lump sum http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for lump sum Copyright 2008 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:17:52 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/lump+sum Making A Rational Decision About A Structured Settlement Annuity http://www.artwoo.com/article/making-a-rational-decision-about-a-structured-settlement-annuity http://www.artwoo.com/article/making-a-rational-decision-about-a-structured-settlement-annuity#comments Wed, 27 Sep 2006 12:27:07 +0000 life annuityannuitiesbeneficiarystructured settlementsrational decisionsheer volumeaghast http://www.artwoo.com/article/making-a-rational-decision-about-a-structured-settlement-annuity aghast by the of e-mails, web sites, tv and journal advertising and legal talk when considering the issue of or . We will investigate what, exactly, a structured settlement is so that you are better able to understand the concept and be able to make a .

To begin, let's explore just what a structured settlement is. It is simply a series of guaranteed disbursals - also known as annuities - made over a certain period of time and is usually the result of an injury settlement or another situation in which you are awarded access to a substantial whole amount of money. It is the alternative to accepting an upfront lump sum.

Structured settlements are individualized arrangements meant to help you cover present and forthcoming expenses. By working closely with an experienced attorney or financial advisor you can determine an effective structured settlement to give you the security of a fixed income over a set period of time. This can help you sleep better at night by taking a huge burden off your back.

There are various types of these annuities. You can learn more about them over at http://www.fixmyannuity.com, but here is a brief explanation of each. This is by no means a complete list, but should give you a fair idea of what is out there:

A certain Period Annuity has a certain period of time for the payments to be paid out. They can be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. Upon your death, all remaining payments are made to you .

A will make periodic contributions for a guaranteed number of years (based on your life expectancy) or for life, whichever is up first. Again, the beneficiary receives any remaining disbursals should you die before the full whole amount is paid.

A Temporary Life Annuity will pay you for a designated number of years if you are still living, so your annuity ends when you die. There's no provision for a beneficiary to collect remaining disbursals.

In a Life Contingent Lump Sum you'll receive a lump sum, provided you are alive on the due date. If you die before this date, your beneficiary is not entitled to the whole amount.

Finally, with Lump Sum Option you can set it up to receive the lump sum on a particular date, say, fifteen years from now. Your beneficiary will receive the lump sum on the future date if you have died before then.

So which type is right for you? The best advice we can offer is to do your fact-finding work. Discuss your situation with your financial advisor and family. That way when you make the decision you'll know what your getting and have considered all the options. Yvonne Volante, the author, is a big fan of annuities and proper planning and writes for fixmyannuity.com, which is the premier annuity resource on the internet. You can see all of the articles over at http://www.fixmyannuity.com ]]> Mammogram - Will a Mammogram Save Your Life? http://www.artwoo.com/article/mammogram-will-a-mammogram-save-your-life http://www.artwoo.com/article/mammogram-will-a-mammogram-save-your-life#comments Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:29:21 +0000 breast cancer epidemicdiagnostic mammographylump in the breastdigital mammographycancer guidelinesspecialist nursesultrasound scan http://www.artwoo.com/article/mammogram-will-a-mammogram-save-your-life
A mammogram can help to detect breast cancer at the earliest stage and it's an important part of our fight against the . Mammography has been available to women for decades now - and yet even in countries like the UK where these tests are available to all women for free, there is still not full participation by all women in the screening programs.

Some of these tests are performed when there is nothing at all to find on breast examination - no lumps and no suspicious problem areas. This is called a screening mammogram. In some countries these screening tests are offered on a mobile basis - with a large truck staffed by and doctors and with all the necessary gear turning up at a supermarket or at a factory and providing all that is needed for a drop in one stop shop approach.

The other kind of mammogram is called a diagnostic mammogram and this is done when a screening test shows a suspicious area or when the person is aware of a or of some other symptom that could relate to breast cancer. The actual technique of the test is pretty much identical - but extra views or more targetted views might be needed if the test is being done on someone who actually has a lump.

New digital techniques allow the images to be enhanced and make the screening and diagnostic tests easier for doctors to read. is probably more accurate at picking up problems in women under the age of fifty, or for those who have not yet had their menopause.

The latest versions of breast say that if a woman over the age or thirty discovers a lump in the breast then both a test and an of the breast should be performed. Ultrasound is a good test to show if a lump is solid or full of fluid - like a simple cyst might be for example. A lump with fluid in it looks dark or black on ultrasound - a solid area looks white because of the way that the sound waves from the ultrasound bounce off it.


When a breast mass is solid, its alignment and shape provide clues as to whether it is benign or cancerous. Usually a benign mass is horizontally aligned with smooth borders, while one that is malignant is vertically aligned with irregular borders. The nature of a solid mass can be clarified by performing an image-guided core-needle biopsy. During this procedure, ultrasound or mammography is used to help a radiologist extract a tissue sample from the mass with a needle. A pathologist evaluates the sample.

But ... for some women who have found a lump in the breast, both the mammogram and the ultrasound might be normal. This is obviously good news but if the lump persists then doctors advise having repeated checks - and in rare cases, if the lump is still present after a month or two - a minor operation to remove it or biopsy it should be performed.

Mammograms and breast ultrasound can save lives. So can self examination of the breasts. When did you last check yourself? Are you breast aware?Marjory is a breast cancer survivor who has blogged her experiences about the symptoms of breast cancer and about breast cancer treatments.You can read more about her experiences and join in breast cancer discussion on http://www.twinkletwinkles.com]]> Whole Life Insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/whole-life-insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/whole-life-insurance#comments Sat, 15 Apr 2006 09:50:05 +0000 term life insurancelump sum paymentcgtinheritance taxinsurance coverpeace of mindterminate http://www.artwoo.com/article/whole-life-insurance lump sum payment is guaranteed upon death of the insured life, regardless of what age death occurs at. This means that unlike where a lump sum payment upon death is only guaranteed to a certain age, whole life policies can be relied upon to make a lump sum payment that is free from any age restrictions. What's more, whole life policies can even be configured so life age continues after payments of whole life premiums stop.

