Sunday, February 18, 2018
Car insurance is one of the necessary evils of modern life. You pay a substantial amount of money each month to the insurance company, and if you are like most people, you have not had an accident or made a claim in years. Yet when you do suddenly find yourself involved in a collision, the insurance premiums you've been forking over all these years will finally pay off.
Saturday, February 17, 2018
“How Long Can I Live With Mesothelioma?”
This question is commonly asked by those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer caused by asbestos. Unfortunately, as with most diseases, there is no one answer to how long a mesothelioma patient will live.
Mesothelioma Survival Rates
6 months after diagnosis55%1 year after diagnosis33%5 years after diagnosis9%
Survival Rates for Mesothelioma Are Improving
The good news is that survival rates for mesothelioma patients are improving. A 2015 meta-study looked at 20 years worth of results from 1992 – 2012, and during that period the two major forms of mesothelioma (pleural and peritoneal) have both seen an improvement in survivorship.
Mesothelioma Survival Rate by Type
PleuralPeritonealPericardial1 year73%92%51%3 years3%74%26%5 years12%65%23%10 years4.7%39%(N/A)
According to the study, peritoneal mesothelioma survivorship has especially shown significant improvement, largely due tonew forms of treatment, such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).
The Effect of Treatment on Survival
The type of treatment a mesothelioma patient receives can affect survival rates. Whether this is due to the treatment itself or to other factors (e.g., if the patient is too ill to undergo a more aggressive treatment) may not always be apparent. While there has been no single study showing survival rates based on treatment across all types of mesothelioma, separate studies have been done on the two most common forms of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Survival Rate by Treatment TypePleural MesotheliomaChemotherapy Only2 years19%5 years4%Pleurectomy / Decortication (P/D)2 years40%5 years10%Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP)2 years37%5 years12%Peritoneal MesotheliomaCRS-207 + Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)5 years50%
For pleural mesothelioma, patients who undergo a pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) or extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) – both of which are usually part of a multimodal treatment plan – generally have a much higher rate of survival than those who receive chemotherapy alone.
For peritoneal mesothelioma, patients who undergo cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with HIPEC have significantly higher rates of survival. When combined with systemic chemotherapy as an adjuvant treatment, the 5-year survival rate of patients who undergo CRS + HIPEC can be as high as 67%.
Other Survival Rate Factors
The survival rate for mesothelioma patients depend on a variety of factors. These include things such as the patient’s age, health, and the treatment they receive. Ever individual case is different, and one survival rate may not necessarily apply to a specific patient’s case.
Stage at Diagnosis
Mesothelioma staging can impact survival rate significantly. Patients diagnosed at an early stage (Stage I or Stage II) have a much higher survival rate than those diagnosed at a later stage (Stage III or Stage IV). For example, the 5-year survival rate for Stage 1 peritoneal mesothelioma patients is 87 percent, but only 29 percent for Stage IV.
Age of the Patient
Younger mesothelioma patients have higher rates of survival than older patients. This is due in part to the fact that older people in general have lower survival rates. In addition, with age comes a variety of health-related conditions that can make a mesothelioma diagnosis more deadly.
Sex
According to data provided by the National Cancer Institute’s SEER database, women have a higher 5-year survival rate (16%) than men (9.3%). It is not entirely clear why this is so, though some reasons may include that women are generally diagnosed at a younger age, they are more likely to get regular medical checkups, and they may be in better overall health.
Race
There is some evidence that African-Americans who have mesothelioma have a slightly longer 5-year survival rate than Caucasian mesothelioma patients. However, because Caucasians have a much higher incidence of mesothelioma, there may not be enough cases of African-Americans who have the disease to make a substantive determination.
Genetics
Several studies have shown that certain genetic factors can affect survival rates among patients. For example, mesothelioma patients who have certain mutations of BRCA1-associated protein-1 (BAP1) appear to have much better survival rates than other individuals who develop the disease, according to one study.
Top Mesothelioma Surgeons in the Country
David Sugarbaker, M.D.
Professor of Surgery, Chief of General Thoracic Surgery, Director of the Lung Institute Baylor College of Medicine
Raphael Bueno, M.D.
Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery; Vice Chair of Surgery for Cancer and Translational Research Brigham and Women's Hospital
A Note About Mesothelioma Survival Rate Statistics
Mesothelioma survival rates are determined by a standard measure known as the relative 5-year survival rate, which indicates how many patients are still alive 5 years after being diagnosed with the disease.
According to the most reliable studies, the relative 5-year survival rate for mesothelioma is about 9 percent, which is better than it was a decade or more ago. However, this simplified number does not tell the whole story. As shown above, survival rate can depend heavily on the type of mesothelioma a person has, what treatment options are available to them, and certain other health and lifestyle factors.
Many different clinical trials and other studies are being conducted on an ongoing basis to identify the factors that affect survival rate and, hopefully, discover ways to increase survival among mesothelioma patients. The results of these studies can be helpful for patients who meet certain criteria, but they may not be useful for determining an overall survival rate across the broad spectrum of mesothelioma patients.
Therefore, while survival rate can be a useful statistic in some cases, it can be misleading in others. Patients and loved ones should always rely on the advice and guidance provided by their doctors to understand how they can improve their prognosis and life expectancy, rather than looking to a single statistic.
Saturday, February 10, 2018
For decades, mesothelioma, a life-threatening disease that can affect the lungs, abdomen, and several other major organs, has been linked to prolonged exposure to asbestos, resulting in many people seeking a mesothelioma law firm to get justice and help them cover the overwhelming expenses associated with the disease.
Typically, mesothelioma victims were exposed to asbestos while working at a job site that used asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). In many cases, the manufacturers of asbestos and ACMs knew of the hidden dangers and risks of asbestos, yet failed to inform the public, as asbestos was an extremely profitable mineral. Because of the hindrance of information, workers who developed health issues from asbestos exposure may be eligible for financial compensation to cover expenses such as lost wages, medical bills, emotional suffering, physical pain, and more.
If you suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, set up for those who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on leading mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.
What Does a Mesothelioma Law Firm Do?
Law firms specializing in mesothelioma are different from any other type of law firm. Whereas other firms may specialize in areas like car accidents or nursing home abuse, mesothelioma law firms focus primarily on mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. It’s not recommended to retain legal representation from a general practice law firm or even a personal injury firm that specializes in a wide array of injury cases. You’ll need an attorney who specifically specializes in mesothelioma cases, as these types of lawsuits are extremely intricate and require vast, in-depth understanding of asbestos exposure and diseases.
Attorneys at these law firms have knowledge and experience regarding federal and state laws concerning asbestos use and its history in the workforce. They also have sharp investigative skills and are able to dig deep to uncover when and where companies and/or other entities exposed workers to asbestos. Additionally, these law firms are comprised of educated attorneys who understand the legal process involving courts, trials, settlements, and appeals.
Review of Our Services
“WHEN DAD WAS DIAGNOSED WITH MESOTHELIOMA, OUR WORLD WAS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN. NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO NEXT, I RESEARCHED AND INTERVIEWED MANY FIRMS. SOME FIRMS WERE NOTHING MORE THAN MARKETERS. OTHERS OFFERED UP CALL SCREENERS TO TAKE MY NAME AND NUMBER. AND THEN THERE WAS MESOTHELIOMA LAWYER CENTER. IT WAS WITH THEM THAT I FOUND PEACE, KNOWLEDGE AND PROFESSIONALISM. THEY HAVE DONE EVERYTHING THEY SAID THEY WOULD DO AND THEN SOME. CONTACTING MESOTHELIOMA LAWYER CENTER WAS THE BEST DECISION I COULD HAVE MADE FOR MY FAMILY.”~ Dale R.
Moreover, an experienced firm understands that the victim is already suffering enough because of the medical and financial problems associated with asbestos-related diseases. As a result, the firm will handle most everything regarding the lawsuit, including fighting for the legal rights of the client, interviewing witnesses, obtaining medical history, litigation, and more.
An experienced law firm also understands the severe emotional impact that living with mesothelioma brings, not only to victims, but to family members and loved ones as well. An good firm takes this into account and helps ease the minds of victims and their loved ones throughout this enduring process.
