Car accidents can be extremely frightening experiences.  If you are unlucky enough to be involved in one but manage to escape without any injury it is highly likely that you will end up suffering from some form of shock or at the very least you’ll be a little shaken up.

The moments after a car accident can be the most distressing but your main concern should be that of your own personal safety and of other people around you.  When you start to think straight you should start doing a variety of things for insurance purposes.  The following methods ensure most if not all corners are covered to make sure any car accident compensation is deservedly justified.

1      First off, you should exchange names, addresses, insurance company details, registration numbers, and phone numbers of all the people involved.  Take a mobile number but only if the home number is unavailable, taking someone’s home number should be the main priority but it can easily be forgotten after the shock of a car accident.

2      Knowing, clearly, the identity of the other vehicle is imperative so make sure you get the drivers name of the other vehicle.  Just ask yourself who drives the other vehicle and make sure you know the answer.  The information regarding the other vehicle is essential especially the driver of the other vehicle.

3      Make a note of each vehicle involved in the accident, a complete description from colour to even marks on vehicles. Important information you should be noting down includes the make, model and year of the vehicle, and any damage sustained. Damage sustained in the accident is extremely important for insurance claim purposes, so detail every aspect.

4      Make sure that you note down the exact location of the place where the collision took place and also take note of all the details as to how it happened.  Take photos if you have your mobile or a camera to hand, these are impossible to disprove if things get misinterpreted.As most smartphones these days have a camera built in, it’s imperative not to forget the technology we have at hand. Photos can prove exact locations and actual damage to vehicles, so get busy with your camera and don’t be afraid to take as many pictures as you are able.

5      Do not make any admissions in the aftermath of the accident with regards to who was to blame.  Admissions of this nature will cause problems once insurance companies get involved.  It is easy after an accident to not be thinking clearly and you could place more blame on yourself than is actually warranted.

6      Note the names, addresses and contact numbers for all witnesses who were at the scene and so the accident unfold or anyone who appeared afterwards can still be used to prove what occurred in the aftermath.

7      Inform the police as soon as you are able, they will attend if there are injuries so it is important to report the incident.You may end up having problems with the other drivers down the line and if they refuse to give their insurance details it’s vital that you inform the police. This is where point 2 becomes very important.

8      Essential and really goes without saying that you inform your insurers as soon as possible.

With all the rage about using coupons to save money – even shows on television – you may be wondering how you can get in on the action.  Well, it’s actually pretty easy, and here are some of the top strategies that you can use right now to get started couponing.

Where to Find Coupons

The first thing you need to know is where to find coupons so that you can start saving.  The most common place to check is the newspaper, where you can get insert coupons.  They are published by various sources: SmartSource, Redplum, and Proctor and Gamble.  You can also get coupons on internet coupon sites like Coupons.com, SmartSource.com and RedPlum.com.  These sites usually update their coupon selections on a monthly basis.

You should also check your favorite manufacturer and retailer websites, as both usually offer coupons through their sites on a regular basis.  You should also keep an eye out in store for “peelie” coupons from the manufacturer – these are the coupons that are attached directly to the product and you peel off at checkout.

Using Multiple Coupons

The next easiest strategy is to use multiple coupons, or double coupons, when possible.  Many companies allow you to use two coupons, or one store and one manufacturer coupon, per item.  Find retailers where you can do this so that you can save even more.

Combining Store Discounts

The last main strategy you should look into to get started is combining coupons with store discounts.  There are two common store discounts: store sales and store rewards programs.

In your paper, along with the coupons, are usually weekly advertisements for your local stores.  Look for items on sale that you need, and try to combine the sale with the coupon to get even more savings.  You may even be able to get the item down to free.

Many grocery stores, along with other retailers, also offer rewards programs to help you save money.  Sometimes these programs are mandatory to get the cheapest price.  Make sure that you are taking advantage of these programs to get the best deal.

This year has seen the first students beginning university life with the new increase in tuition fees. Those going into first year now are required to pay £9,000 each year in fees, but according to the National Union of Students (NUS) are likely to come out of uni with debts reaching up to £53,000. That’s a lot to pay back.