The advantages of whole life insurance

Without a doubt whole life insurance is the most comprehensive type of life insurance available. If you want the that your family and dependants are financially secure once you leave this earth - and you want that peace of mind GUARANTEED - then a whole life policy will rise to the challenge. Some life insurance companies will even allow you to link a critical illness policy to your whole life insurance, enabling you and your family to receive the benefit of your whole life lump sum before you die.

Whole life insurance offers a host of other advantages too...

Tax exemption: The lump sum paid out upon death is exempt from income tax and also from capital gains tax (). If the whole life policy is legally placed in trust then your family / dependants will have no to pay either.

Inflation linked: Whole life policies can be index linked to inflation. This means that the sum insured will not devalue over time.

Continuous insurance cover: It is possible to arrange your whole life cover to be fully paid-up by a certain age limit, after which life insurance cover continues until death without any further payment contributions being needed. This means that you can arrange to insurance payments when you retire or before, easing the burden on your personal cash flow in later years. Naturally, the earlier you terminate payments then the higher the monthly life insurance premium will be.

The disadvantages of whole life insurance

Does whole life insurance sound too good to be true? If it does then you'll want to know the catch...and the catch is the cost! Whole life policies are not cheap, in fact they are the most expensive form of life insurance available. Even a young healthy individual who does not smoke should expect to pay several times more than the premium amount on a standard term life insurance policy. For the less healthy individual, the premiums will be even higher.

Furthermore, most life insurance companies require whole life applicants to undergo a medical before the life insurance is underwritten. Whole life policyholders may also be subject to premium reviews at regular intervals throughout the life of the policy. Gary Tallon is an established http://www.powerinsurance.com author and is currently working with http://www.unitedlife.co.uk/cheap-uk-life-insurance.html companies. ]]> Getting Money From A Reverse Mortgage http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-money-from-a-reverse-mortgage http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-money-from-a-reverse-mortgage#comments Sat, 21 Oct 2006 04:27:03 +0000 reverse mortgagelump sumhome improvementstom atkinsmoneyoccasional contributorfinance journal http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-money-from-a-reverse-mortgage reverse mortgage allows homeowners over the age of 62 to cash in on the equity of their home.The homeowner can use these funds in anyway they want.Some have used the for extended term care or .Homeowners usually run into very little difficulty in securing these funds.The funds are practically free because with the exception of the fees, more than likely, the mortgages will not be paid back over the course of the homeowner's life.

There are several payment options to choose when receiving funds from a reverse mortgage. In most cases you can choose one or more of them based on your needs.

* Getting your money in a : Most often the money from a reverse mortgage is paid in a lump sum. You will receive one payment which equals the value of your home.

* Getting a specific amount paid over the course of a number of years: With this option the homeowner will receive payments over a specific course of time, 10 years for example. This could be a great help in managing funds over a period of time.

* Getting a specific amount paid to the homeowner every month until they die or permanently move out of their home: Receiving monthly payments gives the homeowner a sense of security in knowing that their money will not run out before they die.

* Getting a line of credit. Funds can be provided as a line of credit and be paid back to the lender. A specific amount could be taken out to make repairs or to pay a bill as the funds are needed.

Getting the right type of terms for your needs is totally up to you.Give thought to what your needs are, how much funding is required and how soon you will need the funds. Some homeowners have gotten a lump sum and transferred it into a savings account until needed. The funds are yours and you can do whatever you want to with it with no restrictions. is a staff writer at http://www.finance-journal.com and is an to several other websites, including http://www.debt-journal.com. ]]> 3 Loans That Are Easily Available To Homeowners http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-loans-that-are-easily-available-to-homeowners http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-loans-that-are-easily-available-to-homeowners#comments Mon, 04 Sep 2006 16:27:09 +0000 mortgage loanhome equity line of creditequity loanlump sumborrowloanscredit score http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-loans-that-are-easily-available-to-homeowners loans that are easily available to you. As long as you have some equity in your house--the amount of your home's value minus any amount you still owe on it--you can tap it for cash. In general, these three loans are easily available to most homeowners:

HOME :

Based on the amount of equity in your home, you can on that amount and receive it in one . Your lender will assess the amount you can borrow, and you'll simply need to fill out some paperwork before receiving your check. Although your credit history and will probably be checked during the application process, even those with less-than-perfect credit can usually get approval as long as you have sufficient equity in your home. A Home Equity Loan is perfect for folks who need a chunk of money for remodeling or an emergency.

:

Similar to a Home Equity Loan, the amount you can borrow is based on the equity in your house. However, rather than receiving a lump sum of cash, you'll be issued a line of credit. This is a revolving account--meaning you can draw off it over and over again. This type of loan is best for folks who plan to use it as an emergency fund, or who are going to make many small repairs to their home over time.

SECOND MORTGAGE:

In this case, you simply take out a second on your home. By placing a second loan against your home, you get a lump sum of cash to use for whatever reason you desire. However, second mortgages tend to be expensive. You'll have to pay closing costs, fees and possibly points on your loan. The interest rate tends to be higher, since a second mortgage is a bigger risk for a lender (in the event of default, your first mortgage is the one that gets paid off).

Most homeowners will find that they qualify for at least one of these three types of loans. Choosing the best one for you depends on your personal circumstances, such as the amount of equity in your home and the reason you want the cash. Visit http://www.homeequitywise.com to compare Home Equity Loans vs. Second Mortgages. ]]> What Is A Flexible Mortgage? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-flexible-mortgage http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-flexible-mortgage#comments Thu, 01 Nov 2007 18:24:59 +0000 mortgage interest ratemortgage termflexible mortgagemortgage paymentlump sum paymentlump sum paymentssavings account http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-flexible-mortgage flexible mortgage is a secured loan, which can be paid back in differing amounts while providing access to the housing equity (within pre-agreed limits).

