Finance Central

Money Saving Tips For Financial Health Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:07:00 +0000

I'm back with more money saving tips to help give you an idea of how to revolutionize your finances and where money can be saved! This is part 2 of 3 and follows on from the last list so, without any further a do, here are the next 3 tips for you:

Food - It is far easier to save money on food than you think because there are a lot of tools at your disposal. For example, you should always avoid buying fast food. It may seem like it offers good value for money but actually it inflates the prices. You could make the same food for less per meal at home. Try cooking at home and you will find that you save a lot of cash purely and simply because you can make large batches and freeze them. You can also invest in cheaper store brands these days and you will find it easier to maintain or lose weight too. You will not have to buy expensive diet pills to do so. Just exercise and cook at home.

Clothing - I love to buy new clothes from time to time but this can be a drain on funds because we all tend to buy new things without wearing out those we already have. If you need a new outfit why not try accessorising and customising instead? Add on a few little extras that can be bought from craft stores and you will save a packet. Alternatively, why not look to junk and charity stores to find a few bargains that are of a high quality but a fraction of the price.

Furniture - The same that applies to clothing also applies to furniture. You should use what you already have and give it all a new lease of life. Srtip off old varnish and paint old cabinets. Reupholster chairs and sofas. Make use of rugs, cushions and throws. Save a fortune!

The above 3 make 6 tips in all so far. There will be 4 more in part 3 so then you will be able to get started on rejuvenating your spending habits.

Money Saving Tips For Financial Health Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:49:00 +0000

In the very first post about the impending new year and the need for everyone to get debt free, I want to look at the things that we all too often spend money on that are not at all necessary. These areas can actually be reduced in terms of spending and individuals can save an awful lot of money with them:

Gym - Do you go to a gym three times every week without fail? If you do then a gym membership is value for money. If not then you are wasting money on an expensive pass that actually equates to much more than advertising often says it does. If you exercise infrequently then invest in treadmills, skipping ropes and other such equipment that will offer you value for money in the coming years than a gym membership does. In fact, the initial outlay does not have to be as expensive as a gym membership but you can get more from them.

Transport - If you take public transport regularly then always check for season tickets and offers that could save you money over the course of the week, month or year. Every little helps in terms of savings and offers are there to attract customers as much as retain them so take full advantage.

Coffee Breaks - I'm an absolute sucker for coffee shops and cannot resist passing by one without going in for a quick latte. While all that milk probably works wonders for my bones, it doesn't for my bank balance. I'm going to have to start making my own coffee before I head out and you should too. This would save you more than $25 per week!

Of course, there are more areas and some more will be covered in parts 2 and 3, which are to be published a little later on.

One of my next posts will also list all of the available paid survey sites and sites that will buy your old stuff from you so that you can make money in addition to saving money in the ways outlined above.

Getting Financially Straight: Get Your Money In Order For 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:32:00 +0000

This may well go without saying but getting out of debt as quickly as possible is an absolute must right now. With the recession still having an impact on day to day life and unemployment still growing around the world, carrying huge debts around with you is not the best way to manage your money and start to plan for the future. Instead, it is a sure fire way to find yourself in trouble before too long, even if your debts are manageable at this moment in time.

With 2010 now less than two months away, you should begin thinking about getting your finances in order prior to the turn of the decade. You have to turn the debt faucets off and open up your finances to a little in depth scrutiny. In the coming weeks, I will be offering tips to those individuals that want to get their finances in order with a view to spending 2010 getting straight. It is the perfect time to get out of debt and start providing a little cushion for the future.

Moving With Your Mortgage: A Word Of Warning

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:16:00 +0000

I read somewhere today that cross country movers are curently experiencing an upturn in trade as more individuals move away from cities, especially the big ones that are expensive to live in, with a view to keeping hold of their status as homeowners. As much as it is a wrench to leave a home you love, this is sensible if you need to save money and lower your outstanding mortgage balance. It also gives you a firm negotiating platform with banks and lenders all over the country.