What Should I Look for When Hiring an Asbestos Law Firm?
Unfortunately, not all law firms specializing in mesothelioma are the same. While some may have several years of experience, other firms are relatively new to the area of mesothelioma. In addition, some law firms may concentrate on other areas of law besides mesothelioma while another firm may solely focus on asbestos cases.
Aside from using your good judgement when determining which law firm you should use, there are several factors you should consider:
- The law firm should have experience in dealing with mesothelioma cases.
- The law firm should be extremely knowledgeable in asbestos laws and prior cases.
- Look for a law firm that focuses solely on asbestos-related cases.
- Look for law firms with a stellar reputation in handling asbestos cases.
- The law firm should not only understand asbestos laws, but should also have extensive knowledge of medical problems associated with asbestos diseases.
- The law firm should always keep you updated on what’s going on in your case. Although attorneys are busy people, they should be accessible.
- You should always get an initial consultation at no charge before deciding on a firm.
Keep in mind that it’s not recommended to retain a law firm that promises you that you will win your case no matter what. Although statistics show that the majority mesothelioma victims do go on to win their lawsuits, there are a variety of factors involved, and no case is guaranteed. An experienced law firm will help you to understand your chances and what is involved, but will never assure that your case is 100% guaranteed.
Making Things Easier
Although a law firm will do the majority of your case work, it’s always a good idea to be prepared and make things easier so that the process gets rolling faster.
First, make sure to gather your medical documents, including when and where you were diagnosed, and bring this information to your initial meeting. This will allow the firm to determine if your case can be taken on.
Next, be prepared to provide the law firm with your work history and information including the full company name, address, phone number, your job role, and how long you worked there.
Finally, start keeping track of all expenses used pertaining to your disease. For example, always keep a copy of medical bills, hospital visits, mileage used to get to appointments, medical supplies, and anything other expense you paid out due to your illness.
How Can a Law Firm Personally Help Me?
When first getting started, victims usually have a plethora of unanswered questions regarding asbestos and their rights. A good law firm should be able to provide you with following information:
- Evidence Related to Your Exposure: Once you provide the law firm with your work information, they should be able to investigate and determine how asbestos was used at your workplace. In some cases, they may already have the information available.
- If You Truly Have an Asbestos Claim: Asbestos law firms understand what’s needed in order to have a true asbestos claim. With this knowledge, they are able to determine how strong your case is and what the estimated chances are that you’ll win. Most attorneys make sure they’re confident in your case before taking it on. Be wary of any attorney who promises to take your case without knowing any of the details or an attorney who claims they can get you an exact amount of compensation before reviewing your case.
- Your Case Worth: If the firm decides you have an asbestos case, they will then be able to come up with an average figure of how much your case is worth. This is including past expenses, daily expenses, medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, physical suffering, future expenses, and much more. Keep in mind, however, that there is no set formula as to how much your award amount may be. The aforementioned factors, along with other details, such as if your former company has a trust fund set up or not, will also come into play.
- Who Exactly is Responsible: It can be difficult for the average person to determine who exactly is responsible for exposing victims to asbestos. For example, companies can move, go out of business, hide, suppress relevant information, and change ownerships. In some cases, your former company is responsible, the manufacturer of the asbestos products may be responsible, or supervisors and/or owners may be responsible. In other instances, there may be just one sole responsible entity, yet in a different case, there may be several responsible parties. Remember that part of the law firm’s job is to research, seek out, and determine the entity or responsible parties that are liable for your exposure to asbestos.
What Are Law Firm Fees?
Law firms may have different fees as well as different payment options. However, an experienced and caring law firm understands that victims of asbestos-related diseases more than likely have enough financial burden in dealing with their illness, and are unable to afford up-front fees for legal representation. As a result, many firms work on what’s known as a contingency fee basis, meaning that they only get paid when you get paid.
If the law firm doesn’t win your case, they don’t receive compensation either in most instances. The good news, however, is that a firm has to be confident enough in your case to take it on, meaning there is a good chance that if your case is picked up, it will be successful.
Law firm fees are percentages taken out of your total settlement or verdict amount, and again, the percentage amount will vary depending upon the firm. Make sure you understand how the fees and percentages work with the firm beforehand so that there will be no confusion later on.