There are five key features with a flexible mortgage: the ability to pay the mortgage off early through overpayments or s, the ability to borrow money back by withdrawing lump sums, making underpayments, and having payment holidays. A flexible mortgage gives you more control than with a traditional type of mortgage, and the overpayment feature can significantly save money on your mortgage, for example:

Example 1: =A3140,000 mortgage, interest rate 6%, 25 years.

Monthly was =A3902 and increased by =A350 to =A3952 =96 the overall cost saved would be =A316,193 and the adjusted mortgage term would be 22.2 years.

Example 2: =A3100,000 mortgage, interest rate 7%, mortgage term 30 years.

Monthly mortgage payment was =A3665 and increased by =A350 to =A3715 =96 the overall cost saved would be =A331,193 and the adjusted mortgage term would be 24.2 years

can also make a significant difference to your mortgage. For example, =A3150,000 mortgage, interest rate 7%, mortgage term 25 years =96 if you made a =A310,000 lump sum payment after 5 years of having the mortgage, the interest saved would be =A326,576.81 and the time saved would be 2 years and 10 months. If you made the =A310,000 lump sum payment after 1 year of having the mortgage, the interest saved would be =A336,949.05 and the time saved would be 3 years and 8 months (all figures are approximate).

Two additional reasons for making overpayments on your debt with a flexible mortgage are:

Save interest =96 the interest charged on your mortgage is normally higher than the average . Consequently, it is better to pay off your mortgage with an interest rate of 6.9%, than putting your money into a savings account with an interest rate of 4.3%.

Reduce the capital debt =96 all the extra payments reduce the capital debt rather than just paying the interest on your flexible mortgage; in the beginning, up to 95% of your monthly mortgage payments goes on paying the interest and only a small amount of your monthly payment is paid on the capital debt.

A flexible mortgage can be tailored to a borrower's lifestyle and needs as there are different types of flexible mortgages in the market place. Some flexible mortgages can be quite restrictive with no underpayment facility and limited access to overpayments, whereas another type of flexible mortgage can give enormous scope for borrowers' to deposit and withdraw sums of any amount at any time.

A flexible mortgage has a higher interest rate than a conventional mortgage, but the key selling point for a flexible mortgage is the longer-term savings on interest that can be made by making overpayments and lump sum payments to get ahead in the repayment schedule, thus paying off the mortgage early. In a recent survey of borrowers' who had a flexible mortgage: 32% had used the overpayment facility, and 90% who had overpaid would do so again. 51% who had not made overpayments were planning to do so in the future. 69% of borrowers' who had made overpayments had been doing so for more than six months, and 87% intended to continue overpaying until the mortgage was paid off. Most overpayers looked upon overpayments as a long-term plan for clearing their mortgage debt and saving money in the long run.

Although the flexible mortgage is a fairly new type of mortgage on the market, it is becoming an increasingly popular choice for borrowers', and lenders predict that the flexible mortgage will become more accommodating for borrowers'. For more information, visit http://www.offsetmortgagecentre.co.uk ]]> Debt Consolidation Loan For A Home Owner - 3 http://www.artwoo.com/article/debt-consolidation-loan-for-a-home-owner-3 http://www.artwoo.com/article/debt-consolidation-loan-for-a-home-owner-3#comments Mon, 22 May 2006 00:32:07 +0000 home equity loansmortgagehome equity loan ratesdebt consolidationhome equity line of creditequity loan ratesheloc http://www.artwoo.com/article/debt-consolidation-loan-for-a-home-owner-3 debt consolidation. Here are three loans to consider:

Second

A second mortgage is, essentially, another mortgage on a home that already carries a mortgage loan. The second mortgage takes a backseat to the first one, so it's a bit riskier for lenders. Because of this additional risk, second mortgages usually carry shorter terms and higher interest rates. However, you can use the money you borrow from a second mortgage to consolidate your debt into one payment. And even though the interest rate is typically higher than your first mortgage, it's usually still lower than the average credit card or personal loan rate.

Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan borrows a lump sum of money from the equity in your house--the value of your home minus the amount you currently owe on it. For example, if your house is valued at $250,000, and you currently owe $200,000 on your mortgage, you have $50,000 in equity that you can borrow. That means you can get a lump sum totaling $50,000, which you can then use to pay off other debts. In general, tend to be low, and in many cases they are tax deductible.

Home Equity Line-of-Credit

A --also known as --is a type of revolving loan. Like a Home Equity Loan, you are borrowing from the equity in your home. However, unlike a Home Equity Loan, you don't get a lump sum of cash. Instead, as a line of credit, you can draw on it any time for any amount (up to your limited maximum). HELOCs, in general, tend to have lower interest rates than .

Although borrowing a second mortgage or using the equity in your home can be a simple and low-cost way to consolidate your debt, it's important to remember that, in all these cases, your home is the collateral for the loan. So before you borrow against your home, be certain you will be able to make your monthly payments. Try using http://www.abcloanguide.com for a list of Recommended Debt Consolidation Companies online. Their recommended companies are reputable and competitive in their rates. ]]> Breast Cancer Affecting Women http://www.artwoo.com/article/breast-cancer-affecting-women http://www.artwoo.com/article/breast-cancer-affecting-women#comments Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:50:27 +0000 breast cancer mortalitybreast cancer casessigns of breast canceramerican cancer societydetecting breast cancerways to prevent breast cancerworldwide breast http://www.artwoo.com/article/breast-cancer-affecting-women
There are plenty of signs or symptoms involved with . The most notable sign or symptom is the discovery of a lump on the breast. This lump usually feels different than the surrounding tissue. More than 80 percent of are discovered by the woman doing a self-test and finding a lump on the breast according to the Merck Manual. The first red flag of breast cancer discovered by doctors is through mammograms according to .

If a patient finds a lump or lumps in the armpits or lymph nodes this can also be an indicator of breast cancer. Other are changes in the size of the breast, skin dimpling, nipple inversion or spontaneous nipple discharge. Another sign is the reshaping of the breast. Patients who suffer from breast pain can be a misleading sign of breast cancer. It is not normally breast cancer if a patient suffers from pain but could be other breast-related problems.

