Saturday, March 14, 2009

Increase Mileage With HyperMiling

With today's sky-high gas prices, everyone should be trying to economize. But some drivers are using a new, eco-friendly driving technique that involves squeezing every last mile out of a tank of fuel. Welcome to the world of Hypermiling.

Hypermiling is taking off big time all over America, with many drivers achieving 55 miles-per-gallon (mpg) and some hypermiling experts getting over 70 mpg. There are many varying techniques in hypermiling but here are some of the basic ones:

Don't speed: The harder you accelerator, the more fuel you use. It might not suit everyone, but sticking to the speed limit, or a little under, goes a long way to reducing fuel consumption.

Don't idle: Leaving your car to tick over while you sit at the drive through achieves only one thing: zero mpg.

Switch off your air conditioning: Air conditioning increases fuel consumption by around 10 per cent. If you're too hot, wind down your windows - except on motorways and duel carriageways where the increased drag will negate any fuel savings you make.

Don't fill up your tank: A full tank weighs around 12 stone, which is the equivalent of another passenger.

Lose excess weight: Not you, although that's another debate, but your automobile. Remove roof racks, bike racks and unnecessary weight in your trunk, remember that every pound that you carry uses extra gas.

Coast, don't brake: When approaching a junction or a traffic light turning amber, take your foot off the accelerator and let your vehicle slow down on its own. Waiting until the last moment to brake wastes fuel needlessly. Always check that this is safe for you automobile though as some makes rely on the engine for braking!

So, there you are , Hypermiling can gain you significant mileage increases and its completely free to implement. These are only a few of the techniques involved, if you would like to see the full range of techniques that can help you significantly increase gas mileage then there are several good quality guides available online.

Mortgage Rates Forecast

Any mortgage rates forecast must take into account the fall-out from the sub-prime crisis - now poorly named, because the rot has spread from the high-risk sub-prime sector to even the prime mortgages underwritten By Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

There are several ways in which the sub-prime crisis affects mortgage rates forecasts.

1. Each Mortgage Rates Forecast Rises Due To Increasing Risk

When house prices plummet as a result of forced sales, it makes mortgage lending in general more risky. Even a 20% deposit has not been enough to prevent some home owners from defaulting on their mortgages and being unable to sell for a high enough price to cover the loan. Mortgages classified as "prime" are now showing up as losses on the books of some banks. The investor's response to increased risk is always to require a higher return - in this case, a higher return means a higher interest rate on mortgages. Interest rate predictions must be for higher interest rates as a result of the mess in the residential real estate markets across the country.

2. Any Mortgage Rates Forecast Rises Due To Falling Supply And Rising Demand

Mortgage interest rates, like all retail interest rates, depend on the general interest rate in the wider economy - the rate at which banks and other financial institutions can borrow funds. This is usually benchmarked by the 90 day bank bill rate. Generally, lenders only have 10% of the funds they lend out as mortgages in deposits - the rest is borrowed. This is why having too many defaults on mortgages can get a bank into big trouble - they can no longer afford to pay their own debts then!

The sub-prime crisis greatly reduced the willingness of other organizations with money to lend it to banks for the purpose of mortgages. This means that the supply of credit has markedly reduced. A low supply and a steady demand will always cause prices to rise, and in this case, the price of money is the interest rate.

The credit squeeze is putting upward pressure on the mortgage rates forecast, and all interest rates in general.

3 Our Mortgage Rates Forecast Rises Due To The Falling US Dollar

As a result of the sub-prime crisis, ant its spread to the prime mortgage market, the entire US financial system is regarded by the rest of the world as unstable. This is resulting in a flight of mobile capital from the US. The only way to entice this capital to remain in the US, and thus halt the slide in the US dollar, is to pay a higher return, which means having a higher general interest rate within the US, including for mortgages.

The government bail-out of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, while necessary to stabilize the property market within the US, will further erode the confidence of international money managers in the US economy, putting further downward pressure on the US dollar.

Until the US dollar stabilizes, there will be significant upward pressure on any mortgage rate forecast, and interest rates in general.

