education-specific program accreditation are the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education ("NCATE") and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council ("TEAC"). The US Dept. of Education officially recognizes both agencies.

Accreditation of schools and programs insures compliance with certain minimum standards of quality assurance. If you lack this essential credential, employers will not even look twice at you after graduation. Accreditation is the main means by which institutions, boards, and other prospective employers insure that job applicants have obtained sufficiently meaningful and relevant degrees.

#2 - Specify your Specialty

Determine the specific type of Education discipline you want. There are many varieties and specialties of online bachelor's degrees in education. Special Education, Library Science, Bilingual Education, and Adult Education are a few of the more common choices. Do a thorough self-assessment of your interests and aptitudes to determine the best major for you.

In conducting this analysis, be aware that different Education disciplines involve highly-varied work environments. The type of pupils you will work with and the particular instructional skills required vary greatly among educational disciplines.

Be sure that you possess sufficient patience and fortitude to function effectively in a specific learning setting.

#3 - Hands-on vs. All-Online

Education degrees commonly require internships and other hands-on requirements. Completing an online bachelor's degree in education often involves periodic workshop participation or other projects which mandate your physical presence. Before enrolling in any program, insure that your schedule and budget can accommodate these activities. Budget adequately for travel and lodging expenses in whatever location for the length of time required.

#4 - Money matters

Calculate the maximum financial commitment you can afford. Online educational degrees may cost as little as $3,000 or entail expenditures in excess of $50,000. Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to arrive at the level of expense that may be sustained relative to your likely post-graduation salary. Overall, teacher salaries are relatively modest; nonetheless, some disciplines are more lucrative than others. Earnings potential also varies among educators' employment environments.

Positions at private elementary schools or training academies involve higher starting salaries than those of public schools. Likewise, your geographical location plays a major role. In conducting your calculations, be advised that many specialized programs exist to entice educators to certain locales or disciplines. Incentives are offered by Uncle Sam or local governments for loan forgiveness, tax breaks, free or discount housing, and other such inducements.

#5 - Take a close look at licensing

Verify licensing requirements where you plan to practice your profession. Although pre-practice certification is a universal requirement, specifics vary among states. Identify your likely location prior to commencing your education in Education. Make online or telephone inquiries to insure that you, your institution, and particular program will meet all qualifications.

Follow the five simple steps above and be well on your way along the road to success in a teaching career. You are in for many miles of satisfaction and student smiles. Class is over for today.
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Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Nurse?

There are several qualities and requirements to be a nurse. If you have an interest in this in demand and constantly growing field you may be considering obtaining an online nursing degree. So what are some of the things to consider before you jump head first into nursing classes?

Prerequisites

The prerequisites for a nursing degree vary depending upon which classification you are going for as well as by school. However, typically you must have a high school diploma or GED. Any further studies in the fields of science, math and psychology will be a bonus when you begin choosing classes for your nursing degree.

To obtain an online nursing degree, before beginning it is also wise to take a look at your schedule, decide how and when you will do your class work, and of course you need access to a computer and internet service in order to be able to complete your classes to earn your degree.

An interest in the field of medicine, a strong stomach and a sense of compassion are also things that should be considered prerequisites for a nursing student.

Earning Your Degree

To earn a nursing degree on line you must have discipline in order to complete your work on time, to keep yourself on a strict schedule that allows plenty of study time and a dedication to completing the program. It is also important that you have made sure that the credits you earn online will transfer to the nursing program you will follow up with to complete your degree. Hand on experience is something that you can't get online so a participating medical facility in your area to perform some of your class work, follow up labs and other things is something that you will need to look into.

Your class work can usually be done on your own schedule which means you may earn the class credits faster online than you would in a traditional classroom setting, but there are more steps involved to actually earn your degree. Make sure before you begin a program that you are aware of exactly what degree you will be working toward and what further steps you will need to take.

Earning an online nursing degree may seem to be the best choice for you whether you are a single parent, a person who has to keep a full time job while working towards your degree, or even someone who has a busy schedule with work and children. The flexibility of the schedule and the time frame allotted with an online program will allow you to work at your own pace.

