Keys To Debt Management

2006-05-17T15:01:00.000-07:00

Debt can be a valuable and useful component of an individual's finances, if used efficiently and in moderation. For many individuals debt is a necessity in their every day lives and, unfortunately, often inappropriately handled. But there are certain "keys" an individual should consider that might open the door to proper and efficient use of debt within their financial lives.

* Liquidity Is Key. Keeping the proper amount of liquid assets is vital to managing the current level of your debt. Debt has traditionally hurt very few individuals; it is the lack of liquidity and cash flow to manage the debt that has hurt individuals financially. * Keep Debt Service Predictable. Try to avoid repayment schedules that require the debt to be repaid all at once at a future point in time, such as balloons. If adjustable-rate financing is used try to negotiate interest-rate caps on your debt balance. * Do Not Accelerate Debt Payments. Not until you have sufficient liquid savings and pay off non-deductible interest debts first. And then only pay down your debt if you are fully funding your retirement plans, such as 401(k) and IRAs. * Try To Have Interest Deductible. Slash those non-deductible credit card balances as much as possible. While you hear this often, it can't be emphasized enough. Consider using second mortgages, business loans, etc., to keep interest on debt deductible. * Hold Debt Service Payments At Less Than 25% to 33% of Gross Income. As a general guideline, if you are exceeding this range your progressing outside the safe limits of debt management. Try to renegotiate terms of your debt to get fixed payments to the 25% to 33% level and do not acquire additional debt. * Use Credit Cards Only As A Convenience. Do not use credit cards to finance long-term purchases or items you cannot currently afford. Save for those items or use alternative forms of debt that are more efficient, such as deductible debt. * Protect Your Credit. Personal credit is extremely important - don't abuse it. Get into the habit of making payments on time. Establish a good credit history early, as soon as you start your career or right out of school. Use credit cards in moderation to establish a good track record of prudent debt management. If you are, or going to be, in trouble, be proactive and talk to your bank or credit card company as soon as possible to work out a repayment schedule. * Pay Cash For Purchases. Don't finance or use credit cards unless it is absolutely necessary. Set a goal of paying cash for purchases and do not acquire them until you have saved enough, assuming no emergencies pop up. This is commonly referred to as "delayed gratification" and it is a financially sound concept to follow. * Review Debts Annually. Make sure your debts are as efficient as possible, this means making sure the interest rates you are paying are low and competitive given changing market conditions. Also, check out the option of refinancing if it will save you money.
About the Author

"Can somebody please help me watch, manage, invest or oversee my 401k" is the question Mr. Morris hears most often that causes him the most concern. Fearing the American worker is being left in the dark, Mr. Morris, a fee based Investment Advisor Representative, based in Central Ohio, with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., helps 401k participants get the most out of their retire

Chinese Medicine Schools

2006-05-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

Chinese Medicine Schools teach an ancient form of medicine that is more than 2,000 years old. Traditional Chinese medicine attempts to regulate the body's internal balance and harmony, or "chi" (life force), through energy channels.

Chinese Medicine Schools instruct students in the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicine, cupping, therapeutic exercise, and nutrition. Other areas of instruction include moxibustion (whereby heat is applied to certain locations points on the human body to prevent or cure disease), as well as Qi Gong and Tai Qi Chuan. Chinese Medicine Schools also educate future practitioners about the elements of a nutritious diet including vitamins, minerals, herbs and other supplements.

Chinese medicine is based on the Yin and Yang principle, the five elements (Earth, Fire, Metal, Water and Wood), and Zang Fu. Chinese medicine practices can be used as an alternative or complementary treatments to modern Western medicine.

Chinese Medicine Schools teach therapies for allergies, arthritis, weight loss, quitting smoking, stress, TMJ, PMS and other menstrual problems, back pain, musculoskeletal problems, fatigue, digestive problems, and urinary problems, among others. Find the Chinese Medicine schools that suit you by searching the many options found at www.schoolsgalore.com.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com

About the Author

K. Monteith is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Chinese Medicine Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools.

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Keys To Debt Management

Chinese Medicine Schools