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Saturday, May 31, 2008

Instant Payday Loan - A Quick And Instant Solution To Your Money Crisis

When do you go for a loan? Or particularly payday loans? Obviously the answer is when you are struck in a situation where money is needed immediately and you can not postpone the matter. And what if the lender takes a long time to approve your application of loan? Do not get frustrated at that time, because instant payday loan will get you through in that situation easily.

To make this loan real instant lenders have come up with a variety of schemes. First of all they do not go for any kind of credit evaluation of the borrower. It saves a lot of time and enables bad credit holders also to secure the cash easily. No collateral is asked from the borrower. So there is no lengthy paper processing work involved. It also reduces the time by a many fold.

As the very name implies these loans are payday loans meaning the cash is advanced to you until your next payday. It will fill the financial gap you come across in between two consecutive paydays. You got to pay the money back right on your next payday.

The offerings:

Being a short term loan, it will enable you to avail an amount up to £2000 easily. Interest will lie in between 10% to 20%. It will greatly depend upon your financial standing in present days and your monthly income too. Your monthly salary is like a security to the lender. You should take only that much amount what you can afford to pay back on the next month without any strain.

Availability:

As more and more UK citizens are nowadays suffering from temporary financial crisis in the middle of month, so lenders are also coming forward to offer these loans at ease. Online lenders have made it an instantaneous process. While going online you should take car of the authenticity of the lender and go through the terms carefully.

Scarlette started on a horse back and had a few falls herself. Therefore, she knows Financial decisions are to be made after considerable thought and backed by good financial understanding. To find instant payday loan, Cash loans, cash advance loans, payday loan UK visit http://www.paydayloansuk.org.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scarlette_Riley


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Tips for Selecting a Private Loan Program

Private loans are available to students who are not eligible for financial aid or who need additional funds to meet educational expenses.

They are available from lending institutions such as banks or credit unions.
Since Private loans are not part of the federal government’s program of guaranteed student loans, the extra cost the lender pays to privately insure the loan is passed on to the borrower with higher interest rates and loan fees.
Private loans cannot be consolidated with other student loans.

Private loans are credit-based which means a lender may grant a loan, but the interest rates and fees may be higher if the borrower does not meet the lender’s credit requirements.

Sometimes lenders require a cosigner on a loan; in some cases, the presence of a creditworthy cosigner may keep interest and fees at lower levels.
A borrower may be denied by one lender and approved by another because of the different ways they interpret borrower financial information.

Be sure to check out your options before making a final decision. We recommend you spend some time investigating possible loan programs (talk directly to the lenders) before making a decision. We encourage you to ask prospective lenders the following questions when deciding on an private loan program:

Is a cosigner required? Is a cosigner option available if I do not qualify with my own credit?
What is the interest rate? Is it capped at a certain amount?
Will the lender capitalize accrued interest (add it to the loan principal) and, if so, when and how often?
Is there an origination fee, and if so, how much is the fee?
Are fees deducted from the loan proceeds (the amount I receive) or are they added to the balance when I start repayment?
Are there any repayment fees required when the loan goes into repayment?
Will my lender sell my loan to another agency/company? If so, will the loan terms change?
Does the lender offer flexible repayment options?
Will the lender offer any online repayment incentives?
Does my lender offer a cosigner release option (the cosigner is released from responsibility after I make a required number of payments)?

http://www.okstate.edu/finaid/loans/altloantips.html

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Oklahoma state university:Federal Work-Study FAQ

What is Work-Study?
Work-study provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. In order to be employed in a Work-Study job, you must have a Work-Study award.

How do I receive a Work-Study award?
You must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in order to be awarded Work-Study.

The FAFSA is the blanket application for all federal financial aid. You can complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. After completing the FAFSA you will receive an Email from the Office of Scholarship and Financial Aid notifiying you of your award status on SIS web. If you are awarded Work-Study, it will be included in the award information.

How do I earn my Work-Study award?
Your Work-Study award will represent the amount of money you can earn through a Work-Study job. In order to earn this award you must be employed in a Work-Study position.

Each Work-Study position has a wage attached to it. Most Work-Study positions are paid hourly, however if you are a graduate student you may receive a salary in lieu of an hourly rate. Work-Study positions will pay no lower than minimum wage but may be higher depending on employer, type of work, and skills required.

You will be paid through the University payroll system according to the pay rate and number of hours you work. Hourly wage positions will pay every two weeks, salary position will pay once a month.

Your wages will be drawn from your Work-Study award. You can continue to work until your award is exhausted.

Are There Work-Study jobs on or off-campus?
Both. Most departments and offices on-campus host Work-Study jobs. In addition Off-campus Work-Study jobs are available through the Community Service Work-Study program.

How do I find a Work-Study position?
Listings for on-campus jobs can be found at www.osucareerservices.com. After reading descriptions and requirements for open jobs, contact the person listed in the job description for whichever jobs appeal to you.

You will interview with the employer as you would for a normal job. If hired, the employer will enroll you in the University payroll system so that you can be paid.

If you are interested in working off-campus in the Community Service Work-Study program, available jobs can be found at www.okstate.edu/finaid/Work-Study/comserv.html.

When you find a job that interests you, contact the person listed in that job description. You will interview as you would for a normal job. For off-campus jobs, when you are hired you must then meet with Community Service Work-Study staff in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to be enrolled in the University payroll system.

Why get a Work-Study job instead of a regular job?
One of the most important reasons is this: the salary you earn through Work-Study will not be counted as a resource when calculating your financial aid for the next school year. The salary you earn through a normal job will be counted as an additional resource and could lower your financial aid the following year.

Work-Study jobs are also plentiful and relatively easy to find. Work-Study employers know that you're a student first and will work around your class schedule. Many Work-Study positions, especially those in the Community Service Work-Study program, make excellent additions to your resume.

What is the Community Service Work-Study program?
The Community Service Work-Study program provides off-campus jobs for Work-Study students. These jobs focus on doing work which benefits the community, so employment will entail working for nonprofit organizations, public schools, and governmental entities.

Community Service Work-Study jobs let you get involved in the community while helping others. They are excellent in not only building real-world experience but also look very good on your resume.

How many hours will I work?
Workload will vary depending on your schedule, the employer's needs, and the amount of your Work-Study award.

Work-Study students typically work 15 - 20 hours/week. However some work more and some work less. Most Work-Study employers will work around your schedule; employers will never ask you to work during classes.

In order to be certain you earn your entire award, you should calculate how many hours per week you will need to average, based on your pay rate and Work-Study award level, in order to earn your entire award.

What happens when my Work-Study award is exhausted?
When you have earned your entire award your Work-Study position ends. Some employers opt to hire students as regular student employees once their Work-Study award is gone. This is at the discretion of the employer.

What if I do not earn my entire Work-Study award?
If you do not earn your entire Fall Semester award, the balance will be carried over and added to your Spring Semester award, assuming you are enrolled for both Fall and Spring.

However, any unused award at the end of Spring (or at the end of Fall if you're not returning in the Spring) will be lost.

What if I already have an on-campus job when I receive notification of my award?
All student jobs on-campus can be changed to Work-Study jobs. Notify your employer of your Work-Study award and they will do the necessary paperwork to change the job to Work-Study. If they are not sure how to do this they can contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for instructions.

What if I cannot find a Work-Study job?
Work-Study jobs are very plentiful and there are almost always more jobs than there are students to fill them. If you are not hired for the first Work-Study job don't be discouraged, try another.

There are work-study jobs that will fit almost anyone's schedule, skills, and interests.

Are there jobs available outside of Stillwater?
Yes, if you commute or just want to explore work outside of the Stillwater community, the Community Service Work-Study program offers many jobs outside of Stillwater and Payne County.

If you commute and there are no current Work-Study positions in your community, please contact the Community Service Work-Study program staff about setting one up.

Who can I contact if I have Work-Study questions?
The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid accepts walk-in's Monday-Friday 8:00 AM -5:00 PM at 119 Student Union. You may also reach us at (405)744-6604 or at finaid@okstate.edu.

Questions regarding Community Service Work-Study can be directed to James Rupp at (405)744-7056 or james.rupp@okstate.edu.

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U.S. Department of Education Programs :Federal Work-Study (FWS)

A major responsibility of the U.S. Department of Education (ED) is the administration of programs. To help educators, policymakers, and citizens understand these programs, ED publishes each year a "Guide to U.S. Department of Education Programs."
Federal Work-Study (FWS)

CFDA Number: 84.033
Program Type: Formula Grants
Also Known As: Formerly known as College Work-Study Program


Program Description

The FWS Program provides funds that are earned through part-time employment to assist students in financing the costs of postsecondary education. Students can receive FWS funds at approximately 3,400 participating postsecondary institutions. Institutional financial aid administrators at participating institutions have substantial flexibility in determining the amount of FWS awards to provide to students who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment. Hourly wages must not be less than the federal minimum wage. Financial need is determined by the Department using a standard formula, established by Congress, to evaluate the financial information reported on the FAFSA and to determine the expected family contribution (EFC). The fundamental elements in this standard formula are the student's income (and assets, if the student is independent), the parents' income and assets (if the student is dependent), the family's household size, and the number of family members (excluding parents) attending postsecondary institutions. The EFC is the sum of: (1) a percentage of net income (remaining income after subtracting allowances for basic living expenses) and (2) a percentage of net assets (assets remaining after subtracting an asset protection allowance). Different assessment rates and allowances are used for dependent students, independent students without dependents, and independent students with dependents. After filing a FAFSA, the student receives a Student Aid Report (SAR), or the institution receives an Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR), which provides the student's EFC.

FSA Handbook: Federal Work Study

Federal Work-Study (FWS) allocations are made to eligible institutions for the purpose of providing part-time employment to needy undergraduate and graduate students attending participating institutions. Institutional allocations are based on institutional requests for program funding under a statutory formula. Under the funding formula, funds are distributed to institutions, first, on the basis of the institution's base guarantee plus the pro rata share received during the 1999–2000 award year under the FWS Program and, then, on the basis of the aggregate need of the eligible students in attendance. Employers of FWS recipients must contribute 25 percent of the funding (except in the case of private, for-profit organizations, which must match 50 percent, and in the case of established criteria for which the matching requirement is waived). The U.S. Department of Education encourages colleges and universities to use FWS Program funds to promote community service activities. Institutions must use at least 7 percent of their Work-Study allocation to support students working in community service jobs, including: reading tutors for preschool age or elementary school children; mathematics tutors for students enrolled in elementary school through ninth grade; or literacy tutors in a family literacy project performing family literacy activities. Students receive FWS awards from participating institutions after filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their financial need and may be employed by: the institution itself; a federal, state, or local public agency; a private nonprofit organization; or a private for-profit organization.


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Chase Private Student Loans: Free College Education Loan Application

Private student loans are now available online from $1,000 to $40,000 per college education year.* Private student loans help students cover college education expenses that exceed their federal student loans and other sources of financial aid. Chase offers a free online private student loan application with conditional loan approval in minutes.

Borrow the money you need today for college education expenses such as Tuition, Room and Board, Computer and all other college education related expenses including past due college tuition bills. No cosigner is necessary, however, a cosigner may help you get a lower interest rate on your private student loans. Students in need of fast financial assistance can have funds sent directly to them within 2 business days of final approval. Currently there are no application deadlines, you may apply for your private student loan online at any time.

Private student loans from $1,000 to $40,000 per year for items such as:

College tuition
Room, board and off campus living expenses
Books, labs, supplies and student activity fees
Laptop computer and printer
All college education related expenses
Chase private student loan features and benefits include:


Funds are sent directly to you within two business days of final approval
Competitive private student loan interest rates
Affordable monthly payment terms
Easy no hassle free online student loan application
Repayment can begin six months after graduation
No financial aid forms or school certifications required
No application deadlines, students can apply anytime
Your sensitive financial information is secure with Chase. The Chase private student loan application team includes highly trained and knowledgeable service representatives who can provide students with professional advice, consultation and assistance. Simply apply online for your private student loan using the links provided here on our web site.

Chase private student loans and college education loan programs are helping thousands of college students pursue their dreams each year. Chase is a nationwide lender and national leader in student loan programs. Chase has provided billions of dollars of private student loans and federal student loan consolidation funds to students and former students. Chase is a company students can trust to provide a positive and convenient student lender experience.

Visit Chase Private Student Loans home page to apply online or to learn more about Chase college education loan programs.

*Important Information: As students determine the best way to finance their college education, they should consider the full range of student financial aid options available. Private loans, like the Chase Private Student Loan, can be used when federal student loans, grants and other forms of college financial aid are not sufficient to cover the cost of education. Chase services its Private Student Loans and does not sell them to another lender. Chase Private Student Loans are subject to credit approval, receipt of a completed and signed Application/Promissory Note, verification of student's application information and verification of student's enrollment at a participating school. The $40,000 annual maximum is based on the student's creditworthiness and the cost of the attendance at school. The cumulative Chase private student loan limit is $150,000.

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Graduate School Private Loan Consolidation

Graduate School Private Loan Consolidation with Graduate School Loans
Consolidating your private educational loans with Graduate School Loans means merging outstanding private education loans into one loan, including private loans used to cover residency expenses and/or other educational expenses. This is in addition to already consolidated private educational loans. Consolidating your private educational loans with Graduate School Loans allows you to significantly lower your monthly payment by lengthening the term of your loans, while receiving a low variable interest rate. This is possible even if your private graduate school loans are of different types or held by more than one lender.

Eligibility
You are eligible to consolidate your private education loans with Graduate School Loans if you meet the following criteria:
Be at least eighteen years old at the time of application
Have a minimum of $10,000 in US issued private educational loans
Are in repayment status of private education loans at the time of application
Have good credit standing
Are a US citizen or permanent resident (eligible non US citizen)
Benefits
With Graduate School Loans, there are several benefits in consolidating your private educational loans.
Graduate School Loans offers borrower benefits, such as an interest rate reduction of .25% when you sign up using auto-debit to repay your loan
Simple repayment terms
Low, variable interest rate
No prepayment penalties
Convenience of one low monthly payment to one lender versus the hassle of sending various bills monthly
Graduate School Loans offers personalized and friendly customer service. With Graduate School Loans you work with one loan consultant throughout the process of consolidating your private educational loans.

Process
The process of consolidating your private educational loans is made simple and fast with Graduate School Loans.
Applicants receive an instant credit decision, origination fees, interest rate and borrower benefit information
Receive a Master Promissory Note (MPN) via USPS. Just sign and return within 90 days, at which point you will be updated with your loan approval, repayment information and options.
Sign up for auto-debit in order to receive an immediate interest rate reduction of .25%
Payment Options
After consolidating your private educational loans with Graduate School Loans, you will start immediate repayment, generally beginning 20 days after finishing your application.
The repayment term is a maximum 30 year plan, regardless of private consolidation balance. You may choose one of several repayment options for your private loan consolidation with Graduate School Loans, and there is NO penalty for early repayment


Equal Payments: Standard payments are made according to principal and interest over a 30 year term. This equal payment option allows equal monthly payments over the life of the loan
Select 2/Graduated Payments: Allows for interest-only payments for the first two year of repayment. Beginning the third year, payments increase to level installments of principal and interest payments for the remaining life of the loan.
Select 5/Graduated Payments: Allows for interest-only payment for the first two years of repayment. During the third through fifth year, payments increase to include a portion of principal. Beginning the sixth year, payments increase to level investments of principal and interest payments for the remaining life of the loan
Tax Benefits
Consolidate your private education loans with Graduate School Loans and take advantage of tax benefits
By way of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, the Government now permits individuals to deduct the interest paid on loans taken out to attend eligible educational institutions
Ability to deduct up to $2,500 in student loan interest. Taken as an adjustment to income, allowing the deduction regardless if you itemize deductions on Schedule A of your 1040.
Deductions phased out for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of $50,000 to $65,000 [single filers] and $100,000 to $130,000 [married filing jointly]. Taxpayers who are married but file separate returns are not eligible.
Deferment and Forbearance
In-school, Military, Internship and Residency Forbearances are available to qualifying borrowers with Graduate School Loans.
Deferment options do not exist at this time with Graduate School Loans.

Disclosures: CIT Bank, Salt Lake City, UT is the originating lender of the Graduate School Loans Private Consolidation Loan. CIT is a registered service mark of CIT Group Inc.


Apply for a Graduate School Loans Private Loan Consolidation in just a few easy steps.

http://www.graduateschoolloans.com/private-loan-consolidation/private-loan-consolidation.php

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What are the types of home equity loans ?

Home Equity Loans
Equity is the difference between your home's value and the balance on your mortgage loan. If your home is worth $100,000 and you owe $75,000 on the mortgage, then you have $25,000 of equity in your home.

Borrowing against this equity is currently a very popular method of getting a big chunk of credit, primarily because of low interest rates. Add to that the fact that the interest on most home equity loans is tax deductible and they become an appealing option if you need to make a major purchase.

Home equity loans are typically used for consolidating consumer debt or covering a large expense such as a big wedding, college tuition, or home renovations.

However, because your home is collateral for the loan, you should be very careful about using home equity loans. The problem is that if you default on the loan, the bank will foreclose on your home.

Types of Home Equity Loans
There are two types of home equity loans. A traditional home equity loan is also called a second mortgage and is when a bank lends you a lump sum of money that must then be paid back over time. With this type of home equity loan, interest begins building as soon as the bank issues you the money.

A newer type is a home equity line of credit, where a bank gives you a checkbook or credit card to make purchases, which then accrue against your home's equity. With this type of home equity loan, interest does not begin building until you actually make a purchase.

There are also several ways to repay a home equity loan. The most common option is to make regular payments toward both the interest and the principal.

However, some loans also give you the option of only paying the interest at the beginning of the loan and gradually paying more of the principal.

Finally, you may have the choice to pay both principal and interest, but to make extra payments in order to pay off the principal sooner. You should check with your lender about this, as some loans have penalties for paying ahead.

When you take out a home equity loan, the rate is usually higher than a regular (also called a first) mortgage.

However, the rate is generally much lower than the APR for credit cards, and it is repaid over fifteen years instead of four, meaning your payments will be lower than your minimum credit card payments.

For example, $10,000 in credit card debt at 15% will have a monthly payment of $278. The same amount owed at 15% on a home-equity loan over 15 years gives you a monthly payment of only $140.

The problem is that many people get a home equity loan to pay off their credit card debts, but don't change their spending habits and end up running up their credit cards again, compounding the problem.

Lenders call this "reloading" and if you lose a job, have a major illness, or the economy slows, you could lose your home.



Finding a Home Equity Loan
If you decide to apply for a home equity loan, you shouldn't necessarily automatically go with the same bank that holds your first mortgage. Instead, shop around to find the best rates and loan terms. Most home equity loans come with variable interest rates, although some come with low introductory rates, and a few have fixed interest rates.

You may also find loans with large one-time upfront fees, closing costs, or other annual fees.

Finally, there are loans with large balloon payments at the end, and others with no balloons but with higher monthly payments.

Finding the right loan for you is a challenge; it requires checking different lenders and comparing options to select the home equity loan that best meets your needs!

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What are home equity loan ?

A home equity loan (sometimes abbreviated HEL) is a type of loan in which the borrower uses the equity in their home as collateral. These loans are sometimes useful to help finance major home repairs, medical bills or college education. A home equity loan creates a lien against the borrower's house, and reduces actual home equity.

Home equity loans are most commonly second position liens (second trust deed), although they can be held in first or, less commonly, third position. Most home equity loans require good to excellent credit history, and reasonable loan-to-value and combined loan-to-value ratios. Home equity loans come in two types, closed end and open end.

