tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81877734226043306252024-03-06T12:02:07.821-08:00Your Ultimate Finance DestinationIf you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gave it to.S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-73482428190754134772012-03-20T22:19:00.001-07:002012-03-20T22:22:19.296-07:00How To Generate an Income Post RetirementMost of us do not pay much attention to our retirement life when we are stuck with a 9 to 5 job. But the uncertainty and the absence of a paycheck revolving around the retirement age should be adequately planned and executed during the working phase.<br /><br /><br />The situation has worsened due to the ensuing financial meltdown and market crashes which wiped away millions of dollars of wealth. The dream of various individuals to fully live up their non-working years has not materialized. Therefore it is essential to think outside the traditional 401(k) and IRA paradigm and make simple and basic changes in your lifestyle to reap the benefits of a solid income during your retirement phase.<br /><br /><br /><b>Save the Right Way</b><br /><br />Individuals often have this habit of extracting sums from their retirement-saving account to meet living expenses and other personal needs. It should be noted that your savings should exclusively belong to your retirement age and exhausting retirement funds immaturely is not advisable.<br /><br /><br /><b>Real-Estate is an Investment Heaven<br /></b><br />One cannot enjoy a reliable source of income through cutting down expenses and properly saving. Rather you need to focus on smart ways of investing, and real estate is a brilliant solution. Investing in real estate requires a deeper understanding of the real estate market and the overall economic conditions.<br /><br /><br />Moreover you should incorporate and accept the additional responsibilities of becoming a landlord and the pertinent maintenance costs. You should keep an open eye on declining prices, and analyze whether the prices will go down further after investing. Surveying better rent prospects is also advisable. You should not limit your investment in your hometown; rather look for bargain deals across the nation.<br /><br /><br /><b>Invest in Funds<br /></b><br />Most individuals invest due to the “herding” phenomenon or simply speculation. But with retirement income in perspective, you should invest as an “owner”. By investing as an owner, you are focusing on long-terms results, and not just quick and short-term needs. Acquiring the professional help of financial planners is also advisable.<br /><br />Mutual funds are the craze these days, and they are proven to be a reliable source of income due to their diversification attribute. Reiterate the type of companies included in the fund. Try to manage a decent proportion of “Value” stocks and “Growth” shares. Value shares are deemed to provide you with dividends, while growth stocks ensure future capital gains.<br /><br /><br /><b>Debt: No Way<br /></b><br />Whether it is mortgage payments or interest payments on credit cards, debt is not recommended for generating income in retirement age. Find innovative ways of reducing debt, such as prepayments on mortgage or restricting your shopping spree on credit cards.<br /><br /><br /><b>Find Reliable Sources of Online Income<br /></b><br />Google has shaped and revolutionized our lives. A combination of blogging and Ad-sense can provide you with a hefty monthly paycheck. Sharing your individualistic ideas online can be fun as well as a reliable source of income.<br /><br /><br />It does not matter which mode of income you choose, the essential point is to initiate these processes while you are still busy in a 9 to 5 job, so that you can generate income in your retirement age.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">About the Author :<br /></span><br />Allan has been writing on retirmenent and <a href="http://www.ubank.com.au/ub/web/smsf/smsf-overview" style="font-weight: normal; ">smsf</a>. He loves blogging and sharing his opinions online.S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-60113003083090580222011-10-31T21:39:00.001-07:002011-10-31T21:43:56.468-07:00A Complete Guide To A Monitored Security System and How It WorksMonitored home security systems are systems that are connected to the home security companies that installed them. Your home security company operates a monitoring centre that takes a continual feed from the system in your home – and it employs 24 hour staff to monitor that feed. If anything is wrong, or appears out of the ordinary, then your security company takes appropriate steps to prevent whatever threat or danger the system has identified.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtNM_68_z5wpkuoqu_Yn1uSLlOdpDGz0-dhGe22FY2vkku36wEtHNMe8xzcmlFs4cK1lZeN-JDOQOcRs2UZ27j9logBWPUyBOJZtE_6Vp0pbCKOpdvR7PWm58JpKaBw_HGSSCVoNHZrI/s1600/security_camera.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 330px; height: 330px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtNM_68_z5wpkuoqu_Yn1uSLlOdpDGz0-dhGe22FY2vkku36wEtHNMe8xzcmlFs4cK1lZeN-JDOQOcRs2UZ27j9logBWPUyBOJZtE_6Vp0pbCKOpdvR7PWm58JpKaBw_HGSSCVoNHZrI/s400/security_camera.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669883025043134194" /></a><br />Most <a href="http://www.homesecuritysystemsales.com/">home security companies</a> that provide monitoring services have a national scope. They will take control of the installation of your home security systems, which adds a further layer to the peace of mind engendered by the purchase of your system – you will know that someone that knows what they are doing has put it in for you, tested it and is monitoring it to see that it is still working.<br /><br />Monitored security systems are checked routinely to make sure everything is still functioning, as well as being monitored for intruders, fire or carbon monoxide levels (you can now buy home security systems that protect the home against all invasion, rather than just the human kind). If anything is wrong, either with your system or with your property, then the home security companies in charge of monitoring you will come out to fix things; or contact the relevant authorities on your behalf.<br /><br />Whenever your system is armed, it will send signals to the monitoring centre if something is tripped, a contact is broken or movement is detected. The system is preset with different zones, which can be turned on and off either independently of each other or as one big unit. Any active (i.e. armed) zone is capable of sending signals to the home security companies monitoring your system.<br /><br />When a zone is not armed, it can still be set top operate a chime or bell if a contact is broken, movement is detected or any other pre-specified condition that would usually cause an alarm is fulfilled. This can be very useful in letting you know if a door or window in another part of your property has been opened, or left open.<br /><br />Monitored home security systems are centrally operated using a control panel. This can be portable or hard wired into your home. You will be able to define different zones and activate and deactivate them using the control panel.<br /><br />The basic setup of your home security system is likely to follow the above descriptions. You’ll get hundred of different variations depending on the kind of equipment you have opted for, and the functionality you have specified. For example, many home security companies run a pager function, which gets in touch with your phone or pager whenever an alarm event occurs. You can also specify things like CCTV, digital video recording and light activation.<br /><br />Monitored home security systems keep you and your property safe – with the peace of mind that comes with knowing there are professionals keeping an eye on your home.S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-22134102124817613522011-10-30T22:59:00.000-07:002011-10-30T23:09:52.074-07:00Can It Be Healthy And Wealthy To Smoke Electric Cigarettes?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZj-gtXI6C9n7MZKeCYIrxfvWP_J3cmAXzmdb0WBfMCEAoaP13RA7U1hovqQx2MeKN4gxDFy0y_fN07ASu3ay0W_ruODumJ_VgqVP8SJptWiAyiL-UclA66r83y1MFReOGWKTwC7VStQ/s1600/Electronic-cigarette.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZj-gtXI6C9n7MZKeCYIrxfvWP_J3cmAXzmdb0WBfMCEAoaP13RA7U1hovqQx2MeKN4gxDFy0y_fN07ASu3ay0W_ruODumJ_VgqVP8SJptWiAyiL-UclA66r83y1MFReOGWKTwC7VStQ/s400/Electronic-cigarette.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669534354133649778" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is a question that needs some context. If you smoke tobacco, then yes it can be very healthy to smoke electric cigarettes. E cigs are specifically designed as nicotine replacement therapy, allowing you to continue absorbing the drug you crave without any of the harmful side effects present in its traditional method of delivery. The electric cigarette is a genuine tool for addicts, a rehabilitation program you can carry in your handbag or stick in a pocket.<br /><br />All medical products, or products intended for use in a basically medical sphere (in this case addiction control with a view to future rehabilitation) need to be sold to the correct market. For that reason it is necessary to mention the following caveat: it is absolutely not healthy to smoke electric cigarettes if you have never smoked. There’s no point anyway. Nicotine addiction is yesterday’s news. There’s bound to be a new trendy addiction come along to take its place – but for now e cigs are all about getting the last of the dinosaurs off the drug that used to be popular and is now pretty much reviled all over.<br /><br />The sole purpose of electric cigarettes is to get all us poor nicotine addicts away from the cancer crutches that will be our grave. They are healthier than actual tobacco cigarettes by orders of magnitude. They contain none of the carcinogens or additives that regular tobacco smoke holds. They will allow us to take our nicotine without withering our lungs, filling our hearts with fat and killing all the sperm in our testicles.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ecigarette.org.uk/">E cigs</a> contain the bare minimum of ingredients, in their E liquid. Everything in E liquid is fit for human use and overall you’re looking at an average of 1,000 times less constituents in E liquid vapour than there are in cigarette smoke.<br /><br />The only actively harmful thing in the smoke you get from electric cigarettes is nicotine. Nicotine is not good for you, it’s a poison. Anyone who is used to smoking cigarettes, though, has built up a natural tolerance of the poison – so the nicotine in the e cigs is no more harmful to them that it was in tobacco, only with e cigs there are no carcinogenic or antisocial side effects.<br /><br />Smoking the electronic cigarette is certainly socially healthier than smoking a tobacco cigarette. Noticed how girls or boys, whichever you like, have started shying away from you when you come back inside the bar after you’ve staggered out for a quick fag? There’s a reason for that, a reason I know all too well. You stink. You smell like a cross between an ashtray and the rim of an undersea volcano.<br /><br />Electric cigarettes will let you get your hit without having to smell to do so. Your breath won’t be affected. Your clothes will no longer reek like a bonfire. And your friends will stop berating you for honking up the place when they’re all trying to have a good time.<br /><br />The social acceptance of e cigs is backed up by a legality that can make using them quite a lot of fun. It’s perfectly legal to inhale vapour from an e cig in any public place, no matter what the smoking laws. So you even get to feel a bit like an outlaw even though you’re not.<br /><br />For anyone who smokes, <a href="http://www.electroniccigarette.co.uk/">electric cigarettes</a> are thousands of times healthier. If you’ve ever wished you could smoke without worrying about dying, this is your chance.S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-66953867215280523142011-10-28T21:29:00.000-07:002011-10-28T21:36:09.901-07:00O Customer - what is this?The term “customer” is very old in meaning. It can be supposed that it comes from time when first stores have appeared.<br /><br />Word customer derives from “custom”, the synonym of “habit”. One great dictionary defines customer as “someone who frequented a particular shop, who made it a habit to purchase goods there, and with whom the shopkeeper had to maintain a relationship to keep his or her “custom,” meaning expected purchases in the future.” So, as in the past in order to be a customer the person ought to visit a store, in our days the meaning of this term enlarged. O-customer or online customer is the same customer, but difference is that he/she practices to buy products from an online provider.<br /><br />Fact that you are visitor of our site you has already become a potential o-customer. As the humanity has the habit to make one self conspicuous, day after day the number of o-customers is growing.<br /><br /><b>Is there any difference between ordinary and o-customer?<br /></b><br />As a minimum, there is one difference: o-customers buy products at much cheaper. As main “property” of customer is the purchase, <a href="http://www.tobaccopub.com/">online shopping</a> is regarded as the main technique to economize your money. It is not hard to become an o-customer; it is more harder not ignore this phenomenon, because the prerogatives that offers online shopping impress.<br /><br />Most online stores are obsessed to attract new customers and this is certainly necessary, but the focus really should be on clients who currently are your old customers. To better understand the challenge of building customer loyalty, we can break down shoppers into five types:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Loyal O Customers:</span> They represent no more than 20 percent of your customer base, but make up more than 50 percent of our sales. Naturally, we need to be communicating with these customers on a regular basis by telephone, mail, email, etc.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Discount O Customers:</span> They buy in your shop frequently, but make their decisions based on the size of your markdowns. However they can often wind up costing you money because they are more inclined to return product.