The World Bank is similar to a cooperative in which 185 member countries are shareholders. The largest shareholder of the World Bank Group is the United States. Traditionally, the World Bank president has always been a U.S. citizen. This is the list of the member countries:

The World Bank members and owners reside in these regions Africa, Middle East & North Africa, Latin America & Caribbean, Europe & Central Asia, East Asia & the Pacific, and the Indian Subcontinent (South Asia).

The World Bank headquarters is located in Washington D.C., United States. Also, the World Bank has offices located in more than 100 member countries. The World Bank address is:

The World Bank
1818 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20433 USA

The World Bank Group does business in Africa, East Asia & the Pacific, Latin America & Caribbean, Europe & Central Asia, Middle East & North Africa, and the Indian Subcontinent (South Asia)

The World Bank headquarters is located in District of Columbia (Washington D.C.), United States. Additionally, they have offices located in more than 100 member countries. The World Bank is doing business in member countries that include the following regions:

• Africa
• East Asia & the Pacific
• Europe & Central Asia
• Latin America & Caribbean
• Middle East & North Africa
• Indian Subcontinent (South Asia)

The World Bank Group is composed of five international organizations. The five organizations, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), International Development Association (IDA). International Finance Corporation (IFC) and International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) are responsible for giving developing nations finance and advice on poverty reduction and economic development.

The World Bank is composed of five international organizations, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Development Association (IDA). International Finance Corporation (IFC), Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes ( ICSID). The purpose of the World Bank is to offer advice and finance to nations for the purposes of economic development and eliminating poverty. The World Bank was created formally on 27 December 1945 following Bretton Woods agreements’ international ratification.

Over the years, the World Bank Group has expanded from the World Bank headquarters in Washington D.C. to have multidisciplinary and diverse staff based in country offices. Currently more than a third of World Bank staff is based in various countries.

A US savings bond is a government debt instrument offered to the public for purchase which provides a fixed rate of interest over a fixed period of time. The savings bonds are considered as a virtually risk free investment because it is backed by the full faith of the federal government. The only associated risk with US savings bond is if the government defaults on its obligation to government securities holders.

As a holder of government bonds, your role is that of a creditor loaning money to a debtor, the federal government. Treasury bonds are considered ultra conservative investments as the associated risks are negligible. Due the low risk, US savings bonds do not provide even moderate returns when compared to other types of bonds, such as municipal bonds, corporate bonds, etc.

Marketing of U.S. Savings Bonds to the Public

The Department of Treasury markets the US Savings Bonds through its website TreasuryDirect. The following are benefits of owning US Savings Bonds as outlined by the US Treasury:

• Competitive – Treasury Savings Bonds offer competitive rates of return compared to similar investments. US Savings Bond interest accrues monthly and compounds semiannually.

• Convenience – You can purchase US Savings Bond through Treasury Direct, other online sites, a bank, or with the EasySaver Plan. The EasySaver Plan makes purchasing a US Savings Bond easy by allowing you to buy US Savings Bonds automatically by authorizing the Treasury Department to charge your bank account for the price of the bond.

• Accessibility - You can redeem US Savings Bond easily in case unanticipated emergency arose. US savings Bond redemption can occur after the 12 months from date of purchase.

• Affordability – Savings bonds can be purchased for as little as $25.

• Safety – US Savings Bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Additionally, electronic registration with the Treasury gives extra protection in case your savings bonds are lost, stolen or mutilated.

• Tax Considerations - The interest earned on savings bonds is exempt from all local and state income taxes. Federal taxes are deferred until the bonds mature, or until you redeem them, whichever is first. Also, savings bonds can be used to pay for higher education expenses, such as college and university, if you qualify; the earnings are excluded from federal income tax obligations.

Three Types of US Savings Bonds

The three main types of Treasury savings bonds offered to the public are Series EE Savings Bonds, Series I Savings Bonds, and Series HH Savings Bonds.