Both are usually referred to as second mortgages, because they are secured against the value of the property, just like a traditional mortgage. Home equity loans and lines of credit are usually, but not always, for a shorter term than first mortgages. In the United States, it is sometimes possible to deduct home equity loan interest on one's personal income taxes.

There is a specific difference between a home equity loan and a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). A HELOC is a line of revolving credit with an adjustable interest rate whereas a home equity loan is a one time lump-sum loan, often with a fixed interest rate.

Closed end home equity loan
The borrower receives a lump sum at the time of the closing and cannot borrow further. The maximum amount of money that can be borrowed is determined by variables including credit history, income, and the appraised value of the collateral, among others. It is common to be able to borrow up to 100% of the appraised value of the home, less any liens, although there are lenders that will go above 100% when doing over-equity loans. However, state law governs in this area; for example, Texas (which was, for many years, the only state to not allow home equity loans) only allows borrowing up to 80% of equity.

Closed-end home equity loans generally have fixed rates and can be amortized for periods usually up to 15 years. Some home equity loans offer reduced amortization whereby at the end of the term, a balloon payment is due. These larger lump-sum payments can be avoided by paying above the minimum payment or refinancing the loan.

Open end home equity loan
This is a revolving credit loan, also referred to as a home equity line of credit, where the borrower can choose when and how often to borrow against the equity in the property, with the lender setting an initial limit to the credit line based on criteria similar to those used for closed-end loans. Like the closed-end loan, it may be possible to borrow up to 100% of the value of a home, less any liens. These lines of credit are available up to 30 years, usually at a variable interest rate. The minimum monthly payment can be as low as only the interest that is due.

Typically, the interest rate is based on the Prime rate plus a margin.

Home equity loan fees
Here is a brief list of possible fees that may apply to your home equity loan: Appraisal fees, originator fees, title fees, stamp duties, arrangement fees, closing fees, early pay-off and other costs are often included in loans. Surveyor and conveyor or valuation fees may also apply to loans, some may be waived. The survey or conveyor and valuation costs can often be reduced, provided you find your own licensed surveyor to inspect the property considered for purchase. The title charges in secondary mortgages or equity loans are often fees for renewing the title information. Most loans will have fees of some sort, so make sure you read and ask several questions about the fees that are charged.


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Friday, May 30, 2008

Guaranteed Online Personal Loans - How To Avoid Getting Scammed

Guaranteed online personal loans are also known as payday loans or bad credit loans. These are usually short term loans offered to people who need a "quick fix" to help them cover their expenses between paychecks. While these loans are certainly offered in large amounts, most borrowers don't need an enormous amount of money. Unlike a mortgage loan or a loan for a new car, these loans are usually used to cover a rent check, utility bill or pay for groceries when on hand money is short.

There are plenty of "brick and mortar" locations to offer you short term loans, but many states are passing legislation against their high interest rates. This has caused a huge explosion of guaranteed online personal loan companies to set up shop on the Internet. Of course, not all of these companies are legitimate and you need to be very careful about sending your information over the Internet. Here are a few tips to help you decide which companies are legitimate and which companies are simply trying to gain access to your personal information.

1. Always look to see if the loan company has "regular" stores as well. If they have "brick and mortar" locations in addition to their online operations, they are probably perfectly legitimate. Still, though, if you want to be sure that the business won't share your information, you should take the time to travel to the location that is closest to your home.

2. In the absence of "brick and mortar" locations, make sure that each of the finance companies you consider has a physical address. Post Office boxes are not the same as a street address. While you aren't likely to travel to visit this street address, it is more trustworthy than a post office box. Should fraudulent activity take place, you at least have an address to give to the authorities.

3. Make sure that, if you want to, you can conduct business with any guaranteed online personal loan company over the phone. If the company does not have a customer service line or will not conduct business over the phone as well as online run away. Any company that refuses to do business offline is probably not legitimate.

4. Research the company. Check with the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General of your state and the state in which the loan company operates (even online businesses need to register with state authorities). If you can't find listings for them or business registrations for the company, do not share any of your personal information with them--not even your email address!

There are plenty of legitimate guaranteed online personal loans out there, but there are also a lot of scams. The best way to make sure that you don't get hit by a scam is to do your research. The more research you do on a particular company, the less likely you are to be burned by them.

You can find out more about Guaranteed Online Personal Loans as well as much more information on all types of personal loans at http://www.PersonalLoansA-Z.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Edwards


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The Cash Loans UK - Fixes Cash Shortages Instantly

When the salary gets exhausted in the middle of the month, it becomes difficult to meet sudden expenses offered by life in the latter half of the month. Coping with these expenses is almost impossible without any external help, and neither can one shy away from them till the next month. At times it can lead to mental and financial shivers in one's life. Cash loans UK provide this necessary external support in times of urgent needs.

Reasons for Cash Loans UK:

Cash Loans UK are a short term unsecured loan approved without any collateral or credit check. This loan can be used to meet all urgent expense. They are a fast processed loan and save a lot of time for the borrower from evaluation processes.

Specifications:

Cash loans UK come with a very simple and easy procedure. You can apply online and applications are processed very swiftly. You don't need to fax even a single piece of paper. It often takes 3-4 days to process. So, the swift availability of these loans makes them even more popular. Also, you can borrow anything around £1,000 - £500,000 depending upon the amount you can afford to pay at the end of the month.

Features:

The interest rate in this loan is a bit high considering the short term of the loan and its unsecured nature. Lenders compensate these by charging high rates. But as there are countless lenders available in the loan market, finding affordable rate deals is not difficult with thorough research.

Advantages:

Cash loans UK can be used for any purpose whether it is buying a car, home renovation or anything else. Your application will be absolutely confidential and your employer or bank is not going to be contacted without your permission. The benefit of cash loan UK is that it is approved very fast, generally on the same day of application.

Mathew Kenny is offering loan and financial advice for quite a long time. He is working as the senior financial consultant with Easy Cash Loans. To find cash loans uk, Quick cash loan, cash loans, cash until payday visit http://www.easycashloans.co.uk.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mathew_C_Kenny

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The Bad Credit Tenant Loans - Live Like a Owner

Bad Credit but not bad time, More than 50% people in UK live as tenant. They do not own a home. But what if they run out of cash sometimes? And they do not own any house or property to pledge as collateral put against a loan! More over if they are suffering from credit problem, and then it becomes really hard for them to secure financing from market. In this situation bad credit tenant loans come into picture.

For before approving a loan to the borrower lender always evaluates credit score of him depending upon his past financial transactions. And a score is assigned to him. If this score is below 620 then he or she is considered as a bad credit holder. And lenders see them as high risky borrower. But with bad credit loans this is not the case.

The variations:

These bad credit tenant loans can be secured in mainly two forms - secured and unsecured. Though you being a tenant do not own a house to place as security against the loan, but you can any other valuable asset of yours as collateral like car, jewelries etc. And this keeps the lender at somewhat safer side helping you to reduce the loan amount. But in case of unsecured loans no collateral is required against the loan. In return, sometimes lender may charge a bit high interest rate. You can secure an amount up £25000 through these loans. Interest rate will be in between 10% APR to 17% APR.

Things you need to do:

First of all, before approaching any lender evaluates your credit score yourself and try to improve it if possible. Try to pay off some small debts. If needed take some available debt consolidation service's help.

You can secure these loans from banks, financial institutions or online lenders. Go online and browse all the available quotes. Compare all available rates of bad credit tenant loans. And then decide which one is best for you depending upon your present financial condition.

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Canana:International Academic Mobility Initiative (IAM)

The International Academic Mobility Initiative (IAM) supports Canadian post secondary institutions in offering international learning opportunities to their students. This goal is achieved through IAM's support for student mobility and academic co-operation projects between Canadian post-secondary institutions and institutions in foreign partnering countries.

The International Academic Mobility Initiative is composed of three programs:

The Canada-European Community Program for Co-operation in Higher Education and Training
This program encourages joint academic projects among higher education institutions, training establishments and other organizations on both sides of the Atlantic.

Program for North American Mobility in Higher Education
This program encourages co-operation in higher education and training among the three North American Free Trade Agreement countries with a focus on student mobility. Since its inception, universities and colleges from all regions of Canada have participated in a wide range of trilateral projects with institutions in the United States and Mexico. The trilateral partnership activities include the innovative use of new learning technologies to maximize student participation.

Special Initiative Program
The Special Initiative Program supports and complements IAM’s other program offerings. It provides financial support for projects that strengthen the Canadian education community in its capacity to offer a range of international learning opportunities to post-secondary students for full academic credit.

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Canada Student loans:Budget 2008 and Student Financial Assistance

Budget 2008 and Student Financial Assistance
Investing in People
Improving Canada’s competitive position means developing the best-educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. That is why Budget 2008 is:

Supporting Canadian students with a $350-million investment in 2009–10, rising to $430 million by 2012–13, in a new, consolidated Canada Student Grant Program that will reach 245,000 college and undergraduate students per year when it takes effect in the fall of 2009.
Committing $123 million over four years starting in 2009–10 to streamline and modernize the Canada Student Loans Program.
Enhancing the flexibility of Registered Education Savings Plans by increasing the time they may remain open to 35 years from 25 years, and by extending the maximum contribution period by 10 years.

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The Canada Student Loans Program provides loans and grants to Canadians attending a University

The Canada Student Loans Program provides loans and grants to Canadians attending a University, College, Trade School, or Vocational School, if they need help financing their education.

Student Loans*
The Canada Student Loans Program enables students with a demonstrated financial need to attend a post-secondary institution by providing them with loans to cover the costs of going to school. In doing so, the Government of Canada attempts to ensure Canadians have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the economy and society.

Applying for a Canada Student Loan
Applying for a Government Student Loan
Determine your eligibility for a Canada Student Loan--find out how to apply for a loan, and learn when you will receive the funds. Some pages within this section will ask you for your student profile in order to provide the information that is most relevant to your situation.

Designated Educational Institutions
To help determine your eligibility for a loan, visit the designated list of educational institutions where students are eligible to receive Canada Student Loans.

Financial Planner
The Financial Planner provides you with three tools to help you finance and budget for your postsecondary education: The Education Cost Calculator, the Budget Estimator and the Online Budget Planner.

Need Assessment Tables for Full-Time Loans
These tables assist full-time students in determining whether or not they are eligible for a student loan.

Student Loan Estimator
The Student Loan Estimator is an interactive Web application that can be used by full-time students to estimate the amount of assistance they could potentially receive from both the Canada Student Loan Program and provincial funding authorities.

*Important note for residents of Quebec, Nunavut, or the Northwest Territories.

Repaying Your Canada Student Loan
Repaying Your Student Loan
Visit CanLearn’s “Repaying your Government Student Loan” section to find out when you have to begin paying back your loan, what your monthly payments will be and how to repay your student loan faster. Some pages within this section will ask you for your student profile in order to provide the information that is most relevant to your situation.

Debt Reduction in Repayment
Determine how Debt Reduction in Repayment (DRR) may be able to assist you if you face exceptional long-term financial difficulty. DRR will reduce your outstanding student loan principal and lower your monthly loan payments. Click here to access the Maximum Income Guidelines for DRR.

Interest Relief
Interest Relief can help you meet your repayment obligations if you are temporarily unable to repay your government student loans due to unemployment or a low income. Click here to access the Maximum Income Guidelines for Interest Relief.

Permanent Disability Benefit
If you have a permanent disability and you are experiencing exceptional financial hardship repaying your Canada Student Loan(s) due to your disability, you may qualify for the Permanent Disability Benefit (PDB) which allows for the reduction of your loans.

Revising the Terms of your Loan
Revision of Terms is a debt management measure designed to help you decrease your monthly payment amount should you be unable to repay your government student loans according to the terms in your Consolidation Agreement.

Tax Relief
Click on the link above to find out what forms of tax relief the Government of Canada offers students.
Source: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/learning/canada_student_loan/index.shtml

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Thursday, May 29, 2008

Convenience Store Loans - Options

In general, borrowers shopping for a convenience store loan will be pleased with the number of options available to them. Including conventional, SBA and a few CMBS programs.

One of the biggest components to convenience store loans is whether or not the subject property offers gasoline. Basically any convenience store that offers gasoline will be classified as a gas station and borrowers should seek financing under that category. As a side note, we happen to be working with a borrower who had his convenience store loan in process. The over eager loan officer had it wrongly classified as convenience store(not as a gas station). As soon as the appraisal company came out to the facility and reported its finding to the funding bank the loan was immediately declined. This of course wasted $5,000 for the borrower and 3 months of his time.

C-Store Loans

In general, borrowers have three options for their c-store loan. Conventional, SBA and CMBS loans. SBA loans will normally provide the highest level of financing and some of the longest fixed rates for this building type. For example 85% loan to cost financing is common for convenience stores. Fixed rates can be for as long as 10 years. Don't let the rumors about the SBA process scare you off as the SBA has done a lot in the last 3 years to improve their process. You should be able to close your loan in 45 days.

Make sure however that whoever the funding bank is, that they hold the PLP designation. What's important about this for you is that the loan will only have to be underwritten one time. Versus working with a bank that is not PLP you will have to have the deal underwritten once by the bank THAN by the SBA. That's where the 75 to 120 days to close horror stories come from.

CMBS loans also have some very strong options, like 80% financing and rates fixed for up to 30 years, yes 30 years. However, due to the subprime mess many of these options have become limited or expensive. But it is still very much recommended that you research these options as they maybe a great fit for your situation.

Conventional financing, i.e. a regular loans from your local bank, will normally provide the best rates, however they will normally have the most conservative underwriting and weakest terms. Fixed period rarely exceed five years with shorter amortization periods of 15 to 20 years for convenience store loans.

Jeff Rauth is President of Commercial Finance Advisors, Inc out of Birmingham, Michigan. He specializes in Commercial Real Estate Loans between $100,000 - $5,000,000. Offers unique loan programs such as Commercial Second Mortgages, Commercial 30 Year Fixed, 90% non SBA financing, Commercial Equity Loans. 248 885-8797 or daycare center loans or bed and breakfast loans or convenience store loans

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Rauth


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JAPANESE GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIPS 2009

THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT (MONBUKAGAKUSHO:MEXT) SCHOLARSHIPS 2009
Undergraduate & Postgraduate

The Embassy of Japan is pleased to announce that the Japanese Government
(Monbukagakusho:MEXT) Scholarships for the academic year 2009 is open for application from 17th
March to 11th April 2008. Malaysian nationals who would like to pursue their studies in Japan are
invited to apply for the scholarship. During the term of the scholarship, monthly allowances of
approximately 134,000 yen (approx RM4,288) will be given to undergraduate grantee and 172,000
yen (approx RM5,504) to postgraduate grantee (amount are subject to change). Fees of the entrance
examination, matriculation and tuition at universities will be exempted. A round-trip airplane ticket
is also provided.

There are two (2) categories available under the scholarships:

1. Undergraduate (5 ~ 7 years bachelor degree course from April 2009)
a) Applicants must be between 17 and 22 years of age of 1st April 2009 (i.e. born between
2nd April 1987 and 1st April 1992)
b) Applicants must have completed SPM or O-Level with at least 11 years of formal
education (EXCLUDING REMOVE CLASS). STPM students (lower/upper) and those who
will sit for A-Level, UEC, Matriculation or Diploma examination this year may also apply
(provided the results will be known by March 2009).
c) Applicants must have good command of English with excellent result in other major
subjects.

2. Postgraduate (1 & 1/2 or 2 years course from April or October 2009)
a) Applicants must be under 35 years of age as of 1st April 2009 (i.e. born on or after 2nd
April 1974)
b) Applicants must be a degree holder (ideally a 1st or 2nd Class Upper Honours Degree)
with 16 years of formal education (EXCLUDING REMOVE CLASS). Undergraduates who
are in the final year at their respective universities are eligible to apply.

Applicants for postgraduate, who are MALAYSIAN CIVIL SERVANTS, must apply through
the Public Service Department of Malaysia (PSD). For further details, please contact PSD
at 03-8885-3432 (Ms. Siti Haslina) or 03-8885-3436 (PA to Ms. Siti Haslina).

Application forms for Undergraduate and Postgraduate can be collected from the Embassy of
Japan or printed out from the Embassy of Japan’s Homepage (www.my.emb-japan.go.jp).
Alternatively, applicants can send Self-Addressed Envelopes pasted with 50-cents stamps
to Japan Information Service, Embassy of Japan, No.11, Persiaran Stonor, Off Jalan Tun Razak,
50450 Kuala Lumpur. Please indicate Undergraduate or Postgraduate at the top
left-hand corner of ALL envelopes. Otherwise, applications WILL NOT be entertained.

Applicants should ensure their duly completed form returned before the deadline.
LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. For further information, please access
to www.my.emb-japan.go.jp.

http://www.my.emb-japan.go.jp/English/JIS/MEXT2009/English.pdf


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2009 HHMI Early Career Scientist Competition

HHMI Early Career Scientist Competition

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is pleased to announce a national competition to select as many as 70 outstanding early career scientists. This competition will enable HHMI to identify the nation’s best biomedical scientists at a critical early stage of their faculty careers, and to provide them with flexible funding to develop scientific programs of exceptional merit. HHMI seeks scientists in all areas of basic biological and biomedical research, and in areas of chemistry, physics, computer science, and engineering that are directly related to biology or medicine.

This new program comes at a critical moment for the nation and the long-term health of its medical research infrastructure. This initiative responds to the very real challenges faced by promising early career-stage scientists in an era of constrained research funding. In today’s environment, early career faculty find it difficult to establish and develop research programs. They often begin their first independent position with institutional start-up funds to support their research. However, they are soon under pressure to apply for federal research grants. Even if they are successful in obtaining funding the first time, getting a second grant or renewing a grant is difficult.

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The France Post-doctoral position 2008-2009

Physiologically structured population models for viability analysis
One Post-doctoral position 2008-2009
available at the Ecology-Evolution Laboratory (CNRS, UMR 7625) at the
Ecole Normale Sup?rieure (CERES-ERTI) in Paris.

Applications are invited for a one-year postdoctoral position funded by
R2DS (http://www.r2ds.centre-cired.fr/) to investigate the dynamics of
small populations with plastic life histories using physiologically
structured populations models.

Population persistence is notably conditioned by the degree of
individual variation in reproductive success, which depends on variation
in any part of the life cycle. Yet, the majority of studies that
examined population extinction have tended to ignore life history
variation and plasticity. Here, we wish to use life history models to
inform the dynamics of small populations and ask how plasticity in life
history traits influences extinction dynamics. Many aspects of life
history can interact with population dynamics and the project
concentrates on three of them, namely growth, maturation and survival.

The post-doc will explore this issue by developing models that account
for variation in life history traits using the theory of physiologically
structured populations (PSP). This theory takes into account that
physiological development (e.g. growth, maturation) depends on the
current state of the environment (e.g., temperature, food and predator
densities). In turn, the influence of the population on the environment
closes a feedback loop between environment, population and life history.
The theory of PSP models is thus particularly well-suited to study the
interaction between population dynamics and plastic life history. Small
populations are subject to stochastic fluctuation in abundance. The
project aims to study the feedback of this variability on life history
and the consequences for extinction dynamics. The models will be
parameterized with estimates from field and experimental studies
undertaken with the common lizard, a species with strong thermal and
food plasticity in life history traits.

