IBO Updates

Fred Harteis News Articles -Student loans: Don't get burned

Fred Harteis News Articles-  For students who plan to borrow for college, choosing a lender has become a lot more complicated.

In March a scandal erupted Attorney General Andrew Cuomo launched an investigation into allegations that student loan companies provided kickbacks to university financial aid officers and staffers in order to win more business.

One key goal was to gain a spot on so-called preferred lender lists - the companies specifically recommended by financial aid officers, which tend to be chosen by most students.

Cuomo has already won multi-million-dollar settlements from several loan companies, including Citi and Sallie Mae, the nation's largest student lender. (Sallie Mae, whose stock price has plunged, recently agreed to a $25 billion buyout by two private equity firms along with two banks.) Several colleges and universities, have also agreed to settlements.

Do these disturbing headlines mean that students and parents should avoid borrowing from lenders on the colleges' preferred lists?

Not at all. Most colleges vet lenders closely to make sure that their terms are attractive and that they offer good service, said Kal Chany of Campus Consultants, an independent financial aid consultant. Still, Chany says, "You should consider the lending list only as a starting point."

Fact is, as the scandals have shown, it's important to shop around, since you may well find a better deal elsewhere. Remember, you are allowed to borrow from any loan company you choose - not just those recommended by the school.

Source: Cnn.com

About Fred Harteis: Fred Harteis leads Harteis International. Fred Harteis has a background in agriculture and has created many successful business ventures.

Fred Harteis News Articles - Six Signs You May Be the Office Bully

Fred Harteis News Articles - Robert Sutton is author of a new book, “Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One”. What makes people act like bullies to techniques for dealing with them. Here's a look at six of the most common actions. How do you measure up?

1. You dish out personal insults

You might be an office bully if your ability to provide constructive criticism to your employees or co-workers comes out in the form of an insult. Instead of starting a productive conversation about the problem, you jump right in with, "You call this your best work? My dog can do a better job than this." What's worse, you don't even consider that you words could be hurting the other person's feelings.

2. You publicly demean others

Since you started at your job, your goal has been to climb the corporate ladder as fast as possible, no matter how many people you knock down on your way there. When you see people who have higher positions, you make it a point to demean their status. You might be an office bully if the only way you can boost yourself up is by forcing others down.

3. You frequently interrupt others

Whenever anyone other than yourself starts talking, you feel the urge to add your two cents. After all, what you have to say is much more intelligent and thought-out -- according to you. You might be an office bully if, instead of waiting for other people to finish their sentences, you cut them off and take over the rest of the conversation, spouting your ever-more important point.

4. You give people dirty looks

You don't believe in smiling at people in the hallways, or at least you've never tried it. Instead, when you see a colleague walking toward you, your mind immediately skips to the last annoying thing he did or how ugly you think his tie is. You might be an office bully if your thoughts come out in the form of a glare, a wince, or worse yet, a deranged smile.

5. You take sarcasm too far

So, you think you're pretty funny and you want other people to know it. Problem is, you're no longer funny "ha-ha" -- you're funny "uh-oh." As soon as your playful banter during the meeting stops getting laughs and starts making people turn red, you've probably gone too far. You might be an office bully if your sarcastic personality becomes an all-out teasing fest.

6. You've mastered non-verbal attacks

Just because you don't verbalize your nastiness, doesn't mean you aren't communicating it in other ways, like e-mail. Written threats and intimidations can be just as harmful to co-workers and may spawn an office-wide e-mail war. You might be an office bully if you use e-mail messages to flame your co-workers or employees, and end up clogging their inboxes with your ridiculing remarks.

Source: Aol.com

About Fred Harteis: Fred Harteis leads Harteis International. Fred Harteis has a background in agriculture and has created many successful business ventures.

Fred Harteis News Articles - Developing a Professional Image

Fred Harteis News Articles - There are at least two elements of your workplace persona that speak more loudly than your hair and wardrobe (assuming that you already dress and wear your hair like a grown-up), and those are your voice quality and the quality of your ideas. Far too many people in their 20s (and even their 30s) hang on to a high-school-type verbal speech pattern replete with "like", "ya know," and "whatever." One of the most unfortunate habits is the tendency to end every statement with a question mark, in this style: "So, the meeting is at 3 this afternoon? And after that, we're supposed to hand in our reports by, like, noon tomorrow?"

