Breaking news in every search engine, channel, and even radio stations.  A 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck East of Los Angeles.  The epicenter was 2 miles of Chino Hills.  It was a moderate earthquake and luckily no one was seriously hurt or injured.  

California’s year has been pretty blemished, gas pricing at over $4.50 per gallon, one of the highest in the nation.  Many homeowners experienced foreclosures, as home values dropped.  Starbucks announced that the majority of stores schedule to close were located in California.  An now an earthquake! 

California is a popular state.  Hollywood and Beverly Hills, where all the stars live.  San Francisco, where the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge stands.  Palm Springs a nice place to relax and take a vacation.  Yet this state has been experiencing a trend of bad luck.  

Many programs are truly helping residence within this states with all the needs.  Bankruptcy, Debt, Home Improvement, Loans, Refi’s and much, much more.  Lots of companies are doing what they can to help, Leadpile looks and searches for well known business that takes pride and commitment in helping people in need.  They look for real companies offering real services so that we can match them with people  in desperate needs when times get tough.

I was at ease to learn that everyone in California was okay and that no one was seriously hurt.  

I wanted to see if I could find some true results of what some Americans want with regards to the payday loan industry. So much negative publicity gets published on this industry, however there really is a need for these short term loans for many people.
According to a previous poll done by zogby.com, less than 1% of all those polled, thought that lawmakers should focus on the personal loan industry. A majority support the individual’s right to choose their financing options, and want that freedom of choice in payday loans.
Zogby results showed that a majority (84%) of Ohio state’s consumers were in favor of making their own credit decisions without government interference. Additionally, most wanted the federal or state governments to allow adults to get a payday loan, if that is something they choose to do.
Another part of this particular survey stated 72% of the consumers mentioned that traditional financial institutions like banks and credit unions didn’t offer short-term personal loans. Many consumers see payday loans as something convenient, and fast to get some needed cash between paydays. These payday loans are popular with loan borrowers for the main reason of convenience and quick access to cash without any credit checks.
Paydays loans are a necessity for so many people today. Is this something that should be controlled by legislation? I agree there should be some regulation so consumers are not taken advantage of, however 100% eliminating loans, that no other banks or lenders can provide, is not necessarily the best option for the consumers needing them. Where else can Americans get a short term loan not secured by collateral? Getting quick, fast money is very hard to find without having your credit pulled.
Leadpile Lead Exchange embraces payday leads because there is some belief that this is something that is needed by the consumers. We bring together those that can generate the leads of consumers that are looking for these short term loans, with the lenders that can provide this to them.

Many in the world would be so jealous of a particular women who had a lot of debt (20k), created a website, and asked for help. This equaled HUGE success for a lady named Karyn. You have to hear about this success story and really how effective the internet is…. and that there are lots of other people in the world with lots of debt! The difference is: Karyn asked for help and got it!

Debt is a common part of what each person in America has, but have you ever thought about taking control of it by asking for help through “other” means? Most of us have not, however what we do do is either continue to struggle paying the minimum payments each month, or we just stop paying them. However, maybe more of us need to get creative and use some different resources to get help.
Then again, there is the traditional way and that is to try and work with specialized debt consolidation/debt settlement companies that help customers in this situation. I know a lot of people are submitting their request for more information about debt help, because the debt lead type is a HUGE lead type in the Leadpile Lead Exchange. Not all of us are as bold and entrepreneurial as Karyn! Either way, I give her props because she is now debt free and continuing her life now as a successful author.
IF YOU WANT IT… GO OUT & GET IT!

Market Watch released this afternoon that Coca Cola shares went down .18 cents, that’s 18% down this year so far. But they are not the only ones affected by the Nationwide struggle that’s affecting Millions of consumers and businesses.  

Market Watch also reported J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. second quarter net income fell 53%, the company took over $500 million in costs for its Bear Stearn’s acquisition. Microsoft shares dropped 5.7%.  IBM shares are down .06%. Investment bank Merrill Lynch shares drop 7.1%.  Capital One Financial Corp registered a 4.9% decline. The list goes on and on.

Businesses are also being affected and loosing money.  What’s happening with the market?  These well known companies that were once making millions are now losing millions.  Gas pricing is going up at ridiculous cost. The cost of food has climb.  Unemployment rates are over the hill tremendously.  Debt is at the highest peak.  More Americans are filling for Bankruptcy.  Airline fairs are rising.  Less people are taking vacations.  Student’s are falling behind on their student loan payments.  More families are being affected by bank foreclosures.

Is this truly healthy for America?

I have talked about the consumers battle against the dead end they are facing.  Although its not just consumers its also major firms and corporations, for years investors were glorified to subsidize in these companies but now are selling shares and stocks.   

Everyone in society has somehow been affected.  Its lead exchanges such as LeadPile that are here to assist and help in each way we can.  LeadPile is partnered with some of the best affiliates in the market to provide quality leads.  Within our partnerships we are targeting consumers and businesses that need your help to clear their debt, to help with bankruptcy, to assist with business loan or business cash advance, to aid with credit restoration or a payday loan, to help them get finance to buy a house or a new car! 

