International Student Loans

International Student Loans  You should always carefully evaluate how much money you will need to study in USA. Then you will need to research and apply for scholarships, financial aid from your school, and find money from any other source, including family funds. After exhausting these avenues, most international students still have a funding gap, and that's where international student loans come in.

What is an International Student Loan

Federal student loans are popular with US students studying in the US, but they are not available to international students. Instead, international students are eligible for intentional loan, specialized private education loans available to international students studying in the US.

intention student loan are now a very realistic way to finance your education in the US. Loans are very flexible, and can offer loan amounts high enough to pay for your entire education, but with extended repayment terms and reasonable interest rates, so you can afford the repayment after you graduate.

Cosigners

Most international students applying for loans must have a US cosigner in order to apply. A cosigner is legally obligated to repay the loan if the borrower fails to pay. The cosigner must be a permanent US resident with good credit who has lived in the US for the past two years. The cosigner is often a close friend or relative who can assist in getting credit, since most international students cannot receive credit on their own. If you're not able to find a cosigner see if there are no cosigner loans available to you.

Interest

Interest is the amount charged by the lender in addition to the amount of money that you borrowed. The interest rate is calculated based on an index plus a margin that will add an additional percentage interest rate depending on your co-signer’s creditworthiness. The two most common indexes used for international students are the Prime Rate and LIBOR Rate.

• Prime Interest Rate – This index is determined by the federal funds rate which is set by the US Federal Reserve.
• LIBOR – The LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) is based on the British Bankers’ Association and is used on the London interbank market. The rate is an average of the world’s most creditworthy bank’s interbank deposit rates for overnight and one year terms.

When evaluating the loan, the lender will clarify which index the plan uses. Then, there will be an additional margin that will be added based on the borrower’s individual criteria, including the co-signer’s credit history. Based on their creditworthiness, an additional interest rate will be added to the index. This will be the total interest you owe. When your application is approved, your specific margin will be disclosed to you, at which point you can accept or refuse the loan.

Repayment

Repayment will vary depending on the loan option you choose. Since most international students are not able to work while they study in the US, repayment must be considered as an extremely important feature in your loan. You will need to consider how much the monthly payments will be, when payments will begin, and how long you will be able to defer paying back the loan. The repayment period generally ranges from 10-25 years, but the larger the loan, the longer the repayment period. The standard repayment plan options are:

• Full Deferral – Students are able to defer payment until 6 months after graduation as long as full-time status is maintained. Students can defer payments for a maximum of four years, which is the typical length of a degree.
• Interest Only – International students only pay the interest while in school, up to four consecutive years, and can defer the principal until 45 days after graduation, or when the student drops their course load to part-time.
• Immediate Repayment – Payments on both interest and principal are due immediately once the loan has been dispersed.

Frequently Asking Questions

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Find an Attorney in U.S.

Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney to understand their legal options if they fear their child will be abducted, their child has been abducted to or wrongfully retained in the United States, or they are seeking access to a child in the United States. Attorneys can provide parents with valuable guidance and advice in these cases.

If a child has been abducted to the United States from a Hague Abduction Convention country:

The following organizations are not in any way affiliated with the U.S. Department of State. Inclusion on this list does not necessarily represent an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the organizations listed below. Information is subject to change at any time, without notice .

• State bar associations and some national bar association are listed 
• The American Bar Association's lawyer referral map/directory is available 
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) available 
• International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (IAML) available 
• Family Abduction: Prevention and Response (6th Ed) (see for information on finding attorneys)
• Foreign Embassy/Consulates:  You may also seek assistance in locating U.S. attorneys from the country's foreign embassy or consulate in the United Stated, which may maintain lists of attorneys: for list of attorneys look at country websites.

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Mortgage industry of the United States

The mortgage industry of the United States is a major financial sector. The federal government created several programs, or government sponsored entities, to foster mortgage lending, construction and encourage home ownership. These programs include the Government National Mortgage Association (known as Ginnie Mae), the Federal National Mortgage Association(known as Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (known as Freddie Mac).^[1]

The subprime mortgage crisis was one of the first indicators of the 2007–2010 financial crisis, characterized by a rise in subprime mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures, and the resulting decline of securities backing said mortgages.^[1] The earlier savings and loan crisis of the 1980s and 1990s and the national mortgage crisis of the 1930s also arose primarily from unsound mortgage lending. The mortgage crisis has led to a rise in foreclosures, leading to the 2010 United States foreclosure crisis.

