Top 10 Ways to Survive in 2009

By Jonathan Browne

1.

Stop all completely unnecessary wasteful spending and pay off high interest debt

2. Don't try to sell your house for 2004 prices. Too many people are still in a house that they can barely afford because they are trying to sell it for more than anyone will buy it in todays market.

3. Find a cheap/free living situation. Move in with your parents/relatives/friends if you can.

4. Figure out how to make extra money online.

5. Save at least 30% of your income. Do not invest it unless you are extremely confident in your investment or large solid blue-chip companies like apple have dramatic stock plunges.

6. Learn to cook at home, and how to shop better at the grocery store. If you buy real nutritious food from the grocery store and cook it at home instead of eating out, you will save a significant amount of money each week. Don't go to the grocery store and buy a bunch of snacks. A big plus: your health should improve dramatically if you do this.

7. Spend your money on things which have real value to you. It's important that Americans continue to spend money. We should vote with our money though and spend on things that have true value to us, instead of spending on luxury items like jewelery, way too expensive clothing, electronics we won't even use etc.

8. Reduce your energy footprint. Get more efficient lighting, shut off lights, electronics, computers when not in use.

9. Learn basic survival skills like how to build a fire, create shelter, ration food, grow food, store food, do first aid etc. No one is hoping for the worst, but you never know how bad things could get.

10. It's the new year! End your senseless addictions to Starbucks, cigarettes, and McDonald's hamburgers.

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Free Government Grant Scam

By Austin Warty

may have been a victim of the government grant scam in the past. You receive promises of billions of dollars in free money being available from the government, and that a grant check is waiting for you with your name on it. Is this a complete scam, or is there really free grant money available for US citizens to claim?

The answer is yes and no. The government does in fact allocate billions, if not trillions, of dollars in grant money that is given away every year. Many of these grants are for research, community development, and to help small businesses. Students are also able to fairly easily receive free grant money from both the government and private foundations that offer these programs. Between the government and private foundation grants, there are thousands of programs that provide financial aid to people and organizations to help them achieve their goals. Typically a grant means the money does not need to be repaid, which makes them drastically different than loans.

Where the government grant scam does exist is when you receive a call from someone that says you were just awarded a grant for thousands of dollars. To claim your money, all you need to do is verify your identity by providing some personal information. This is most likely a scam. The government does not randomly call people to inform them they were awarded free money. In order to receive a grant, you have to apply for it, and the process is one that you would remember applying for. If you were to receive a grant, you would not be called up unexpectedly. You would be notified by mail and anticipating that approval letter, not surprised by a random caller. Don't fall for this government grant scam.

You can access to the database to find the free grant money that is available. See how much you can qualify to receive and obtain your check in as little as 7 days just by asking for free government money...

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Seller Financing - Welcome to the Other Side

By Aaron Dyer

We've discussed the various methods of procuring funding, but what about life on the flip side of financing? Seller financing is a completely different ballgame where a new set of rules applies. It is your job to know them so you won't find yourself in the ninth inning without a hope of scoring.

If you've decided it's time to move on to another field or simply move on to a different stage of life, selling your business might be part of that package deal. Seller financing can be the ideal way to continue the legacy that is your business as well as profit financially and personally from the transaction. When done correctly, it can provide you with immediate funds in the form of a down payment and then a regular series of payments based on your outlined agreement with the buyer.

In terms of a down payment, it is in your best interest to ask for as large and reasonable sum as possible up front. This guarantees you a greater security of payment and fewer complications later on. The remainder of the purchases price, or unpaid balance, should be documented in a promissory note or mortgage. The office of the secretary of state will place a lien on the property in order to document the transaction and in the event that the buyer defaults on that note, you will be able to step back into your previous role of owner.

You need to adjust your way of thinking and step into the lender's shoes, the same shoes you found yourself quaking before in times past. Run credit checks, background reports, and find information concerning the buyer's experience of running a business. Do they have any?

Knowing their past business management history will aid you in making an informed decision in selling to the individual. If they have a strong business track record with proven results, then it is more likely they will continue that success with your business. This will then lead to timely payments of the balance left on the selling price.

Another option for protecting yourself in the event of future misfortune, is asking the buyer to take out a life insurance policy naming you as beneficiary. This may sound absurd or morbid, but it will ultimately protect you. In the event of their death, the remainder of the debt should be covered in such a policy and you won't find yourself financially six feet under. Remember, this is business and being blunt is necessary. Although such a request may be slightly uncomfortable, it should not be unexpected as it is common practice.

Another important item to determine involves a timeline for payment. How much time are you willing and able to give the buyer to fulfill their financial obligations to you? If you feel sudden pangs of sympathy with the buyer over such a difficult process, step aside and consider the facts.

The more time you allow the buyer to pay off means greater risk to you. If their business acumen is not quite up to par, and the business falls apart, your money will go down with that ship. You will likely be forced to repossess the business and start the process of selling over again. And this is a best-case scenario, as it implies the business hasn't lost all value and isn't steeped in debt.