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Impulse O Customers:</span> They do not have buying a particular item at the top of their “To Do” list, but come into the <a href="http://www.cigarette-store.org/">online store</a> on a whim. They will purchase what seems good at the time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Need-Based O Customers:</span> They have a specific intention to buy a particular type of item. When these customers enter the store, they will look to see if they can have that need filled quickly. If not, they will leave right away.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wandering O Customers:</span> They have no specific need or desire in mind when they come into the store. For many online stores, this is the largest segment in terms of traffic, at the same time; they make up the smallest percentage of sales.<br /><br />If you want to grow your business, you need to focus your effort on the loyal customers, and merchandise your store to leverage the impulse shoppers. The other three types of customers do represent a segment of your business, but they can also cause you to misdirect you resources if you put too much emphasis on them.S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-441661986375927832011-10-21T07:53:00.000-07:002011-10-21T07:55:19.461-07:00What is critical illness cover designed to achieve?If you are wondering what is critical illness cover designed to achieve, the simplest and most straight forward answer is that it aims to give you – and possibly your family – a certain financial security in the event of you being diagnosed with a critical illness.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Why might you need it? </span><br /><br />If you are diagnosed with a serious or critical illness, it is likely that your life might change in a number of ways. Perhaps one of the most immediate of these is your ability to work, earn money and provide for you and your family.<br /><br />Depending on the particular medical condition and its seriousness, you might have to give up work altogether or reduce the number of hours you are able to put in. In either event, of course, your normal regular income is likely to suffer.<br /><br />In the case of a debilitating serious illness, you might find that you need to employ help around the home or engage the services of a professional carer or nurse. If your disabilities become more severe, you might even need to consider adapting or modifying the home you live in.<br /><br />All in all, therefore, the diagnosis of a serious or critical illness might lead to your finances becoming severely stretched.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How might insurance help? </span><br /><br />So, what is critical illness cover – or <a href="http://www.criticalillnesscover.com/">serious illness cover</a>, as it is sometimes called – able to do to help?<br /><br />It does it quite simply by paying out an assured, tax-free cash benefit soon after you are diagnosed with a critical or serious illness. You choose the amount of the cash benefit in advance, together with the duration of the cover you need. The amount of the benefit and the duration of your serious illness cover, of course, help to determine the cost of the monthly premiums you pay.<br /><br />What is critical illness cover designed to insure you against? An equally important part of that answer, of course, is the range of illnesses and medical conditions defined by the insurer as serious or critical. You may find that the list of such illnesses is extensive or relatively restricted, depending on the particular policy you choose – and, of course, the cost of the premiums you are prepared to pay.<br /><br />In other words, you are unlikely to find any hard and fast rules about the critical illnesses covered in all such insurance policies.<br /><br />The important consideration, however, is to select the policy that most suits your own, personal needs and circumstances. Understanding which conditions and illnesses are included in the particular policy you choose may go a long way to your appreciation of just <a href="http://www.criticalillnesscover.com/">what is critical illness cover</a>. Alternatively, using the services of specialist broker may help.S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-64965311338711072332011-08-25T18:38:00.000-07:002011-08-25T18:45:36.898-07:00How A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help an Accident Victim?A personal injury lawyer helps an aggrieved or affected person to get fair compensation for the injury provided that the person was not responsible for the said accident. Let us have a quick look on how a personal lawyer helps an accident victim.
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<br /><b>First meeting
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<br />The process begins with an interview. The lawyer educates the client about different aspects of the claim procedure. During this time the client provides records related to the accident for substantiating the claim. This may include crash report, bills and medical reports. Lawyer inspects the automobile policy or any other insurance policy that may be available for recovering damages of the client.
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<br /><b>Initiating Investigation
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<br />Next step is initiating the investigation procedure. In this stage the lawyer gathers physical evidences, statements of witnesses, diagrams and analyzes the legal issue pertaining to the claim. Medical records are reviewed and the concerned medical professionals are consulted to assess the extent of the injury suffered by the client. Specific reports from medical professionals on some critical issues may be deemed necessary for substantiating the claim of compensation.
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<br /><b>Documentation </b>
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<br />Filing of several forms related to a claim is crucial for its smooth settlement. A personal injury lawyer is experienced to file necessary forms. It is duty of the lawyer to find out about the liens that may be asserted with the claim settlement process. The lawyer gets in touch with the insurance company and discusses the requirements to speed up the settlement process. Negotiation may start at this stage with the representative of insurance company and lawyer of the client. The client may be consulted while deciding whether to negotiate or file a law suit.
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<br /><b>Filing lawsuit
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<br />When the client and the lawyer feel that a lawsuit is inevitable, the lawyer is entrusted for preparing the draft and filing it in appropriate forum. The lawyer also investigates to locate the defendant of the lawsuit for serving summons as required by the law. A personal injury lawyer prepares draft written questions for gathering information from the other side (interrogatories). It is also desirable to train the client properly to face deposition. The personal injury lawyer conducts deposition of the defendants and other witnesses.
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<br /><b>Expert guidance
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<br />Role of medical experts is very crucial in claims related to personal injury. As such, the lawyer having expertise in this field is expected to have proficiency in several clinical parameters and their implications. The lawyer should have experience to take deposition of different professionals as well as medical experts. As custodian of all claim related documents of the client, the lawyer produces them whenever required by the court or settling authorities. This may range from medical bills to crash report and tax return.
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<br /><b>Organizing evidences
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<br />Organizing documents, preparing exhibits, clients and witnesses for deposition are some vital duties performed by lawyers dealing with injury claim. There are instances where client may need help of experts from different fields for supporting the claim. Personal injury lawyer hires experts for supporting claim of the client. All necessary documents related to the claim are presented to the judge by the lawyer. This includes list of witness, trial readiness and pretrial activities.
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<br /><b>Settling the deal
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<br />As the case develops, the injury lawyer researches the issues and complexities that may develop during the trial and comes up with new strategies to tackle the defendants reasoning. When final verdict is delivered the injury lawyer studies and discusses it with the client. The verdict is either accepted or an appeal is planned. For accepted verdict, the lawyer ensures that the client gets the awarded compensation within a specified time.
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<br />Claiming compensation is a legal process that needs professional guidance. Personal injury lawyers are experienced to work out details of cases related to wrongful death, medical malpractice, fall and slip and accidents arising out of vehicles.S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-67737466295867363062011-05-28T02:18:00.000-07:002011-05-28T02:22:34.866-07:00Be in the Driving seat with your Vehicle FinanceThe humble automobile symbolizes different things to different people. For some, it’s a luxury item, while others depend on it on a daily basis. Whether you use it to commute to work and back, ferry the family around or simply get out and about on your own, owning a car has never been as important in society.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnaIGGCD_2eZ0vC2Gm2fXq8x6YTlhvq1bmBneLwIB0tVui9k5gesXZw8B3kZz3x3edMQ8SEFAvOeO4e9eA7bh_QPFKMR3wypkIeRqNLKhVJjDvJDG6PPCr7X5M2NYgxjSkvOM7hRIQkU/s1600/baby-auto.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnaIGGCD_2eZ0vC2Gm2fXq8x6YTlhvq1bmBneLwIB0tVui9k5gesXZw8B3kZz3x3edMQ8SEFAvOeO4e9eA7bh_QPFKMR3wypkIeRqNLKhVJjDvJDG6PPCr7X5M2NYgxjSkvOM7hRIQkU/s400/baby-auto.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611694861976007202" /></a><br /><br />Unfortunately, being a driver comes at a hefty price. Paying for driving lessons is just the start of the financial outlay because after passing your test and getting a license, you have to buy a car, tax it, get it insured and then become a regular visitor to your local gas station. Then you jump on a treadmill of taxing and insuring it every year, as well chopping and changing cars altogether when necessary.<br /><br />With all these expenses, coupled with the maintenance costs (and many households have more than one car), it’s easy to see how quickly you can find yourself burdened with mounting debt – and all this while you’re also trying to manage your other outgoings.<br /><br />Therefore, it’s imperative that you realize your own financial limitations well before you purchase a car. Only you know what you can and can’t afford, and that kind of logic should extend well beyond vehicle ownership.<br /><br />It’s common for people to take out loans to get a car, especially first-time buyers, but just make sure you’re fully aware of the terms and conditions of the repayment scheme and that you always read the small print.<br /><br />Make sure the loan itself is from a reputable organization and that the APR is in line with what you’d reasonably expect to pay. Of course, look around and negotiate for the best deal possible and when you do receive the loan, break down the repayment scheme so that you know exactly what needs to be paid and when.<br /><br />Getting into the annual cycle of buying tax and insurance will take some getting used to at first, but after a while you’ll come up with ways of making sure the renewal forms don’t catch you by surprise. If you can afford to pay up front for things like <a href="http://www.moneysupermarket.com/car-insurance/">motor insurance</a>, then do so - quite often, you’ll be eligible for a discount if you do. If not, set up a direct debit or a scheme when you pay a certain amount every week or month, and then you can virtually forget all about it.<br /><br />Filling up your car is another expense to think about. Car sharing to and from work may be a way of addressing this if you live near any work colleagues. Other than that, avoid high acceleration and braking, make sure your tyres are pumped to the correct pressure level and stick to speed limits.S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-43280887095475801022011-05-26T07:06:00.000-07:002011-05-26T07:10:37.039-07:00Managing your mortgage and household bills wiselyOpening the mailbox is a bittersweet experience for most of us. Nowadays, it seems that we only receive bills, bills and more bills through the post as opposed to birthday cards, love letters or gifts. It’s easy to get snowed under with the details of what needs paying and when, and before long you could be faced with the prospect of going into arrears.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iSVMf5VRwyeJCQVEICfBmJNkzKGHN0SxPusTnBU95xmRc8ZM-aTch-aj8f4w90qLcmVNMcgczey340gPsk5NG7-bvrgobyVatZ91ALy8cz6-Yyg0yn0hQ4sx1OAKoUS3Hv5htfOzhHw/s1600/estimate_mortgage_payment2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iSVMf5VRwyeJCQVEICfBmJNkzKGHN0SxPusTnBU95xmRc8ZM-aTch-aj8f4w90qLcmVNMcgczey340gPsk5NG7-bvrgobyVatZ91ALy8cz6-Yyg0yn0hQ4sx1OAKoUS3Hv5htfOzhHw/s400/estimate_mortgage_payment2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611026881261671666" /></a><br /><br />Juggling the demands of running a house, keeping down a regular job and generally looking after yourself, family members and loved ones is tricky act to maintain. However, be pragmatic and it’ll become easier to keep on top of your outgoings. You may even be able to reduce some of them, which would in turn make life in general that little bit more comfortable.<br /><br />When it comes to prioritizing your monthly bills, keeping a roof over your head is imperative, especially if you’re a homeowner. You risk having your home repossessed if you fail to keep up with mortgage payments, and chances are high that you’ll also be rejected if you try and borrow money in the future because your credit rating will be poor.<br /><br />Being turned out onto the street may just be the start of a downward spiral that could ultimately have disastrous consequences, so it’s important to be aware (if you’re not already) of the worst-case scenarios in order to motivate yourself to stay out of financial difficulties.