Sunday, May 31, 2009

Shopping For Health Insurance Can Be Made Easy By Using Internet

Individual plan of insurance of health is for sure becoming more and more famous. The main reason behind this is that in the present date there are present a very large number of people need addition coverage. If a person is having an employer who will for sure provide policy of health insurance, it might be limited because of existing conditions or of a plan of group. Getting a policy of individual health insurance allows a person to simply custom fit the health insurance policy to his/her needs and also lifestyle.



If a person do not even have a plan of insurance of health then the cost of each and every medical procedure can for sure dissolve all the amount of savings that he/she might have accrued. Since the employers are never requires to provide the people with plan of health insurance, a very large number of people when interviewing bargain for holidays or even for extra vacations with the employers must ask instead for the plan of health insurance.



With the passage of time, the price of the health insurance plans has for sure risen and also the rates of medical procedures have risen. There are a very large number of people who would surely complain that it prices very much to obtain health insurance, but obviously they have not even got their bill. One can easily search for the best individual health insurance plan by just shopping for the health insurance quotes that are available at very cheap rates on a very large number of various different websites on the net. Each and every state has various different health insurance plans and if a person purchases from a national company then he/she is covered if he/she has to seek treatment even out of the state.



Shopping for the health insurance plans can be really very much difficult as all the health insurance companies, providers and also agencies seem to say the general things. We all very well know that shopping for plan of health insurance is truly a very much personal matter, so one can shop on the net and look how many health insurance companies, providers and also agencies are there. All the experts and also all the professionals recommend that one must search for the best health insurance provider, agency or company in his/her state only. The health insurance provider, agency or company must also have a very good reputation.



by Franchis Adam

Show off Your Shiny Teeth with Dental Insurance

There is a great variety of health insurance plans in the market. Dental insurance plan is a must for all people. A survey on various dental insurance plans shows us that modern people have become more open to dental insurance.



When there are so many health insurance plans in the market why one should take another dental insurance? Yes, it is very true that there are numerous insurance plans in the market but dental insurance have got its own advantages. The first and foremost reason for why people should take dental insurance because it takes care of any kind dental disease. Most of the time people have to keep on visiting to dentists and in doing so they have to waste lots of money. Here dental insurance saves the huge cost of dental treatment.



How can people choose the most helpful dental insurance plan? Price comparison sites are covering information on each and every insurance service. Folks those who are interested in taking it should make use of such sites so that they can compare dental insurance at ease.



All dental insurance plans in the market do not offer similar facilities. So to get the perfect plan one should do a research study on the available dental plans. However, a normal business person cannot afford sufficient time to do an extensive study. In this scenario, it becomes necessary to compare dental insurance with price comparison sites which are into insurance services.



Dental insurance plans can be broadly classified into individual and family insurance plans. Individual dental insurance plan is designed for a single person whereas family insurance plan is meant for the whole family members. Family insurance plans are much beneficial as these let the treatment of all the members in the family at completely free of cost. Whatever kind of insurance plans one take he should make sure that he/she pays premium regularly. Thus, compare dental insurance plan with price comparison sites.



by Mike Simonds

Reducing Mortgage Payments-Mortgage Rates Are Near 54 Year Lows

Whether you have good credit, bad credit or no credit; if you are not satisfied with your current mortgage arrangements whether fixed, adjustable or just too costly for you, NOW is the time to consider your options for change as mortgage rates are near 54 year lows!



While there is an unfortunate economic downslide for us all, the flexibility that is accruing in the mortgage industry can be of great benefit to you. The key is to know that rates are near 54 year lows, take action, be informed and know what your options for change are. The second is to choose lenders who are competent and informed.



While there are many things to consider before having your mortgage reduced or refinancing, some of the basic questions you should ask yourself are:



Why do I want to re-finance?



What are the benefits of me refinancing?



How can I figure if refinancing is an option for me?



How long am I planning to keep this property?



What is my property worth?



Can I apply to lower the rate and skip the appraisal part?



Do I have a competent & Informed Lender?



Do I have more than one opinion to choose from?



