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Archive for October 30th, 2006

Getting Started With FOREX - Selecting A Broker

You have decided that you are ready to start investing in the FOREX market. You have developed the proper mind set and even decided on the type of account that will meet your needs. So what is the next step? You need a broker; your broker is the person that will handle the actual transactions you wish to make when you trade.

Just a few minutes of research on the Internet will show you that there are a huge number of FOREX brokers out there looking for your business. Everything from large financial institutions that mainly concentrate on large managed accounts to small private companies that dedicates themselves to private investors working with mini-accounts. So how can you possibly know which broker is right for you? Which of the hundreds of available brokers will be the best one to help you realize your investing goals.

The first thing you need to do is to consider the type of account you are wanting to open and narrow your list to brokers that handle those accounts. Most people reading this are probably going to be looking at a mini or standard account. Large managed accounts are a whole different breed of animal than the investor directed accounts.

If you are interested in a managed account then your best bet is to go with a large financial institution that has a proven track record of successful investment strategies. Any brokerage that handles these types of account should be able to provide you with historical data on their trading record so you can judge their competence and success rate. Always remember though that past results can be an indicator of future results but they are not a guarantee.

When looking for a broker to open an investor directed account with there are many factors to consider. The most important criteria though are safety and reliability. Though fraudulent brokers are far less common than they were a few years ago there are still some out there. All brokers should have a relationship with a reputable financial institution and should be listed by Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a Futures Commission Merchant.

Once you are sure that you are looking at only legitimate brokers then fees and commissions would be a good factor to consider next. Most FOREX brokers do not charge any fees they make their profit from the spread. The spread should be clearly stated on their website and should also tell you if the spread is fixed or if it can vary under certain circumstances. Check to see if the spread is the same for all account types, some brokers charge higher spreads for mini-accounts.

Something else to consider is the trading software provided by the broker, most brokers will allow you to sign up for a demo account so you can test their software. Make sure that the software works well and is easy for you to use. It is very difficult to trade if you have trouble using the broker-supplied software.

Does the broker provide instant executions and what are their slippage policies? How much slippage can you expect under normal trading circumstance. Look into their margin policy and requirements. Are there different margin requirements based on the currency being traded? Make sure that they cover all the currencies that you will be interested in trading. Selecting the right broker is vitally important. Time spent completely researching your options before you make a selection will definitely be time well spent.

Posted on 30th October 2006
Under: Forex | 5 Comments »

High Risk Personal Loan

Where to get a high risk loan is a real dilemma for many people.

It is always wise to repair your credit score before applying for a loan. However, this is not always possible.

There are many individuals and couples that can only qualify for a high risk loan for purchasing a home, insurance, and a vehicle or just to cover unexpected expenses. A high risk loan can be used for many applications. It can also be used for debt consolidation and improving your credit rating.

If you are in the position of having a very poor credit history and no collateral available to you, you are considered to be a high risk to lenders.

If you are in need of a loan, there are lenders available to offer you a high risk loan. Be aware that when you have less than perfect credit, and no collateral, your lender will offer you the loan with rates and terms at much higher rates. There will also be more restrictive terms than would be offered to individuals with better credit. It is also possible that your high risk loan will carry a shorter repayment term on it.

There are obviously many reasons why someone has bad credit. When you do not pay your bills on time, when month after month you miss making payments or perhaps you do not pay your bills at all.

One of the first things you should be aware of is your credit score. There are three major companies that issue credit reports. Each company has a different standard of reporting your credit score, so it is wise to get all three reports each year. The three credit reporting companies are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Knowing your credit score before applying for a high risk loan is advisable so you don’t have any surprises thrown at you from the lender. You will know where your credit history stands and are trying to repair it.

There are two types of high risk loans; secured and unsecured. Those with collateral will be able to get a secured high risk loan. This is a way for you to get quick cash with a bad credit history.

A secured high risk loan is available at your local bank or credit union. There are of course many things you should consider before you take on a secured high risk loan. Make sure you consider all that is involved, the amount of the loan, when it has to be paid back by, if you can make the monthly payments on time and the interest rate and terms. So try to remember you are trying to get a high risk loan and repair your credit rating at the same time. So be sure that the loan is not more than you can handle.

An unsecured high risk loan is for the person with the worst credit history possible. They usually have an extremely discouraging credit history and no collateral to offer as security against the loan. With a troubled credit history and the need to be able to pay bills and expenses (unexpected or not), a high risk unsecured loan is all they are able to apply for. Lenders are taking a large risk to loan money to those with a bad credit history with no collateral to back it up. If the loan does not get repaid on time or ever, they have nothing to hold in place for the money borrowed. The applicant therefore pays the highest interest rates possible with the strictest terms available.

After being approved for the unsecured high risk loan you must comply with the conditions imposed on you. You will have to have a full time job, a valid bank account and be able to produce proper id and your residential address. On the positive side for the applicant, if the loan is paid off on time with no late payments it will greatly improve your credit history. You will also be able to get a loan with better rates and terms next time.

There are many ways to obtain a high risk loan whether it is secured or unsecured. You can go to your local bank or credit union, or apply online.

There are many companies to be found online that will offer you a high risk loan, no matter your credit history.

Just be prepared for tighter restrictions on terms and rates.

Posted on 30th October 2006
Under: Personal Finance | 5 Comments »