U.S. Rates and Averages

Rates on fixed rate mortgages remain low according to the most recent survey of American lenders released by Freddie Mac. The weekly survey indicates that the national average on the 30-year fixed rate mortgage stands at 4.79%, up one basis point from last week’s average of 4.78%. The national average on the 15-year fixed mortgage fell to 4.20%, which marks a record low since Freddie Mac began the survey of lenders almost twenty years ago. Interest rates on variable-rate mortgages also remain after low after common benchmarks, the LIBOR rate and yields on 10-year Treasury notes, fell this week. The latest interest rate decrease could provide a final chance for Americans to refinance their mortgage before fixed rate mortgage rates increase again. Check MoneyRates.com for the best mortgage rate deals.

Continued global concern over the debt issued from European countries has helped push US Treasury yields lower as investors seek the perceived safety of Treasury securities. Mortgage rates, which typically move in the same direction as treasury yields, have benefited from the flight-to-quality. However, economists are still warning that mortgage rates could increase later this year. The rates on 30-year fixed rate mortgages are expected to increase to as high as 5.25% before the end of the year according to several leading economists. The expected jump in mortgages rates is largely attributed to an expected increase in economic growth in the US and the end of intervention by the US government in the mortgage securities industry.

Consumers can still benefit from the low rates on personal loans, corporate loans, credit cards, and variable-rate mortgages. Savers, on the other hand, are likely to have to wait longer for higher CD rates, money market rates, and savings rates. Most banks will increase deposit rates when the Fed raises rates or when economic activity increases the demand for bank loans. When this scenario does occur, CD investors who buy CDs with terms of two years or longer could be the first to see higher rates from the steepening interest rate yield curve. Check MoneyRates.com daily for the latest interest rate news and forecasts.

Global Interest Rate Report

The Bank of Canada lifted their benchmark overnight lending rate a quarter point to 0.50% this week becoming the first Group of Seven central bank to increase interest rates since the credit crisis began in the summer of 2008. The widely anticipated move by the Canadians is in response to a growing economy and increasing domestic spending. Canada is not the only country to have increased rates this year, in Australia the central bank has increased the benchmark short-term interest rate six times over the course of their last seven meetings in response to the country’s high inflation rate. European bankers continue to watch for more fallback from the financial crisis in Greece. European countries, with their closely linked monetary systems, are susceptible to each other’s financial problems. Consequently, long term interest rates are expected to increase in Italy, Portugal, and Spain as debt holders evaluate the financial condition of those countries and demand higher yields to compensate for the risk of government defaults on debt obligations.

If you are familiar with the credit card companies in the US, a lot of the leading names in the UK will be familiar to you as well. Companies such as Capital One and MBNA are names that most Americans would immediately recognize and own established a large following in the UK as well.

One name that is simply well known to residents of the UK is the Barclay card. They offer cards to residents and non-residents so that anyone who even occasionally visits the area can possess the convenience of UK credit cards.

Their initial 0% interest price is not the longest at a typical 3 months, but few rival the average overall interest value. One of their most coveted cards the Platinum Simplicity card has a typical interest price of under 10% and no fees for balance transfers.

Then again, its imperative to note that while they do offer rates that appreciably lower than other cards, their borrower standards are also higher. The only reason they can offer such a good deal is because they are most selective with their customers than other companies might choose to be.

The MBNA Europe card is one more of the widespread UK credit cards for those that prefer a card that offers them some type of enticement for use. Typically it can be expected that the interest rate will be at least a few points higher than with other cards but the types of reward programs they offer still make it very competitive.

Typically MBNA has a lot of restrictions with their card members in the UK. Generally this is something like the consumer must be 23 years old and make at least 20,000 pounds per year.

A fantastic card for consumer who travels frequently is the Marriott Rewards card. Again the interest rate may be higher than with a non-rewards card but since you can use your points for hotel reservations at Marriott locations worldwide, this is perfect for a frequent traveler.

Other card companies offer cards that will cater to those who want rewards for their supermarket shopping or a card that presents many revolving special interest rate offers. All of these things are available with UK credit cards.

We have all heard the radio advertisements for debt settlement firms promising to eliminate credit card debt. Unfortunately for the people that hire them, these companies do a much better job of selling their services than they do the job of delivering those promised results.

Their fees, a minimum $1500-2000 on $10,000 in debt make it difficult for settlements to take place before credit card debts charge off and are sold. Their lump-sum settlement programs are standard. You stop making payments on your credit cards and pay that money into an account they have created for you. They take their fees out of that account then they pay your creditors, when, and if, enough money accrues to strike a settlement.