How will this affect my credit rating?



What costs are associated with refinancing?



Having solid answers to these questions can give you a sound sense of confidence and security when making a decision to get your mortgage reduced or refinance. Remember the door of opportunity is currently open for you to take advantage of Reduction in mortgage payments, the flexibility is there. As stated in the aforementioned, mortgage rates are near 54 year lows! You can pre qualify yourself by clicking here to see what your available options are before you decide to take further action.



by Lorelle Simpson

Credit Repair Guide - Home Loans with Bad Credit

You have just seen the house of your dreams but you have had credit problems. The ability to find home loans with bad credit can be difficult but not impossible.



Previous to 1990 if you did not qualify for a FHA or VA home mortgage it was very difficult to get a mortgage. This since has changed and there are companies providing home loans with bad credit on a daily basis. These loans were introduced to help high risk borrowers to secure a mortgage and become homeowners.



When you are looking for home loans with bad credit you will probably want to look into what is called a subprime loan. This is a loan to persons with a damaged credit history and would be considered a high risk borrower. Because of the higher risk, subprime loans normally require a larger down payment and a higher interest rate. The higher the risk the lender feels you are, based on credit scores and other factors the higher the rate to borrow will be. If the risk seems lower you could receive a lower rate and lower down payment even if you are still considered a high risk borrower.



Most subprime loans have .1% up to .6% higher rates than those of a conventional loan. This may not seem like a lot but when thinking in terms of a $100,000.00 dollar home the difference is in thousands of dollars. So even if you are considered a candidate for a subprime loan it is important to shop for the best rate available.



Home loans with bad credit are made because lenders know that often a person with less than perfect credit did want to make their payments but because of illness, loss of employment or some other event out of the borrowers control may contribute to late payments or foreclosures.



If you were searching for home loans with bad credit you will want to keep in mind a couple of important tips. You will want to plan on keeping this loan, for about two to five yearsYou will want to be using this time to help increase your credit worthiness by cleaning up old debts and obligations. You will want to be sure to make your new mortgage payments on time. After this process you can try and qualify for one of the more common and lower rated loan.



If you already own a home, and had some financial difficulties a subprime loan may help you to regain your credit status. By refinancing with home loans for bad credit you can refinance for more than you owe. Take the cash back on the equity you have and use this to pay off high interest credit cards, liens, or collections. You would save money each month and be rebuilding your credit rating at the same time.



As you can see finding home loans with bad credit is a bit costly but it is not impossible and the final outcome is with good money management you increase your credit rating and own the home of your dreams.



by Nancy Vun

Five Advantages Of A 125 Home Improvement Loan

A 125 home improvement loan allows the homeowner to borrow up to 125% of the value of their home for home renovations. It is considered a high-risk loan because the home is used as collateral and if the borrower goes into default the lender will enter foreclosure. With that being said, it can also be beneficial to homeowners who have large home improvement projects. As long as the borrower makes their payments on time, a 125 home improvement loan has several advantages:



It gives you the financing that you need to make dramatic improvements to your home which in turn will significantly increase the overall value of it. If you choose the right renovations, you may be able to increase the value enough to where it will exceed what you owe on your mortgage as well as the loan used to renovate the home.



125 home improvement loans are high-risk and many people will tell you to steer clear of them due to the fact that they tend to carry a higher interest rate. If, however, you do not have the equity in your home for a traditional home equity loan, and you need to make repairs, they might be the only alternative. The interest rate will be high but not as high as it would be with unsecured or personal loan.



Due to the restrictions and limitations of a 125 home improvement loan, you will be more likely to complete your projects in a timely manner. Knowing that you have someone holding you accountable will keep you motivated. So, if you are a procrastinator by nature, this might just be the perfect loan for you.



They are flexible in that they can be used for just about any type of home improvement project. Just make sure that the improvements you make are value adding such as finishing your basement, adding a new bathroom, or renovating your kitchen. You could also replace the windows, put in new flooring, or replace the siding. Check with your local real estate agency to determine which projects add the most value to your home.

