Thursday, June 30, 2011
SLASH YOUR BILLS
Admit it; you can't live without your cell phone and your internet. At the same time, you complain that your bills shoot up to the skies every month. Like any other necessary expenses, you can cut down on phone and internet bill......
COMPARE WHAT YOU HAVE AND WHAT YOU NEED - when you think that your bills might be getting a little out of hand, keep stock of what you currently have. Ask your self the following question to determine how much you really have right now: Do you have a TV? How many TV set do you have? Does your computer have an internet connection? How many members of the family have cell phones? Who uses these services? Why do they use these services?
EXAMINE YOUR USAGE HABIT - "Its funny that we complain of our uncontrolled bills, like cellphone bills, but when we pass on jokes to others and we greet all our contacts during xmas or bday or any occasion etc... the "TINGI" mentality makes us think that we're saving, but its teaching us how to habitually spend in small amount until our bills is P1,000.00 or more na pala. If we are serious in cutting down the bills, we must re-think our usage habits. Expenses, no matter how small add up overtime and before you know it, you're paying a hefty amount at the end of the month. Take out your bills, and ask your self to the following to see which services your family really uses: Must all your TV sets have cables? How many cable channels does your family usually watch? Does your cellphone come with services such as Internet and GPRS connection? How often do you use them? How often do your children internet for studies and research work? How often do they use it to keep in touch with friends? This habit can make any households heroic attempts to control expenses. Oftentimes, we end up getting more services that we actually need "mabuti na yung meron kami nun kaysa sa wala" mentality. But carefully think about each service that you're getting and ask your self if you really can or can't do without those services. These services might be small, but how many more small features don't you use by pay for?
COMPARE WHAT YOU HAVE AND WHAT YOU NEED - when you think that your bills might be getting a little out of hand, keep stock of what you currently have. Ask your self the following question to determine how much you really have right now: Do you have a TV? How many TV set do you have? Does your computer have an internet connection? How many members of the family have cell phones? Who uses these services? Why do they use these services?
EXAMINE YOUR USAGE HABIT - "Its funny that we complain of our uncontrolled bills, like cellphone bills, but when we pass on jokes to others and we greet all our contacts during xmas or bday or any occasion etc... the "TINGI" mentality makes us think that we're saving, but its teaching us how to habitually spend in small amount until our bills is P1,000.00 or more na pala. If we are serious in cutting down the bills, we must re-think our usage habits. Expenses, no matter how small add up overtime and before you know it, you're paying a hefty amount at the end of the month. Take out your bills, and ask your self to the following to see which services your family really uses: Must all your TV sets have cables? How many cable channels does your family usually watch? Does your cellphone come with services such as Internet and GPRS connection? How often do you use them? How often do your children internet for studies and research work? How often do they use it to keep in touch with friends? This habit can make any households heroic attempts to control expenses. Oftentimes, we end up getting more services that we actually need "mabuti na yung meron kami nun kaysa sa wala" mentality. But carefully think about each service that you're getting and ask your self if you really can or can't do without those services. These services might be small, but how many more small features don't you use by pay for?
Monday, June 13, 2011
Freelance Work Marketplace - Put your skills to earn money !
Looking to earn extra income using your hard-won technical skills ? Earn from online projects and be a part of 1 billion Online Outsourcing Industry !
You might be a talented programmer or other service provider looking for work or just a way to make some extra money by putting your skills to work. Either way, you've come to the right place - The online marketplace. Online marketplace had thousands of online projects to mach your technical qualities. The Buyer sets up a project and our Service providers bid on the projects. The Buyer picks the Service provider and the projects begins. You create the program or answer the question. When you're finished, you are awarded the bid amount.
Online marketplace works much like an auction, where you locate and bid on projects and questions in different categories from around the world ! It matches up talented professionals from around the world with businesses that need services on a freelance basis.
Online marketplace company handle all the money collecting so you can concentrate on what you're best at...your project. By the time you've begun work, the buyer's money has already been placed into an escrow account, freeing you from the problem of getting 'stiffed'. To pay for this service, Online marketplace company charges freelancers a share of freelancer's Fee on the profit from work and questions. So if you don't find work...online marketplace companies don't get paid.
