Car Donations in the United States
In case you may have an old car left at your house, and you're not sure exactly what you might do with it, consider donating the vehicle to charity. You may be convinced that the old car isn't really worth very much and it's only an old junker. To the contrary, your vehicle may still have a lot of uses. You may well help lots of people by just donating your vehicle, while likewise gaining something for you. Donating your vehicle is the greatest way for you to do away with it, considering all the good it will do. The charitable donation could mean a whole lot, without you even knowing it.
A great way to begin would be to do an online search for any charities. Looking for all of them on the internet is generally the quickest, most simple method to see them and find any information you will need. It will be possible to speak to a person who is able to describe the actual procedures and also the regulations related to tax deductions, and also respond to all of your concerns. It is necessary for you to learn ways to deduct your donation from your taxable income. You will be able to deduct from the income taxes more than several hundred dollars. The actual charity is going to tell you after they complete the sale of the donated vehicle as well as the selling total. You should use this amount to figure out your own deduction.
The particular make and model of a vehicle will mainly determine its market value. For instance, many late models vans and other vehicles having a higher mileage could be practical, but may need high-priced repairs before they may be approved for road use. Just by donating your car or truck, you could be providing yourself a tremendous tax benefit and also the ability to get back the space it is taking today. Many of these charities actually will use the cars for their own transportation to help them all operate their particular organization, while others merely sell them to help boost funds.
A few of these programs you might find are in fact not charities at all, but are actually salvage companies that are granted permission by the charity to use their own name. In exchange, the salvage company agrees to pay the charity a certain dollar amount on each vehicle donated. To be sure that the charity is genuine, learn what they plan to do with your car. Will they be employing a broker to take care of the sales transaction? Additionally, ask how much from the sale price the charity will keep for itself. By knowing exactly how much they will keep, you can find out how much goes toward the charitable cause you intend to help. Typically, a charity keeps much less of their selling price if they depend on a percentage rather than a set dollar amount. Definitely think about the benefits that are involved. You may benefit financially and also help those in need.
Automobile and Car Donation
Automobile and Car Donation
There are many individuals annoyed and frustrated about having to regularly maintain their old vehicle. It becomes a burden to them already as they incur monthly expenses for it instead of being able to save more. Car donation centers give them an option of giving out their cars or other vehicles like vans, trucks, airplanes, motorcycles, boats and trailers.
These cars, once donated, can be used by the center or charity chosen by the original owner especially in their field of operation. If not used, these cars are sold to the highest bidder. The profit incurred is used for charitable purposes.
California Car Donation Centers
Across The World Adoptions
Their mission is to unite children in need of parents and families to provide them a stable and nurturing home. They are committed to professional and personal service to families through supporting education and humanitarian work intended for children who still wait.
Aldea Children and Family Services
They are committed in healing adults and children struggling from neglect, abuse, developmental disabilities and emotional problems. They provide a variety of treatment settings. These treatments range from residential treatment to outpatient therapy.
San Francisco City Chorus
This non-profit singing group is composed of sixty talented adults, who love singing, learning and sharing their music through their performances. They sing folk and traditional music and some choral classics from the United States and some other countries. Their caroling during the holidays is San Francisco's treasured tradition. They can be heard singing in office buildings, shopping centers and hotel lobbies.
Young Life
It is a mission community composed of Christ-centered people. They are committed to giving the youth a sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They build a personal relationship with the youth through sharing life experiences, where in, the Gospel can be reflected.
Western Slope Boys and Girls Club
Their mission is enabling and inspiring young people to become productive, responsible and caring citizens. They assure that every youth can share in fulfilling their goals while experiencing new opportunities. Their staff is focused on building a sense of belongingness, usefulness, competence and a sense of influence among its members.
Voices of Musica Sacra
This chamber chorus has a mission of sharing their talents and services. They usually perform sacred choral music intended for the benefit of their local national as well as international communities. The chorus presents an annual Christmas and spring concert together with various church organizations and communities for their worship services.
Tri City Homeless Coalition
Their mission is to battle homelessness in the Southern Alameda country. They provide shelters and a stable and peaceful living environment for their clients. Aside from providing shelter, they also fight to counteract the causes of homelessness and help bring back homeless people to a positive community with interdependence.
United Cerebral Palsy of the Golden Gate
It is founded in 1951. Throughout the years, they have created a network of supports and information throughout the San Francisco Bay, serving thousands of people and families in diverse communities. The "United Cerebral Palsy of the Golden Gates" advocates the advancement and the inclusion of people having cerebral palsy as well as those with other disabilities to participate in the social, economic and political aspect of the community. Their goal is to make the bay area an ideal place to work and live in.
Car Donations in the United States
Charities that use donated vehicles for hauling goods and transportation obviously benefit directly from the deed. Nonetheless, there will be selling of donated vehicles in an en masse way either by dealers or the charity itself for the purpose of raising funds. Dealers often present charities with flat fee proposals per vehicle that can sometimes amount to as little as 45 US dollars per vehicle.
Below are tips for potential donors willing and selfless to donate their old or somewhat new vehicles for charity. Please take note that the 2004 legislation of the United States government limits the tax deductions of the donors for vehicle donations to the certain price which charities sold the vehicle.
Ensure that the charity is qualified to obtain tax deductible offerings. Ask for a duplicate of your files of the IRS determination letter in the organization which authenticates its tax exempt standing.
Make sure that the charity gives you a receipt of your vehicle donation.
Non-cash donations are considered as one of the usual triggers that the IRS audits. As a donor, you have to document the worth of the vehicle as well as keep accounts of it.
If the value of the vehicle is over 500 US dollars, the donor must answer and complete the IRS Form 8283 Section A portion. The donor has to attach the form to his or her tax return. It is obligatory that the donor files his or her tax return and a written acknowledgment from the charity. In return, it is obligatory for the charity to give a certification stating that the vehicle is sold at arms length between the unrelated parties to the donor.