If a law firm doesn’t provide a contingency fee basis, there is a good chance that they don’t have the financial resources to successfully prove your case. Keep in mind that you’ll want a firm that has the financial capability to take on your case on a contingency fee basis.
Attorneys without the resources to handle your case usually can’t provide you with the best representation. An ideal rule of thumb is to ask up-front about how the fees work so that there are no surprises later on. Attorneys with your best interest in mind will have no problems answering any questions you have regarding fees and prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to court?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions, which is understandable, as most people who are dealing with an asbestos-related illness generally do not want to spend time in a court room. Generally, you will not have to go to court. Most mesothelioma lawsuits are taken care of via settlements.
In some instances, however, if the defense doesn’t agree on a settlement or if you don’t agree on a settlement, you may have to go to trial, which requires going to court. An experienced law firm will help you through every step of the way, and if you are too ill to attend, arrangements can be made to record your testimony beforehand.
What if I don’t know which company exposed me to asbestos?
As previously mentioned, part of an asbestos law firm’s job is to uncover the parties responsible for your asbestos exposure. The culpable parties are typically manufacturers who supplied asbestos to job sites, which can range from one company to many.
I have workers’ compensation benefits. Can a law firm still help me even if I have other compensation benefits?
Other compensation benefits, such as workers’ compensation or VA benefits, doesn’t disqualify you from seeking compensation from the companies who exposed you to asbestos. An asbestos law firm can help you file a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Additional Tips to Remember
- When searching for a law firm, you shouldn’t narrow your search down to your local community only. There’s a chance that your case may be filed out of state.
- An experienced mesothelioma lawyer should have no problems flying to your city to meet with you, given that they are out of state.
- Although the law firm should be able to give you an average figure that you may receive, giving an exact amount is impossible. Any firm that guarantees you an exact amount should be considered untrustworthy.
- A mesothelioma should be able to handle not only mesothelioma cases for survivors, but wrongful death cases involving asbestos exposure.
SOURCE: https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/mesothelioma-asbestos-law-firm
Car donation is the better way to help & support to people who have to need without bothering himself. You are donate the car for remove the old car.
It is good alternative for people who have old car by getting rid of an old useless vehicle. With this donation you are also help to other people.
There are no need to a better condition car for donation. Cracked or Broken cars may also donate. You have also other choice to donate money through your old car. There are many social company are make the auction of this type of cars and make the profit. The profit is use in social works. After the car donation you can get your donation receipt. There are 20 percent of Poor families are not able to purchase the car. They are spent large budget of their income in transportation. Social companies provide them a car or money through your donation. The poor families are also happy through getting the car or money. Other benefits of your car donation in California is free towing services offered. In this offer you are not required to take the car at Center for Car Donation.
The Center Authorities providing pickup facility to you. They pick up the car from your home. For the car donation you have to prepare some important documents like insurance & registration and if you do not have the title, the Center Authority provides you duplicate form of title. Donation center also give the facility for donate your car. At the time of pick up the car the donation center give you the tax form which is very important for you because this tax form is provides tax deduction from your tax. You can ask the picker about the form filling. They are introduce to you about the tax form. Donation of your car is one of the most rewarding work. When you donate the car, you do support the people who are poor & you shining other’s life by helping poor peoples. There are many homeless family in California & their children are not able for go to school. By helping this type of peoples you get great blessings from the mouth of poor families. Your thinking is better than other and your work of car donation will be blessings of God for you.
Dayton Freight Lines, Inc Thank you for considering Dayton Freight! We are always looking for qualified individuals that want to be a part of our professional, positive and people-centered team. We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefit package for all full time employees.
Summary of Benefits
- Competitive salaries
- Medical insurance
- Prescription drug card
- Optional vision plan
- Optional dental plan
- Optional short term disability insurance
- Optional long term disability insurance
- Paid holidays (8)
- $35,000 life insurance policy
- Optional whole life insurance
- Optional term life insurance
- Optional critical care insurance
- Paid vacation
- 401(k) plan
- Profit sharing program
- Paid personal day(s)
- Direct deposit/payroll deduction
- Optional Accident Insurance
Charitable Based Agency, How To Donate A Car In California. If you want to learn how to donate a car in California Based Charitable Agency, bear in mind that there are specific guidelines that you must follow.