You can find projects in given major categories :
1. Web site Design / Web site Marketing
2. Programming / Software
3. Graphic Design / Multimedia
4. Networking
5. Engineering / CAD / Architecture
6. Writing / Editing / Translation
7. Broadcasting
8. Fashion / Interior / Landscape / Set Design, etc
9.Admin Support (Legal, Medical, & Accounting)
Here are some typical things you can do to get more bid acceptances:
1. Resume
2. A sample of your portfolio.
3. List of your areas of expertise and certifications.
4. A personal photograph.
If you have expertise in any field, online marketplace can do wonders for you.
You might be a talented programmer or other service provider looking for work or just a way to make some extra money by putting your skills to work. Either way, you've come to the right place - The online marketplace. Online marketplace had thousands of online projects to mach your technical qualities. The Buyer sets up a project and our Service providers bid on the projects. The Buyer picks the Service provider and the projects begins. You create the program or answer the question. When you're finished, you are awarded the bid amount.
Online marketplace works much like an auction, where you locate and bid on projects and questions in different categories from around the world ! It matches up talented professionals from around the world with businesses that need services on a freelance basis.
Online marketplace company handle all the money collecting so you can concentrate on what you're best at...your project. By the time you've begun work, the buyer's money has already been placed into an escrow account, freeing you from the problem of getting 'stiffed'. To pay for this service, Online marketplace company charges freelancers a share of freelancer's Fee on the profit from work and questions. So if you don't find work...online marketplace companies don't get paid.
You can find projects in given major categories :
1. Web site Design / Web site Marketing
2. Programming / Software
3. Graphic Design / Multimedia
4. Networking
5. Engineering / CAD / Architecture
6. Writing / Editing / Translation
7. Broadcasting
8. Fashion / Interior / Landscape / Set Design, etc
9.Admin Support (Legal, Medical, & Accounting)
Here are some typical things you can do to get more bid acceptances:
1. Resume
2. A sample of your portfolio.
3. List of your areas of expertise and certifications.
4. A personal photograph.
If you have expertise in any field, online marketplace can do wonders for you.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Do You Have Financial Phobia?
With an ever-increasing level of personal debt being reported, along with record numbers of bankruptcies and insolvencies, it's no surprise to anyone that money is becoming a big problem for thousands if not millions of people.
Most of us would equate 'money problems' with 'debt problems', and indeed servicing high levels of debt is a major cause of worry and stress for those of us who've perhaps borrowed too heavily in the past.
There is another kind of money trouble that doesn't receive quite as much publicity. It's called Financial Phobia, and is a real clinical condition that causes untold problems for its victims.
Recent research has suggested that up to 20% of adults suffer from full-blown financial phobia, with nearly half of the population showing some signs of a milder version of the condition.
Sufferers find it extremely difficult to keep on top of their finances, as the prospect of doing simple things like opening bills causes them feelings of anxiety, nausea, and even - in the worst cases - full panic attacks. They will dislike checking their bank balances, will put off paying bills, and in extreme cases will avoid opening mail altogether and throw it away rather than deal with the contents.
So what causes this condition? One of the main triggers is a sense of finances being out of control, sometimes through debt, but also through having a bad experience with finance such as losing money in a bad investment, or of following bad advice. Victims of mis-selling of inappropriate products can lose trust in banks and by extension the whole realm of finance.
The irony is that by avoiding paying attention to their financial situation, sufferers will tend to make matters worse as they can't pick up on problems early on. Missed payments, for example, can go from being a minor issue to a cause of legal action if they are ignored rather than tackled.
As their financial situation deteriorates, the sense of being out of control increases, leading to a vicious circle where other problems including full depression can arise. So is there a way out?
As with all genuine phobias, counselling may be required if the problem has got out of hand, along with professional financial help from debt advisors which is often available for free from charities.
However, people in the early stages of the condition can help stop the situation deteriorating by starting to get back on top of their finances, fighting their urges to ignore the problem, and starting to tackle any underlying causes such as debt.
Most of us would equate 'money problems' with 'debt problems', and indeed servicing high levels of debt is a major cause of worry and stress for those of us who've perhaps borrowed too heavily in the past.
There is another kind of money trouble that doesn't receive quite as much publicity. It's called Financial Phobia, and is a real clinical condition that causes untold problems for its victims.
Recent research has suggested that up to 20% of adults suffer from full-blown financial phobia, with nearly half of the population showing some signs of a milder version of the condition.
Sufferers find it extremely difficult to keep on top of their finances, as the prospect of doing simple things like opening bills causes them feelings of anxiety, nausea, and even - in the worst cases - full panic attacks. They will dislike checking their bank balances, will put off paying bills, and in extreme cases will avoid opening mail altogether and throw it away rather than deal with the contents.