By doing research and learning everything you need to know about the nursing degree program you will be prepared and set up for success in your goal of achieving a nursing degree.


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Explore the Exciting Educational Arena of Online Bachelor's Degrees

Many prospective pupils are leery of learning at a distance. All manner of doubts, skepticism, and cynicism prevail. For multitudes of academic advancement aspirants, virtual studies is the only means by which their dreams may be realized. Remote geographical dwelling, multiples of myriad obligations, and severe restraints of budgetary constraints are a few examples.

Don't stand by in silent suffering and oblivion while the online educational parade passes you by. Take a momentary break from your usual busyness or boredom. Tune in with intense attention to the quick crash course about online education. Class has officially begun.

The many myths of online education

If you are reading this, chances are that you recognize the tremendous advantages of advanced academic achievement. Basic vocational certificates and licenses, or degrees at any level of learning you desire are all somewhere in cyberspace. Of all the ripe pickings possible within Elearning, an online bachelor's program is perhaps the most popular choice.

You may have heard about online degrees and courses but never made any serious effort to investigate them. Perhaps you always assumed that such offerings originated solely from "quick buck" operators. Nothing is further from the truth. The majority of online educational operations are quality, legit setups that can take you far down the road to success. Overall educational experience is essentially identical, however.

Internet surfers already intensely involved

The vast majority of brick-and-mortar colleges' coursework incorporates computerization. Although physical class attendance is required, computerized examinations and electronic assignment submission are now par for such courses. Wholly online formats are mere logical extensions of these extensive high-tech course components.

Specifications galore

Applying for admission to an online bachelor's program is much like completing an online credit card application. Personal data such as name, address, and other such identifying details are demanded. Additional data about your past academic accomplishments and writing sample submissions are the only variations on the basic themes, class.

Once your application is submitted, the admissions decision takes a bit longer than the 60 seconds typically for credit card issuers, however. Waiting times range from a few days to a few weeks. Upon final admissions approval, you are promptly notified via email.

Post-app academia

Upon initial application, you will be assigned an Admissions Advisor. This person will be your lifeline throughout the application and enrollment processes. After admission, your Advisor will promptly enroll you in selected courses within any applicable deadlines. Course content is stored and administered via this site that is accessible only to you, your instructor and classmates. Upon course commencement, you may view a virtual bulletin board upon which assignment deadlines and exam dates are conspicuously displayed.

The beauty of virtual studies is that academic progress is highly individualized. Study at whatever leisurely learning rate or fast and furious pace may suit you. Unlike rigidly-structured traditional courses, assignments deadlines are a range of dates - not an inflexible singular session.

This gives you much leeway for learning. Budget assignment completion over the upcoming week's lunch breaks, or during your toddler's next ten midday naps. Coursework in an online bachelor's program presents a delightful double-edged blade.

You see, it is highly concentrated to permit degree conferment in record time. Online bachelor's degrees may easily be finished in 18 to 24 months, as opposed to traditional timelines of four years. Yet, this concentration does not consume nearly the additional time commitment that conventional programs would require.

Stop and think about it, class. As you go through your typical daily routine, think about how many "time voids" exist. Ten minutes here, thirty minutes there, an hourly somewhere else. Online study allows use of these "holes" inherent in all ordinary itineraries.

Collectively, they add up to a considerable chunk of time. Being able to login from anywhere at anytime you desire, you complete courses in a matter of weeks that would consume months in conventional schools. Should your pocketbook impose a temporary impasse, no problem. Online degrees usually permit a decade or more for completion of all required courses. Contrast this with traditional schools' maximum five to seven-year maximum deadlines.

Turn those endless hours of daytime boredom on your remote Montana farm to your advantage. Instead of endless days of listening to dull soap operas drone on, hop onto your trusty laptop and get busy. Working professionals and tired blue-collar workers with a moment to spare at work, learning. Single moms, use those rare moments for a much more positive purpose than you ever dreamed possible. Your options truly are endless. Even the sky is no limit. Class is now over.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=SherRon_M.