If you are looking into this option in order to keep your home and lower expenses then it may be an excellent idea but it may cost you more than you think. Why? Because of that annoying small print in the contract that you signed when you took out your home loan. Many mortgage providers put clauses that establish charges if you took on a fixed rate mortgage and it can cost you a percentage of your outstanding loan to move home. Always read this before you make any decisions because you may think that you are lowering your payments but in fact it may elevate them exponentially.

Household Tips: Saving Money On Your Bedroom

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:20:00 +0000

My last post on here concerned saving money by recycling your existing furniture in your home to give your house a complete facelift without the added expense. This time, I want to concentrate on the bedroom because it is supposed to be a place to which everyone goes to relax and to get away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. You cannot do that if it is messy and outdated but there are a few tips that allow you to save money andmake your room into a haven regardless.

First and foremost, start with the walls. If you have old wallpaper that does nothing for your Zen then just buy some neutral paint and give the walls a facelift. The neutral tone will help you to relax for next to nothing. When you have that in place, you should look to ensure that your bed is comfortable too. There is nothing worse than a matress with dips and broken springs in it. Instead of buying a new mattress, buy a matress topper and turn it over. Turning the matress over will remove the dips but the topper will give it that comfort you are looking for at just a fraction of the price.

When your walls and bed are sorted, move onto the clutter. There is no other way for it! You have to be ruthless and get rid of all junk that you nither want nor need. You can always make a little cash from it by selling your stuff to Trade Your Stuff, Music Magpie or on eBay. Links to all three can be found in the sidebar for your convenience. After your sort out, it will feel much more harmonious so you will be able to forget about the stress outside of your home for at least a few hours!

New For Old: Recycling Your Home Furnishings

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:27:00 +0000

If you emerge from your bedroom every morning and groan as a direct result of the shabby and old furnishings that you have in your home then you are not on your own. There are so many people all around the world wishing that they had the money to give their homes a makeover and buy a load of new furniture to do so. Unfortunately, the recession has other ideas and that only serves to enhance frustration. However, there are ways and means that you can recycle all of your furnishings on the cheap and make your home look new whilst using old belongings to do so.

The main way that you can do so is to rearrange your home, recover any old sofas and chairs, and paint or strip and varnish old cabinets and wooden furniture. You should actually start with the flooring. If you have a carpet and it has been in place for some time then hire steam cleaners to bring up all the dirt. You will be surprised at how much new life this breathes into them. Alternatively, if you have wooden floorboards underneath the carpet, clean them up and revarnish them for a whole new look. This will give you a blank canvas from which to work.

Save Money On Your Car With DIY Services

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:03:00 +0000

It is no coincidence that the revenues of car dealerships are going downhill fast and have been doing so for months given the results of a recent US study about how people are attempting to save money. A relatively high percentage of people said that they were saving cash on their cars. Instead of buying a new one and relying on garages and body shops for repair work, more people are performing DIY services on their cars instead.

It is possible to do car servicing with instructions that can be found online. However, you may need to find a few parts as well if you want to perform any repairs or get a friend to do so. Mopar performance parts and other similar sites offer spare parts at a discount so DIY servicing can cost you much less. It is a fantastic opportunity to save money and ensure that you can stay on the road so it is worth assessing your options.

Last Minute Christmas Vacations

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:35:00 +0000

I have a friend that goes away for a two week vacation every Christmas. She and her boyfriend use the Christmas period to relax and get away from the world for a couple of weeks and they have gone to some amazing places in the past. However, I was talking to her today and they don't think they'll be able to afford to go anywhere this year as a result of the fact that she lost her job a few weeks ago and would rather not use the savings they have on a vacation. It seems such a shame that they can't do what has almost become a Christmas tradition.

However, if you are under a lot of pressure at the moment then Christmas will be the ideal time to get away for a few days. I took a quick look on a few travel websites earlier today and there are already some fantastic packages available. There were some orlando vacations available for half the usual rate you would expect to see at that time of year and nearer the time there may be some amazing last minute deals. Whatever you do, work out your budget and stick to it because the last thing you need is to head into the New Year paying off a holiday that you spent too much on.