You will have piece of mind knowing that your home is safe as well as the satisfaction of having a home that is customized to fit your tastes.



A 125 home improvement loan can be the answer to your home improvement needs. Make sure you choose a reputable lender when you are searching for your loan, and find the lowest interest rate possible. It is also important to read all of the terms before agreeing. If you do your homework, you can get a great deal on your home improvement loan.



by Tina Porter

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Basic Plan of Insurance of Health

A basic plan of health insurance for sure gives each and every insurer the health insurance against expenses of medical procedures that are outcome of an accident or even of a sickness or an illness. This is really a novice term that mainly refers to a very large number of various different hospitals, medical and also surgical benefits. The broad category of coverage of medical expenses gives a very wide range of profits and also benefits for surgical care and also medical hospital.



Plans of health insurance might be even tailored in such a method that they all might be bounded to provide coverage for just one or at most two kinds of expenses like hospital or surgical expenses or miscellaneous medical costs. These kinds of health insurance plans are simply called basic plans. Other health insurance plans might also cover each and every expense resulting from accident or sickness using few exceptions that are specific.



The plans of health insurance include fee for service where medical attendants and also doctors get payment for their respective services that is provided by them not exceeding their amount of bill. The policies called the prepaid policies give the medical and hospital benefits in the form of a service and not in form of money. A very large number of various different things need to be kept in mind always while choosing a plan of health insurance like: specified coverage v/s comprehensive care: - This simply means whether the plan feature only some specific profits and benefits or does it feature comprehensive coverage? One has the right to choose the health insurance company that he/she thinks is the best for him/her.



Someone must not be compelled to select from a confined list of health insurance companies, providers and agencies. National v/s regional operation: -Does the health insurance plan operate limited to a region or nationwide. Insured v/s subscriber: -Are the participants considered insured or the subscribers? We will for sure look at the limited cover for surgical, hospital and medical expenses. The extensive definition of policy of basic health insurance in each and every region includes surgical, hospital and also medical expenses. The main aim of this kind of health insurance plan is to prove a very wide range of cover of all the hospital, medical and surgical expenses and also all the various different categories of expenses related to medical procedures.



by Franchis Adam

Understanding Permanent Life Insurance

Permanent Life insurance is in essence a broad term for life insurance policies that do not expire. And unlike term life insurance, permanent life plans also combine the death benefits with a savings portion. This savings portion involves the building up of a cash value that the policy owner can borrow funds against, or even in some cases, can be withdrawn if funds are suddenly needed. Permanent life insurance is coverage for your entire life. There is no need to renew this type of policy and as long as you pay your premiums and keep the policy in force, your policy stays in effect for your whole life. The amount for which you are insured will then be paid to your beneficiaries at the time of your death - even if you live past 100.



Permanent insurance operates differently from term life insurance. The premiums are always larger - often five to 10 times the size. The reason that premiums on a permanent policy are more than the actual cost of the policy is that a portion of that premium goes into a savings component known as the policy's "cash value." This is why permanent insurance is also referred to as "cash value" insurance. At the beginning, the cash value is very low because much of the early premiums go towards sales charges and agent's commissions. But as time passes, the cash value accumulates and the insurer can pay the policyholder depending on the dividends or interest agreed upon. Permanent life insurance is therefore more like an investment than an insurance policy.



Until your policy is redeemed, this savings will continue to increase and earn money. At the point of redemption, depending on the type of policy you have taken, the cash value is either surrendered to the insurance company or included your death benefits. But the savings portion of your permanent life insurance policy is more than just a way to increase your death benefits. The main advantage is that you have access to this money at any time during your life allowing you to cover any expenses that you otherwise might not have been able to afford.



You can use the cash value component of your policy by requesting a low interest rate loan from your insurance company and use the cash-value account as a guarantee or by surrendering the cash value portion (completely or partially). Surrendering your policy in essence means that you are terminating it. A Full Surrender implies that the death benefits and any cash value accrued will be paid to you and the contract between you and the insurance company is over. A Partial Surrender means that only a portion of the death benefit and cash value will be paid to you. The remainder will be adjusted against your existing policy. Keep in mind that not all insurance companies allow you to partially surrender your policy, and if they do, it may be only under extreme circumstances.