Online Business Administration Schools - Enrollment Options

Obtaining an accredited higher education is a requirement for certain careers. Online business administration schools offer higher learning to those who would like to enter the filed. Enrollment options for online business administration schools are available to help students gain the skills that they will need to become professionals. Training options exist at multiple levels in order to provide the education that is needed. Students can begin training by choosing a career path to follow and learning more about what is required to pursue a career.

Accredited online enrollment options will vary depending on the career that is desired. Students can find a business administration program that offers specific training for the different careers. Options for occupations in this field can include insurance underwriter, auditor, human resources manager, administrative assistant, and more. The career that is being pursued will determine the training that will need to be completed as well as options for employment.

There are several opportunities to choose from when it comes to receiving an accredited online education in business administration.

* Students can prepare for a career by completing training at the associate, bachelor or master degree level.
* Higher learning at these levels will require that two, four or six years of training be completed.
* Once an online degree is obtained at either of these levels, students can seek employment in a number of exciting places.
* Online schools that offer accredited career training for those looking to enter the field of business administration will teach them to work with the administrative end of a business.
* This can include online courses in human resource management, underwriting, filing, and a number of other tasks.
* Employment options can include working for large corporations, small businesses, insurance agencies, and a variety of other places.

In order to prepare for employment in these places, students will need to learn more about training options and complete the required coursework.

Accredited online learning programs provide training opportunities for those who are looking to enter the professional workplace. Business administration courses can cover numerous topics to ensure that students obtain the proper skills. Students can learn administrative assisting, computers, accounting, strategy, payroll, and other topics. Studies can also include online training in financial management, marketing, business, budgeting, computer technology, and more. Completing the required online coursework will help students prepare for entrance into the workplace of their choice.

There are a number of fully accredited business administration schools and colleges that are capable of offering students the best quality career training available. Students should make sure they enroll in a program that is accredited by an agency like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business ( http://www.aacsb.edu/ ) in order to obtain quality training. By researching the various colleges and degree program options, students will gain a better understanding of what is required to pursue a professional career in the field. Start the road to the future and occupation you dream of by choosing an educational program and enrolling today.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

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The Future Of Learning Is Here And It's Online Where You Are

In case you hadn't noticed, the future is here. We are living it. There are electric cards on the road and solar-powered houses. If you want to, at anytime of the day or night, you can sign online and download an entire book to read on an electronic reader almost as light as a piece of paper.

Here's the thing about having access to the technology that we do: it has fully infiltrated every single aspect of our lives. You might not realize it, but even colleges have become part of the revolution. More and more, colleges are offering classes and even entire degree programs entirely online - which means you can earn your college degree without ever stepping foot on a college campus.

Many people may have a mental imagine of college that simply doesn't match up to today's reality. If you're picturing a stodgy professor lecturing in front of a dusty chalkboard, you're way out in left field. Today's college classes are being taught in chat rooms, not classrooms.

Online college is appealing to students for a number of reasons, almost too many to list. First and foremost is the fact that college is perfect for students who need to learn with a number of techniques. Online professors employ a wide variety of teaching tools, from video to textbooks to discussion boards. If you need variety to making learning a reality, online college is the place to look.

Many students are drawn to the online college format because it allows them to learn on their own time. You aren't forced to sit in a classroom during a specific block of one, two or even three hours. You can learn at your own pace, when it's convenient for you. If working in ten-minute chunks will help speed your learning process, that's perfect. If you'd rather get it all done in one fell swoop, that's just as easy to accomplish. It's about working to your preferences.

Distance learning is perfect for other reasons, too. It allows students who may not have access to a college campus the opportunity to learn despite their inability to get to school. When school can be in your living room - or bathroom, or kitchen, or wherever you feel like learning - you never have to be stopped by silly aspects like geography.