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Electricity in the United States is produced with diverse energy sources and technologies

Electricity(gas) in the United States is produced with diverse energy sources and technologies    The United States uses many different energy sources and technologies to generate electricity. The sources and technologies have changed over time and some are used more than others.

The three major categories of energy for electricity generation are fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and petroleum), nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources. Most electricity is generated with steam turbines using fossil fuels, nuclear, biomass, geothermal, and solar thermal energy. Other major electricity generation technologies include gas turbines, hydro turbines, wind turbines, and solar photovoltaics.

Fossil fuels are the largest sources of energy for electricity generation

Natural gas was the largest source—about 32%—of U.S. electricity generation in 2017. Natural gas is used in steam turbines and gas turbines to generate electricity.

Coal was the second-largest energy source for U.S. electricity generation in 2017—about 30%. Nearly all coal-fired power plants use steam turbines. A few coal-fired power plants convert coal to a gas for use in a gas turbine to generate electricity.

Petroleum was the source of less than 1% of U.S. electricity generation in 2017. Residual fuel oil and petroleum coke are used in steam turbines. Distillate—or diesel—fuel oil is used in diesel-engine generators. Residual fuel oil and distillates can also be burned in gas turbines.

Nuclear energy provides one-fifth of U.S. electricity

Nuclear energy was the source of about 20% of U.S. electricity generation in 2017. Nuclear power plants use steam turbines to produce electricity from nuclear fission.

Renewable energy sources provide nearly 20% of U.S. electricity

A variety of renewable energy sources are used to generate electricity and were the source of about 17% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2017.

Hydropower plants produced about 7% of total U.S. electricity generation and about 44% of electricity generation from renewable energy in 2017. Hydropower plants use flowing water to spin a turbine connected to a generator.

Wind energy was the source of about 6% of total U.S. electricity generation and about 37% of electricity generation from renewable energy in 2017. Wind turbines convert wind energy into electricity.

Biomass, the source of about 2% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2017, is burned directly in steam-electric power plants, or it can be converted to a gas that can be burned in steam generators, gas turbines, or internal combustion engine generators.

Solar energy provided about 1% of total U.S. electricity in 2017. Photovoltaic (PV) and solar-thermal power are the two main types of solar electricity generation technologies. PV conversion produces electricity directly from sunlight in a photovoltaic cell. Most solar-thermal power systems use steam turbines to generate electricity.

Geothermal power plants produced less than 1% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2017. Geothermal power plants use steam turbines to generate electricity.

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mesothelioma attorneys california

mesothelioma attorneys california    

If you or a loved one has worked at a California job site with known asbestos contamination, and if you or your loved one has developed mesothelioma, which is an asbestos related disease, you should contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney and file a claim against the companies that caused the exposure. Your California mesothelioma lawyer can help you gain retribution for all the suffering and pain that you have to go through fighting mesothelioma. Most people who have mesothelioma in California didn’t even know that they had been exposed to asbestos, which is the main causative agent of mesothelioma, and this makes them eligible to file a case against the companies that exposed them to asbestos.

Mesothelioma is a malignant disease of the mesothelium, which is the lining of the inner body cavities. This disease has no cure and its treatment is also very painful and costly. By the time the condition is diagnosed, it is already in its late stages and it becomes even more difficult for the victim to treat it effectively as the disease can remain dormant for decades.

How is one exposed to asbestos in California?

In the state of California, mesothelioma and asbestosis along with lung cancer are the most common diseases caused by asbestos exposure [1]. Asbestos exposure usually occurred to workers during the 1970s and the 1980s when the risks and hazards associated with this mineral were not widely known. Although strict regulations control the usage of asbestos in California, the dangerous mineral is not entirely banned at some places and it is still used in some industrial processes and in some products that are available commercially [2]. If you have worked at any of the work sites mentioned below, you should contact your California mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible and file your case.

Shipyards: California has many shipyards, and asbestos has been abundantly been used in shipyards and naval bases. Over 50% of all cases of asbestos related disease and mesothelioma have been reported due to asbestos contamination while working at shipyards.  Shipyards and ship breaking industries are spread throughout the coastal cities of California. These shipyards and naval bases have used asbestos abundantly in their structure and construction as most of the buildings built here were built before the 1970s.

