Florida residents that are self employed and looking for health insurance have a number of options available to them. Be aware that depending upon your health, your age, and other factors unique to your particular situation there is no hard and fast rule as to which option is best for you. However, there are some general guidelines that will help you make the best Florida self employed health insurance decision.

The first Florida health insurance option available to the self employed is to simply apply for an individual health insurance policy. The benefit to applying for an individual health insurance policy is that individual health insurance rates in Florida are very competitive.

The downside to attempting to purchase an individual health insurance policy in the state of Florida is that you must be healthy. According to FL law, a health insurance company can decline your application for an individual health insurance policy based on prior medical history (pre-existing conditions), height and weight restrictions, and other health related criteria.

That means if you have cancer, diabetes, weight problems, or a host of other physical ailments then you will be denied coverage with a Florida individual health insurance policy. (Any unscrupulous agent that tries to tell you other wise is misrepresenting whatever product he or she is trying to sell you as health insurance when in fact it is probably a discount health plan or a health insurance indemnity plan with very limited coverage).

The second Florida health insurance option available to the self employed is to apply for a Florida group health insurance plan. In Florida, any group of 2 employer/employees or more is considered eligible for a Florida small group health insurance. (If it is just you: 1 self employed person functioning as a sole proprietor in the state of Florida then you have a different option open to you – see option 3 below). The benefit to applying for a Florida small group health insurance policy is that that certain health issues that can signal an automatic decline on the individual health insurance side will not signal an automatic decline on the group health insurance side.

The downside to attempting to purchase a group health insurance policy in the state of Florida is that it can be very expensive. Think of it in terms of: the more potentially unhealthy people that the insurance company has to give health insurance to (group health insurance) the higher the premiums will be as opposed to where the insurance company can pick and choose who they will accept for health insurance (individual health insurance).

The third Florida health insurance option available to the self employed is for those that are functioning as a sole proprietor. Florida self employed sole proprietors can apply for a Florida guaranteed issue small group health plan. The Florida guaranteed issue small group health plans has an open enrollment period only during the month of August.

Florida self employed health insurance can be a somewhat tricky area to navigate without the help of a licensed independent Florida health insurance agent. There are also many different ways to save money in taxes – one of which being the ability to deduct your health insurance premiums paid on Schedule C of your tax return against and up to your Schedule C income (Meaning that even if you don’t itemize [Schedule A] you can still deduct your health insurance premiums paid all the way up to your Schedule C income!).

When determining which credit card company is right for you, it’s important to consider everything the credit card company has to offer. Equally as important as a low APR or advanced security features is the credit card company’s customer service.

Because most consumers overlook customer service until it’s too late, we made calls to the top five credit card companies (American Express, Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Discover), then ranked them on how well they met the following customer service benchmarks:

Helpful Web sites. First we visited their sites to see how user-friendly they were, and whether toll-free phone numbers were easy to find.

Knowledge of agents. We asked three advanced credit card questions (security features, 0% APR availability, and debt consolidation features), then rated their responses.

Helpfulness of agents. Finally, we assessed our general sense of treatment as valued customers, which went into an overall rating of each company’s customer service.

American Express

TIME TO 800 NUMBER: Less than two minutes.

HELPFULNESS OF AGENTS: When we got through, we talked to a helpful and professional representative. Even their automated voice system woman who greets you when you first pick up is very concise and polite, as far as robot ladies go.

KNOWLEDGE OF AGENTS: The customer service representative spoke confidently about their 0% APR cards for select customers, as well as low APR cards and offers. The only question the agent was not able to answer was about credit card debt consolidation features. However, Amex did provide direct and concise information for all other questions we asked.

OVERALL IMPRESSION: The service rep was clear and not pushy (albeit mechanical), and let us know that someone is available to help further at their toll-free number, 24/7.

Bank of America

TIME TO 800 NUMBER: Less than two minutes.

HELPFULNESS OF AGENTS: We called the main number and went through ten button-presses before being connected to a live human (though admittedly some of those keypresses were out of confusion). Some of the steps were obsolete and frustrating — for example, selecting to respond by voice or by hitting a key. On one occasion, a poorly-timed sneeze caused us to have to go back in the menu. When finally connected to a “Bank On Call Specialist,” it was clear that, though thorough, the gentleman on the other end was in as little mood to be friendly as we were by this point.