The certification must indicate the sale price of the vehicle within not more than 30 days. If the rules are followed correctly, the tax deductions of the owner will be reduced and limited to the amount in which the charity sold the vehicle for. The charity must produce a receipt for the donor if the charity did not sell the vehicle.
Furthermore, there must be a mandatory certification given to the donor saying how the charity plans to improve or use the vehicle. Also, the charity must assure the donor that it will not transfer or sell the vehicle. There will be penalties for charities that give fake acknowledgments to its donors.
If the vehicle's value is more than 5,000 US dollars, there will be a necessary independent appraisal. The donor must answer and complete the IRS Form 8283 Section B. For vehicles less than 5,000 US dollars in value, use either the Hearst Black or Kelley Blue Books to verify the market value. Be sure to use the correct figures for the mileage, condition and date of the car. Choosing the highest figures for your vehicle year and model without considering other aspects may not qualify with IRS.
Below are tips for potential donors willing and selfless to donate their old or somewhat new vehicles for charity. Please take note that the 2004 legislation of the United States government limits the tax deductions of the donors for vehicle donations to the certain price which charities sold the vehicle.
Ensure that the charity is qualified to obtain tax deductible offerings. Ask for a duplicate of your files of the IRS determination letter in the organization which authenticates its tax exempt standing.
Make sure that the charity gives you a receipt of your vehicle donation.
Non-cash donations are considered as one of the usual triggers that the IRS audits. As a donor, you have to document the worth of the vehicle as well as keep accounts of it.
If the value of the vehicle is over 500 US dollars, the donor must answer and complete the IRS Form 8283 Section A portion. The donor has to attach the form to his or her tax return. It is obligatory that the donor files his or her tax return and a written acknowledgment from the charity. In return, it is obligatory for the charity to give a certification stating that the vehicle is sold at arms length between the unrelated parties to the donor.
The certification must indicate the sale price of the vehicle within not more than 30 days. If the rules are followed correctly, the tax deductions of the owner will be reduced and limited to the amount in which the charity sold the vehicle for. The charity must produce a receipt for the donor if the charity did not sell the vehicle.
Furthermore, there must be a mandatory certification given to the donor saying how the charity plans to improve or use the vehicle. Also, the charity must assure the donor that it will not transfer or sell the vehicle. There will be penalties for charities that give fake acknowledgments to its donors.
If the vehicle's value is more than 5,000 US dollars, there will be a necessary independent appraisal. The donor must answer and complete the IRS Form 8283 Section B. For vehicles less than 5,000 US dollars in value, use either the Hearst Black or Kelley Blue Books to verify the market value. Be sure to use the correct figures for the mileage, condition and date of the car. Choosing the highest figures for your vehicle year and model without considering other aspects may not qualify with IRS.
Donate Car For Gift Card
If you have ever thought about the millions of needy children in the United States who don't have adequate food, clothing, education, or health care, you may have wondered what on earth you can do about it. Almost one in fifty children currently face homelessness, and 42% of all homeless children are under the age of 8. These appalling statistics should make you want to find a way to help these children.
Of course, there are many ways to help those in need. You might talk to a local clergyman about the types of service the church provides to people in need. There are also civic or community organizations devoted to helping needy children. Most communities will have a Salvation Army soup kitchen where you can volunteer to serve food to those who would otherwise go without, or you can donate food or money to any of these organizations which greatly helps.
However, have you ever thought about donating an old vehicle? If you have ever had an old car sitting on your driveway, just waiting to be towed away, you know exactly the type of vehicle we are talking about here. We are talking about a used vehicle that has passed its prime and that may no longer run. It has probably been replaced by a newer model, but you didn't even try to trade in the old one because you thought it wasn't worth much, if anything. Now that you have the idea, you may wonder what good it would do to donate an old car like that.
Amazingly, charities that take vehicle donations also have people dedicated to repairing for resale or even for the use of the parents of a family to help that family get a job so that there is money to feed the children. Other times the vehicles are used for spare parts. Either way, charitable organizations that specialize in vehicle donations use the proceeds to fund their charitable work. They will provide you with free towing services from companies who donate their services to transport your vehicle away at no cost to you. You will also receive a tax deductible receipt based on the value assigned to your vehicle. Some companies also give you a gift card based on the value of the vehicle.
This is a total win-win situation. Your old vehicle is towed away for free and you get to deduct it on your taxes. The proceeds from the vehicle are used by the charitable organization to feed hungry children in America. The children don't go hungry and you can be happy that you have begun to make a difference.
Donate a Car to a Charity
Donating your old vehicle to a charity seems like a good idea. Or so it seems. You can dispose off the car without too many hassles and get a tax deduction on it, which, otherwise, you might not get if you try to sell the car by yourself. There is also the fact that second-hand car dealers do not enjoy a very good reputation.
The charitable organizations either use the vehicles for their own purposes or the vehicles are sold en- masse. Most often, the charity uses a dealer with a flat rate per car, which won't be much. There are a number of rules governing such a donation. So before you donate a car; check the rules governing these donations.
You have to check the veracity of charitable organization and its eligibility to accept tax deducted donations. Make sure you get a copy of the letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to the organization which states its tax exemption status. You will also have to ensure that you get an official receipt for your donation. One thing you will have to keep in mind, at all times, is that when you donate your car without any cash transactions, you will attract the attention of the IRS and an audit of your accounts will be called for.
It also pays to keep the record of the donation as a precaution. In addition, if the vehicle has been valued at more than $500, you will have to fill in an IRS form which will have to be attached to your tax returns. You will also have to attach a receipt, acknowledging the donation, from the organization. Should the car be sold by the organization, you must ask for a certificate that states the sale price and that it is an arm's length transaction, i.e. when the buyer and seller have no relationship to each other. The eligible tax deduction will be on the sale price.