There are or help to prevent the condition. Having more children, breastfeeding, and exercising three times per week for an hour each time. This exercise regimen has been found to lower the risk of breast cancer by up to 40 percent. High intake of soy, folic acids, and avoiding secondhand smoke also help to prevent the development of breast cancer.

The most common way for women to detect breast cancer is through screening at a doctor's office. The screening is known as an X-ray mammography. This process is quick, accurate and readily available in most industrially developed countries. It has been estimated that has been reduced between 20-30 percent because of mammography testing. Doctors worldwide recommend that women, beginning in their forties, get a yearly mammography to check for lumps in their breasts.

Treatment of breast cancer, if a lump is discovered and the tumor is localized, includes surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. There is also immune therapy and hormone therapy for breast cancer patients. Radiation can be used following surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

Breast cancer isn't located just in the breast. Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body, which is known as metastasis. Breast cancer spreads most commonly to the lymph nodes under the arms. Breast cancer can also spread to other parts of the body via the blood vessels. It can spread to the lungs, brain, the liver and even to the bones. Almost 70 percent of the time that breast cancer spread it spreads to bones of the ribs, arms, and the legs. If breast cancer is spread to the bones it is treatable but not curable.Manageable Financial OptionsRaleigh Dentist Locations]]> Barbecue Techniques http://www.artwoo.com/article/barbecue-techniques http://www.artwoo.com/article/barbecue-techniques#comments Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:15:00 +0000 charcoal briquetteslump charcoalneighbors complaintwhat your neighborsgas grillsdenatured alcoholheat level http://www.artwoo.com/article/barbecue-techniques
The choice of wood that you use can have some bearing on how your barbecue comes out as these impart different flavours to the meat. (Yes, unfortunately, your neighbors' complaint that their food has a taste of wood in it actually does have some basis.) In addition, some types of wood burn faster than others. Many suggest that the best way to barbecue is to use a combination of wood and charcoal to optimize smoke flavour and consistent burning. (Let's see can say about that one.)

As far as charcoal is concerned, buying a commercial bag of processed is fine, although may be better. The main difference between lump charcoal and brisquette charcoal is that the first has not been ground and shaped. Lump charcoal is considered a purer form of charcoal and is obviously preferred by purists over processed charcoal.

Ideally, you should use a chimney starter because this ensures a consistent for the coal. Or, you could also use an electric iron to heat the coals. Others simply soak the charcoal in lighter fluid and light them, a technique which is quick and easy, although this can impart unnatural chemical flavours to the meat. Better to use to avoid the aftertaste problem.

After 15-25 minutes, the coals are covered in ash. For indirect cooking, spread the coals around the grill's perimeter and place the meat in the grill's center. For direct cooking, pile the coals together in the center right underneath the meat.

are ideal because they are easy to light and the heat they generate is easy to control, using those gas valves on the burners (the one with the knobs). However, purists still prefer cooking with charcoal because they claim gas grills lack the flavour that comes from cooking with wood and charcoal. Gas grills are also more expensive, but they are also cleaner since they do not produce ashes or air pollution. Kadence Buchanan writes articles for http://cookingforfun.net/ - In addition, Kadence also writes articles for http://livingtheoutdoorslife.com/ and http://letstalkaboutfood.com/ ]]> Barbecue Techniques http://www.artwoo.com/article/barbecue-techniques http://www.artwoo.com/article/barbecue-techniques#comments Thu, 07 Sep 2006 16:27:11 +0000 charcoal briquetteslump charcoalthings to rememberunfortunatelygas grillsdenatured alcoholcoals http://www.artwoo.com/article/barbecue-techniques things to remember to help you come up with the perfect barbecue.

The choice of wood that you use can have some bearing on how your barbecue comes out as these impart different flavours to the meat. (Yes, , your neighbors' complaint that their food has a taste of wood in it actually does have some basis.) In addition, some types of wood burn faster than others. Many suggest that the best way to barbecue is to use a combination of wood and charcoal to optimize smoke flavour and consistent burning. (Let's see what your neighbors can say about that one.)

As far as charcoal is concerned, buying a commercial bag of processed is fine, although may be better. The main difference between lump charcoal and brisquette charcoal is that the first has not been ground and shaped. Lump charcoal is considered a purer form of charcoal and is obviously preferred by purists over processed charcoal.

Ideally, you should use a chimney starter because this ensures a consistent heat level for the coal. Or, you could also use an electric iron to heat the . Others simply soak the charcoal in lighter fluid and light them, a technique which is quick and easy, although this can impart unnatural chemical flavours to the meat. Better to use to avoid the aftertaste problem.

After 15-25 minutes, the coals are covered in ash. For indirect cooking, spread the coals around the grill's perimeter and place the meat in the grill's center. For direct cooking, pile the coals together in the center right underneath the meat.

are ideal because they are easy to light and the heat they generate is easy to control, using those gas valves on the burners (the one with the knobs). However, purists still prefer cooking with charcoal because they claim gas grills lack the flavour that comes from cooking with wood and charcoal. Gas grills are also more expensive, but they are also cleaner since they do not produce ashes or air pollution. Kadence Buchanan writes articles for http://cookingforfun.net/ - In addition, Kadence also writes articles for http://livingtheoutdoorslife.com/ and http://letstalkaboutfood.com/ ]]> Critical Illness Insurance -- Another Scam? http://www.artwoo.com/article/critical-illness-insurance-another-scam http://www.artwoo.com/article/critical-illness-insurance-another-scam#comments Wed, 09 Aug 2006 08:27:28 +0000 critical illness insuranceinsurance policyuk insuranceinsurance providerinsurance premiumsmoreoverillnesses http://www.artwoo.com/article/critical-illness-insurance-another-scam critical illness insurance may well be one of the wisest and astute financial decisions you make.

What Is Critical Illness Insurance?

In short, a critical illness is very much like any other insurance policy you take out. Here, however, your premiums go towards insuring that you do not contract a critical illness. In the event that you do contract a critical illness, your provider will pay you out a tax-free lump sum to help you cover the day-to-day costs of having to live with your new medical condition.