Another perk of permanent life insurance policies is that they enjoy favorable tax treatment. You pay no taxes on any earnings in the policy as long as the policy remains active. Money can also be withdrawn from the policy without being subject to taxes as such loans are not considered taxable income.



How the cash value portion of your policy is handles is in fact the basis for the major differences in between the types of permanent life insurance available. Each type offers varying levels of freedom and flexibility in reference to premium payments and control of your investments. These include:



Whole life insurance



Whole life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that remains in effect throughout one's life. Generally, the premiums for this type of policy remain level throughout the life of the insured. This type of insurance plan also develops cash values that can be accessed by the policy holder through surrenders or policy loans. Cash values in whole life insurance policies typically include two components. There is a guaranteed cash value, which grows on a pre-determined schedule and which equals the death benefit upon maturity of the policy. There is also a non-guaranteed cash value element that is made up of dividends, which add to the value of the life insurance policy over time.



Universal life insurance



With universal life insurance, all three elements of the policy are differentiated. There is the protection element or the death benefits, the expense element, and the cash value component. Separating these elements offers the policy greater flexibility and allows the holder (within certain guidelines) the ability to modify the face amount or the premium in response to changing needs and circumstances.



Variable Life Insurance



A variable life policy offer the most flexibility and control. The policyholder can decide how the cash-value portion is invested. But be warned, this type of policy should only be taken by people who have the experience and understanding of the markets and the ability to closely monitor and manage their policy portfolios. The rewards may be greater but the risks are high as well. Variable life insurance is also one of the more expensive plans available today.



by Denise

Do you know what affects your mortgage rates?

When it comes to securing a mortgage loan almost everyone has a word of advice, and with so much being said it's easy to lose sight of what's most important, finding a mortgage rate this is right for you. Potential homebuyers are frequently advised to seek competitive mortgage rates, but are often not made fully aware of just how to go about doing so. Before homebuyers can get the best mortgage rates available, they must first be aware of what affects them.



What you can't control



There are many factors outside of your own control that affect the mortgage rates that are offered by lenders. Here are just a few of them:



� Inflation � Economic forecasts and news � Foreclosures � Defaults on loans � Early repayments of loans

These factors are the reasons that rates can fluctuate at any given time, and are also the reason why anyone interested in taking out a mortgage loan of any type should vigilantly watch interest rates before making a final selection.



What you can control



Once mortgage rates have been determined, the ball is then in your court. Having strong personal finances is the best way you can qualify for a prime mortgage rate. Any broker would highly suggest that you have:



� Good credit � Low to no debt � A sizeable down payment � A large cash reserve � Steady income

It's important to remember that mortgage loans are exactly what they say, loans. If you want to get the best mortgage rates available then you have to prove yourself creditworthy and that means demonstrating an ability to repay the loan on time throughout the life of the loan.



What you can do to get the best mortgage rate



Compare prices-Buying a home is big decision and the financial impact will last for years. Therefore, you should be seriously dedicated to finding a rate that is competitive. Using the internet is the easiest way to compare multiple rates.



Save up-The costs associated with purchasing a home are extensive. Down payments, closing costs, fees, commissions, and taxes can all add up to equal much more than many people plan for. Begin saving money well in advance of your anticipated purchase date.



Be patient- Because mortgage rates do in fact fluctuate, being patient can assist you in getting the best rates. Although you can't time the mortgage market, you can closely monitor the trends of the market and pay attention to economic news. Seeking advice from a broker is also strongly advised since they are paid to do all of these things and are skilled at it.



by Marcus Brady

Ask the Expert: When do I Refinance My Home?

Home refinancing is a wonderful financial tool for homeowners to use for debt management to investments. If the home refinance is used correctly, wisely, and at the right time, the benefits from the refinance can improve the financial picture of the homeowner. There is no cookie cutter approach to refinancing. Each individual or family has their own unique set of circumstances. Here are some common questions homeowners often ask when they are considering refinancing.