The post-doc will be based at the Ecology-Evolution Laboratory (CNRS,
UMR 7625) at the Ecole Normale Sup?rieure (CERES-ERTI) in Paris, where
the applicant will work with David Claessen and Jean-Fran?ois Le
Galliard. This post-doc project is part of a research network on the
dynamics of small populations funded by ANR from 2008 to 2012 and will
therefore interact with a larger group of researchers. The post can
start on September 1st or October 1st 2008 and will run for one year
with a possible one year extension by applying to extended funding from
the R2DS network in spring 2009. Gross salary will be 2500 per month.
The starting date can be postponed in exceptional circumstances.

References:
Claessen, D. (2005). Alternative life-history pathways and the
elasticity of stochastic matrix models. American Naturalist 165: E27-E35.
Le Galliard, J.-F., Fitze, P. S., Ferrire, R. and J. Clobert. 2005. Sex
ratio bias, male aggression, and population collapse in lizards.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 102(50):18231-18236.
Claessen, D; Van Oss, C; de Roos, AM; Persson, L. 2002. The impact of
size-dependent predation on population dynamics and individual life
history. Ecology 83 (6): 1660-1675.

Candidate profile
There are no nationality restrictions and the successful candidate will:
(1) Possess a doctoral degree in ecology and/or mathematics, dating no
more than 2 years before 1 October 2008, though the last condition may
be negotiated in exceptional circumstances.
(2) Not have worked in the hosting lab, nor have prepared his thesis
within the hosting lab, except for a return after a period of absence of
at least one year.
(3) Have strong competence in modeling, with an interest in population
dynamics, viability analyses and conservation biology and knowledge of C
programming or closely related languages.
(4) Have personal qualities needed for group work and inter-disciplinary
study.

Contact
Application: Chantal Cuisinier, tel.: +33 1 44 27 36 89, email:
Chantal.Cuisinier@snv.jussieu.fr, postal address is CNRS UMR 7625,
University Paris 6, 7 Quai St Bernard, 75005 Paris
Research project: David Claessen, tel.: +33 1 44 32 27 21, email:
david.claessen@ens.fr

How to apply
1 Applicants have until April 30 2008 to send a completed application
form available at http://jf.legalliard.free.fr/ to the Application
contact point.
2 The lab director and a local jury will select one candidate from the
application forms and contact the candidates from May 31 2008.
3 The regional office of the CNRS will be responsible for drawing up
the contract.

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Japan CSEAS Fellowship for Visiting Scholars, 2009

CSEAS Fellowship for Visiting Scholars, 2009
(Application Deadline: July 31, 2008)

The Center for Southeast Asian Studies of Kyoto University is now accepting applications from scholars and researchers who work on Southeast Asia, or on any one of the countries in that region, and are interested in spending time in Kyoto, Japan, in order to conduct research, write, or pursue other scholarly interests in connection with their field of study.

Since 1963, more than two hundred distinguished scholars have visited the Center for periods ranging from six months to one year. They have availed themselves of the Center’s considerable scholarly resources and the invigorating atmosphere of scenic Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan and the main repository of the country’s cultural treasures, to pursue their interests in Southeast Asian area studies. The Center’s multi-disciplinary character and the diverse research interests of its faculty offer visiting scholars an ideal opportunity for the exchange of ideas and the cultivation of comparative perspectives.

Five fellowships will be awarded for the first half of 2009 on a competitive basis. Fellowships are normally for a six-month duration, although in exceptional cases they can be extended for an additional six months.

Successful applicants will receive an appropriate stipend to cover international travel and living expenses in Kyoto. Research funds will also be provided to facilitate his/her work. Funds will also be allocated for domestic travel, subject to government regulations, and a number of other facilities are available to visiting scholars. Fellows will be expected to reside in Kyoto for the duration of their fellowship period.

Scholars are normally invited to deliver a public lecture during their term at the Center. Fellows will also be encouraged to submit an article for possible publication in the Center’s quarterly journal, Southeast Asian Studies, and to contribute to the online Kyoto Review of Southeast Asia.

http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/news_data/h/h1/2008/news3/080401.htm

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Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships 2008 2009

Applications for the 2009 ALA intake open on 01 April 2008 and close 30 June 2008.

The Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) Scholarships are a component of a regional program that aims to develop leadership and build partnerships and linkages within the Asia-Pacific.

They are intended for those who are already leaders or have the potential to assume leadership roles that can influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes, both in their own countries and in the Asia-Pacific region. The ALA program comprises of Scholarships and Fellowships.

ALA Scholarships are academically elite awards offered to high achievers from the Asia-Pacific region each year to undertake postgraduate study (Masters or Doctorate) and a Leadership Development Program in Australia.

Selection for ALA Scholarships is highly competitive, based on leadership qualities and on academic excellence.

ALA Scholarships are an investment in the future of the Asia-Pacific region. In this regard, ALA scholars are required to return to their home country or the region for two years after they have completed their studies.

In future years, ALA scholars will belong to a unique group - the Australian Scholarships Alumni Network (ASAN) - that will maintain strong and enduring links to Australia. Managed by AusAID as part of Australia’s overseas aid program, ALA Scholarships are open only to citizens of countries in the Asia-Pacific region with which Australia has a significant aid program.

Objectives of ALA Scholarships
ALA Scholarships aim to:

develop a cadre of leaders advancing regional reform, development and governance
increase exchange of knowledge and information within the region
build common purpose and understanding between Australia and the region
build capacity to address priority regional issues
build effective networks between Australia and the region
demonstrate the benefits of Australian education through the provision of high quality education.
Leadership Development Program (LDP)
Through the enhancement of leadership skills, ALA Scholarships seek to empower awardees to participate in social and economic policy and development outcomes in their own countries and in the region. Current and future leaders in the Asia-Pacific region are provided a unique opportunity to explore and harness their leadership potential.

AusAID has invested A$10.128 million over a four year period to deliver a comprehensive Leadership Development Program (LDP) to all ALA scholars.

The LDP comprises a three day conference in Canberra, regional workshops and leadership coaching and practice opportunities. The LDP increases skills in leadership and enhances participants’ understanding of the challenges at national, regional and global levels. LDP aims to help scholars realise their full leadership potential and provides important networking and collaborative opportunities for ALA scholars.

The LDP component of the ALA Scholarship is a valuable opportunity that is not offered through any other scholarship program in the Asia-Pacific region.

Fields of study
Awards are open to all fields of study, however, study programs that relate to the priority themes of international trade, pandemics, security and climate change (including clean energy) are encouraged. Scholarships are not available for military training, or training in areas related to nuclear technology and flying aircraft.

Levels of study
An ALA Scholarship enables candidates to undertake studies leading to a Masters or Doctorate degree in Australia. It does not include Graduate Diplomas, with the exception of those Masters courses that require the completion of a Graduate Diploma as part of the Masters degree.

Who should apply
Outstanding applicants with:

a very high level of academic achievement at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level
a high level of English language proficiency
demonstrated leadership potential and good prospects to influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes in their home country and in the Asia-Pacific region
a commitment to participate ASAN on their return home.


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ITALIAN GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP India, 2008-2009

ITALIAN GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP, 2008-2009
CATEGORY ‘A’

Scholarships with duration 12 months each to pursue Specialised Post-Graduate Courses in the subjects: Fashion Technology, Economics and Management, Cultural Heritage and Restoration, Information and Communication Technology, Environment, Energy, Biotechnology and Micro Electronics.

CATEGORY ‘B’

Scholarships with duration of 12 months each to pursue the First Year of 3 Year Degree Course in teaching of the Italian Language and Culture to foreigners (ILIS) of the University for Foreigners, Perugia.

CATEGORY ‘C’

Scholarships with duration of 06 months each to pursue the Second Level Advance Course (C2) of the Italian Language & Culture course at the University for Foreigners, Perugia.

CATEGORY ‘D’

Scholarships with duration of 03 months’ duration each to pursue the First Level Advanced Course (C1) of the Italian Language & Culture course at the University for Foreigners, Perugia.

CATEGORY ‘E’

Scholarships with duration of 03 months each to pursue the Second Level Intermediate Course (B2) of the Italian Language & Culture’ at the University for Foreigners, Perugia.

Last date of receipt of applications at the address given above is 28th May, 2008 (5.30 P.M.). Application received thereafter will not be considered. Application can also be downloaded from the Department’s website www.education.nic.in. On line applications may be accepted provided hard copy of the application alongwith enclosures (attested copies of certificates, marks-sheet etc.) reach the Ministry within 7 days of last date of receipt of application.
ITALIAN GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP India, 2008-2009
http://scholarship-positions.com/italian-government-scholarship-india-2008-2009/2008/05/22/

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The PhD Position in Animal Biochemistry

PhD Position in Animal Biochemistry
Estonian University of Life Sciences

Project: “Metabolic Modulation of Growth Factors”.

The aim for the thesis is to investigate mechanisms of transcription and gene expression regulation in growth factor IGF-1 and IGF-2 genes, IGFBP-s (IGF binding proteins) and IGF Receptor genes. Results of study can be of importance in animal production as they potentially allow increase protein content and decrease fat content. Hypothesis is based on feed dependant IGF-1 gene expression modulation case. Type and level of IGF regulation has to be studied. The cytokine insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is considered to mediate anabolic growth hormone actions. In addition, locally expressed IGF-1 is an important growth regulator acting in an auto- and paracrine manner. Cattle serum IGF-1 level in puberty shows correlation with protein and fat production in animal first lactation. Long-term treatment with n3-PUFAs can result in decrease of IGF-1 mRNA content in muscle cells and in depressed protein synthesis in animal body.

Requirements: The ideal candidate must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry, molecular biology or animal sciences, have good communication skills, be able to work in a team and be highly motivated to conduct fundamental scientific research.

The doctoral fellowship is based on a scholarship. The assignment period is normally four years. The candidate will work part time as research/teaching assistant with a workload not exceeding one year during the four year assignment period. Applicants should have a background and a language proficiency (preferably Estonian, but English is also acceptable) to be able to work as assistant in regular courses given by the Department.
Applicants must qualify for admission to the PhD program at the EMU. See http://www.emu.ee/141969

Application: For further questions and to apply, contact:

Estonian University of Life Sciences
Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences

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The International PhD program 2008/2009 Max Planck Research School for Molecular and Cellular Biology

March 19, 2008
The International Max Planck Research School for Molecular and Cellular Biology (IMPRS-MCB) of the Max-Planck-Institute of Immunobiology and the Albert-Ludwigs-University in Freiburg i. Br. (Germany) invites suitable candidates to apply for a position in the preparatory program of our

International PhD program 2008/2009

starting on October 1, 2008 in Freiburg i. Br. (Germany).

We invite applications from all countries. Applicants must hold a Masters degree or a Diploma (or equivalent) in Biology, Biochemistry, Medicine, Chemistry, or related fields. It is not necessary to hold the degree at the point of application. However, you must have been awarded your degree prior to the start of the program in October 2008. Candidates have to be fluent in written and spoken English and should document their proficiency in English (TOEFL etc.). German is not required. All applications are reviewed and candidates are selected for personal interviews in Freiburg based on their academic qualification, motivation, CV, suitability to the program and two confidential letters of recommendation. The closing date for online registration is May 3, 2008 and for full applications May 10, 2008. Online-registration and full details of the requirements for the application including the application form can be found at http://www.imprs-mcb.mpg.de

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2008-2009 VLIR-UOS Scholarship Programme for Master and PhD, Belgium

The international study opportunities include the VLIR funded International Courses (ICPs) and the International Training Programmes (ITPs).
Every year, with the support of the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation (DGDC), VLIR awards scholarships to students from developing countries to study one of the 15 ICPs or one of the 6 ITPs.
Each year there are a maximum of 180 scholarships available for first-year ICP students and a maximum of 70 scholarships for ITP participants.

Although these programmes primarily address students and professionals from developing countries, they are also open to other people.

For more information, please refer to the more comprehensive VLIR publication ‘International Study Opportunities in Flanders, Belgium’, available at the Belgian Embassies, at selected universities in Africa, Asia and Latin America and downloadable from the VLIR website (www.vliruos.be). It contains details on course contents and application requirements, and explains the VLIR scholarship programme and the application procedure.

The application form can be found in the publication ‘International Study Opportunities in Flanders, Belgium’. It can also be obtained directly from the respective university or downloaded from the VLIR website.

The application form should be returned to VLIR no later than 1 February 2008.

We sincerely hope that the exchange during your study in Flanders results in partnerships and improved understanding across frontiers, and that the knowledge you acquire will be invested and disseminated in the framework of long-term initiatives in your country of origin.

International Courses 2008-2009
* Master of Science in Biostatistics
* Master of Science in Aquaculture
* Master of Science in Environmental Sanitation
* Master of Science in Nutrition and Rural Development, Main Subject: Human Nutrition
* Master of Nematology
* Master in Physical Land Resources
* Master of Food Technology
* Master of Human Ecology
* Master of Molecular Biology
* Master of Ecological Marine Management
* Master of Water Resources Engineering
* Master of Human Settlements
* Master in Development Evaluation and Management
* Master in Globalisation and Development
* Master in Governance and Development in Sub-Sahara Africa

International Training Programmes 2008
* Beekeeping for Poverty Alleviation
* AudioVisual Learning Materials – Production and Management
* Governing for Development: Opportunities and Challenges for Development Actors
under the New Aid Paradigm
* Dairy Technology: From Rural to Industrial Level
* Scientific and Technological Information Management in Universities and Libraries
* Optimisation in Diagnostic Radiology

For more information about the VLIR-UOS Scholarship Programme please contact Mr Mario De Meyer Assistant Scholarship Programme: mario.demeyer[ at ]vliruos.be


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The Chase Student Loans: Private Student Loans

Private Student Loans - Money for College


Chase Student Loans: Private Student Loans
Chase Private Student Loans can help for all of your college needs—from undergraduate through graduate/professional school. Chase Private Student Loans provide critical assistance when federal student loans, grants and scholarships are not enough for the full cost of your higher education. Plus it can help pay for college expenses not covered by other forms of student financial aid.

Private Student Loan Benefits include:

$1,000 - $40,000 available per year
Funds are sent directly to you in as little as five business days
Use your student loan funds for any education-related expense including tuition, living expenses, books, lab fees, supplies?even a laptop computer or previous school fees
No student financial aid forms or school certifications are required
Flexible repayment terms
No application deadlines; apply anytime

Private student loans, also called alternative college loans, can be used to cover most education-related expenses. These college loans are a great option when federal student loans and other forms of student financial aid aren't enough to cover the full cost of your education. Because most private student loans are credit-based, families cannot be turned down for making too much money.

College Loans Tip - You should be conservative with student loans and borrow wisely, because the amount of money for college that you borrow might have long-term effect that can influence your lifestyle!

Most private student loans are in the student's name, which allow the student to start building their credit. Unless the student meets certain requirements, an eligible cosigner may be needed for a private student loan. A cosigner can be a parent, relative, spouse, friend or other eligible adult. Student loan rates and fees are determined by the lender and usually depend on both the student's and the cosigner's credit score.

Why choose Chase Student Loans?
Chase Student Loans is one of the nation's leading providers of student loans. Chase student loan experts work with thousands of students every year to help them reach their education goals. The application process for a Chase student loan is secure, easy and quick, and special borrower benefits are available.

Chase also offers services beyond student loans to help you plan your financial future.

As you determine the best way to finance your education, you should consider the full range of student financial aid options available. Private loans, like the Chase Private Student Loan, can be used when federal loans, grants and other forms of financial aid are not sufficient to cover the full cost of education.

Chase services its Private Student Loans and does not sell them to another lender.

Chase Private Student Loans are subject to credit approval, receipt of a completed and signed Application/Promissory Note, verification of application information and verification of student's enrollment at a participating school.

Chase Student Loans: Private Student Loans
Source : http://www.chase.com/index.jsp?pg_name=ccpmapp/shared/assets/page/private_student_loans

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The American Indian Science and Engineering Society-AISES

AISES administers the following scholarships for the 2008-09 academic year. All required forms may be downloaded in pdf format from the AISES website.

AISES Google Scholarship
Application Deadline: June 15, 2008

New in 2008, the AISES Google Scholarship will fund scholarships awards to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian AISES members pursuing degrees in the computer science, computer engineering and management information systems. AISES and Google support the advancement of American Indian and Alaska Native students working towards obtaining a degree in the fields computer science and technology so they can obtain the necessary skills to compete in today’s global society.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Foundation Scholarship
Application Deadline: April 15, 2008

Administered for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation, this scholarship is made available to American Indian high school seniors every year, who reside in states serviced by the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Pacific Corporation and its affiliated companies: Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, and Washington. The award is for 4 academic years (8 semesters) or until baccalaureate degree is obtained, whichever occurs first. Applicants who are not selected as recipients will be given consideration in the A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship program, if all criteria is met. Eligible majors include business, engineering, math, medicine/health administration, natural/physical sciences, technology and education.

General Motors Engineering Scholarship
Application Deadline: June 15, 2008

Established in 2002, in partnership with General Motors. Scholarships are awarded to members of AISES who are American Indian/Alaskan Native undergraduate or graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering. GM gives preference to electrical, industrial or mechanical engineering majors. Applicants who are not selected as recipients will be given consideration in the A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship program, if all criteria is met.

A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Application Deadline: June 15, 2008

AISES’ own scholarship program was established in 1983 in memory of A.T. Anderson (Mohawk), a chemical engineer who founded AISES with six other American Indian scientists. Scholarships are awarded to members of AISES who are American Indian/Alaskan Native college students pursuing academic programs in the sciences, engineering, medicine, natural resources, and math.


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The Future Leaders Student Scholarship

Future Leaders Fund is an educational international organization. The goal of this scholarship is to find a student who possesses true leadership qualities and has a financial need. We are looking for an individual who wants to make a difference, is not afraid of challenges and is passionate about his/her ideas. The Scholarship amount is $200.

There are two pre-requisites:

You have to be a Non-US citizen
You have been enrolled in a Bachelor or any kind of Graduate study at a US university for at least one academic year.
The application process consists of two stages:
Stage I
Submission of the application package
- At this stage the scholarship committee will select 10 applicants to proceed to the second part of the process.
Stage II
Telephone interview

The application package consists of three parts:

Completed Application form
Unofficial transcript of your current studies
Essay
Please submit your application to:

Victoria Pavlova
Future Leaders Fund Scholarship
PO Box 2445
Williamsburg, VA 23185

The deadline for application submission is April 15, 2008. Late application packages will not be admitted. Telephone interviews will take place the week of April 22-25, 2008.

Application form can be downloaded from:
http://www.futureleadersfund.org/application.html


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USA Postdoctoral Position in Neuronal Cell Signaling, Department of Pharmacology, The University of Iowa

A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City starting from March, 2008. The laboratory is interested in studying Neuronal Cell Signaling. In particular, projects are aimed at studying the dynamic regulation of expression, trafficking, localization and functions of voltage-gated potassium channels by diverse GPCR signaling pathways in mammalian neurons.

Check Mohapatra & Trimmer, J Neurosci 2006; and Park & Mohapatra et al., Science 2006 to get a broad idea on the future projects. These projects will employ tissue (neuronal) culture, biochemical, proteomic, cell biological, molecular biological, and electrophysiological techniques to answer critical quiestions.

Ph.D. with good knowledge of basic neuroscience is a required qualification. Although experience in atleast 2 or more above-mentioned expertise is expected, candidates with thorough expertise in cell biology, confocal microscopy and imaging will be given preference. You will be allowed and encouraged to learn all the techniques and rational approach used in the laboratory. Excellent support and motivation will be provided for future career advancement. The laboratory will be a well-equipped one with own tissue culture, biochemical, molecular biological and some imaging and good electrophysiological facilities.

