SIPPs (Self Investment Pension Plans) Made Easy
What a difference A Day makes!6th April 2006 is A Day. Everything about pensions changes then: mostly for the better, and you need to plan for those changes now.1. You can get tax relief on all your income2. Your pension can buy buy-to-lets, holiday homes and villas abroad; and it can even take out ... more...

Seven Key Tax Deductions for the Self Employed
As a sole proprietor, its wise to familiarize yourself with the some key deductions that may reduce your tax bill for 2004.Small-business consultants generally recommend that you hire an accountant to prepare your tax returns, payroll and financial statements. But you should also meet with your ... more...

Escrow Accounts, Do You Absolutely Need One?
With escrow accounts the money for your home insurance and property tax is added to your monthly mortgage payment and is paid out each year. With that said, you may think that having an escrow account takes the responsibility off your shoulders because the bank will make the payment for you each ... more...

Refinance Rental Property - Don't Sell It
You own a rental property for years, and never see the "big pay-off." Is it time to cash in on your investment, now that you've paid down the mortgage, and values are up? Maybe not.The Problem With SellingSelling means you'll have to pay a large capital gains tax. This can be avoided if you ... more...

Non-conforming Home Loans vs Conforming Loans
The simple definition of a "non-conforming home loan" is: You have a job and can make the payments. Your credit is used only to determine your interest rate and the loan amount to value of the home ratio. This ratio is referred to as your "LTV" or "Loan To Value". There are many lenders who will ... more...

What Will You Take For A Dollar?
The other day I sat in a meeting listening to a young man extol the virtues of owning real estate. Much of what he said was true. However two things made me sit up and take notice. I couldn't help but comment. First, he said the interest on your home loan was tax deductible, so the government ... more...

European Second Home Prices Wilt in Drought
Spain and Portugal have suffered one of their worst droughts on record this summer, with consequences from empty swimming pools for the tourist to economic disaster for farmers losing their crops and livestock.Roger Munns, Managing Director of Tribune Properties, predicts that property prices in ... more...

Real Estate Tip: Escrow Accounts -- Do You Really Need Them?
If you have a mortgage on your property, whether it's for your personal residence or a real estate investment, chances are you have an escrow account. But if you are working on building wealth through real estate, you may want to take a hard look at your escrow account (or accounts, if you own more ... more...

Consolidating Debt - How to Get The Lowest Interest Rate on a Debt Reduction or Consolidation Loan
To get the lowest interest rate on a debt consolidation loan, you need to research terms and rates. Lenders realize to remain competitive, they must offer low rates. A difference as little as a quarter percent can save you hundreds a year. The type of loan you choose can also have significant ... more...

How Home-Based Businesses Can Avoid Giving Uncle Sam More than His Share
How Home-Based Businesses Can Avoid Giving Uncle Sam More than His Share By Darren Oliver With the rush to file your taxes by April 15th, you probably did not consider the possibility that you overpaid. According to the General Accounting Office, in 1998 alone, there was $311 million paid ... more...

Making Money In Real Estate - 10 Ways
Making money in real estate is an endless topic that includes all the various types of real estate investments. There is land, apartment buildings, homes, commercial buildings and more. Whatever the type however, you'll make your profits in some of the basic ways listed below. Use this list to get ... more...

Bahamas Real Estate Guide to Permits, Residency and More
In 1993, the International Persons Landholding Act was put into motion to encourage foreigners to purchase a second home in The Bahamas. And it couldnt be simpler. If a foreigner buys a single family dwelling or vacant land to be used in the construction of such a dwelling, then he no longer needs ... more...

Tax Assessment/Appraisal: How Do I Know What My Home is Worth?
If you are in the home buying or selling market, its important to understand the difference between tax assessment and appraisal value. Concentrate on the appraisal value because this determines your asking price.Understanding Tax AssessmentThe tax assessment is a tool local governments use to ... more...

4 Dangers In Flipping Real Estate
If you have recently purchased some real estate for investment purposes, you are in good company. Recent reports suggest that as many as 25% of these purchases are made by those who plan on using the property for investment purposes only. If you hope to "flip" the property there are 4 things you ... more...

Small Business Tax Deductions for Year End 2004
As a small business owner, it's wise to familiarize yourself with some key deductions that may reduce your tax bill for 2004.Employee Benefit Plans - You may deduct contributions to employee benefit plans (such as health insurance plans and retirement plans). Depending on your circumstances the ... more...