If the organization does not intend to sell, then within 30 days, they must give you a receipt along with a certificate stating what it plans to do with the vehicle, as well as, a declaration that the vehicle will not be transferred or sold later. Charitable organizations are penalized if bogus acknowledgements are provided. You will need to get an appraisal by an independent authority, if the vehicle is valued over $ 5,000. For vehicles which are valued below $5,000, refer to the National Auto Dealers' Association guide to assess the right value. You need to take the condition of the car, the year of manufacture and its condition on the road to get the right valuation.
When you donate a car to a charitable organization, the onus is on you and not the organization, to assess the real value of the vehicle. If you have bought new tires or made any other improvements to the car, you will need receipts to prove the same. Take a good picture of the vehicle and remember that if the IRS challenges the vehicle's valuation, you will have to answer the questions.
Donating to Charity
In these challenging economic times, most people are scraping along, making ends meet. There are still some who seem to have plenty, and those of us who are just getting by may think it is up to the rich few to donate to charity. However, have you ever thought about what it would be like not to have enough? If everybody donated something small to charity, that would amount to some very large assistance. You may not realize that you can donate to charity and save lives.
Perhaps you are not sure where your donation goes or how much it really helps. You may be afraid of all the scams that you hear about and worry about donating just to find out you have been taken advantage of. Don't be afraid. There are hundreds of legitimate, reputable charitable organizations that do much good. A small amount of research - simply asking around - can help you determine whether the organization you are considering is actually helping people.
What kind of help do people in America actually need? Isn't this the land of opportunity? The answer to that question is that yes, it is the land of opportunity; however, there are still hundreds of thousands of people across the country who do not have enough to get by. With the tanking of the housing industry and bank loans, many people have lost their homes. The tightening of corporate belts has led to massive unemployment. Many people who lost their homes have also lost their employment. What do they do to put food on the table when their savings have been depleted? Where do they even get a table to put the food on? As you can see, you don't need to look very far to find out that there are many families in need.
Children are the innocent victims of the economic times as well. Many go hungry daily and do not have adequate clothing or educational opportunities. The lack of medical care is especially hard on children. When their parents can't afford insurance, they don't take their children for regular medical checkups and this can lead to serious illness or medical complications. Parents may despair and abandon children or even commit suicide, leaving the children to fend for themselves. Often, people turn to drugs or other addictive substances to drown their sorrows, destroying their lives in the process.
As you can see, donating to charitable organizations that help children and families can save lives, whether literally or figuratively. Every donation makes a difference, no matter how small or how large. Another benefit of donating is the great feeling one gets when he knows he has helped another person. Start a habit of donating and help families and children better their lives.
Alcohol and Drug Rehab Facility
With the availability of a great number of alcohol and drug rehab facilities, finding the right one can become challenging and confusing. The increasing number of alcohol and drug dependents is mainly the reason why various types of rehab facilities are now present in different parts of the globe. These institutions felt the need to reach out their help and support to those who badly need it. If you happen to know someone who extremely needs rehabilitation help, whether it is a friend, a relative, or a colleague, now is the time to find reputable rehabilitation centers.
However, it is of the essence that you choose a rehab center that will be able to meet the needs of the addict or the alcoholic. This is necessary to ensure that the patient will be given utmost care. To do this, you have to carefully evaluate your choices. Keep in mind, that each person has individualized needs; hence, the type of treatment that a particular addict requires is unique from the others. That being said, the patient's rehabilitation needs and medical requirements should be your main concern.
To find a credible rehab facility, you can contact your local or state health department to ask for referrals. You can also ask recommendations from your doctor, friends or anyone who has connections with a local rehab facility. Apart from that, you can do your own search by scouring information from the internet. By doing a thorough online research, you will be able to find a comprehensive list of rehab facilities sorted according to categories.
Make a list of your top ten choices and then get the contact number of each facility to inquire about their available treatments and programs. Ask for the costs of their services and stringently evaluate each one of them. Ask as many questions as possible so you will have an idea on what to expect on that particular facility. If budget is an issue, it would be best to locate state-funded or public alcohol and free drug rehabs facilities.
Carefully assess all the information that you have gathered, and then, make an informed decision by choosing the facility that you can fully finance and can satisfy the needs of the addict or the alcoholic.
Selecting Drug Rehab
It is vital that you gather as much drug rehab information as you can before making any decisions. Remember that a good rehabilitation program is the key towards full drug recovery. Therefore, you really have to stringently evaluate the available treatment options. There are over hundreds if not thousands of drug rehabilitation centers offering a variety of treatment programs, which normally include the following:
Individual/Group Therapy
Spiritual Guidance
Emotional Counseling
Medication and Behavioral Therapy
Relapse Prevention Program
Some drug rehab centers even combine these programs with alternative rehab therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, and meditation. But of course, the services and programs that they offer will greatly differ. In addition to that, the cost of the program will also vary from one facility to the other. That being said, it is essential that you take time to think things through. Remember that not all drug facilities are the same, hence, you really have to choose accordingly.
It would be very helpful if you ask yourself relevant questions that will allow you arrive with the best decision such as:
Are they offering a range of drug rehab programs or they focus in a particular rehab approach?
Do they employ holistic, alternative, or conventional treatments?
How long have they been operating and what are their accreditation?
Are the treatments multifaceted?
How much do their treatments cost?
Does their rehab program encourage family involvement?
Is the program within the coverage of your health insurance?
Do they offer continuing care program?
These are just some of the questions that will aid you to establish the quality and cost of care that a particular drug facility offers. Hence, you have to either call or make an appointment with the different treatment facilities that you have chosen in order to acquire all the needed drug rehab information that you want to know.