If it turns out that too-young speech patterns are getting in your way, you can work on them yourself or with the help of a speech coach. The other item to ask your trusted friends about is your knowledge of the business and the authority with which you speak. Are you well-versed in your business, and are your decisions as sound as they should be, for a person four years into the job?

If not, I'd recommend asking your manager for help. Are you speaking out of turn or jumping into conversations before you're fully up to speed on the issues? Maybe you could benefit from some additional training or from coaching on some aspect of your performance (creating reports, giving presentations, or something else) that is bringing down your overall professionalism rating.

You could go crazy at Macy's with a new wardrobe and likewise shake up your image with an older-looking hairstyle, but if you focus on the impression your words and actions make will be a better investment.

Source: Yahoo.com

About Fred Harteis: Fred Harteis leads Harteis International. Fred Harteis has a background in agriculture and has created many successful business ventures.

Fred Harteis Business News -Don't Let Your Job Get Toxic

Fred Harteis Business News - Sometimes no matter how hard you try to do all the right things at work, a job may feel as if it's hurting you more than helping you. Maybe the job is a bad fit, maybe volatility in your industry gives you anxiety about the future, or maybe a salary cut is making too many of your purchases stress-inducing.

If you find yourself in a similar position, you have to assess whether your work situation is toxic or revivable. If you decide your job is toxic, take control and formulate an exit plan. It's simply not worth staying in a situation that can negatively impact your health, relationships, and peace of mind.

If you decide to create some changes in your job, you can take the following proactive self-care measures to protect your well-being as you focus on the challenges ahead.

Speak up. Talk with your boss (if he or she is not the problem) and engage in a solutions-oriented dialogue. You may not be able to change the company, but you might be able to make your department a much more pleasant place to work.

Move. Fifteen minutes of yoga or Pilates will reduce stress, increase focus and mental clarity, and improve overall well-being.

Relax. Massage, meditation and positive visualization will reduce stress, improve circulation, remove toxins from the body, and help you sleep.

Blow the 5:30 whistle. Don't stay in a toxic workplace any longer than absolutely necessary, and don't take your toxic job home with you. When 5:30 p.m. rolls around, leave.

Take a break. It's actually smart to take a "mental health day" every now and then. Don't feel guilty for taking a day off to get your life back in balance.

Get fueled. Proper nutrition is one of your best defenses. Keeping your body fortified helps to boost energy, prevent illness, and minimize the harmful effects of stress.

Go green. Living plants enhance the air quality of indoor environments, and also have been shown to induce positive energy.

Breathe. Recycled air in office buildings and enclosed work areas can be very unhealthy. If you have the option of opening windows, let the fresh air in! Otherwise, use air purifiers and natural aromatherapies to lift spirits and freshen the air.

Color your world. Finally, don't underestimate the psychological impact of color. Surround yourself with greens and blues to create a sense of tranquility.

In fact, putting some of these tips into practice may change how you perceive your job and its challenges. It's all about perspective. The important thing is to give yourself permission to seek a healthy working environment where you can thrive instead of just survive.

Source: Yahoo.com

About Fred Harteis: Fred Harteis leads Harteis International. Fred Harteis has a background in agriculture and has created many successful business ventures.

Fred Harteis News Articles - 8 steps to take before bankruptcy

Fred Harteis News Articles - Anyone who has ever faced a financial crisis has fantasized about getting a fresh start.

But if you're in financial trouble, you've got to face the stricter bankruptcy rules. The main difference: It is a lot more difficult for some people to get the Chapter 7 discharge, which wipes out most debts.

Still, there's nothing that says you can't attack your money problems on two fronts. Try to improve your situation and, then if needed, investigate the bankruptcy option. No matter which way you go, here are a few things to try in the meantime to bring your debts under control:

1. Devise a battle plan. Set aside one hour and gather all of the bills.

First, look at secured debts such as your home and your car. How much are they costing each month? What are the interest rates?  Second, examine the mandatory incidentals: power, phone, groceries, insurance, etc. What do those cost?

