Before you head out to sell or pawn gold, there are some things you should know:

• Gold has been appreciating for several years and is predicted to soon be more valuable than the U.S. Dollar.  Selling gold may not be the best way to get fast money.

• The typical gold pawn shop will offer as low of an offer as possible to buy your gold and other assets and for a pawn loan will charge as much as 25% interest per month without the ability to apply payments towards the principal amount until the end of the loan.

There is a better way to use your gold to get quick money without losing your valuable assets.  Chapes JPL in Atlanta, Georgia has been offering gold loans and buying precious metals and jewelry since 1980.  The company was founded for the sole purpose of providing a better way for people to get quick money help without having to turn to a traditional pawnshop.

Chapes offers pawn loans, but with completely unique and much safer methods than an average pawn store.  First of all, we do not sell anything so there is no retail store with customers wandering while you are discussing your private circumstances.  As a matter of fact, all Chapes asset and gold appraisals are performed in private by appointment only.

The fact that we do not sell gold or jewelry offers another advantage for our customers because our goal is not to fill jewelry display cases.  A customary jewelry store that offers gold loans will be quick to liquidate an item due to one missed payment.   Our primary goal is to help our clients get the money they need affordably and without losing their loan leverage.  We strive to work with our customers to get their pledged items back more so than an average pawnbroker.

Our upscale, boutique offices are located in the best parts of town and situated within highly secure financial buildings.  All collateral pledged with us are photographed, insured and kept in traditional bank vaults off-site.  Whether you have gold bars, nuggets, coins, jewelry or simple gold scraps, we can help you get the money you need fast and without selling one of your most valuable assets.  More than 80% of our customers return to us repeatedly for collateral loans frequently using the same asset each time.

Chapes customers know they can count on us for emergency cash without worrying about high interest rates, indiscretion, or unfair values to sell gold and/or jewelry.  Some of our best clientele includes professional athletes, well-known entertainers and other VIPs because they appreciate our highly discreet and more than fair gold lending and buying techniques.

To learn more about Chapes gold and jewelry lending and buying services, please visit http://www.chapesjpl.com.

Written by Peggy DiPirro

The Hall of Fame shortstop sold his 13 consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1980-92 for $519,203, SCP Auctions said Sunday. His 2011 St. Louis Cardinals’ World Series ring sold for $51,364 and his 2006 ring went for $42,448. Both were gifts from the team.

The prices include a 20 percent commission, known as a buyer’s premium.

Two pairs of Muhammad Ali boxing gloves used during fights each sold for $385,848. They were used against Sonny Liston on Feb. 25, 1964, and for his first bout against Joe Frazier on March 8, 1971.

A Babe Ruth team sweater from around 1922 sold for $250,642, Oscar Robertson’s NBA MVP Award from 1963-64 for $177,632 and a Robertson 1960 U.S. Olympic team jersey for $121,324.

Paul Hornung’s 1956 Heisman Trophy sold for $173,102. A Lou Gehrig game-used bat from 1938 or ’39 sold for $75,205 – the same price as a 1966 Green Bay Super Bowl ring presented to Steve Wright.

SCP said the winning bidders wanted to remain anonymous.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/smith-sells-gold-gloves-519-220701213–mlb.html

Mortgage brokers have taken a lot of the heat for America’s failing economy in recent years.  In addition to an unpredictable housing marketing, record high foreclosures and new government regulations restricting compensation for mortgage brokers, many have left the business.  Those licensed professionals who have managed to continue their practices have done so due to hard work, influential business connections and some good old fashion “know-how”.

In many ways, new government policies and a tighter real estate market have created an advantage for residential and commercial buyers.  For example, someone looking for a mortgage to finance a new home will not be subjected to the possibility of being charged unnecessary fees.  Also, any mortgage broker remaining in business today is more likely to be well seasoned in the industry and will work harder to keep their customers.  This is a definite plus for consumers requiring a loan for personal or business.

Although tough changes have created an advantage for the consumer, the modern day mortgage broker has undoubtedly overcome many obstacles in order to survive.  It is also quite probable that many of these champion brokers have risked their own financial portfolio at times.  Yet, these diligent pros have thrived because they enjoy what they do and know there is a significant need for their expertise.

Without mortgage brokers, real estate buyers without cash would be forced to accept the unbendable mortgage interest rates offered by traditional banks.  The other option would be for a potential borrower to repeat the same paperwork process with every lender in which they submit a loan inquiry.  Needless to say, re-applying for a mortgage with more than one lender could become very monotonous, time consuming and costly.