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Alcohol Rehab Center
Once the all important decision has been made, a commitment has to be made to getting help; once there is an acknowledgement that there is a problem and that problem needs help to be tackled, then one goes on to the next step; that is choosing an alcohol rehab center. That imperative has been identified, that the alcohol rehab detox intervention is actually required and then you come to the next hurdle; how to choose the right alcohol rehab center.
Choosing the right alcohol rehab center is an important step and choosing wisely and well can actually help sustain the decision for recovery and make the recovery itself more successful.
Inpatient or Outpatient: Be honest when asking the question about the severity of the problem. A more severe problem will require the more intense nature of alcohol rehab offered by an inpatient facility and based on the severity of the problem one needs to make the decision about in or outpatient alcohol rehab.
Price and Location: Both these are primary, practical considerations to consider when making a decision about alcohol rehab. The location has to be convenient and accessible, particularly if you are considering an outpatient facility. This is not such an important consideration if you are considering an inpatient facility which does not require a regular commute.
Also consider if the facility is good value for money by weighing the facilities offered against the price quoted. If it is an inpatient facility you are considering you must check out the level of comfort and actual facilities that the place offers. The level of comfort and indeed luxury are not exactly pertinent to the recovery process but one may have a better chance of concentrating on the process of recovery if one's physical comforts are looked after. If the facility does not 'feel right', it may just be that one may find it an uncomfortable place to be in for any length of time.
Kind of Care offered: What is the philosophy of care that a particular facility offers? Is the emphasis on a religious healing, on group therapy, counseling, what exactly is the accent on? Do you agree with the philosophy of care? What are your beliefs? Do they match with the care offered? Also find out what is the level of one on one care offered by the facility and balance this against the cost of the facility to see what is worthwhile by seeing how many personal sessions with a psychologist are included.
Post Rehab Program: Alcoholic rehab is not just about the program at the alcohol rehab center, it is also about the care that a person receives after the program is over; in other words the follow up. Ideally the rehab center you choose should have a recovery after care program which could prove to be the difference between a successful recovery and a relapse. So find out the kind of aftercare offer and the duration for which it is offered.
Alcohol Rehab Program
Alcoholism is a major problem in the world today. With so many people having financial issues and having to face all the problems there are in the world, many are reverting to drinking excessively. While many are quickly becoming addicted, few actually acknowledge that they have a problem with drinking. They will make excuses saying they are doing it for social situations or trying to relax after a hard day. They may honestly think they do not have a drinking problem or just refuse to admit to it. In this case one would benefit from trying an alcohol rehab program.
An alcohol rehab program is a special program that is designed to help people who have an addiction to alcohol. Many of these programs are specially designed to help people as they go through the withdrawals they may experience from quitting drinking. If you suddenly quit drinking you may experience problems with indigestion, headaches, feelings of being nervous or jittery, not being able to sleep and even in extreme situations, convulsions. Facing these problems alone is enough to drive anyone back to drinking if you do not have the proper type of support. When you are in a rehab program you will be surrounded by people, including professionals who can help you through these feelings and help reduce the symptoms.
Besides being able to assist you get through the physical withdrawals, an alcohol rehab program can also assist you in getting through the emotional withdrawals. When one quits drinking they often do not realize just what a huge part of their life they are changing. Most alcoholics are generally around others who drink and go out. When you quit you may feel as though you have to remove yourself from those people and that part of your life. You may feel depressed, anxious and tired all the time. With the professionals that are available at an alcohol rehab program you can get the emotional support you need to get through that hard time. You may also be introduced to the 12 step program to help you when you are finally ready to leave your alcohol rehab program.
You will also get a huge amount of privacy by attending an alcohol rehab program. When you are trying to quit drinking, you will want to take some time to yourself to really take a look at your life. You will need to recognize your problem and make a game plan on how you want to go about living your life without the crutch of alcohol. The professionals at an alcohol rehab program can help you with this. Studies have shown that with the help of a good alcohol rehab program you will have a great success at becoming sober and more importantly staying sober. Now is the time to get your life back!
Alcohol Abuse Rehab
There are literally countless well known, even well loved celebrities, who are very much in the public eye, who have undergone an alcohol rehab program. While some have managed to kick the habit successfully with their alcohol addiction rehab, others have gone on to relapse, some more than once and have been on a rollercoaster ride, staying on and falling off the wagon.
Whether the celebrities were able to put the alcohol abuse rehab program to the best use and stay sober or whether they relapsed, their very public struggle with alcohol abuse has given hope, guidance and courage to many others to face their problems and fight to save their lives.
The list of celebs with abuse problems, who have seen the inside of an alcohol addiction rehab center is very long; names such as these are only a small sample of the individuals that have graced these lists from time to time: actors like Robin Williams, Robert Downey Jr., Ben Affleck, Samuel L Jackson, Patrick Swayze, Dennis Quaid, Winona Ryder, Demi Moore, Elizabeth Taylor, Colin Farrel, Kiefer Sutherland, Melanie Griffith, Drew Barrymore, Kate Moss, Mel Gibson, Matthew Perry, Charlie Sheen and others have been in rehab at least once for some or other form of substance abuse. Musicians and / or singers like Michael Jackson, Eminem, Boy George, Jonny Cash, Kurt Cobain, Whitney Houston, James Brown, Eddie Van Halen, Liza Minneli, Ozzy Osborne, David Bowie have all also battled substance addiction and have, at some point been in a drug alcohol rehab program to kick their addiction. Even famous athletes such as Mike Tyson has been in rehab and even people such as Dick Cheney, who has held high office for this country.
