Archive for February, 2008

Investment Time Horizons

Friday, February 22nd, 2008

Investment time horizons refer to how soon investors expect to earn from their investments. They can simply be divided into three: short-term, medium-term, and long-term investments.

Short-term investments refer to those based on needs you might need very soon, such as in a year’s time. This may include saving for a child’s tuition fees the following year. Savings accounts or time deposit arrangements may cover such needs.

Medium-term investments are for needs you anticipate within three to six years, such as buying or building a house. For such needs, investing in good bonds and stocks is advisable.

Long-term investments are for needs anticipated in ten years or more, such as retirement funds or nest eggs for your children. Look for an institution that you know will stick around for a long time – and that gives high interest rates – and invest there.

Using Bookkeeping To Manage Family Finance

Tuesday, February 19th, 2008

Using bookkeeping to manage family finances is a good way to keep track of all outgoings and keep out of debt. Generally records are kept of all transactions, money in, money out, total income, purchases, bills and other items.

Families can use a basic ledger, computer spreadsheet or just a notebook to record all expenses, including money within bank accounts. The benefit to using bookkeeping for families is that special purchases, holidays or events can be planned for, savings built up or debts slowly reduced without. In fact, teaching these skills to children will help them avoid debt in adulthood.

Mergers and Acquisitions Defined

Friday, February 15th, 2008

Mergers and acquisitions or M & A are two different tools used regarding corporate finances, strategies and managerial decisions that enable a company to run the business and make it grow without the need to add an additional business structure. A merger expands company operations by increasing profitability over the long-term. Acquisition involve the purchase of usually other companies, including hostile or friendly versions. Mergers involve the friendly board consensus of a targeted company that assist the buyer in properly assessing details prior to a purchase. However, an acquisition can be done through a hostile takeover, by passing the agreement of that company board altogether and making a purchase with that company’s shareholders’ consent.

How Debt Settlement Companies Work

Tuesday, February 12th, 2008

Debt Settlement companies are for people nearing bankruptcy. They can lower the overall amount that needs to be paid to settle the debt, but you will also incur additional charges, including maintenance, settlement and start up. These are added to you total balance.

Monthly payments are made until enough funds allow for a debt to be settled. Negotiations provide a settlement percentage and the debt is paid. This is repeated for each debt until all debts are cleared. Also expect complementary consultations and money management instruction from a credit counselor. Ultimately a good firm wants you out of debt forever.