US Savings Bond Series EE

Series EE Bonds are considered to be low-risk government-backed product for savings; it can be used for financing higher education, supplemental retirement income, and gifts.

US savings bond rates EE series
Purchase US savings bonds series EE after May 2005 are given a fixed coupon rate; US savings bond rates are set twice annually in May and in November and apply to all bond issuances for the next six months. Savings bonds issued after this date go up in value monthly, but interest payments are semiannual.

EE Bonds bought between May 1997 and April 30, 2005, offer variable market rates of return and are based on 5-year Treasury security yields.

How to Purchase an EE Savings Bond
EE Bonds are available for purchase electronically or paper EE Bonds can be acquired through participating employers’ payroll deduction plans or most local financial institutions.

Electronic EE Bonds
Series EE bonds can be purchased, administered, and redeemed electronically through a personal TreasuryDirect account. The US Treasury has a SmartExchange program that permits TreasuryDirect account holders to convert their Series E, EE and I paper US savings bonds to electronic securities.

Buying Paper EE Bonds

• Issued by the US Treasury as paper bond certificates

• Sold to the public at on half their face value; for example, a $50 bond (face value) would cost you $25 but the remaining $25 is available to you at redemption or savings bond maturation.

• Can be bought in denominations of $50, $75, $100, $200, $500, $1,000, and $5,000, and $10,000.

• Purchase maximum of $5,000 per calendar year.

Buying Electronic EE Bonds

• Issued by the US Treasury electronically to your designated account.

• Sold to the public at face value; for example, you pay $25 for a $25 bond. At the time of US savings bond’s redemption, it’s worth its full value.

• Can be bought in amounts of $25 or more.

• Purchase maximum of $5,000 per calendar year.

US Savings Bond Redemption - Series EE
The minimum term for ownership is 1 year and the interest-earning period can be up to 30 years. You can redeem savings bonds series EE in the first 5 years; however, you are penalized 3 most-recent months’ worth of interest. After 5 years, there is no penalty.

Tax Considerations of EE Bonds

• Interest earnings are exempt from State and local income taxes, but are subject to Federal, State, and local estate, inheritance, gift, and other excise taxes.

• Interest earnings are subject to Federal income tax.

• Interest earnings may be excluded from Federal income tax when bonds are used to finance education (see education tax exclusions). Restrictions apply.

Series I US Savings Bond or Inflation-Linked Savings Bonds

The I Bonds are government-issued savings bonds which offer inflationary protection to an investor, as the bond yields are tied to the inflation rate. Exceptionally low-risk investment suitable for the conservative risk-averse investors; these investments have virtually zero default risk and inflationary risk.

The treasury department affords the paper I Bond owners to convert their bonds to electronic securities using their SmartExchange program. .

US Savings Bond Rates I Series
The Series I US Savings Bond have an annual interest rate that is the combined effect of a semiannual inflation rate and a fixed rate. Since the I Bond is an accrual-type security, the interest is added to the bond monthly and is paid to at the bond’s redemption.

How to Purchase an I Savings Bond
Series I US Savings Bond available for purchase via TreasuryDirect, local bank or through payroll deduction.

Electronic I Bonds
As in the case of Series EE bonds, I Bonds can be purchased, administered, and redeemed electronically via a TreasuryDirect account. Also, you can convert your paper I Bonds to electronic securities using the US Treasury’s SmartExchange program for TreasuryDirect account holders.

Buying Paper I Bonds

• Issued by the Treasury as paper bond certificates.

• Sold to the public at face value; for example you pay $100 for a $100 bond.

• Can be bought in denominations of $50, $75, $100, $200, $500, $1,000, and $5,000.

• Purchase maximum of $5,000 per calendar year.

Buying Electronic I Bonds

• Issued by the Treasury electronically to your designated account.

• Sold to the public at face value; for example, you pay $100 for a $100 bond.

• Can be bought in amounts of $25 or more.

• Purchase maximum of $5,000 per calendar year.