There is much that others can learn from the celebrities who have either deliberately or inadvertently shared their struggles with the rest of the populace. For one these very public battles with substance abuse can help individuals recognize that they have in fact got a problem. Knowing for instance that Eddie Van Halen's substance dependence was making it impossible for him to proceed with long tours and performances can help people recognize how addiction can affect a person's livelihood and life. Robert Downey Jr.'s many addiction, several arrests and badly derailed career in spite of being a tremendously talented actor is a salutary lesson about how an addiction can take over a person's life and destroy it.
It can help someone who is in denial and help them identify and admit to the problem which is the first step in the journey to correction. What others can take heart from is that celebs, who have a lot of public and other pressure on them often undergo a heroic struggle with their demons and their addictions and emerge victorious; these are success stories, the like of which can give great encouragement and support to others.
Lastly, celebrity alcohol addiction rehab have help people over the shame that they may feel in admitting to their problems. If a much admired celebrity can admit to a frailty of the magnitude of this addiction, then surely it can give many others the courage to do the same.
Business Credit Cards
Are you a small business owner? If you have established a good credit rating for yourself, you should consider getting a business credit card. There are many business credit card programs that you can check out. Business credit card offers include low APR, zero introductory interest rates, balance transfer options and rewards in the form of airline miles and cash backs. And if your small business sends you traveling frequently, you can get travel discounts on cars, hotels, travel insurance, and even restaurants when you use a business credit card.
Lower Interest, Higher Credit Limit
If you have credit history that is better than normal, you may be able to avail of a business credit card that has lower interest rate and higher credit limit as compared to other cards. As a business owner, you tend to spend more and maintain higher credit card balance than the average credit card user. This is the reason many credit card companies are willing to offer you better rates and benefits.
Handy for Small and Large Buys
A business credit card is handy when it comes to small and large expenses. You can use a business credit card for items like office furniture or stationary supplies. With a business credit card, you won't need to maintain a small cash account anymore. Since a business credit card has a higher credit limit than a standard credit card, you can use it for unforeseen expenditures and pay it off as soon as you have the cash.
Useful Come Tax Time
Having a business credit card becomes incredibly useful when tax filing comes around. This is because almost all companies that provide business credit cards also offer free quarterly or annual reports categorizing all your expenses. Come tax time, this convenience allows you to keep a tab on your cash flow and separate your business expenditures from personal expenditures.
Superior Customer Service
The customer service available for business credit card holders is far more superior to any other service. Companies provide many 800 customer service numbers for business credit card holders to make sure that they maintain business owners as customers.
Issuing Business Credit Cards to Your Employees
If you have employees, you can issue business credit cards for them too. You or your authorized representative can specify additional credit card holders. Each of them will be given different account numbers but all are hooked up to the main business credit card account.
With this kind of setup, you can easily track and manage the expenditures of your employees. You also would be able to find out if anyone is misusing company funds or abusing his or her credit card.
To cancel any account, a simple phone call to customer service would suffice. Canceling an account will not affect the primary business account. However, as the primary account holder, you remain responsible for charges made on other accounts. One way you can deal with this potential problem is to issue pre-paid cards to your employees. You can load the cards with a specific amount, automatically setting the card's upper spending limit.
Lower Interest, Higher Credit Limit
If you have credit history that is better than normal, you may be able to avail of a business credit card that has lower interest rate and higher credit limit as compared to other cards. As a business owner, you tend to spend more and maintain higher credit card balance than the average credit card user. This is the reason many credit card companies are willing to offer you better rates and benefits.
Handy for Small and Large Buys
A business credit card is handy when it comes to small and large expenses. You can use a business credit card for items like office furniture or stationary supplies. With a business credit card, you won't need to maintain a small cash account anymore. Since a business credit card has a higher credit limit than a standard credit card, you can use it for unforeseen expenditures and pay it off as soon as you have the cash.
Useful Come Tax Time
Having a business credit card becomes incredibly useful when tax filing comes around. This is because almost all companies that provide business credit cards also offer free quarterly or annual reports categorizing all your expenses. Come tax time, this convenience allows you to keep a tab on your cash flow and separate your business expenditures from personal expenditures.
Superior Customer Service
The customer service available for business credit card holders is far more superior to any other service. Companies provide many 800 customer service numbers for business credit card holders to make sure that they maintain business owners as customers.
Issuing Business Credit Cards to Your Employees
If you have employees, you can issue business credit cards for them too. You or your authorized representative can specify additional credit card holders. Each of them will be given different account numbers but all are hooked up to the main business credit card account.
With this kind of setup, you can easily track and manage the expenditures of your employees. You also would be able to find out if anyone is misusing company funds or abusing his or her credit card.
To cancel any account, a simple phone call to customer service would suffice. Canceling an account will not affect the primary business account. However, as the primary account holder, you remain responsible for charges made on other accounts. One way you can deal with this potential problem is to issue pre-paid cards to your employees. You can load the cards with a specific amount, automatically setting the card's upper spending limit.
American Express Credit Card
In the financial world, American Express or AMEX is one of the most widely renowned names. If you have a credit card in your wallet, chances are you own a credit card that has a VISA or MasterCard seal in it.
MasterCard and VISA rely on partnerships from different banks in the world and do not issue a credit card of their own. What these companies do is they are simply selling their payment methods.
MasterCard and VISA charge their partners a fee for using the payment systems in order to make money. Both these companies do not issue credit cards. It is important to remember that VISA and MasterCard are only payment systems used by thousands of banks worldwide.
In American Express, they have both the payment methods and issue their own credit cards.
This means American Express runs everything and is independent from credit card companies like VISA and MasterCard. They don't need to rely on the payment systems of VISA and MasterCard because they already have their own payment systems for their credit cards.
VISA and MasterCard is by far, a more accepted payment method for a lot of people. This is because these two companies operate in around 20 million locations worldwide. However, American Express is more difficult to use because they still don't have the payment systems that these other two companies have.