So what causes this condition? One of the main triggers is a sense of finances being out of control, sometimes through debt, but also through having a bad experience with finance such as losing money in a bad investment, or of following bad advice. Victims of mis-selling of inappropriate products can lose trust in banks and by extension the whole realm of finance.
The irony is that by avoiding paying attention to their financial situation, sufferers will tend to make matters worse as they can't pick up on problems early on. Missed payments, for example, can go from being a minor issue to a cause of legal action if they are ignored rather than tackled.
As their financial situation deteriorates, the sense of being out of control increases, leading to a vicious circle where other problems including full depression can arise. So is there a way out?
As with all genuine phobias, counselling may be required if the problem has got out of hand, along with professional financial help from debt advisors which is often available for free from charities.
However, people in the early stages of the condition can help stop the situation deteriorating by starting to get back on top of their finances, fighting their urges to ignore the problem, and starting to tackle any underlying causes such as debt.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
A Single Mom's Guide to Home Improvement
When I bought my house nine years ago, my son was about to turn three and I revelled in the security of owning my slice of the American dream. Being a single mom was (and is!) both challenging and rewarding, but I knew that having a house to call my own was the best thing that ever happened to my son and me.
My house was ten years old when I bought it, and it was in excellent condition. Still, as time passed, a variety of issues cropped up. I think my way of handling (or not handling) home improvements is fairly typical for single women who own their own homes. Hopefully, my experiences will help you navigate the waters of home improvement.
Here's what I've learned:
1. You can go places with a good book and a toolbox. The Christmas of the year I moved in, my sister and brother-in-law gave me a toolbox filled with the basics: screwdrivers, wrenches, a hammer, nails, nuts and bolts, and so forth. They also gave me a book on basic home repairs. Their gift literally provided me with the tools I needed, but it also gave me confidence that I could tackle minor home improvement projects. My advice: invest in some tools and use a book or online sources to guide you through the routine maintenance that your house requires.
2. Ask for advice. As a single woman who is now 49 years old and has limited knowledge of more complex home improvement issues, I'm always afraid that I'll be taken advantage by a repair company. When my air conditioner conked out on a 100-plus degree day, for example, I had no way of knowing if I really needed a new unit. I've learned to call on neighbors, family members, and friends - whose collective knowledge exceeds mine - to get their impressions. They've steered me in the right direction on a number of occasions.
3. Keep tabs on the neighbors. All of the houses in my immediate vicinity were built by the same builder at roughly the same time. Getting to know my neighbors and talking to them about home improvement has helped me get a sense of what to plan for. For example, two years ago I began to see that the houses around me were starting to get new roofs. Although I didn't have a leaky roof, a few months ago I decided to re-roof. I wanted to be proactive so I didn't get stuck with the expense of drywall repairs in addition to the cost of a new roof.
4. Ask for referrals, and then check them yourself. Through my neighbors' referrals, I've been able to find a superb roofer, an impeccable exterior house painter, and a terrific tile guy. But I don't just rely on their word. I always - repeat, always - check with my state's contractor licensing board to verify their licenses and with the Better Business Bureau to check on past complaints. I get all estimates in writing, and ask for proof of insurance.
5. Don't put your head in the sand. There has been more than one occasion when I've chosen not to deal with a home improvement issue, and I've always regretted it. I knew, for example, that the exterior of my fireplace had some dry rot. Unfortunately, by letting it go for so long it cost me much more than if I would have dealt with it immediately.
6. Make a list. This last bit of advice is basic, but critical. Start and keep a home improvement list. As a single mom, it's all too easy to get caught up in the hectic pace of daily life and let routine home maintenance fall by the wayside. I divide my home improvement list into three sections: one for items that need attention in the next three months; one for home improvement projects for the coming year; and one that maps out what I want to accomplish with the house over the next five years. The short- and medium-term lists keep me motivated, while my long-term list helps me save the money needed for the big-ticket items.
My house was ten years old when I bought it, and it was in excellent condition. Still, as time passed, a variety of issues cropped up. I think my way of handling (or not handling) home improvements is fairly typical for single women who own their own homes. Hopefully, my experiences will help you navigate the waters of home improvement.
Here's what I've learned:
1. You can go places with a good book and a toolbox. The Christmas of the year I moved in, my sister and brother-in-law gave me a toolbox filled with the basics: screwdrivers, wrenches, a hammer, nails, nuts and bolts, and so forth. They also gave me a book on basic home repairs. Their gift literally provided me with the tools I needed, but it also gave me confidence that I could tackle minor home improvement projects. My advice: invest in some tools and use a book or online sources to guide you through the routine maintenance that your house requires.