US Savings Bond Redemption - Series I
The minimum term for ownership is 12 months and the interest-earning period can be up to 30 years. You can redeem savings bonds series EE in the first 5 years; however, you are penalized 3 most-recent months’ worth of interest. After 5 years, there is no penalty.

Series HH Bonds

As of September 1, 2004, HH Bonds are no longer issued by the U.S. Treasury. Investors aren’t able to reinvest HH Savings Bonds or exchange EE/E Bonds for HH Bonds.

About series HH Savings Bonds

• HH Bonds are considered current-income securities.

• HH Bonds pay fixed interest every 180 days until redemption or maturity, whichever comes first.

• Your HH Bond interest rate is subject to change at the start of the extended maturity period (after 10 years from issue).

US Savings Bond Redemption - Series HH Bonds
You can’t take the HH Bonds to your local bank for redemption. However, the financial institution can help you by:

• Guaranteeing or certifying your signature, and

• Forwarding the HH bonds, with your personal direct deposit account instructions, holding instructions, and any supporting evidence of entitlement to the Treasury Department or a Treasury Retail Securities Site service for your area.

The redemption payment for your HH bonds will be posted in your bank account through direct deposit.

Tax Considerations of HH Bonds

• You are responsible for reporting Interest for tax purposes in the year you earn it.

• Interest is paid out every 180 days.

Who is Eligible to Purchase US Savings Bond

Any individuals, associations, corporations, public or private organizations, and fiduciaries can purchase paper Series EE Bonds. Currently, only individuals can access TreasuryDirect accounts and own electronic savings bonds.

Eligibility criteria for ownership of U.S. Savings Bonds:

• Social Security Number

• US Resident.

• US Citizen living abroad (must have U.S. address of record).

• Federal civilian employee regardless of residence.

• Minors can own U.S. Savings Bonds.

US Savings Bond Resources

US Department of Treasury
Bureau of the Public Debt
TreasuryDirect

Online college costs have been going up like all other college tuitions. It has been difficult for many students to arrange for college admissions at public universities due to student admission limits perpetuated by lack of state government funding. Herein, online college degrees are being sought out in an unprecedented manner. Only a few years back were online college courses being sought out by only working professionals, not by fresh high school graduates.

But times have changed; there is more demand for higher education than there is supply of brick and mortar college campuses. The last few years has seen an exponential growth in online colleges. Here are just few of the best online colleges and/or with top online college courses:

• Kaplan University
• University of Phoenix
• Devry University
• Grand Canyon University
• Liberty University
• Capella University
• Westwood College
• American InterContinental University Online
• Virginia College
• Everest University
• Ashford University
• Baker College
• South University
• Boston University
• Indiana State University
• Keiser University
• ITT Technical Institute
• Walden University
• Upper Iowa University
• Webster University

Whether it is Baker College online or college online Phoenix, the important factors to keep in mind about the college online during your search:

• offer an accredited online college degree
• part of regionally accredited online colleges
• reputable faculty and staff
• is a affordable online college
• good financial aid program
• up-to-date technology for delivering online college classes
• comprehensive student resources and aids

Online College Costs

Affordability is one of the main decision making factors in choosing an online college. It seems that online college education is more costly than in-state public college and university tuition. Also, the tuition costs are approximately the same as or more than out-of-state costs at a public university. However, it looks like online education is comparable to or lower than some private college tuition. Here are some comparisons of three online college costs to one another, to a private college (non-online college) and to a public university:

Source: NCES

The lesson is that if you can gain admission to a public university at in-state college tuition rates, then do so.

TUTORIAL TEXT

Welcome to Garv Financial.
Just a quick reminder, please remember to rate the tutorial five stars at the end.
This is Gaurav Bhola and the tutorial is about “Six Steps of Comprehensive Financial Planning.”

This tutorial covers the concept of comprehensive financial planning and its six steps process.

Comprehensive financial planning is a long-term course of action that can help provide financial security. Also, with the right strategies, you can build up a healthy nest egg. The current economic conditions have further tapped the American people’s financial insecurity and given greater emphasis on the need to do financial planning.