KNOWLEDGE OF AGENTS: When asking about the basic security features the card offered, the rep responded by mentioning the “Safe-card” feature that generates random numbers each time the card is used, instead of a traceable account number that “could potentially be stolen.” We playfully replied, “That’s got to be a good feature if you’re up to no good.” He did not find this funny. Even after saying “That was a joke,” the Bank On Call Specialist didn’t even give up a pity-snicker.

OVERALL IMPRESSION: Operating out of Los Angeles, the Bank of America 800-number is not 24/7 like some of the others, but does operate late and on weekends. (Please note, however, that this information was given by the service rep in person; meanwhile, the Bank of America Web site proudly boasts 24/7 customer service representatives on call. We didn’t bother calling back 23 times to figure out which it really is.)

Citibank

TIME TO 800 NUMBER: Less than a minute; quick and easy.

HELPFULNESS OF AGENTS: With but one button-press after calling, you are speaking to a live operator. We spoke to a good-humored gentleman who, though having to transfer us to the “application department” to answer general questions, laughed genuinely at the response “Okay, super-duper” when he asked us to briefly hold. (Customer service reps who don’t hate their jobs always reflect well on the company.) He transferred me to a female agent who was equally well-tempered, and the whole ordeal was genuine and friendly.

KNOWLEDGE OF AGENTS: They promptly filled me in on topics like rewards card bonuses and low APR credit cards. Citibank seems to handle issues like stolen credit cards with sensitivity and care, and they assured me that “Identity Theft Specialists” handle any potential issues one-on-one.

OVERALL IMPRESSION: Citibank agents seem particularly user-friendly in times of crises. Also, Citibank’s customer service hotline is available 24 hours.

Chase

TIME TO 800 NUMBER: Less than two minutes; one click from homepage. A little overwhelming were the various numbers to call based on topic, but the list was explained and labeled.

HELPFULNESS OF AGENTS: After a few selection menus and a reasonable amount of holding time, we got through to a professional (if somewhat dry) customer service representative. Also, right on the Web site was the information that cardholders can receive 24 hour automated services by phone, or live representatives from 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. daily.

KNOWLEDGE OF AGENTS: The agent answered questions about 0% APR and low APR cards generically, promising only that “select customers” are eligible.

OVERALL IMPRESSION: We left feeling that Chase dictates who is deemed “eligible” for certain offers the way the cool kids at high school decide who sits together at lunch. (Just a feeling.) The exchange is professional and void of hullabaloo, if not otherwise robotic and monotone.

Discover

TIME TO 800 NUMBER: It took but a moment to locate the phone number (listed in the style of Chase’s Web site, only minus the visual chaos).

HELPFULNESS OF AGENTS: Once calling this 24/7 live-operator (and automatic-optional) service number, it was only seconds before being connected. The customer service representative was the sweetest and not-in-a-fake-way of all the credit card companies we tested.

KNOWLEDGE OF AGENTS: The agent answered all questions with specifics, and plenty of pertinent information (security issues, costs, eligibility for special offers, etc.). Additionally, many of the offers seemed to far surpass the competition: for example, 0% fraud liability on the spot, and more-than-fair graces towards simple customer errors or lapses.

OVERALL IMPRESSION: Both for the information and the manner in which it was delivered, the taste left in our mouth was all sweet and no-parts bitter.

Summary

We ranked the top five credit card companies on customer service (American Express, Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Discover), and here are our final results.

#5: Bank of America. Though offering the standard services, and having a widespread name and corporate recognition, the actual customer service perhaps suffers at the hand of being such a titanic operation. It’s difficult to find information on the Web site (at least, information that agrees with their live operators), and the personal care touch is gone. Perhaps Bank of America outsourced their customer service operation. Outsourced it to Mars.

#4: Chase. Although adequate, Chase has every one of those small-annoyance features that are frustrating to customers: limited information about APR and the like until agreeing to apply; hold time with crummy music; a slightly confusing Web site; dull and/or mechanical service representative interaction; and limited hours of live person availability. are all attributes that prevent Chase from boasting wonderful customer services. Not really a pain-in-the-neck customer service system, Chase is just average. Not bad bad, but not great.

#3: American Express. American Express does the job. No bells and whistles, but a well-rounded customer service department, with enough features to leave us generally satisfied. The rep made a card recommendation for me after only a few questions, and after further talking it turned out to be a good analysis. American Express’s customer service skills are much like the aesthetics of the card itself: not the most brilliant gold color, but definitely still gold.