The University of Iowa, College of Medicine has excellent central core research facilities (Genomic, Proteomic, Imaging, and Gene-targeting cores) at the disposal for rapid advancement of research projects.

Iowa City is a very nice and collegial town with high living standards, but inexpensive cost of living in comparison to big cities. To apply send your CV, statement of research interests, and name & contact details of three referees to: Dr. D.P. Mohapatra at: dpmohapatra[ at ]ucdavis.edu.

The U Iowa is an equal oppertunity employer.

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PhD Scholarship : Research Opportunity at the University of Limeric

PhD Scholarship
Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering
Research Opportunity at the University of Limerick in the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering

A PhD scholarship is available to study the effect of a residual stress field on the fracture behaviour of engineering steels operating under high temperature conditions. The scholarship is funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).

The objective of this research is to obtain an understanding of residual stress effects on structural integrity from a fracture mechanics and life assessment perspective. Although recent progress has been made in the area of low temperature assessment of components containing residual stress (when elastic-plastic behaviour dominates) methods are lacking to assess behaviour at high temperature when creep behaviour dominates. The work will examine a fracture mechanics-based approach, including analytical estimates of residual stress effects on crack initiation and growth. In addition, numerical (finite-element) analysis of cracked components and specially designed experimental tests will be carried out.

The successful candidate will be registered at the university of Limerick (UL) and the research will be carried out in collaboration with the mechanics of materials group at Imperial College London and the neutron scattering centre at HMI, Berlin (where measurements of residual stress are carried out using neutron diffraction techniques).

The project requires a candidate who is experienced in computational mechanics and has an interest in experimental techniques in engineering. The candidate should have, or be expecting, at least an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline. The student should be open-minded, creative and goal orientated.

The research scholarships are worth approximately €16,500 per annum (tax free), and also cover university fees for EU residents only, due to funding restrictions. The project will initially commence as Masters by Research or MPhil with a transfer to PhD after an appropriate period of time. Interested applicants should send a full CV in PDF or WORD format to noel.odowd@ul.ie including the words ‘PhD Studentship Fracture’ in the subject line.

Closing date is June 30, 2008.

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Two PhD positions Switzerland ETH Zurich - Architecture

Description

In the Fracture Mechanics/Lightweight Materials and Structures Group of the Institute for Building Materials (IfB), of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) are available two PhD positions in the field of Lightweight Materials and Structures.The challenge in developing lightweight materials is to assure sufficient strength and deformability in combination with low weight which is of interest for economic use of resources. One of the strategies followed in the past years to mix cement and protein foam to reach significant weight reduction, where ways have been found to retain the strength.Foaming can be applied to almost any material, and currently first steps have been made to extend our efforts to include metallic foams. The development of a new material should at best be combined with investigations at the structural level to explore the possible applications.

In the research project the design and development of lightweight shelters as temporary fast deployable structures for use in cases of emergency or for large manifestations is pursued.The research comprises of two parts that should run in parallel. One part of the project focuses on the development of metallic foams in relation to possible structural configurations; the second part deals with the development of a numerical simulation program for analyzing the behaviour of the metal foams.

Education

The candidates should have a completed Master degree in one of the following fields: materials science, applied mechanics, structural engineering or architecture (the last one with emphasis on structural design and engineering). For subproject (1) a creative mind is needed, interest in developing new materials and structures and a clear practical attitude needed in experimental exploration. For subproject (2) creativity is important, as well as a strong background in structural mechanics and numerical simulation techniques. Since synergy between the two projects should develop, team spirit is an important issue.

Entrance upon by arrangement

Remarks

The starting date is open to discussion, but preferably at very short notice. For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Jan G.M. van Mier, tel. 41 (1) 633 2709/2712, or jvanmier@ethz.ch

Contact address

Applications including a CV and the names of two referees can be sent electronically or by normal mail to Prof. Dr. Jan G.M. van Mier, ETH Zurich, IfB, Schafmattstrasse 6, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
Email: jvanmier@ethz.ch

http://www.ethz.ch

Company: ETH Zürich
Workplace: Zürich-Hönggerberg

http://www.telejob.ethz.ch/telejob/offer.xml?offer=11101

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Japan: Tohoku University Scholarship for International Doctoral Program in Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering is pleased to announce the Tohoku University International Doctoral Program in Engineering and invites eligible students to submit applications for the 2006 program. A wide variety of elective courses are being offered in English. Scholarships for overseas students with outstanding scholastic ability are being offered as part of the program. The Program was launched in 2001 through the financial support of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (Monbukagakusho) and is now in its sixth year. Doctoral students in Tohoku University enjoy some of the best experimental facilities in the world and study along side distinguished faculty and associates to develop creative and original research that is published in highly reputed international journals.

Departments
Department of Mechanical System and Design
Department of Nanomechanics
Department of Aerospace Engineering
Department of Quantum Science and Energy Engineering
Department of Bioengineering and Robotics
Department of Electrical and Communication Engineering
Department of Electronic Engineering
Department of Applied Physics
Department of Applied Chemistry
Department of Chemical Engineering
Department of Biomolecular Engineering
Department of Metallurgy
Department of Materials Science
Department of Materials Processing
Department of Civil Engineering
Department of Architecture and Building Sciences
Management of Science and Technology Department
Prospective students should also choose one from the following course groups (A-E):

Group A: Environmental Engineering
Group B: Information and Communications
Group C: Medical Engineering
Group D: Energy
Group E: Materials
Twenty-five students will be admitted per year into the five course groups, with 5 students being admitted into each course group. A maximum of 17 students can be awarded Monbukagakusho scholarships.

Lectures in English are arranged in areas of candidate research speciality. Research supervision may be in English or Japanese depending on the candidate`s ability and students may also attend lectures given in Japanese to fulfill their requirements.

Degree Requirements
The main requirements for Doctor of Engineering (D. Eng.) degree are (1) three years of residency, which may be shortened for special cases where outstanding research performance is demonstrated; (2) successful completion of a minimum of 16 credits; (3) submission of a Doctoral dissertation; and (4) oral defense of doctoral thesis.

The 16 credits consist of basic interdisciplinary courses and research seminar (8 credits), and thesis preparation and submission (8 credits). Credits for basic interdisciplinary courses and research seminar depend on the department requirements. Credits for the obligatory interdisciplinary courses must be acquired within 3 years from the admission.

Candidate Eligibility
Eligible candidates are those who have the following qualifications:

Master`s degree or be currently enrolled in a Master`s degree program with expected completion before the admission date of the International Doctoral Program. The Master degree acquired or to be acquired by the candidate must be equivalent to the Master of Engineering degree awarded by Tohoku University that includes both research and thesis components.
Those who have been involved in research for a minimum of two years in internationally accredited College, University or research Institute after a Bachelor`s degree from a Japanese accredited college or University, or after equivalent degree from another country, as determined by the Admission Office of the Faculty of Engineering.
Applicants must be under 35 years of age as of April 2006 (born after April 2,1971) to be eligible for financial aid and must be citizens of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan. Military personnel and employees from military institutions are not eligible for this program.

Application
Prospective candidates should submit all materials except for recommendation letters in a single envelope as listed below. The envelope should be addressed as given below and should contain: three copies of items 9 and 11; originals of items 6, 7 and 14; and original plus two copies of all other items, except 8 and 15. GRE and English test scores should be provided in sealed envelopes as supplied by the responsible organization. Materials required for application:

Tohoku University application form (Form #1)
Monbukagakusho forms (Form #2 and Form #3) for students applying for financial support.
Health Certificate (Form #4)
Certificates of Bachelor`s Degree and Master`s Degree
Undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. (GRE General Test is preferable)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) scores.
Two recommendation letters (Form #5)
Census register, Passport, or other proof of citizenship.
Curriculum Vitae with passport photos (6*4cm) taken within the past 6 months. (An original photo is required on each copy of the curriculum vitae).
Master`s dissertation or equivalent (1000 words in English, 2000 characters in Japanese).
Draft proposal in chosen area of study describing 3-year research plan.
Personal statement on why the applicant desires to pursue the Doctoral Degree in Engineering.
Supporting material (optional) such as theses, journal, conference, and submitted publications.
Official recommendation letter (Form #6) for students from the Institutions with formal academic agreement with Tohoku University.
Selection and Admission
Preliminary selection is carried out by the International Doctoral Program Evaluation Committee, based on recommendations from the above-mentioned departments and scholastic aptitude of applicants, according to transcripts, GRE and English language test scores, direct interview or interview using the internet, and applicant supplied materials. Tohoku University recommends of candidates to Monbukagakusho, which makes the final determination of grantees for Japanese Government Scholarships. Admission is from the winter semester, which begins on October 1, 2006.

Financial Support
Monbukagakusho awards 3-year scholarships to students receiving favorable evaluations. The scholarships cover living expenses (approximately 175,000 yen/month) and include a round-trip air ticket (discounted economy) between the nearest international airport in the country of the candidate`s nationality and the New Tokyo International Airport (NRT). Students awarded with a scholarship are exempt from all entrance and tuition fees. Monbukagakusho requests that students who are admitted to the program complete their doctoral studies within three years of financial support.

For non-scholarship students, entrance examination and admission fees are 30,000 Yen and 282,000 Yen, respectively. Tuition is 535,800 Yen per academic year. Fees can be revised during the enrollment period and in those cases, the new rates are applicable and become effective from the date of the revision.

Important Notes
Documents submitted become the property of Tohoku University and cannot be returned.
Simultaneous applications for the Japanese Government Scholarship to more than one university are strictly prohibited and will result in cancellation of all applications being made by the applicant.
Prospective candidates should locate a possible research advisor at Tohoku University before application.
Applicants must depart their country on the 1st of October 2006 or later, and arrive in Japan between the 1st of October and 7th of October 2006. Scholarships may be canceled if grantees awarded with Monbukagakusho scholarships fail to arrive in Japan within the above time frame.
All applicants for the Program must have finished at least 16 years of primary and secondary education and must have graduated from a university or equivalent. In principle, a degree from another country should have corresponding number of years of formal education to be considered as equivalent to a Japanese degree. However, the Japanese Government and Universities, considering the differences in educational systems of different countries, have established criteria and schemes that allow international students to attain equivalence to Japanese educational system. International students are strongly advised to contact the Admission Office of the Faculty of Engineering regards to matters on eligibility prior to submission of an application.
Applicants are encouraged to become acquainted with Japanese language, culture, and customs. Knowledge of Japanese is essential for daily life and will help to make your stay in Japan both productive and culturally enriching.
Schedule and Contact Information
Candidates should submit the necessary materials so that they arrive no later than February 2, 2006. Applicants will be notified of the preliminary selection results around the end of April 2006. Final selection results authorized by Monbukagakusho will be announced by July 2006. Please obtain application forms from your college or university, office, or homepage listed below. Further information for the application may be obtained by writing:

International Doctoral Program in Engineering (E)
c/o Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University
Aramaki Aza Aoba 6-6-04, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579
TEL: +81-22-795-5820
FAX: +81-22-795-5824
E-MAIL: eng-in@bureau.tohoku.ac.jp
HOME PAGE: http://www.eng.tohoku.ac.jp/eng/english/

2006-2008 Course Groups
Numbers in parentheses "( )" refer to departments offering the courses listed in page 1.
Courses with (*) are offered by the Graduate School of Environmental Studies.

Group A: Environmental Engineering
(1)(2) / (16) Advanced Damage Tolerance and Design / Risk Management for Failure Prevention, July and/or August, 2009
(9) Advanced Process Analysis and Modeling, July and/or August, 2008
(14) Advanced Environmental Hydraulics and Water Quality Engineering, July and/or August, every year
(15) Geological Environment and Earthquake Disaster, July and/or August, 2007
(16) Advanced Topics in Technology Policy, October 2008 to February 2009
(*) Advanced Materials Processing for Environment, November 2008
(*) Advanced Environmental Biotechnology, July and/or August, 2007
(*) Advanced Ecoengineering Systems, August, 2009
Group B: Information and Communications
(1)(2)(3)(4) Computer Architecture, October 2006 to February 2007
(5)(6) Advanced High-Speed Communication Engineering, April to September , 2009
(6) Advanced Electronic Device Engineering, July and/or August, 2007
(7) Quantum Material Physics, February 2008
(12) Advanced Topics on High Performance Materials, July and/or August, 2007
(1)(2)(3)(4) Image Analysis, October 2007 to February 2008
Group C: Medical Engineering
(4) Advanced Quantum Science and Energy Engineering, September, 2008
(4) Molecular Medical Engineering, August, 2007
(5) Advanced Bioelectromagnetics, January and/or February, 2008
(6) Advanced Biomedical Electronics, July and/or August, 2007
(10) Advanced Biomolecular Engineering, July and/or August, 2009
(13) Advanced Course on Materials Physical Chemistry, July and/or August, 2007
(17) Advanced Bio-Mechanics, January 2007
Group D: Energy
(3) Shock Wave in Complex Media and their Interdisciplinary Applications, July and/or August, 2007
(4) Advanced Quantum Science and Energy Engineering, September 2008
(8) Advanced Course in Atoms and Molecules Control Engineering, July and/or August, 2008
(9) Advanced Process Analysis and Modeling, July and/or August, 2008
(13) Advanced Materials Processing, July and/or August, 2007
(14) Advanced Structural and Material Engineering, July and/or August, every year
(15) Energy and Indoor Environment of Residential Buildings, April to July, 2007
(*) Advanced Materials Processing for Environment, November 2008
(*) Advanced Environmental Biotechnology, July and/or August, 2007
(*) Advanced Ecoengineering Systems, July and/or August, 2009
Group E: Materials
(7) Quantum Material Physics, February, 2008
(8) Advanced Course in Atoms and Molecules Control Engineering, July and/or August, 2008
(10) Advanced Biomolecular Engineering, July and/or August, 2009
(11) Metallurgical Process Engineering, July and/or August, 2009
(12) Advanced Topics on Highly Sophisticated Materials, July and/or August, 2007
(13) Advanced Materials Processing, July and/or August, 2007
(16) Advanced Energy and Resources, April to July, 2008
(17) Advanced Bio-Device Engineering, July and/or August, 2008
Note:
Students must take 2 to 4 courses depending on the respective departmental requirements and at least one course from the respective department within three years of admission to fulfill the requirements in basic interdisciplinary courses. Courses from other groups or from course groups of graduate programs in Japanese may be taken as substitutes for at most 4 credits in basic interdisciplinary courses upon approval by the respective department and research advisor.



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PhD Position Physics Materials Science

Physics/Materials Science
You will investigate how electrons are getting localized when transition metal oxides (manganites) transform from a metal to an insulator, and how this relates to the occurrence of a proposed electrical polarization. Your work will directly aim on the interplay of orbitals, magnetic moments, electron localizations and the crystal structure. This work may have impact on the understanding of colossal-magneto resistance, superconductivity, multiferroicity and other interesting phenomena in perovskite related materials.

To study these effects you will perform x-ray experiments (resonant and non-resonant diffraction as well as absorption) as a member of a small team. Experiments will be performed at the SLS with unique experimental equipment and at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble.

Your profile

You have a master in physics and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary, internationally oriented environment and you can easily integrate in a small team. A good command of English is required.

You will be registered as a PhD student at the ETH Zurich. The working place is PSI, Villigen.

We are looking forward to your application.

For information about the position, please contact Dr. U. Staub, phone +41 56 310 44 94, e-mail: urs.staub@psi.ch.

We look forward to your application: PAUL SCHERRER INSTITUT, Human Resources, Mrs. Stefanie Steinbrückner, ref.code 6313-01, CH-5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland or stefanie.steinbrueckner@psi.ch.

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UK: PhD Studentships in Material Science at University of Cambridge

PhD Studentships at Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge

Applications are invited for studentships for 3-year research programmes leading to the degree of PhD. The majority of studentships available are for candidates who meet the EPSRC residency criteria but other sources of funding might be available for very well qualified students.

The Department has a 6* RAE rating. Our main research activities are in the following areas and prospective candidates are welcome to contact members of the academic staff working in their fields of interest:

Physical Metallurgy and Materials Processing
Materials Chemistry
Polymers, Ceramics and Composites
Biomaterials
Device Materials
Materials Characterisation

Further information on our research programmes and PhD topics available is at http://www.msm.cam.ac.uk/Department/Research/index.html and http://www.msm.cam.ac.uk/Department/adverts/PhD/PhDadvert.html.

The Department is fortunate in possessing world class facilities in the areas of transmission and scanning electron microscopy, mechanical testing, X-ray diffraction and polymer characterisation.

Close collaborative links exist with industry and other university departments in the UK and abroad.

The minimum academic requirement for admission is an upper second class UK honours degree, or a lower second with a Master's, (or overseas equivalents) in a relevant subject.

Application packs are available via http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/gradstud/admissions/ or from Dr Rosie Ward (remw2@cam.ac.uk) who is happy to answer questions about the admissions process and funding opportunities available.


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ANU Summer Research Scholarships in Various Fields of Study

Australia. The Australian National University offers a number of Summer Research Scholarships in most research schools, faculties and centres during the summer vacation period (usually from mid-November to early-February). Offers are made subject to the availability of funding, appropriate supervision and accommodation.

Summer research scholars are expected to participate in an ongoing research project or to undertake a substantial piece of supervised research work, which may result in a report/paper, possibly for publication. Scholarships are intended for currently enrolled undergraduate students in universities in Australia and New Zealand completing the third or fourth year of a full-time program leading to an honours degree.

The University may also consider accepting outstanding second year students who are intending to complete an honours degree.

Objectives

Summer Research Scholarships provide promising students with experience of research work. This is particularly useful to students considering undertaking postgraduate research to a higher degree. The scholarships provide contact with distinguished researchers and enable students to use facilities and materials for research that may not be readily available elsewhere. They offer a challenging environment in which students have an opportunity to evaluate for themselves, and to demonstrate to others, their potential for research work.

Tenure

The period of tenure of a Summer Research Scholarship will be specified in the letter of offer. The minimum period is normally eight weeks (although some areas may be prepared to consider applications for scholarships for shorter periods) and the maximum is normally eleven weeks.

The period of tenure is normally broken into two parts to allow for the Christmas period when the University is closed and the weekly allowance is not normally paid during periods away from the University. Summer Research Scholarships may commence between mid-November and early December and normally conclude in early February.

Benefits

The Scholarship provides a contribution towards travel expenses to and from Canberra based on economy railfares at student concession rates (or, for people from more distant parts of Australia, and New Zealand, economy-class airfares), accommodation and all meals at a residential college on campus and a weekly allowance of $135 (tax exempt).

Health Cover for Overseas Students

New Zealand students in Australia as summer research scholars, and other overseas students, must have medical and hospital insurance. They can either take out medical and hospital insurance associated with travel insurance before they leave home, or they can obtain health coverage with the health insurance scheme, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), operated by Medibank Private after their arrival in Canberra. Proof of cover will be required upon commencement

Available Fields of Study

Below are list of particular post on each available field of study. You can read details for each field, including the person to whom you should direct enquiries to.

Summer Research Scholarships in Chemistry
Summer Research Scholarships in Business and Economics
Summer Research Scholarships in Engineering and Computer Sciences
Summer Research Scholarships in Pacific and Asian Studies
Summer Research Scholarships in Psychology
Summer Research Scholarships in Physics
Summer Research Scholarships in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Summer Research Scholarships in Mathematical Sciences
Summer Research Scholarships in Law Studies
Summer Research Scholarships in Biological Sciences
Summer Research Scholarships in Humanities
Summer Research Scholarships in Epidemiology and Population Health
Summer Research Scholarships in Environment
Summer Research Scholarships in Botany and Zoology
Summer Research Scholarships in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Summer Research Scholarships in Medicine and Health Sciences
Summer Research Scholarships in Earth Sciences
Applications

Application period for the scholarships is between 1 July - 31 August each year. Students who wish to be considered for a Summer Research Scholarship in upcoming academic years should send their applications by no later than 31 August of the present years direct to the relevant contact officer, along with references from two academic referees. Applications are not considered complete, and cannot be assessed, without the referees’ reports.

