Choosing a Program to Meet Your Needs

When choosing a debt consolidation Seattle program, there are a couple of options to consider:

• Debt Consolidation Program—A Debt consolidation Seattle company will negotiate with your creditors to reduce or eliminate penalties and interest on your debts. The consumer will then make monthly payments to the debt consolidation Seattle company that will distribute the money among the creditors.

• Debt Consolidation Loan—This is a type of person loan that will be used to pay off your outstanding bills. This allows you to get rid of multiple credit card debts, student loans or payday loans with one single lump sum payment.

A debt consolidation Seattle company can also help by modifying the terms of your home mortgage. In addition, they can help you avoid liens and wage garnishments.

Abusive Tactics Practiced By Collection Agencies

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was passed by the federal government to eliminate abusive tactics by collection agencies. This Act prohibits using deceptive and abusive conduct when trying to collect on a debt. Behavior that is prohibited include the following:

• Contacting consumers by phone outside the hours of 8 am and 9 pm.
• Agencies must cease communication with the consumers upon written request.
• They cannot lie to the consumer about the actual amount owed.
• Using obscene language, making threats or racist remarks is illegal.
• They are not allowed to garnish your wages or put a lien on your property.
• A third party, such as a neighbor, friend or relative cannot be contacted regarding your debts.
• Making a false statement such as threatening to put you in jail is illegal.

In addition, debt collectors are prohibited from making threats saying they will refer your account to an attorney, unless they actually intend to follow through.

Statute of Limitations on Debts

When people are having a hard time meeting their financial obligations, bill collectors often begin hounding them by repeated phone calls. Debtors should first find out what the statute of limitations is for the particular type of debt. In the State of Washington, these include the following:

• Oral Agreements—3 years
• Written Contracts—6 years
• Promissory Notes—6 years
• Open Accounts—3 years

The debts will not disappear after the statute of limitations has expired. However, this is a legal defense against a creditor if they take legal action to obtain payment.

Check the Reputation of the Company

There are many debt consolidation Seattle companies that will offer a variety of services. If they request large fees upfront before actually working on your case, they may not be a reputable organization. You can start by checking with the Better Business Bureau to determine if there are any complaints against the company.

 Choosing a Consolidation Program

Choosing a Minnesota debt consolidation program allows consumers to have the high credit card interest rates lowered, thereby reducing the financial and emotional stress you may be experiencing. You can pay down the bills in two different ways:

• Minnesota Debt Consolidation Program—Whether you have retail credit cards, personal loans, medical bills or large utility bills, you can consolidate all of these by enrolling in a consolidation program. A representative from the company will negotiate with your creditors to have the interest rates and penalties reduced. The goal is to help you get out from insurmountable debt and ensure that you can make your payments each month.

• Minnesota Debt Consolidation Loan—This is a personal loan for people who can’t make payments on their bills at regular times during the month. Most lenders will look for borrowers who have both a steady income and good credit score. Many Minnesota debt consolidation loans are available in large amounts allowing you to repay most of your current bills.

Most Minnesota debt consolidation programs are aimed at consumers who have at least $5,000 in unsecured debts. Once your debts are consolidated, you will make one payment to the company each month and this will be divided up among each of your creditors.

Common Tactics Used By Collection Agencies

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) that was enacted in 1996, is aimed at protecting consumers from abusive tactics used by debt collectors. They are prohibited from the following:

• Calling you at home before 8 am or after 9 pm local time.
• They cannot call you at work if your employer disapproves.
• Once you notify the debt collector in writing to stop contacting you, they must comply with this request.
• Debt collectors are required to send you a written notice informing you of how much is owed on the account.
• Threatening to have you put in jail for not paying your bills.
• Making racial slurs or threatening you or your family in anyway.
• They cannot contact a third party, such as a neighbor or relative that does not owe money to the creditor.

Any debt collector who is in violation of the above should be reported to the Minnesota Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission. Consumers may be able to seek damages for any debt collector who violates the law.

Has the Statute of Limitations Run Out?

The law limits the amount of time in which a debt can be collected. This is known as the statute of limitations and set the maximum period of time that legal proceeding can be initiated. Once this time has expired, the debt collector cannot take any further action. In the State of Minnesota, the statute of limitations is listed below:

• Oral Agreements—6 years
• Written Contracts—6 years
• Promissory Notes—6 years
• Open Accounts—6 years

Most auto loans and installment type agreements are considered to be written contracts whereas credit cards are considered open accounts.