<br /><br />Budgeting is essential. Evaluate your income carefully and compare it with where your money is being spent on a daily, weekly, monthly and even yearly basis. This will highlight whether or not you’re living beyond your means, and if it turns out that you are, you can start saving almost immediately.<br /><br />Saving and cutting down on any ‘luxury’ items, like cable TV and dining out, will really make a difference, so if you can realistically live without them then do so. Food bills can also be lowered if you have the time and space to grow your own fruit and vegetables. It’s cheap to do and immensely rewarding. Being forward thinking and responsible with your finances may mean making sacrifices like this along the way, so be prepared and always keep in mind your end goal and how you’ll feel when you reach it.<br /><br />You can also make savings by ringing around and surfing the net to get discounts on any other big drains on your resources. Home insurance is one such expense that can be instantly slashed. Use a key phrase like ‘<a href="http://www.moneysupermarket.com/home-insurance/">moneysupermarket best home insurance deals</a>’ or something similar when you’re surfing the net for deals – it’s likely to save you hundreds of dollars every year.<br /><br />If the reminders and final reminders continue to stack up despite making changes and cutbacks, then it’s almost inevitable that you’ll search for a quick-fix method, like loading up the credit card or taking out a loan. The perils and pitfalls of going down either of these high-APR routes are obvious, so make sure you avoid them at all costs. If you’re really struggling to pay the mortgage, talk to your lender – they’ll probably be much more sympathetic than you think.S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-14430768603885920892011-05-18T07:17:00.000-07:002011-05-20T02:55:23.415-07:00Keep full control of your Vacation ExpensesGoing on vacation doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Sure, we’d all like to be able to splash the cash and live the life of luxury during our getaways, but the reality is that the pressure is on for many to avoid getting saddled with debt when we get home.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEI_Tn_hQzZ2wWpU1wjQyAYJAnMQEz3NNVOfBizOOPOoh_U3mfHGodNfqQF4knYCvA1BARTOOF8iV7SUe7Z46MDCKbpAmYpcfnDPQxZTAJCA0t6tMqpnFElohRgJ7sp5tt2ZqWLyFqV34/s1600/budget-traveling-tips.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 377px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEI_Tn_hQzZ2wWpU1wjQyAYJAnMQEz3NNVOfBizOOPOoh_U3mfHGodNfqQF4knYCvA1BARTOOF8iV7SUe7Z46MDCKbpAmYpcfnDPQxZTAJCA0t6tMqpnFElohRgJ7sp5tt2ZqWLyFqV34/s400/budget-traveling-tips.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608061277202172946" /></a><br /><br /><br />Sticking it all on the credit card and hoping for the best is a decision that could come back to haunt you at a later date, so be responsible and realistic about the funds you have available. There are also several ways in which you can make it stretch that a little bit further and keep costs down.<br /><br />This is where the Internet comes into play, as a few hours surfing the web can lead to extensive savings. Virtually everything that goes into making a trip away possible will be available to buy online and most probably at a discounted rate. There really are bargains galore to be had.<br /><br />Everything from accommodation and flights, to booking airport parking, car hire and travel insurance are likely to be considerably cheaper if you take the time to shop around on the web and purchase well in advance. Of course, sometimes it pays to leave it to the last minute as you may get cut-price deals, but it’s risky to do so.<br /><br />The later you leave it to book certain services – like parking at the airport – the more you’ll be expected to stump up. It’s advisable, then, to check out price comparison websites, which will save you valuable time and money when it comes to putting together the real nuts and bolts of your holiday.<br /><br />Once you’ve decided on when and where you want to go then start to think about which travel insurance policy suits you best. There are plenty to choose from and if you travel quite a lot then it may be worth investing in annual cover. On <a href="http://www.moneysupermarket.com/travel-insurance/">moneysupermarket.com the best travel insurance</a> deals will protect yourself and your family at an affordable price.<br /><br />Getting an all-inclusive deal may be cost effective as sometimes they can also include a number of leisure activities that you tend to have to pay extra for as well as food and drink. If you’re jetting off to a different country then get the best possible rate available when it comes to changing currency as you’re likely to get less for your money at places like the airport.<br /><br />Depending on which company you’re planning to fly with, it may be beneficial to travel light. Some airlines pay to check in luggage and most will charge you extra if you go over your weight allowance so be careful about what you want to take with you.<br /><br />Don’t be afraid to haggle in order to secure the best deal. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. The onus is on the company you’re dealing with to attract as much new business as possible so don’t be scared of walking away and going to a competitor if you think you’re not getting value for money.<br /><br />Airports can be expensive places to buy food and drink so if you’re likely to have a few mouths to feed it may be best to take supplies with you. At least that’ll ensure your vacation doesn’t start by wasting valuable dollars in the airport terminal.<br /><br />The secret to finding the best <a href="http://www.thepaydaycomparison.com/payday-loans">payday loan</a> is to compare multiple offers. Do this all on one site with our simple and free <a href="http://www.thepaydaycomparison.com/loans-comparison">loan comparison</a> processS.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-1465848654787140232011-05-18T07:10:00.000-07:002011-05-18T07:17:18.108-07:00High Time, You should keep your Electricity Bills lowThe need to keep a close eye on personal finance has never been greater. These are tough times economically on a global scale, but one positive to emerge is that people are becoming more aware of what they can do to help themselves.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCbuPOgnVY3Pi0wi5TP56hQrX6HVs_zVVH27OSg6Nr3_KtyfiFGrYrEuhADvyfOXDTg2iEl5WpUtJd9VcQWiUpDntztYVzSH5GWDMlZUo-KIrosm2ZDQz5t6ff5l3jp0BbBTxUkjdkYo/s1600/thermostat.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCbuPOgnVY3Pi0wi5TP56hQrX6HVs_zVVH27OSg6Nr3_KtyfiFGrYrEuhADvyfOXDTg2iEl5WpUtJd9VcQWiUpDntztYVzSH5GWDMlZUo-KIrosm2ZDQz5t6ff5l3jp0BbBTxUkjdkYo/s400/thermostat.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608059965875694994" /></a><br /><br /><br />The easiest place to start cutting costs is in the home, and a common grievance is that high <a href="http://www.moneysupermarket.com/gas-and-electricity/">electricity prices</a> are putting a strain on family budgets. However, you can make a few changes that will make sure value for money is guaranteed, along with lower electricity bills.<br /><br />Switching energy suppliers or tariffs is a simple way of making instant savings. Quite often, households have been stuck paying too much on a certain tariff for too long. You get stuck in a rut and don’t even realize the cut-price deals that are readily available through price comparison websites. Log on and compare prices, compare tariffs and see what a difference can be made. Another way of earning a discount could be to get your gas and electricity from the same company, if you don’t already.<br /><br />With a cheaper tariff in place it’s time to have a thorough check of your house to see what else can be done to slash your outgoings. This is where sound judgment is needed.<br /><br />If you’ve finished with an appliance then turn it off at the mains and stop using the standby function. Switch lights off as well. These are a few basic good practices that should be followed at all times by all family members, young and old.<br /><br />Equipment like a dishwasher, tumble dryer or washing machine are more efficient if a full load is inserted, although it may also be an idea to get rid of them entirely and wash the dishes manually or hang out clothes to dry.<br /><br />How well your home is insulated could be a key factor in saving money. Grants are sometimes offered as incentives to properly insulate your loft, pipes and walls so check to see if this is applicable to you. Double-glazed doors and windows will also help to trap in the heat.<br /><br />If possible, generating your own electricity could be an option as more and more households are opting to install solar panels. Look into the cost of getting an energy-saving boiler as well if you’re really intent on making changes. It may be expensive in the short term, but consider it an investment that will pay off in the long run and think of the environmental benefits. Not only would it be good for the planet, it’d be good for you as well.S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-49813416865485655532011-05-11T21:06:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:22:11.360-07:00The Latest Market Commentary as on 11th May, 2011I am pleased to provide the latest Pure FX market commentary. Detailing the main factors that have been affecting currency exchange rates recently.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sterling overview</span><br /><br />Sterling took a bit of a battering last month following a string of lopsided economic releases. Important sectors including Services and Manufacturing showed growth but both came in below market expectations – contributing to sterling’s fall against currencies including the euro.<br />In spite of this George Osborne had reason to breathe a huge sigh of relief. Britain returned to economic growth with GDP figures for the first quarter 2011 arriving at +0.5%. This indicates that Osborne’s budget cuts are working - stimulating growth while slashing Britain’s mammoth public deficit.<br /> <br />The Bank of England meanwhile decided to hold interest rates at 0.5%. This was forecast on the markets but has also contributed to sterling’s decline. Each month that the BoE holds interest rates is another month in which investors receive smaller returns – hence making the pound less attractive.<br /> <br />Sterling weakness is of course brilliant for people bringing funds back from the continent and elsewhere. As always for a more in-depth assessment of your particular currency feel free to speak to a currency dealer at Pure FX.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Euro</span><br /><br />The euro remains the biggest climber in recent weeks in spite of a flood of negative headlines – gaining several percent against sterling. The single biggest reason for this climb has been the European Central Bank’s decision to raise interest rates to 1.25%. This prompted the markets to plough cash into the euro since higher interest rates mean better returns.<br /> <br />In fact this climb has only halted last week after the ECB’s decision to not increase rates, proving a great disappointment to investors that had factored in another rise.<br /> <br />In other EU news Portugal became the third euro member to seek a bailout – receiving €78bn from the ECB-IMF. This weekend meanwhile rumours have been rife that Greece could exit the euro. It hence seems the EU peripheral crisis could continue for months to come.<br /> <br />In GDP meanwhile the EMU expanded 2.0% in the first quarter 2011 – providing further fuel to the euro’s fire.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">US dollar</span><br /><br />In economic terms the US continued to resemble someone walking a tightrope in a strong breeze last month – just about keeping his balance.<br /> <br />The US expanded +0.45% in the first quarter 2011 according to recent data – positive but slow compared to 3.1% growth in Q4 2010. Important non-farm payroll figures meanwhile arrived strong – pointing to 244k new jobs last month – but at the same time unemployment rate increased +0.2% to 9.0%.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">CA dollar</span><br /><br />The election of a Conservative government in Canada last month should boost the loonie in coming months. New prime minister Stephen Harper is committed to cutting Canada’s national debt and safeguarding the nation’s credit rating – actions that should please the markets.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">AU dollar</span><br /><br />It’s been a strong month for the Australian dollar on several counts – and the forecast for coming months looks good too.<br /> <br />For one the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised its inflation forecast last month. This prompted investors to pick up Australian dollars in expectations of an interest rate rise. In addition RBA noted that strong demand from China and India for Australia’s natural resources is set to continue for years to come.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">NZ dollar</span><br /><br />The NZ dollar suffered last month on reports that migrant intake to New Zealand fell into negative figures for the first time in almost 3 years. This is owing to the earthquake that struck Christchurch two months ago – devastating the nation’s economic outlook and prompting potential migrants to look elsewhere.S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-69124702873237553232011-04-28T07:03:00.000-07:002011-04-28T07:08:40.854-07:00What are the Steps to create an LLC<div>
<br /></div><div>More and more people today are thinking of starting their own business and being entrepreneurs. Limited Liability Company (LLC) offers the owners an easy way to set up business and also gives protection against creditors.</div><div>
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<br />The first task one needs to do while setting up a limited liability company is to think of a name for the company. The name of the company should not only describe the purpose and objective of the company but also should be a legal name according to the state rules. Some of the issues to be kept in mind before finalizing a name are firstly it should not be same as the name of another LLC on the file or with the LLC office.