Are There Any Limitations With Critical Illness Insurance?

Yes; it is essential that you look at the list of critical that your insurance policy covers, as these will be the only illness under which the policy will pay-out. In other words, the UK will not pay-out on the policy simply because you have a doctor's certificate that you have a critical illness, it needs to be one of the designated critical illness.

, if you are considered by the UK insurance provider to be a high risk -- for example, if you smoke -- then it is likely that either you will not be able to obtain the critical illness insurance, or your will be significantly higher than if this were not to the case. Importantly, you will need to disclose whether or not you have any existing conditions, in which case these will likely not be included, and whether or not your family has a history of the illnesses set out in the policy, in which case this will likely affect your premium payments.

How Will I Be Paid?

As mentioned, with a critical illness insurance your UK insurance underwriter will pay you out a lump-sum tax free amount once you contract one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy. Having paid out the lump-sum amount, your relationship with the UK insurance provider will come to an end. In other words, you will not have an ongoing relationship with the insurance provider paying you intermediate payments.

Is It Worth Having Critical Illness Insurance?

The question of whether or not there is any value in you having a critical illness insurance will depending largely on your age, expenses, and whether or not you have any other insurance. Essentially, critical illness insurance covers an area for which other types of insurance can be obtained. However, unlike other types of insurance, this is a very specific insurance policy paying out for a very specific purpose. That said, there is a strong argument that you can never really have too much insurance and will numbers seemingly showing that more and more of us contracting critical illnesses as we grow as an aging population, this type of UK insurance is always useful. Joe Kenny writes for the UK personal finance sites http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk and also http://www.cardguide.co.uk ]]> Is Eye Sty Harmful? http://www.artwoo.com/article/is-eye-sty-harmful http://www.artwoo.com/article/is-eye-sty-harmful#comments Sat, 10 Jun 2006 21:32:04 +0000 staphylococcal bacteriastypimplehordeolumdead skin cellsdead cellsstys http://www.artwoo.com/article/is-eye-sty-harmful sty is a or abscess that forms in either the upper or lower eyelid. The medical term for sty is (say HOR-dee-oh-lumm) and it is an infection caused by bacteria that normally live peacefully on the eyelid skin surface.

Some of thee germs get trapped along with inside crypts along the eyelid margin. are usually superficial and plainly visible. Occasionally they can reside deeper within the eyelid.

This common infection or inflammation results from blocked glands within the eyelid. When the gland is blocked, the oil produced by the gland occasionally backs up and extrudes through the wall of the gland, forming a lump, which can be red, painful, and nodular. Frequently, bacteria can infect the blocked gland, causing increased inflammation, pain, and redness of the eye and even redness of the surrounding eyelid and cheek tissue.

The lump can point externally (outward) or internally (inward). Frequently, the lump appears with a visible whitish or yellowish spot that looks much like a large pimple.

An external sty starts as a pimple next to an eyelash. It turns into a red, painful swelling that usually lasts several days before it bursts and then heals. Most external stys are short-lived and self-limiting.

An internal sty(on the underside of the lid) also causes a red, painful swelling, but its location prevents the familiar whitehead from appearing on the eyelid. The internal sty may disappear completely once the infection is past, or it may leave a small fluid-filled cyst or nodule that can persist and may have to be opened and drained.

Stys are usually caused by , which often live right on the skin surface. Truth be told, our bodies are coated with billions of friendly bacteria that coexist with us. When the conditions are just right the bacteria feast on and other debris, resulting in the tender pimple.

Good hand and facial washing may prevent styes from forming or coming back. For complete information on Eye Sty, visit http://EyeSty.smartreviewguide.com ]]> Barbecues http://www.artwoo.com/article/barbecues http://www.artwoo.com/article/barbecues#comments Sun, 12 Nov 2006 08:27:04 +0000 charcoal briquetteslump charcoalgas grillsbarbecuecoalspuristsscoff http://www.artwoo.com/article/barbecues barbecue with family and friends in your own backyard to wash away the stresses of a hard week at work and rejuvenate you for the coming week ahead. It would be great to have a barbecue every weekend, wouldn't it? But as I realized only lately, there are so many other things to consider if you want to aspire for the barbecue. It's not a simple as putting meat on the grill and letting it roast, as I used to think.

First of all, you have to consider your choice of wood because different types of wood give the meat a distinct kind of flavor. The choice of wood is also important considering that some kinds of wood burn faster than most. You may want to consider combining wood and charcoal for better smoke control and a consistent fire.

When it comes to charcoal, using a commercial bag of processed is good enough, but for best results you should use instead. What's the difference? For one thing, lump charcoal has not been ground and shaped as opposed to charcoal briquettes. In addition, lump charcoal is the purer type of charcoal and, obviously, it is the charcoal of choice by barbecue who at the use of processed charcoal.

Using a chimney starter matters as well especially if you want to make sure that the heat stays at a consistent level all throughout your cooking. Others also use an electric iron to heat the . The lazy ones are prone to soaking charcoal in lighter fluid but though this technique may be quick and easy, it gives the meat an unnatural chemical taste.

Once the coals are covered in ash, usually after 15-25 minutes, you can either barbecue the meat directly (by piling the coals together in the center beneath the meat) or indirectly (by spreading the coals around the grill's perimeter and placing the meat in the grill's center).

For maximum convenience, are the way to go because they are easy to light and easy to control. But purists have a bone to pick with this technique as well, claiming that cooking with gas grills lessens the flavor of the meat compared to cooking with wood and charcoal. Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for http://foodandourlives.com/ - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for http://fitness-talk.net/ and http://inutritioncentral.com/ ]]> What is Life Assurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-life-assurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-life-assurance#comments Thu, 11 Sep 2008 03:08:36 +0000 life assurance companylump sum benefitsudden declinetime deathpuristsuntimely deathdependents http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-life-assurance dependents would be horrified by the thought of their leaving their family with hefty bills to pay, an outstanding mortgage to struggle to meet, or a in their standard of living. Life assurance -- which guarantees an agreed in the event of the policy holder's death -- is designed to take the sting out of just such worries.