According to MSNBC, settlement firms often promise more than they can actually deliver. They keep their fee whether or not a settlement agreement is achieved.

Most credit card banks write off, or charge off, bad credit card debt six months after non-payment commences. In that time, indebted consumers cannot save a thousand dollars a month or more to quickly develop a lump sum for a reduced settlement payment. Hence they are faced with seven-year negative marks on their credit reports, as well as collections and possible lawsuits.

Credit card companies sell off their bad debt to junk debt buyers for 10 cents on the dollar. While, some consumers could still be unwittingly paying money into a settlement fund for the original creditor, it is better to demand the return of that money and to fight off the collection efforts of junk debt buyers with consumer protection laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, according to the Credit Card Debt Survival Guide. That is because the unsettled portion of the debt will simply be sold to another junk debt buyer for further collection.

When it is all said and done, DIY-do-it-yourself is the way to settle credit card debt for reduced lump sums. That way the consumer has control of the situation and a better chance of eliminating their credit card debt.

Matt Highlander is a consumer who has researched credit counseling, debt settlement, debt collectors and collection attorneys. If you are seeking credit card debt relief, read Credit Card Debt Survival Guide. Matt Highlander is a contributing writer.

If you are looking to gain some credit such as a new credit card of perhaps a loan, but you find that your credit rating is affecting your ability to attain this credit, what is there that you can do to change this situation to be more in your favor? Credit rating, otherwise known as a FICO score in the United States, are based upon a scale of between 300 and 850. In this case the higher the better.

If your own rating is below that of 620 then it could well be that you will not only struggle to get the best terms and conditions with your loan or credit cards but you may struggle even to actually attain credit at all. This is because you are deemed higher risk the lower your scoring is.

If however, your score is higher than 620 then you will be perceived as a lower risk candidate and thus will be able to attain the loans and cards that you wish, within reason at least.

Fairly recently, the Consumer Federation of America undertook a study and found that if every credit-worthy person in the US were to bring their credit score up by as little as 30 points, then the amount of credit card bills paid annually would drop by a whopping 16 billion US dollars!

If you were on the borderline scoring between good and bad credit at 620, then to bring this up to 650 would probably not be so difficult and would go a reasonably long way in improving your credit approval rates. Obviously to bring that up 80 points will take quite a bit more work, however. Lets look at how a credit score is tallied up:

- the history or your payment such as being on time or otherwise = 35%
- the total amount of money you currently owe on credit = 30%
- total length of your credit history, so if you are older this does tend to be better = 15%
- the recent type of credit you have used = 10%
- the recent credit you have applied for = 10%

Its pretty certain then that by focusing on the top two points you are going to go a long way in improving your rating. Make sure you pay your credit bills in good time, which also means you avoid any late payment fees. Keep your balance on your cards at a decent level ??? say around the 50% mark or below of your card allowance. The third point is out-with your control, obviously.

Its not the case that you have to have the very best credit rating to be offered some really excellent terms and conditions to loans of or credit cards. Anything above 720 and you are in really good standing.

Often its the case that if you are above 720 you will get great offers. Thus, if you are on borderline at the 620 mark, you only have to raise your score by 100 points to begin to attain the best offers. Stick to a plan and be fairly rigid in your finances and you will reap the rewards for doing so!

A second mortgage is a loan taken out against a home’s equity. These loans are very attractive for several reasons. The process is relatively quick, and the easiest way to acquire money for home improvement, debt consolidation, etc. Homeowners with bad credit may take advantage of second mortgages as a means to improve their credit. Although a second mortgage will create an additional debt, the funds received can be used to payoff high interest credit cards and consumer debts.

How Does a 2nd Mortgage Work?
Second mortgages are not the same as refinancing a home. Refinancing creates a new mortgage. Moreover, homeowners must re-apply for the loan and pay closing costs. Second mortgages do not involve huge fees and funds are received with seven days. For example, if a property is valued at $150,000, and the amount owed to the mortgage company is $100,000, the difference between the property’s value and mortgage amount is the equity. In this case, homeowners may obtain a second mortgage, or home equity loan for up to $50,000.

Should You Get a 2nd Mortgage?
Homeowners with bad credit may weight whether a second mortgage is a smart move. This creates an additional monthly expense. However, second mortgages are ideal for individuals hoping to improve their credit. While second mortgages carry a higher interest rate than first mortgages, the rates are considerably less than most credit cards and lines of credit. Moreover, second mortgages have shorter terms. When acquiring a second mortgage with the intent of consolidating debt, homeowners may become debt free in a few short years, as opposed to twenty or thirty years.