The options involved with seller financing can be appealing, but you have to be willing to set those ground rules. Set out definite terms on the payment schedule, loan period, and interest rates. Seller financing is generally short term, five to seven years, at the end of which it is assumed the business will be in a better place financially to pay off any remaining balance by more easily procuring funds from a lending institution.

Parting with your business can be emotionally taxing, but don't let it take a toll on your financial portfolio. It's a detailed process, so take your time and make sure you're selling to the right buyer. It is likely you will still be dealing with that person for some time, so don't set yourself up for a difficult relationship. This can be one more way your business can give back to you after all that you've put into it.

For more on these topics visit Dyer Consulting Group.

Aaron Dyer is President of Dyer Consulting Group, a firm that works with start-ups and small businesses who want to increase the value of their company. He helps them focus on ways to grow their business through better strategic planning and financial management, which have led to higher revenues and greater profitability for his clients. Aaron brings over 12 years of proven financial, business development, strategic planning, sales and marketing, and management expertise to his clients. His passion for helping companies improve their operations and create value compelled him to found Dyer Consulting Group.

Visit Dyer Consultung Group on the web at http://dyerconsultinggroup.com

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8 Simple Ways to Make Free Money

By Danielle Siebenaler

If the economy has got you down and you are in need of some extra cash, or you just want to supplement your income, there are ways to make free money almost instantly. Sure it may take a little tiny bit of work, but it certainly won't cost you eight hours of work a day only to receive a measly check two weeks later! By doing all or just a few of these things, you can and will make some extra money very easily, it's just a matter of how bad you want or need the dough!

1. Sell stuff on eBay.

Take a look around your house and ask friends and family members for items that are just taking up space. You can sell anything and people will most certainly buy it. Since you can choose auction times that are as short as 3 days, you can have money right away doing this with very little work!

2. Take clothes to a Consignment shop.

If you don't have a digital camera for eBay, or just flat out don't want to mess with it, look for a consignment shop. Just about every neighborhood has one, and they can't sell items without buying from people like you! All you have to do is make sure the clothes are presentable, clean, and ironed and take them to the store. They will have you fill out a form and go through your loot. They probably won't keep everything, however, for the items they do want, you will get cash instantly on the spot for it. Very cool!

3. Turn in your bottles and cans.

Many people don't know that they can trade in plastic bottles and aluminum cans for money. You can get anywhere from 5-10 cents for each thing you turn in, depending on what state you live in. This can really add up if you save them over time.

4. Write Articles for Associated Content.

By submitting original articles to associated content they will pay you anywhere between $2 and $8 per article. The cash is deposited straight into your PayPal account upon approval of your submission! The only catch is you can't publish the articles anywhere else!

5. Offer dog sitting or babysitting services.

Many people can't afford current daycare rates whether it's for their children or their beloved pets. At the same time, many daycare facilities don't offer services past 5pm or on the weekends. By charging less than the average local rate and offering evening and weekend services you can establish a loyal
clientele almost instantly!

6. Do chores for a family member.

Call up a family member or even an elderly neighbor and see if they need help with any household chores or yard work. Decide upon a fair hourly rate and how often they will pay you. This is a win-win situation because you are both helping each other.

7. Have a garage sale.

Whatever you don't sell on eBay or consignment can be piled together and sold at a garage sale. You may not sell it all in one weekend but if you do it for a few weekends in a row you could get a nice chunk of change!

8. Ask someone for a small loan.

Sometimes you are left with no other option other than to ask for help. If you are desperate, don't be afraid to swallow your pride and ask for help. We have all been there, and the worst they can say is no!

Of course, if you get really creative you can come up with more, but these are just a few ways to make some fast cash. You can even do a few of these things together to make more money!

If you want to learn how other ways you can make fast money please visit Free Cash Venture.

Danielle is a a work-at-home mommy and enjoys helping others who want to generate an income for themselves as well!

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Can Anyone Claim Free Government Money?

By Austin Warty

It seems every channel you turn to on the radio and TV there is more information about free government money that Americans can claim. But while there is billions of dollars handed out every year, is this money actually available to individuals?

There are limitations and strict eligibility requirements to obtain these funds, but they are available and they can be claimed by individuals. Most of the grants that you will find when you search the database are reserved for community development, research, college students and small business owners. There are, however, a number of smaller grant programs that can provide the individual with the cash they need to help them reach their goal.

Small is a relative term though. There is thousands of dollars provided to people to help them pay their bills, go back to school, and even buy real estate. But it would be tough to find the $50,000+ grants that are offered to small business owners and those who are interested in starting a small business.

The great thing about government grants, or grants provided from any organization for that matter, is that they never have to be paid back. This is money you receive to spend on a specific purpose, and you will never be asked to repay the money. And while billions of dollars is being provided, most Americans still are not entirely aware that these programs exist or how to go about applying for them. Those who qualify, however, are able to enjoy receiving free government money that never has to be paid back.

Instantly access to the database to get your debt grants. See how much you can qualify to receive and obtain your check in as little as 7 days just by asking for debt relief grants...

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