Investors tend to assess the investment value of shares by looking at per share earnings, dividends, sales, cash flow and book value. They also look at company fundamentals such as growth record and prospects.

If you've entered a debt management program, this will have been registered with credit reference agencies. Unless you've got a cosigner, don't waste your time applying to the banks. Secured or unsecured cash loans for people on debt management are available without passing a credit check, but you'll need to think outside the box.

According to the U.S. Congress' Joint Economic Committee, "As household wealth has declined in the downturn, more American families are facing financial distress due to high debt burdens. In 2007, before the recession began, 14.7% of U.S. families had debts exceeding 40% of their income." This has meant that those struggling with financial difficulties are considering entering a debt management plan or taking out a debt consolidation loan to lower monthly repayments.

When a person's personal economy is in turmoil, it is common for debt to mount while income either drops or stagnates. When the going continues to get tough, more credit may be needed either through extended lines, or new ones.

Previous credit problems lead to financial difficulties, poor credit and unpaid debts. A bad debt consolidation loan is a way of paying off existing loans, credit cards, medical debts and other unpaid bills and making a single, monthly repayment. This means that there won't be any further unwanted collection agency contact as unpaid debts will have been settled. However, a poor credit debt consolidation loan will only be offered to customers who can provide the lender with security.