The Stellar Risk Report & Journal is a FREE online journal of the latest credit and risk related topics and news affecting your business. Sign-up to receive the latest newsletter via email.




GOOD DEBT VS. BAD DEBT
The amount of personal debt in this country is ever-increasing, and a large part of the reason is that credit has never been easier to get. Whereas credit card issuers previously looked for customers who could repay, today card issuers relish the chance to reel in those who'll continuously charge beyond their means at 18 percent or 20 percent.
> Consumer Credit | > Articles | > Business & Financial Advice | > Financing Methods

LOAN MODIFICATION - THE PROS & CONS
President Obama's $75 billion Making Home Affordable (MHA) plan was introduced on the 4th March 2009. Loan modification involves adjusting the terms of a mortgage agreement to make house payments more affordable. A mortgage modification may consist of extending the term of a loan, a reduction in the rate of interest, changing the loan type or even reducing the outstanding balance. Qualifying homeowners will receive assistance until January 31, 2012.
> Articles | > Financing Methods

6 BIGGEST MISTAKES HOMEBUYERS MAKE
Buying a home is the biggest purchase most people will ever make, yet many go into it blind. Here are the 6 most common -- and costly-- mistakes homebuyers make.
> Consumer Credit | > Articles | > Financing Methods

REASONS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A ROTH IRA
When it comes to opening an individual retirement account, should you go with a traditional IRA or a Roth? Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs have their own unique benefits, but new rules in 2010 allow some investors who had been locked out of Roth IRAs the option to take advantage of Roth's tax-free withdrawals. Whether you're just starting to save for retirement or considering rolling over a traditional IRA, here are a few things to know about Roth IRAs:
> Articles | > Financing Methods

EXPORT FINANCING OPTIONS ABOUND
Small business owners considering exporting can find a wealth of foreign market research - by country and sector - on the Internet and through the World Trade Center. The SBA Export Express Program provides a guarantee of 90 percent on loan amounts up to $250,000.
> Business & Financial Advice | > Financing Methods

STEPS TO TAKE WHEN YOUR BUSINESS CREDIT LINE IS PULLED
During periods of tight business credit, lenders are more likely to call a note payable on demand or even find borrowers in default for minor technicalities. Business borrowers should have a backup plan ready in the event a bank pulls your line of credit.
> Business & Financial Advice | > Financing Methods

THE RECEIVABLES EXCHANGE'S MEMBERSHIP EXCEEDS $500 MILLION IN A/R TURNOVER
The Receivables Exchange, the world’s first online marketplace for real-time trading of accounts receivable, today (June 9, 2008) announced that its Charter Member program has surpassed $500 million in accounts receivable turnover since commencing its sales initiatives two months ago.
> Articles | > Financing Methods

TAKING THE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE FINANCING PLUNGE
Is Account Receivable Factoring for You? As a small business owner, you know first hand the struggle of attaining capital to finance the growth of your business or meet cash flow shortages. When regular small business financing such as loans and credit are limited, some business owners will turn to accounts receivable financing. Is accounts receivable financing right for your business?
> Financing Methods

FINANCING SOURCES FOR EXPORT AND INTERNATIONAL SALES
One of the biggest challenges exporters face is balancing the desire to make a sale with the need to get paid. Frequently this can be a source of contention between the sales department and the credit department. Sales will argue that the credit department is too conservative and is costing the company sales and profits. In turn, the credit department may assert that overeager salespeople are not aware of the risks associated with selling to a particular customer or in a particular country. The
> Financing Methods

PURCHASE ORDER FINANCING FOR A GROWING BUSINESS
Unique sales opportunities, or seasonal demands often require the assistance of transaction financing. A case in point involved a manufacturer of consumer goods, with an exceptional opportunity to do business with a major retailer. The company received an extremely large order, well beyond its expectations, and production capabilities. To complete the order, the company needed to find an alternative source of product to supplement its production capacity, which would require additional financing
> Financing Methods

INTERNATIONAL FACTORING - ANOTHER VIEW POINT
As the global economy has become increasingly competitive, companies are finding that they must be more flexible with customers to maintain and grow sales. Being able to offer international customers better financing terms is now an important part of any sales package. Since payment from companies in other countries involves elements of uncertainty that are unlike those faced with domestic companies, credit risk becomes more of an obstacle.
> Financing Methods

INTERNATIONAL FACTORING
Factoring is a complete financial package that combines working capital financing, credit risk protection, accounts receivable bookkeeping and collection services. It is offered under an agreement between the factor and a seller. Under the agreement, the factor purchases the seller's accounts receivable, normally without recourse, and assumes the responsibility for the debtor's financial ability to pay. If the debtor goes bankrupt or is unable to pay it's debts for credit reasons, the factor wil
> Financing Methods | > International Credit

1