Wednesday, March 30, 2011

New Credit Card Laws (2009) And Students

When it comes to debt, credit card companies believe that you're never too young to start accruing it. This is why many of them hand out lines of credit like candy to students, whether they are in high school or college. Two out of three high school students in the United States have credit cards, and have some form of debt, thanks to reckless spending. Start early, spend often, and pay the bank every month, that's the name of the game for many credit card companies.


College Students in Credit Card Debt
However, thanks to the new credit card legislation just recently signed by the president (May 22, 2009), the days of students getting into debt well before they're legally able to earn the money to begin paying it off is over. Or, at the very least, on notice. For students who already have their cards, the legislation will ease the burden the card conveys in return for being able to buy stuff.

However, it is much more important for generations that have yet to sign on the dotted line and collect their plastic key to financial independence.

Late Fees and Interest Spikes
As well as legislation relating to interest fee spikes and late payments (the bane of any credit card owner, no matter their age), there was a clause dealing specifically with student card owners. In short, the clause makes it harder for anyone under the age of twenty-one to get a card. No one under the age of twenty-one can have a credit card unless a parent, legal guardian or spouse is the primary cardholder. Also, the credit limit on such a card cannot be increased without the written permission of said primary cardholder. The only exception to either of these is in the case of a student with proof of their own income.

They can submit proof of regular income earnings and request an exemption to the need for their parents to allow them to have a card.

Before the Law Passed
Before this legislation passed, a student under the age of twenty-one could get their own card without permission, which, of course, invariably led to reckless spending and the growth of debt, especially in the case of freshman college students. Now, a parent or legal guardian can check such before it occurs and keep their student out of trouble. At least until they have some method of paying off their own debts. This should ease the dangers of credit card debt.


Crippling Debt
Keeping credit cards out of the hands of students may seem unfair at first glance, but really, how fair is it to inflict what can rapidly become crippling debt on a student, especially if they have no way pay off credit card debt. In many ways, this is the modern upgrade to the weekly allowance. Credit cards are a way for students to exercise financial independence, but it often results in unpleasant consequences. Now, thanks to the new legislation, parents and legal guardians have a way of curtailing that financial independence without cutting students off from the potential lessons and character building moments entirely.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Private Student Loan - Panacea to Financial Problems for Students

In the present world, education is mandatory for every human being. In fact, its the only source to gift you prosperity for the rest of your life. With the progress of time, educational facilities are increasing and career enthusiasts are getting more and more boosted. Diverse convenient learning mediums are being offered to students so that they can smoothly pursue their desired course in time as well as with comfort. In the last few years, plenty of academic institutions have come up with courses and career based programs. However, many are failing to afford the educational costs and as a result, their desires are getting shattered. To take care of such victimized students, plenty of financial institutions are offering private student loan.

There are many schools available throughout the globe that offer financial support to poor students.

However, these loans are provided for a particular time period. Private student loan is quite easy to opt. They are among the convenient sources for seeking financial assistance for education. A private student loan can be accessed on credit.

One of the advantages of private student loans is that you can exhaust the amount for any reason you wish. Be it for for books, tuition classes or transportation, private student loans can be used for any of these. Prior to applying a private student loan, always calculate the entire college expenses.

The full application process of a student loan is very simple. It involves no complications as well. The best part is that the lender is least bothered whether you are a graduate or in progress. Neither are they concerned of the fact whether you are pursuing a full time or a part time course. Therefore, its always better to apply for a student loan from private agents rather than from banks.

As a matter of fact, banks come up with strict rules and laws for all loan borrowers. In most of the cases, it becomes difficult to get a loan granted from the bank authorities. So, its always advisable to get in touch with a private student loan agent. They come up with a handful of simple questions to answer. Now, there are no particular rules in applying for a private student loan. However, borrowers should keep a number of things in mind.

Firstly, you should always try to maintain a crystal clear credit report. Do ensure that your report is sans any error for this might instead lead to a negative impression and you might fail to convince your lender. However, if you are having any such error in your report, inform the credit bureau as soon as possible. Your next step is to get a document in a written form so that all your errors are waived off. Remember, the more your score, the more opportunity you get to receive a private student loan.

Defaulted student loan can always have a negative effect on your personal life as well as your financial record. Even if you are holding a default status, lenders might help you in making your account active.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Student Visa for UK

Studying in the UK offer Students the opportunity to gain internationally recognized qualifications from recognized UK Educational institutions and establishments.


Immigration Rules for Students


You must intend to study at a publicly funded university or college, a well reputed private institution or a fee-paying independent school. You must be able to and intend to follow a full time degree course, or a weekday, full time course at a single institution involving at least 15 hours of organized, daytime study per week. You must be able to pay for your course and the living expenses of your partner and children (if they are with you) without working in UK or claiming public funds. You must not intend to work in UK unless you are accepted for a course lasting longer than six months, when you may work part-time or during vacations.

You must intend to leave UK at the end of your studies. You can get more information at www.visainfo4u.com/uk.htm

Documents Required For a Student Visa


A letter of acceptance on the course

This will be a letter from your institution confirming that a place has been offered to you and that the course is full-time as defined by the immigration law. The letter should state how long the course will last. Where your course is more advanced and specialized, the letter should also state what level of English is needed for the course (giving minimum test marks, if appropriate) and confirm that you satisfy this requirement.


Evidence that you can pay the course fees and support yourself and your family, if applicable

Depending on your circumstances, this could include evidence of government sponsorship, a letter from a sponsor in UK confirming they can support you, together with evidence that they can do this, and/or your own bank statements.