2. Ask for advice. As a single woman who is now 49 years old and has limited knowledge of more complex home improvement issues, I'm always afraid that I'll be taken advantage by a repair company. When my air conditioner conked out on a 100-plus degree day, for example, I had no way of knowing if I really needed a new unit. I've learned to call on neighbors, family members, and friends - whose collective knowledge exceeds mine - to get their impressions. They've steered me in the right direction on a number of occasions.
3. Keep tabs on the neighbors. All of the houses in my immediate vicinity were built by the same builder at roughly the same time. Getting to know my neighbors and talking to them about home improvement has helped me get a sense of what to plan for. For example, two years ago I began to see that the houses around me were starting to get new roofs. Although I didn't have a leaky roof, a few months ago I decided to re-roof. I wanted to be proactive so I didn't get stuck with the expense of drywall repairs in addition to the cost of a new roof.
4. Ask for referrals, and then check them yourself. Through my neighbors' referrals, I've been able to find a superb roofer, an impeccable exterior house painter, and a terrific tile guy. But I don't just rely on their word. I always - repeat, always - check with my state's contractor licensing board to verify their licenses and with the Better Business Bureau to check on past complaints. I get all estimates in writing, and ask for proof of insurance.
5. Don't put your head in the sand. There has been more than one occasion when I've chosen not to deal with a home improvement issue, and I've always regretted it. I knew, for example, that the exterior of my fireplace had some dry rot. Unfortunately, by letting it go for so long it cost me much more than if I would have dealt with it immediately.
6. Make a list. This last bit of advice is basic, but critical. Start and keep a home improvement list. As a single mom, it's all too easy to get caught up in the hectic pace of daily life and let routine home maintenance fall by the wayside. I divide my home improvement list into three sections: one for items that need attention in the next three months; one for home improvement projects for the coming year; and one that maps out what I want to accomplish with the house over the next five years. The short- and medium-term lists keep me motivated, while my long-term list helps me save the money needed for the big-ticket items.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
May Entrecard Dropper
THANK YOU SO MUCH... Dropper | # of drops |
|---|---|
| Women Vote | 21 |
| business tips collection | 17 |
| Budget Travel, Cheap Accommodation | 14 |
| Sexy Old Broad | 14 |
| Autumnal Confessions & SexyAdvice | 14 |
| Car Tips and Maintenance Article | 14 |
| Student Loans and General Finance | 13 |
| Supplements and Vitamins Articles | 13 |
| New deal Property | 13 |
| Health care and cancer symptoms | 13 |
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Eating Moderately Is The Key To Loosing Weight
Did you know that your new automobile is likely to have a larger cup-holder than your older model? That restaurants use larger plates, bakers are selling larger muffins, pizzerias have larger pans, and fast food companies are using larger French fries and drink containers than 20 years ago? Did you know that identical recipes for cookies and desserts in the old editions of "Joy of Cooking" specify fewer servings?
It is evident to all of us that overweight and obesity have increased sharply in the USA in adults and children in the last few years. Since studies show that activity of people has not changed much in the last decades, the increase in body overweight must come from a change in the food intake. Considering that about half the people in the USA consume their meals outside the home, the portion sizes become an important factor in the increase of body overweight.
The American Journal of Public Health published a study about the current sizes of portions in restaurants, fast foods, and food manufacturers. The authors compared the data with the sizes of the past 30 years, and they came up with some amazing numbers. First they noted that all the portions offered in every category exceed by far the guidelines of the USDA and the FDA. Cookies are seven times bigger than recommended, cooked pasta five times larger, muffins three times larger, and so on.
Then they discovered that portion sizes began to grow in the 1970s and have continued to grow at the same rate as body overweight. Food and fast food companies today promote larger items and use larger sizes as selling points. Widespread price competition has induced manufacturers to introduce larger items as a means to expand market share, since they discovered that profit rises when the product size is increased. In the mid '50s Mc Donald offered only one size of French fries: that size today is called "small". The food industry invests billions in making their products more attractive, sexier, saltier, or sweeter and we are vulnerable to their promotions. This happens at a moment when we became more sedentary and kids spend longer hours in front of the TV or their computers.