The process of comprehensive financial planning involves working with a licensed financial planner or financial advisor who builds a financial plan for you and guides you over the long-term in implementing the plan’s recommendations; so that you may achieve your financial goals. The complete six step financial planning process involves:

Identifying and prioritizing objectives
By sharing with the financial advisor your financial goals, the priority in tackling them can be set.

Gathering information
The financial advisor reviews your important documents, including bank statements, tax returns, budget, brokerage accounts, insurance policies, debt, and retirement plans.

Analysis of information
Gaining the big financial picture of your situation requires an intensive and methodical analysis of the information gathered about your goals and existing financial situation.

Proposal of recommendations
Contained in your written financial plan are accompanying recommendations that are in alignment with your goals and needs.

Taking action
Once your financial advisor proposes comprehensive financial solutions to reach your goals, it is time to take action on your goals.

Track ongoing progress
As your needs and goals evolve over time, your financial advisor works with you to track changes and progress as a component of the continuing financial planning process.

Achieving long-term financial success is not easy; neither is preparing a comprehensive financial plan. Do consider partnering with a registered financial advisor to accomplish the six steps of financial planning process for achieving financial success.

My name is Gaurav Bhola.
Thank you, very much for watching the tutorial on “Six Steps of Comprehensive Financial Planning.”
More financial tutorials are available at GarvFinancial.com.

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TUTORIAL TEXT

Welcome to Garv Financial.
Just a quick reminder, please remember to rate the tutorial five stars at the end.
This is Gaurav Bhola and the tutorial is about “How to Get College Grants.”

This tutorial covers the description of college grants and various avenues of accessing grants.

As college and university education costs have risen over the time, many college students are in a bind over funding their college education. Only an elite few can muster up the tuition without any form of financial aid.

In addition to school loans, college loans, and scholarships; college grants are available to some college students. Grants are markedly different from both student loans and scholarships in that they are free gift money, unlike college student loans that must be repaid and mainly need-based and compared to the usual merit-based scholarships.

Different Categories of College Grants

University grants are primarily divided into separate categories:

• Specific to the student
• Specific to the subject the student will study
• The degree level the student is seeking
• Minority status
• Economic need, income level

Sources of College Grant Funding

• Colleges and universities
• Federal and state governments
• Private, public, non-profit organizations

Government Grants

The government offers grants to students in need. The following federal grants make college education a reality for many students:

• Since 1973, Pell Grants have helped millions of low-income students attend college.
• The Academic Competitiveness (AC) Grant is for college freshmen and sophomores with excellent academic records with demonstrated aptitudes for leadership and service. However, the applicants have to meet Pell Grant eligibility requirements.
• The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART Grants) give $4,000 awards to juniors or seniors studying mathematics, computer science, engineering, or sciences. Also, grant applicants must meet eligibility requirements of the Pell Grant.

Accessing College Grants

Due to competition for grants being extremely high, begin your search early, during high school.
You can visit the college or university financial aid office to inquire about grants applicable to your situation.

Submit a federal application for student aid or FAFSA by June 30; this is the deadline to be considered for financial aid. Be prepared by having your tax documents ready to complete the forms for financial aid. Your assessed financial need will be reported to the financial aid office.

Explore and research various federal, state, private, public, and nonprofit college grants. Read their requirements and ascertain your eligibility to receive each award. As mentioned previously, there are several grant criteria that you may be able to meet, apply for and receive award for.

Be diligent in your grant search. Never quit.

My name is Gaurav Bhola.
Thank you, very much for watching the tutorial on “How to Get College Grants.”
More financial tutorials are available at GarvFinancial.com.

Don’t forget to rate the tutorial five stars.

Higher education costs have gone up drastically every year, with no signs of abetting. Also, at the same time health insurance costs are showing no signs of leveling off. Excessive healthcare insurance costs have hurt millions without insurance by placing avoidable financial burdens on their shoulders. The untold millions also include college and university students.

