Your Portfolio and “Old Ironsides”Written by Kemberly Wardlaw
The USS Constitution first ventured into waters in 1798. From there she became an icon of durability and success. In battle, ship became known as “Old Ironsides” because shots fired from enemy ships seemed to bounce off her hull. She may be best remembered for her service in War of 1812. Today, loyal ship may be found resting quietly in Boston Harbor. During week of Fourth of July, at Boston Harborfest, “Old Ironsides” makes her annual voyage down harbor. This is termed “Turn-Around” cruise. As investors, we can learn a lot from this old ship and its history. The first is longevity. It is easy to be influenced by short-term direction of market. A long-term perspective, if warranted, is best observed. Of course if you have a short-term goal, aggressive investments such as individual stocks may not be best alternative. However, if you have many years before retirement, you should ignore short-term volatility. As with “Old Ironsides,” she fought many a battle, but more than two hundred years later remains afloat and above water.
| | Applying for credit cards onlineWritten by Neil Brown
In olden days, about 10 years ago, before internet, consumers would have to fill in applications for credit cards, loans, mortgages and so on by hand. It’s hard to believe now, but this lengthy process was norm, with requests for extra documentation and references going backwards and forwards, until finally application was accepted or rejected. These days with advent of Internet an application can validated, accepted and a credit card or loan offered with minutes. The availability of credit card comparison engines has revolutionised way people look for credit cards. It means that when comparing credit cards a consumer can make very quick and meaningful comparisons very quickly. Consequently, they can compare credit cards pertinent to their needs and identify best card for them. It means that for things like balance transfers, best available product can be found with relative ease. Credit cards can be compared accurately using typical APR or Annual Percentage Rate. Credit card companies are required to produce a typical APR figure under new regulations. It is an attempt to standardise way a card can be promoted and to reduce scope for misleading headline rates of interest. Credit card companies are required to include things like interest charges, penalties, annual fees and so on, in their calculation. It is first thing to look for when comparing cards as it is rate that balances will revert to when offers like 0% interest credit cards and 0% balance transfers expire.
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