You should also provide a letter from your place of study stating the full cost of the course, what arrangements are acceptable for payment and whether you have already paid fees or a deposit.

UK Student visa for EEA Nationals
If you are a national of an EEA country (European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) you can enter the UK as a student with a minimum of formality, you do not require entry clearance or a visa. You may be asked to show evidence that you have been accepted on to a course, and that you have sufficient funds to support yourself whilst in the UK. You will also need your passport. 

UK Student visa for Non EEA Nationals

If you are not from the EEA (European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) you will have to meet certain immigration requirements. Nationals from many countries are required to obtain an entry visa or certificate before coming to the UK. They can dothis at the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. Nationals from countries where an entry visa is not compulsory such as some Commonwealth countries should also consider applying for entry clearance before leaving home.


Accommodation
If your family is coming with you to the UK, you will need to show that there will adequate accommodation for them. If your place of study cannot confirm that family accommodation will be available, you may have to consider travelling to the UK alone and making arrangements for your family to join you when you have found somewhere to live. 


The Interview


Interview is a part of your visa application process.  You should prepare for such an interview carefully. In particular:


Be familiar with all your study plans; why you chose the particular institution and course; how the course will help your future career.
Be clear about the cost of living and the course and your finances: do you have enough money to complete the course.
Be as clear as you can about your likely future career in your country: what are you going to do on your return.

 

Monday, March 7, 2011

How to Make a Low Budget Movie - Bring Your Screenplay to Life

Feature length movies can be made for ten thousand dollars. However, they are more likely to be turn out better and be a success if you pay about five to ten times as much. There are exceptions of course, and some movies costing only 10 to 20 thousand dollars to make have made millions of dollars. If you want to make a movie on a low budget there are many things to consider besides just getting it made cheaply if you want to be a success. This article explains different ways that movies can be made at low cost, and the pros and cons to the different methods. It is primarily for someone with a screenplay or a movie idea who wants to see their idea come to life.

If you have a movie script or movie idea that you want made into a movie, it can be done, with difficulty, or with relative ease. And it can be completed under budget, or over budget.

To illustrate what I mean, imagine you have a house and you want to add two rooms to it and you have no building experience, but you know what you want. If you have enough money, you can explain what you want to an experienced builder, and have them do it all. If you want to save money, you may think about doing some of the work yourself. You might think, well I have a table saw and I can measure and I can pound nails, so I'll do the framing, and hire someone to finish it. When the finishing crew comes to finish it, they may find the rooms are a bit off square, and not quite level, and for them to finish it it will take lots of extra work because the basics were not done right. The total cost can then be more than if you had hired experts right from the start.

The same applies to making a movie. You have your screenplay, and maybe a camera and some of the equipment, and you know some people who will volunteer, and you have taken some workshops on operating the camera and practiced a bit. You shoot your movie, and then hand it to an editor to finish it. Like with the addition to the house, if the basics were not done right, the editor will have a lot more work to make it presentable, and may in fact not be able to make it totally professional looking because of errors that were made during shooting. It would have been cheaper to get expert help right at the start, and to only concentrate on directing and telling your story.

You might think well, what else can I do? I don't have the money to hire a big professional crew to make it. The answer is to find a very small professional crew, who are expert at shooting low-budget movies to do it. The cost will likely be less than if you tried to "save money" by doing jobs you were not expert at. You can still do a lot of the work yourself, but restrict yourself for the most part to doing the simple no brainer jobs, and let the experts do their thing. You can find filmmakers who have the experience and know how to bring your story to life, and all you have to do is find them. After all, what you really want is a nicely finished, professional looking movie that tells your story. Search, and you will find the people that you need, and be much happier in the long run.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Contract Disputes Made Easy Thanks To London Employment Law Solicitors

Knowing the ins and outs of employment law takes years worth of study and experience working at the heart of the industry. The simple fact of the matter is that most people, whether members of staff or business owners, have a very limited knowledge of employment law and are unaware that they are protected by a raft of laws and measures designed to support both employers and employees in the workplace. From national minimum wage legislation to holiday pay, Britains workforce has a number of rights that must be protected and followed every day of the year.

Those tasked with providing advice and expert knowledge on the subject of employment law are employment law solicitors. If there is ever any confusion or suspicion that someones rights as a worker are being undermined, employment law solicitors must be contacted immediately.
The Role of an Employment Lawyer is Vital

No matter the size of a company, employers and employees must closely follow all aspects of employment law. Bristol and other major cities in the United Kingdom have thousands of businesses who employ millions of people. Protecting the rights of these workers and offering advice to employers is the vital job that employment law solicitors are tasked with.

Employment law can be incredibly complex, so the only way that issues can be dealt with or questions can be answered is by contacting someone who is a true specialist in employment law. London firms help people every day and bring successful cases against employers who have undermined their workers rights, or support employers with the legal ammunition they need to control a troublesome employee.
Easy Access to Employment Law Solicitors

Speaking to an employment law solicitor is a worry free experience. With employment law, London solicitors have an open door policy to people of all ages and backgrounds. Remember that these are professional people who want their knowledge and experience to be used to bring clarity to employment law - for both employers and employees alike.

From offering advice to someone who feels they have been unfairly dismissed to helping an employer understand his or her rights when it comes to maternity pay, and ensuring the correct procedures and policies are in place so as to avert problems, the life of employment law solicitors is varied and their abilities vast.