What is the most critical question to ask myself when refinancing a home?



Is refinancing going to put you in a better position financially? Will refinancing reduce your monthly expenses, meet a critical family requirement, or improve your investment portfolio? If the answer is yes, it is probably a good time to refinance.



What is a cost benefit analysis?



This is a detailed account of the actual cost of refinancing and helps provide the best financial decision. Cost-benefit analysis analyzes the cost effectiveness of different alternatives in order to see whether the benefits outweigh the costs When you look at the actual costs of refinancing, determine how long it will take to recoup costs. Is it worth it? A qualified mortgage professional should review your alternatives and help you determine if the benefits outweigh the near and long term costs. The rule of thumb regarding the cost vs. benefit of refinancing is that you need a 1- 2% "spread" between your existing interest rate and today's current rates. Refinancing, No Cash-Out option can reduce your monthly mortgage payment or reduce the remaining term of your loan and thus probably save tens of thousands of dollars in interest over the long-run. Cash-Out withdraws cash (reduces equity) for home improvement, educational tuition, debt consolidation or for such purchases as a investment property or second home, auto, or other major purchase.



How often should I refinance?



Some people refinance frequently but a rule of thumb should be that you have held the property for one year. Refinancing allows the homeowner to use the home to conduct transactions that allow opportunities and possibly enhance the homeowner's asset pool or reduce the financial short-term burden of the homeowner. How the homeowner approaches the refinance is critical to long-term financial net worth. If the homeowner is utilizing the home as a second checking account to payoff consumer debt, financial stability for future years is reduced through ineffective money management by reducing the homeowner's equity. The ability for the consumer to build equity is in essence a long term subtle retirement plan for the homeowner.



What are some questions I can ask the mortgage company or the bank handling my refinancing?



The scope of financial knowledge a mortgage consultant or loan officer possesses matters in this transaction. This person should have a thorough knowledge of money and how it works. Begin by asking about their professional credentials. The best mortgage professionals will have formal business education, professional experience in the financial industry, and the institutional knowledge to place you in the right product. At Breakwater Mortgage in Virginia Beach, we select our mortgage consultants, loan officers, and loan originators based on strengths in these areas. Often lenders, banks, and other mortgage companies do not conduct a detailed review of potential employees that will handle your most important asset. Ask your mortgage professional why they are recommending a certain loan product to you. You should also feel free to ask personal questions such as: Do you own a home? What type of mortgage do you have? What is your credit score? The answers will reveal information about their money management. If you do not feel comfortable with your mortgage professional, research a qualified individual who will help you based on your needs. It's worth it to take the time to find the right mortgage professional.



Does location of the home matter when considering refinancing?



Yes, it matters a great deal. Some real estate markets have reached their peak. Do not refinance at the top of the market. Research and see how quickly homes are selling in your area. Contact your local professionals regarding home values in your market. They will be able to give you their opinion, home comps, assessments of home value trends in your area. I recommend you leave 10-15% equity in your home when you refinance. A reputable mortgage broker or lender will recommend that you keep some equity in your home so you can sell your property if situations dictate.



Does the type of mortgage I have affect my refinancing decision?



Absolutely. Talk to a qualified mortgage professional first, before you make your decision. That person will help you compare your current mortgage rate/product to current market rates, available mortgage terms, and types of mortgages available based on your discussions. I look at mortgage products based on an indebt analysis of the clients needs. With that in mind, some general rules apply. If rates are falling, I would advise a homeowner to stay in their current loan until a 2% spread between their current loan and future refinance loan. If a client has a loan product that adjusts downward during a period of decreasing rates, I recommend they stay with that product until a projected rate increase period that will increase over a protracted period.