This has lead to many who would normally have taken up a life of further education, opting for a different career path. Those who are going may be putting a significant strain on their parents and their own futures. So, if your child is set to start university life soon, or you’re already thinking a few years in the future, it’s time to start planning.

Choosing your savings vehicle

Junior ISA accounts are a great place to start. Only in existence since November 2011, they offer you the chance to start putting money away for your child’s future, without having to pay any tax. Much in the same way as ISAs for the over 18s, a junior ISA from Sippdeal offers a tax free savings wrapper to shelter your savings. The main difference being that they are on behalf of your child.

Yearly ISA allowance

For those who know a little about ISAs, you’ll be aware of the yearly tax free allowance available. With Sippdeal junior ISAs, it works in the same way; with each tax year offering an ISA allowance of £3,600. This is on a “use it or lose it” basis as any remaining allowance can’t be carried over onto the next year. To make the best use of the ISA you should ensure you use it each year.

No limit on who can pay in

Anyone can pay money into a junior ISA. This is of particular advantage when putting something in place for a university future as family members, friends and relatives can all make a contribution.

The benefit when they turn 18

The ISA will be opened in your child’s name, with the funds able to be drawn when they turn 18, making them an ideal product for university. Any funds that remain within the tax free savings wrapper will then do so in a standard cash ISA – this can then be converted to an investment ISA if they so wish.

The two types of junior ISA

Junior ISAs can be either cash or investment. Here we give you the basics.

This is a guest post.

Accident at work? That won’t happen to me!

Well, as much as you’d like to think that you’ll never get an injury in your office, there’s always a chance that you could. That’s why it’s essential for you to know what steps to take if it happens. Many feel that they’re causing trouble for enquiring about it, or that they’ll soon be OK so it’s not worth raising the issue. However, if you have had an accident in the workplace and it wasn’t your fault then should definitely consider taking action and contact a professional personal injury lawyer. If you’re still undecided of what to do, here’s our advice.

See the Doctor

If you’re unlucky enough to have an accident at work then the first step you need to do is get medical attention, this way you’re able to assess how serious it is. Even if you feel that you have suffered only a minor injury, it is better to have it seen to in case the effects appear at a later date. What’s also useful about taking a trip to the doctors is that they can then keep a record of what’s occurred, and the injury you have suffered (which will help you in the long run when you’re trying to work out how much it is for a personal injury compensation claim). So get checked out; you’ve got nothing to lose!

Get Evidence

It’s also important to gather evidence for your claim. Get in contact with anybody who witnessed the accident so you have that added support whenever you need it. Another good idea is to take a photograph of where the accident happened, this way you have visual proof of the cause/ issue, which would be very difficult to dispute. All of these details can be passed to your personal injury solicitor who will assess your claim.

Make the Claim

There’s no need to worry about making the claim, as your employer should have the relevant insurance to cover it. Plus, it’s essential that the accident doesn’t occur again, as the safety of others as well as your own is of the upmost importance. It’s a very simple process. All you need to do is fill in an online form and you will be provided with assistance from there. If you’ve been injured at work and it wasn’t your fault, then you should consider making a claim!

This is a guest post.

All SMEs need to manage their capital and cashflow. Having a steady supply of working capital is vital to meet monthly payment demands, as well as stabilising the business and helping push into new territories and markets.

However, many SMEs continue to struggle to free up the necessary funds they need to conduct their business. In order to ensure a steady flow of cash, the following important elements should be taken into account.

The biggest issue is invoicing

Having money tied up in invoices is the biggest issue when it comes to a business freeing up their cashflow. Having cash tied up in invoices may make your order book appear healthy, but it doesn’t necessarily add up to money in the bank. The first step is to make sure you are up to date in sending out your invoices. The next step is to look at speeding up potential solutions to freeing up your capital which is tied up in invoices. One of these is to unlock your capital with Aldermore SME finance.