How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off

Before choosing a Minnesota debt consolidation company, do some homework and check out the company’s reputation by checking with the Better Business Bureau. Their website allows consumers to enter the name of a business to find out if any complaints have been lodged against the company.

Scholarships from Contests & Organizations

• Poetry Out Loud: The National Endowment for the Arts and Poetry Foundation joined forces to create a national poetry recitation contest with a pyramid awards structure designed to ensure students at the school, regional, state and national level can receive educational funding. Poetry Out Loud’s national winner receives $20,000 toward their education and the winner’s school receives a $500 stipend allotted for the purchase of poetry books.

• Live Poets Society of New Jersey: Any U.S. high school student can enter this organization’s poetry contest and have a chance at earning cumulative scholarship awards of $2,500 and a publishing offer to American High School Poets Just Poetry quarterly.

Scholarships from Colleges & Universities

• Ambrose D. Pattullo Endowed Scholarship: This scholarship from Michigan State University is intended for the continued study, writing and teaching of poetry by an undergraduate, master’s or doctoral student. The Ambrose D. Pattullo Endowed Scholarship is a renewable award assigned to an undergraduate English major who maintains a 3.5 GPA or a graduate English major who maintains a 3.0 GPA. Applicants of the renewable scholarship will be required to submit a critical essay analyzing a specific poem or some aspect of poetry. 

• Columbia College Chicago Poetry Scholarship: The Poetry Scholarship from Columbia College Chicago is an award given to either an incoming freshman or a transfer student who will be a Poetry Program student. This scholarship, which is intended to aid in the payment of tuition and fees associated with enrollment, pays $1500 for the year—distributed as two $750 installments. In order to receive the scholarship, a candidate must demonstrate talent or achievement in poetry and enroll in a Poetry Workshop during his or her first year at Columbia College Chicago.

• William Morgan Poetry Award: Each year, the Illinois State University’s Department of English awards this scholarship one undergraduate student and one master’s or doctoral student to honor the career of ISU professor William W. Morgan, who retired in 2000. In order to receive the scholarship, students must be in good standing and demonstrate both skill in original poetry writing and scholarly writing in the study of poetry.

Scholarship Scams

Whenever someone has a need or want for money, criminals will seize the opportunity to prey on the vulnerabilities of the financial aid seeker. Scam artists take advantage of students’ desire for education and create phony poetry scholarships with required application submittal fees. Scammers pocket the fee and never award scholarship funds. Keep in mind that some legitimate poetry scholarships may require an application submittal fee. Before submitting any applications to poetry scholarships—whether or not they require application fees—always conduct your own research to verify the reputation and legitimacy of the scholarship source.

Many consumers are struggling to put make ends meet due to soaring gas and food prices. When the economy is tough and the unemployment rate continues to rise, consumers end up using credit cards just to buy groceries. Sometimes they get in over their head and wind up with large amounts of unsecured debts. The debt consolidation Las Vegas companies can help consumers obtain one loan so that they can pay off their high-interest credit cards.

How to Choose a Program

When choosing a debt consolidation Las Vegas program, there are several options to consider:

• Consolidation Loan—A debt consolidation Las Vegas loan can help consumers pay off all of their smaller bills. Homeowners may be able to use the equity in their home as collateral. By consolidating unsecured debts, more money will be available each month due to a lower interest rate. Consumers may also qualify for a tax deduction.

• Debt Counseling—Some consumers may benefit debt counseling services that provides information about how to manage their financial obligations and keeping future debts under control.

• Obtain a Personal Loan—Banks may be willing to lend a small amount of money for a personal loan. Consumers who have good credit can obtain enough to pay off some of their bills. Local credit unions sometimes offer their regular customers an unsecured loan.

Once the credit cards are paid off, consumers should not be tempted to run the up the balances again.

Common Collection Agency Tactics

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is part of the Consumer Credit Protection Act. This federal legislation is aimed at eliminating abusive practices used by collection agencies. There are certain guidelines that must be followed by companies when attempting to collect a debt. All debt collectors are prohibited from engaging in any of the tactics listed below:

• Harassment—They cannot threaten to harm consumers or put them in jail for not paying a debt.
• False Statements—Creditors cannot make false statements to get consumers to pay up.
• Amount Owed—Lying to consumers about the amount they actually owe is illegal.
• Language—They are not allowed to use obscene language or racist remarks.
• Third Parties—They are prohibited from talking to a third party about the consumer’s debts, including employers, neighbors and relatives.
• Impersonation—Pretending to be someone else in order to obtain personal information is not allowed.
• Garnish Wages—They cannot garnish a person’s wages or property.
• Phone Calls—Consumers cannot be contacted at work once they have told the debt collector the employer does not allow it. They are also prohibited from calling people at home before 8:00 am or after 9:00 pm.