When rates start to increase, and are projected to continue to increase, I would advise a homeowner with a loan product that adjusts, when rates adjust, to move towards a fixed mortgage product (7, 10, 15 or 20 year mortgage depending upon an individual's situation). If the homeowner is geographically displaced due to employment, say five years or less, a long-term fixed mortgage is not the optimal product. If the homeowner plans to stay in a specific geographical area and in that same home for a long period of time, I'd recommend a long-term fixed rate product and possibly a home owner's line of credit (HELOC) to supplement the homeowner's financial decisions. With long-term mortgages a homeowner can still opt to pay more on the principal, reducing the term of the loan and interest costs.



What are economic indicators that bode well for refinancing?



A knowledgeable mortgage professional should understand economic indicators, and will be able to give you an accurate assessment on whether to refinance or not. Are interest rates rising or falling? With refinancing, timing is everything. If rates are falling and they are lower than your mortgage rate (a general rule is 1 - 2 % lower then your current fixed rate), it could be a good time to refinance. If not, it might be a better idea to sit tight and forgo refinancing for now.



by Jay Popejoy

What is a Home Equity Refinance?

When it comes time to do a home equity refinance there are several terms that you should be familiar with. Many people do not understand how a home equity loan works or even what home equity is. There are two basic types of loans you can get when it comes to home equity; an equity loan or a home equity line of credit.



So what is home equity? Quite simply it is the difference between what you still owe on your home and its appraised value, or what your home is worth. Here's a simple example. If your home is appraised at $150,000 and you still owe $50,000 on your mortgage the equity in your home is $100,000.



When you take out a home equity loan, or refinance your current home equity loan, you are borrowing against that equity you have built up in your home. This type of loan will give you a one time lump sum in the form of a check that you can do whatever you choose with. You will have to pay it with a monthly payment over a set amount of months, much like a mortgage.



A home equity line of credit works a little differently. You still are able to borrow a specific amount of money based on the equity in your home, but the money is not paid out in a lump sum. You can tap into your line of credit as needed, much like we do with a credit card. The nice thing about a home equity line of credit is you only have to make payments on the money you have borrowed. If you have a $10,000 line of credit and your use $3,000 to do some home remodeling you will only make payments on the $3,000. It is important to remember that just like any other loan you will be paying interest on any money you use out of your credit line.



When you are looking to do a home equity refinance loan you must realize that you are using your home as the collateral in order to get the loan. You are guaranteeing your ability to repay the loan against the value of you home. If for any reason you cannot make your payments the lender has every legal right to foreclose on your home so they can sell it to cover the value of the loan.



One of the best reasons to do a refinance your current home equity loan is to get a lower interest rate. If your original loan had a high interest rate you can save quite a bit of money if you are able to obtain a lower rate.

If you are thinking of doing a home equity refinance then do some research and get at least four quotes from reputable lenders to see which package may work best for you.



by Andrew Bicknell

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

An Affordable Dallas Group Dental Insurance Plan Improves Employee Health and Productivity

A Dallas dental insurance plan can help support the company in some ways. Dental insurance is an important part of the overall employee benefits that the company uses to attract and retain the best staff in the area.



But there are crucial medical reasons beyond the health and well being of employees' teeth and gums. Heavy health conditions can frequently be first detected during a routine dental exam. With today's arching medical care costs, forward-thinking companies are smart to focus on preventative care and early detection and treatment of sicknesses. This not only helps the employer to lower employee health care costs, and lower medical insurance premiums, but it helps lower absenteeism due to illness.



A routine dental checkup can regularly be the 1st detection of extremely major sicknesses like diabetes, which is linked to gum disease and cavities. And osteoporosis is often an early caution indication of loose teeth. Catching and treating these illnesses in the early stages can significantly reduce the damage they can have on a worker's life, and scale back the medical cost claims to the company's group health insurance plan.



The group dental plan helps to make oral care cheap and routine for employees. Healthy teeth and gums really leads to healthy employees. Teeth and gum disease can make workers much more likely to have significant health issues. As an example, studies have shown shown that ladies who have peridontal disease have a far higher chance of having early and low birth weight babies.



The direct medical expenses to to companies for staff who have early babies is about 15 times higher than for workers who have full-term deliveries. And continuing health problems and medical expenses are considerably higher for early children, as is absenteeism for the folks of early infants.