Third, take out your credit card statements. Write down what you owe on each and the interest rate.

Finally, look at the expendables. These are the items you like, but don't need: cable, gym membership, dinners out, clothing and other optional purchases.

Now you have an idea of what your monthly expenses really are. Time to slice and dice.

2. Go on a cash diet. 

It's "shock therapy," says Clark Howard, host of a nationally syndicated consumer radio program.

"You go on an allowance system for yourself," Howard says. From each check, you'll take out a set amount in cash.

"And you agree in advance what that amount will be. And that allowance has to carry you to everything you have to do," says Howard, also co-author of "Get Clark Smart: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Rich Money-Saving Expert." "If you're three days from a pay period and you have $3, then what's in your pantry is what you take for lunch."

3. Get the family involved, so you're working as a team. 

The couple who went on the allowance system had a big problem at the grocery store: their kids. The little ones would plead for all kinds of products, which their mom would buy. Then at the checkout, she'd pull out the plastic. Howard convinced them to try a tactic that he's used himself. After the allowance system went into effect, the couple turned saving into a game for the children. They encouraged the kids to go through the paper looking for coupons and specials on the things they liked. In the store, the game was to keep the total as low as possible. And children got to keep one-fourth of the money they saved.

4. Sell assets. "People tend to forget about this," says Elizabeth Warren, author of "All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan." What to target: things that have cash value, but not sentimental value. Think antiques, old clothes or collectibles. Check the closets, garage and storage locker, she says, "and find out what you can live without."

"EBay, garage sales and consignment shops can all be a source of cash,"

To read this complete Fred Harteis News article visit our news partner at:

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/debt/20050524a2.asp

Source: Bankrate.com

About Fred Harteis: Fred Harteis leads Harteis International. Fred Harteis has a background in agriculture and has created many successful business ventures.

Fred Harteis News Articles - 8 steps to take before bankruptcy

Fred Harteis News Articles - Anyone who has ever faced a financial crisis has fantasized about getting a fresh start.

But if you're in financial trouble, you've got to face the stricter bankruptcy rules. The main difference: It is a lot more difficult for some people to get the Chapter 7 discharge, which wipes out most debts.

Still, there's nothing that says you can't attack your money problems on two fronts. Try to improve your situation and, then if needed, investigate the bankruptcy option. No matter which way you go, here are a few things to try in the meantime to bring your debts under control:

1. Devise a battle plan. Set aside one hour and gather all of the bills.

First, look at secured debts such as your home and your car. How much are they costing each month? What are the interest rates?  Second, examine the mandatory incidentals: power, phone, groceries, insurance, etc. What do those cost?

Third, take out your credit card statements. Write down what you owe on each and the interest rate.

Finally, look at the expendables. These are the items you like, but don't need: cable, gym membership, dinners out, clothing and other optional purchases.

Now you have an idea of what your monthly expenses really are. Time to slice and dice.

2. Go on a cash diet. 

It's "shock therapy," says Clark Howard, host of a nationally syndicated consumer radio program.

"You go on an allowance system for yourself," Howard says. From each check, you'll take out a set amount in cash.

"And you agree in advance what that amount will be. And that allowance has to carry you to everything you have to do," says Howard, also co-author of "Get Clark Smart: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Rich ." "If you're three days from a pay period and you have $3, then what's in your pantry is what you take for lunch."

3. Get the family involved, so you're working as a team. 

The couple who went on the allowance system had a big problem at the grocery store: their kids. The little ones would plead for all kinds of products, which their mom would buy. Then at the checkout, she'd pull out the plastic. Howard convinced them to try a tactic that he's used himself. After the allowance system went into effect, the couple turned saving into a game for the children. They encouraged the kids to go through the paper looking for coupons and specials on the things they liked. In the store, the game was to keep the total as low as possible. And children got to keep one-fourth of the money they saved.

4. Sell assets. "People tend to forget about this," says Elizabeth Warren, author of "All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan." What to target: things that have cash value, but not sentimental value. Think antiques, old clothes or collectibles. Check the closets, garage and storage locker, she says, "and find out what you can live without."

