Expect More Rate Cuts Soon

Government has really come down on Banks especially Private Sector banks for not passing the benefit of rate cut to the customer. While rate has been reduced by 4% by the government, the public sector banks reduced the rates by 2%-2.5% and the private sector banks reduced by around 1.5%. Most of Banks has hiked the rate by large extent last year and then reduced it marginally which has not made much difference in the credit flow.


Government is very serious and wants to remove clogs from the credit freeze lines. According to them the economy would soon go into bad shape until and unless banks reduce the rate. On the other hand with release of inflation data banks hope that government would reduce more rates. This has become a situation where government is looking at banks and banks at government related to reduction in rates. While the government at present is concentrating on elections there is definitely a bit of lack in incentive at their end. On other side senior government bureaucrats are still on the job and want banks to reduce the rate soon. While not much action is expected soon but formation of stable government would definitely be good sign.


The economy situation would not improve soon and banks need to reduce the rates. Discussions are ON at the Private Banks also related to reduction in rates. According to sources private banks are willing to reduce the rates but then there is a host of factors that they need to look before taking any action. The factors can be further reduction in rate by government or a collaborative movement where each banks reduce the rate together. The important thing is that some banks are indeed serious and can take the first step anytime soon. With this there would not be much option with other banks than to fall in line and reduce the rate. Expect this soon and at maximum few months after elections. Everyone is looking at other and this jinx will break soon.

Visit www.mysticmadness.com A Finance and Personal Developement Blog

                                                             

MagNext Virtual – The Next Revolution

I love playing games online. They are a great way to release the stress and have some fun. One of the great sites for playing games online is MagNext virtual from MEGA Brands. The concept is different and the graphics are just amazing. Most of the online games are the version of toys available through the stores which include iCoaster, Soheron and many others.





Adventure starts the moment you log into their system. Your avatar is a magnext ball which you can paint or design through interactive interface. There is a map available in the mini world which will help you navigate through the arena. You can either play solo games or can join other player in an online face to face competition. Of all the games available iCoaster is one of the amazing stress busters available. In iCoaster you have to put the tracks for your ball to roll along. Success depends upon the number of levels you can cross and time which you can save at each level. You earn Magz at each level which can be used to buy things for the Magnext ball. My favorite accessory is electron action that makes little electric circles spin around the ball for few seconds.

In case of multiplayer games you can play the game with other members. You need to challenge the members to play against you. You can also chat with other members and make them your friends through a very interactive system available. You get rewarded for every such action in the form of more Magz. This is a pure fun and excellent way to spend your time. An excellent stress buster and something I recommend to all my readers.




                                                             

Is the Economy Turning Around

No one knows and this is still a mystery. A lot is being talked in media and predictions are being made by almost every analyst. After painful last few months almost everyone is hoping that good days would be back soon. The data on housing is good for the month of February in US and that has offered some hope. Apart from that the voices are being made by many literary people who think that currently markets are making the bottom.

On personal front nothing has changed much except that marketing pitches related to credit cards and loans have started again. In last few weeks I have received lot of calls from sales people willing to sell their cards and offer host of waivers. A credit line freezed by one of the financial company has been opened again and they called up requesting to take the loan. The loan processing which was taking much time in last few months is now taking less time. Series of measures has been taken by financial institutions in all these months with fear that they should not get caught again in the whirlwind. The effort by government would take shape soon and one can hope of better days again.


The people who have lost jobs have started to find the work again. Two of my friends who were laid off have got the break again. This period has literally stirred the souls of many people and has made them wise too. While some have realized to live life fully others are still hoping to get the break again.


                                                             

Sears is offering 75-80% OFF Fall & Winter Apparel

Sears is offering 75-80% OFF ORIGINAL PRICES ON FALL & WINTER APPAREL from now till April 18th. This is a great opportunity to get quality clothing at great prices. A sale offering 75-80% off of everything is unheard of and something one should definitely check out. Sears sale items extend to not only women’s apparel, but also apparel for men and children. As a matter of fact there are clearance items for the entire family. In this economy, this sale is an absolute steal.



