I love when the uncertainties in financial markets present a wonderful opportunity to make money with little effort.

We often hear that there’s no free lunch. True most of the times but not always!! This opportunity has been there for a while but has become even more attractive in recent months.

The worsening job and housing markets have forced the US Government to keep interest rates low for some time. Many credit card companies are now offering one of the best balance transfer deals that I have seen in years. Some 0% interest  offers have the transaction fee as low as 1% ( Do let me know if you find lower than 1%), which means the total cost of funds is 1%. Now you have to ask yourself: Can I earn a better return than 1%? How about long term bonds or a real estate investment that has decent positive cash flow? Perhaps it is time to pay off an auto or student loan that has higher interest rate.

When you look outside the US, there are better opportunities with least risk. Especially for many of us who have ties to India or other emerging markets. As we know, there are differences between the developed and developing economies. The developed countries have very low growth with low inflation, developing countries have it just the opposite i.e. higher growth at the cost of high inflation. We can use this differential to our advantage.

For example in India, you can park this money in Fixed Deposits that offer 9-11% interest rate. Even if you take the taxes into account, you’re still left with 6-8%. The major banks in India are much safer than the ones in US as they’re regulated and have tighter controls. Want higher return? Think of Real estate or Equities.

This even works better for folks who are planning to return to India at some point or can use this money for parents or charity in future. In other words, they are not planning to bring money back to the US as some might not want to deal with the repatriation issue.

So what are the other factors that make this offer more attractive?

Exchange Rate: The dollar has gotten much stronger lately, almost 9-11% higher than the average rate, mainly due to Euro zone troubles.

High inflation: The inflation continues to remain high in India, which means higher rates for your deposits.

Low interest rates in the US: Fed has decided to keep the rates low for another two years. It is rare that you get such a long commitment.

Now it is possible that any of the above factors (especially the first two) might change, making this offer less attractive. So make the most of it while it lasts!!

Don’t want to go overseas looking for higher return? Fine. But you have to be more creative!! Loan money to others or start a business or experiment with an idea that you’re passionate about.

Some important points to remember regarding these Balance Transfer Offers:

• Make a note of the representative that you spoke to (regarding confirmation of the offer details)
• Review your credit card statement to make sure that the transaction fees you’re charged are as per the offer only
• Mark the expiration date of 0% offer in your calendar so that you cancel it on time
• Don’t use that card (used for balance transfer offer) for any other purchases
• Make sure you have enough income or money to pay off the borrowed funds on or before the introductory offer

Any disciplined investor or a businessperson would love to borrow funds at a cost this low. For them, it is Free Money!!

Hope you’ll take advantage of it and make the money work for you, instead of you working for it!! 🙂