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<br />The company name should end with words such as “Limited Liability Company” or “Limited Company,” and should not include words like, Insurance, Corporation or City which are prohibited by the state. Above all this it also has be kept in mind that the name of the company decided upon should not violate any other company’s trademark.
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<br />Once the name of the LLC is finalized one needs to fill the Articles of Organization with the State. This is a simple process and one can easily get it from the Secretary of State’s website or a local office. It is a simple document containing information like the name of the business, purpose of the business, membership officers and place of business.
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<br />The only disadvantage of forming an LLC rather than a partnership or a sole proprietorship agreement is that a small filing fee is required to be submitted along with the articles of organization. The fee amount depends on the state one is registering the company into. For the state to approve the application it can take a few weeks time.
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<br />Next one should make a LLC operating agreement. Even though it is not necessary it is always preferable to make one. It mainly includes information relating to the day to day running of the business like members percentage interests in the business, their responsibilities and rights, voting powers, how the profits and losses will be allocated and overall how the business will be conducted. Once all these formalities are done the only thing left is to obtain licenses which need to be obtained for any other business as well.S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-51086113713113644312011-04-05T18:12:00.000-07:002011-04-05T18:19:13.064-07:00How and When to Ask for a Raise?<div><br /></div><div>Asking for a pay-raise from your employer can be a difficult subject to broach, especially when unsure how to go about it. This is the reason many employees just accept their small annual cost-of-living-raises instead of asking for the raise they know they deserve. Despite the fact that this is a much easier and far less stressful method, it is unlikely that an employer will hand out a big fat raise without being asked, even to a deserving and dependable worker.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGtnTHhvdT4DBCyzBz7HvOsX7RXMoEX708z-3QMywFtxQmkfteIZJVeogwH_X-pwvHm9T6VMHBtiEclSYB3oMsDAqrse0Wg4GxJ_EYn1yrzPwCxVOprA3nOPXmJwOU3FkbtAJ61nvOpg/s1600/1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGtnTHhvdT4DBCyzBz7HvOsX7RXMoEX708z-3QMywFtxQmkfteIZJVeogwH_X-pwvHm9T6VMHBtiEclSYB3oMsDAqrse0Wg4GxJ_EYn1yrzPwCxVOprA3nOPXmJwOU3FkbtAJ61nvOpg/s320/1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592273792522334274" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>Do they deserve it?<br /></b><br />When seeking a pay raise, an employee must be absolutely certain that they have a valid reason to ask for one. If they do, then it is time to start planning the request. If not, however, then the employee should spend a few months going above and beyond the call of duty before even thinking of asking.<br /><br /><b>The outline<br /></b><br />For the employee that deserves an increase in pay, the fight is still far from over. The word "raise" is not a word an employer loves hearing, which is why deserving workers must outline, in as much detail as humanly possible, why exactly they should be paid more money. They should highlight work-related achievements and if possible, provide factual statistics of how their performance has saved the company money, set an excellent customer service example or increased productivity in other employees, in order to help justify the <a href="http://www.paycor.com/">payroll</a> increase. In short, the person asking should make the validity of the request as irrefutable as they can.<br /><br />Once a worker gets his battle plan outlined, he should go over it. It is a good idea to bounce it off a trustworthy friend too, but not a co-worker. Co-workers should never discuss their compensation with one another, as this is a huge no-no in the business world.<br /><br /><b>Knowing the range<br /></b><br />Before requesting a raise in pay, workers should familiarize themselves with the standard pay range for their occupation and experience. Without this information, employees are likely to either ask for too much, or even not enough. A great way to find this information is by checking with the Bureau of Labor Statistics.<br /><br /><b>Timing is everything<br /></b><br />Waiting for the opportune time to make the move can be the difference between getting the raise you deserve and being prematurely shot down. People should consider how far away their annual reviews are; if they're coming up, it may be a good idea to wait until then, accruing as many achievements as they can before the reviews. However, if an employee has just made a stunning achievement and his review isn't coming up, the best idea may be to strike before the accomplishment fades from his boss' memory.<br /><br />Many factors enter into a pay raise, even for those that rightfully deserve one. The odds of getting a pay raise are much better when employees have done their homework. By putting together a list of achievements that display their worth and knowing the industry, employees can more easily negotiate their compensation. With the proper game plan, timing and attitude, employees can get the pay increases they deserve.S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-39321069368827846392011-03-12T19:56:00.000-08:002011-05-20T02:52:47.661-07:00Bringing Your Budgeting Out of the Stone Age<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">No matter how much money you make, it is easy to spend too much. As expenses (debts) overwhelm revenue (credits), many people run into budget problems, such as overdrafts, penalties and even foreclosure. Paper and pencil don't automatically calculate depreciation rates, adjustable rate mortgages or equity derivatives. In the modern era, it is wise to use modern technology, tools and software options for bringing your budgeting out of the stone age.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0PITCpLW5cehBiHPDwyo4F6Xq0isxoSLnkPn0j5AgIXUsgWeVIjJe8GHgssgVJP_HR8hHcwEhCHMUgcRrzbxiJY1wgWzDjMTJB-9EX9tsOgE3VpO6E0fFd4y6G6h_E4UacaUITxng7o/s1600/budget10c.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 200px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0PITCpLW5cehBiHPDwyo4F6Xq0isxoSLnkPn0j5AgIXUsgWeVIjJe8GHgssgVJP_HR8hHcwEhCHMUgcRrzbxiJY1wgWzDjMTJB-9EX9tsOgE3VpO6E0fFd4y6G6h_E4UacaUITxng7o/s200/budget10c.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583409963106493810" /></a><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Many people have run into financial difficulties due to overdrafting their accounts. With checking, savings and money market accounts that have frequent direct deposit or automatic withdrawal transactions occurring constantly, modern budgeting can be complicated. A simple Non-Sufficient Funds Fee of $35 can wipe out a planned restaurant meal or movie night.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">People have a variety of different financial positions - from the high school or college graduates just starting out to the wealthy financial investor with numerous accounts and investments in his portfolio. Each person must find the best online software to fit his individual needs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are free and pay software online that can help with the three most important elements of budgeting:</div><ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <li style="text-align: justify;">Accounting Credits and Debits</li><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <li style="text-align: justify;">Bill Pay</li><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <li style="text-align: justify;">Calculation</li><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <li style="text-align: justify;">Funds Transfer</li><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <li style="text-align: justify;">Investment Portfolio</li><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here are some popular online budgeting tools:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong>PearBudget</strong></span></div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">PearBudget is a Web-based financial management program offering a free 30-day trial. It is based on the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet using the envelope system where people place their money in a separate file, folder or envelope for each expense. This prevents people from spending money reserved for necessities on unnecessary items.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Users follow a simple 3-step process of Plan, Enter and Review for their budgets. The spreadsheet quickly calculates totals. The advantages of PearBudget include the ease-of-use, familiar templates and great customer service.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong>Mint</strong></span></div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"We are refreshing money management" is the slogan of the popular Mint.com website. Mint is a free online money management tool where customers can view their checking, savings and credit card accounts in one convenient location. It has enabled anywhere budgeting with its award-winning iPhone and Android apps.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Consumers can quickly organise their financial information for display in colourful charts. The structure is straightforward and intuitive. It is easy to set spending monthly goals and Mint can alert you if you are above or below your goal. Mint is easy to customise. Mint boasts 4 million users and has won numerous awards.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong>Mvelopes</strong></span></div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mvelopes is online software based on the envelope budgeting system for financial management, which provides a guide or map for future expenses. Mvelopes offers a free 30-day trial. It encourages customers to "proactively take control of their budget."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is simple to enter data into Mvelopes. Mvelopes enables users to budget, track spending, calculate net worth and pay bills. It is an award-winning program.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong>YNAB (You Need A Budget)</strong></span></div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Stop living paycheck to paycheck" is the motto of YNAB. YNAB offers a free 7-day trial download. YNAB helps users establish financial discipline with the four steps of Plan, Adjust, Surplus and Save to create a balanced budget.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Customers simply fill in their financial information into colorful spreadsheets. This software doesn't link directly into your bank accounts. The categories are already established to assist you with your budgeting. A more advanced version, YNAB Pro, is available with more graphs and charts.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong>Yodlee</strong></span></div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yodlee has services for both financial institutions and consumers for managing their money. The Yodlee MoneyCenter is free, aggregation software that enables users to get a solid picture of their financial condition. It has been described as a one-stop shop for viewing, tracking, bill paying and funds transferring purposes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a good system for getting a complete picture of your financial condition. It has a Financial Calendar for planning ahead and timely alerts for reminding you of bills. Users can run generate personalised reports. Yodlee is effective at pulling data from different sources, maintaining your financial history and even allows you to include frequent flyer miles.