Best Finance Network
Get the best connectivity about finance.

Clearly you’ve heard about the current economic climate, with banks failing or losing their credit ratings, big countries on the verge of going bankrupt, masses of government debt, etc. You’ve definitely heard it all. As a result, investors have become incredibly worried about what the world economy will look like over the next 5 years.

Consequently, it’s no surprise that there’s been an big increase with investing in valuable metals, such as silver, gold, palladium, and platinum. But why are investors so interested in metals? What is it about these metals that attract so much interest?

If you think about it, 99.9% of all investments are based on some concept, rather than an actual object. e.g. company shares don’t actually exist (not even on paper these days), they’re just a culmination of the perception of that company and how well they are doing. So the intrinsic share value is not based on anything physical. It’s not to say that shares are worthless, quite the contrary, just that they’re not a physical object.

Therefore the point is that investors like to think of their investments as something tangible. Metals are physical objects, and actually exist in the real world. Property exists in the real world, but decreasing house prices mean that investors are not investing in property anymore. Additionally, property is not a liquid asset, simply meaning it takes a long time to sell a property. Comparatively, selling metal is very easy and can be done within minutes.

A combination of metal being a real-world object, and being very easy to sell, precious metals such as gold are very attractive investment assets. If you think about it, gold has always been a desirable and attractive possession throughout the ages. However, there’s another fact that completes the reasoning why gold in particular has become so popular in the last 12 months. Gold is a scarce resource, and it’s increasingly tough to find. Gold isn’t really being mined anymore, it’s being chemically extracted. Therefore the gold we have now is pretty much all that we will have. Gold has always been a finite resource.

So why is gold so popular right now? It’s easy to sell, it’s easy to buy, it’s generally held it’s value over the years. Gold is being seen as a currency-neutral form of investment where its value is not subject to the media-induced hype facing our economies at the moment. If you can keep your gold secure, it’s definitely a safe place for your money at the moment.

This is a guest article by Mike Stirling who researches the precious metal markets, particularly the currently-increasing scrap gold prices.

What do you do when your car suddenly starts emitting a rattling sound or a funny “feel” to it when you’re driving… and you just had it serviced 2 weeks ago? Many loan providers understand that car maintenance can be costly, especially if it is unforeseen. Thus, car owners may now take advantage of advancement from car loans and personal loans in the form of a product specific to car maintenance and repairs. Those for whom unexpected vehicle maintenance can be a budget catastrophe can rest easy knowing that they can turn to car repair loans for help.

Car repair loans are a quick, hassle-free way to get that extra cash needed when unexpected maintenance is required for a car. It can be used for car maintenance, car repairs, or just about any emergency maintenance needs that your car may develop. Surprises like these are wholly unwelcome!

All you have to do is to apply for the loan, and if everything in your application is in order, you can receive an immediate car repair cash advance. Many providers of car maintenance loans grant quick loans to vehicle owners who find themselves in a situation where they did not expect to spend any more than they already have on their vehicle.

Car maintenance loans like these are a great solution for the cash-strapped car owner. Instead of allowing the car to rattle on, possibly causing even more damage and thus exacerbating the problem, you can immediately have your car looked at and work out the payment soon after that. This can save the car owner a lot of trouble and worry as a car that is well taken care of would go further, both literally and figuratively, as compared to a car whose maintenance has been neglected. Furthermore, this ensures that your car meets safety and compliance regulations that allow it to stay on the road.

Car maintenance loans are also a great solution if you need to carry out unexpected car repairs in the unfortunate event of a car accident. Many times, an accident puts the owner in a dilemma, especially since no one ever saves up for a car accident. The car involved in the accident may not be road-worthy, yet very much needed for daily activities such as just getting to and from work, or sending the children to school and bringing them home again. Thus, car repair loans come in very handy in situations like these.

Everyone is liable to pay taxes in some way or the other. On paying taxes you are actually helping your country to meet certain expenses. However most of us are hesitant when it comes to clear up our tax dues. There are times when a certain portion of the amount you have paid comes right back to you. Well this turns out to be a bonus for you. The amount you receive is called the tax refund. Tax refunds arise when the amount you have paid is actually greater the tax amount you were asked to pay; but claiming tax refund is not an easy. You need tax refund help to claim the amount. The following are the reasons for claiming the refunds:

Reporting extra income

Claiming tax credits

Filing status

Change exemptions

Claiming additional dependents

Prior to claiming the amount it is needful of you to consult a professional for tax refund help. There are certain meaningful factors to take into account before you actually proceed further with your claims. They are discussed below in the following lines:

Firstly you should clear your grounds of claiming the amount; on failure to do this you might land up at the loser’s end. This is because if the IRS under any case discards your claims you wouldn’t ever receive the amount even if you file a suit in the court. They wouldn’t consider your requests and your pleas would fall in deaf ears.

Your claim should be backed by proper and original documents. If you fail to provide the authorities with adequate documents and data you wouldn’t be able to realize your tax refund claim.

As a claimant you must seek tax refund help from professionals who are experienced in dealing with such kinds of issues. If you aren’t aware of the time limits involved in tax refunds, ten you need to know certain fundamentals. It is important that the claimant abides by the time limit.

The IRS considers a postmark that is earlier than the date of filing for tax refunds. The due date considers extension to the date of filing. Remember that the mailing service considered here is the one which is controlled by the Government itself.

