http://articles.kondziu.net/ Articles at Kondziu Articles en-us http://articles.kondziu.net/miscellaneous/visa-black-card-the-look-of-luxury.html http://articles.kondziu.net/miscellaneous/visa-black-card-the-look-of-luxury.html Thu, 17 May 2012 03:24:07 +0200
How did the black card come about, exactly? Well, the original black card was the AMEX Centurion, which was virtually unknown by the general public, and available to even the rich only by invitation. It could literally purchase anything the card-holder desired, and there were outlandish reports of magnificent and quixotic purchases made. The AMEX still exists today, and has such requirements as an annual expenditure of $250,000 before an invitation is forthcoming from American Express, as well as a $10,000 activation fee, with a $2500 annual fee thereafter. Clearly, this is the kind of true black card that Maybach owners use.

The Visa Black is Advertising 101; it capitalizes on the mystique and prestige of the AMEX, offering luxury, although nowhere near the same level as the Black Card. Generally, the Black Visa is intended for those who spend between $50,000 and $150,000 per year on credit, which comes out to around 1% of Americans. It has several outstanding attributes that serve notice:

- For the first 6 months, they give you 0% APR on balance transfers

- For every purchase, you get to choose between 1% cash back and airfare reward points

- A crisp, cool matte black Patent-pending Carbon card - no cheap plastic

- An all-day, all-night concierge service

- Luxury gifts from the rewards program, sent by mail to your address multiple times throughout the year

- A Priority Pass to over 600 exclusive airport lounges in almost 100 countries worldwide

- Restaurant dinner reservations for two at top eateries, steakhouses, etc

The benefits that the Visa Black Card offers don't stop there, either; multiple avenues of insurance are offered with the card, from travel and purchase security, to luggage and even automobile security. There is a $495 annual fee, which comes out to just $42 monthly. With the cash-back and rewards program gifts, this amount is easily recouped by card holders.

The Visa Black Card is really just a luxury card for the rest of us, whereas the Centurion is virtually inaccessible. What if you are the type of person who makes enough to spend $100,000 per year? The AMEX black card is way out of reach even so; the Black Visa exists to take up the slack, and serve as an emblem of prestige, status and access for those that can afford it. It isn't recommended that you carry a balance on this card, however; it's main attraction are all the perks it offers, especially for a frequent traveler. Get a low-interest card to act as a supplement for those months when you wish to carry the balance on the Visa Black, and you'll be able to benefit greatly from using the Black Card.
]]> http://articles.kondziu.net/miscellaneous/learn-to-buy-krugerrand-gold-coins.html http://articles.kondziu.net/miscellaneous/learn-to-buy-krugerrand-gold-coins.html Tue, 15 May 2012 05:37:20 +0200
Krugerrand gold coin is one of the oldest makes from all contemporary-day gold coin and bullion. Established in 1967, Krugerrand gold coin was rooted from South Africa. Since then, its popularity became so impressive that it caused the mintage of several common gold coin and bullion including the US Gold Eagle and the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf.

So why invest in gold? This precious metal has proven itself to be a promising long-term investment, sturdily improving in value since the early 20th century. Mainly during uncertain economic eras, gold has become a safe store of value and has even escalated in value when major foreign currencies decline. There are many benefits to buying Krugerrand gold coin. Below are some of the major advantages compelling investors and traders to pursue them as assets.

One major benefit is high durability. 22k Krugerrand gold coin is comprised of a gold alloy mixture measured at 91.6% gold and 8.4% copper. The addition of copper yields more durability and robustness than any other 24k contemporary gold bullion coins The coin is extremely resistant from damages including chips, dents and scratches that may reduce the overall value of the Krugerrand gold coin.

Another benefit is low cost. Krugerrand is well known and recognized for its low premiums over spot value of gold. At certain trading times, Krugerrand coins were reported to trade at $9 over spot price as opposed to $16 for Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and $34 for the US Gold Eagle over spot price. This price difference is truly a critical aspect for investors looking for the lowest bargains for gold.

Immediate liquidity is also a notable advantage for Krugerrand gold coin. Since Krugerrand gold coin is extremely well-established in its respective market, it is relatively easy and simple to purchase and sell them both in local and multinational sources.

Krugerrand gold coinis also easy to store. Similar with many of the gold bullion coins today, the compactness of Krugerrand dimensions have made them impressively convenient to store and transport. A lot of Krugerrand coins come in 3-inch plastic tubing that fits perfectly inside safes or safety deposit banks.

Gold coins are also better when compared with bars. While it is proven that the premiums on gold bars are basically lower than gold coins, it is also a given fact that gold bars are quite difficult to store and transport. Add this to the fact that many gold bars should be assayed when retailed, which spells out extra costs that you shouldn't be charged with. ]]>