Asbestos manufacturing facilities: There are also many facilities that have been involved with the manufacturing of this deadly mineral. The people who have been working at these facilities are at the highest risk of asbestos contamination.  There is also the additional hazard of asbestos or asbestos containing materials that are used in the manufacturing of the equipment used in these facilities.

Homes and buildings: California was built on an asbestos boom, and many buildings incorporated this cheap insulation material within their structure. Asbestos is an excellent insulation material as its ability to absorb heat is very high. It is also a very cost effective material so many buildings which include schools and even hospitals used this material in their construction. People in California have been exposed to asbestos in residential buildings as well.

Asbestos contaminated sites in California:

There are many high risk, asbestos contaminated sites in the state of California, here are a few well known sites that have been leading causes of mesothelioma and asbestos related diseases in their workers.  

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structured settlement annuity companies

structured settlement annuity companies   

What is a Structured Settlement Annuity?

A Structured Settlement Annuity (SSA) provides tax-free, periodic payments over a period of time, specifically designed to meet an injured party's needs. Specialized consultants facilitate the settlement process, as well as help design and negotiate the structure. 

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Why choose a Structured Settlement?

Benefits for the injured party:

• Features customized design: Payments are specifically tailored to meet the injured party's particular financial needs over a defined period.
• Emphasizes stability: Payments are designed to help meet the claimant's current and future financial needs.
• Promotes security: Structured settlement provide the dependability of a highly rated financial institution.

Benefits for the defendant:

• Leads to faster settlements
• May reduce costs
• Avoids Jury trials
• May allow for tax deduction (self-insured)

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Pacific Life is a member of the National Structured Settlement Trade Association

This material is not intended to be used, nor can it be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding U.S. federal, state, or local tax penalties. This material is written to support the promotion or marketing of the transaction(s) or matter(s) addressed by this material. Pacific Life, its distributors, and respective representatives do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Any taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer's particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor or attorney.

Pacific Life refers to Pacific Life Insurance Company and its affiliates, including Pacific Life & Annuity Company. Insurance products are issued by Pacific Life Insurance Company in all states except New York and in New York by Pacific Life & Annuity Company. Product availability and features may vary by state. Each insurance company is solely responsible for the financial obligations accruing under the products it issues. Insurance product and guarantees, including annuity payout rates, are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company and do not protect the value of the variable investment options.

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Mesothelioma Survival Rate

Mesothelioma Survival Rate Approximately 55 percent of mesothelioma patients live longer than 6 months, while roughly 35 percent live longer than one year. Only 9 percent of people diagnosed with mesothelioma survive longer than 5 years.

Mesothelioma Survival Rate

Approximately 55 percent of mesothelioma patients live longer than 6 months, while roughly 35 percent live longer than one year. Only 9 percent of people diagnosed with mesothelioma survive longer than 5 years.

What Is Survival Rate?

Median survival rate refers to the percentage of people who live a certain amount of time after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis. The 5-year survival rate is a standard statistic used for many types of cancer. However, because mesothelioma cancer is so deadly, many people also refer to 1-year survival rates, as well.

Survival rate should not be confused with life expectancy, which refers to the average length of time patients with mesothelioma live. Together, both of these statistics can provide information about an individual’s prognosis.

Survival rate also should not be confused with mesothelioma mortality rate. Mortality rate is a statistic used by health organizations and governmental agencies to understand the prevalence of a disease in a given area (such as a country, state or city).

Survival Rates for Mesothelioma

The latest data shows better survival rates than ever. Specifically, a 2015 meta-study looked at 20 years worth of results from 1992 – 2012, and during that period the two major forms of mesothelioma (pleural and peritoneal) have both seen an improvement in survivorship.