"EBay, garage sales and consignment shops can all be a source of cash,"

To read this complete Fred Harteis News article visit our news partner at:

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/debt/20050524a2.asp

Source: Bankrate.com

About Fred Harteis: Fred Harteis leads Harteis International. Fred Harteis has a background in agriculture and has created many successful business ventures.

Fred Harteis News Article - Grad salary offers on the rise

Fred Harteis News Articles - This year it really pays to have a college degree.

Salary offers made to soon-to-be college graduates are on the rise in just about every field, according to a quarterly survey of 81 schools published this week by the National Association of Colleges & Employers' (NACE).

This year engineering majors were once again some of the most handsomely compensated, according to NACE. Chemical engineers topped the list with the average offer climbing 5.6 percent over the past year to $59,707. Civil and mechanical engineering majors saw job offers climb by roughly 5 percent or more.

Marketing majors, by far, experienced the biggest jump in salary. Over the past year, offers climbed 10.3 percent, on average, to $41,285.

Accounting majors, while one of the mostly highly sought after students by employers on college campuses, only saw their starting salaries climb just 2.7 percent to $47,421.

Offers made to computer science grads, which fell in the 2005-2006 school year, have rallied this year, climbing 2.5 percent to $52,177.

Salaries for liberal arts majors appear to be holding steady. Based on early numbers, the salary offers for liberal arts majors were up 1.2 percent from last spring to $31,333, but below the pace of inflation.

So far this year, the job market has looked pretty promising for the 1.5 million college seniors set to graduate this year, despite recent signs of weakness in the larger labor market.

In fact, NACE estimated last fall that employers will hire 17.4 percent more graduates this year than they did in 2005-2006.

And that trend appears to be showing up on college campuses nationwide.

Source: Cnn.com

About Fred Harteis: Fred Harteis leads Harteis International. Fred Harteis has a background in agriculture and has created many successful business ventures.

Fred Harteis News Articles - Fight back against a foreclosure

Fred Harteis News Articles - It is a scary time for homeowners who may see their monthly mortgage payments double or even triple as their interest rates reset. But there are some steps you can take if you think you're in danger of foreclosing.

1: Get on the horn

If you think you're going to be late making a mortgage payment, the first thing you should is to pick up the phone and call your lender. Banks will be more forgiving today when it comes to negotiating payments, according to Todd Beitler of the Real Estate Library.

There are millions of homes that are expected to be entering foreclosure. And banks really don't want your home. You should be able to negotiate a payment schedule or change the terms of your mortgage so that your monthly bills aren't as high.

Don't wait until you miss two or three payments until you call your lender. You'll be in default of your loan and you'll be less likely to save your home.

2: Get to the right department

When you do call your lender, make sure you ask for the loss mitigation department. These are the folks who will try to work out a payment plan.

Make sure that you get through directly to this department. Don't let customer service representatives say they'll forward your request. Persistence is key.

3: Cover your bases

When you do negotiate, you can ask for forbearance. This is a plea to suspend your payments for a small amount of time, or to temporarily reduce your payments for a while.

You can also ask to modify your mortgage. This allows you to change the terms of your mortgage, so you may be able to make lower monthly payments.

To increase your negotiating power with your lender, bring any document that proves you've been proactive. This includes documented e-mails, faxes and phone conversations. You may even want to bring in a recent pay stub, or if you are starting a new job a letter of intent for employment from your future boss. The more you can prove how diligent you are with this process, the better it will reflect on you.

4: Know the stakes

Having a foreclosure on your credit record can in short, destroy your ability to get credit in the future. A foreclosure can stay on your record for about 7 years. Your credit score could potentially drop hundreds of points, says Todd Mark of Consumer Credit Counseling Services. Even if you have a high FICO score, missing a single payment can cause your score to drop 100 points, says Craig Watts of Fair Isaac.

Source: Cnn.com

About Fred Harteis: Fred Harteis leads Harteis International. Fred Harteis has a background in agriculture and has created many successful business ventures.

Fred Harteis News Articles- Why live on a budget?