There is also a medically proven relationship between gum and tooth disease and health and circulatory disease and stroke. New research has demonstrated that inflammation of the gums can make contributions to clot formation in the arteries.



The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that over 3 quarters of adults over age 35 have peridontal illness. A good Dallas staff member benefits agency or dental care Dallas tx insurance agency can help your company select a cheap group dental insurance plan that will improve the oral health and the final wellness of staff and their families.



There are many varieties of group dental insurance plans that a company can select from. These include DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization ) plans, Dental PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans, and Dental Indemnity plans. These plans vary seriously in the variety of choice of dentists the worker can visit, as well as in the premium cost and the dental benefits contained within the plan.



If the Corporation has implemented a patron driven health plan,eg a health savings account or a health repayment agreement, workers could also be in a position to pay for broke medical expenses on a pre-tax basis. This can help in making good oral health even less expensive for a Texas company's staff and their families.



A well informed Dallas group health insurance broker can help give the company with a survey of available Texas group dental insurance quotes, and help the company identify the overall best plan for their workers and budget.

by Issac Johnston

Why Family Health Insurance Plans are important?

Health is our most valuable asset and health of our family members is even more precious. Expenses on health care have seen a steady increase in recent years as we and our families are looking for a lifestyle change. Consequently, health insurance and family health plans have gained immense importance. Now, we are not only choosing health insurance for ourselves, but also for our family members. In India, many of us prefer to purchase a family health insurance to avoid financial risk and ensure medical care for the future.

The family health insurance plans are important because:

They provide wider cover than any other health insurance purchased for an individual.

Expanded cover gives you more value in return of the premium paid by you.

The coverage is shared amongst the members of your family, hence your entire family gets protection under a single plan.

Major medical treatments and hospitalization expenses are covered under a single family policy.

Additional benefits like Cashless claim facility, tax saving under section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961 are availed to you.

The family policy also covers the expense of your preventive health tests and offers you discounted coupons per family plan.

Family Health Insurance induces greater benefits as we do not have to bear a large portion of the amount from our own pocket. Most of the costs are directly managed by Third Party Administrator (TPA).



Health of our family members is always a matter of concern for all of us. The best way to deal with this concern is to opt for a family health plan. These days, the health insurance covers for your family members can be purchased online. It is a convenient process with no paperwork involved and an instant policy is generated. Having a policy online helps you to print, manage and renew it anytime, anywhere. This way, you can provide perfect protection to the health of your loved ones.



by Prajakta Ambre

Can you afford interest only mortgages?

Interest only mortgages often receive a bad reputation due to borrowers whom opt to select this type of loan without fully weighing the pros and cons of doing so. The myths and confusion surrounding interest only mortgages are plentiful, but can easily be dispelled if only people would do a little research for themselves or even seek the help of qualified mortgage brokers who are very knowledgeable on the subject matter.



Don't be confused



The name given to interest only loans is often one of the reasons why individuals become confused. Don't let the name fool you, the title of "interest only loan" can be applied to practically any type of loan and does not mean that you will only pay the interest. As a matter of fact, you will eventually be paying the principal amount on the loan and chances are you'll be paying it at a high rate of interest if you've initially only been paying the interest portion. Interest only loans come with a term limit attached to the interest only portion, which means that once this time is up you'll be paying both the interest and principal.



Can you afford an interest only mortgage?



Interest only mortgages are not ideal for everyone; it's just that plain and simple. But they do offer distinct benefits to some potential borrowers, just as all home loans do. If you fall into one of the following categories then taking a deeper look at interest only mortgages is strongly advised:



� Those who earn a salary that can vary greatly during the year but is supplemented by commissions, bonuses, or other substantial but infrequent amounts of income

� Individuals who will increase their earning potential in the next few years

� Investors who are looking for a way to leverage debt

� Those who have a moderate loan balance and want access to more money to use in other ways



Interest only loans are not ideal for individuals who:

� Earn moderate salaries

� Those who do not have a plan of action for the money they will initially save with the loan

�Individuals who are looking for a way to purchase a home they can not afford



Only you know what you can afford and interest only mortgages are a great way to make your dreams of homeownership and other financial prospects a reality, if you are qualified.