Today’s modern day entrepreneurs are struggling to stay in business.  A high percentage of small companies are doing whatever they can to stay afloat.  Nonetheless, business- operating expenses are rising and profits are falling.  This combination makes it very difficult for the average small business owner to survive.  What makes matters worse is that banks are now stricter than ever about granting traditional loans for business or personal use.

If you are a mortgage broker (or the owner of any size business) and have found yourself backed against a wall financially; Chapes JPL may be able to help.  With the right valuable asset, you could be eligible for a low interest, short-term business loan.

The following is a short summary of items, which qualify as collateral for a secured loan:

Chapes is one of the nation’s oldest and most trusted jewelry buyers and lenders.  This jewelry exchange merchant does not operate like a typical pawn shop.  The business was initially started more than 30 years ago in Atlanta for the sole purpose of providing a better way to get fast money without having to turn to a traditional pawnbroker.

All appraisals at Chapes JPL are performed in private, upscale offices, which are situated in highly secure financial buildings and in the best parts of town.  Collateral loans are offered up to $5 Million at less than 10% interest per month with the ability to make principal payments simultaneous with a client’s monthly interest payment.   Chapes also buys jewelry and other high ticket assets for typically much higher values (as much as 50% more).

All pledged collateral items with Chapes are photographed, insured and safely kept in bank vaults until a loan is completed.   To schedule your free asset appraisal to help fund your small business, or to supplement your personal finances, visit http://www.chapesjpl.com.  Also, be sure to ask a Chapes representative about fuel and/or airfare reimbursements for customers taking loans amounting to $25,000 or more.

Dunwoody police are looking for a caregiver who they say stole thousands of dollars worth of jewelry from a 100-year-old woman and her daughter.

After a bad nursing home experience, Synthia Roberson started caring for her elderly mother at her Dunwoody home. One-hundred-year-old Florazelle Teele needs 24-hour care.

To help, Roberson hired a full-time caregiver, Katherine Allen Carter. Roberson said the caregiver came with good recommendations.

“She gained my trust. She seemed to do a good job. She seemed to care for my mother,” Roberson told Channel 2 Action News reporter Rachel Stockman.

Roberson said she started to notice that her and her mother’s jewelry was disappearing about six months after she hired Carter.

“She was here a lot. She knew my patterns. I’m very regimented, I’m very predictable which is one thing you shouldn’t be,” Roberson said.

Roberson said her mother’s gold capped tooth, which was recently removed by a dentist, even disappeared. After counting up 20 pieces of missing jewelry, she called Dunwoody police.

Detectives linked the crime to 52-year-old Carter after some of the stolen jewelry turned up at a pawn shop, Sgt. Mike Carlson said.

“Unfortunately, we were not able to get all of the merchandise back,” Sgt. Carlson said.

Police suspect that the caregiver stole about $8,500 worth of jewelry from Roberson and her mother.

They issued a warrant for Carter’s arrest, on charges of theft by taking. They are urging anyone with information to contact Detective R. DeLima at the Dunwoody Police Department at 678-382-6914.

Will silver become more valuable than gold?  For many people, it is difficult to believe a precious metal valued today at $33.92 per ounce could ever surpass gold’s present value of $1765.79 per ounce.  However, over the past twenty years, the value of silver has risen significantly.  In the last twelve years the value has increased 690% and some of the world’s most influential investment experts are convinced that silver will soon exceed gold’s value.

Silver has been used for thousands of years to produce a long list of invaluable items, including coins for monetary trading, jewelry, as well as thousands of industrial applications.  The average person would be very surprised to learn the many versatile uses of silver.  Supply and demand for the precious metal has only increased.  Since 2007, the price of silver has actually doubled.  However, according to the world’s mining industry, 95% of the earth’s silver has been depleted.

Silver mines are on empty and much of the world’s used silver has been disposed of and is now amidst landfill.  Without an adequate supply of the metal available from natural resources, manufacturers will eventually be completely dependent upon collecting used metals from across the globe.  Unless one understands the extent of hardship that will occur without a sufficient amount of available silver, it’s easy to deny the likelihood of a significant increase in its value.

The following are just some of the many ways the world heavily relies on silver:

Approximately 30% of silver is used for photography. Silver halide mirrors the image to be photographed and is a more affordable technique than other available photographic development technologies.  This same optical reflectivity is used for mirrors, metals, glass coatings and even cellophane.  Silver coatings and pastes are also used for thermal windows and solar energy products as the metal reflects approximately 95% of the sun’s heat.  This significantly reduces energy costs.

Pure silver contains more electrical and thermal conductivity than any other metal.  As a result, the augmented use of computers, electrical appliances and other new technology has also contributed a great deal to an increased demand for silver.   For example, printed circuit boards (PCBs) are built using silver to connect paths of electronic circuitry.  PCBs are also used for manufacturing aircrafts, automobiles, appliances, security systems, telecommunication, cell phones, various switches and control panels, etc.