Students enter the college and university with hopes of, upon graduation, of starting upon their career paths. But what if, unforeseen medical circumstances inadvertently throw a wrench on their path to graduation? Now, the college student faces the burden of medical costs and educational expenses.

Many experts say, that college students are protected as dependents under their parents’ medical insurance policies, thus have medical health insurance coverage up to age 25. But what about students whose parents are part of the millions of Americans without health insurance coverage?

Herein, without adequate healthcare coverage students can pick up their medical bills along with their caps and gowns.

However, there is hope for students who have parents without health insurance coverage. Students can access affordable health insurance through their school, logging onto the internet or an insurance company.

Health insurance coverage and costs are different with each insurance company. Generally, the cost of getting health insurance is less tedious for students. In contrast to applications for non-students, the questionnaires for student insurance plans are concise.

If you are unable to apply for healthcare insurance while you are still a student, consider getting a short-term health insurance policy.

The short-term policy doesn’t include certain pre-existing medical conditions for one year, doesn’t cover pregnancy or prescriptions drugs. Additionally, the insurance company must preapprove all outpatient surgeries and hospital admissions. Even though wide gaps in insurance coverage exist with these types of policies, some temporary coverage is good to have until a more permanent solution is obtained.

Student health insurance is more affordable than other non-student policies. The easiest way to access the insurance is through your college. Many universities are offering student health insurance policies through a third party that the college has an exclusive contract with. Research what is available and get something that is affordable. You can’t afford not to have health insurance coverage.

TUTORIAL TEXT

Welcome to Garv Financial.
Just a quick reminder, please remember to rate the tutorial five stars at the end.
This is Gaurav Bhola and the tutorial is about “Know your Consumer Rights – Improve your Credit Rating, Credit Score, or Credit Report.”

This tutorial covers important consumer rights information as related to credit and informative tips on improving your credit.

Importance of Knowing your Consumer Rights
It is critical that you know your consumer rights, as it relates to credit rating/credit score, credit history, and credit report. A healthy credit rating or credit score is an important contributing component of your overall financial picture. Your credit history may be used to evaluate your applications for credit, employment, insurance, loans, leases, and more. Additionally, the status of your credit report and associated credit rating may be used to approve or decline you for services. Herein, be aware of protection your consumer rights can afford to you.

Know your Credit Report Rights
The credit report has meticulous information about your credit history and more, such as where you live, whether you’ve been sued or arrested, how you pay your bills, or have ever filed for bankruptcy.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) promotes the privacy and accuracy of information possessed by the nation’s consumer reporting agencies. Under federal Fair Credit Reporting Act guidelines, you have the right to receive the latest and most accurate copy of your credit report.

The consumer reporting agencies – TransUnion, Experian and Equifax by law are obliged to furnish you a free copy of your credit report, upon your request, once every 12 months. The free credit report can also be requested at AnnualCreditReport.com, the only government approved site for credit report requests.

Additional Credit Report Rights
You have the right to know if anyone has requested your report within the recent past, usually between one to two years for previous employment related inquiries.

If your application is declined by a company, under the law the name and address of the consumer reporting agency they contacted must be provided to you, as well as being furnished the information upon which the denial was issued.

You can attempt to remedy any errors or omissions in your credit report by contacting the credit reporting agencies and challenging the accuracy, completeness of information contained within your report. The credit agencies must investigate your request and correct any credit information as needed.

If your request for remedy is unresolved, you have the right to write an addendum explanation to your credit report. The credit reporting agency can include your statement addendum with any request for a copy of your report, as per you instructions. Nevertheless, there is an additional fee for this service.

My name is Gaurav Bhola.
Thank you, very much for watching the tutorial on “Know your Consumer Rights – Improve your Credit Rating, Credit Score, or Credit Report.”
More financial tutorials are available at GarvFinancial.com.

Don’t forget to rate the tutorial five stars