You will probably have noticed this type of insurance variously described as life insurance or life assurance and you might have wondered why. The reason for the distinction -- which these days is often blurred -- arises from the fact that insurance is about the risk of something happening. Death, on the other hand, is the one certainty that all of us can count on as happening at some time. The description life assurance, therefore, was coined for the contract under which a agreed to pay out an assured sum upon the policy holder's death.

To add a little more confusion to the picture, most life assurance sold today takes the form of term life assurance. With term life assurance, cover is extended for a predetermined number of years and if the policy holder dies within that period, the assured lump sum is indeed paid. If the policy holder survives the agreed term, however, then no benefit at all is paid. It could be argued that this arrangement is indeed life insurance, since the risk is being taken whether or not the policy holder will die within the term of the insurance. might argue, therefore, that the label "life assurance" should be reserved for something called whole-of-life assurance which pays a lump sum to the policy holder's beneficiaries at whatever occurs.

Suffice it to say that the terms life assurance and life insurance are, in common usage, practically interchangeable. As noted, whole-of-life assurance will almost always pay out, so its premiums tend to be somewhat higher than standard term life assurance. Whole-of-life assurance is also generally packaged with an investment plan, designed to enhance the final payout, and this too increases the price of the premiums.

Standard term life assurance, however, remains remarkably cheap. Indeed, it is one of the few products in any market which has actually come down in price over the past decade. The level of benefits payable under a term life assurance policy are directly proportional to the level of premiums paid, so it is very much a question of choice as to how much protection is bought. It also comes in a number of different types, to suit a variety of personal circumstances.

The most popular variation is level term life assurance. It is called level term because the assured lump sum benefit remains the same throughout the insured term. Decreasing term life assurance, on the other hand and just as its name suggests, offers a decreasing death benefit during the course of the term. With a steadily decreasing sum at risk, the life assurance company can charge an even lower premium, making this the ideal choice for someone who wishes to ensure that a standard repayment mortgage (on which the balance is also steadily decreasing) is fully paid off in the event of their death. For those who want to build in some degree of increasing benefit, there is either increasing term life assurance (with the lump sum benefit increasing by predetermined annual increments) or index-linked term life assurance (where the benefit payable increases in line with inflation).David Thomson is Chief Executive of BestDealInsurance an independent specialist broker dedicated to providing their clients with the best deal on their life insurance, critical illness cover and home and motor insurance.]]> Risk Versus Benefit In Balloon Home Loans http://www.artwoo.com/article/risk-versus-benefit-in-balloon-home-loans http://www.artwoo.com/article/risk-versus-benefit-in-balloon-home-loans#comments Sun, 27 May 2007 10:19:59 +0000 balloon loanshome loanslump sum paymentfixed interest rateshome loanbenefitshort term loan http://www.artwoo.com/article/risk-versus-benefit-in-balloon-home-loans


A balloon is a type of set at a low, fixed interest rate. After the period of the loan, usually about ten years, the loan matures. The borrower must then pay the principal of the loan in a single lump sum. Balloon are very short term home loans ending in a large . These types of loans of necessity involve some calculated risks.



Balloon home loans may not the vast majority of borrowers. Because of their calculated risks, they are ideal for only a few. At the end of the loan period, any money not yet repaid must either by paid out all at once, or the loan must be refinanced. Some can benefit from this type of loan. Those who flip, or buy and resell homes, often do not intend to keep the homes as long as the term of the loan. They also often receive large amounts of money at once when their property sells. Since the for are very low, this kind of buyer can benefit greatly.



If you intend to keep your property for a long time, you will not benefit as much from a balloon home loan. The short term of the loan is often not enough time to repay the full sum of the loan, and if refinancing or the lump sum are not available at the end of the term, you run the risk of losing your home. If there is an increase in interest rates, borrowers using balloon loans who cannot pay them off at the end of the term also run the risk of a hike in their payments.



To determine the utility of a balloon home loan for your needs, you must consider what you intend to use it for. Also, you should examine how long you are intending to keep the home. If you are considering the use of a balloon home loan for the short term, with plans to later refinance, you must be aware that there are some risks involved. There is some possibility that you would not be able to refinance, thus losing your home.



No loan is good or bad. Different loans are simply built for different borrowers and different lending situations. Most people looking for a short term solution to their mortgage difficulties will be able to benefit from a balloon home loan. Those seeking a more stable solution will find that the risks of a balloon home loan outweigh the benefits. For more information about home loans head over to http://www.refinancingright.com a one stop mortgage website. Particularly useful is their refinancing calculator where you can determine how much you will benefit long term by refinancing. Get that and more at: http://www.refinancingright.com ]]> That Lump in Your Throat May Be Acid Reflux http://www.artwoo.com/article/that-lump-in-your-throat-may-be-acid-reflux http://www.artwoo.com/article/that-lump-in-your-throat-may-be-acid-reflux#comments Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:08:27 +0000 cervical osteophytesglobus sensationbarium swallowglobus pharyngiscervical esophagusear nose and throat60 men http://www.artwoo.com/article/that-lump-in-your-throat-may-be-acid-reflux globus pharyngis that is best described as feeling like there is a lump in your throat. Though this condition can be caused by many different factors, acid reflux is one of the leading causes of globus pharyngis.

Forty five percent of the population will experience globus pharyngis at some time or another in their lives. It can feel either like a solid lump or ball in the throat, or as fullness in the throat, close to the area of the . The strange thing about gobus pharyngis is that though there is a specific, definable sensation to the individual sufferer, there is no detectable abnormality in the throat when examined by a doctor.

Currently no single explanation has been accepted as actually causing the , however, GERD or acid reflux is among the leading factors attributed to its existence. Other suspect conditions are hypertensive upper esophageal sphincter pressure, sinusitis, overclosure of the bite, anterior , and certain psychological disorders.