Go Business For Christmas: Make Major Savings

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:25:00 +0000

In my previous post on here I talked about starting a business and how everything you need is readily available right now, but what I failed to mention is the savings you can make on business equipment right now if you want to work from home. I am a freelance writer and changing careers was the best decision I ever made, but it did cost me a bit to set up my office. However, I picked up a tip from one of my friends and he managed to save me more than I would have done otherwise - take full advantage of Christmas!

PDAs, printers, computers, stationary and all sorts of other items are always cheap around Christmas because various stores lower their prices to attract custom. With various discounts and offers available, it is worth looking around and maybe even waiting a few weeks until prices really drop... especially as most stores will be fighting harder for business because of the recession.

Starting A Business: Now's The Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:17:00 +0000

Although economies all over the world are still in trouble, economists are beginning to speak tentatively about recovery. Although we all have a long way to go before we can see light at the end of the tunnel, if you are considering starting a business then now is the right time to start putting thought into how you can do just that.

Unemployment is high the world over but starting a business is a good idea for those unemployed who have a little capital behind them or a really good idea in place. After all, with a ready workforce, gaps in the market left by closed businesses and all the supplies you need going cheap (such as industrial equipment for example), you have everything you need providing that your business plan is well thought through.

The business plan... that is where many come unstuck when setting up a new business. If you are not sure how to start a business and plan for any eventuality then use the resources available to you on the Internet and via banks/business institutions. All the help you need is out there so get your thinking cap on!

Take Advantage Of Major Autumn Travel Savings

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:58:00 +0000

If you did not manage to get away this summer then you may well think that your chance has gone. However, we live in an era that is very different from previous years when this may have been the case. As we head into fall and inevitably towards winter, tourist destinations and travel agents are experiencing a shortfall in their usual income and so are looking to take advantage of those still hoping to get away for a few days. You should take advantage too if you are one of those people. Try cheap south beach hotels because they have some particularly good offers on at the moment.

Make Your Home More Comfortable On A Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:50:00 +0000

I don't know about you but when it comes to winter, I love my home to have a real comfortable vibe about it. In summer, I sleep in my house and spend time with my husband but the state of the house doesn't really bother me because I'm never home. In winter it's different. I love winter and the weather that it brings. I love being inside on a cold winter's night but I spend ages getting my home ready and this year it has been on a budget.

I've found some real bargains online that have managed to save me a lot of cash. For example, I've saved a lot on air filters online. They're a must in my opinion because they make the air much more comfortable when the heating is on. Check out the website because it offers excellent value.

Sales Tax: Take Advantage Of Discounts Online

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:12:00 +0000

Quick tip for saving money today folks! This applies specifically to online shoppers in the US because there are savings to be had out there that most of us do not even think about. I got the idea from the Dansko website when I was longing for a pair of their shoes the other day. I never noticed before that they do not actually charge sales tax. Given that their shoes are mainly over $100, including the sales shoes, this is quite a saving. I got to thinking that other sites may offer the same and found that quite a few do at the moment. As such, it is worth looking around before making a purchase to see if you can make similar savings.

Sell Your Stuff Online - Ideas For Making Money

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:19:00 +0000

Although spring has long gon by now, it is never too early or too late to sort out all your stuff and have a really good spring clean. In the UK, the recession is deepening and more and more families are beginning to struggle. In the US, especially in certain states, the economy is struggling to recover. All of this means that it is time to take advantage of companies that will buy things from you and give you cash for your next big rainy day.

Gold jewelry is in demand at the moment because gold is not losing its value. As such, you can sell your jewelry for ready cash or even buy gold jewelry in order to keep your cash safe. Either way, you can be sure that you get your money's worth.

Mobile phones are always great for earning extra cash if you have the odd one laying about. Check out the list of useful sites on the right hand sidebar. Fonebank, Envirofone, Mobile Exchange and MoPay will all give you cash for old mobile phones

Everyday stuff like CDs, DVDs and books will also fetch a little cash. For DVDs, computer games and CDs, try trading them in at Trade Your Stuff (banner above) or Music Magpie (to the right)for a fixed price and guaranteed sale. The cash values are pretty good too.

