The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Mortgages


Book Description

Quick facts on everything from a first loan to a strategic refinance. This helpful guide reveals everything home owners and soon-to-be homeowners need to know in order to get the best deal. Coverage includes: ? Determining how much to spend ? The application process and overcoming qualification hurdles ? Finding the right type of loan and choosing a lender ? Closing day considerations ? When and how to refinance to save money




The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Repairing Your Credit, 2nd Edition


Book Description

Good news for hard economic times . . . During this recession, even people once considered prime customers have watched their credit ratings decline. This guide shows these readers how to reestablish their credit and increase their credit scores. Topics include: the ins and outs of credit scores; where to get credit reports and how to identify mistakes; how to take advantage of consumer protection laws; telephone scripts and a letter to use when communicating with creditors and bureaus. • In 2008, over two million Americans lost jobs-and one out of every 10 mortgages were one month or more behind in payments • Author is a sought-after expert on personal financial planning, featured in Money Magazine, Family Circle, Women's Day, and on CNBC and CNN




The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Repairing Your Credit


Book Description

When bad credit happens to good people. Once someone’s personal financial credit goes bad, it can be a difficult process to bring it back into good standing. This guide shows consumers how to repair their credit, increase their credit score, and avoid falling victim to the instant credit repair industry and its fraudulent claims and scams. • Research by the Federal Reserve indicates that household debt and personal bankruptcy filings are at record high levels • Only book on the shelves to include coverage of the The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act, which goes into effect 12/1/2004 • Author has been featured in Money, Family Circle, and Women’s Day, and has appeared on CNBC and CNN




The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Home Buying Checklists


Book Description

Smart shopping in a buyeras market. Itas a buyeras market out there. But with so many homes for sale, buyers can be overwhelmed by choice. How can they be certain theyare making the right decision? The answers are here in this easy-to-use book of checklists focusing on every single aspect of the home buying procedure, from where to start looking to closing costs. A-Finding affordable homes A-Scoping out neighborhoods A-Includes the questions that should be asked of agents, brokers, and sellers A-For first-time buyers and experienced ones




The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Reverse Mortgages


Book Description

What are they? How do they work? What do they do? There are more than 100,000 active reverse mortgages in the U.S. today, and the number is growing. If Social Security benefits are excluded, about half of all senior citizens would fall below the poverty line based on their income, and for many people over 65, much of their wealth is concentrated in their home equity. As health care costs rise, many people are turning to reverse mortgages for supplemental income. This book outlines, informs, counsels, and lays out the facts on reverse mortgages. -Anticipation of Social Security problems is increasing the popularity of reverse mortgages -More people are expected to turn to reverse mortgages to supplement their income -The Consumers Union of U.S. Inc. says that AARP, HUD, Fannie Mae, and the reverse mortgage industry all agree on the importance of high-quality reverse mortgage counseling and information




The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Investing in Bonds


Book Description

Investing in a secure financial future. Every investor must understand the complex bond market—and how it’s affected by the existing economic environment. This invaluable volume explains all bond basics without the confusing jargon, providing information on Treasury notes, high yield junk bonds, tax-free municipals, US saving bonds and other tax-free varieties, and much more. —Seasoned financial writer and pocket-sized format for quick reference. —Explains the bond rating/analysis system. —Offers instructions on how to construct a portfolio and advice on whether a financial manager is necessary.




The Pocket Idiot's Guide to French Phrases


Book Description

A latest edition incorporates updated information on transportation, accommodations, and emergency preparedness as well as a new section for business travelers, counseling visitors to France on how to communicate with locals for essential needs. Original.




Personal Finance Desk Reference


Book Description

One-stop shopping for all things financial. Personal finances are becoming more and more complex, and this is the only comprehensive reference book on this sprawling subject. Beginning with the basics of financial planning (budgeting, interest, banking, insurance, and debt), this helpful guide goes on to cover everything people need to know about handling just about every aspect of their financial world, including investing, taxes, retirement, estate planning, and more.




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Boosting Your Financial IQ


Book Description

It isn't too late to recoup! Today, with investments worth only a fraction of what they were a year ago, people need to be smarter about their finances. This book is here to level the playing field, explaining the games that are played, and the details that can confuse anyone when they depend on the false assumptions the money people are encouraging them to believe. ?How banks and credit card companies profit from their customers ?Your 401(k) and retirement plans - not all nest eggs are created equal ?Buying and selling a home - the Mortgage Meltdown 101 ?Health care, college tuition, car purchase and maintenance, and life insurance - and a lot of fine print to read!




The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Home Inspections


Book Description

For home buyers and home sellers. Here is the first how-to that addresses the needs of both buyers and sellers, making it the perfect companion to the bestselling The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buying and Selling a Home. The buyer will depend on this guide to determine whether a house is worth buying. The seller will need it to determine which repairs are necessary before listing or signing anything. Readers will learn to troubleshoot all areas of a home, including its structure and foundation, windows and doors, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, insulation, electrical systems, and the roof, just to name a few.