Therefore, to treat globus pharyngis, doctors must systematically eliminate each of the potential causes through several forms of examination. This often includes a thorough examination using an esophagoscopy (a small instrument with a light and camera that is inserted into the throat). It may also require a or counseling services.

In the case of acid reflux causing globus pharyngis, it is much more common in women than in men (though it is not unusual for men to experience it), and usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. Men who do suffer from globus pharyngis will often also have a mild case of dysphagia, which is the feeling of food getting stuck in the throat. More rarely, men will present with a severe case of dysphagia along with the globus pharyngis. Young men are more likely to suffer from both conditions at the same time.

Among the most effective treatment for the globus pharyngis condition are counseling -- to let the patient know that everything is alright and that they're not choking and their lives are not in any danger. Furthermore, treatment with rigid esophagoscopies will often ease if not eliminate the sensation.

To prevent the recurrence of globus pharyngis, treatment of GERD is recommended, as it is likely to be the cause in the first place. Speak to your doctor about your acid reflux and globus pharyngis symptoms to create a practical prevention strategy that can be worked into your lifestyle.

This will include instructions regarding changes to your diet both when you're preparing your foods at home and when you're eating out at restaurants, cafes, etc. You will likely be required to include some new foods into your diet, while reducing others that cause acid production to increase in your stomach, such as alcohol. You will also benefit from eating frequent, smaller meals throughout the day, instead of fewer large meals which cause your stomach to fill up and more acid to be produced, increasing the risk of reflux.Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker's brand new Acid Reflux and GERD Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about getting rid of the feeling of a lump in the throat and other acid reflux symptoms.]]> Breast Cancer: What Every Woman Needs to Know http://www.artwoo.com/article/breast-cancer-what-every-woman-needs-to-know http://www.artwoo.com/article/breast-cancer-what-every-woman-needs-to-know#comments Thu, 06 Nov 2008 04:57:24 +0000 inflammatory breast cancerbreast cancer cellssymptoms of breast cancersymptom of breast cancerbreast studiescancer deathscancer breast http://www.artwoo.com/article/breast-cancer-what-every-woman-needs-to-know cancer deaths. Breast cancer is considered to the fifth common cause responsible for cancer deaths.



As a woman, you should be well aware of breast cancer, its symptoms and treatment. According to doctors, the subjective and first is a development of a typical lump in your breast. This lump is quite different from the breast tissue surrounding it and you can notice it by careful examination.

But, breast cancer is not only determined by the lump, which appears in your breast. Studies reveal that if you are having lumps located in the lymph nodes in your collar bone or armpits, you are more likely to have breast cancer. It is the mammogram, which is done by doctors in the region of the detected lump to confirm the case of breast cancer.

But all women don't develop the same symptoms of breast cancer. Other indications of breast cancer apart from a lump include nipple inversion, skin dimpling, spontaneous single nipple discharge or change in the shape and size of the breast. If you are having pain in your breast, don't take it as breast cancer as it is an unreliable tool for confirming the menace.

After the invasion of the in the region of dermal lymphatics, you are more likely to get skin inflammation in your breast. This phenomenon is often termed as (IBC). Women, having inflammatory breast cancer, may develop several symptoms, which include an orange peel appearance of the skin in the breast of region, redness and warmth in the breast with extreme pain and swelling. Other symptoms indicating the presence of breast cancer in your body is increased sensitivity, burning, itching and tingling of the breast region.

Look For Immediate Attention from Your Doctor

Women developing the above symptoms of breast cancer should immediately contact their doctor. Cases of breast cancer can be diagnosed with proper examination of surgically removed tissue from the breast. Procedures of removing tissues include local surgical excision, core needle biopsy, ductal cleavage, fine needle aspiration and nipple aspirates. After this, some imaging tests such as bone scan, chest X-ray, PET scanning and MRI are conducted to confirm breast cancer.

Therapies for Treating Breast Cancer

With the advancement of medical studies, women may not worry any more, if they are having breast cancer. Surgery is the mainstay of the treatment of breast cancer, where the tumour in the breast is localised followed by adjuvant hormonal therapies in that region. Some other popular treatment methods of breast cancer are chemotherapy, immune therapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy.

One more innovative and modern method of treating breast cancer is Interstitial Laser Thermotherapy (ILT). It is a minimal invasive process and there is absolutely no need for surgical removal of the breast tissue. Doctors also recommend this treatment, as no side effects are noticed in this process and the patient remains healthy.Orlando Women's Center. Second, And Late Term Abortions Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including abortions, physical examinations, family planning, counseling, laboratory services. Orlando Women's Center. Second, And Late Term Abortions Clinic.]]> Life Insurance Settlement - How Beneficiaries Get Paid http://www.artwoo.com/article/life-insurance-settlement-how-beneficiaries-get-paid http://www.artwoo.com/article/life-insurance-settlement-how-beneficiaries-get-paid#comments Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:08:20 +0000 northwestern mutual life insurancenorthwestern mutual life insurance companynorthwestern mutual financial networknorthwestern mutual lifelife insurance companymutual life insurancemutual life insurance company http://www.artwoo.com/article/life-insurance-settlement-how-beneficiaries-get-paid life insurance company at that point.

To make certain that I don't miss anything I confirm everything with the claims department of the company before I go on the appointment. I then advise them that I will call from the beneficiaries home or place of business to to make certain all will goes well. As long as all the requirements are met the proceeds will be paid in a very short period of time. Most of my time on the field I was with the Insurance Company, now . Because they are so thorough at the time of application for the policy when the time comes to pay it takes about one week.

There are several choices an insured has when it comes to the payment of proceeds.

One Lump Sum

More often than not the proceeds of the policy is paid in one lump sum. If the policy is small that is fine. When the policy is for a large amount I don't recommend payment in this manner. It is much better to provide an income rather than a lump sum. Income can be paid in many different ways. There are many options.