Why Now Is The Time To Go Green

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:16:00 +0000

Now is the time to go green! If I've heard that once I've heard it a thousand times but most people have more than the environment on their minds right now. Making ends meet for one! However, maybe, just maybe, now is the time to go green because choosing to make your home more energy efficient need not be expensive and yet can save you a lot of cash.

Take the number of ebooks on how to build your own solar panels and wind turbines as a prime example. You can build them or less than $200 and yet save thousands. This is possible but it does take time and can be rather complex. There are smaller ways to get moving on going green and saving money, such as switching your lightbulbs to energy efficient ones, such as those offered by Progress lighting. You could turn down your refrigerator a little. As it is summer, making sure your heating system is completely off will also help.

My advice - start small because you never know how much money you could save.

Should You Work At Home In The Recession?

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:23:00 +0000

I work from home and absolutely love it. I could never go back to working for anyone else willingly. It is perfect for me. However, it is not for everyone, especially given the level of people offering home businesses that most people would never go for were it not for the credit crunch. Take this colon cleanse review for example - a viable business for these people given the demand for such sites. However, there are other similar busineses out there that require individuals to set up similar offerings either online or locally and take on all of the expense yourself. These businesses are not Avon. They most definitely rip people off.

If you are looking to work from home then make sure that you have marketable skills if you are to work as a freelancer or invest in a viable business. If it is not your own business idea then a franchise would be ideal. Just check out all angles and expectations before you put money into anything.

Where Is My Memory? Note About Technology!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:51:00 +0000

In the post I completed about thirty minutes ago I forgot to say one thing - never pay extra for built in upgrades because they are never as good value as they seem to be. Take a computer memory upgrade for example. If you have it built into the machine then a) you will have to pay through te nose for the "superior model" b) you do not get to keep it when you replace your laptop. The only way around this it to buy the memory separate and you will find that the value for money is much greater and enduring!

Technology Tips: Save Money But Buy The Right Laptop

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:37:00 +0000

As a writer, my laptop is like my rigt arm. If I lost it then I'd be absolutely devestated but I will have to spend a little money in the coming weeks because mine is on its way out. Apparently, the lifespan of a laptop is around 3 to 4 years. This is nowhere near long enough for me and I am surprised that mine is still going considering the use it gets, but I am going to put it to good use now and pass on a few tips about saving money but getting the right laptop for you!

I want a Sony Vaio. Simple as that... but I didn't think that I was going to be able to get one because I'd always found them quite expensive, but then I guess you pay for quality. Anyway, the Sony Vaio is reputable and supposed to be one of the best possible options for professionals that make good use of their technology. In other words, it will stand the test of time and provide you with great value for money. This is the first tip as a result - always work out how long the laptop will last in relation to how much use it will get and then that will give you an idea of the value for money it will offer over the years.

Another tips is that you should never settle for the first option. Sony currently offers a range of models, all of which are of high quality but come in at varying prices. Hint - CS Laptops or NS Series machines are apparently for the "price savvy shopper". A such, you will get a good price for a great machine and fantastic value or money. Of course, this applies to all ranges and brands but be sure to check into the full inventory.

Finally, check out the list of features. If you have to pay extra for something like Microsoft Office and need it then add the cost of the software package onto the cost of the laptop. Does it still offer god value for money or is theresomething else out there? This is a valid question and one that needs answering... as make sure that you ask!

Save Money On Your Father's Day Presents

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:35:00 +0000

Father's Day is fast approaching and one of the few days of the year that you cannot ignore. On June 21st, we celebrate all fathers that have been there for us and done their jobs raising us as best they can. However, showing your appreciation this year may not be as easy as it has been in years gone by. People are losing money left, right and centre. Unemployment is rising. The cost of living is rising. As such, very few of us have any form of disposable income. As such, it is time to get creative to show dad just how much we apreciate him!