In addition to the above, debt collectors cannot make threats about referring the consumer’s account to an attorney unless they actually intend to do so. Collections agencies that violate the FDCPA can be hit with severe penalties and fines.

Statute of Limitations on Debts

While considering a debt consolidation Las Vegas program, find out if the debts have expired. The law limits the amount of time a debt is valid. Once the statute of limitations has run out, the consumer is no longer required to pay the obligation. The statute of limitations regarding debts in Nevada is as follows:

• Written Contracts—Six years
• Oral Agreements—Four years
• Open Ended Accounts—Four years
• Promissory Notes—Three years

Creditors can no longer sue a consumer once a debt has expired.

Check the Company’s Reputation

There are many debt consolidation Las Vegas services that will offer to stop the harassing phone calls from collection agencies. Any company that requires large fees up front for their services may be running a scam. Begin by checking with the Better Business Bureau to find out if the debt consolidation Las Vegas company is reputable. 

The squirrel cage fan was invented by a Russian engineer in 1832 and eventually came into industrial use in many different areas.  It is a basic device that works so well that it is still in use coming up on two hundred years later, even with all of the advanced technology available today.

A squirrel cage fan can use one of three types of drives to turn the fan.  These are direct drive, belt drive and variable drive.  The first, direct drive, involves connecting the fan to an electric motor.  Although reliable, a direct drive system does not allow for changes in fan speed unless the motor speed itself can be varied.  As the name implies, a blet drive uses a belt and a set of sheaves to power the fan.  In this type of drive the fan speed is also fixed.  Belt slippage is one of the concerns with this type of squirrel cage fan drive.  Finally, a variable drive is the third option.  This uses a hydraulic or magnetic system to control the fan and allow th speed of the fan to be adjusted.  Automated systems can be used to allow control over the fan speed.

The fan ribs, also known as blades, can also be of three types in a squirrel cage fan.  These are forward curved, backward curved and straight radial blades.  Forward curved blades curve in the same direction that the fan rotates.  They are excellent for any use that requires a high flow with low pressure.  Backward curved blades curve in the opposite direction, against the direction of the fan’s rotation.  These are usually considered best for applications requiring a more moderate speed and high pressure.  Finally, straight radial blades have no curve and extend straight out from the hub of the squirrel cage fan.  These are often used for low volume, high speed and high pressure applications.

The Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) has created standard performance tables to determine the expected performance of each of the squirrel cage fan types.  These are based on static pressure and standard air density.  These standards allow for testing of fans in lab conditions to measure accurately the the power, air flow rate and pressure as well as the efficiency of a squirrel cage fan at any given speed.  

Although a simple device, the squirrel cage fan can be used for very complex operations, and offers a wide variety of uses across many industries.

Early models of the Montero were a two door with a short wheel base that was more utility than sports and deifinitely not what would be thought of as a luxury vehicle.  Long before the days when an SUV like the Mitsubishi Montero Limited would become the best selling type of large family vehicle around, SUVs were designed for something less luxurious.  the company soon lengthened the wheel base and added the extra doors, making the vehicle much more friendly for family use.

By the time the Mitsubishi Montero Limited became available the SUV was in its third generation and had come a long way.  In order to compete with rivals like the Toyota Land Cruise, which also had less luxurious beginnings, the Montero made a number of changes and worked to appeal to the same market as the Land Cruiser.  The SUV was given more power and new rack and pinion steering.  It had a much more luxurious interor as well.  

The Mitsubishi Montero Limited was the most luxurious and highest trim level of the third generation of the Montero.  It offered leather seats that were heated in the front, and had seating for seven passengers.  The full-size SUV also allowed for the third row seat to be folded away into the back for more cargo space.  It offered a sunroof and some perks for the driver as well including Active Trac four wheel drive for use even on dry pavement.  The vehicle also upgraded to a five speed automatic transmission from the four sppen used on the lower trim levels.  This vehicle competed against the top trim levels of the Land Cruiser as well as Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition.