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="font-style:italic;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Matt writes at <a href="http://www.moneychoices.com.au/">Money Choices</a>, which is an independently operated Australian compare website for buyers to find <a href="http://www.moneychoices.com.au/car-loans/">cheap car loans</a> and other financial products</em></div></span></div>S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-61256190538637443952011-03-08T01:56:00.000-08:002011-03-08T01:59:43.372-08:00The Latest Market Commentary as on 8th March 2011Good morning, I hope you are well.<div><br />I am pleased to provide you with our latest market commentary.<br /><br /><b>Sterling<br /></b>It hasn’t been the strongest month for sterling. Compared to the January GBPEUR exchange rate of 1.19-1.20 this month it’s been closer to 1.17-1.18. There are numerous reasons for this:<br /><br />For one UK GDP figures for the fourth quarter of 2010 were not positive. The first estimate in January showed that GDP declined -0.5% in the final 3 months of 2010, but this estimate was later revised in February to -0.6%.<br /><br />Furthermore it emerged that inflation rose to 4.0% in February compared to 3.6% the month before. This indicates that prices for goods and services continued to climb. This risks damaging the credibility of the Bank of England, because the Government’s target for inflation is 2.0%.<br /><br />However there was some encouraging news for sterling in the future. The results of the Monetary Policy Committee vote on interest rates changed for the first time in months. Most recent minutes show 3 (out of 9) MPC members voting to increase interest rates. This indicates the Bank of England is not far away from increasing rates, which in turn should benefit sterling.<br /><br />Of course for a more in-depth assessment of your particular currency feel free to speak to your currency dealer at Pure FX.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Euro<br /></span>Despite the ongoing concerns about the euro’s long-term viability (see Portugal, Ireland and Greece!) the single currency has strengthened.<br /><br />In particular the German manufacturing PMI (measuring output in the German manufacturing sector) hit record highs during February. This is important because Germany is the planet’s second biggest exporter next to China, meaning that strong manufacturing bodes well for Germany as a whole. In addition Germany’s trade surplus rose €2.1bn to €14bn.<br /><br />Furthermore the euro has benefited as an alternate haven to the US dollar as tensions in Libya continue. In the past the US dollar has benefited as a safe haven during times of political strife, but during February this changed. Perhaps because of the ballooning US deficit, which might be causing the markets to look elsewhere?<br /><br />However euro bulls need to remain cautious. The EFSF rescue fund for ailing nations has still not been finalised in spite of a conference in Brussels to settle the matter two weeks ago. In addition the Portuguese economy is teetering as bond yields approach dangerous levels above 7%.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">US Dollar<br /></span>It’s been a mixed month for the US dollar in terms of economic data. US consumer confidence increased during February. In addition non-farm payroll figures increased 192k last month – the largest rise since May 2010.<br /><br />However Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke told the Senate that economic conditions are still too mixed to pare back the $600bn quantitative easing package.<br /><br />As we have seen in the in the past when there is positive US data, the dollar tends to weaken as risk aversion abates. February was no different with both sterling and euro reaching 2011 highs versus the dollar.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Australian Dollar<br /></span>It was a tough month for the dollar owing to a series of natural disasters in Australia. First off calamitous floods meant the markets sought investments elsewhere, then a hurricane in Queensland compounded the issue. However the Australian economy is in robust shape, therefore we anticipate the AU dollar to remain strong.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">New Zealand Dollar</span><br />The New Zealand dollar collapsed in February on reports of a major earthquake in Christchurch, the nation’s second largest city. In addition to the humanitarian crisis some economists are suggesting New Zealand might dip into recession as a result.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Canadian Dollar</span><br />It’s been a quiet month for the Canadian dollar. GDP for Canada for the last quarter of 2010 met expectations, and this helped the CA dollar against the US dollar. In addition the CA dollar has risen as confidence in the US dollar has declined. With ever rising oil prices we expect the Canadian dollar to remain strong for some time to come.</div>S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-38761879945089214302011-03-07T06:19:00.000-08:002011-03-07T06:39:23.077-08:00How to Budget and be Free from Debt<div>The key to getting out of debt is to plan the family finances. Easier said than done, perhaps, but a vital step in avoiding <a href="http://www.payplan.com/debt-library/bankruptcy-what-will-happen-to-me.php">bankruptcy</a>, which is the ultimate price to be paid for letting debt issues get out of control.</div><div><br />Devising a practical repayment plan that can stave off bankruptcy takes time and effort. It may be that some impartial and practical debt advice can help outline all the steps necessary to make a <a href="http://www.payplan.com/">debt management plan</a> that would be acceptable to lenders. If the aim is to find an acceptable repayment plan then knowing what to aim for can save time, effort and money.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem8qWB_-twIrjhXFtojJ-k-MNcKTO1MJHHDeSqPfkIe7VhfwmCsdy1oF1xk47lVkaaxMCLXGI2I6GASmnbVKndYowqoFUpTTfVPGWCzHxjoiZqSEMe9xURcH6SDqxORp2e0WPO-G0abg/s1600/11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem8qWB_-twIrjhXFtojJ-k-MNcKTO1MJHHDeSqPfkIe7VhfwmCsdy1oF1xk47lVkaaxMCLXGI2I6GASmnbVKndYowqoFUpTTfVPGWCzHxjoiZqSEMe9xURcH6SDqxORp2e0WPO-G0abg/s400/11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581344417017457906" /></a><br /><br />Impartial and practical debt advice can help with setting out a sensible and all inclusive budget. It is easy to forget to include items of spend that occur irregularly by simply studying one or two months. These may include motoring costs such as insurance, servicing costs or replacement tyres or items such as the annual TV licence fee.<br /><br />Getting a complete picture of the expenditure is vital for successful budgeting, as is developing a sense of discipline in saving and spending. This may be the hardest part of any repayment plan as it requires a change in habits and lifestyle that may have become ingrained over many years.<br /><br />Where large amounts of debt are involved then the options become clear cut and with a real reason to change. Smaller debt levels lack that sense of urgency or need to change but as any impartial debt advice will demonstrate the situation can escalate quickly if left unaddressed and bankruptcy could loom ever closer.<br /><br />Bankruptcy should be far from any debtor's thoughts but remain as a final, but avoidable, solution to <a href="http://www.payplan.com/debt-library/debt-problems">debt problems</a>. Professional advice will help get to a position where a debt management plan can be developed that will help steer you back to financial wellbeing. However debt advice is only that – advice. The hard part is listening to that advice and making the changes to spending habits to actually make it achievable.<br /><br />No lender will simply walk away from any unpaid loans. Finding a repayment plan that is acceptable to all lenders can be a tricky and involved process. Independent advice and advisors can point debtors in the right direction or act as intermediaries to get the best possible terms given the situation in hand. For those with debts over £15,000, there is the possibility of a legally structured debt management plan called an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA). This is the final step before bankruptcy but has a number of advantages in that it is a private arrangement and avoids the loss of all personal assets. <div><br /></div><div>It also involves receiving advice from a licenced insolvency practitioner who will also work with the debtor to establish what they can afford to pay given their income and expenditure. The debt management plan agreed will ensure that people retain enough to live on, although this may be tighter than before! </div>S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-26655606757886848582011-02-02T20:20:00.000-08:002011-02-02T20:24:45.966-08:00Save Your Money and Improve your Life<div><meta equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8">Have you always wanted to save a small amount of your income but cannot figure how? Do you find yourself spending the money you have intended to save? Here are some advice on saving money fast.</div><div>
<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE-sSfeNwPbIZND2oQn5v9FueVkEYH2Udp9CQl94bL-SFZg0DH6fAyBXeRHINAYQimY4F5abt-Qwfc8RyJvc7axnx81GUyZGkt6S1-iNLjR5zGoPbgbWLlW6bmhN8eNi0z_Y8fuEDZvQ/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE-sSfeNwPbIZND2oQn5v9FueVkEYH2Udp9CQl94bL-SFZg0DH6fAyBXeRHINAYQimY4F5abt-Qwfc8RyJvc7axnx81GUyZGkt6S1-iNLjR5zGoPbgbWLlW6bmhN8eNi0z_Y8fuEDZvQ/s400/1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569314369830589314" /></a>
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Value of Budgeting
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<br />Having a budget requires managing your spending and saving your money. To gain control over your money and to be able to put yourself on a budget that works, you have to figure out where your money is going. Make a list of your expected expenses – transportation, food, clothing, and so forth. Also track your actual expenditures per month. You are now in a position to make some practical saving goals.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Don’t Let Your Expenses Exceed Your Income
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<br />After making a draft of your budget, make an assessment of how much your daily living costs. If it looks like your expenses amount to more than what you make, you may have to trim the former down. One guy discovered that he was spending too much on food. He was able to alleviate his financial issue by cutting down on eating out and on snacks. It may be painful at first but it proved to be beneficial. You may have to examine more vigilantly what your real needs are as opposed to wants.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Cautious With Credit
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<br />“Buy now, pay later!” urge many merchants. Used cautiously and intelligently, credit indeed has its benefits. Used recklessly, however, credit can become what a youth named Kevin calls “a form of slavery.”
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<br />For some youths, credit simply makes it too easy to purchase things they neither need nor can afford. And if you do not pay off your balance at the end of the month, you are charged interest on what you owe. The longer it takes you to pay the credit card company for the money you spent which isn’t yours, the more an item ends up costing you.
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<br />This is because whatever amount you were not able to pay at the end of the month will be “charged”, so to speak, with the interest rate and finance charge that the company follows and which you agreed to when you signed your form with them. If you think about it, then, it is cheaper to save up for what you need and pay for it with cash.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">‘A Penny Saved . . . ’
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<br />It makes good sense to include in your budget an amount to set aside as savings. This can help you weather a financial storm more easily. This can also be a good move even if you are not in a financial mess.
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<br />On a related note, a piggy bank or a shoe box may seem like a smart place to store your cash in. However, a better alternative would be to start putting money into a bank where it can earn interest and grow. If you don’t have a bank account, discuss opening one with your parents if you are a minor.