#2: Citibank. Great customer service. It’s nice to report that there was almost a tie for first place rather than a tie for last place, and in this case Citibank should be proud of that close call. Nice clear Web site directory, one-touch access to a live person, and interactions with human beings who made it clear they didn’t hate working for Citibank at all. Agents told us about great featured bonuses for customers, but not in a way that made us feel pressured. Wonderful customer service upkeep, Citibank!

#1: Discover. Who knew it really pays to Discover(TM)? Aside from offering the easiest, most practical perks (regular 5% cash back on purchases made at restaurants, gas stations, etc., as well as comprehensive security and credit rating services), the interactions with the Discover folks make you feel valued and respected. Be it hospitality or above-and-beyond professionalism, the general response we had after interacting with Discover is that we want to move to where Discover is headquartered, then raise our families and send our kids to school there. Talking to a credit card company’s customer service line rarely leaves you feeling so warm and fuzzy.

We hope our credit card customer service roundup is helpful, but as always your mileage may vary. The best way to find out is to call yourself. Good luck finding those 800-numbers, though!

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If you find that you have a sudden need for cash, an emergency need, then a payday loan may be just what you need. These loans are now available in many places, and one may be available to you online. Here is how you can get the cash you need quickly.

A payday loan can be easily obtained – either in a cash advance type store, or online. In most cases, you can get up to about $1,500 with about a 10 minute application process. Some lenders will limit the loan to $1,000.

The only thing that you need to get your payday loan is that you have worked in the same place for about six months, and make over $1,500 each month. Some payday loan lenders only require that you make $1,000 per month. You will not need to offer anything as collateral, and you also do not need to worry about a credit rating. The lender will not check your rating at all – so it does not matter if your credit is good or bad.

Some payday loans, which require faxes be sent to them, will require evidence of employment. Generally they want you to fax them copies of your recent employment pay stubs as proof of your employment.

In addition to that, you will need to have a checking account. You need this for two reasons. The first one is that they will want to deposit your money into it and it also verifies that the account is active. A second reason is so that they can get their money back. In order to do this, you will either need to write a check that is postdated for the full amount, or approve them to withdraw the money directly out of your account on the day the loan is due – in full.

If you have never had a payday loan before, then here is another incentive for you to get yours quickly. Some lenders will actually let you have your first payday loan with their company free of charge! It is like a free loan. Of course, you will need to read the fine print on the loan to see if that lender is one of them that will do this for you. Initially, you will only be able to borrow small amounts of cash, which could be up to around $400 on the first one.

After you get your loan, and you find out that you still are not ready to pay it back – there is an option. All you need to do is to roll it over by paying the current interest that is due. It does mean, however, that new interest will be charged – equal to the first amount of interest. Although, it is there if you need it, you will want to avoid it if possible, because now your interest has doubled. This is why a payday loan is a good thing – is cases of emergency.

Many payday loans webpages can be easily found online. You will want to look over the various advertisements in order to select one that has the lowest interest, and best terms. The interest will vary from 15 to 30%, and the amount of time that you have to repay the loan may also vary between two weeks to one month.

If you are caught up in a financial bind, and you need to obtain some money quickly, a cash advance loan may be what you are looking for. Most usually begin at around $300.00 and can go all the way up to around $2000.00 or more. It depends on how much you make, and how much you can pay back. You can find cash advance centers almost anywhere in just about every town or city. There are also starter loan companies for those who have never applied for a loan before.

They are very popular due to the fact that you do not have to have any sort of good credit and they do not perform a credit check on you. Everyone is approved as long as they possess a job that provides a paycheck stub. Many of the cash advance loan centers will require you to have been employed at your current job for at least three months before giving out a loan. That may be the only drawback that you face.

One of the best things about cash advance loan centers is that hardly any of them perform a credit check. These places understand that not everyone who is reliable is perfect. With the economy currently in horrible shape, most everyone is in need of some financial help. Another benefit of obtaining money from a loan center is that you can apply online. So much has changed with the invention of the internet which has made it much easier to do a lot more things.

Quite possibly the biggest setback you will face once you are approved for your cash advance loan is having to pay insanely high interest rates. Your payments will be due every payday until you can pay your loan off. Normally the entire loan is due on your next payday which is where the name comes from, but you can ask for a longer term.