When Not to Get a 2nd Mortgage
Aside from consolidating debt, some acquire a home equity loan to pay for a child’s education, dream vacation, buy a car, home repairs, etc. However, a second mortgage is discouraged if homeowners cannot afford an additional monthly expense. Individuals with a first and second mortgage are required to make two monthly payments. Payments apply to the original loan amount, and the balance of the second loan. Both loans are secured by the property. Defaulting on either a first or second mortgage may result in the lender foreclosing on the property.

According to national surveys, the average household carries a credit card balance of approximately $8,000. Because of high finance fees, many people find that it is difficult to reduce their consumer debts. While bankruptcy is a tempting option, it is important to explore other alternatives for eliminating debts.

Benefits of a Debt Consolidation Loan

One approach for eliminating or reducing debts involves acquiring a debt consolidation loan. Although debt consolidation debt consolidation, credit card debt, home equity loan
According to national surveys, the average household carries a credit card balance of approximately $8,000. Because of high finance fees, many people find that it is difficult to reduce their consumer debts. While bankruptcy is a tempting option, it is important to explore other alternatives for eliminating debts.

Benefits of a Debt Consolidation Loan

One approach for eliminating or reducing debts involves acquiring a debt consolidation loan. Although debt consolidation loans will not miraculously eliminate your debts, these loans make is possible to reduce your debts faster.

Credit cards have high finance fees. Hence, it is difficult to pay down balances. In most cases, the minimum payment barely covers the finance charges. This makes it difficult to reduce the credit card balance. If you obtain a debt consolidation loan, all your credit balances are lumped into one loan. Furthermore, debt consolidation loans have reasonable interest rates. This enables you to become debt free within a few years.

Using a Home Equity Loan to Reduce Debts

There are various ways to obtain a debt consolidation loan. Individuals with good credit may qualify for a personal debt consolidation loan. Moreover, if you own a home, it may be possible to get approved for a home equity loan. Home equity loans are ideal because the rates are low and the terms fixed. Usually, homeowners are able to repay the money in five to seven years ?sometimes less.

With a home equity loan, your equity works as the collateral. If your home’s equity is $10,000, it may be possible to obtain a loan up to this amount. The funds can be used for anything. For the most part, homeowners use home equity loans to payoff credit card debts. Other uses for a home equity loan include home improvement, college expenses, etc.

Disadvantage of a Home Equity Loan

Home equity loans are very useful. However, it is essential to use the funds wisely, and borrow only what you can afford to payback. Home equity loans create another monthly bill. If using the money to payoff credit card balances, avoid accumulating additional debts. Increasing your total debts may create a financial burden. If acquiring a home equity loan, avoid over extending yourself. Failure to repay a home equity loan will result in foreclosure.

The national savings rate is up to a 15-year high and more Americans are getting serious about getting out of debt, rather than spending beyond their means. When staring down a pile of debt that includes mortgage, credit cards and school loans, the question becomes: Where to begin?

One way to pay down debt that appeals to many people is making an extra mortgage payment. The math seems almost irresistible when looking at the amount of money that can be saved over the life of a mortgage loan by making extra payments. For example, paying an extra $100 a month on a $250,000 mortgage at 6 percent saves over $50,000 and pays the loan off a few years early. That’s a smart thing to do, right?

Not necessarily, says MSN financial analyst Liz Pulliam Weston. Most people still have better things to do with their money, even in this economy, than to pay down a low-rate debt that’s often tax deductable to boot.

Weston points out that if someone is carrying credit card debt, say at 12 percent, every dollar put towards paying off that debt earns an instant 12 percent return. That is a great return considering the hit most retirement funds have taken over the last year and home values are shaky these days. Even a one-year certificate of deposit only averages around a 2 percent return.

A 2007 study found that an estimated 16 percent of American home owners pay extra on their mortgage. But that might not be the smartest use of funds. Financial planners all sing the same tune when it comes to paying off debt: tackle the debt with the highest interest rate first.

The debt with the highest interest rate is usually credit cards. Financial guru Dave Ramsey suggests trying a debt snowball. He instructs people who want to pay down their credit card debt to make a list of all credit card balances and then tackle the smallest balance first. Like the snowball that starts small and gains girth and speed as it rolls down hill, Ramsey touts the psychological benefits of watching the number of balances diminish along with the total dollar amount.

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