Giving your car to a charitable organization that operates in the Golden State is a great way to support your causes. With this, you can provide help to less fortunate families for their car needs. Just recently, I donated my car to an orphanage. Aside from a heartwarming feel caused by giving, I have benefited from tax cuts because of that donation.
How To Donate A Car In California Based Charitable Agency The first thing that you must do if you have already decided that you will donate your car is to determine what charitable agencies will benefit from your donation. I have noticed that there are numerous agencies in California that accept donations directly including organizations that raise fund for orphans, abandoned elderly, and sick individuals. After I selected which charity to give my car in California, I called the organization to learn more about the process of car donation. Although every charitable agency follows their own process for car donations, I guess there are several state policies in California that every agency should abide.
Car Donation Charities in California The act of donating a car to charity is one of the most rewarding things you can do.
When you donate your car, you do more than just support a charity. You actually help to improve someone’s life. To help a needy person, please donate a car to one of these respected charities in California. Established in 1946 in Davis, California, Freedom From Hunger has been fighting chronic hunger and poverty in the world through innovative programs designed to help families achieve long term food security.
Their programs are serving over 18 million people in some of the poorest countries in the world. They are both nongovernmental and nonsectarian and they have been given an A- rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy. Car Donation Charities in California Teach for America works to ensure that children in low income areas get an excellent education. Less than half of the children in California are on grade level for reading and math, and it ranks 48th in academic performance.
In the Bay Area, Teach for America has been providing great education for over 10 years. In Los Angeles, they have operating since 1990. Teach for America works to recruit leaders who work to expand educational opportunities in low income areas and then teach for two years in those areas. The Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation is dedicated to the treatment and a cure for neuromyelitis optica. NMO is a very rare disease that can affect the optic nerve and spinal cord. People with this horrible disease can develop vision loss, or weakness, numbness, and sometimes paralysis of the arms and legs along with sensory disturbances and loss bladder and bowel control. Although there are some treatments available a lot more research is needed to find better ones and a cure.
A Home Away From Homelessness is dedicated to supporting and nurturing the needs of homeless and formerly homeless children and families in San Francisco and Marin. Their homes provide a physical, emotional and spiritual break for children along with educational, social and recreational opportunities. Family Builders believes that every child has the right to grow up in a permanent, nurturing family regardless of the child’s age, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or medical, physical or emotional condition. Family Builders educates the community about the needs of waiting children, advocates on their behalf and places the children with permanent, secure families through adoption.
Structured settlement payments result from lawsuits in which the plaintiff receives periodic payments and ongoing income or through another annuity of some sort.
However, many people do not find a long-term stream of payments as beneficial as one lump sum. A secondary market has evolved around structured settlements that allows consumers to sell all or a portion of their payments to a structured payment buyer. These buyers, or factoring companies, then pay the consumer a lump sum in return.
What features matter most?
Purchase price
When considering quotes for structured settlement purchase from factoring companies, the purchase price or lump sum received can vary considerably due to the time-value of money. Companies will consider these factors when determining the purchase price of your settlement.
- Duration of the settlement: A dollar now is worth more than a dollar in the future. When obtaining quotes for selling a structured settlement, how soon the total settlement will be paid out to the consumer makes a difference in the purchase price. Buyers mostly prefer payments that will be made sooner to lessen their risk.
- Timing of the payments: The sooner the payments being sold will be received, the higher the purchase price will be. This can play a role in determining whether to sell all or some of the structured payment.
- Total amount of the settlement:Obviously, the total value of the settlement affects the purchase price today. However, structured settlements of lower value may not be as easy to sell for a lump sum.
Surrender charges & fees
Depending on the initial plan setup, surrender charges and fees must sometimes be paid when selling a structured settlement. Surrender charges are imposed by the company that owns the structured payments and is a way to recoup the money spent in creating the plan in the first place.
- Legal fees: Some companies charge a legal fee for surrendering your scheduled payments.