Another great thing about online college is how quickly it's catching on. It used to be such a newfangled idea that many colleges were reluctant to put the idea to use. Now, students are clamoring for the opportunity to take online classes and colleges simply can't keep up. More and more online colleges are either fully accredited or associated with fully accredited colleges and universities. Gone are the days where online degrees lacked the credibility of traditional colleges.
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Accredited Colleges Online Offer Higher Education To All Seekers

Many years ago, before the age of the Internet, those of us who wanted to go back to school had to take night classes that were located on a campus or were being offered at the local high school. If this was not an option, the only other possibility was to quit work and enroll in a traditional program from a college or university. Unfortunately, if we did not have a secret trust fund in order to be able to support ourselves and family, we were out of luck.

Especially with today's economy, the reality is that in order to have any form of job security you need some form of higher education. This makes the existence of the Internet so valuable in that if offers the opportunity to enroll into one of the many degree programs provided, allowing those of us with families to support to keep working during the day.

Online courses provide us with many positive aspects, such as being able to attend a course at anytime and from anywhere. We can be at home with our kids so we do not need to pay for childcare or leave our kids home alone while we attend class elsewhere.

Also, if a family emergency occurs, such as a sick child, it does not mean you will miss class. The stress of having to choose between your family responsibilities and attending a lecture is nonexistent. This was also a big issue in the past that many professors were judging students with families harshly when they had to miss class.

It is also possible to access course material such as lectures, discussions and explanations twenty-four hours a day. In the past, if you didn't take great notes during lectures and you had a question later after class there was no way to find the answer until the next class. There are also numerous resources online if you should need to gather information for an assignment that is due the next day and it is midnight!

When the first classes were offered through the Internet, many in the work force felt that the quality of education would not be equal to what was offered in a more traditional setting. It has since been proven that just the opposite is occurring. Many times the curriculum is more detailed and the quality is the same as that of programs on campus. Also, the schools that offer online course can maintain the same accreditation of campus-based institutions.

Besides not having to worry about a dress code, students who may be easily intimidated in class find that they are able to participate without difficulty and worry. Not to mention that anxiety can make you distracted and unable to retain information!

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With The Availability Of Doctoral Degree Online Programs, This Honor Awaits All Committed Students

Are you considering entering into an online PhD program? This is really the best of both worlds for busy professionals who also have families, as well as for those who are located in remote areas and do not have a college campus located down the street. Obtaining a "distance education" or "e-learning" PhD degree is not only recognized, but equally respected by the academic world.

Many PhDs can be obtained completely online and even though you do not have actual person to person exposure, you can interact with professors and students virtually. Similar to a traditional on-campus program, the online doctoral student is mentored by a faculty member, although it might be through emails. However, there are programs that require some on-campus attendance for orientation, testing and dissertation defense.

Also, depending upon that field of study, it might be necessary to complete an internship or residency. Many times these types of programs are called hybrid or blended programs instead of online programs. It is also possible for the online graduate and their families to attend a graduation ceremony on campus if they want to.

When researching which PhD program to enroll in, you should be aware that there are scams out there, including low-quality institutions that are only interested in your tuition check. These are many times referred to as "diploma mills". The best way to avoid falling for a bad program is to check and recheck whether or not the school has its accreditation and from whom they received it. In some states it is illegal to apply for a job with a degree from an unaccredited school!

This accreditation is very important when applying for financial aid to help with tuition costs. There are low interest student loans, grants, fellowships and scholarships available. Another possibility is to inquire whether or not your employer offers any type of tuition reimbursement program.

The amount of time required to complete your PhD program could also be less than if you were enrolled into a traditional on-campus program. Some online programs allow students to work at an accelerated pace, plus since you are attending classes at any time of day or night, it is possible to complete the course faster. There are some online programs whereby students can obtain their PhD in less than two years!

Another possibility when researching the amount of time need for completion is whether or not the student finishes their dissertation. Depending upon the area of study, the student may be able to finish their studies without the required dissertation which carries the title ABD (all but dissertation).

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