Another substance produced from silver, Silver Sulfadiazine, has the ability to fight bacteria and is commonly used for medicinal purposes to treat critical health conditions, such as severe burns and diabetic ulcer wounds.  Silver is also utilized to manufacture other medical equipment and supplies, including bandages and wound dressings.  The precious metal’s impeccable ability to fight bacteria makes it invaluable in the medical industry.

Silver is definitely one of man’s most universal and resourceful precious metals.  An uncertain economy only adds to the metal’s value.  Gold and silver metals will hold their value regardless of what happens to the U.S. dollar or any other form of currency.  If you have been considering selling your silver or gold to get quick money to pay emergency personal or business expenses, consider using it for a loan instead.  With a questionable economy, your silver and gold will only appreciate in value.  Private lenders will offer secured loans against silver and other valuable assets regardless of a client’s credit history or job status.

Chapes JPL is one of the Nation’s oldest and most trusted asset based lenders and jewelry buyers.  Our collateral loan services are highly discreet, safe and we offer some of the lowest interest rates in the direct loan industry.  Unlike a typical pawn shop, Chapes does not sell anything and conducts all appraisals in private, upscale offices situated within extremely secure financial buildings and in the best parts of town.

Chapes will beat any competitor’s interest rate and all pledged collateral is photographed, insured and kept safely in traditional bank vaults.  To schedule your free gold or silver appraisal, or to learn more about our silver loan services, please visit http://www.chapesjpl.com/silver-pawn-loans/.

Written by Peggy DiPirro

By DANNY ROBBINS (Associated Press) | The Associated Press – 3 hours ago

DALLAS (AP) — Six years after entering the NFL as the third player taken in the draft, Vince Young finds himself without a team and with just a fraction of the money he received from a contract that guaranteed him $26 million.

Divorce forces some to learn how to handle a budget, debt

Posted: Sep 13, 2012 1:13 PM EDTUpdated: Sep 13, 2012 2:42 PM EDT

It took a divorce for Kay Paterson, 60, to learn how to manage her finances. ”He (ex-husband) paid all the bills,” said Kay. ”I monitored them but he paid all the bills.” After 26 years of marriage, Kim split from her husband. She was short on money but had plenty of plastic in her wallet. ”The money started to dwindle and the credit cards looked very attractive.”

Have you ever wondered what an Olympic gold medal is worth?  The answer to that question may surprise you.  The only time in history when pure, solid gold medals were awarded was between the 1904 Olympics in St. Louis and 1912 Summer Olympics hosted in Stockholm.  Since then, the gold medals have been made from silver and only plated with gold.  However, it’s quite probable that the competing athletes would still prefer the gold plated medals over olive wreathes, which were the original prizes presented at the Olympic Game winners in Ancient Greece.

When the first international Olympic games began in Athens, Greece in 1896, victorious athletes received a silver medal designed by a French sculptor and an olive branch.  Runner-ups received a bronze medal and a laurel branch. All medals for subsequent Olympic games were designed and manufactured by the Games’ hosting city.  For example, in 1900 the Olympics were hosted in Paris.  Therefore, all medals were designed and manufactured at the discretion of designated Paris officials.

Although the design and production of the Olympic medals are left at the discretion of the Games’ host, all awarded medals must meet the outlined specifications required by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

These rules include:

• Only the top three (3) competitors are awarded medals;
• Medals must be molded into a circular shape designed to allow prize to be attached to a chain or ribbon;
• Medals must be produced at a minimum of 60mm in diameter and a minimum of 3mm density;
• 1^st place medals must consist of 550 grams of silver (93%), (minimum 925-1000) and coated with 6 grams (1.34%) of pure gold;
• 2^nd place medals must consist of 550 grams of silver (minimum 925-1000);
• 3^rd place medals are created with a combination of copper, tin and zinc.

This year’s Summer Olympic Games are being held in London.  The 2012 host has designed this year’s medals to measure 85 mm in diameter and 7mm density.  Although London’s medals do not break any records as far as size, an enormous climb in the value of gold and silver within the past five years have led to London presenting the most precious Olympic medals in history.

Have you watched the rise in the [1]value of gold, platinum and silver throughout the last decade?  Below is a quick cheat sheet to demonstrate how these precious metals have consistently increased in value over the last ten (10) years.

Chapes JPL in Atlanta has been in the business of buying gold, fine jewelry and other precious metals, as well offering asset based loans, since the 1980 Olympics in Moscow.  We know the true value of your gold, platinum, sterling silver and other high-ticket assets.  While we are always willing to buy your gold or jewelry, we also provide secure short-term loans at some of the nation’s lowest rates.