Referees are requested to simply send a letter (or email) of support for the student’s application to the program. These are to be sent directly to the relevant contact officer, stating clearly that the reference is in connection with a Summer Research Scholarship application, and which thematic/administrative area the student is applying to.

Students can submit Summer Research Scholarship applications to as many participating areas at ANU (please see below list) as they wish, they must, however, indicate on each application the other area(s) to which they are applying and rank in numerical order their preference for each area. Supporting documentation (transcripts and references) must be included with each application (photocopies of original transcripts will be accepted for additional applications).

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For Foundation Year Scholarships for Outstanding Vietnamese Students

Australia. Each year several scholarships are available for Vietnamese students to study in the The University of Queensland Foundation Year (International Education Services). Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit.

These scholarships ranges from A$5,800-A$7,750, covering Semester 2 tuition fees (50% remission of all academic fees ). The scholarships are payable retrospectively upon successful completion of the Foundation Year and enrolment into undergraduate programs at The University of Queensland.

Who can apply:

Vietnamese students (school leavers and mature age). To be eligible, applicants must have obtained:

Year 12 entry - GPA 8 on school reports or Tot Nghiep Pho Thong certificate, or equivalent,
Year 11 entry - GPA 9 on school reports.
English Language Proficiency results for IELTS (5.5) or TOEFL (525).
Application Deadline

Closing date for application are usually on:

24 October for Semester 1 intake in the upcoming year and 18 April for Semester 2 intake in the present year.

For 2008, the closing date are: Friday 24th October 2008 for Semester 1 intake in 2009 and Friday 18th April 2008 for Semester 2, mid-year intake in 2008.

Enquiries of the scholarships should be directed to:

The Director, Foundation Programs
International Education Services Ltd

PO Box 989 Spring Hill 4004
Queensland Australia

Telephone: 61 7 3832 7699
Facsimile: 61 7 3832 9850
Email: info@fdn.uq.edu.au

http://www.foundationyear.com

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The Nursing Scholarships in Kidney Related Study

Australia. Kidney Health Australia provides grants for Registered Nurses wishing to study Masters Degrees in Nursing. The aim of the program is to encourage nurses to pursue a career in renal nursing in any of its components - clinical practice, education or research - across the continuum of chronic kidney disease from prevention and early detection to renal replacement.

Nature of Funding. The amount of the grant will be up to $3,000 per year for a maximum period of up to 3 years. The funding is awarded annually for the duration of the Award but funding in the 2nd and 3rd year is contingent on Kidney Health Australia receiving evidence of satisfactory annual progress from the relevant university. Funding may be provided to those already enrolled in one of the above courses. While grants of this nature are usually tax exempt, the final determination of their tax status rests with the Australian Tax Office.

Eligibility and Location. Applicants will be expected to have a renal nursing background and plan to use their Masters degree in the general area of renal nursing.

Closing date. Four printed copies each of your application and accompanying letter of support from your current Manager/Head of Department, should reach the Medical Director’s office by30 August each year.

Application. There is no formal application form. The grant application should be set out on plain A4 paper in 12 point font, with 2cm margins all round, and should not exceed four pages in length.

The following format should be used in the application:

Applicant. Name, qualifications, appointments and brief curriculum vitae
Contact details. Applicant’s department, university, mailing address, phone, fax and email
Title of course and institution of study
A 500 word (approx. 2 page) summary of how your receipt of the scholarship will result in positive outcomes for persons living with renal disease
The names of 3 referees and their contact details
Applications should be forwarded to:

The Medical Director, Kidney Health Australia, GPO Box 9993, Adelaide SA 5001.


For further information contact the Medical Director’s Office by phoning 08 8334 7555 or email teresa.taylor@kidney.org.au or consult to KHA website

Tags: australia, each year, health, kidney health australia, master, medical, nursing, nursing scholarships, Postgraduate, renal nursing

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The 2009 Marshall Scholarships in Various Fields, British Universities

UK. Up to forty Marshall Scholarships will be awarded in 2009. They are tenable at any British university and cover two years of study in any discipline at graduate level, leading to the award of a British university degree.

Candidates are invited to indicate two preferred universities, although the Marshall Commission reserves the right to decide on final placement. Expressions of interest in studying at universities other than Oxford and Cambridge are particularly welcomed.

Candidates do not need to have applied for or be accepted at a British University before they apply for a Marshall Scholarship.

The Marshall Scholarships does NOT fund the following courses:

Second BA/BSc Degrees
MBA
MFE
Degrees leading to professional qualifications in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and law (these degrees typically take 5 years to complete)
Degrees that require extended periods away from the University or the UK, including joint degrees with Universities not in the UK
Supervised research not leading to a degree qualification
MSc Global Health Science (University of Oxford)
Application deadline: 2 October 2008.

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Research Jobs: Senior Research Scientist in Geomechanical Modelling

Australia. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

The Petroleum Resources Division is currently looking to expand and seeks an enthusiastic and motivated individual with expertise in geomechanical modelling. The successful candidate will work in close cooperation with established geomechanics /rock physics researchers as well as with scientists from other disciplines, but will be encouraged to develop into a position of autonomy, innovating and devising their own research plans. Responsibility and remuneration will be based on experience. Training and internal courses will be integral to the development of all applicants.

Based at the Australian Resources Research Centre (ARRC) Laboratory, Perth, the appointee will primarily be engaged in research projects utilising geomechanical models. The appointee will work in a multi-disciplinary environment and will be required to integrate geomechanical models with rock physics models and experimental data.

The position will likely involve some or all of the following:

Adapting existing codes or developing new codes for coupled geomechanical problems.
Modelling of 4D seismic response during oil and gas production
Modelling wellbore stability in gas-hydrate bearing sediments
Modelling subsidence as a result of groundwater withdrawal
Modelling chemoporomechanical response in shales for wellbore stability prediction
Preparing papers and reports for publication plus presentations to sponsors
Work closely with other project scientists on integration of geological data into modelling workflows.
An appointee at Senior Research Scientist level would be encouraged to develop new research directions in geomechanical modelling.

Salary range: $75K - $101K

Selection Criteria

Essential

PhD in a field closely related to geomechanical modelling.
Strong background in solid mechanics and/or geomechanics.
Strong capability in applying numerical techniques such as finite element and finite difference
Expertise in software programming, including specifically Fortran.
Knowledge of writing codes for developing user interfaces.
Demonstrated ability in report writing and presentation of results.
Ability to work in teams or under limited supervision on one or more projects.
Desirable

Understanding of rock physics and poroelasticity
Expertise in hydrate bearing sediments or analogous problems such as frozen soil behaviour would be desirable.
Knowledge of chemoporomechanical behaviour of shales.
Candidates must write a paragraph against each selection criterion. Applicants who do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.

Application

Position Reference Number: 2008/468.

To assist you prepare your application please read the information available at ‘Guidelines for Applicants’

You are required to include two documents (1) “A document Addressing the Selection Criteria” and (2) a “Resume or CV” including the names of at least two professional referees.

If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 301 509 and someone will be able to assist you. Outside business hours please email: csiro-careers@csiro.au.

If you are unable to lodge your application online you can fax your application (quoting reference number 2008/468) to (02) 6246 4455 or alternatively post to:

CSIRO Careers Online
PO Box 225
DICKSON ACT 2602

If after reading the selection documentation you have any questions specifically relating to this position, please contact Dr Reem Freij-Ayoub ( Reem.Freij-Ayoub@csiro.au ).

Application deadline: 30 June 2008


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The 2009-2010 PHF Andrew W Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships in Humanities

USA. University of Pennsylvania.

Five one-year Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships are available for the 2009-2010 academic year for untenured scholars in the humanities who received or will receive their Ph.D. between December 2000 and December 2008. The fellowship is open to all scholars, national and international, who meet application terms.

For the 2009-2010 Fellowship, candidates must have received or will receive their Ph.D. between December 2000 and December 2008. You must have your degree in hand or have passed your defense no later than December 2008 to be eligible. Your application will not be considered unless this condition is met. The Ph.D. is the only terminal degree eligible (i.e., MFAs and other doctorates such as EdD are ineligible).

Fellows teach one undergraduate course each of two terms in addition to conducting their research. The fellowship stipend is $46,500, plus health insurance. Fellows are required to be in residence during their fellowship year (September-May).

The programs of the Penn Humanities Forum are conceived through yearly topics that invite broad interdisciplinary collaboration. For the 2009-2010 academic year, we have set Connections as the theme. Humanists and those in related fields are invited to submit research proposals on any aspect of this topic, except educational curriculum building and the performing arts.

During their year in residence, Penn Humanities Forum Mellon Postdoctoral Fellows will have the opportunity to pursue their own research. That research must relate to Connections, the Forum’s topic of study for 2009-10. Fellows must also participate in the weekly Mellon Research Seminar of the Penn Humanities Forum (Tuesdays, 12:00-2:00), and present their research at one of those seminars.

In addition to conducting their research, Mellon Fellows are required to teach one undergraduate course each term in an appropriate department: a College freshman seminar in the fall semester and an upperclass course in the spring. In writing your course proposal for the fall freshman seminar, please consider carefully the university’s description of those seminars (click here for examples of Penn Freshmen Seminar descriptions).

The 2009-2010 PHF Andrew W Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships in Humanities to apply, please download the application form and 2009-2010 topics. Application deadline (postmark): Wednesday, October 15, 2008.

For additional details, please read the Andrew W Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships in humanities description.

The 2009-2010 PHF Andrew W Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships in Humanities

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The International Scholarships for Taught Master’s Students, Scottish Universities

Scotland. These masters scholarships are available for full time postgraduate study at any of Scottish universities or higher education institutions. More than just a scholarship award, this programme offers you a uniquely enhanced experience of Scotland. Not only will you gain an internationally recognised qualification at a world class university, but you will enhance your career prospects with the chance to network with Scottish companies.

The scholarships are supported and funded by the Scottish Government’s Fresh Talent initiative which aims to encourage bright, talented and hard working individuals to live, work and study in Scotland. After your studies, you will have the opportunity to stay on and live and work in Scotland for up to two years with Fresh Talent.

This exciting scholarship opportunity is open to permanent residents of India and People’s Republic of China (Mainland China only).

Courses must be 12 month taught masters programmes, and priority will be given to subjects in the creative industries, science and technology, and financial services. The award covers the tuition fees, return economy airfare and living allowance.


For further details, please visit: http://www.scotlandscholarship.com/

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The Belgium-2008-2009 VLIR-UOS Postgraduate Scholarship Programme

VLIR-UOS, Brussel

The international study opportunities include the VLIR funded International Courses (ICPs) and the International Training Programmes (ITPs).

Every year, with the support of the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation (DGDC), VLIR awards scholarships to students from developing countries to study one of the 15 ICPs or one of the 6 ITPs.

Each year there are a maximum of 180 scholarships available for first-year ICP students and a maximum of 70 scholarships for ITP participants.

Although these programmes primarily address students and professionals from developing countries, they are also open to other people.

For more information, please refer to the more comprehensive VLIR publication ‘International Study Opportunities in Flanders, Belgium’, available at the Belgian Embassies, at selected universities in Africa, Asia and Latin America and downloadable from the VLIR website (www.vliruos.be). It contains details on course contents and application requirements, and explains the VLIR scholarship programme and the application procedure.

The application form can be found in the publication ‘International Study Opportunities in Flanders, Belgium’. It can also be obtained directly from the respective university or downloaded from the VLIR website.

The application form should be returned to VLIR no later than 1 February 2008.

We sincerely hope that the exchange during your study in Flanders results in partnerships and improved understanding across frontiers, and that the knowledge you acquire will be invested and disseminated in the framework of long-term initiatives in your country of origin.

International Courses 2008-2009

Master of Science in Biostatistics
Master of Science in Aquaculture
Master of Science in Environmental Sanitation
Master of Science in Nutrition and Rural Development, Main Subject: Human Nutrition
Master of Nematology
Master in Physical Land Resources
Master of Food Technology
Master of Human Ecology
Master of Molecular Biology
Master of Ecological Marine Management
Master of Water Resources Engineering
Master of Human Settlements
Master in Development Evaluation and Management
Master in Globalisation and Development
Master in Governance and Development in Sub-Sahara Africa
International Training Programmes 2008

Beekeeping for Poverty Alleviation
AudioVisual Learning Materials – Production and Management
Governing for Development: Opportunities and Challenges for Development Actors
under the New Aid Paradigm
Dairy Technology: From Rural to Industrial Level
Scientific and Technological Information Management in Universities and Libraries
Optimisation in Diagnostic Radiology
For more information about the VLIR-UOS Scholarship Programme please contact Mr Mario De Meyer Assistant Scholarship Programme: mario.demeyer[ at ]vliruos.be




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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

GradPLUS Loan vs. Private Loan

Last semester the Department of Education created a new loan program exclusively for Graduate students called the GradPLUS loan. Now students have options when it comes to bridging the gap between their financial aid package and the cost of attendance. Before students could only turn to Private loans to finance their graduate studies but finally the Department of Ed recognized the need for different sources of financing.

This raises many questions for grad students because they are not certain what loan is the best loan for them. Basically, if you are looking for a fixed interest rate loan, that has opportunities to defer or forbear your loan payments and your credit is good, fair or poor then you should apply for the GradPLUS loan. However the catch with the GradPLUS is that you MUST fill out a FAFSA! There is no escaping this lengthy paperwork if you want to receive the GradPlus loan.

Now, if you do not want to file the FAFSA then Private loan is the loan for you. To recieve a Private loan all you need to worry about is filing a short application and submitting proof of enrollment with the application. Proof can be a class schedule or a tuition bill. Also what is really nice about the Private loan is that the money is sent directly to the borrower. Unlike that GradPLUS loan this loan does not need to get certified by the school’s financial aid office. The application is quick, simple and the borrower is in complete control on how they receive the money.

After reading this if you happen to think of any other differences between GradPLUS and Private loans feel free to comment!





The Student Loan Network: Stafford Federal Student Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, Student Loan Consolidation, Private Student Loans, Education Loans/College Loans

This entry was posted on February 15, 2007 at 3:57 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Q&A with Liz :Dealing with a Student Loan Nightmare

Q: We have a huge problem that we've been trying to solve without success. We co-signed a $40,000 student loan for our eldest child and then had a serious run of bad luck. My husband was critically injured and out of work for a long period, we lost money in the stock market, and our son has had trouble finding a good job after graduation. A lawyer told us bankruptcy would help our situation, but it didn't — the lender sued us and now we owe an additional $30,000 because of interest and fees. We hired a second lawyer, but he only made things worse. We make less than $50,000, don't own a house and have old cars that aren't worth very much. Our only asset is a retirement account worth $30,000. We have begged the collection agency for a repayment plan that we can afford, but our pleas have been ignored. We have two more kids to help with college and feel as if we are living in a nightmare. Do you have any hope for us?

Answer: You've discovered the modern reality of student loans: Once you've got them, you're stuck with them.



A federal law change in 1998 made most student loans virtually impossible to erase in Bankruptcy Court. (The recent bankruptcy reform act tightened the law even further to include loans for education made by for-profit lenders.) Unlike most other secured debt, there's also no statute of limitations on student loans. That means a lender can sue you decades after the loans were made. The statute of limitations on other debt is typically a few years.



All this means student loan collectors can really play hardball with debtors. You can't run, you can't hide, and the collection agencies monitor your credit reports so they can jump in if your financial situation seems to be improving.



You may be understandably soured on attorneys. But if your requests for an affordable repayment plan are being ignored, your best bet might be to hire another lawyer — one experienced with student loan debt — to deal with the collection agency. The National Assn. of Consumer Advocates at (202) 452-1989 or http://www.naca.net can provide referrals.



You probably need to give up on the idea of helping your other kids with college. Your priorities need to be paying off this debt and saving for your own retirement. You also need to get your oldest son to contribute his part — he's the one who benefited from all this debt, after all.

source :
http://www.asklizweston.com/dealing-with-a-student-loan-nightmare-052305.htm

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When Repaying is a Nightmare: Student Loans and Alternatives

There are a number of ways to consolidate school student loans. You may have three separate student loans that have all come due, totaling a substantial amount of your income that makes it unaffordable to pay student loans, rent and other living expenses. Smaller payments are possible as is managing better.

Consolidating student loans can be done through the US Department of Education under the William D Ford Federal Direct Student loans program. There's a variety of repayment plans for student loans including income contingent that fluctuates to suit your yearly income. Their number is 1-800-848-0979.

For a stay-at-home mom who faces default if she doesn't pay her student loans immediately, you have the option of adding yours to that of your husband's school student loans. The monthly payments then decrease for the total student loans amount. You can also apply for economic hardship forbearance. Your income is reviewed once a year and monthly payments based on it.

The only other option could be to pay your school student loans with a high rate credit card. Forbearance, deferments and income contingent repayment for student loans plans are available in several options. Find out from your student loans holder what your options are. But remember that during forbearance and deferment, interest accumulates.

Sallie Mae is a good choice to consolidate federal student loans into one easy payment. Income sensitive, forbearance and other options are offered with a 15-year period to pay back. Your interest rates will be combined and averaged into a new one which though possibly higher than the current student loans can be as low as 6%. Contact Sally Mae for Smart Student Loans about qualifying at 1-800/524-9100 or www.salliemae.com. Eligible school student loans are combined into one new student loan with new terms and single monthly payment. The lower payments are due to Smart Student Loans account extending repayment of student loans term based on the amount owed, up to 30 years. Payments can be further reduced with interest-only payments for a few years. There's also a Flex Repay account.

When your student loan payments are more than you can afford, your student loans issuer can offer you options from consolidation to a step payment plan where you repay your student loans based on a percentage of your current income. While consolidation may be great, the repayment period of your student loans could take as much as 15 to 20 years according to the amount owed. Then there are temporary financial hardship forbearances when you can afford to pay nothing. The disadvantage is the accumulation of interest that continues while the student loans are in forbearance. It's best to find out from your student loans issuer whatever you options may be. But whatever it is, never default.

In a situation where you can't afford living expenses by paying student loans, ask the lender about hardship deferment to buy more time to increase income. Based on circumstances ask about forbearance too. What you need to avoid is default as it will give your children a next to zero chance of school student loans when they need them.

Most lenders dealing with borrowers are always willing to work out a method to be paid back. Not paying them will be a loss for all involved. A borrower expressing willingness to pay even a less amount or at a later time, is considered far better than the borrower who doesn't communicate at all. Therefore in case of difficulty, let them know.

Regular payments need to be made somehow or the other. Though toughest, financially it proves best in the long run. The more you pay now, the sooner you'll be free of debt. It's handy for buying you time to get other needs taken care of to be able to better afford student loans payments in the future. There may also be the option of interest-only payments to keep the interest from inflating your student loans amount. If your student loans debt is above a certain percentage of income, hardship forbearance at the very least can be filed for.

Several student loans can be consolidated into one student loan, usually with lower payments, particularly given low interest rates. But it may take a longer time to pay off. An address, phone number or even a form in your payment book or a bill to find out more details on the options offered. Also visit www.usagroup.com website for details of the options and calculators to work out the exact amount of savings possible.