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<br />If you are of age, now is the perfect time to open a savings account. You need not have a huge amount of cash to make a savings scheme work, although in some places a sufficient amount is required to avoid a service charge. The key to success is being regular when it comes to adding to your savings.
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<br />You can use all these strategies to save money, reduce debt and improve your life but it will not last unless you have a system automatically set up to continually work without your input. <div>
<br /></div><div><i>Get Dan Cavalli's FREE money saving secrets set on auto pilot at: <a href="http://www.the-richest-man-in-babylon.com/">www.the-richest-man-in-babylon.com </a></i> </div>S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-88590471490080241612011-01-26T20:09:00.000-08:002011-01-26T20:22:12.936-08:00After All Saving Money is not that Difficult<div><meta equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8">Not all of us are fond of saving money. Some find it hard while others treat it like a chore. Others find it difficult to find any extra in their budget to save. But the truth is saving is not that hard. Below are some tips that will let you overcome your reasons for avoiding saving.
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<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnm5Ewjav5IS7ExLadswSiltk-Mcl1wEIe_sd4G791rVWoKlg8xj4_pPJJXOs5GAbzZxLSqsl0rkqfM186apK9Lkqx3P_O9-l-FBKCd6ADwpj72y9N6fEnBvV_V7juzQymQv50-glhFoc/s1600/420-Money-glasses-420x0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnm5Ewjav5IS7ExLadswSiltk-Mcl1wEIe_sd4G791rVWoKlg8xj4_pPJJXOs5GAbzZxLSqsl0rkqfM186apK9Lkqx3P_O9-l-FBKCd6ADwpj72y9N6fEnBvV_V7juzQymQv50-glhFoc/s400/420-Money-glasses-420x0.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566716052166403618" /></a>
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Keep big bills</span>: If you have big bills in your wallet, you find it hard to spend them. Why? You feel a psychological agony whenever you try to break that big bill, mainly for buying things like coffee or gum. You are more likely to decide not to buy them than if you have coins in your wallet. Spending them does not hurt as much as the bigger bills do.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Put your extras into savings</span>: Instead of paying with your debit or credit card, switch to paying with cash. You can generate a lot of change at the end of the day. You can later put them in a jar as your savings. You can start with coins then shift to saving small bills. This may be the best way to save money fast.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Save by taking advantage of coupons and sales</span>: After which, save the savings that you get out of using coupons and buying on a great sale.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Do automatic saving</span>: Set an amount to be deducted from your paycheck every month and deposit it in your savings account. Never buy based on an impulse.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pay online</span>: Pay your bill online and avoid paying for postage. The amount you save should be dropped into your savings jar.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Got a raise? Save it</span>: If you got lucky and got a raise, save it. Make sure, though, that you do not need it to cover your bills. Have the extra amount moved to your savings account.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Save your extra paychecks</span>: This is applicable if you are paid weekly or bi-weekly as it is likely that you will get an extra check on some months. Your budget is often figured on two checks per month so you can bank the extra check.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Save by switching providers</span>: Save the difference you get when switching to a provider that offers a lower price package.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Save your credit card rewards</span>: Some credit cards offer cash back. Save your reward money.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pack your lunch</span>: Instead of eating out, why not bring food to work? You can use the money that you would have spent on lunch as your savings.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Save the difference</span>: If your current bill is less than what you expected, save the difference.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Cut down on personal entertainment expenses</span>: Instead of buying a movie ticket, you can watch a rented DVD. You can also make your own snack and throw the amount you would have spent on popcorn into your piggy bank.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Buy in bulk</span>: Instead of buying in small quantities, you can save a hefty amount buy buying in bulk. Save the difference that you get.
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<br />Always remember that you can never acquire money by spending it. If you train yourself into saving little bits of money, it will add up into a neat sum after a year.
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<br />You can use all these strategies to save money, reduce debt and improve your life but it will not last unless you have a system automatically set up to continually work without your input. Get Dan Cavalli's FREE money saving secrets set on auto pilot at: <a href="http://www.the-richest-man-in-babylon.com/">www.the-richest-man-in-babylon.com </a>S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-33158080093724821152011-01-22T00:34:00.000-08:002011-01-22T00:47:09.157-08:00Best Options for Investments in 2011We work hard in order to live the lifestyle we want, and support the future we dream of. However, working hard for our money is not enough – you have to make sure your money keeps working hard for you long after it has been paid into your bank account. Your salary and earnings can’t get you to the future of your dreams on their own, you have to direct and guide your funds into investments which are right for your finances, your needs, your goals and the current economy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6k8vutRSt4I-2fU4qwOopaCnG2qWrTOioP8_U3QmpkWeUiz0CwY_aPwIvHRosxBvO16x6zuTDrBGoHyEVOFxHntaLCr6pRgLxolfm8F4XiBh3TLT4m9H3Tx9TBOAr6JRXIuEWK3VgyH8/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6k8vutRSt4I-2fU4qwOopaCnG2qWrTOioP8_U3QmpkWeUiz0CwY_aPwIvHRosxBvO16x6zuTDrBGoHyEVOFxHntaLCr6pRgLxolfm8F4XiBh3TLT4m9H3Tx9TBOAr6JRXIuEWK3VgyH8/s320/1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564928616768072962" /></a><br /><br />Financial markets tend to run in cycles, something you will have noticed if you watch the movements of official interest rates. Therefore, it is important to know which investment option is at the top of its cycle in 2011, so you can make the most of your hard earned cash. In 2009, significant gains could be made on the stock market, and in 2010 the real estate market was paying big dividends for investors where residential real estate investors in particular could see returns of between 50-100%. At the same time, the stock market in 2010 was returning just 18% and gold returned around 30%.<br /><br />Therefore, even though we have said goodbye to 2010, we are still in the 2010-11 financial year and investment decisions need to be made with both the not-long-past recession and the future opportunities in mind.<br /><br /><b>Investing in Gold in 2011<br /></b><br />Gold is often used as a safe haven by investors when there is the risk of a recession, interest rates are fluctuating and to protect against inflation. Although gold has long been a popular investment option, the fluctuations in price cannot be ignored, for example gold hit a low of $100 in 1976 before rising to $850 in 1980. Although gold dropped again to $250 in 2001 it has been rising ever since and topped $1,400 in December of 2010.<br /><br />However, the world economies are stabilising and the risk of recession is abating and so while gold is expected to stabilise in 2011 it is not an investment option which will show a lot of growth in the coming year. Therefore if you are already invested in gold or gold funds, you may want to consider cutting back your money there, and avoiding the investment if you’re new to the precious metal.<br /><br /><b>Currency and Forex Investment in 2011<br /></b><br />The foreign exchange market is constantly on the move and the currency which is the best investment can change at a moment’s notice. Therefore, you should always be aware of what is happening in the currency market regardless of the turn of a calendar and if you were watching at the close of 2010, you will have noticed many currency pairs falling significantly in their averages. If these falls continue throughout 2011, there will be a comparatively small trading range for the day’s trades every day.<br /><br />At the same time, you can make money on the forex market in 2011 by looking at longer term trades. Since the trading ranges are small in the current market, especially in the main pairs you should look at an everyday chart to spot the overall trend and look at a four hour chart so you can pick your entry and exit points. The main pairs on the currency market will always match technical analysis on long time frames and all you have to do is locate one or two high odds trading opportunities each week.<br /><br />Since there has been such instability in many economies in recent years, the forex market has become a very popular investment option. If you’re only just starting out in currency investment, consider using a managed forex account to help you navigate the changing market as many countries continue their path to recovery.<br /><br /><b>Real Estate Investment in 2011<br /></b><br />Investments which are ‘as safe as houses’ tend to be very popular, even as the world economies emerge from slumps and step back from the brink of recession in most areas. If the memories of falling stocks and lost investment interest are still fresh in your mind you may be looking to property investment in 2011. Many countries have experienced a property price boom in response to low interest rates and high demand from first time buyers and investors, thanks to generous government incentives to keep economies strong. As a result , investment in the Australian or Indian property markets for example would see you buying at the top end of the price cycle, but is good news if you have already secured your property.<br /><br />However, in the US for example property prices are still relatively low as the economy struggles to recover fully, and there is little demand. While interest rates in the US remain low, it is still hard for many Americans to borrow due to other debts, a ruined credit rating or unemployment. Therefore, if you have the means and the opportunity to invest in property in 2011, you could snap up a bargain this year, which will inevitably appreciate in value over the long term.<br /><br /><b>Saving Your Money in 2011<br /></b><br />You may think that squirreling your money away in a saving account will never go out of style but as the Global Financial Crisis taught us, even the biggest of banks can fail, and take our money with them. Therefore, you need to make sure you research and diversify your savings investments for 2011 to make sure you get the best returns, your savings can beat inflation, and that they’ll be there when you need them.<br /><br />Four savings investments you should consider for 2011 include:<br /><br /><b>1. Certificate of Deposit. </b><div><br /></div><div>A certificate of deposit offers some of the highest interest rates available because you are locking in your savings for between one month and five years. To make the most of interest rate movements in 2011, opt for both long and short CD accounts so you can take advantage of new higher rates as they change.<br /><br /><b>2. Online money market accounts. </b><div><br /></div><div>When you use an entirely online account you can secure a high interest rate on your savings because of the lower administration costs from the banks. In some cases these interest rates can even rival Certificate of Deposit interest rates. With an online account you can also quickly and easily transfer funds in and out, but are not tempted to spend because the account is not linked to your ATM or EFTPOS card.<br /><br /><b>3. Instalment savings account. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>If you need a bit of encouragement or motivation to grow your savings investments in 2011, consider an instalment savings account where you agree to make regular payments to the account for a certain period of time. There can be penalties for withdrawing money early as a further incentive to save but if you shop around for the best savings account offer you can earn high interest by playing by the rules.<br /><br /><b>4. TIPS mutual funds. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>TIPS are bonds which are issued by the US treasury and pay a return based on the adjusted principal value of the bond. The value is adjusted twice a year with the rate of the consumer price index so your TIPS mutual funds can always keep up with inflation. Banks can sometimes be slow to raise the interest rates on their savings accounts because the Federal Reserve is determined to keep interest rates low. However, with an affordable TIPS mutual fund your savings are protected against rising inflation.<br /><br /><br /><br />No matter what year it is, or what the market is doing, it always makes good investment sense to diversify your investments across a number of options. This not only allows you to take advantage of changes and movements in a variety of areas in the economy, but also protects you if 2011 doesn’t bring the prosperity expected for a particular investment medium.<br /><br /><br />Alban is a personal finance writer at Home Loan Finder, a <a href="http://www.homeloanfinder.com.au/">home loan</a> comparison website</div></div>S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-54892334858421134782011-01-09T20:48:00.000-08:002011-01-09T20:54:40.969-08:00How Can You Save Your Hard Earned Money Quickly?We all know the importance of saving money. It can be a challenge, however, if you are already under pressure with your household expenses. Here is a guide to saving money fast that can help you save for an emergency.