LeadPile focuses on targeted traffic and provides applications or contacts to companies that can help consumers or business in the services they are in desperate need of! 

The American way is to live beyond our means, however it is not the “right” way to live.
Think back to when you were in college and those credit card companies had tables set up to issue some new credit cards. Who didn’t want to get a NEW credit card to go shopping with. That is the problem, people don’t think past that initial “GREATNESS” about the credit card, and really this mentality helped to create the debt troubles we all face.

According to Investopedia.com there are signs to look for to determine if you are not in an ideal situation financially.
1. Your credit score is below 600.
2. You are currently saving less than 5% of your income.
3. Your credit card balances are just getting larger and larger.
4. More than 28% of your income goes towards paying for your home.
5. Your bills are just out of control (robbing Peter to pay Paul situations).

Overall, there are ways to prevent situations like this, however there are also situations in our lives that are out of our control. There are options out there to help educate consumers, help them get out these situations, and possibly teach consumers how to prevent them from happening again. Leadpile Lead Exchange generates a high volume of debt leads. These consumers are on the internet looking for this help, and want that help NOW!

As you may know, I’ve written a few recent articles about the economy.  Today I heard a new marketing technique that sneaky gas stations are doing. 

Apparently, a few gas stations attract the public by promoting a lesser price per gas.  However, with the price of gas increase this year, gas stations are aware that most consumers are paying with their credit cards, considering it takes a lot more money to fill up.  Did you know that some gas stations are charging extra when using a credit card? Doesn’t surprise me one bit! For example, if you use a Visa you might have an increase of 2%.  So as an example, if you thought you were paying $4.11 you would actually be charged $4.19.  Hey, that .08 cent difference starts adding up, also consider the monthly fee your credit card is charging on top of that.  Pretty expensive gas, I must say.

How to prevent this well, make sure that one, you check that the price match up on the screen when you swipe your card, and secondly check your receipt.  This sounds tricky but it certainly real.  Many gas stations lure the consumer that are paying with cash  to come inside, instead of the little window.  Many gas stations have a mini mart with yummy treats.  Yes, I know each time I walk in I don’t only pay for gas but I grab a few goodies on the way as well, I’m sure I’m not the only one.  But its a marketing technique.  

How does this reflect a lead exchange?  It’s related in an awkward way.  We already know that a large number of consumers are in some serious credit card debt, well with the gas stations new marketing techniques this will increase consumers debt.  Meaning, more consumers will be seeking help online to clear their unsecured debt.  In addition, it reflects how marketing is not only done online, but everywhere you go.  Driving a consumer in, will get them to spend.  With our lead exchange we don’t mislead our prospects.   The consumers are driven to our websites through extensive PPC campaigns and they are knowingly submitting a request to be contacted for a specific service.

I must admit, this was news to me when I first learned that some gas stations charge higher prices for gas when paying with a credit card. 

Who could ever imagine Starbucks famous for those fabulous Lattes and Frappuccinos we all love, White Mocha being my personal favorite,  would be closing down 600 stores by 2009 according to NY Times.  Initially, Starbucks plans were to only close 100 stores but with the housing crises that affected California and Florida the hardest, which is a large region that Starbucks covered, Starbucks has definitely been struck as well.

Starbucks is now closing 70% of their newest stores that have been open less than 3 years.  As of Sept 30th, 2007 they had 6,973 stores worldwide.  That’s leaving 12,000 people unemployed, doing the math its  7% of their global workforce.  Sad to see so many cheerful employees go. 

So not only is gas pricing going up, housing going down, cost of food increasing but now Starbuck is shutting down doors.  Well, with a cup of coffee averaging $4-$5 society simply cannot afford it. 

So your asking how is this related to the Lead Industry? 

• JOBS – More Home Based Business Opportunity Seekers
• DEBT – Credit card debt will rise as some will continuously charge their credit card to get by.
• MORTGAGE- More consumers taking equity and refinancing to pay bills.
• PAYDAY LOANS – Loosing your job is not easy, the average person lives paycheck by paycheck more payday loan request will be demanded. 
• INSURANCE – More demand for health insurance and life insurance coverage.
• BANKRUPTCY-More consumers filing bankruptcy buried in debt.   

Consumers will be in big need of your help!  Starbucks is just an example of how the economic struggle is affecting not just individuals but companies as well.  A lead exchange will help companies offer services to consumers in need.  More demand in the financial space that’s for sure.  

Looking over some posts myself and others have posted in the last few weeks, I see a common topic of conversation. A large amount of the Leadpile blog consists of some good postings from my peers about what is going on with the economy. The sad part about the troubling economy is it is affecting so many people in the world in a BAD way. However, did you ever think about the people that this struggling economy is benefiting? I mean really… one person’s failure is another person’s gain. So, who is gaining in this credit crunch and declining market?

1. Honda- the auto maker has struggled like all other auto makers with producing newly desired hybrid models. Honda will be rolling out 1 more hybrid variations in addition to it’s 2 models that are currently at Honda dealerships. However, consumers are looking for smaller more economical cars VS trucks and SUVs. Them not being a car maker that had been highly focused on trucks, has allowed them to be the only car maker to increase their sales numbers, and that was only 1%.