Speak with the Choice Home Loan team of experts to help you pick the mortgage that is best for you.



by Marcus Brady

Learn how to get the home loan rate you deserve

With the home loan interest rates offered on Australian mortgages continuing to fluctuate, it is becoming more and more of a challenge to get a home loan rate that is affordable. Many potential borrowers are faced with the dilemma of taking out a loan that may be affordable today, but no so affordable in the long run. Since homeownership is a long-term commitment, it's important that your home loan rate be one that you can afford for the entire term of your loan. While no borrower can control the interest rates at which lenders choose to offer home loans, there are ways in which you can secure a home loan rate that is equitable for you.



Make a specific list



One mistake that many people make when shopping for home loans is failure to narrow down what type of loan that they need. Now it's understandable that most people will require the assistance of a professional broker or mortgage lender in order to pinpoint what type of loan they need, but even before getting to this stage you should have a list that at the least includes:



� Why you are in need of a loan

� How much you intend to borrow

� What rates you'd ideally like to pay

� How long you plan on being in the home



Having even some idea of what you want, makes finding a home loan rate that is right for you much easier.



Ask for what you want and make sure you are qualified to do so



Many people are intimidated by the home loan process and as a result are shy or afraid to negotiate for what they really want. And it's unfortunate, because Australian lenders are in fact willing to negotiate, if you are qualified to do so. Having solid credentials in the following areas is a great way to build on your ability to negotiate you home loan interest rate:



� Income-Demonstrate stable and strong income for at least the last 2 years.

� Your credit- The less debt you have, the better. But if you do have debt, make sure you pay it on time or have paid it off all together.

� Your down payment- The more money you can pay out of pocket, the less you'll need to borrow, which makes you a desirable borrower in the bank's eyes.



Don't be afraid to shop around



Comparison shopping is one of the best ways to get a fair home loan interest rate. The mortgage business is competitive and lenders are all vying for your business. But if you don't shop around then you'll never know whether or not you in fact received the best interest rate that is available.



Don't cheat yourself out a competitive interest rate, call Choice Home Loans today.



by Marcus Brady

Is it time for you to seek a better home loan interest rate?

Almost every homeowner wonders whether or not they should seek a better home loan rate at some time or another. The appeal of lower interest rates, the ability to take advantage of equity in the home or to even pay off debts can have a strong pull. But is seeking a lower home loan rate the wisest move for you? There is more to getting a better home loan rate than often meets the eye and after taking a closer look, you may be surprised at what you find.



Do you qualify?



In order to refinance you must qualify, just as you did with your initial home loan. This means that you'll need to:

Be in good standing on the home loan you already have- If you're behind on your current mortgage then you may be asked to catch up on those payments before you'll be approved for a another loan. If you can't pay the loan you have, you'll be seen as unlikely to pay on any new one you may get as well.



Have no other lines of credits - If you have a second mortgage already, chances are you won't be able to refinance. Lenders have to seek approval from the secondary lender before they can refinance the first loan and with the housing market being as rocky as it is, many lenders are just not willing to risk becoming second in line to another lender.



Have enough equity in your home- You can't refinance simply because you want to, your home must have equity, and this equity must be based on your home's current value. As a result, qualifying for lower home loan rates can be tricky for individuals who purchased their home for much more than what it is currently worth.



Can you afford it?



It comes as a surprise to many that the costs of refinancing can outweigh the benefits.Refinancing costs can range any from between 1%-3% of the value of the loan. This isn't an incredible amount of money if you plan on living in the home for an extended amount of time; if not then you may want to reconsider. If you don't plan on remaining in the home for a few years then you could end up spending more on refinancing costs then you would save by doing so.



Refinancing is optimal for individuals who are:



� In good financial standing

� Paying a high rate of interest

� Planning to live in the home for a reasonable amount of time

� Want to switch from a variable rate loan to a fixed rate loan

by Marcus