Although the Mitsubishi Montero Limited offered many of the same features as competitors often at a better price point, the company did not see strong sales of the vehicle.  This may have been due to difficult economic times driving buyers to smaller more fuel efficient cars.  In 2006 the Montero was pulled completely off the North American market.  However, the SUV continued production in many other markets under the original name of the Pajero and entered into a fourth generation of the model.

The Mitsubishi Montero Limited is available on the used car market and is one of the more affordable choices for those seeking a full size SUV with a high level of luxury and performance.  Although there are fewer on the market than other popular large SUV models, the price point is often lower than American built cars and makes the Montero an economica choice for a used SUV.

The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 built upon an already techonoligically advanced sports car model.  The 3000Gt had full time all wheel drive, four wheel steering, front and rear spoilers that adjusted automatically to enhance aerodynamics, ECS (electronicall controlled suspension) and a tuneable exhaust system.  The car was so technologically advanced that some people felt it took too much out of the control of the driver and took away from the driving experience.  Although it was sold as the 3000GT in foreign markets, the car was known as the Mitsubishi GTO in the Japanese market where it originated.

In the second generation of the model, when the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 came onto the scene, some changes were made to the car, including larger wheels and tires and a redesigned front end.  Some interior modifications were made as well, and front air bags were added.  Most notably, many of the technologies that marked earlier models were removed, making the car lighter and more driver friendly.  The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 was the most high performance model, with a Getrag six speed manual transmission as well as a twin turbo V6 engine.  The car had 320 horsepower and along with all of the other changes to the car was a quick and impressive offering from Mitsubishi; it took 5.4 seconds to go from zero to sixty miles per hour.

For 1995 and 1996 there were special editions of the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4, offering a convertible version of the car.  The car had an automatic retractable hard top, and needed only the push of a button to open or close it.  Although the car did not sell well, the retractable hard top became the newest thing in convertibles and Mercedes would later sell it very well on their SLK convertible.

The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4, along with the entire line of 3000GT models, was discontinued in 1999, although a few models were sold into 2000 in the Japenese market.  Slow sales in the American sports car market prompted the decision to pull the car from production.

The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 has since become a popular car with enthusiasts looking for peformance cars that they can modify and tune.  The explosion in popularity of Japanese cars in underground races and modifications have ensured that the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 will always have a home in the United States.  Models around today have likely had some modifications done and those that are stock and in good condition are likely to sell quickly when offered up for sale.  Unlike some other Japanese cars, the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 remains less known and even in the circles where it is well known it is still a less popular choice; still, it has many adherents.

The Hyundai Tiburon GT is one of three trim levels available on the second generation model lineup, although the third trim level, the SE did not appear for the first few years of production.  For 2003 and 2004 there were only the base model and the Hyundai Tiburon GT which came with a more powerful V6 engine.  AS of 2005, the third trim level was added above the GT.  The GT had a V-6 engine, 17 inch wheels, and a five speed manual transmission.  Only the SE level offered a six speed.

As the mid-level model, the Hyundai Tiburon GT was a popular choice for those who wanted more power and more options at an affordable price.  In keeping with Hyundai’s reputation as a economical car company, the Hyundai Tiburon GT was priced reasonably and competed with other entry level sports coupes on the foreign car market.  It also provided enough power to ensure the car could perform well in competition with others in its class.  The Hyundai Tiburon GT never quite managed to gain the reputation of other foreign sports coupes in the United States and around the world, but because of its price point still sold respectably well.

The Hyundai Tiburon GT was manufactured until 2008, when Hyundai pulled it out the lineup; however, there have been statements that the company plans to bring in back into production.  In 2010 another sports coupe, the Genesis, was released by Hyundai, but company representatives have said that it is not intended to replace the Tiburon.

Because of the low original pricing, the Hyundai Tiburon GT is easy to find at a very affordable price on the used car market.  This makes it popular among young drivers who want something with a sports coupe look and the power to go with it, but can’t afford some of the higher end models on the market.  As a result, the Hyundai Tiburon GT sells well in the used car market.

In some markets, the Hyundai Tiburon GT was named the Tuscani, and in others simply the Hyundai Coupe.  The cars produced for the European market did not have the same trim levels, and there the Hyundai Tiburon GT offered different standard trim.  There were also several special editions of the Tiburon released, such as the F2 and the F2 Evolution.