Personal presents are the way to go this year and maybe even sharing the price of a more expensive gift with siblings. Take the digital frame at buy.com. There are plenty to choose from of varying prices but can be personalised and provide your father with an excellent gift without breaking the bank. This is an excellent present if you do want to spend something. If you could do with saving the cash completely for bills and food then you still have options!

Although people do not do it anymore, why not make a mix CD or an MP3 mix on his computer. Why not just cook for him and clean his car? There are so many ideas that are cheap, creative and yet mean a lot. Write a poem, do his chores for a week... just do something nice! There are plenty of ways to show how much you can without spending a fortune so just take a quick look around the Internet and I am sure that you will find the inspiration that you are looking for for Father's Day!

Essential Insurance Tip: Read The Small Print!

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:43:00 +0000

Trying to get a hold of value for money on your financial products is essential in this recession if you want to survive financially with your bank balance as intact as possible. This means examining all the insurance policies you have in great detail and reading every single word of the small print to make sure that there are no clauses that could leave you out of pocket.

All insurance policies, from car insurance to home insurance to health insurance, have clauses that could potentially prevent you from claiming. Some are fair and just but others are absolutely ridiculous. For example, if you find yourself in hospital after a mortorbike accident then many policies will not pay for your health casts because they deem that other insurances should be liable for that so you may have to claim compensation through a Pleasanton motorcycle accident attorney to pay your bills, which is obviously more stressful. This also applies to other policies. You may be able to claim for your mobile hone if you lose it outside of the home but if you have travel insurance then they may tell you to claim on that. The travel insurance company may then refuse to pay the costs because your home insurance should... Get the picture? You will be going round and round in circles!

As such, the first thing you should do this week is check all of your policies and call to clarify any issues you have. Afterwards, if you are still not clear, then look for a policy that is transparent and offers you the best peace of mind as well as value for money!

Question Of The Day: Do You Really Need That?

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:10:00 +0000

If one of your financial goals is frugality then you should have one major rule to live by. It's actually a question and it should really be your mantra:

"Do I Relly Need That?"

Although it is fair to say that some people are currently facing financial difficulties through no fault of their own, others have over spent, maxed out their credit and are now desperately trying to get back on track. Either way, the time for judgemnt is over and the time for action is upon us so now everyone needs to start asking whether they need items or simply want them. The two are very different things and asking whether or not you need something can really help you to achieve frugality and fulfil your financial goals.

There are certain rules that apply to his mantra. Most modern technologies should only be purchased when you have saved enough to be able to afford them rather than purchased because they are wanted. Of course, there are modern conveniences that some people consider to be essential. Take ipods for example. Many cannot live without them because they replace a stereo and work on the go. As such, it really is a judgement call, but they can be found for very reaosnable prices these days. Just make sure that you are a savvy consumer and do what is right for you to help you achieve frugality!

Two More Survey Panels For Extra Cash

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:06:00 +0000

I haven't added any new survey panels for a while but I recently found two that I really think will interest anyone ooking to make extra cash or earn vouchers to help ease household spending.

Lightspeed UK is the first.

I joined Lightspeed and I have to say that I am really impressed with the site. It offers very regular surveys so your points accumulate quickly and easily. All of the surveys are easy to complete and, even better, they pay really well. As such, you will find that you can request a cash out in no time. This is now one of my favourites and well worth joining.

The second is Toluna

This is their spiel - "Join Toluna an interactive and international online community which enables you to make your voice heard. Be rewarded for your participation with vouchers for Amazon, Sainsburys and Halfords. Test the latest products for free in the comfort of your own home. Plus there is a monthly prize draw of £5000 with 20 guaranteed winners and a 1st prize of £2000 cash! Join today by clicking here!" I must add that it is really easy to earn points because there are always polls and surveys being added so you can order your vouchers in no time.