Due to hectic schedule I was not purchase a Jacket this winter. I started my search at Sears website by signing up for email which gave me $10 worth of discount coupon. After about 2 to 3 searches I decided to pick faux-suede bomber jacket mainly because of its rugged look. See the screen shot above. I am sure you would like it too. At 80% off I could not have asked for more. When fall or winter comes they will not be discounted at these prices and hence it is a wise decision to stock them up now. The prices are so low that it is impossible to get this deal ever again. So, if you are looking for a good quality and trusted brands, this is the place to go. Grab this opportunity before it is too late.




                                                             

Comparison of Home Loan India- Axis Bank Home Loan Scores Big Over HDFC Home Loan - A Comparison

Comparison of Home Loan India- HDFC has finally reduced the rate as was also predicted in HDFC may reduce PLR by 0.5% in April.

Through a series of posts like
HDFC cheating its customers by not passing the benefit of low interest rates
HDFC Home Loan - Prepayment Penalty increased from 2% to 3% (This appeared in this Blog much earlier than regualr media)

I have tried to voice my opinion on home loan given by HDFC. Also when I took loan from Axis Bank I was so much harassed by their process that I had written a big post on their procedure and mechanism. Axis Bank- UTI Bank- Home Loan- Hidden Charges and Frauds

Almost an year and half down the line, I can categorically say that Axis Bank has scored big over HDFC Home Loan on many parameters. The main are
1) Loan procedure- Bad in Axis Bank as it gets handled by their DSA’s. Good in HDFC as they have their own workforce. When you go to construction site you get to meet the DSA’s of Axis Bank and not their workforce.
2) Customer Service- Very Good in Axis bank. They have replied to all my emails and have sent me requested documents in short period. In HDFC my emails have never been answered and documents have never been mailed when requested through email. Even queries posted in their portal are still unanswered. More humiliating was when their Noida Branch head requested one of the person to travel 50 odd kms to their branch in order to get reversal of Rs. 64/- wrongly charged in his account.
3) Pre Payment Charges- Nil in Axis bank. Yes even if you transfer loan to other bank it is nil. HDFC has recently raised these charges to 3% for transfer to other bank. HDFC Home Loan - Prepayment Penalty increased from 2% to 3%
4) Rate change for new and old customers- There is no concept of new and old in Axis Bank. They change the rate equally for all customers. My rate was from 11% to 10% in 2008. It was again raised to 11% but has been decreased again in line with what they offer to new customer. HDFC on other hand charge different rate not only to new and old customers but also there is difference between old customers too. While I was being charged 11% one of my friends was charged 11.5% during same duration on quarterly basis.
5) Rate reset- This is on monthly basis in Axis bank while it is quarterly basis in HDFC. While this does not make difference but when rate gets low you tend to get the benefit immediately.
6) Portal access – Available in HDFC and not in Axis bank.

As of today I feel more comfortable with Axis bank than HDFC. HDFC has big reputation but its action does not reflect its stature at all. Public Sector Bank like SBI are giving them hard competition.

The above are my own personal views. Since the service varies from person to person based on their history this post in no way claim any recommendation to buy and ignore any of the service. The readers are requested to consult their advisors or take informed decision based on their understanding and experience. I am for now happier with AXIS Bank and thought to give it thumbs up through my post.

Please leave your comments to help me continue post on such issues.

Visit www.mysticmadness.com A Personal Finance and Personality Development Blog.

                                                             

Amazing Phenomenon- Dolphins Blowing Bubbles

You have to see it to believe it. Dolphins are actually blowing the bubbles in the water and then playing with those bubbles. Their elegant move is complemented by the joyful acts especially when they whisk past the bubbles. You must be lucky if you have seen this phenomenon in the brand new video that just aired on ABC’s World News with Charles Gibson. If not, you need not worry because you can check out www.DolphinBubbles.com to witness the experience of dolphin bubbles yourself.





Dolphins are very elegant, graceful and intelligent creatures. There are many aquariums in the world which gives you an opportunity to play with the Dolphins but my favorite is SeaWorld in Orlando. It gives you an opportunity to be closer to nature. It has a team of professionals who makes your experience truly memorable. The more I read about it, the more I am attracted to visit this place again. This is on the must do list for our upcoming trip. Most important is that the kids would love the experience to see the Dolphins perform in front of their eyes. This is the best gift which parents can give to their children and I am happy to be one of them.






