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) Family Finances: Consolidate debts only as a last resort
There are a number of ways to consolidate debt and possibly lower monthly payments. Our advice: Consider debt consolidation only as a last resort. Generally, it comes with several drawbacks.Among those: Possibly a host of extra fees -- charged either upfront, annually or if you terminate the loan. Plus, you have another very real threat. You could consolidate all your debt and lower monthly payments only to accumulate even more debt if you still can't stop spending.
Nevertheless, if you're strong-willed and if lower monthly payments provide a viable way out of a financial bind, debt consolidation could be worth considering. Here are your loan options:
Home equity loan or home equity credit line. It's possible that interest on some of these loans may serve as an itemized deduction on your income taxes. More>>
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) Ample Liquidity for Us Telecoms in Current Market Environment
U.S. telecommunications companies have, in general, solid liquidity to withstand current credit market volatility and meet their debt maturities, according to a Fitch Ratings report.Since the previous liquidity crisis of 2001-2002, the telecom industry has experienced a period of consolidation, providing most operators with increased scale and diversity. This consolidation has led to greater financial stability and flexibility due to increased scale and diversity of operations. Operators have taken advantage of the low interest rate environment and previously aggressive lending standards in the loan market to 'push-out' maturities beyond 2009. Furthermore, Fitch notes that bankruptcies essentially removed the smaller, weaker players from the industry.
"The industry is much better positioned to weather liquidity issues compared to five years ago," said Michael Weaver, Managing Director, Fitch Ratings. More>>
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) At Home: Debt consolidation loans can be shark-infested swim to solvency
To the person drowning in debt, a debt-consolidation loan looks a lot like a lifesaver. But reaching for it without knowing exactly what it's made of could be a serious mistake. The way it's supposed to work: You pay off all your small, high-interest consumer debts with the proceeds of a new low-interest loan whose payment is less than the total of the smaller payments. In theory, consolidation is a terrific solution for a burdensome debt situation. In reality, it can force you into even more treacherous waters. Basically, there are three ways to consolidate: 1. A new low-interest signature (unsecured) loan from an individual, bank or credit union. If you can get it, this type of debt consolidation is ideal. 2. Transferring all of the balances to a new credit card. More>> - (
) (AFX UK Focus) 2007-09-18 17:38 GMT: US telecoms have solid liquidity to face current credit market volatility- Fitch
MUMBAI (Thomson Financial) - Fitch Ratings said that the US telecommunications companies have in general solid liquidity to withstand current credit market volatility and meet their debt maturities.Fitch in a special report said since the previous liquidity crisis of 2001-2002, the telecom industry has experienced a period of consolidation providing most operators with increased scale and diversity.
This consolidation has led to greater financial stability and flexibility due to increased scale and diversity of operations. Fitch notes that operators have taken advantage of the low interest rate environment and previously aggressive lending standards in the loan market to 'push-out' maturities beyond 2009.
Also the bankruptcies essentially removed the smaller, weaker players from the industry, Fitch said. More>>
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) Angola: Country Elected As Spain's Strategic Partner in Africa
Angola was considered as the priority partner in the African strategy of the Spanish Government, informed on the weekend, in Luanda, the ambassador of Spain accredited in the country, Xavier Vallaure. The diplomat made this statement during a ceremony under October 12, Spain's National Day. . More>>