While some are still arguing about the causes of the sub-prime crisis, there is no doubt that its effects are significant and far-reaching. The instability of property prices, the credit crunch, and the loss of confidence in the greenback will take several years to restore to what was previously considered "normal" - and there is a very real possibility that we will never see the US dollar as strong on the global stage again.

For this period, possibly up to a decade in length, the mortgage rates forecast is in one direction only - upward. If you can, fix your mortgage now for 30 years, because you may not see mortgage interest rates this low again for decades.

Mortgage Rates Forecast

Today's Mortgage Rates

Home owners in the US must take stock at this point in time, and ensure they are well-placed to survive an extended period of higher interest rates. Fixing mortgage interest payments at these historically low rates for a 30 year period may well be the best financial decision a home owner could make.

Mark Bennett is a staff writer for Money Talks, and contributes regularly to other financial sites. This article is part of his series on refinancing, which can be seen at EmergencyRefinancing.com

Refinance - What are the Benefits?

Rule of thumb says go for Refinancing when the new interest rate is 2 points lower to your existing loan interest. But the refinancing cost dropping in over the years is fast making this 2 point rule obsolete. In the present scenario, it is advisable to go for refinancing even with 1 point lower interest rate. Refinancing has many benefits that make it worth considering.

Refinancing can help you to lower down your EMIs, sometimes significantly. If chosen, you might be able to build faster equity in your home and cash that equity out and use it to improve your home, consolidate your debts, take a vacation or meet any other personal requirements.

Besides lower interest rate advantages, refinancing can also be done to switch over from adjustable rate mortgage to fixed rate mortgage. The change over can help you to get the advantage of lower interest rate through out the loan term. At the end of loan term you will be saving a significant amount, which otherwise would have gone towards the payment of interest.

Refinancing can also be one of the important tools to shorten the length of your loan life. If you continue to pay same EMI even after refinancing, you will be able to reduce the length of your loan life. It means a 30 years mortgage can be reduced to 20 years or as desired.

Its wise to stop paying premium for mortgage insurance by getting your mortgage refinanced. If you purchase a mortgage with less than 20% down payment, you need to get your mortgage insured. As the value of your home appreciates the equity also increases. Decrease in your loan amount further raises your equity. When your equity exceeds 20% of the property value, the insurance on your mortgage automatically gets cancelled (Homeowner's Protection Act of 1998)

Refinancing is a good option to consider as the interest rates may change even more than once in a day. A watchful eye on the market trends may help you save 1000s of dollars. Internet is a good platform to find lenders offering refinance mortgage at lower rate of interest. Surf, find, calculate, compare and choose the right one for you.

The author Sara Adams is working with a company providing help to people who are looking for Mortgage Loans, for further help on Mortgage- Refinance visit Apply4less

Home Equity Loans - Access To Cash When You Need It

The home equity loan is perhaps more popular than ever as more and more homeowners are realizing that they have the money that they need on hand if they really need it.

There are many times when it may be appropriate to use the cash that you have in your house, but people must decide for themselves when and why they take out such a loan.

Depending on how long you have owned your home and the type of mortgage you have, you may have a lot of equity built in that you can borrow from. These programs simply come in really handy for a lot of people.

The Basics

One thing that you should understand if you are considering this source of funding is that there are actually two forms. The first is a fixed rate loan, which is basically one lump sum payment that is given to the homeowner. This money is then repaid over time with an agreed up on interest rate, which stays the same over the entire loan period.

Then there is the home equity line of credit, also referred to as a HELOC. This is a variable rate program that sort of works like a credit card and may even come with one!

The homeowner is pre approved for a specific amount and can choose how much and when to withdraw the funds that they need.

The payments for this type of program vary depending on the market. The homeowner can keep borrowing for the entire period but when it comes to an end they must repay the amount in full.

Many homeowners like these financing programs because it gives them a simple source of cash. The great thing for the homeowner is that they can borrow the cash, they usually have a reasonable amount of time to pay it back, and the interest rates are much lower than credit cards.