You can claim the amount within a time period of 2 years from the time you have paid the tax bills. You may also be refunded within 3 years after you have filed for the same. In case you file for a joint refund where your spouse’s claim is also involved and your wife/husband’s claim is declined by the IRS because of certain debts then the time period involved is 6 years.

Sometimes the tax payer might be a physically or mentally challenged person. In such cases the time limits allowed to these individuals are suspended in nature. However, the impairment should last for more than a year. Time limits come into action when the individual has a guardian to take control over his financial issues. Therefore, it is essential that you seek tax refund help from professionals.

Kyla smith is a writer by choice and profession offers a comprehensive idea on all issues about Tax. If you want to seek the best tax refund help? You need to consult companies rendering the best Tax refund help. The professionals would see to it that you receive the amount in full.

It is that time of year again to start thinking about ideas of what to give your loved one for Christmas. But, what if your loved one is picky? Or, what if he or she seems to have everything? In this case, you could give him or her a gift card from their favorite store. Gift cards are handy because they save you and your loved one’s money. Not every item, though can be purchased with a gift card and some gift cards are unpopular.

Here is a list of the five gift cards that people want.

1. Clothes. Everyone needs new clothes, but everyone loves to wear clothes that make them look good. All clothing stores sell gift cards, so if your loved one’s taste in fashion is different from yours, you can purchase her a gift card from her favorite clothing store.

2. Books. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, most people enjoy reading. Books are an ideal gift because of their importance to peoples’ literary development and to their need for information. Every bookstore sells gift cards, so if your loved one is an avid reader, you can purchase him a gift card from his favorite bookstore.

3. Electronics. Electronic devices, such as iPads, iPhones, iPods, e-readers, laptops and desktop computers are high in demand. Every person is in need of an electronic device for work and for pleasure. These items, though, are pricy. If you do not have the funds to purchase one as a gift for your loved one, you can purchase a gift card with a certain amount of money charged on it. That will cover part of the cost of the electronic device.

4. Cosmetics. Every woman likes to look beautiful and cosmetics make that possible. Certain cosmetics, such as hand cream and body lotion, help improve the texture of skin. Cosmetics are sold at salons, department stores and most drug stores. If your significant other loves to wear makeup and body lotion, you can purchase her a gift card from any store that sells these products.

5. Office supplies. These items will always be in high demand. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford them. If your loved one needs office supplies, you can purchase him or her a gift card from Staples, London Drugs or any other store where office supplies are sold.

With gift cards, you can spend as low as ten dollars and as high as a thousand dollars or more. It all depends on how much money you are able to spend. So, if you are stuck for gift ideas, give your loved on a gift card for Christmas.

The electric bill is the highest bill homeowners and renters have to pay. It is the next highest bill to the rent, which is not a variable bill. The best way to save money all around is to find ways to manipulate the variable bills. Variable bills include electric, cable, food, cell phone, and fuel costs. You can change these expenses by making minor adjustments. The following are smart tips that focus on cutting your electric expense. These tips will aid in knocking your electric bill down so you can use the extra funds for something else:

1. Take Time to Compare

When you first move to a new home, you should conduct a search for all utility companies in the area. Then, compare the costs. Each company may charge a different amount of cents per kWh. The charges may vary, but the cents can add up very quickly. Even if you are already receiving service from one company, it will benefit you to check out other utility companies. You can calculate the average amount of energy you are using each month by reviewing your electric bills. Next, plug that number in to figure how much money you would save if you moved to a different provider. If the savings are large enough, say goodbye to your current provider.

2. Insulate

Whether it is wintertime or summer time, proper insulation plays a huge part in your monthly bill. If your windows and doors are poorly insulated, your heat and coolant can escape. This causes the equipment to use more electricity to keep your home at a certain temperature. Have a technician come out and investigate your insulation. Caulk the cracks and repair broken windows. Make the necessary adjustments and you will save money.

3. Use Fans Instead of Air Conditioners

Fans use far less energy than air conditioners. They are quite effective in the summer time. One of the best tricks to getting most out of a fan is sticking it in the window and facing it toward you. That way when the wind blows, the fan will suck in the cool air and blow it your way.

4. Single Room Heaters

Using small single room heaters is another excellent way to save on electricity. They are very inexpensive and can make a room quite toasty within minutes. Once the room heats up, close the door and keep it that way. Single room heaters often have settings to turn off once the room reaches a certain temperature. That is a great money-saving feature.

5. Turn off Sleeping Appliances

When you are not watching television or using the computer, turn these items off. You may only be saving a small amount of money but remember, change adds up.

6. Maintain Your Equipment

Make sure to perform proper maintenance on things like air conditioners and heating systems. Change the filters frequently and clean the units on a regular basis. Anything that causes a device to clog will force it to work harder and use more electricity.

7. Energy Saving Light Bulbs

If you are attempting to conserve energy, you should use energy saving light bulbs. Fluorescent light bulbs and lower wattage bulbs will help to conserve the amount of energy being used.

Remember, every move you make will save you more cents for electricity. Start with these tips and think of additional creative ways to cut electricity costs. You can monitor your progress by checking your electricity bill for the next two to three months. If the new strategy appears to be working for you, continue with it.

Kelsie Larson likes to write about saving money, personal finance & credit score ratings.