Fred Harteis News Articles - If you're like most, your monthly income never goes far enough. After shelling out for house payments and groceries, it seems there's little leftover for things that matter most to you -- weekly dinners out, orchestra-row theater seats, a college savings plan for your kids.

Hate to break it to you, but it's not your salary that's to blame. According to financial experts, it's a pattern of poor spending choices.

Life's little extras are well within reach for those who know how to budget.

By establishing reasonable spending limits and sticking to them, the average consumer can do far more with less -- without sacrificing daily conveniences, said Jim Tehan, a spokesman for the Myvesta Foundation, a self-help consumer education Web site.

Controlling debt

Financial mismanagement makes consumers more vulnerable to overspending, which results in lower savings and higher credit card debt. 

Myvesta's 2005 annual Credit Card Survey, reports the average American carries $2,328 in credit card debt, spread out across 2.9 cards. With interest rates at or above 18 percent for most cards, that gets expensive. For example, a $5,000 balance on a credit card with 18 percent interest would cost you more than $8,000 to pay off if you made only the minimum payments (4 percent).

Cheaper rates

Another upside to life on a budget is that it forces you to become organized. That, in turn, helps you avoid late payment penalties and improves your credit score. Lenders use your credit score to determine how much they should charge you for auto and mortgage loans. It also can affect how much you pay for auto and homeowners insurance.

Improve your relationship

A less obvious benefit of budgeting is the positive effect it can have on relationships. According to Siesta, sitting down with your significant other to discuss financial goals helps prevent money disputes down the road. It also provides a rare opportunity to define your own spending philosophies. "Money is a huge source of stress for many couples," he said. "The mere act of discussing your finances with a spouse or significant other really does help create better understanding and better relationships."

Saving for the future

Finally, learning to live within your means can help you get ahead. By allocating a portion of your monthly budget towards savings, you can simultaneously build a retirement nest egg for your future and a financial safety net for short-term emergencies, in case you or your spouse lose a job or suddenly fall ill.

Source: Bankrate.com

About Fred Harteis: Fred Harteis leads Harteis International. Fred Harteis has a background in agriculture and has created many successful business ventures.

Fred Harteis News Article - 10 more ways to save on travel

Fred Harteis News Articles - Whether it's a day's drive for a week at a relative's lake cabin or an around-the-world cruise, everyone would like to have more money to spend on vacation.

That little extra cash usually isn't difficult to find. It's probably already in your total vacation budget -- you just need to figure out how to save on some things so you have more to spend on others.

1. Don't be afraid to ask.

Travel with the principle that it never hurts to ask for a little more. You can always ask for upgrades, whether it's a hotel or transportation. But save your negotiating efforts for those in management positions.

2. You'd better shop around.

Comparison shop on the Web for your airline tickets, car rentals, hotel rooms, cruises and resort packages. Be sure to visit multiple sites for price quotes and information.

3. Go with a pro.

Book your own travel arrangements for the quick, familiar trips.Use a travel agent for complicated travel arrangements, such as a honeymoon, package tour or cruise.

4. Waive fees goodbye.

Ask to have fees waived. Agents typically charge a per-ticket booking fee. If you can bundle up services and buy more than one ticket, agents will often skip their fee.

5. Be a contrarian.

Travel to destinations during their off-season: Do your research.

6. Bend with the times.

Be flexible with travel dates and times. By changing your travel dates even a day or two, you can save hundreds of dollars.

7. Don't discount discounts.

Don't forget discounts. If you're a member of any organization, such as AAA or AARP, ask about travel discounts.

8. Wet your whistle.

Travel with a cooler so you're not purchasing drinks and snacks at every rest stop.

9. Eat cheap.

Sample local fare from a farmer's market and enjoy a picnic dinner at a peaceful stop along the way.

10. Shop at home.

Tourist spots sell everything from film to sunscreen, bottled water and aspirin for prolonging your fun -- at a higher cost. Purchase these items before you leave home and save.

Source: Cnn.com

About Fred Harteis: Fred Harteis leads Harteis International. Fred Harteis has a background in agriculture and has created many successful business ventures.