SME Finance

Through solutions such as factoring and invoice discounting (collectively known as invoice finance), up to 90% of the value of your unpaid sales invoices will be provided within 24 hours of you issuing them.  Funding can also be provided against other existing assets you own, but it’s always advisable to start with your invoices.

Attempt to ensure regular payments

If you can build your business on a model whereby your clients pay you on a regular, recurring fee each month, this will help you understand your cashflow, as well as enable you to maximise revenue per client as well.

Have adequate terms and conditions in place

It should be the first thing you do before you start fulfilling orders, but too many businesses don’t have appropriate terms and conditions in place. Doing this will help you set in stone your payment conditions and make them legally binding with your customers.

Get to know how your customers work

Chasing your customers for payment can be one of the most time consuming tasks, wasting money and labour. With that in mind it’s important to open up the lines of communication with your customers and understand their process of paying invoices. Getting a handle on the nuances and systems each customer uses can prove quite successful as they’ll be able to give you the details as to where it is in the process.

Save a percentage of your revenue for a rainy day

Some businesses set aside 20-25% of their revenue to cover tax and net VAT payment. If you prepare a cashflow forecast this should give you an idea of how much you need for VAT payments. You don’t want to get caught out.

This is a guest post.

Just a few short years ago selling your home couldn’t have been easier.  Prices soared in what was a true buyer’s market and competition among buyers was fierce.  It wasn’t uncommon to see a bidding war push the sale price tens of thousands of dollars over the initial asking price.  Buyers were practically falling all over themselves to make a deal.

Those days are over.

Property buyers wield far more control these days and you may have to offer come concessions if you want to get your house sold.

What kind of incentives can you offer to make a buyer pull the trigger on a deal?

A Lower Price.  In the end it usually comes down to the bottom line.  Unless you’re in the rare situation of having multiple offers, you may have to lower your price a bit to get your house sold.  Buyers know there are plenty more homes on the market and if you won’t play ball they can easily find someone who will.

 Offer to Pay Some Closing Costs.  This is kind of a pain because you already have some closing costs of your own, but most of the expenses are paid by the buyer.  Offering to pay a portion of their closing costs will free up some of their money for other expenses and it may be enough to help seal a deal.

Offer a Home Warranty.  The last thing a home buyer wants to worry about after closing is the furnace dying or the water heater leaking all over the floor.  By offering them a home warranty, you provide a little piece of mind that they’ll be ok even if the worst happens.  Typically a seller would offer a one year home warranty which would cost around $500 to $700.  And while I personally don’t think they’re all they are cracked up to be, they are certainly popular and if it gets a deal done that’s all that matters to you.

Other Seller Concessions.  Since we spend so much time in our homes we get used to theirs flaws and learn to overlook or ignore them.  But the stained carpets you barely notice may be a real eyesore to a potential buyer.  Odds are you will have to make at least a few seller concessions which could include everything from steam cleaning the carpets to replacing them.  You don’t have to do everything that is asked of you and you certainly don’t want to spend a ton of money if you won’t get it back, but a good realtor should be able to objectively tell you what problems you will need to resolve.

This article was brought to you by Gateway Homes, as one of the UK’s leading property purchasing companies dealing with both residential and commercial property

Buying a home is a complicated transaction and there are approximately a million and one things you will need to consider and sign off on.  One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to face is the type of mortgage you use to finance your purchase.

Let’s take a quick look at each of them so you can make an informed decision.

Fixed Rate Mortgages

The most common type of mortgage is the good old-fashioned fixed rate mortgage.  Often referred to as “vanilla” because it is so basic and straightforward, this popular option has you paying the same interest rate for the entire length of the loan (typically either 15 or 30 years).

The drawback to the fixed rate mortgage is that if interest rates were to drop you’d have to refinance your loan in order to take advantage of the lower rate.  On the other hand, you’re protected from any rate increases so if you value security and peace of mind a fixed rate mortgage may be best for you.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages

If you don’t mind taking a chance that interest rates could shoot up, an adjustable rate mortgage (or ARM for short).  As the name suggests, an adjustable rate mortgage has an interest rate that fluctuates over time.  The rate is tied to an index such as the one-year Treasury bill and as the index rises and falls so does the ARM.