Student loans consolidation or consolidation student loans is combination of different student and parent student loans into a bigger student loans from a single lender, which pays off the balances on the other student loans. Most federal student loans are covered including FFELP (Stafford, PLUS, and SLS), FISL, Perkins, Health Professional Student loans, NSL, HEAL, Guaranteed Student loans, and Direct student loans. Lenders may offer consolidation student loans for private student loans too.

With consolidation student loans the monthly payment is often lowered by means of an extension of the student loans term beyond the 10-year repayment student loans plan, a standard with federal student loans. Depending on the amount of the student loans, the extension may be from 12 to 30 years. The reduced monthly payment makes it easier to repay student loans for some borrowers. But in extending the student loans term, the total interest amount increases as well.

Graduated repayment of student loans makes payments lower for the first two years after graduation. With extended repayment of student loans, the term of the student loans is extended without consolidation. Each of the options raises the total interest amount paid but this difference is less than what consolidation offers.

sourc :
http://www.creditloan.com/when-repaying-is-a-nightmare-student-loans-and-alternatives.html

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The Loan Consolidation

Borrowers Currently Enrolled in school can no longer Consolidate Their Loans
The Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005 eliminated the provision that allowed a FFEL or Direct Loan borrower who is enrolled in school on at least a half-time basis to request to enter repayment early on his or her Stafford Loans if the lender approves. Repayment is now defined as not beginning until 6 months and one day after the date the student ceases to carry at least one-half the normal full- time academic workload, as determined by the school. Therefore, a FFEL or Direct Loan borrower who is still enrolled in school at least half-time may no longer request to enter repayment early to apply for a FFEL or Direct Consolidation Loan.


To apply for a Direct Loan Consolidation or an FFEL Consolidation the borrower must contact the lender and complete an application. Most lenders provide borrowers with the ability to apply on-line or request an application over the telephone. Once an application is completed and submitted, the lender will request information from the borrower’s other lenders or from its own system to determine the amounts outstanding on the borrowers loans. The borrower will then receive notification about the consolidation loan, normal consumer disclosures, the amount owed, and if appropriate, where to make payments.

FFEL Consolidation Loan Weighted Average Interest Rate

Consolidation loans have fixed interest rates that are based on the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans being consolidated. A lender can provide a new consolidation loan borrower with the lowest statutory weighted average interest rate for loans by using the lower of the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans being consolidated as of July 1 or the date the lender received the borrower's consolidation loan application. The lender should apply a consistent method of determining when an application is received.

Most federal education loans are eligible for consolidation, including subsidized and unsubsidized Direct and FFEL Stafford Loans, SLS, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Nursing Loans, and Health Education Assistance Loans. PLUS Loan borrowers (parent and graduate/professional degree students) can also consolidate their loans. Private education loans are not eligible for consolidation.

To obtain a complete list of the federal student loans that can be consolidated


contact the Direct Loan Origination Center's Consolidation Department if you’re applying for a Direct Consolidation Loan. You can reach them by calling 1-800-557-7392. TTY users may call 1-800-557-7395. Or visit loanconsolidation.ed.gov.
contact a participating FFEL lender if you’re applying for a FFEL Consolidation Loan. If you do not know who your FFEL lender is, please call 1-800-433-3243 for assistance.



Eligibility rules
All FFEL and Direct Stafford Loan borrowers are eligible to consolidate after they graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment.

PLUS loans are eligible for consolidation once they are fully disbursed.

Borrowers who are delinquent or in default must meet certain requirements before they may consolidate their loans. Contact your loan holder for more information.

To be eligible for a William D. Ford Direct Consolidation Loan, you must have at least one of the following:


A Direct Stafford subsidized or unsubsidized loan that will be included in the Consolidation loan; or
Have at least one Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program Stafford subsidized or unsubsidized loan.

If your current loan holder does not offer a Consolidation Loan or a Consolidation Loan with Income Sensitive Repayment terms acceptable to you, and you are eligible for Income Contingent Repayment, you may apply for a Direct Consolidation loan. In addition, if you have more than one FFEL loan, you may apply for a Consolidation Loan with any of your FFEL loan holders or through the Direct Consolidation Loan Program.

Borrowers who obtain a Direct Consolidation Loan or a FFEL Consolidation Loan while they are in the grace period on any loan that will be included in the new Consolidation Loan, or who will include one or more Perkins Loans in the new Consolidation Loan, are advised that the grace period on those loans will be immediately terminated (e.g., you will lose the benefit of having a grace period before repayment would begin).

Note that borrowers with one or more Direct Loans, including Consolidation Loans, can also consolidate under the FFEL Consolidation Loan Program if they choose.



Interest rate
The interest rate for FFEL and Direct Consolidation Loans is set according to a formula established by federal statute. The fixed rate is based on the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans at the time you consolidate, rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of a percent. The interest rate does not exceed 8.25 percent. The consolidation rate is fixed for the life of the loan, which protects you from future increases in variable rate loans but prevents you from benefiting from future decreases in variable rates.

Borrowers with Stafford Loans issued on or after July 1, 1995, can reduce the consolidation rate by up to half a percentage point or more by consolidating before the end of the grace period.

If a borrower wanted to consolidate only Direct or FFEL Stafford Loans made between July 1, 1998 and June 30, 2006, the 2007-08 Consolidation Loan interest rate for loans that have entered repayment would be 7.22 percent. To consolidate those same loans during a grace or deferment period, the rate would be 6.62 percent. If a borrower consolidated PLUS Loans made between July 1, 1998 and June 30, 2006, the interest rate for the resulting PLUS Consolidation Loan would be 8.02 percent.

The interest rate you would receive, however, depends on which federal student loans are being consolidated. For example, your rate would be higher if you consolidated a 5 percent Federal Perkins Loan along with a 6.62 percent Direct or FFEL Stafford Loan



Obtaining a Consolidation Loan
For a FFEL Consolidation Loan, contact the consolidation department of a participating lender for an application or more information. (Your parents should do the same thing if they want to apply for a FFEL PLUS Consolidation Loan.)

For Direct Loans, you (and your parents, for a Direct PLUS Consolidation Loan) can contact the Direct Loan Origination Center’s Consolidation Department at the Web site given above.

Note that if your parents want to apply for a FFEL PLUS Consolidation Loan, no credit checks are required. If they want to apply for a Direct PLUS Consolidation Loan, they are subject to a check for adverse credit history.



Repayment period
Repayment of Consolidation Loans begins within 60 days of the disbursement of the loan. The payback term ranges from 10 to 30 years, depending on the amount of education debt being repaid and the repayment option you select. Education loans not included in the Consolidation Loan are considered in determining the maximum payback period. You may elect to repay your loans under a shorter period than the maximum allowed.

All the FFEL repayment plans are available to FFEL Consolidation Loan borrowers. For Direct Consolidation Loan borrowers, most of the Direct Loan repayment plans are available, except that Direct PLUS Consolidation Loans are not eligible to be repaid under the Income Contingent Repayment Plan and might not be eligible for some discharge/cancellation benefits. Check with the holder of your loan. You can also read more about repayment plan choices in the Repaying Your Student Loan section of Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid, click here to access the publication.


Fees - Borrowers who consolidate will not pay any application fees or prepayment penalties.
Credit checks - Under FFEL Consolidation Loans, no credit checks are required, even for PLUS borrowers. Under Direct Loan consolidation, PLUS borrowers are subject to a check for adverse credit history.



Always Consider the Cost
You should keep in mind that although consolidation can simplify loan repayment and lower your monthly payment, it also can significantly increase the total cost of repaying your loans. Consolidation offers lower monthly payments by giving borrowers up to 30 years to repay their loans. So, you'll make more payments and pay more in interest. In fact, in some situations consolidation can double your total interest expense. If you don't need monthly payment relief, you should compare the cost of repaying your unconsolidated loans against the cost of repaying a consolidation loan. You also should take into account the impact of losing any borrower benefits offered under non-consolidated repayment plans. Borrower benefits, which may include interest rate discounts, principal rebates, or some loan cancellation benefits can significantly reduce the cost of repaying your loans.

Once made, Federal Consolidation Loans cannot be unmade. That's because the loans that were consolidated have been paid off and no longer exist. Take the time to study your consolidation options before you submit your application.

form
http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/consolidation.jsp

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The Regional Report / Wells Fargo no longer consolidating student loans

Wells Fargo & Co. said Monday that it no longer will accept applications to consolidate student loans and has suspended participation in that federal program. Consolidation loans enable students with several types of federal loans to refinance with a single lender and make one monthly payment. Existing Wells Fargo consolidation loan borrowers and borrowers who completed an application before May 15 aren't affected, the company said. To date, 83 lenders have exited one or more federal loan programs, including nine of the top 10 consolidators, said Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of FinAid.org. San Francisco-based Wells Fargo is the largest bank in Minnesota by deposit market share.

ResCap extends bond-tender deadline
Residential Capital LLC, the distressed mortgage-finance company, said it has enough support from bondholders to proceed with its offer to exchange or buy back $14 billion of debt in an attempt to stave off bankruptcy.

Bloomington-based ResCap, owned by GMAC LLC, received the "requisite consents" from holders to move ahead with the plan, the company said Sunday. ResCap is offering investors as little as 80 cents on the dollar to extend maturities and reduce debt.

ResCap also extended the early deadline for the offer until Wednesday. The tender expires June 3. The exchange is contingent on the company getting a new $3.5 billion credit line from GMAC.

Best Buy venture may get U.K. review
The joint venture Best Buy Co. announced earlie

this month with London-based Carphone Warehouse Group PLC may be referred to the U.K.'s Competition Commission for investigation. The Richfield-based electronics retailer planned to open its first stores in Europe next year by investing 1.1 billion pounds ($2.15 billion) in Carphone. The U.K. Office of Fair Trading may refer the venture if the "creation of a relevant merger situation" takes place and it hurts competition in the country, the agency said Monday. Carphone Warehouse is Europe's largest handset retailer.
Piper fined for underwriting during ban
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority fined Minneapolis-based Piper Jaffray Cos. $25,000 and ordered the company to disgorge profits of $260,158 for underwriting two municipal securities transactions in Minnesota during a two-year ban on its business with state issuers.

The ban stemmed from a $700 contribution made by Addison "Tad" Piper to Gov. Tim Pawlenty's 2006 re-election campaign, which violated the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board's Rule G-37 on political contributions that states that municipal dealers and their professionals may only give $250 to any elected official that can influence bond business. "We take these matters seriously and are pleased to put it behind us," said Rob Litt, a spokesman for Piper Jaffray.

Briefly

Bloomington-based HealthPartners introduced a new health plan for individuals that offers a set of basic benefits, including three free visits per year, a $5 co-pay for generic drugs, 100 percent coverage for up to $200 preventive care annually and $250 co-pay for an emergency visit. Premiums start at $69 per month. ... VeraSun Energy will begin production at its ethanol plant in Hankinson, S.D., by the end of June. The Brookings, S.D., company became the second-largest ethanol producer when it acquired Inver Grove Heights-based US BioEnergy last month. ... Fridley-based Medtronic Inc. announced the U.S. launch of the Profile 3D Annuloplasty Ring used by heart surgeons to repair a failing mitral valve. ... Mocon Inc., Brooklyn Park, increased its quarterly dividend to 8.5 cents per share from 8 cents, payable Aug. 15 to shareholders of record Aug. 1. ... Great River Energy, Maple Grove, closed its issuance of $400 million in 30-year, first mortgage bonds. The new debt will be used to pay down the balance on its credit facility, capital projects and other general purposes. ... Law firm Stull, Stull & Brody said it has filed a lawsuit against Minneapolis-based RBC Wealth Management on behalf of purchasers of auction-rate securities.

— From staff and wire reports



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Regional Report / Wells Fargo no longer consolidating student loans
Pioneer Press

Article Last Updated: 05/19/2008 09:09:22 PM CDT

http://origin.twincities.com/business/ci_9315195?nclick_check=1

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The Lower rates make consolidation of federal education loans look more appealing

Next month, we'll know the new variable interest rates for federal education loans, and those rates could be among the lowest we've seen in several years.

That might lead you to think about consolidating your federal student or parent loans to lock in these low rates.

Consolidating pays off your old loans and gives you a new loan at a fixed interest rate. Four years ago, when loan interest rates hit record lows, borrowers made a mad dash to consolidate to get rid of loans whose variable rates changed year to year.

Though rates have been headed down, the landscape for consolidation has changed.

Since July 2006, federal student and parent PLUS loans have switched from a variable interest rate to a fixed rate. Stafford loans are fixed at 6.8 percent; PLUS loans are set at 8.5 percent.

Under the formula used to determine the new rate on a consolidated loan, lenders use a weighted average of the interest rates on all your loans and then round it up to the nearest one-eighth of 1 percent. If all you have are newer fixed-rate loans, there is no interest rate benefit to consolidate.

But if you have older loans that are at a variable rate, you can benefit by locking in a low rate through consolidation. Also, if you decide to consolidate, you might need to look harder to find a lender to help you.

A growing number of lenders, including giant Sallie Mae, say they are no longer consolidating students' loans because the business isn't profitable.

Sallie Mae, for instance, said it's saving its resources to make new loans to students in the fall, given that so many other lenders are leaving the federal student loan program because of the credit crunch.

Even if your lender no longer consolidates loans, you can always find other lenders that will, or consolidate through the government's direct lending program at LoanConsolidation.ed.gov.



Wait for T-bill auction
And if you are going to consolidate, don't do it before July, says Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of FinAid, an online provider of student aid information.

Variable rates on federal loans are adjusted annually in July. The new rates are based on the three-month Treasury bill auction at the end of May.

Based on the T-bill auction last month, Kantrowitz projects that the interest rates on consolidation loans starting in July will be among the lowest ever.

The rate would be 2.88 percent for a Stafford loan consolidated while the student was still in school or in the six-month grace period after graduation, he estimates.

The rate on a Stafford loan consolidated while the borrower is in repayment would be 3.5 percent. The rate for parents consolidating a PLUS loan would be 4.25 percent.

Those rates are at least 3.7 percentage points lower than if you consolidate before July.

Kantrowitz notes that Federal Reserve policymakers meet at the end of the month, and any action they take on rates could also influence May's T-bill auction.


No benefits for some
Rebecca Caldwell, who is graduating from the University of Maryland's law school next month, said she has been thinking about consolidating.

She has about $121,000 in debt. Federal fixed-rate loans, including Perkins and Stafford loans, account for about 60 percent of that. The rest is private loans at variable rates ranging from 4.4 percent to 6.5 percent.

Kantrowitz, who looked at her numbers, recommended that Caldwell not consolidate.

The rates on her private loans are among the lowest available, he adds. She likely wouldn't get a better rate if she consolidated all her private loans into one. "If she tried refinancing, she'd probably get a worse rate since she is not yet employed and building a good credit score," he said.


Public service perk
Kalman Chany, author of "Paying for College Without Going Broke," said Caldwell might consolidate if she plans to enter public service.

Under a new law, borrowers can have their outstanding federal loan debt forgiven if they make 10 years' worth of on-time loan payments while working in certain jobs, such as public defender and prosecutor. To take advantage of this, Caldwell would have to consolidate her federal loans through the government's direct lending program.

Caldwell says she plans to clerk for a judge for a year before joining a Baltimore law firm. No forgiveness option there.

Kantrowitz figures her loan payments will be about $1,145 a month.

If she finds that too steep on a clerk's salary, she can request a repayment plan that gives her more years to repay without having to consolidate. But the longer you take to repay loans, the more you end up paying in interest.

Lower rates make consolidation of federal education loans look more appealing
Make decision after July adjustment, student aid experts say
By Eileen Ambrose

Eileen Ambrose is a columnist for The Baltimore Sun, a Tribune Co. newspaper.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/yourmoney/chi-ym-loans-0427apr27,0,1876668.story

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The Sallie Mae No Longer Consolidating Student Loans

Imagine my surprise when I call to get some information on my loans and what my payments will be once I finish my program, Sallie tells me they are no longer consolidating loans because the government tightening has made it no longer profitable for them.

From their website:

Private student loan consolidation

Thank you for your interest in Sallie Mae, the nation’s leading provider of saving- and paying-for-college programs. We have temporarily suspended offering our private consolidation loan program. No new private consolidation loan requests will be processed at this time.

Federal student loan consolidation

Sallie Mae’s Federal Consolidation Loan service is not available at this time.

Severe legislative cuts made by Congress made federal loan consolidation uneconomical. This, combined with the credit market deterioration, has caused us to suspend participation in the federal consolidation loan program.

Then the rep tries to put a spin on it by stating that it may not be beneficial for the borrower because we would be locked in with no opportunity to get a lower rate if it comes along. But the rest of us know that this also leaves us open to increasing rates if we do not consolidate.

I am too through with Sallie Mae at this point, I’ve actually liked them even while every one else sang their hatred from the mountain tops.

At this time, I need options, and I need them fast. I will be done in December with the possibility of going back to school in January, however, I need o figure out how to switch lenders so that I can consolidate when the time comes. Shoot me in the comments for this but can I call a customer service center that doesn’t link to somewhere in India?? I want to RIP my hair out every time one of them picks up the phone and its muffled and I can hardly understand them while it sounds like they are reading from a script! I have no issues with THEM being Indian, I have issues with Sallie using this method of customer service which only further infuriates me while I repeat each and every question. My option? Hang up, call back and o through the same dance with another rep.

ARGHH!

Oh and my payment when I graduate? $825. You read that right, $825, but Im not worried, we have a plan to knock out the loans in 2 years so Im cool on that, I just need to consolidate and get a lower rate.

Any recommendations? Advice? Suggestions?

Sallie Mae No Longer Consolidating Student Loans
form http://www.girlsjustwannahavefunds.com/2008/05/sallie-mae-no-longer-consolidating-student-loans/

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Tuesday, May 27, 2008

The Consolidating Student Loans Not Always Best Option

WHEN IT WAS first introduced in the mid-1980s, student loan consolidation was touted as a much-needed solution for those struggling to pay their debts from college. Borrowers could combine their Stafford and Plus loans into one payment and lock in the prevailing interest rate — typically, one lower than the average rates that they were previously paying on their other loans.

Times have changed, however, and consolidation is no longer the cheap and attractive option that it used to be. Thanks to the declining federal funds rate and the phasing out of variable-rate loans, consolidating your student loans now will actually cost you more over the lifetime of the loan. Eventually, consolidation will come back into fashion for variable-rate loans (rates should be much more attractive when they reset in July). But it will probably never again be the least-expensive solution for those with fixed-rate loans.

Here are some ways borrowers can ensure they're getting the best deal. (We've included a glossary of student loan terms to help you along the way.)


Hold Onto Variable-Rate Stafford & Plus Loans for Now
If you're currently making payments on a variable-rate Stafford or Plus loan, don't consolidate for at least a few months, says Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of FinAid.org, an online source for student financial aid information.

Here's why: Federal loan interest rates are tied to the investment rate of the 91-day Treasury bill. To establish the price of the T-bill, auctions are held on a weekly basis. The last auction to occur in May of each year sets the base rate for student loans for the upcoming academic year and goes into effect come July 1. Last year's May 29 auction ended with a T-bill investment rate of 4.9%.

On top of the base rate, an additional interest rate gets tacked on to establish the federal student loan rates. For example, a 1.7% rate was added to the 4.9% to create the current interest rate for Stafford loans in the grace period (a grace period lasts up to six months after graduation). For Stafford loans in the repayment period, which starts once the grace period expires, a 2.3% rate was added to the base rate.