But, American Express is now upgrading their payment systems and considering opening up payment methods in other countries.
However, American Express has its advantages. American Express is widely popular in North America and Europe where this credit card can offer great credit card deals. Then can offer very attractive rates, great rewards, and also great customer service.
American Express is unique in its own way. Because of the great offers and great rates, American Express credit cards are well on its way to become one of the most popular credit cards used by people. American Express offers the "blue" card where it is gaining popularity for a lot of consumers in North American and in Europe.
They offer four different blue cards where it is different from each other. Here are the different blue cards that American Express offers their clients:
o American Express Sky Blue
The Sky Blue card that American Express offer is one of the best travel rewards card you can ever have. They offer great traveling benefits to their clients. It offers no black out dates and also no travel restrictions unlike other travel cards you would find in the market. This will mean that a Sky Blue card holder will be allowed to travel wherever they want and whenever they want. Not only that, the Sky Blue card offers 0% introductory APR and no annual fee.
Additional benefits of the Sky Blue card include airline tickets discounts, car rentals, hotel stays, and you can even have an insurance coverage for the rental card and travel accident.
o American Express Blue Cash
Blue Cash is also one of the best credit cards that American Express offers. The benefits get as much as 5% cash back from anything they purchase with a Blue Cash card unlike the 1% or 2% cash back cards from other credit card companies.
o American Express Blue Card
The Blue Card is the original card offered by American Express. Although it doesn't have much of the features that the Blue Cash and Sky Blue cards offer, the original Blue Card is still a great choice. The Blue Card offers 0% APR up to 15 months. Other benefits are 4.99% APR on balance transfers and it also has great rewards program that can match other rewards program offered by other credit cards. Also, there is no annual fee with the Blue Card.
MasterCard and VISA rely on partnerships from different banks in the world and do not issue a credit card of their own. What these companies do is they are simply selling their payment methods.
MasterCard and VISA charge their partners a fee for using the payment systems in order to make money. Both these companies do not issue credit cards. It is important to remember that VISA and MasterCard are only payment systems used by thousands of banks worldwide.
In American Express, they have both the payment methods and issue their own credit cards.
This means American Express runs everything and is independent from credit card companies like VISA and MasterCard. They don't need to rely on the payment systems of VISA and MasterCard because they already have their own payment systems for their credit cards.
VISA and MasterCard is by far, a more accepted payment method for a lot of people. This is because these two companies operate in around 20 million locations worldwide. However, American Express is more difficult to use because they still don't have the payment systems that these other two companies have.
But, American Express is now upgrading their payment systems and considering opening up payment methods in other countries.
However, American Express has its advantages. American Express is widely popular in North America and Europe where this credit card can offer great credit card deals. Then can offer very attractive rates, great rewards, and also great customer service.
American Express is unique in its own way. Because of the great offers and great rates, American Express credit cards are well on its way to become one of the most popular credit cards used by people. American Express offers the "blue" card where it is gaining popularity for a lot of consumers in North American and in Europe.
They offer four different blue cards where it is different from each other. Here are the different blue cards that American Express offers their clients:
o American Express Sky Blue
The Sky Blue card that American Express offer is one of the best travel rewards card you can ever have. They offer great traveling benefits to their clients. It offers no black out dates and also no travel restrictions unlike other travel cards you would find in the market. This will mean that a Sky Blue card holder will be allowed to travel wherever they want and whenever they want. Not only that, the Sky Blue card offers 0% introductory APR and no annual fee.
Additional benefits of the Sky Blue card include airline tickets discounts, car rentals, hotel stays, and you can even have an insurance coverage for the rental card and travel accident.
o American Express Blue Cash
Blue Cash is also one of the best credit cards that American Express offers. The benefits get as much as 5% cash back from anything they purchase with a Blue Cash card unlike the 1% or 2% cash back cards from other credit card companies.
o American Express Blue Card
The Blue Card is the original card offered by American Express. Although it doesn't have much of the features that the Blue Cash and Sky Blue cards offer, the original Blue Card is still a great choice. The Blue Card offers 0% APR up to 15 months. Other benefits are 4.99% APR on balance transfers and it also has great rewards program that can match other rewards program offered by other credit cards. Also, there is no annual fee with the Blue Card.
Secured Credit Cards
Choosing the best secured credit card for your situation is no simple task. There are literally hundreds of issuers offing secured credit cards. Before selecting a secured credit card you will need to remain mindful of the reason you are applying. Be sure to select the secured card that will best match your financial situation such as your income and your ability to repay.
A secure credit card works nearly the same way as an unsecured credit card. You are responsible for your line of credit and you make monthly payments on any balance you have acquired. Just like unsecured credit cards, your secured card may carry application fees, interest rates, finance charges, and annual fees in addition to any late fees and penalties you may incur. Your secured credit card will require you to deposit security funds into an account to be used as collateral for use of your card.
In most cases, secured credit cards carry higher interest rates and annual fees than unsecured credit cards. There are finance charges based upon a percentage of your current balance. As with unsecured credit cards, you'll want to choose a secured credit card with low interest rates, and low fees.
Most reputable secured credit card issuers will pay you interest on any security funds you have deposited. The interest rate you will earn on your security funds can range from 1 to 4 percent. You will want to consider the interest rate the issuer pays based on the amount of money you deposit. For example, if you deposit $100.00, the amount of interest the issuer pays may not be of great concern. If you deposit $1000.00 the interest rate the issuer pays may require careful consideration. Keep this in mind when making your choice.
One of the most important aspects to consider may be credit agency reporting. Does the secure credit card issuer you have selected report to a credit agency? You must remember the main reason for having a secured credit card is to establish or re-establish credit. Please select a secure credit card issuer that reports to the credit agencies. You want your account information to show up on your credit report as paid or paying as agreed each month. It is also important to select an issuer that does not report your account as secured.