According to the study, survival for peritoneal mesothelioma patients has shown significant improvement, largely due to new forms of treatment, such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Mesothelioma Survival Rate by Type

	Pleural	Peritoneal	Pericardial
1 year	73%	92%	51%
3 years	23%	74%	26%
5 years	12%	65%	23%
10 years	4.7%	39%	(N/A)

While the numbers above encompass all people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma, the survival rate can change significantly based on various factors. The two most substantial of these are age and gender:

• Age – Older patients have a lower 5-year survival rate than younger patients
• Gender –Women with mesothelioma have a higher 5-year survival rate than men

5-Year Mesothelioma Survival Rate by Age and Sex

Age at Diagnosis	Male	Female
Ages <45	34.8%	54.1%
Ages 45 - 54	17.3%	27.5%
Ages 55 - 64	10.4%	17.6%
Ages 65 - 74	6.6%	13%
Ages 75+	2.9%	5.2%

Other factors that affect mesothelioma survival rates include:

• Location – pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, or pericardial mesothelioma
• Cell Type – epithelioid mesothelioma, sarcomatoid mesothelioma, or biphasic mesothelioma
• Stage of Disease – early stage or later stage
• Genetics – such as BRCA1-associated protein-1 (BAP1)
• Lifestyle Factors – such as smoking
• Blood Counts – such as high levels of hemoglobin, platelets, or white blood cells
• Overall Health – such as being overweight or having a compromised immune system

Improving Mesothelioma Survival

It is important to remember that a survival rate is a percentage based on many cases – it is not meant to indicate how long any certain individual will live. In many cases, you may be able to improve your chances at long-term survival after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

For those with early stage mesothelioma (stage 1 or stage 2), undergoing aggressive treatment to remove tumors and organs containing cancer cells can lead to higher survival rates. Those who receive a later stage diagnosis (stage 3 or stage 4) may not have the same surgical options available – since the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes – but could still benefit from chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments, which can extend their survivorship.

Mesothelioma Survival Rate by Treatment Type
Pleural Mesothelioma
Chemotherapy Only	2 years	19%
	5 years	4%
Pleurectomy / Decortication (P/D)	2 years	40%
	5 years	10%
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP)	2 years	37%
	5 years	12%
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
CRS-207 + Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)	5 years	50%

For pleural mesothelioma, patients who undergo a pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) or extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) – both of which are usually part of a multimodal treatment plan – generally have a much higher rate of survival than those who receive chemotherapy alone.

For peritoneal mesothelioma, patients who undergo cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with HIPEC have significantly higher rates of survival. When combined with systemic chemotherapy as an adjuvant treatment, the 5-year survival rate of patients who undergo CRS + HIPEC can be as high as 67%.

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How To Donate A Car (with Insurance) to Charity In California

How To Donate A Car (with Insurance) to Charity In California Are you ready to donate a car in California? If so, good for you! Donating a car to charity is a wonderful decision on many levels. First of all, your donation goes to help a great cause. Plus, you get your old vehicle or junk car moved off of your property free of charge. You are also recycling an old vehicle, and you also get to claim the car donation as a tax deduction. In this post you'll find some tips on how to donate a car in California and some specific requirements you should be aware of that relate to California car donations.

1. To  Donate car(with Insurance)  to charity California , you begin by submitting an online car donation form or calling the charity you wish donate your vehicle to.  If you wish to claim the car donation as a tax deduction, be sure to check that the charity is an IRS recognized nonprofit organization.

2. The process for receiving the tax receipt for your charitable donation may vary. Some charities will email you the initial receipt while others have the tow truck provide you with the receipt at the time of pick up. This is just an initial receipt and enables you to claim a tax deduction of up to $500. You should check with the charity to find out what their procedure is for providing you with this receipt when you submit your vehicle donation.

3. In the State of California, the license plates remain with the vehicle, so these should not be removed prior to the pickup.

4. Filing a Release of Liability with the California Department of Motor Vehicles is an important step you do not want to miss when you donate a car.  This document releases you from future liability which may arise for any reason after the vehicle is donated.  In California the procedure for filing a Release of Liability is that you must return the pink portion of the title or DMV form REG 138 to your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Alternatively, you can file your release of liability online at http://www.dmv.ca.gov.

5. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, or if it qualifies for a fair market value tax deduction, you will receive additional tax paperwork after the sale of the vehicle takes place. The amount you will be allowed to deduct on your taxes will vary depending on several factors which could include the price the vehicle is sold for or whether the vehicle is classified as a fair market value car donation.

6. One last point we should mention is that if you plan to claim your car donation tax deduction on your 2012 taxes, you need to make sure you donate the car well before the deadline of December 31, 2012. The charity should have possession of the vehicle before midnight on December 31st, or at least have the pickup well in the works, in order for you to claim your tax deduction in 2012. Don’t wait till the last minute as there could be delays that could result in you being unable to claim the donation as a deduction for the current tax year. 

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