2. Public transportation- more and more people are now taking public transportation and now cities are even adding new routes to take care of all the additional people. Cities have wanted this for years- save the environment, cute down on pollution etc. Now they have what they wished for!

3. Credit repair and debt settlement companies- these companies could have seen some slower times with everyone going the refinance route. Loan officers were advising consumers to do a refinance to consolidate their debt, amongst other things, with the new found equity in their homes. The credit repair companies are now seeing consumers coming to them because they have no other options.

4. Payday loan industry-consumers have an ability to take out a payday cash advance loan as a last resort for a really hard time. However, are there now more consumers that normally are not taking out a payday loan, having to consider it to pay that next mortgage payment or other outstanding bill?
How about car warranty providers, gas companies, loan modification companies, bankruptcy attorneys, and home buyers looking for a good deal? All these types of companies should be feeling an increase in business.
There are some more that are benefiting from this downturn in the economy, and we really have to say hats off to them. Some of these companies like Toyota have been in the shadow of other auto makers and now it is their turn to shine!
With regards to lead generation companies and lead exchanges, how are we going to adjust to this change, and satisfy any new demand for different products and services? Why not look at the economy in a positive light, that there are some out there that are not going through any economic hardship? Glass half full VS half empty: YOUR choice.

Debt is becoming a big space in the lead industry.  Look at gas prices. The average state is paying $4 plus per gallon.  How does this affect consumers?  Simple, they are paying for gas with their credit cards.  According to an article read today Bankrate reported an average credit card interest rate at 13.42%. This mean that consumers are not only paying for the high priced gas but also interest on it.  

You see how this relates in the debt space.  Consumers are falling behind on their credit card payments as the economic headache is affecting their everyday lifestyle.  

Debt Settlement and Debt Consolidation companies more now than ever are in urge of helping these consumers with their debt.  Meaning, they are buying more leads.  The demand for leads in the Debt space is high as the consumers are becoming more buried with debt.

Good time to start spending marketing revenue on this lead type!

According to an article in CNNmoney, there are more types of loans that are concerning experts besides just the subprime mortgages.  Many feel that that industry has almost hit “bottom”, however there are other types of loans that are starting to see higher delinquencies – auto loans, prime mortgages and credit cards are all facing problems in this financial crunch.

Home equity loans and credit card accounts are falling more behind than even the auto loans.  Is that maybe because people are wanting to pay their car notes first, because they know they will need that car to get to work each day?  Are consumers having to prioritize what delinquent debt to pay first?

Bottom line is there is not one industry out there that is not somehow being affected by this credit crunch. Grocery stores, lenders, fast food chains, retail stores to resorts and hotel chains.  To add fuel to the fire, gas prices have even been rising and rising to a level that some can not afford to drive.  Employers are negotiating alternative schedules to allow employees to do a 4 day work week or paying a certain amount towards their employees gas expense.  As an employer, you must decide to make adjustments to your work force or suffer the possibility of them not being able to come to work? 

So how does this specifically impact the lead generation industry?  Consumers looking for debt assistance in some manner is going to continue to grow in popularity AND consumers wanting information about loan modification will become more demanded. These are lead types that will become even more in demand because the number of consumers needing the help is increasing EVERY day.  On a downside, lead types such as vacation, life insurance and maybe even luxuries like security system leads will be less in demand. Lead generation companies must successfully adjust to what is happening with our nations economy to remain in business.

The U.S. lost jobs for a fifth month and the unemployment rate rose by the most in more than two decades, as an influx of students into the workforce drove the biggest jump in teenage joblessness since at least 1948. Payrolls fell by 49,000 in May, the Labor Department said today in Washington. The jobless rate increased by half a point to 5.5 percent, higher than every forecast in a Bloomberg News survey.

What does this mean to some online Companies? For Companies specializing in assisting consumers with Payday loans, Debt Consolidation Programs, BK Services, and services for the under banked may flourish as more and more people need more help.

What is the difference between Debt Settlement and Debt Consolidation?  They both need help to clear their debt, right?  How are these companies helping the consumers?

Debt Settlement occurs when a creditor is agreeing to settle a debt for a dollar amount that is lower than the initial total amount owed.  It is an agreement that will reduced the actual payoff amount.  For the most part consumers will pay the debt settlement companies an amount that they can afford.  The debt settlement companies saves the debtors money until they have reached an amount that they can settle their unsecured debt with the creditors. 

Debt Consolidation means taking out one loan to payoff several other loans and or accounts.  The borrower may then have one lower monthly payment that extends over a period of time verus several seperate monthly payments.  The loan taken out is normally secured on property, a house or car for example.

Even though both of these companies are slightly different they are also a lot alike.  They both work to help the client clear the debt owed, in addition they can only help clients with unsecured debts.  Both these companies prefer to work with unsecured debt amounts of 7k and higher.

Unsecured debt is anything that you do not have to put up any material as security for debt.  Some examples are:

• credit cards
• medical bills
• unsecured personal loans
• legal bills

Examples of secured debt are:

• mortgage (house payment)
• car payment
• utility bills

So is there much of a difference between the two?