Airlines are having trouble these days staying afloat amid higher jet fuel prices and tighter consumer spending. Some have grounded planes and cancelled routes, but the universal solution seems to be increasing fees. Many airlines are now charging for baggage and snacks while sodas, seating and clearning could be just over the horizon. Meanwhile, fares continue to rise as passengers continue to travel.

Fare Hikes on the Radar

During the past year, basic domestic fares have been nearly unchanged, but the fuel surcharge has at least doubled or tripled. Fares for non-stop service, for example, are up some 365% higher than a year ago. Companies like American Airlines have successfully hiked their prices more than 10 times in the past couple of months alone.

The hikes are disigned to help offset fuel-related losses. The Amex Airline Index is down nearly 47% since hte start of the year while airlines are expected to lose some $6.1 billion this year alone. Meanwhile, a dozen or so carriers have already folded in the past six months and many others could follow if income cannot be increased.

Nickel and Dimed to Death

Airlines have a captive audience and no real competition, so charging fees is a relatively easy proposition for them. So far, checked bags have been the primary driver of additional fees. American Airlines has even began to charge $15 for the first checked bag each way, and while nobody else is following suit it probably won't be long.

Meanwhile, US Airways has said it would stop offering free snacks to domestic coach passengers while most of the major carriers are already charging for snacks and meals. Many airlines are also considering charging for beverages. Currently, Southwest charges $3 for energy drinks, but nobody charges yet for soda or juice.

Often times, one airline will start a practice and take all the bad press until the rest follow. To date, American Airlines has tended to take the lead before being followed by others like United, US Airways, Continental, Delta and Northwest. In the end, they all feed off of each other at the expense of captive consumers.

In the End

There is very little consumers can do about these problems as airlines clearly need to do something. In the meantime, investors and airline executives will have to wait and see just how much these hikes hurt consumer travel...

Mortgage rates are back on the rise now after the dollar has begun to strengthen, but it is not too late to refinance your house and save a bundle. Interest rates on 30 year mortgages are above 6%, but the end of low interest rates may be just over the horizon. Perhaps it's time for you to look at refinancing your home.

The key driver behind low interest rates is inflation. Many analysts believe that the Federal Reserve will begin to raise interest rates again later this year to fight the growing threat of inflation. They were lowered in the first place to spark the purchase of credit by increasing the yield, but that threat is now mostly past us.

Now is a great time to seek a refinancing as rates are still at historical lows. Getting in your things now means you will beat the wave of applications that generally flood the market when rates dip slightly. By preparing your bank statements and tax returns right now, you can keep one step ahead of the rest.

Many people are afraid that their house will be appraised lower than they thought now that the housing market has turned. However, there are some steps you can use to make sure you get a fair valuation. First, make sure that your lender doesn't use automated valuation models, but rather sends an actual appraiser to your house.

Secondly, make sure you get a full appraisal that involves someone coming to your house and asking questions. If you have a good credit score, the lender is more likely to use a "drive-by" appraiser because they don't need to take full stock of your collateral.

Finally, seek out the lender who you have your current mortage though as it could save you a lot of paperwork right off the bat. Also, search for lenders are a bank or credit union rather than using a broker as it could save you a lot of money in the long run. A recent study showed that these savings could be significant.

Life settlements are financial transactions in which a policy owner possessing an unneeded or unwanted life insurance policy sells the policy to a third party for more than the cash value offered by the life insurance company. The purchaser then becomes the new beneficiary of the policy at maturation and is responsible for all subsequent premium payments after the policy acquisition.

Life settlements are typically offered to high net worth policy owners, aged 65 or older, by financial advisors or accountants. The option is perfect for those who are possess duplicate policies or an unneeded policy as it allows them to convert it into much needed cash while avoiding any future premium payment responsibilities. The strategy is especially effective for term life insurance policies that are set to expire anyway – this option may provide you with “free” money.

Do all life insurance policies allow this? Well, a supreme court ruling (Grigsby v. Russell) established a policy owner’s right to transfer an insurance policy. The argument was that since life insurance possessed all the ordinary characteristics of property, it should be considered an asset that a policy owner can transfer without limitation. The process became streamlined in 2001 when the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) released the Viatical Settlements Model Act, which defined guidelines for avoiding fraud and ensuring sound business practices.

In general, you should consider life settlements if: Your policy is no longer needed; investment projections have not materialized; premiums are too expensive; medical or longterm care is required; charitable or family giving is desired; employment status changes; bankruptcy; and any other instance where it may be advisable. It is important to consult a financial advisor before making any decisions.

Reverse mortgages are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) created one of the first federally-insured reverse mortgage programs that can help seniors achieve greater financial security. However, those considering reverse mortgages should be careful to make sure they act prudently.

1. What is a reverse mortgage? A reverse mortgage is a special type of home loan that lets a homeowner convert some or all of the equity in their home into cash. Unlike traditional home equity loans, this money does not need to be repaid until the borrow no longer uses the home as their principal residence. Most often, this occurs when the homeowner passes away.
   
2. How do I qualify for a HUD reverse mortgage? The HUD Federal Housing Administration requires that borrowers are 62 years of age or older, own their home outright (or have a low mortgage balance), and must live in the home. Those interested in obtaining a reverse mortgage must also contact a HUD-approved counselor for a brief consultation. Call 1-800-569-4287.
   
3. What types of homes are eligible for a reverse mortgage? Single family dwellings and two-to-four unit properties that you own and occupy are automatically eligible for reverse mortgages. Moreover, some townhouses, detached homes, condominium units, and manufactured homes are also eligible.
   
4. Can the lender take the home away if the loan is outlived? No, you do not need to repay the loan as long as you or one of the borrowers continues to live in the house and keeps the taxes and insurance current. You can never owe more than your home’s value.
   
5. How are payments sent? There are five options for receiving reverse mortgage payments: (1) equal monthly payments, (2) unscheduled payments via a line of credit, and (3) a combination of scheduled monthly payments and a line of credit.