Depending on how high your interest rates are, you may notice your payment jumps up each week or month more than it was previously. This can get aggravating, which is why you should really focus on never missing a payment. Another thing you need to know is that the higher the amount you choose to borrow, the higher your interest rates may be. However, this aspect also depends on the cash advance loan center’s policies.

If you have applied for a loan to a cash advance loan center that holds your car title for collateral, then not making your payments on time could result in the loss of your car. The number one thing to be sure of when applying for a loan is that you will be able to stand up to the commitment. The payments can become pretty outrageous so just make sure there aren’t any other ways of obtaining the money you need before applying.

Other than that, cash advance loan centers are the best way to get a large sum of cash quickly. Always remember to conduct a considerable amount of research before making the decision to apply for a certain one. Some are better than others, but having the ability to get the cash now will definitely help out with that financial crisis you are facing.

The payday loan can be a great financial tool to seek help for your short-term financial requirements. But, sometimes, if you do not have a prudent approach towards the same and you start misusing its easy availability, you might eventually push you into a deeper debt problem. Therefore, the best way to keep such problems at bay is to use the facility of these short-term loans in a very careful way. Following are some of the points that you must keep in mind regarding this sort of loans.

Payday loans Are Short Term Loans

It is very important for you to understand that payday loan might be available very easily, but it is only meant to be taken to meet your small and urgent short-term financial needs. You must avail these with an objective to repay the same on the next payday.

However, the lenders still offer you some flexibility by allowing you a maximum of two one-month extensions. Therefore, if you are not in a financial position to pay off the loan on the next payday, you can request the lender to extend the due date. However, you should note that such an extension will cause a substantial amount as penalty.

Therefore, if you keep extending the due date from payday to payday, the penalty will gradually become much larger and the amount of interest will also sum up at a substantial rate. In such cases, it might be almost impossible for a middle class family to pay off such a high amount of debt. This is where the payday loan debt consolidation comes into action.

Consolidation Of Cash Advance Debts

When the cash advance debts become too high to be paid off using your current income, consolidation of these debts can be a great solution. However, it is important that you take action at the right time. The longer you delay, the deeper will be your problem, and the longer it will take for the debt consolidation loan to get you out of the payday loan debts.

As per the consolidation process, you only need to pay a much lower consolidated monthly installment to the debt management company, and the company will further make repayments to your lenders. This way, the debt consolidation brings ultimate financial peace for you and you get plenty of time to put your life back on the right track.

Urgent expenses can hit anyone, the papercheck payday loan may come across as a great help at those times. These loans are easy to get, convenient and the process is generally fast and hassle free. You may be short of a few hundred dollars of cash to meet a medical emergency, an unexpected utility bill, guests or your car repair expenses. Instead of borrowing money from family and friends and answering embarrassing questions in return, you can avail these fast cash advances.

Basic Facts

The papercheck payday loan is given for a short span of time, for amounts ranging from $100 to $1000. You have to repay the loan plus the fees when your salary check is received. The flat fees or interest that you pay on the amount borrowed comes out to be around $20 to $25 per hundred dollars. This is a big fee amount that you would be paying, thus make sure you genuinely need the money.

Don’t fall into a habit of borrowing money in the form of these advances for everything. You pay quite a high fee for this loan, thus, restrict its use for emergencies and unexpected, unavoidable expenses. Make the repayment right on time, or you will accrue more fee and penalties etc which will increase your financial mess. The papercheck payday loan is an instant cash option as the processing is fast. You can borrow money with a bad credit record as well. There is no need to fax documents as all transactions and verifications are done using online tools.

Easy Accessibility

The eligibility criteria to qualify for the loan are simple making it accessible to almost all the salaried people. You must be at least 18 years old, a US citizen and be employed. You must be working with the current employer for at least the past 3 months. There should be an active bank account in your name, at least one month old. Your pay must be a minimum of $1000 per month. If you fulfill the above criteria, you are granted the approval.

Since most of the papercheck payday loan processing is done online, it is a very fast procedure. You fill an online form and then you receive the online approval. After you send your consent regarding the terms and conditions of the loan, the money is wired directly into your bank account. As you are giving your personal and financial details online, you must make sure the online lender is genuine and reputed. It’s better to go by the word of mouth, as there are thousands of salary day loan lenders online. Select a lender who has a good reputation and experience in this field. Make judicial use of this money as it is meant to help you out in pressing situations.