One reason many people choose adjustable rate mortgages is that the initial interest rate is lower than that of a fixed rate mortgage.  This is because ARMs lack the cost certainty of fixed rate mortgages.  This means that you can borrow more money while maintaining the same monthly payment.  More money equals more house.  Of course, if interest rates start skyrocketing you may find yourself unable to handle the higher payments.

Programs for First Time Buyers

Many lenders have special first time buyer mortgages designed specifically for people who have little or no money available for a down payment.  For example, instead of the standard 20 percent payment, a first time buyer may be able to put down as little 5 percent of the home’s value.  However, you may be required to pay added fees or private mortgage insurance until you reach twenty percent equity.

Whatever option you choose, you’ll be making mortgage payments for a very long time.  Take your time and consider all the options available to you because the wrong choice could cost you tens of thousands of dollars over the life the loan.

What made you choose to open an account with your current bank?  Was it because they offered you a free t-shirt or coffee maker?  Or maybe your parents do their banking there and you figured if it’s good enough for them then it must be right for you?

Those are pretty silly reasons when you stop and think about it.  The truth is that the best bank for me may be completely wrong for you.  You need to consider your own personal circumstances and needs before choosing the right bank for you.

Here are 5 things you should consider before opening a bank account:

Interest Rates.  How much interest will your money earn in your savings account and CDs?  The higher the rate the more your money will grow.

Fees.  What kind of fees does the bank charge?  Do they offer free checking and online bill paying options?  Fees eat away at your earnings so do your best to avoid them.

 Internet Banking.  Is their website easy to use or is it slow and out of date?  Look online for reviews or drop into a local branch and ask for a quick demo to see if you like it.

Customer Service.  Do they offer 24 hour assistance?  Or will it be impossible to get someone on the phone when you need help?  Read reviews online and ask friends and family about their experiences.

Convenience.   Are their hours compatible with your schedule?  Will you have to drive 10 miles out of your way to visit a branch?  Do they have enough ATMs in the area?

And don’t forget…if you’re not happy with your bank there’s no reason to stick around.  There are plenty of other fish in the sea and you may find a much better deal with a different bank.

College students often find themselves drowning in debt before they even finish their first semester on campus.  Being away from home brings all sorts of new expenses they never had to worry about before. In addition to paying for text books, clothes, and dorm accessories, they have to worry about meals and social activities with their friends.

Add in the easy access to credit cards and you could find yourself deep in debt in the blink of an eye.  If that’s where you find yourself now, it’s time to learn some basic debt management tips so you can start digging yourself out.

First of all, you need to gather all of your credit card statements together and see how bad the damage is.  Make a list of all your credit cards and list the balances, minimum payments and interest rate for each.  Then call the 800 number on the back of each card and ask them to lower your interest rate.  There is a good chance they’ll turn you down but it doesn’t hurt to ask.  While you’re at it, tuck those credit cards somewhere safe and stop using them.  If you keep using them you’ll never get out of debt.

The next thing you need to do is come up with a budget.   Start by itemizing all of your monthly expenses such as rent, utilities, food, laundry, entertainment and so on.  Then add up all of your income including money you receive from your parents and part-time jobs.

Hopefully your income is greater than your expenses, but if you are currently spending more money than you have coming in than you need to start trimming your expenses or find a few side-gigs to help supplement your income.  Babysitting and tutoring are great ways for college students to make extra money.

Most importantly, don’t give up.  No matter how deeply in debt you are you can dig yourself if you stick with it.

We always hear financial experts advising us to diversify our investments to minimize risk.  “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” they say.

But how come no one ever talks about diversifying your income?  Think about it.  If all of your income comes from just one source, what would you do if that source suddenly dries up?

Developing multiple sources of income is one of the best ways protect yourself from job loss.  In today’s economy in particular, we should all be looking for new ways to expand our income and protect ourselves from the worst case scenario.