Many people use the cash to improve their home, pay medical bills, pay off credit cards, or even send a child to school.

These loans really can be a lifesaver but should only be considered by responsible homeowners. It's important to remember that you are putting your house on line when you take out this sort of advance, and if you aren't able to pay it could be detrimental to your way of life.

This type of financing shouldn't be considered for funding day-to-day life or for fun, instead it should be used to replace the roof on the home or something like that. You should only seek this sort of financing if you are sure you will be able to pay it back on time.

These programs are appealing and very appropriate in a wide variety of situations. The homeowners needs to decide for themselves if this is the way to go or if there are other funding opportunities that are better suited to their specific needs.

There are pros and cons and one should take the time to educate themselves all around before signing on the dotted line.

It is always safe to take a loan from a reliable source. So rely on us for loans - car loan and for debt consolidation.

A Home Equity Loan the Smart Way

A smart way to begin your equity loan search is to do so online. When considering a home equity loan you will want to get all your facts straight before approaching your borrower. This way all the details are available to put the ball in the borrowers court. And as is the case with all big decisions do not be shy when speaking with your lender about an online equity loan.

Getting a home equity loan involves a large amount of money. This is why it will be both difficult and imparative to be patient and in control when dealing with your lender. A good set of negotiating skills will also serve you well; if you are nervous or panicking, then you may miss important details on the loan, which you may regret later. Loans always have interest rates and some loans, including equity loans, often offer possible tax deductions.

Since most loan rates change over a few months or years, a home equity loan may at first present low rates of interest, but may increase over the course of the loan. However, many equity loans are often fixed rate loans, meaning the rates often are fixed on a particular percentage. The APR you sign off on initially is a guarantee to the lender that you will repay the loan amount.

The APR is often issued yearly; however, a few upfront fees may apply to the APR rates. This is why it is always best to read the details of any loan to understand which fees affect the APR or annual percentage rates. Few equity home loans offer loans that have no closing costs, or other fees; however, you - the borrower must agree to a set amount to borrow. Thus, reading online and gathering as much information as necessary about home equity loans is the best start you give yourself on your way to getting your home equity loan.

Another great advantage of searching for online equity loans is to use the mortgage calculators to determine what you can afford and why you need the loan. As a last word of advice, or warning, do your homework before borrowing a home equity loan and protect yourself by reading all the fine print!

Get all of your equity loan information at http://www.ezcomehome.com

Copyright 2006 @ Ann Born http://www.ezcomehome.com No part of this article may be reproduced in any manner without including the author's bio.

A New Car New Warranty Just For You

Ever bought a new car and not been happy with the warranty the car manufacturer or dealership offered? You are not alone. These cookie cutter warranties are made for everyone, but fit the needs and desires of a few. Luckily, you can make the phrase new car new warranty your own.

What does it mean? With dozens of aftermarket extended warranties available, you can fashion a warranty coverage for your car that fits your needs and desires. You can choose what components are covered under the warranty. You can choose how much out of pocket expenses you will have to pay. It truly is a new car new warranty.

A new warranty is just not limited to a new car, you can purchase a new warranty for your used car as well. There are plans for every make and model out there. Plans that cover not only the engine and transmission but many other car parts including the starter, the alternator and the CV joints. Problems that used to be expensive cease to be a worry with a used car new warranty.

A new warranty is cost effective as well. There are literally dozens of websites where you can buy a quality new warranty. By answering some simple questions concerning make, model, and year of your car and desired coverage, you can get a quote that will make you smile. You know you are saving money and you will have peace of mind knowing that you are covered should a repair bill rear its ugly head.

Remember, whether you are looking for a used car new warranty or a new car new warranty, you are making the right choice. You are being pro-active and you are getting just the warranty to fit your needs and desires. It will make your auto purchase the best it can be.

An used car warranty is designed to save the car owner money from car repairs. To get a quote which can save you as much as 50% on your warranty go to http://www.bestextendedcarwarranty.info for a free quote.