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZpTRinguV8NHTOExL3qaQty33rsAFQKaGEbLFL5OTa9UzZrRQDlBhQkqfjv1DmgMaUcD8v35DIeAgPi4jNHBkbuRATeGRBmDIq7JN8FuMPq14ov6Kr8d7tNpo-FgG17_3rxmGXy72W8/s1600/pic_boy_bank.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZpTRinguV8NHTOExL3qaQty33rsAFQKaGEbLFL5OTa9UzZrRQDlBhQkqfjv1DmgMaUcD8v35DIeAgPi4jNHBkbuRATeGRBmDIq7JN8FuMPq14ov6Kr8d7tNpo-FgG17_3rxmGXy72W8/s400/pic_boy_bank.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560416025717660146" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Set Goals</span><br /><br />You should start by figuring out the amount you need to save. According to experts, you should have a minimum of six months worth of savings just in case you'll end up losing your job. But having a year-worth of savings can be a wise move.<br /><br />To be prepared for any situation, make a note of your goal and figure out exactly how much you need to save. Create a game plan, but make sure that you consider the most realistic length of time it will take you to attain the said amount.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Keep Track of Your Savings</span><br /><br />Apart from being aware of how much you are saving, you also have to consider where you are spending your money. Track your expenses so you will have an idea where your money went and think about where you can hold back. If uncertain, keep a monthly record and check what were unnecessary.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Eat at Home</span><br /><br />Meals can also be a huge part. Aside from being healthy, eating home-cooked meals can also help you with your money-saving endeavor. You won't lose with this choice.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Use Coins</span><br /><br />Carrying a lot of coins can be awkward for some people. They will sooner or later wind up on the street, stuck in the couch or in an old coin purse. People do not think about the value of saving money when it comes to coins because they think these do not have much worth. But if you think about it, they do have a great value!<br /><br />On a related note, keep a piggy bank around. After a month, you will be surprised at how much money you have saved.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Take Advantage of Freebies</span><br /><br />Whenever you pay, make certain that you are really paying the lowest amount. Don't pay for something in a store when another store can give you the same thing for free. Always check that you will get your money's worth.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Use Coupons</span><br /><br />Mail-in coupons often give you discounts. Make sure you save them and use them on things that you will eventually buy. Use them to cut down on your expenses.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Sell Stuff You Don't Use</span><br /><br />You can easily sell your unused belongings by setting up shop in shopping websites. You should never discard them whenever you see extra items lying around your house.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Do Christmas Shopping in Advance</span><br /><br />If you are considering Christmas shopping, why not do it after Christmas day? Many have managed to save thousands of dollars by applying this basic shopping principle.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. Get Your Hands on Free Books</span><br /><br />Instead of buying books to read, why not go to the library? Libraries will not cost you anything. You should always take advantage of this!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. Earn Extra Income</span><br /><br />Rent out the extra room in your house if it is available, especially if you live near a college. Be creative and find opportunities that can lead to an extra income. Follow this guide to saving money fast and you'll be on your way to wealth!<br /><br />You can use all these strategies to save money, reduce debt and improve your life but it will not last unless you have a system automatically set up to continually work without your input. Get Dan Cavalli’s FREE money saving secrets set on auto pilot at: <a href="http://www.the-richest-man-in-babylon.com/">www.the-richest-man-in-babylon.com </a>S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-35664119061970430812011-01-09T20:41:00.000-08:002011-01-09T20:45:47.385-08:00Building a Long-Term Savings Plan: Your Guide to Saving Money Long Term<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Sure, you know how to spend your money. But do you know how to save it? If saving seems like a far-fetched idea for you, it’s time you change your attitude about money. It’s wise to have your long-term financial goals in place while you’re still young so that you will feel financially comfortable and secure in the long run. Over time, you will realise it is the best decision you have ever made in your life. What you need is a comprehensive guide to saving money long term to start your way to financial freedom. </span><br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 458px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwrnh4yxr07b3sT4TYLC92PpkXblVCwD1PfAbouB39ofxUyYtSEIZ_2URbcuwaPqWRwWrdsf2jzaVfTjxbeu2F2JTBn5L02uRAnsbltpF2vH_BN7T1gk87MKHLpL5R1MHGbMHmKlclKI/s400/saving-money.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560413624670524114" border="0" /><br /><br /> <span style="font-family:georgia;">Before you get to know how to save money for the long term, you have to determine first your motivations for doing so. Starting your long-term savings plan as early as now gives you more time to grow your money. The longer time it takes your money to grow, the higher return you will get out of your investment in the future. An attractive benefit of having a long-term savings fund is a worry-free retirement. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">You will have a peace of mind because your savings will take care of your financial needs during your retirement years. Also, if you’re thinking about buying your first home or car, saving for the long term can help you with that. Lastly, building a long-term savings plan teaches you the value of financial responsibility. By saving a part of your earnings regularly, you learn how to manage your finances efficiently. And when you’re already equipped with great financial skills, you are less likely to drown yourself in a sea of debts. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Once you have determined your reasons for having a long-term savings fund, make sure you are well-prepared for it. Using the right techniques prove to be helpful in growing your long-term savings fund. These strategies will serve as your guide to saving money long term. Where do you get them? Research, get expert opinions, and keep yourself updated on the latest developments in the economy. That way, you discover your options as well as great opportunities for getting the most return out of your savings or investments. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">You will also need discipline to achieve your long-term financial goals. Every so often, it is tempting to use your savings to spend for other expenses like emergencies, travel, and other needs. To avoid falling into that trap, try your best to put up a separate emergency fund and other short-term savings accounts so that you can easily access money whenever you really need it. If you want to make sure you have enough money to send your children to college someday, you have to set up an educational savings fund to cover for those expenses. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Lastly, commitment is critical for a long-term savings plan. Without it, you just put your initial efforts into waste. What’s the use of a guide to saving money long term if you’re not committed enough to sustain your savings? Focus on your goals and you will never have to worry about your financial future. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">You can use all these strategies to save money, reduce debt and improve your life but it will not last unless you have a system automatically set up to continually work without your input. Get Dan Cavalli's FREE money saving secrets set on auto pilot at: </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.the-richest-man-in-babylon.com/">www.the-richest-man-in-babylon.com </a> </div>S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-85500397929219124572010-12-19T20:57:00.000-08:002010-12-19T21:01:20.542-08:00How to select the right real estate agent in for your needs?<span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">When it comes to buying or selling real estate, you would always need the expert assistance of real estate realtors, otherwise known as real estate agents.<b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>This<b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>article<b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>would<b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>focus<b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>on how to choose the right real estate agent for your needs. The quality of services provided by real estate realtors differs significantly, from wonderful to appalling.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSzlhtwv-z8W-RB16Lj7guDe1v8GiBoS77kIY2c9chuKO9esImzpSPzLhDniTcbmDHsG9fCcjhqij4Y_P-506YUmLbGTwTWDwRVJLIs36jrEotyx4VH6p5d1ioKII-rw3GhdSXzdWePA/s1600/fotolia_100732_XS.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSzlhtwv-z8W-RB16Lj7guDe1v8GiBoS77kIY2c9chuKO9esImzpSPzLhDniTcbmDHsG9fCcjhqij4Y_P-506YUmLbGTwTWDwRVJLIs36jrEotyx4VH6p5d1ioKII-rw3GhdSXzdWePA/s400/fotolia_100732_XS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552625012861684722" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">For getting a really good real estate agent, you should search for one who is:</span><br /></p><ul type="DISC"><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">An honest person</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Working in the real estate industry as a full timer </span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Skilled with the kind of services you want</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Familiar with your choices and requirements</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">A certified professional, meaning he has fulfilled the minimum prerequisites of training, education and examination. </span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Well informed about the locality where you want to stay</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Conversant with business affairs</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">A member of the trade organization like the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This indicates the real estate agent is aware of market information, listings and other details that nonmembers would find difficult to obtain</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">A receiver of supplementary credentials (search for initials on their business cards - for instance, NAR confers credentials like a GRI or Graduate Realtors Institute or even more sophisticated CRS or Certified Residential Specialist. You wouldn’t get many agents with these credentials.</span></li></ul><ul><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>Look for recommendations<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></span><br /></p></ul><ul><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">If you want to find out a truly good realtor, then going for referrals is also a good decision. You can get recommendations from your friends, family members and colleagues. You should especially look for referrals from those who have most recently bought or sold a home. As soon as you get a short list of capable realtors, let every one know you wish to question him or her for around 30-45 minutes in person, if possible. Not only would you be checking the knowledge of the agent but also his or her accommodativeness and promptness. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br /></p></ul><ul><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><b>Ask questions</b></span><br /></p></ul><ul><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Given below are some questions that you can ask a realtor to find out if the agent’s skill and success rate are suitable for your needs. You can also include your own queries. For instance, if you’re seeking assistance in buying a newly constructed home in a development or condominium, you’d need to make sure your agent has knowledge about such properties.</span><br /></p></ul><ul><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Important questions that you would need to ask are the following:</span><br /></p></ul><ul><ul type="DISC"><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">What is your mode of communication?</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">How many homes have you located for buyers in the previous year?</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">How can you assist me afford the home I need?</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">How do you arrange your work?</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Who are your previous clients I can contact as references for you? </span></li><li><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Will you be working as the representative of the seller by any means?</span></li></ul></ul><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">You should keep in mind that asking questions and seeking referrals from different sources can surely help you get the right real estate agent for your needs. Only choose an agent who listens to you with patience, attends to your needs and replies to your queries frankly. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Above is the guest post provided by Miss Bettie Wills from <a href="http://sanjoserealty.net/">San Jose Real Estate</a> Inc. She excels herself in writing articles related to real estate, mortgage, properties etc.