                                                             

HDFC cheating its customers by not passing the benefit of low interest rates

Today inflation touched the historic low of 0.44%. This was in line with the expectation considering the high inflation period we saw in the previous year. Home Loan companies were smart enough to increase the rate with every move of RBI but the scenario is different when it comes to reduction of rates by RBI. HDFC which is king of home loan market has been among the slowest one to reduce the rate. Till now it has been riding on its reputation but in recent days it has more been exposed?

Many existing customers was recently told that pre-payment penalty is 3% but when it faced a lot of criticism in media it quickly changed its policy and made it mandatory for new customers. Many customers have not yet received reply on its queries related to shift of their home loan. The mail remains unanswered and it seems no one in HDFC is willing to talk.

HDFC till date was using its market leadership position to acquire the customer. Its rate was stable but the main fact is that the existing customers are suffering both in terms of customer service and their greed. While whole of markets has reduced rate, including LIC housing Finance by 75 bps, HDFC has literally kept quiet in this matter. People in HDFC are paying different rates and it is not consistent at all. The rates are way above 11% to 12% and repeated queries by customers are ignored.

This can be a safe strategy by HDFC wherein they have parked their money in safe but less interest yielding investments and are covering up the lost part through their customers. If this is the case then why the customer has to suffer. They should better know how to manage money.

In comparison my loan from AXIS bank is doing pretty good. They respond to my queries quickly. They reduce the rate in line with new customers i.e. they have only one rate both for new and old customers. The most important thing is that they don’t have any pre-payment penalty even if you transfer loan to other bank.


                                                             

Young Christian’s Weekend March in Branson

Spring Break is here again and everyone in the house is ready to visit Branson, Missouri. This has now been more of a tradition where we either go to our relatives place or go for short trip outside our city. This time we wanted something exciting and the natural choice was Branson, Missouri. There is no better place to stay in Branson than Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the HIlton Branson Convention Center Hotel. I have already done my reservations at Hilton Promenade and the hotel has offered me the host of offers including guest’s access to shops, boutiques, restaurants, a river walk and other attractions. These hotels are at very respectable distance of Branson’s championship golfs courses, lakes, museums, and Silver Dollar City. Branson also has additional ongoing shows like international folk music and cuisine of World-Fest at Silver Dollar City, the first ever Branson Air Show at the new Branson Airport, and the Great American Pie Show.


Since we are going in the last week of March we would be very lucky to join the Young Christian’s Weekend March 27-29, 2009 at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. We would be having an opportunity to Witness concerts by the powerful vocals and intelligent lyrics of DownHere!, Kutlass and the sounds of Leeland along with additional mini-concerts and spirit-filled worships throughout the park. In addition, the Midwest’s premier Christian youth event features message that feeds the soul from Joe White of Kanakuk Kamps and others. Everyone in my house is very excited and has done all the preparations. While everyone is excited about the Young Christians March, My wife and I are also looking forward to a river walk.




                                                             

Plan your finances for secure future

Bad times are here again and everyone is wondering when this bad phase would end. There is so much pain in the system that all the efforts made are proving to be less if not sufficient. Common man is most hurt in this phenomenon at time when there is no security of the job. More and more people are declaring bankruptcies and credit markets has literally squeezed.

Things were not bad a year back. People were earning good and prospering in their careers. However the only mistake everyone did was not to plan their finances. Most of their investment was either made in stock markets or went down to pay the hefty housing loan. The end result was little cash which proved insufficient by any means. If one goes by planning rules than to be on safer side you need to have six month of emergency funds available in liquid form. Apart from emergency funds an asset base needs to be build out by equally dividing your assets in various forms. This includes a division in the form of equity or debt depending upon your age. While people at young age should invest more in equity while the baby boomers should invest more in debt instruments. However investment should only be made in equity if you have spare cash which you would not need for long time.

It is never late and this time too there is a lesson to be learnt. One should make a habit from now on to work on single plan and should not deviate because of greed. Normally we get swayed away when someone shows us big dreams and repent when same gets broken. It is important to dream realistically and plan in order to avoid surprises in future.                                                              

Business Credit for your fledgling Business

Credit situation in the markets is really worse. It is now not limited to US but has spread to the other parts of the world too. These tough times calls for tough people to stand and help the economy grow. The need for credit is very important for business in order to grow and expand. Even though the availability of the Business Loans is less in the market there are some companies like EZunsecured.com which can get the financing easily in this kind of market. They are good in what they do but they are definitely not cheap. For their services they charge modest amount of around 10% as success fee on the financing they obtain for you.