- Broker fee: If the factoring company is, or makes use of, a broker to secure the funds for the lump sum payment, there may be an associated fee. Often, this fee is worked into the final payment amount.
- Other fees: There can be other fees associated with the sale of a structured settlement including recording, filing, administrative and miscellaneous fees. These fees are usually deducted from the payment amount and do not have to be paid upfront by the consumer.
Discount rates
The discount rate offered for a lump sum payment on a structured settlement is similar to the interest rate that consumers pay on a standard consumer loan. The company buying the settlement payments wants to do so at a discount because they are taking the risk of possibly never receiving the payments. The lower the discount rate, the better it is for the consumer. There are some important considerations for consumers when analyzing discount rates for the purchase of their structured settlement payments.
- Negotiate the rate: The interest rate quoted is not set in stone. When reviewing quotes, consumers should feel comfortable negotiating a better rate with each company. While there are standard rates at any given time, the purchaser is trying to get the highest discount and consumers should strive for the lowest.
- Shop around: The discount rate is one of the features of a structured settlement purchase that will vary widely from company to company and state to state. Be sure to shop around for the lowest discount rate and have knowledge of the current going rate.
- Understand the rate: Consumers who do not have a good comfort level with financial formulas should consult a professional or acquaintance that does. Quotes and the explanation for rates can be confusing and a good account executive at any company will take the time to help the consumer understand the full transaction.
Customer service options
When searching for a company to purchase future payments, access to customer service is extremely important. The process can be difficult for those with little financial, tax and legal knowledge and access to customer service can help to reduce fear and stress around the transaction.
- Customer service hours: Keep in mind that Customer Service hours vary based on time zones. For example, if a customer lives on the West Coast and the company buying the payments has East Coast hours, they may find themselves frustrated at 2:00 pm when they can’t get a hold of anyone.
- Online chat: Being able to get help instantly, and not having to wait on hold, can be an advantage when trying to understand and keep track of a transaction. Online chat gives consumers an opportunity to get answers immediately.
- Dedicated representative: Some companies provide a dedicated service professional for their clients for the duration of the transaction. This can help to avoid repeated explanations of the situation and reduce the stress of understanding a complicated financial transaction.
Company reputation
In order to avoid scams, consumers should do their homework and research companies who offer to purchase structured settlement payments. While some very reputable companies run late-night television ads, others who are not as reputable do as well. Researching a company’s reputation is not difficult and it’s an important step towards a successful transaction.
- Number of denials: A judge can deny the contract for the purchase of a structured settlement. Companies who offer the most professional service should have a low denial rate.
- Customer reviews: Finding unbiased customer reviews can warn of potential problems. Reviews not located on the company’s website are a good source.
- Dollars purchased: The amount of structured payments purchased by a company can be a good indicator of their health and stability.
What are different types of structured settlement companies?
Broker
A structured settlement broker, also known as an annuity broker, is a professional with specific training in structured payments. Brokers can aid in the whole process of obtaining an advance or full payout against the settlement.
Direct funded
Directly funded companies have their own sources of capital and are therefore free to make decisions on the purchase of settlement payments. Other companies must use a third party to guarantee funding which can lead to delays.
Computers break and accidents happen. Although data can be backed up to the cloud and secondary devices, hard drive-related issues can result in data loss beyond what protection regular backups can offer. From computer crashes to human errors, hard drive recovery services can restore data from damaged drives, unbootable drives, reformatted drives, malware infections, user deletion and more.
Once a hard drive is damaged, recovering data is best left to experienced professionals who can extract information without incurring additional data loss or causing further damage. For businesses in critical situations, hard drive recovery services can recover data from desktops and laptops, as well as mobile devices, removable media, digital cameras and other types of media.
For a side-by-side comparison of the best hard drive recovery services, including those mentioned here, visit our sister site Top Ten Reviews. Below is a summary of their top three rated providers.
The Best VoIP Providers and Phone Services
Who needs home or office landlines when you can sign up for a voice-over-IP service at a fraction of the cost of traditional carriers? We test and compare the top VoIP contenders.