Make Extra Money By Becoming An Affiliate

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Tue, 26 May 2009 09:24:00 +0000

I've dealt with just how good survey sites are for earning a little extra cash in recent months but you may be looking more and more to the Internet to earn money i the current recession. After all, web services seem to offer better value than high street ones and thus are not really suffering at the moment. Those of you with your own blog or website may have been thinking of using it to earn a little extra cash in recent times by offering products or services via it. There are plenty out there regardless of the nature or topic of your site.

Becoming an affiliate does have a lot of advantages. First of all, it can provide a steady stream of income if you know how to do it. For example, if you run a weight loss blog with a readership that tends to be female and between the ages of 20 and 45 becoming affiliated with some of the top weight loss products that are highlighted behind the link may well attract sales. If you have a blog that deals with cars or clothing then look for stores that offer a percentage of all sales that you send their way. If you are self employed and have your own website then you may want to offer services and products hat would appeal to customers heading to your site as well. It is easy to work out your target market and sell to them if you know how.

Being an affiliate does require a little research, as outlined above, but if you put in a little initial work then you could potentially build a passive income stream that will supplement your income and help you to make it through this tough time.

Organise But Protect Your Finances To Survive Recession

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Sun, 24 May 2009 22:04:00 +0000

Organising your finances is an absolute must at the moment. With recession upon us and people rightly watching every penny being frugal is the key to surviving. However, there are many reasons why your should organise your finances and various ways how you can do just that.

For starters, you need to be able to identify the exact total of your outgoings every month and pinpoint areas in which you can save. I found plenty when I started to organise my finances and am startong to seriously streamline the household (more about why and my financial goals in my next post). However, organising your finances will not only enable you to save money and streamline expensiture but will also enable you to keep track of how much you can afford to save, the level of your debts and help to plan for future expenses. Of course, nobody knows what they will have to spend on extras from one month to the next. For example, out washing machine broke this month so we are having to pay for another. As such, you will be able to identify what you can afford quickly to prevent budgeting mistakes.

So how can you do this? Well, there are software programs that you can use to organise your finances effectively. Most are easy to use and can really help you to see exactly where you are going wrong or indeed going right. However, you may want to use a simple spreadsheet to collate the data. This will obviously save you money. Whichever method you choose, you should make sure that all of your financial information is well protected because you do not want anyone to have access and thus leave yourself open to identity theft. As such, it is an idea to backup your details in a secure way. For example, you may purchase memory cards for this purpose and keep them somewhere safe. You should also use password protecton for anything stored on your computer. Be safe and get organised. That way, you will be better equipped to deal with any financial blips in the future.

The Importance Of Protecting Your Mortgage

noreply@blogger.com (Lou) — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:59:00 +0000

Politicians from all over the world keep going on about how the economic situation is improving and how their economies are starting to emerge from recession. The vast majority of them are talking complete and utter rubbish. The depths of this economic crisis go above and beyond anything that most of us have ever experienced in our lifetimes. The repossesion or foreclosure rates offer proof of that. More and more people are finding themselves homeless or having their homes sold from under them as a result of the economic crisis. If you have yet to experience that then take action now to make sure that your home remains firmly in your possession:

# Overpay on your mortgage where possible. This may only be a little extra every month but it will help you to get ahead whilst you can afford it just in case your financial situation should change later on. If you cannot overpay then pu the extra into a separate savings account just in case you may need it. Make sure that separate account is not with a bank that you have any debts with though as some are starting to claim savings as payment for outstanding debts in the UK. They are within their rights to do so, so make sure that the money is safe.

# Switch deals if you are able. If you are not tied into a deal at the moment then check out your options. You may be able to pay a cheaper rate on another deal and thus could save money and maybe even afford to overpay.

# Protect yourself with term life insurance or your regional equivalent. If you or your partner should die then the one left behind would struggle at the moment so make sure you have something in place to protect you just in case. You may also want to look into other forms of insurance too like critical illness and unemployment.

# Contact your lender at the first sign of difficulty. Although some are better than others, keeping them up to date is more likely to get a result than ignoring them. If you need more time then tell them as they want to get the full loan back, which they would not if they repossessed your home and thus will often be happy to help you out.