In case you have a bad history of Personal Loan or Personal Credit but you still need unsecured financing than you should definitely check Businesscreditmagic.com. They offer upto $250,000 in unsecured Business Credit with no personal guarantees; they don’t even need your social security number. The company offer multi tier programs and once you cross the 5 levels you will have over 25 unsecured business credit accounts. The benefit of having good business credit is immense and since you own the business you know the best how it is important not only to impress your customers but also your lenders. This has other advantages like attracting more investors is bonus on top of it.                                                              

Check your Credit Card limit before your next purchase

Banks across the country have revised the limit of credits cards based on consumer spending pattern. Hence if you have missed your payment couples of times than there are chance that your limit might have got reduced drastically. This is one of the methods used by the banks to avoid risk at the later stage. Many people are under shock because their credit limit has been decreased by almost 70%.
The cards which were earlier given free without any questions are now being withdrawn from the consumers. Also personal loans are being given along with freebies to make people pay for their unpaid dues. Banks are making all effort to clean their books before more problems starts to hound them. On one end economy is in bad shape and consumer spending is required to pick the sentiments up while on other hand credit availability has reduced a lot. Government has made lot of efforts but it still needs to be seen how much of these benefits reaches to the consumer. Not only US but most of the economies of the world are reeling under severe credit crunch which has made the credit situation across the world worse. However things will start to improve soon because we have passed much of the time under recession. Only small pain is left and we hope this will also pass soon.                                                              

The Great American Pie Show in Branson

This Christmas was very special for us and we decided to take a week off in Branson, Missouri. We picked up Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing for our stay because of its location and proximity to important places. The room was very nice and the bathroom was very spacious. Being on the 5th floor we got an excellent view of the Landing. After a night sleep in a gorgeous and comfortable bed we were ready to explore this place the very next day. The hotel is within easy distance of golf courses, lakes, museums, theme parks and 49 live entertainment theaters. Also it hosts a lot of ongoing events like NAIA college basketball championship, FLW Bass Tournament, and the first ever Branson Air Show. The possibilities to explore are endless and your itinerary can be as innovative as you want it to be.

A big event which is now coming up in Branson is The Great American Pie Contest. Branson and my favorite Taste of Home magazine are sponsoring this contest which will also feature Al Roker from the today show. You can participate in this contest by booking your stay at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. Your favorite and delicious pie recipe could win you several prizes including a first prize of $2,500 cash, plus a trip for two for a 4-day/3-night vacation in Branson. The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel has reserved a block of rooms from April 20th to April 29th and is offering a special room rate that will be available only until March 22nd or until the group block is sold-out. So, hurry and make your bookings now at Hilton Promenade, Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel or Branson Landing for your accommodation.







                                                             

A Communication from Adsense

This weekend Adsense announced the launch of interest-based-advertising, which also require the publishers to review and make changes in their site's privacy policies. This is definitely an interesting logic by which Google would profile the visitor based on their surfing habits. Hence if a user in always browsing through sports sites than the profile would be dubbed as sports enthusiast and ads would be targeted mostly from sports based advertisers. To learn more about your associated account settings, please visit the AdSense Help Centre at http://www.google.com/adsense/support/bin/topic.py?topic=20310&hl=en_GB.

As result of above Adsense has requested all publishers to review their site privacy policies by 8th April 2008. The site privacy policies vary across countries and hence adsense wanted to be sure that things gets handled over a period of time. Moreover in order to get more information publishers can also visit the Inside AdSense Blog at http://adsense.blogspot.com/2009/03/driving-monetization-with-ads-that.html.                                                              

New Pension scheme to be launched from April

Come April and a New Pension scheme would be launched. It is initiative by the government to introduce a scheme wherein it would be easy for employees to invest their money in order to build a Pension corpus. Details of the scheme is out and the government has also finalized the asset managers who would manage part of money on behalf of the investors.