Business VoIP
The business-focused entrants in this roundup, as you might expect, go much farther in additional capabilities, serving as cloud-based PBXes (public branch exchanges). These let your business present a professional appearance to the telephoning world, with features like call-routing, automated attendants, call recording, and conference call bridges. They generally offer several pricing levels based on the number of lines needed, ranging from about $20 per line for large organizations to $35 per line for smaller groups; you also pay more for some added features like integration with cloud business services such as Salesforce.com. For an excellent overview of business VoIP, read Fahmida Rashid’s Working Without Wires: Cutting the Phone Cord.
The business-focused entrants in this roundup, as you might expect, go much farther in additional capabilities, serving as cloud-based PBXes (public branch exchanges). These let your business present a professional appearance to the telephoning world, with features like call-routing, automated attendants, call recording, and conference call bridges. They generally offer several pricing levels based on the number of lines needed, ranging from about $20 per line for large organizations to $35 per line for smaller groups; you also pay more for some added features like integration with cloud business services such as Salesforce.com. For an excellent overview of business VoIP, read Fahmida Rashid’s Working Without Wires: Cutting the Phone Cord.
Sure, you’ve saved up for a down payment on a new house, but if you have average credit, you may have a hard time qualifying for a mortgage and buying the home of your dreams. The good news is, you can do a lot to improve your score before you apply. With these tips, you’ll have a much better chance of getting approved and locking in an affordable interest rate.
1. Pay off your credit cards
If you’re up to your ears in credit card debt, lenders will probably think twice before offering you a mortgage because both your credit utilization ratio andyour debt-to-income ratio will be high. That’s why it’s a smart idea to start paying off those balances before sending out mortgage applications.
Make more than the minimum payments on your cards each month. Not only will this boost your credit score and lower your overall debt load, but it will also save you money on interest and show potential lenders that you’re serious about repaying what you borrowed.
2. Pull your credit reports and check for errors
Mistakes happen. And when they do, you don’t want to be the last person to know about them. Get free credit reports online from the three major credit bureaus, TransUnion, Equifax and Experian, and go through them line by line, checking for inaccuracies. If you come across an error, file a dispute as soon as possible.
Both Equifax and Experian have online dispute forms you can complete, and TransUnion has a form you can fill out and mail in. After submitting these forms, the credit bureau will contact the source, and the claim will be investigated within 30 days. You also have the option of sending a letter of dispute directly to the credit reporting companies with copies of supporting documentation. Remember to send these via certified mail to ensure the company receives your dispute.
3. Stop applying for new credit
If you’re moving into a new house, you may also be interested in getting a new car for your driveway and furniture to fill your rooms, but hold off on applying for new credit cards and auto loans until you’ve locked down that mortgage. You want your credit report to look as clean as possible when you send in your application, and many new inquiries may raise red flags for lenders.
Nerd note: While delaying the credit card applications could be a good call, it’s generally not a good idea to close all your paid-off cards at the same time. If you do this, your credit utilization ratio may go up and your credit history may appear shorter and less varied, which could also hurt your score. Instead, plan on keeping your accounts open, at least until your mortgage is approved.
4. Shop with purpose
Shop around for a mortgage with the best rates, but don’t let your search drag on. After about a month, your FICO score may start reflecting your applications as separate inquiries, which could ding your credit score. This could potentially be an even bigger problem if your lender uses the less common VantageScore or an older version of the FICO score, which consider mortgage applications as separate inquiries if they’re not within two weeks of each other. To stay on the safe side, keep your search focused and brief.
If possible, get pre-approved for a mortgage before even shopping for a house, so that if you do find the home of your dreams, you won’t have to worry about getting approved for a loan later.
5. Save aggressively
You’re focused on getting a mortgage now, but remember to protect your credit score after you’ve been approved. Once you make your down payment on your new house, your savings may take a hit and you may feel tempted to start relying on credit more heavily. In the short term, that may be OK, but making it a long-term habit could do some serious damage to your credit score.
If your savings account is dwindling, consider cutting back on fixed expenses and work toward saving six months’ worth of living expenses. This way, in case of an emergency, you won’t have to use your credit card as a crutch. By protecting your credit score, you’ll also have an easier time applying for mortgages and other credit lines down the road.