When acquiring a mortgage to purchase property, it is critical to have the best possible interest rate. This is a common bit of advice that is often mentioned in Property Investment Guides. Finding the right interest rate is critical for a property investor looking to put their money in an overseas property investment. The reason for this is that an interest rate that is too high can yield a number of lost opportunity costs over time. After all, the additional money that is earmarked for interest payments could have gone towards a savings investment instead. Then again, the money could have been earmarked for ANYTHING else other than high interest payments. This begs the question: why do people take high interest mortgages? There are a number of reasons for this. Sometimes, a weak credit history precludes being approved for a lower rate. Other times, the individual may not have “shopped around” enough. Regardless of the reason, if someone is “stuck” with a high interest loan it is critical to take the next step. This step is to seek refinancing for a lower interest rate. Of course, there is no guarantee that one will be approved for a new mortgage at a lower rate. But, considering the costs involved it certainly would not hurt to try.
Personal responsibility should be the mantra of every environmentalist on the planet.
I saw a great picture on stumble upon the other day saying that the environment has lots of friends but not many lovers. Never a truer statement have I read. People get all passionate about global warming and the deterioration of one national park or another over a hot chai latte at the local organic food shop, because it fits with the context and because it is safe. But, how many people are actually taking personal responsibility for what it happening to the environment.
I am not talking about “if its yellow let it mellow” kind of personal responsibility, although I am all for people walking more and riding bikes. But, more for the fitness benefits. I am talking about action. Activism. How many people are actually prepared to stand up and shout out “I have an opinion”? Let alone an opinion about the environment.
People are sheep. Are you a sheep. Seriously. Are you? Would you be prepared to disagree for the sake of argument? Or do you just want to keep things calm and nice? What is it that you are passionate about. Because I tell you what, not very many people are passionate about the single biggest social and political issue of our time.