As you can see by the table provided above, the value of gold, platinum and silver continually appreciate and we believe the trend will continue.  When you use your gold, diamonds, jewelry and watches for a loan verses selling outright, you will have leverage for a loan for years to come.

To learn more about Chapes JPL’s locations in Atlanta and Boca Raton, or to simply schedule a free appraisal appointment, please visit us online at http://www.chapesjpl.com

In today’s tough economy, many Americans are frequently finding themselves backed into a corner financially.  When the rent or mortgage payment is due; property taxes need to be paid; or a someone just needs a little cash to get by until next payday; too often they find themselves accepting financial help that is not so helpful after all is said and done.

One of the most costly fast cash methods too often utilized by misinformed people is a so called “easy payday loan”.  These payday loans are small (usually around $200 dollars), temporary loans serviced through check cashing stores, or other quick cash advance lenders.  The process usually involves the customer writing a post dated check accompanied by a hefty fee.  Should a payday loan customer’s plans to pay back the loan backfire, the loan is then rolled over (aka “extended”).

Payday loans will surely require endless fees and high interest rates if the loan is not paid off as originally intended.  The cost of a payday loan roll-over averages around 426% per year according to The Consumer Federation of America. If a customer chooses to ignore repayment, it will be reported to ChexSystems and their credit will be ruined.  Many tales have also been told about payday lenders who harass customers for late or nonpayment.

Some states institute regulations limiting the amount of money a payday lender can loan to a customer.  There is often a maximum amount the lender is allowed to loan to a customer based upon the client’s income.  The only way for a payday loan to be helpful at all is if the borrower is disciplined and has the ability to repay the loan as scheduled.  Conversely, a person who is 100% confident they have the ability to repay the loan within two weeks as scheduled probably would not need a payday loan in the first place.

There are better ways to get money fast rather than turning to a high-risk payday loan.  Even a cash advance from a credit card appears to be a better option.  Unfortunately, many people today have been burdened with poor credit ratings and are unable to qualify for a credit card.  A much better quick cash alternative is a short-term collateral loan.  Anyone who has in their possession a valuable asset, such as gold, silver, platinum, loose diamonds, fine jewelry or designer watches, have everything they need to get a same day loan for less than 10% interest per month and no additional fees at Chapes JPL.  Credit or job history is not important, and if a loan is not paid off, it will not affect your credit rating.

In the current economy, assets in the same category as a GIA certified diamond ring, Rolex wristwatch, mint coins, or jewelry are more valuable than the U.S. Dollar.  Therefore, selling fine jewelry, diamonds or precious metals is not in a person’s best interest.  However, using the same assets for a loan with a trustworthy and experienced private lender is a great way to get quick cash without paying ridiculously high interest rates and additional fees.

There are limitless pawn stores and other questionable gold buyers anxiously waiting for customers to walk through the door with their priceless treasures.  It is extremely important to do your homework before visiting a pawnbroker or direct lender.  First of all, the customer should already be fully aware of the current value of their assets.  If the potential borrower is unsure of the item they have available to pledge, it is best to get several appraisals on the item(s) before committing to a loan.  There are also tests available, such as acid tests for gold.

Other important factors to consider before committing to a short-term loan with a pawnshop or private lender are:

1. What is the required monthly interest rate?
2. How long will the loan be contracted for and what are the terms?  Are there penalties if the loan is not paid off as originally scheduled, such as additional fees or higher interest rates?
3. Are principal payments allowed throughout the loan?  If so, what are the restrictions?
4. Has a friend or family member done business with the broker or lender before? If so, did the lender work with the client to help him/her get their asset back, or was the asset instantly liquidated?

Chapes JPL is Atlanta’s oldest and most trusted private lender and jewelry buyer.  The reasons listed above are exactly why our business was started more than 30 years ago.   Chapes’ founder wanted to provide a better fast money alternative for the people in Georgia rather than being forced to rely on seedy pawnbrokers or other greedy loan merchants.

We will buy valuable assets, but most often encourage clients to use them for a secured loan.  Our asset loans are never more than 10% interest per month and we highly recommend customers make as many principal payments as possible.  More payments towards the principal balance will keep costs down and allow the client to pay off a loan more easily.

Chapes customers are important to us and we want them to have loan leverage for years to come.  More than 80% of our clients return to us repeatedly after their initial loan and refer us to friends and family.  We now service clients nationwide and have added a second location in beautiful Boca Raton, Florida.  Pro-athletes and well-known celebrities also appreciate our discreet, safe and upscale lending approach.  Learn more about our jewelry loan and buying services by visiting us at http://www.chapesjpl.com.