There was a lack of pension scheme in the market. This was the reason that current old age people was suffering at this time. The awareness regarding the pension was not much there in the past. Today the pension amount is too less to take care of their needs. Also the amount saved by them is so meager that its almost impossible to survive with it.

It is definitely a good start because one can expect more reforms in this direction. The gap was there almost from the start and it needed a positive approach. The induction of private fund manager is another step which is positive in this direction. The scheme has also options both for the educated and the novice ones. It gives flexibility to opt from various option including debt and equity.

While the feedback still need to come on NPS but the policy is out and there are very positive vibes in the market. We wish things will be fine from here on and would improve with time.                                                              

Natural Beaute de Maman Beauty Products for Pregnant Ladies

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful experiences in a woman’s life. Women need to be very diligent and aware about anything they eat or use during pregnancy. Pregnancy can cause psychological and hormonal changes in women body which can lead to variation in mood and behavior. For the first expectant moms, the stage becomes even tougher.


Beaute de Maman has a line of beauty and health products made specifically for expecting mothers. They have a range of products developed by a board of certified obstetrician to treat problems related to the physiological, bodily, and hormonal changes experienced by mothers during the time of their pregnancy. The products available contain natural and herbal ingredients which are very beneficial to expectant mothers. The products available has been tested and verified for allergy and specific reactions to give best results. It has a line of products which has stood a test of times and has been of real help to many expectant mothers.

Beaute de Maman products are even actually recommended by Hollywood moms and to-be-star moms. Some of the celebrities of Hollywood include Penelope Ann Miller, Charlie Sheen, Chyler Leigh, even Victoria Recano just to name a few. And the most important thing is that these products are very much affordable. Pregnancy demands a lot of care and it is always advisable to leave it in safe hands. Hence if you are Pregnant then don’t sit back, the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby is to order now the products of Beaute de Maman




                                                             

Chance for Mayawati to be a Hero

A top contender for the post of PM in next elections, Mayawati is a star in the eye of Media. It can be publicity brought by Media on its own or something which various departments of UP are publishing through the Newspaper but fact remains that’s she is visible almost every day. She is someone whom poor acknowledge as their messiah and Babus fear to give sleepless night. It is heard that she give surprise visit to many places and pull up the govt employees for bad administration or work.

Though we have heard many negatives about her too but fact remains that she is a force to reckon with. Its not easy to mentor a lawless state and being a head of it is a job in itself. UP is still considered to bad by elite due to lawlessness and the challenge remains to change the image so that some new investment can come into the state. Also the fact remains that crime would go away if more investments come just like it happened in Gurgaon.

There are many things which she can do or make others do that can sent a positive feelers throughout India. One such thing is a positive wave through the time of recession which can definitely give encouraging vibes about her image. Definitely the work has to start from periphery and then should move inward. Through numerous readings on web and through chat groups, the best she can do is to promote IT industry in periphery regions of Noida and Greater Noida. In times of recession companies are looking for places where they can get cheap space and Greater Noida is definitely such area. If accommodation/space can be provided cheaply than it can give a real challenge to place like Gurgaon and Noida.

On residential front it needs to act responsible just like DLF. A lot of premium has been charged to allotees of rater Noida Schemes like BHS-08, BHS-09 and consecutive housing schemes. The people are really crying out because money has been paid in lump sum and they are paying huge Interest on top it. Mayawati has chance to be Hero by showing her responsibility the way DLF has shown. Just by reducing the price and returning the money to investors, would show huge favor for all those allotees who has shown interest in Grater Noida. Bank was not allowed to finance the project and HDFC and LIC secretly through adjustments with GNIDA provided financing (this blog has raised question on such alliance). Not only Prices can be reduced but people should be given an option to shift loan to Public Sector banks. A lot of members of such housing schemes has presented a memorandum and are fighting for their rights with head of GNIDA but its of no use. Again only one person can show her magic here and that is Mayawati.

We hope she would intervene and uplift Greater Noida as a place to be in future. Also we hope that she would help 1000+ allotees of Greater Noida Housing Schemes like BHS-08, BHS-09 whose voices are not being heard today even by the cash rich GNIDA. If concessions can be given to cash rich companies like Unitech and BPTP then why not common man.