Although it did not do much to affect the sales of already popular coupes from companies like Honda, the Hyundai Tiburon GT did make changes to the way the world saw Hyundai.  It brought the Korean car company into the same playing field as some of the other large car companies and entered them into the lucrative world of coupes.

The 87 Monte Carlo came in a number of different versions.  The two main trim levels were the LS and SS.  The SS version of the 87 Monte Carlo was also available with two options for the body style.  The first was a notchback coupe, and the second the fastback version.  The fastback Aerocoupe model was part of a line that was designed and produced in limited numbers in order to qualify the car to race in the NASCAR circuit.  The first Aerocoupes were built in 1986 and only 200 were made, the minimum to allow the car to race on the track.  In 1987 the production was increased to over 6000 to accomodate the popularity of the car.

The base model 87 Monte Carlo LS came with a 4.3 liter V-6 engine offering 145 horsepower.  Available as an option on this model was an upgrade to the 5.0 liter V-8 engine with 150 horsepower, which also came with an increase from a 3 speed automatic transmission to a 4 speed automatic.  Upgrading to the 4 speed transmission was also an option on the base v-6 engine.  The SS model of the 87 Monte Carlo was equipped with a 5.0 liter V-8 engine with 180 horsepower.

The 87 Monte Carlo was not just the second to last year that four wheel drive was offered, but the second to last year that the Monte Carlo was produced.  It would be retired until the 1990′s when it was redesigned and reintroduced by Chevrolet to appeal to a new and different market.  The 87 Monte Carlo was the end of an era in American cars, the last time that six passenger sedans were produced in large quantities.  A second wave of fuel-efficient cars would hit the market soon, and much as in the 1970s it would change the face of the car market and manufacturing industry.

The 87 Monte Carlo is well on its way to becoming a classic.  Its history as a race car as well as the Monte Carlo name and popularity ensure that this car will one day be a favorite among collectors, especially since it falls so close to the end of the original production run for the Monte Carlo.  Collectors can expect that the value of these cars will see an increase over time as the cars become more rare and harder to find in good condition.  

Finding an 87 Monte Carlo in good condition is not hard, unless you are in search of the SS model.  Due to the very low production numbers, this model is even harder to find in good condition.  You can expect to pay a high price for it, and even more so as time goes by and the cars become harder to locate.  The 87 Monte Carlo is a symbol of the best in American cars.

The 67 Chevelle was available as a four door sedan, also known as a Sport Sedan, which was a popular choice as a smaller car for families or for couples who needed a little more space.  The 67 Chevelle was also available in two different two door models.  The first was a hard top coupe, and the second a convertible version of the 67 Chevelle.  The Chevelle was available in a station wagon model in 1964 and 1965 but the 67 Chevelle did not come in a station wagon version.

The top trim level available in the 67 Chevelle was known as the Malibu model.  After 1977, the name Malibu would replace Chevelle for this model of car, and would continue this way for many years.  The Chevelle was also the basis for another top selling Chevrolet car, the Monte Carlo.  

The other two trim levels available on the 67 Chevelle were the 300 level which was the base model, and the Super Sport, which was the top trim level and the most powerful option for the car.

The 67 Chevelle was available with several different options for the engine.  These ranged from the base model’s six cylinder 230 cubic inch engine with 140 horsepower up to the biggest and most powerful engine available on the car, a 396 cubic inch V-8 engine offering 375 horsepower.  This engine was only available on the 67 Chevelle Super Sport model.  

The 67 Chevelle had an impressive year in production with over 369,000 models built.  More than 283,000 of these were built with the powerful V-8 engine, a sign of the times.  Powerful engines were still in vogue in 1967, before fuel efficiency became the goal of most car manufacturers as well as of most car buyers.  The last years of the 1960s and the first few of the 1970s were the last years when muscle cars reigned with the biggest engines they could offer.

The 67 Chevelle came standard with a bench seat as was common in that time, however optional bucket seats were available for those who preferred a more secure and comfortable seating option.  The 67 Chevelle was also available in a wide range of colors and even the convertible top was offered in three color options.  With all of the different models available, the three trim levels, eight engine configurations and many different color combinations, the 67 Chevelle could be designed to suit anyone’s taste.

Today the 67 Chevelle is a much sought after collector car, worth a large sum of money in good condition.  Restored and original cars sell for more than their original selling price; in some cases many, many times more.  Your best bet for finding a 67 Chevelle today is a collector auction or through a private sale.  You can expect to pay top dollar for one in excellent condition.