</span><br /></span></p></span></span>S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-33124680491124463102010-12-02T05:45:00.000-08:002010-12-02T05:59:42.300-08:00How to use free ads to make money after Christmas<span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:100%;" >Most people would probably think that selling unwanted presents is in bad taste. There is something almost sacred to a present, and some kind of unwritten rule says that the recipient of a present should always be grateful and, of course, keep the present.<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AC97pIjoOI5f8KHy38i9J3ROlOInVLw5nER2JfdSY08pEG0q7s5WnWZd4uX7X8ifsQ_82O6buB_BMqOd1VsSNlnqjsb74veRqwzrvr-kszRtotcy7k4ENSZYZhOu7KKpzrwBpYP-w38/s1600/christmastree2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AC97pIjoOI5f8KHy38i9J3ROlOInVLw5nER2JfdSY08pEG0q7s5WnWZd4uX7X8ifsQ_82O6buB_BMqOd1VsSNlnqjsb74veRqwzrvr-kszRtotcy7k4ENSZYZhOu7KKpzrwBpYP-w38/s320/christmastree2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546084226997568178" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">However, it looks like more than 6 our of 10 people receive, every Christmas, at least five unwanted gifts. According to a research made by the charity The Brooke on a sample of the British population, almost one brit out of three this Christmas will give away as a gift an unwanted present from last Christmas. So, it turns out, presents are not so sacred.</span><br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Seeing things with a pragmatic approach, it could be said that there’s no point in keeping around unwanted, unused gifts, so if they can be recycled, they might as well be sold. Reading about what are considered to be the most unwanted gifts, moreover, makes it easier to understand why some people would want to resell them. The top three most unwanted gifts are bubble baths, bath salts and socks: pretty generic stuff, indeed.</span><br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The solution to boring presents is the old saying: one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. From an economic point of view, that concept is what make markets work in general. The fact that someone would like something that you would happily get rid of is the very basis of second hand commerce. This means that it’s definitely possible to make some money out of unwanted presents. The easiest way is to use some<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.sahipasand.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000099;"><u>classifieds</u></span></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>site. Free ads can actually be a big help in getting rid of unwanted stuff and, of course, you can always hope that the baths salts that you got are a rare, sought-after item for some collector.</span></p> <a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnlHgjvp8_C9ze__T3ggG7RxLPc5CXNF2vBNgDkWDSK4W0unzvDIm6z30a2151ECoox7p8-HmHov_uIMSSyvEZAyLPCzgFW0oo4EuvhJdjJQ-2qszV68giUir98l_mZ4fZH8N8ar0_vE/s1600/ajpg"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a> <a style="font-family: georgia;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnlHgjvp8_C9ze__T3ggG7RxLPc5CXNF2vBNgDkWDSK4W0unzvDIm6z30a2151ECoox7p8-HmHov_uIMSSyvEZAyLPCzgFW0oo4EuvhJdjJQ-2qszV68giUir98l_mZ4fZH8N8ar0_vE/s1600/ajpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnlHgjvp8_C9ze__T3ggG7RxLPc5CXNF2vBNgDkWDSK4W0unzvDIm6z30a2151ECoox7p8-HmHov_uIMSSyvEZAyLPCzgFW0oo4EuvhJdjJQ-2qszV68giUir98l_mZ4fZH8N8ar0_vE/s400/ajpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546083511118192978" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;" ><br /><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Those of you who are more financially bold can try using an auction site. However, the problem with those sites, compared to free ads sites, is that it can be hard to get bidders to offer high - or even just half-decent - prices, and often the seller ends up selling the item at the minimum price. So it could be a good idea to use a classified ads site where you can just come up with a price and stick to it.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">With some patience is possible to get a surprising amount of money even from relatively common items: sooner or later you will find someone who will want your present more than you do. Publishing an ad is something that doesn’t require a lot of effort, and most classifieds sites keep ads published for long times. In the end, it’s waiting game. And if no buyer shows up, you can always wait until next Christmas to give you unwelcome gift to someone else.</span></p></span>S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-82465574093003660882010-11-21T21:50:00.000-08:002010-11-21T22:26:47.237-08:00Black Friday, Now A Plague for many Shoppers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcipFDussMTGo2KWmQAVlDwF-APgZ9MOTbldk9l9LTxEPFmM2OcfqYVC-0NYFDeXUcj7jb1ZKFP9xYvceY0OIMxy-FSqB02qXNzkSvmFWCze-ovDd1eF1Kh4RhGJmF0jeDAd2fzEi2TA/s1600/black-friday-shopping.jpg"><br /></a><br />As far as I remember, black Friday has always been considered as a day for which all shoppers eagerly wait. But there are few others who are now considering it to be a plague day. So, the question which arises is, <blockquote>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Do we really need to shop on Black Friday day? Is it really worth it?</span>"</blockquote>Many would believe it isn't the worth stress because they need to rush to find out the items, waiting in long queues and many standing outside in the cold waiting for the shops and stores to open. People consider this as a buy or die week. I personally do not find any reason for this statement. I myself have never shopped after the thanksgiving. I always wonder how people can be so brave to fight over the limited parkings spots and try to avoid being trampled upon each other in the queue.<br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcipFDussMTGo2KWmQAVlDwF-APgZ9MOTbldk9l9LTxEPFmM2OcfqYVC-0NYFDeXUcj7jb1ZKFP9xYvceY0OIMxy-FSqB02qXNzkSvmFWCze-ovDd1eF1Kh4RhGJmF0jeDAd2fzEi2TA/s400/black-friday-shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542256356082737618" border="0" /><br />Why there is a need of doing such acts? Only to save some bucks. I would rather prefer paying to avoid crowds, parking inconvenience and waiting for hours.<br /><br />Time is money, isn't it? No wonder, I am blogger here rather participating in the buying frenzy week. I have noticed that in recent years, there has been a decline in sales as well as shoppers. Why? Now days internet offers various saving schemes. You can actually enjoy shopping online sitting at home any day of the year, though others consider this as a thrill of the hunt. There are many people who do not own any computer or internet facilities but enjoy going to stores seeking bargains.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Which is more preferable? Shopping online or Black Friday Shopping?</span>.<br /><br />I just asked a random person outside the store that what would she prefer; shopping online or shopping at the various department stores and she commented,<br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">"I simply love going to the stores. I can actually see the product live there before spending any bucks. I love to see various collection of clothes, accessories, household goods etc."</span></blockquote><br />Maybe many women would agree to this but Black Friday is not at all a day to browse and touch the products before you buy and visit various department store to determine what's new!!<br /><br />In fact, any one who is shopping all the year round has a pretty good idea of what each department store has in stock. There is nothing special to display on Black Friday except massive crowd and an excessive rush to obtain an item that might be on sale after two hours.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A personal Tip from experienced shoppers on Black Friday<br /><br /></span><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">"Please do not carry any cash with you. Instead use your debit card. If in case you do not have a debit card also, then go to store you plan to visit on Black Friday a week before and purchase gift cards from there. This will also help you to stick within your budget and is much safer than carrying cash at the stores."</blockquote><br />Check ahead of time if you need to buy any specific item that might be on sale at the store but not online. Set a budget and try to stick on it. Once you have decided which sale you want to go for and what you want to actually purchase, decide things which are within your budget. The sale during Black Friday may be great, but obviously you don't want to be paying for that new item until next year or maybe more than that.<br /><br />As for me, I always finish my Christmas shopping by the end of October.<br /><br />Do you shop on Black Friday? Do let me know with your comments on this post.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:16px;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85); line-height: 21px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:14px;" ></span></span>S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8187773422604330625.post-63064381018586860212010-11-11T21:33:00.000-08:002010-11-11T21:44:06.291-08:00Money Saving Advice for the Working Man<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;" ><p><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Saving money is not as easy as it sounds. If a person wants to save money, the single most important money saving advice one can give a working man is to save for retirement. Statistics show that more than 70% of employees today have not saved enough to cover their retirement.<span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Only 15% will even have enough to qualify for retirement benefits as mandated by the Law. Saving money for a rainy day is an adage said and heard hundreds of times but never seems to be a possibility for many. Even with an extra job, many folks still don’t make enough money to save.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXLhH_piSVfVp2URv1PmHthBBzibcAAvgI1BFy-nJOEcQ2NBfHjPf8fSuehLdJkU30ESykUFSVqOq8gPebPO7Y4vTgwrhyphenhyphenpvvfF5TULnm0C1fLSXdAhbyFkp7zYdNrfxUxC2OChuUuxU/s1600/pensionerREX_468x667.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXLhH_piSVfVp2URv1PmHthBBzibcAAvgI1BFy-nJOEcQ2NBfHjPf8fSuehLdJkU30ESykUFSVqOq8gPebPO7Y4vTgwrhyphenhyphenpvvfF5TULnm0C1fLSXdAhbyFkp7zYdNrfxUxC2OChuUuxU/s400/pensionerREX_468x667.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538534148716235938" border="0" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">In the end, many workers end up working past retirement age in order to survive or end up in the streets. The single most important goal for every working man therefore, should be to save for retirement. This must be started at the earliest possible time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">To save money, it is important to work at making extra money. However, working at making more money is not the key. The key to making extra money is to work at cutting down on spending. Only by reducing expenses can one make that extra money to save away.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Working at reducing expenses could mean sacrificing some weekend splurges, hand-washing the clothes and doing the dish-washing in the sink. It could also mean using half the amount of toothpaste used every time, lowering the temperature in the water heater and furnace, and taking long walks in the park instead of long weekend drives.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Compute how much is spent on a weekend night out and compute how much money could be saved in the bank if you deposited some of that instead. Let us say that instead of spending $50 on a Friday night and another $50 on a Saturday night, one went out only once a week and deposited $50 in the bank instead.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">That would easily amount to $200 a month. By depositing $200 a month for the next 40 years until retirement, a person will have saved a total of over $185,000 at a 3% interest rate compounded annually. That’s an extra $1000 a month for the next 18 years or so.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">And that is based solely on saving on weekend binges. If one lived a sensibly frugal life and put away $400 a month, simply doubling the earlier figure will compute to $370,000. Not bad for a nest egg. The idea is not to save money for the short term – to buy a car or house, but to save enough for retirement.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">There are several reasons for this. One is that saving money for the short term means wanting to save a lot at the shortest possible time and then dipping into the savings every now and then. Another is that there are also many ways to buy a car or house, but only one way to save for retirement. For instance, the company could give an employee a car plan or a housing plan.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">A retirement plan on the other hand, means saving for it. A short term goal also negates the advantage that one gets out of bank interest rates. Therefore a short term goal is not one must strive for in saving money. Work at saving money for retirement – that is the most sensible money saving advice a working man will ever get.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">You can use all these strategies to save money, reduce debt and improve your life but it will not last unless you have a system automatically set up to continually work without your input. Get Dan Cavalli’s FREE money saving secrets set on auto pilot at: </span><a href="http://www.the-richest-man-in-babylon.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;font-size:medium;" ></span></a><a href="http://www.the-richest-man-in-babylon.com/" target="_blank">www.the-richest-man-in-<wbr>babylon.com</a></p></span><p style="font-family: georgia;"></p>S.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15131163738362504539noreply@blogger.com0