Since July 1 last year, the Federal Reserve has cut the fed-funds rate six times. These cuts have dramatically lowered the T-bill investment rate, which moves in tandem with the fed-funds rate. At the latest auction on March 17, the T-bill investment rate dropped to a mere 1.12%.

On the surface, this appears to be great news for those looking to consolidate. The problem is that any student consolidating now will be stuck paying the higher rate from last year.

Say you have a Stafford loan that's in the repayment period: Your rate is 7.22%. Consolidate now and you'll end up paying a slightly higher 7.25%. Wait until July 1 to consolidate, however, and rates will be near historic lows, says Kantrowitz. The chart below gives you an idea of how much borrowers holding variable rate loans can save if they wait until on or after July 1 to consolidate:

Don't forget that you have a month between the end of May when the base rate is set and July 1 when the new student loan rates go into effect to weigh your options. "If the impossible happened and...the T-bill rate was [rising], you'd...have the month of June to consolidate your loans with the old rates," says Sallie Mae spokesperson Martha Holler.


Don't Consolidate Fixed-Rate Loans
In the past, all student loans came with variable rates. If a borrower had difficulty making their payments, they could consolidate their loans into one low fixed-rate loan.

But as of July 1, 2006, every Stafford and Plus loan now carries a fixed interest rate, making it unnecessary to consolidate in order to lock in a set rate. In fact, borrowers who have fixed-rate loans should never consolidate them. If they do, they'll end up with a higher interest rate than they're already paying. Under consolidation, the interest rate will be the weighted average of the rates of the loans being consolidated, rounded up to the nearest 1/8 of 1%.

Subsidized Stafford loans taken out for the 2007-08 academic year carry an interest rate of 6.8%; the rate for 2008-09 loans is 6%, and for 2009-10, 5.6%. Unsubsidized loans will still carry a 6.8% fixed rate indefinitely. For Plus loans sold through the Direct Loan program, rates are fixed at 7.9%. Plus loans dispersed through the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program carry an 8.5% rate.

http://www.smartmoney.com/consumer/?story=20080319-student-loans

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Rising rates, rule changes boost costs

By Kristin Davis
Washington Post
College costs keep spiraling upward, and now the cost of borrowing to pay for higher education are spiking, too.

Students and their parents have taken comfort in a half-decade of ultra-cheap college loans, loading up on debt to cover the bills. About 8 million people borrowed $60 billion this year in education loans issued or guaranteed by the federal government.

Now a combination of rising interest rates and legislative changes to the student loan program are altering the student loan landscape. Rates on existing Stafford loans -- the bedrock government-guaranteed student loans that 44 percent of full-time undergraduates rely on to pay tuition bills -- change annually and are pegged to 90-day Treasury bills. For the second year in a row, T-bill rates have jumped nearly two percentage points, taking Stafford loan rates along with them. Last June, rates on Stafford loans in repayment stood at 3.37 percent. As of Saturday, they topped 7 percent.

There's more: Under legislation Congress approved in 2002, rates on all new Stafford loans issued after July 1 will carry a higher, fixed interest rate of 6.8 percent. (Rates on older loans will continue to float.)

The new fixed rate means student loans will seem cheap when market interest rates are high and expensive when they're low.

``It definitely scares me,'' says Jordan McNerney, a senior at George Washington University, who expects to face payments of about $1,000 a month on $85,000 in total debt when he graduates in a year. ``That's basically doubling my rent when I get out of school.''

When Stafford loans are not enough, some 800,000 parents each year take out government-sponsored Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students, or PLUS loans, which can cover up to the full cost of college. Rates on those loans are also pegged to Treasury bill rates and will experience similar increases, to 7.94 percent from 6.1 percent on existing loans. New PLUS loans will have a fixed rate of 8.5 percent for most borrowers.

To cope with this ballooning education debt, more families have been turning their student loans into mini-mortgages, stretching payments out over 20 or even 30 years. That keeps the monthly payment low but also increases the loan's total cost.

Many also have been taking out consolidation loans to refinance the debt. That converts them from variable-rate loans to a fixed-rate loan.

Thanks to recent legislation, borrowers can consolidate their loans with any lender, no matter who holds their current loans. Until now, the so-called single-lender rule forced borrowers to stick with their current lender if all their loans originally came from that lender.

This is the last hurrah, however, for borrowers who are consolidating before they are done borrowing. Last year, Congress changed the rules so that beginning in July, borrowers will no longer be able to consolidate their debt while the student is in school.

Even without the rules change, consolidation is likely to become a less attractive option because new loans will have fixed rates.

Consolidation loans were designed to help students who need payment relief, so they automatically extend the length of your loan, which can wind up costing more overall because of the extra interest payments.

Once the rush to consolidate is over and the new, fixed rates take effect, parents may want to look for alternative loan sources before they commit to a PLUS loan.

Aside from second mortgages or home-equity credit lines, borrowers can also shop among private lenders for rates that may be below 8.5 percent.

One silver lining: Despite the rate increases, student loan rates are still historically modest.



https://www.thestudentbox.com/Rising-rates-rule-changes-boost-costs.php

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Lock in low student-loan rates

By Marshall Loeb, MarketWatch
Last Update: 4:07 PM ET Jun 16, 2006

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Attention college students, recent grads and their parents: Interest rates on federal student loans are set to jump on July 1. You have just two weeks to consolidate and lock in a lower fixed rate.

If the above reads like an advertisement from a loan consolidation company, it's because my e-mail has been flooded with offers over the past month. Consolidation is big business even for giants like Sallie Mae and the U.S. Department of Education itself. But the catch here is there is no catch. The ads are pretty much dead-on.

Interest rates on federally subsidized loans like Stafford and PLUS are reset every July 1 and this year will rise substantially. Stafford loans will go to 6.8% from 4.7% or 5.3% and PLUS loans will go to 8.5% from 6.1%.

By consolidating you can lock in a rate based on the weighted average of your outstanding loans. And since the repayment period will be extended from, say, 10 years to 15 or 20, your monthly payments will drop substantially in addition to the interest-rate savings.
"I would say for 80% of people it's a slam dunk," says Stephen H. Joyce, director of student aid at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine.

Seniors, recent grads who still have substantial debt and parents paying off PLUS loans all stand to save thousands.

Who shouldn't consolidate? Students still in their first three years of school, when more loans, and thus separate monthly payments, are imminent, says Joyce. He also recommends against consolidating Perkins loans, which come with special deferments and forgiveness.

Some things to watch out for: By consolidating students give up the six-month grace period that starts at graduation and the ability to consolidate in the future since student loans may only be consolidated once. With a June 30 deadline to submit your papers, there isn't much time to shop around, either.

Rates are set by the federal government, so you'll get the same deal wherever you go. But some companies offer little benefits that others don't, such as interest rate reductions if you automatically debit your checking account each month. Ask your college's financial-aid office for recommendations.

If all your loans are with one lender, you used to have to apply to that lender first. But a new law signed this week allows those borrowers to shop among all lenders until June 30.
And here's a bright idea: You'll get more time to pay off your debt with a consolidation but there's no penalty for paying it off early. Stick to the same level of payments you have now and you'll save a bundle of money you would have spent on interest over the long term.

https://www.thestudentbox.com/lock-in-low-student-loan-rates-now.php

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Save cash :Time running out to consolidate student loans

Kathleen Pender
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
San Francisco Chronicle

The days of cheap college loans are numbered. Including today, the number is 18.

Starting July 1, the rate on government-guaranteed loans will jump significantly. The new rates apply to Stafford loans, taken out by students, and to Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students, also known as Plus loans.

If you or your child has one or more Stafford or Plus loans that have not been consolidated, you can lock in today's lower rates by converting them to a fixed-rate consolidation loan by June 30.

Also on July 1, the rate on all newly disbursed Stafford and Plus loans will have interest rates that are fixed for the life of the loan. These rates also will be significantly higher than existing rates. If you or your child needs to borrow for the 2006-07 school year or beyond, there is no way to avoid the higher rate on new loans.

Here's the lowdown on how the changes will affect new and existing loans.

Existing loans

Since the late 1990s, Stafford and Plus loans have had variable rates that change once a year, on July 1. The rates are pegged to the three-month Treasury bill yield in late May, which has risen almost 2 percentage points in the past year.

On July 1, the rate for Stafford loans for students who are in school, grace or deferment will rise to from 4.7 percent to 6.54 percent.

The rate for Stafford loans in repayment will go to 7.14 percent from 5.3 percent.

The rate for Plus loans will rise to 7.94 percent from 6.1 percent.

Borrowers can avoid the increase by consolidating one or more of these variable rates loans into a fixed-rate loan before July 1.

The rate on the new consolidation loan will be a weighted average of the rate on the loan or loans being consolidated, rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of a percentage point.

Consolidating is especially important for continuing students. After June 30, students can no longer consolidate Stafford loans while they are still in school.

Consolidating now is even more important for students who are graduating (or leaving school for other reasons) this summer.

Suppose you graduate in June and have one Stafford loan that has not been consolidated. Your rate on this loan is 4.7 percent. If you consolidate by June 30, the rate will be fixed at 4.75 percent for the life of the loan. (That's 4.7 percent rounded up to the nearest eighth.)

Now suppose you are job-hunting or traveling and forget to consolidate until September. You will still be in the six-month grace period students get after leaving school before they enter repayment. But you will have missed the June 30 deadline, so the rate on your consolidation loan will be 6.54 percent rounded up to the nearest eighth, or 6.625 percent.

Now suppose you are really distracted and forget to consolidate until February. You will no longer be in the grace period and will have missed the June 30 deadline, so your rate will be 7.14 percent rounded up to the nearest eighth, or 7.25 percent.

Most advisers are urging borrowers who can consolidate to do so by June 30. The biggest risk of consolidating is that short-term interest rates drop below where they were a year ago -- an unlikely but not impossible scenario.

If that happened, you would have been better off with a variable-rate than a fixed-rate loan. Unlike home mortgages, college loans cannot be refinanced to take advantage of falling rates.

If you have a Stafford or Plus loan, you probably have been inundated with consolidation offers.

If all of your loans are with one private-sector lender, you must give that lender the first chance to consolidate your loans. Most lenders will usually take it.

This so-called single-holder rule applies only to Stafford and Plus loans issued through banks and other private-sector lenders. It does not apply to loans made directly by the federal government under the direct-loan program.

A bill in Congress would repeal the single-lender rule, perhaps this week. If that happens, all borrowers will be able to shop around for a consolidation loan.

In some cases, it could pay to shop.

Although the government sets the maximum rate on Stafford and Plus loans, lenders can charge less. Many offer discounts for setting up automatic payment plans or making a certain number of on-time payments.

If you are disciplined, these discounts can be a good deal, but beware: You could lose the on-time discount if you make a single payment one day late. When you are just out of college and moving around frequently, it's easy to be late once or twice.

There is no fee to consolidate Stafford or Plus loans, so don't be lured by "no-fee" deals.

"Be cautious about direct mail pieces that overly hype how much you can save," says Jim Boyle, president of College Parents of America.

Nancy Coolidge, coordinator of student financial support at the University of California system, says she tells most students who are consolidating to "go back to the people who loaned you the money. It may not be as cheap, but it's quicker. If shopping around causes you to miss the (June 30) deadline, it's a big loss."

Consolidating can backfire if you choose such a long repayment term that you end up paying more in interest, even with a lower rate.

The standard repayment period for Stafford and Plus loans is 10 years, but some consolidation loans can be repaid over as many as 30 years.

If you are afraid your initial salary won't cover your payments, you might consider a graduating repayment option, where "you start off with lower payments and your payment increases over time," says Boyle. "You are placing a bet that your income will rise, so your student loan repayment isn't as painful."

Boyle says he would be wary of "income-contingent" repayment plans, which some lenders offer. They sound good, but you could end up paying interest only, with the unpaid principal being added to your balance.

New loans

After July 1, the rate on all new Stafford loans will be fixed at 6.8 percent for the life of the loan. The rate is the same for students in and out of school.

All new Plus loans will be fixed at 8.5 percent if they come through private-sector lenders or 7.9 percent if they come through the government's direct-loan program. (Schools decide which program they will offer students.)

Apparently, Congress wanted both rates set at 8.5 percent but made a mistake, which could be fixed before July 1.

Although the new fixed rates seem high today, they could look reasonable or even cheap if interest rates continue to climb. And they do have one big advantage over the old variable rates: They're much easier to explain. Let's hope Congress keeps it simple.

https://www.thestudentbox.com/time-running-out-to-consolidate-student-loans-save-cash.php

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Frequently Asked Mortgage Questions:At Mortgage one

Frequently Asked Mortgage Questions

Do you have questions? We can help! You will find the answers to several frequently asked mortgage questions below.


What is the difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification?
When does it make sense to refinance?
What is a rate lock?
What is the difference between a mortgage broker and a lender?
Will I save money going directly to a mortgage lender?
What is a full documented loan?
What are the other types of loans?
What is a good faith estimate?
What is a conforming loan?
What is a jumbo mortgage?
What are points?
What is a pre-qualification?
What is the difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification?

The pre-approval process is much more complete than pre-qualification. For pre-qualification, the loan officer asks you a few questions and provides you with a pre-qual letter. Pre-approval includes all the steps of a full approval, except for the appraisal and title search. Pre-approval can put you in a better negotiating position, much like a cash buyer.



When does it make sense to refinance?

Usually people refinance to save money, either by obtaining a lower interest rate or by reducing the term of the loan. Refinancing is also a way to convert an adjustable loan to a fixed loan or to consolidate debts. The decision to refinance can be difficult, since there are several reasons to refinance. However, if you are looking to save money, try this calculation:

Calculate the total cost of the refinance
Calculate the monthly savings
Divide the total cost of the refinance (#1) by the monthly savings (#2). This is the "break even" time. If you own the house longer than this, you will save money by refinancing.
Since refinancing is a complex topic, consult a mortgage professional.



What is a rate lock?

A rate lock is a contractual agreement between the lender and buyer. There are four components to a rate lock: loan program, interest rate, points, and the length of the lock.



What is the difference between a mortgage broker and a lender?

A mortgage broker counsels you on the loans available from different wholesalers, takes your application, and usually processes the loan which involves putting together the complete file of information about your transaction including the credit report, appraisal, verification of your employment and assets, and so on. When the file is complete, but sometimes sooner, the lender "underwrites" the loan, which means deciding whether or not you are an acceptable risk.



Will I save money going directly to a mortgage lender?

Not necessarily. In fact, if you are a reasonably astute shopper, you will probably do better dealing with a mortgage broker. Mortgage brokers do not add any net cost to the lending process, because they perform functions that would otherwise have to be done by employees of the lender. Furthermore, because mortgage brokers deal with multiple lenders -- in a typical case, 25 to 30, sometimes more -- they can shop for the best terms available on any given day. In addition, they can find the lenders who specialize in various market niches that many other lenders avoid, such as loans to applicants with poor credit ratings, loans to borrowers who do not intend to occupy the property, loans with minimal or no down payment, and so on.



What is a full documented loan?

Both income and assets are disclosed and verified, and income is used in determining the applicant's ability to repay the mortgage. Formal verification requires the borrower's employer to verify employment and the borrower's bank to verify deposits. Alternative documentation, designed to save time, accepts copies of the borrower's original bank statements, W-2s and paycheck stubs.



What are the other types of loans?

Stated income/verified assets: Income is disclosed and the source of the income is verified, but the amount is not verified. Assets are verified, and must meet an adequacy standard such as, for example, 6 months of stated income and 2 months of expected monthly housing expense.

Stated income/stated assets: Both income and assets are disclosed but not verified. However, the source of the borrower's income is verified.

No ratio: Income is disclosed and verified but not used in qualifying the borrower. The standard rule that the borrower's housing expense cannot exceed some specified percent of income, is ignored. Assets are disclosed and verified.

No income: Income is not disclosed, but assets are disclosed and verified, and must meet an adequacy standard.

Stated Assets or No asset verification: Assets are disclosed but not verified, income is disclosed, verified and used to qualify the applicant.

No asset: Assets are not disclosed, but income is disclosed, verified and used to qualify the applicant.
No income/no assets: Neither income nor assets are disclosed.



What is a good faith estimate?

It is the list of settlement charges that the lender is obliged to provide the borrower within three business days of receiving the loan application.



What is a conforming loan?

A loan eligible for purchase by the two major Federal agencies that buy mortgages, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.



What is a jumbo mortgage?

A mortgage larger than the maximum eligible for conforming purchase by the two Federal agencies, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.



What are points?

It is an upfront cash payment required by the lender as part of the charge for the loan, expressed as a percent of the loan amount; e.g., "2 points" means a charge equal to 2% of the loan balance.



What is a pre-qualification?

This is the process of determining whether a customer has enough cash and sufficient income to meet the qualification requirements set by the lender on a requested loan. A pre-qualification is subject to verification of the information provided by the applicant. A pre-qualification is short of approval because it does not take account of the credit history of the borrower.

mortgageonefinance.com

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Monday, May 26, 2008

Preferred Lenders and Colleges

A lot of attention in the press has been paid over the last two weeks on colleges and their relationships with preferred lenders. Below is an article from the Baltimore Sun that does a nice job of summarizing some of the issues and viewpoints:

N.Y. Probe Casts Doubt on “Preferred” College Lenders
by Eileen Ambrose — Personal Finance

Colleges soon will send out financial aid packages that will include billions of dollars in loans. Before borrowing, many parents and students will check the school’s “preferred lender” list.

But the office of New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo is investigating how these lists are compiled and whether undisclosed financial arrangements are undermining what’s best for families.

Cuomo earlier this month released preliminary findings of an investigation into the $85 billion college-loan industry. And late last week, he announced his intention to sue a California loan provider over accusations of making illegal kickbacks to schools. The company says it plans to defend its business practices.

According to Cuomo, schools don’t disclose how they come up with the preferred lender list, so families are not aware of potential conflicts of interest. Some lenders, for instance, pay kickbacks based on how much business the schools steer to the lender, Cuomo said.

Lenders also have picked up the tab to send college aid officers to ritzy resorts or provided other freebies, he said. And families, he added, are sometimes misled to believe that they must choose a lender from the college’s preferred list.

Financial aid administrators agree that any abuse must be stopped, but they add such problems are rare. Schools develop “preferred lender” lists to help parents and students through the maze of borrowing, they say.

“The marketplace is saturated with options. … It’s hard to sort them all out,” said Ellen Frishberg, director of student financial services at the Johns Hopkins University. “We’ve done a scanning of the marketplace, who’s good at service and who gives good benefits. And now we’re getting in trouble for this.”

Hopkins is in the direct lending program, so students borrow directly from the federal government. The Baltimore university, though, compiled a list of lenders that offer the best rates and service for families seeking parent PLUS loans and private loans, Frishberg said. She said she hasn’t heard from Cuomo’s office.

Hopkins students borrow $50 million from the government each year, and lenders have noticed. Frishberg said lenders have dangled incentives for the school to drop out of direct lending or to put a lender on the preferred list. The university ignores the enticements, she said.

“We have ethics here,” Frishberg said.

Cuomo said he released the early findings so that schools can correct any problems before aid packages go out this spring. His office also published a brochure to help families understand the loan process. It’s available at www.oag.state.ny.us.

Apart from a house, a college education is the biggest purchase that most students and parents will make. Families owe it to themselves to know their rights and make sure they get the best deal.

“Remember not to forget your consumerism. Higher education is a business,” said Kalman A. Chany, author of Paying for College Without Going Broke. Listen to what the colleges say, but do your homework, too, he said.

If the school is in the government’s direct lending program, there’s no choice. Uncle Sam is your lender.