Interest Income Option

Putting a large sum of money into the hands of one who is not used to handling large sums can result in waste. As a result the intentions of the insured goes for naught. His or her plan is not achieved. The beneficiary of the policy can leave the principal with the company just taking the interest earned at intervals. The principal remains in tact until you decide to take it.

Fixed Amount Income Option

The beneficiary has the option of taking the money in the form of a fixed income. The insured can stipulate that this is how it should be paid or s/he can leave that up to those who receive the money. S/he may say, "pay out $x per month to my family, named person or persons, until the proceeds are exhausted". The actual amount paid is usually considerably more than the lump sum death benefit itself.

Fixed Period Income

This option is similar to the fixed amount option in that the amount paid out is the same. You say to the life insurance company - "pay this money to them in equal amounts over the next 10 years", for example.

Life Income Option

Some people may choose to have life insurance proceeds paid in life income form. This is particularly effective when dealing with large amounts. There are several life income options.

You can have income paid for life but when the beneficiary dies no more income is paid. This is a way of providing the largest life income but I see it as a gamble. I much prefer to have the beneficiary take an income for life but with a certain, or guaranteed period. Let us say the person receiving the income wants a life income 20 years certain. The income will be paid for as long as the beneficiary lives but if s/he dies after 5 years, for example, the income still must be paid out to an heir for an additional 15 years. 20 years certain was an example you may choose 5 years, 10 years, or 15 years certain.

More details: Life Insurance SettlementFor more than 40 years Donald has been known for his extensive knowledge of the life insurance business. He has represented some of the largest and most admired life insurance companies in the United States as well as Canada. His advice is invaluable. Donald's website is: LifeInsuranceHub]]> Life Insurance Terms Explained http://www.artwoo.com/article/life-insurance-terms-explained http://www.artwoo.com/article/life-insurance-terms-explained#comments Sat, 09 Sep 2006 10:27:09 +0000 term life insurancelife insurance termslife insurance termbuying life insuranceinsurance term lifelife assurance policyobviously http://www.artwoo.com/article/life-insurance-terms-explained Buying life insurance can seem confusing if you don't know the terms that are used within the industry. Understanding the jargon involved will not only make the process of finding life insurance easier, but will also help you to find the best deal for your needs. Here are some of the most common s explained:



Term life insurance is the most common form of life insurance. The policy is taken out over a specific time length, with premiums paid out each over this period. If you die within this period then a lump sum is paid out. If you come to the end of the term and you are still alive then your cover stops. This type of insurance is popular because although it doesn't guarantee payout it is relatively cheap.

Whole life insurance

Whole life insurance does exactly as it says by insuring you until you die. Premiums are paid until you die, at which time a lump sum is paid out. This type of life insurance guarantees a payout, but it does cost a lot more money than term life insurance.

Life insurance vs. life assurance

Many people get confused when they hear the terms life insurance and life assurance mentioned, and want to know the difference between them. Simply put, there is no difference. Life insurance and life assurance are two terms for the same thing. If you are offered a this is basically life insurance under another name.

Qualifying policy

The term qualifying policy refers to life insurance that pays out a tax-free sum. If you see this term used or offered it means that when you die your policy will pay out a lump sum that your family will not have to pay tax on. This depends on the payout amount and eligibility, but if you can get a qualifying policy you should do so.

Estate

When people here the term estate they might think you mean an actual property or estate. However, in life insurance the term simply refers to the total assets that an individual has. This can be worked out by subtracting any debts from the value of savings and property. When you die your estate is how much you leave behind in monetary value.

Churning

If you are in the process of churning, this means you are surrendering one life insurance policy and then taking out another one. If possible you should try and avoid this because it will mean that you lose money, as any money you have already paid to one policy will have been wasted and you will need to start all over again.

Waiver of premium

Some life insurance policies offer a clause that means if you can no longer pay your premiums then they will be covered for you for a length of time. This means that should you fall ill or into financial difficulty your cover will remain and you won't lose out all the money you put into the policy. Although this feature can be useful it is likely to mean your premiums will be higher. Make sure that you only sign up for clauses that you really need. This will allow you to find the best policy for your needs. Peter Kenny is a writer for creditcards-gb For additional articles and an extensive resource for everything about credit cards, please visit us at http://www.creditcards-gb.co.uk and http://www.thriftyscot.co.uk/Insurance/ ]]> Tapping Into Home Equity: Which Way Is Best? http://www.artwoo.com/article/tapping-into-home-equity-which-way-is-best http://www.artwoo.com/article/tapping-into-home-equity-which-way-is-best#comments Fri, 27 Apr 2007 03:44:59 +0000 home equity loanhome equity line of creditequity line of credithome equity linecurrent interest rateshelocmatt schaub http://www.artwoo.com/article/tapping-into-home-equity-which-way-is-best
Refinance Option: Is the interest rate on your mortgage higher than the ? Then you may want to refinance to a larger loan amount. The difference you take, in cash, will be from your home's equity.

Option: An option you may want to consider if you'd like cash in a lump sum, and you already have a good rate on your first mortgage, is the home equity loan. Often called a second mortgage, a home equity loan lets you tap into your home equity without refinancing your first mortgage.

Option: HELOC, which stands for , gives you access to your home equity when you need it. A HELOC is similar to a credit card, but it uses your home equity as a revolving line of credit. Make monthly payments only if and when you use the money. One advantage of a HELOC over a credit card is that the interest is usually tax deductible. Do you want to take a portion of your money, drawing the remainder as you need it? You can do that with a HELOC. Or would you like to get a lump sum at closing? You have that option with a HELOC as well. One other HELOC advantage: it's possible to get a of credit in as little as ten days - unlike a home equity loan or a refinance - which take longer.

Reallygreatrate can help you by providing more tips and news at our site. We welcome you to take a look, and also to find out what rates are available in your local area.

We are also available by phone to answer any questions you might have. and Silas Ellman started ReallyGreatRate with a simple idea: give every consumer the speed and convenience of online loan service, while providing the most personalized financial solutions available. For more free info, go to http://www.reallygreatrate.com ]]>