When selecting a secured credit card it is important to be mindful of secured credit card scams. There are many unscrupulous individuals and companies that will take advantage of you and your financial situation. Some of the signs to watch for are 900 numbers and misleading information. Avoid the offers that read, "Bad Credit, No Credit, No Problem... Just call 900-555-5555." Chances are you will be charged unnecessary phone charges and could end up paying hundreds of dollars for useless information. You can also avoid being scammed by reading carefully. There are some companies that purposely leave out information about deposit amounts, application fees, and other processing fees so be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully when selecting a secured credit card.
Balance Transfer Credit Cards
There's been a lot of press lately about the demise of balance transfer credit cards. The reports of their death, to use an old quote, have been greatly exaggerated. Balance transfer credit cards have changed considerably, but they're far from gone and not likely to be going anywhere anytime soon. If you've been considering cutting your interest payments by transferring the balances on your high interest credit cards to one with a special balance transfer deal, here's what's going on in the world of balance transfer credit cards.
For years, credit card companies were able to build their business by enticing new customers from the ranks of those who'd never held plastic before. But with the numbers of credit cards in circulation rising and the average Brit carrying four different cards in his or her wallet, they've had to get competitive with each other. Thus was born the marketing tactic of offering 0% interest for any balance transferred from a competitor's credit card to a new card.
Those 0% balance transfer deals were greeted enthusiastically by the public - a bit more enthusiastically than the issuers of those cards expected. They missed a vital point in their calculations - customers who switch cards for a better rate of interest have already given up brand loyalty in the interest of getting the best deal. When the 0% interest ran out, they simply moved their remaining balances to another card. To counter that, the big credit card companies started modifying their offers with restrictions designed to keep people from jumping from card to card following the best rate.
Some of those restrictions are openly stated and easy to see - reductions in time on the introductory rate, for example. Others are hidden in the conditions and terms of your credit card agreement. Those 'traps' make it all the more important to carefully compare balance transfer credit cards before you move your carried balance from one card to another. It's still worth your while to check on the newest balance transfer offers a couple of times a year, say the money experts, but be sure to compare the offers before you jump from one card to the next.
Moneyeverything.com makes it easy to find all the newest and best balance transfer credit cards and compare them with each other. When you check into the offers you'll find on moneyeverything.com, read the terms and conditions of each balance transfer credit card for the following things:
- What is the APR on your transferred balance and how long does it last?
There are very few 0% balance transfer card deals left, but there are a few. The 0% APR on transferred balances may last for three months, six months, nine months, or in some cases for the life of the balance transfer amount. More often, the APR on your transferred balance will be a low 1-2% for the life of the balance, as long as you conform to certain restrictions.
- What is the APR on new purchases?
Many of the new balance transfer offers require that you use your credit card to make a certain number of purchases per month. This is because the lowest interest rate only applies to your transferred balance. Any new purchases will be subject to a higher interest rate more in line with typical APRs on other credit cards. In addition, any payments that you make will be applied to your transferred balance until it's paid off. That means that your new purchases will sit on your card accruing interest at a higher rate until your entire transferred balance is paid down.
For years, credit card companies were able to build their business by enticing new customers from the ranks of those who'd never held plastic before. But with the numbers of credit cards in circulation rising and the average Brit carrying four different cards in his or her wallet, they've had to get competitive with each other. Thus was born the marketing tactic of offering 0% interest for any balance transferred from a competitor's credit card to a new card.
Those 0% balance transfer deals were greeted enthusiastically by the public - a bit more enthusiastically than the issuers of those cards expected. They missed a vital point in their calculations - customers who switch cards for a better rate of interest have already given up brand loyalty in the interest of getting the best deal. When the 0% interest ran out, they simply moved their remaining balances to another card. To counter that, the big credit card companies started modifying their offers with restrictions designed to keep people from jumping from card to card following the best rate.
Some of those restrictions are openly stated and easy to see - reductions in time on the introductory rate, for example. Others are hidden in the conditions and terms of your credit card agreement. Those 'traps' make it all the more important to carefully compare balance transfer credit cards before you move your carried balance from one card to another. It's still worth your while to check on the newest balance transfer offers a couple of times a year, say the money experts, but be sure to compare the offers before you jump from one card to the next.
Moneyeverything.com makes it easy to find all the newest and best balance transfer credit cards and compare them with each other. When you check into the offers you'll find on moneyeverything.com, read the terms and conditions of each balance transfer credit card for the following things:
- What is the APR on your transferred balance and how long does it last?
There are very few 0% balance transfer card deals left, but there are a few. The 0% APR on transferred balances may last for three months, six months, nine months, or in some cases for the life of the balance transfer amount. More often, the APR on your transferred balance will be a low 1-2% for the life of the balance, as long as you conform to certain restrictions.
- What is the APR on new purchases?
Many of the new balance transfer offers require that you use your credit card to make a certain number of purchases per month. This is because the lowest interest rate only applies to your transferred balance. Any new purchases will be subject to a higher interest rate more in line with typical APRs on other credit cards. In addition, any payments that you make will be applied to your transferred balance until it's paid off. That means that your new purchases will sit on your card accruing interest at a higher rate until your entire transferred balance is paid down.
Reasons Credit Cards Expire
Aside from the long string of numbers that serves to identify your account, a short series of numbers makes up the expiration date of your credit card. Many people are unaware of the expiration date of their credit card but the credit card approval network knows exactly when credit cards expire.
There are several reasons that credit cards have expiration dates and some of those reasons are mentioned below:
*Credit cards expire because the magnetic strip attached on the back of each credit card will eventually wear out. Once your credit card's magnetic strip wears out, credit card terminals and ATMs will not be able to read your card and process your transactions.