But if you’re attending a school outside the program, your options are numerous.

First, understand that a preferred lender list is only a guide.

“You are not obligated to borrow from a lender that’s on the preferred lender list,” said Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of FinAid, an online provider of student aid information.

Still, a college’s preferred list can be a good place to start your research. Look at all the lenders on the list because discounts and benefits can differ widely among them, Kantrowitz said.

Ask the school how it came up with its preferred list, advised Sarah J. Bauder, director of financial aid at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Selection criteria

The university chose its lenders for their technology, pricing and customer service, Bauder said. For example, lenders waive upfront origination and guarantor fees that can cost a student 2.5 percent of the amount borrowed, she said. The school also selected lenders that have been in the industry for at least 10 years and that keep their loans rather than selling them to another lender. That eliminates confusion and protects loan discounts from being lost, which can happen when loans are sold, she said. (The university adheres to state ethics rules that prohibit the kind of activities noted by Cuomo and hasn’t heard from the attorney general, Bauder said.)

Next, look at what lenders not on the school list offer.

Kantrowitz recommends creating a spreadsheet with the names of the lenders, the discounts and what it takes to earn those benefits. “Focus on the [benefits] you can’t lose and don’t require you to jump through hoops,” he said.

Upfront benefits are more valuable than those on the back end that borrowers might never see, experts agree.

Lenders, for instance, often promise a reduction in the loan’s interest rate after the borrower makes three or four years of on-time payments. Few borrowers can go that long without a tardy payment so most never get the discount.

Upfront discounts vary. Many lenders will lop a quarter-point or half-point off the interest rate upfront if borrowers repay with automatic withdrawals from a bank account.

The Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, a loan servicer, reduces the rate by 2 percentage points for borrowers making automatic payments on PLUS and Stafford loans. You don’t have to be from Missouri or go to school there to qualify. For a list of lenders the nonprofit works with, go to www.mohela.com.

To check record

To check a lender’s service record, ask your college if it has heard of any complaints. Or, see how lenders treat you when you call. “Are they responsive? Do they answer the phone? How long are you on hold? Ask how many people actually achieve benefits,” Frishberg said.

Your first choice should be federal loans, which are always cheaper than private loans, Kantrowitz said. But if you are going to take out a private loan, check with your school first, he said. “Some schools negotiate with lenders to get a better rate for students,” he said.

And never borrow more than you really need, he said.

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Sunday, May 25, 2008

Home Loan Refinance - How To Choose A Broker

Due diligence is the term used to refer to the research you should do before committing yourself to any financial or contractual deal, especially if you don't know the other party to the deal personally. The term is commonly understood to mean that you check out the facts that you know or can obtain access to, in order to verify that the person or entity is who they say they are. When you are selecting a broker to work with in completing a home loan refinance, you should review the business reputation, credentials, specialties and any needed licenses or registration information. You should never accept this type of claim at face value.



What is the reputation?

A loan broker, whether for a new loan or a refinance will have had other borrowers work through him or her in order to obtain a loan unless the broker is completely inexperienced. When you are selecting a home loan refinance broker, you should determine the reputation of both the broker and the company for which he or she works. You can check for information at the Better Business Bureau or similar registry locations, both online and via telephone or mail service.

What type of loan broker?

There are several types of loan brokers who can be contacted when you get ready to do a home loan refinance so you will want to make sure that you choose the type of loan broker that will do the best job for you. For example, there are loan brokers that work with commercial loans, or residential loans. Sometimes loan brokers will only work with developers for large development projects. A loan broker can work mainly with Veteran's Administration loans or HUD project loans. Make sure you get the type of broker that knows the niche that you will be using.

Specialty loan brokers

In addition to loan brokers focusing on certain types of loans, the broker may also deal with certain specialties. For example if you have poor credit, a home loan refinance with a regular lender may not agree to underwrite the loan. A manufactured housing loan specialist is sometimes a little harder to find. There may be fewer companies to deal with when you need a specialty loan. Rural loans are another example. Some large brokers won't agree to lend in a rural area, simply because the broker doesn't understand the rural market.

What are the terms?

When you are selecting the correct broker for your home loan refinance, you will want to look at the loan preparation charges that the broker assesses. There can be a great deal of variance between two brokers doing the same type of loan, so be sure that you review and understand all the charges that will be required of you at the time of closing. It can be a very unpleasant surprise if you don't realize that you are being charged a series of loan origination fees that significantly reduces the amount of cash that you were planning on receiving at closing.

Check the top quality resources available at Home Loan Refinance or Home Loan for the best information about loans, broker, terms and great tips and cautions before signing on the bottom line for your home refinancing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Lim


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Bad Credit Personal Loans - Supporting You And Your Credit

Sometimes a couple of missed payments, bankruptcy, defaults, mortgage, arrears and county court judgment can be responsible for your bad credit. And for this reason your loan application might be disqualified. You need not have to be desperate because you can now easily get the loan benefits and execute your personal demands by considering the bad credit personal loans. You can borrow the necessary amount despite the fact that your application has been turned down by a lot loan lenders.

By taking this loan policy into account you can avail loans according to your provision and ability to borrow. You can procure the funds with or without the use of collateral. Applicants from all categories like business person, venture owner, salaried individual and housewife can apply and borrow amount as per their requirements. In this scheme bad credit holders get a strut with which they can perform multiple demands. They can dissolve the bad credit issues in an easy going manner and also execute personal desires. The personal demands like buying a car, going for holiday, weddings, higher education of children and renovation of house can be catered easily.

Despite lending amount to bad credit profile holders is a risk, this scheme is offered with reasonable rate of interest. It is always fruitful in the part of the bad credit holder if they contrast the various offers proffered by different lenders. In the financial disruption state, you should always look for cheap rate of interest. So, while seeking for loans get the help loan calculator and loan quotes. To collate more information on it use the online services or get in touch with the customer care executives.

Thus, with the help of bad credit personal loans you can make your credit career free from bad credit unwanted issues and also recover your lost status.


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No Faxing Payday Loans - Quick Cash Without Any Documentation

A sudden unexpected expected is all what is sufficient to weaken your financial standing. In such a short point of time, arranging the finances is always going to be a tough task. Moreover arranging the various documents pertaining to your income proof or credit reports to avail finances will only be futile, as the whole process consumes a lot of time which is not appropriate at the moment. Thus, to help you out lenders have come up with no faxing payday loans. These loans provide the monetary assistance instantly and are accessible to all sorts of borrower.

To avail these loans, there are certain principles laid down by the lender which must be fulfilled. You can avail these loans only if you are employed for the past few months on a permanent basis in any company or organization. You should be above 18 years with a valid and active checking account. If you are able to fulfill the prerequisite, lenders approve the amount without any further delay.

The amount under these loans is approved on the basis of your monthly income. Usually the amount approved is in the range of £100-£1500 without pledging any sort of collateral. This amount can be used for a number of purposes such as paying hospital bills, store and other utility bills, credit car dues, automobile repair, house repair etc.

These loans are available for a short term period of 14 -30 days, from the date of approval. Unlike other loans, here you have the flexibility to extend the repayment term on valid grounds by informing the lenders office. To do so, you have to pay a small fee to the lender.

The interest rates levied on these loans are slightly high. It is due to its short term availability and unsecured nature. But due to intense competition in the market, lenders are now willing to negotiate with you. In this regard, you can seek the assistance of online mode. Online application makes the processing fast and results in its quick approval. Besides, you can access the loan amount from your home or office by just clicking a few buttons.

The basic aim of no fax payday loans is to assist you meet the urgent needs in a completely hassle free manner.

Ashley P Lewis is a debt consolidator and advisor and has been dealing with various finance programs. If you want to know more about No Faxing Payday Loans, Payday loans, Cash Advance Payday Loans you can visit http://www.cash-advance-payday-loans.co.uk/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashley_P_Lewis


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Avoid Delays In Loan Approval - Know About No Credit Check Payday Loan

Loans have been an incessant part of the financial industry for decades. Today, banks and financial institutions are eager to lend increasing amounts of money on easy terms and conditions. Being inundated with cash, thanks to the ever-increasing liquidity, loan fees and interest form a major source of their revenue. No doubt, we have become victims of their greed to earn and obviously our greed to spend.

No credit check payday loans are cash advances worth less than $1000, extended for short periods, usually for two weeks. What differentiates them from conventional loans is their no credit check feature. To obtain a no credit check or a no telecheck payday loan, you need to qualify the following criteria:

You should be a US resident

You should have attained 18 years of age

You should have a checking account

You should have a regular job

Your monthly salary should be more than $800
If you satisfy the above criteria, you just need to apply for a no telecheck payday loan online. With automated processes installed at most of the lenders, your loan will be sitting in your account within 24 hours. Similarly, the repayment process has been made easy and hassle free. At the time the loan is tendered to you, the lender will solicit a post dated check that covers the amount borrowed and the loan charges. On the due date, the payment gets automatically debited from your account. Thus, the repayment process sets you free from the tension of remembering the due date.

However, shopping for no credit check payday loans should be done cautiously. Since lenders do not carry out detailed credit checks, they secure against higher risk by charging high loan fees.

Before you decide on a particular lender, it is necessary to compare the interest rates, annual percentage rates (APR) and other hidden charges offered by 5-6 payday loan lenders. A proper market survey will help you get a cheap payday loan and protect you from being burdened with exorbitant charges.

Though payday loans can be obtained easily, it is suggested not to become habitual of taking such loans. Payday loans are generally provided to fill in the cash shortage between two paydays. Cash advances such as these should be taken only in case of emergency. The interest rates charged on payday loans is very high and may become difficult to manage if not paid on time. It has been observed, the interest rates get as high as 390% in certain cases.

One can avoid becoming dependent on payday loans, by simply planning their budget prudently. If you are successful in doing so, payday loans may not even be required in case of emergency.

No credit check payday loans or no telecheck payday loans are cash advances made available for short period. Though payday loan lenders charge hefty loan fees, prior market survey can help you obtain cheap payday loans.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Smith


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Be Tension Free - Try Immediate Cash Loans

Tension causes many problems and money problems give the biggest tension. So, stay healthy by taking immediate cash loans. No, don't laugh. Think about the last time you had an emergency and asked for help from relatives. Didn't you feel humiliated? You couldn't approach a bank for money because, one, the loan amount was small; two, your credit score was not good enough and lastly you needed it within a day.

Now listen to this. You can get even get $100 as an advance. This is really a fast cash service, available within 24 hours of application or even lesser. They do not check for your credit score either. Don't believe it? Just check online. There are many companies offering these monetary schemes. In fact, it is a million dollar industry and getting stronger every day.

The Reason For The Popularity Of Immediate Cash Loan

The first reason for popularity is that they are readily available. You can walk into the lender's office or visit their website. The loan is for people trying to stretch their paycheck, so the loan amount varies from $100 to $1,500.

Another reason for popularity of instant cash loan is that it is really quick. Within 24 hours of application, you get the asked for sum, if applied during weekdays. If you apply in the weekend, it may take a full working day. If you have returned the previous borrowed amount of your immediate cash loan company in good faith, then they may process your next application within moments.

Returning Your National Cash Advance

The best thing about the loan is how it is processed. You apply online and give your details. You can then fax supporting documents like driving license, pay slip and so on. Increasingly, more and more companies are providing no fax option to make the procedure totally paperless. In that case, your national cash advance is faster. The companies verify your details through VPN compatible software from the relevant authorities. After that, the money is directly debited to your checking account.

You can use the same method to return the money. Just tell when your payday is due and when the money gets in your account. The lending company will automatically deduct the owed amount, along with the interest as well as the processing fee from your account. Obviously, you will have to inform your bank to allow them to do so. Otherwise, you can always return your immediate cash loans manually, through cash or check.

Immediate cash loans are short-term money advances for emergencies. They are easily available as instant cash online. You can return your national cash advance directly by paying cash or allow the lenders to debit it from your account. Make wise use of these loans and do not make a habit of relying on them from month to month.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrina_James


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Business Cash Advance Is Different From The Regular Business Loan

If you wish to keep a steady flow of cash and fulfill the daily financial needs of your business, then opt for a business cash advance. This is a new way of funding short-term monetary needs. Forget the traditional business loans. They are risky and difficult to get. Greet the new borrower-friendly cash advance of America!

Many people are not yet clear about the difference between business cash advance and business loan. They hesitate in trying this new financial tool out, for the fear of falling into the trap of swindlers. Some think of it as just another promotional gimmick of the old loan sharks. This is not so.

For a better understanding, let us take a look at both these financial services, separately.

Business Loan

To get this loan, you need to pass through a cumbersome documentation process and require collateral.

You have to repay the amount within a fixed time period or else you default or pull your credit rating down.

The biggest disadvantage is that you, as a borrower, are personally liable for loan repayment. In case you fail to do so, you lose your valuables or property that you place as collateral.
Business Cash Advance

It is easier to acquire. There is minimal paperwork and the approval is comparatively speedier.

There is no need of collateral.

It is easy to pay the cash advance back. You can use Master Card or Visa.

The biggest advantage is that you, as a borrower, are not personally liable for repayment.
This is because the advance is paid through the sales receipt of credit cards and so your personal property and valuables are safe.

Perhaps, this is the reason why business cash advance has gathered immense popularity, especially among the small-scale businesses. An increasing number of entrepreneurs are turning towards this financial aid. Looking at the hardcore promotion and remarkable features of this service, it is not wrong to say that this financial convenience is going to remain in the limelight for a long period of time.

If you are an aspiring businessperson or you already have a running trade, try business cash advance. Now that the difference between the regular loan and this new monetary advance service is clear, you hardly have an excuse for not using it. Moreover, your work deserves something better.

Business cash advance is apt in meeting your everyday business cash needs. This is a new cash advance facility that has already made a mark in being different from other business loans. As cash advance of America, this facility is available to the citizens of America only.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrina_James

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Homeowner Loans Online - The Perfect Loan, Now With Online Ability

When availing a loan, the homeowners have unique advantages over other financiers. The homeowner finance therefore have become popular source of borrowing finance for host of purports. One can use these loans for home improvement works, buying a car, wedding, enjoying holiday tour or for consolidating the debts.
In availing the homeowner loan your main focus often is on lower rate of interest. However, you should also ensure that the loan is in your hands in the least time and the loan availing costs are down to the lower limit. The homeowner loans online is a way to ensure that you get all benefits of a perfect loan and get the loan within your required time and use them for the activities like buying a new car, going to holiday tour, planning a lavish wedding, debt consolidation or for home improvements.

The online homeowner loans implies that you are applying for the loan using the internet. Under this process, lenders display an online loan application on their web portal. The loan seekers are supposed to fill some key details like loan amount, its purpose, repaying duration, home address and so on. There are many advantages of such online loans for the loan applicants. The very first advantage of such loans is that the all online facility ensures that your application is processed fast which in turn results in fast approval. The second advantage of these loans is that the online homeowner loan comes at lower interest rate and if the applicant is having a good credit history, then it gets reduced too. Therefore, such online loans are cheaper.

The homeowner loans require the applicant to pledge home or a valuable asset as the security. If a person wants to borrow greater amount, which the loan is usually meant for, then better place your home as collateral with the loan provider. Generally, the loan amount depends on value of security. The financiers usually will approve an amount that is of certain percentage of the value of your home. But, your personal circumstances like credit history and repaying ability also can make differences.

Though there are many ways, one way to get the loan at cheaper rate is to search for the suitable financier on the internet. The benefit attached with this process is that the borrower can choose to repay the loan amount which suits to his ability of repayment. The loan seekers can repay the loan in five years to thirty years. Thus, if reducing monthly outgo towards the loan installments is of main concern then opt for larger durations.

The borrowers have the option of taking homeowner loans online from banks, financial companies or from various online loan providers. For getting this loan at lower rate of interest with fast approval, better go for the online lending services. In addition, also make sure to first take rate quotes of lenders so that the compare can be made to get a perfect lender.

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Loans For People Without Jobs

Unemployment has increased by leaps and bounds and the rate of unemployment is still soaring high. The growing rate of unemployed people is as high as 2.7% per month which is an alarming issue. Most people stay unemployed after graduation because of unavailability of jobs and yet others have been terminated from jobs for some or the other reason.

Now being unemployed, you are in no position to take care of the basic expenses and even if you get some money from government it does not serve the purpose. If you have been terminated from your job and you have insurance, you can claim for it and get the money. But again these insurance people have their own rules where you might need to take up the first job available to you. So this might seem like a bad idea. Loans for the unemployed have become handy and helpful for you.

Lenders, who insisted that unemployed were risky for loans, now are ready to give them loans. Loans for unemployed may either be secured loans or unsecured loans. For borrowers the secured loans is risky and for the lenders the unsecured loan is risky.

As many prefer unsecured loans, the lenders have kept the rate of interest for the loan high. You need to make sure the repayment terms are as per your requirement. Fixed repayment periods might not suit you as you are no longer a salaried employee. You get personal, student, debt consolidation and other types of loans for the unemployed. You need to get your requirement perfect, list out the lenders for your requirement, compare them on the basis of certain factors and find the one suitable to you. This way the risk factor reduces and you get a authentic lender.

Kerry Frankly is a senior author in loans, where visitors can get useful information and apply for any type of loans online. For further information about Bad credit loans, loans for unemployed student, unsecured loans, bad credit loans for unemployed visit http://www.loansforunemployed.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kerry_Frankly


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Discover Your Options for Debt and Bill Consolidation

Discover Your Options for Debt and Bill Consolidation by Jon Arnold


If you have been feeling overwhelmed by debt and bills piling on, and do not feel like you have any options left, then you should be aware of the fact that debt and bill consolidation is a real option that may be available to you. Bankruptcy is not your only option when you cannot catch yourself up with bills and debt, as debt and bill consolidation services are out there and looking for people like you who want to regain control over your finances. Each debt and bill consolidation service is different, so the first thing that you need to do is to find the service which best fits your needs and capabilities regarding paying off old debt while still maintaining your current bills.

The purpose of a debt and bill consolidation is to take all of your current debt, and the amount that you pay into bills each month, combining it into a much simpler and lower payment. By paying one single payment each month, you no longer have to worry about making sure your individual bills are paid, as it is done for you. While paying for your normal every-month bills, you will also be paying your debt off little by little. Debt and bill consolidation services are designed to help you pay off your debt as a long term strategy, without disrupting your ability to pay current bills off every month.

What debt and bill consolidation does is that it combines all of your debt together. In many cases, debt consolidation services can negotiate lower debt amounts, saving you hundreds of dollars in the process. A debt consolidation service will give you a term length, and you will pay off a part of your debt little by little for the span of a few months or a few years until you have no more debt. What sets debt and bill consolidation apart from regular debt consolidation is the fact that these services also take into account your other monthly bills, such as rent and utilities, to make sure that you can meet all of your obligations while simultaneously working on your debt.

There is a danger that as your credit card debt is being reduced, you will be tempted to max out those accounts again. Don't do it! That is what got you into trouble the first time, so give yourself some financial breathing room and let the service work for you.

There is no reason to file for bankruptcy these days, because there are better options out there for you. The best part about debt consolidation is there is typically nothing negative left on your credit report once your debt is paid off. If you file for bankruptcy instead, you will be living with a serious black mark on your record for at least seven years! So do not ruin the next seven years of your life by filing for bankruptcy when something better is out there for you. There is sure to be a service out there which can cater specifically to your needs, it simply takes patience and willingness to do some research until you find a service which can help you out!


About the Author
For more insights and additional information about Debt and Bill Consolidation as well as getting a free no-obligation debt consolidation loan quote

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