*Credit cards have expiration dates so credit card companies can get in touch with their customers in a timely manner. This time can be used by the company to inquire about any issues or complaints that the customer has. If your credit card were about to expire, you would receive a reminder from your credit card company with an option to renew with them.
*Credit cards expire for the security of cardholders. An expiration date allows the credit card companies to make sure that you are who say you are and that there have been no fraudulent activities associated with your credit card. With identity theft on the rise, this is not a bad thing. There have been instances when credit cards have been opened in someone's name without him or her knowing and charges made on the card. If your credit card expires, your credit card company will get in touch with you and alert you about current fraud trends.
*Credit card companies may also use the time before the expiration dates of credit cards to remind clients of their existence. This is especially for people who don't make use of their cards very often.
If your credit card is about to expire, renewing it isn't hard at all. You would most likely get a new one in the mail about a month prior to your current credit card's expiration date. If you are a frequent traveler, make sure you check your credit card's expiration date. It might expire while you are away. If your credit card expires while you are traveling, you won't be able to use it in your transactions or emergencies. So before you go off anywhere, call your credit card company and request they send you a new card before you leave.
As soon as you get your new credit card, read the literature that comes with it. You don't want to miss any new features such as new and improved terms of use. However, if you discover that there have been changes to your terms and they are not good, get into touch with your credit card company right away. Refrain from using your new credit card until your request for changing the term is approved. If the credit card company denies your request, you can simply cancel the card. You'll easily find a credit card company with better terms.
Credit Card Balance Transfers
Balance transfers have grown in popularity and importance ever since lenders have started using zero per cent interest rates on balance transfers to lure consumers from other companies to their own.
Introductory Offers
These 0% balance transfer offers give the customer a very low, or zero per cent interest rate on any sum transferred from another credit card, over to them. If you are considering a balance transfer then there are two figures you should be aware of. The first is the APR on the balance transfer, or the balance transfer rate. This will tell you the interest that will be charged on the sum transferred and will generally be very low, or free.
Rate Tarts
In fact these introductory balance transfer offers are what caused the introduction a generation of 'rate tarts'. Basically a rate tart is someone who will search for a 0% balance transfer deal over and over again to save money on interest repayments. They will keep transferring balances and keep the cash they have saved in high interest bearing accounts. In a strange sort of way they actually use the banks' money to earn money from them, just what the banks have been doing to customers for years, earning money from their customers' savings. However, the banks do not like the rate tarts at all and have declared war. The first step, and a very powerful one was the introduction of the balance transfer charge.
Balance Transfer Charge
The other figure you should pay attention to is the balance transfer charge. While you may be charged nothing on the balance once it is on the new card, you may be charged a fee to get it there. This is usually pretty low, about two to three per cent, but you should be aware of it, and only pay it if you have to, and if you genuinely are going to make use of the low balance transfer rate.
Length of Introductory Offer
Another figure that will be of interest when shopping for a good balance transfer deal will be the length of time that the balance transfer rate lasts. It may be six or nine months, and most cards are generally about this period, but make sure you check, as if one card offers you twelve months at one per cent, and another six months at zero per cent, the twelve month card may be more suitable, depending on your circumstances, than the six month card, even though this card has a slightly lower rate.
Get The Best Balance Transfer Deal Available
If you are looking for a good balance transfer deal, then the most important thing to do, is make sure that you shop around and give yourself every opportunity to find the best deal that is available to you. Today, using the Internet, it is easier than ever to search among a huge range of credit card providers and find out exactly what each one is offering.
Only be doing a little home work and shopping around will you be giving yourself the best chance to find the card offers you the best deals. And with offers varying buy such large amounts from lender to lender, and given the amount that people pay on credit card payments, it is vital that you give yourself every opportunity to find the best deals available.
Introductory Offers
These 0% balance transfer offers give the customer a very low, or zero per cent interest rate on any sum transferred from another credit card, over to them. If you are considering a balance transfer then there are two figures you should be aware of. The first is the APR on the balance transfer, or the balance transfer rate. This will tell you the interest that will be charged on the sum transferred and will generally be very low, or free.
Rate Tarts
In fact these introductory balance transfer offers are what caused the introduction a generation of 'rate tarts'. Basically a rate tart is someone who will search for a 0% balance transfer deal over and over again to save money on interest repayments. They will keep transferring balances and keep the cash they have saved in high interest bearing accounts. In a strange sort of way they actually use the banks' money to earn money from them, just what the banks have been doing to customers for years, earning money from their customers' savings. However, the banks do not like the rate tarts at all and have declared war. The first step, and a very powerful one was the introduction of the balance transfer charge.
Balance Transfer Charge
The other figure you should pay attention to is the balance transfer charge. While you may be charged nothing on the balance once it is on the new card, you may be charged a fee to get it there. This is usually pretty low, about two to three per cent, but you should be aware of it, and only pay it if you have to, and if you genuinely are going to make use of the low balance transfer rate.
Length of Introductory Offer
Another figure that will be of interest when shopping for a good balance transfer deal will be the length of time that the balance transfer rate lasts. It may be six or nine months, and most cards are generally about this period, but make sure you check, as if one card offers you twelve months at one per cent, and another six months at zero per cent, the twelve month card may be more suitable, depending on your circumstances, than the six month card, even though this card has a slightly lower rate.
Get The Best Balance Transfer Deal Available
If you are looking for a good balance transfer deal, then the most important thing to do, is make sure that you shop around and give yourself every opportunity to find the best deal that is available to you. Today, using the Internet, it is easier than ever to search among a huge range of credit card providers and find out exactly what each one is offering.
Only be doing a little home work and shopping around will you be giving yourself the best chance to find the card offers you the best deals. And with offers varying buy such large amounts from lender to lender, and given the amount that people pay on credit card payments, it is vital that you give yourself every opportunity to find the best deals available.
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