Going to Europe or other countries we see some striking differences in the food habits. First of all there is not so much advertising about food. Most of the Italian TV ads are about basic ingredients such as olive oil, wine, and pasta, and not so much about prepackaged food or fast food chains. In addition the portion sizes are considerably smaller than in America. I recently had dinner in a steakhouse and the smallest portion available on the menu was a 10 oz filet mignon. That is about three times larger than the average size of a portion of meat in Italy.
I noticed myself many times that people moving to the USA from other countries would gain weight in few months. There is no doubt in my mind that the large amount of food we ingest today is one of the main causes for the general growth of overweight in America. This doesn't affect only people with a weight problem, but also those who are maybe only a few pounds over and struggle to control the size of their waistline. In an environment where lifestyle and advertising pushes to eat out more and in larger quantities it is imperative that we learn how to control ourselves.
One very good way to start I learned from a trainer at the gym, and I encourage everyone to try. It is very simple: On a notepad write down everyday for a week everything that you ingest. Take note of the quantities, not only for the main meals, but even the smallest things such as drinks, candies and snacks. Then with the help of a calorie chart add up the numbers. Many people say "I don't know how I gain weight. I don't eat very much". I bet they are ready for a big surprise. It is incredible how all those little things we munch during the day add up to a large number of calories.
After the shock, the realization will come that something needs to be done. First it is important to understand what a regular portion looks like. 3 oz meat: is approximately the size of a deck of cards or a bar of soap (when was the last time you saw a steak of that size?); 3 oz fish: the size of a checkbook; 1 oz cheese: the size of matchbox; one medium potato: the size of a computer mouse; 1 cup pasta: the size of two eggs.
When eating out choose the small or medium sizes instead of the large ones. Ask for half of the meal to be packed to go. Share your portion with a friend. Don't eat the bread and butter before the meal. For your home don't buy a lot of food, but buy single serving packages. If you snack don't eat from the bag, but place a few chips or crackers on a dish. Cut in the amount of sauces, mayonnaise and cream cheese, and use low calories types. If you are a big eater fill yourself with a large quantity of vegetables and eventually fresh fruit.
In conclusion: Everyone that tries to keep weight under control knows how difficult it is. The first step is to be inventive in ways to reduce the sizes of the food portions.
It is evident to all of us that overweight and obesity have increased sharply in the USA in adults and children in the last few years. Since studies show that activity of people has not changed much in the last decades, the increase in body overweight must come from a change in the food intake. Considering that about half the people in the USA consume their meals outside the home, the portion sizes become an important factor in the increase of body overweight.
The American Journal of Public Health published a study about the current sizes of portions in restaurants, fast foods, and food manufacturers. The authors compared the data with the sizes of the past 30 years, and they came up with some amazing numbers. First they noted that all the portions offered in every category exceed by far the guidelines of the USDA and the FDA. Cookies are seven times bigger than recommended, cooked pasta five times larger, muffins three times larger, and so on.
Then they discovered that portion sizes began to grow in the 1970s and have continued to grow at the same rate as body overweight. Food and fast food companies today promote larger items and use larger sizes as selling points. Widespread price competition has induced manufacturers to introduce larger items as a means to expand market share, since they discovered that profit rises when the product size is increased. In the mid '50s Mc Donald offered only one size of French fries: that size today is called "small". The food industry invests billions in making their products more attractive, sexier, saltier, or sweeter and we are vulnerable to their promotions. This happens at a moment when we became more sedentary and kids spend longer hours in front of the TV or their computers.
Going to Europe or other countries we see some striking differences in the food habits. First of all there is not so much advertising about food. Most of the Italian TV ads are about basic ingredients such as olive oil, wine, and pasta, and not so much about prepackaged food or fast food chains. In addition the portion sizes are considerably smaller than in America. I recently had dinner in a steakhouse and the smallest portion available on the menu was a 10 oz filet mignon. That is about three times larger than the average size of a portion of meat in Italy.
I noticed myself many times that people moving to the USA from other countries would gain weight in few months. There is no doubt in my mind that the large amount of food we ingest today is one of the main causes for the general growth of overweight in America. This doesn't affect only people with a weight problem, but also those who are maybe only a few pounds over and struggle to control the size of their waistline. In an environment where lifestyle and advertising pushes to eat out more and in larger quantities it is imperative that we learn how to control ourselves.
One very good way to start I learned from a trainer at the gym, and I encourage everyone to try. It is very simple: On a notepad write down everyday for a week everything that you ingest. Take note of the quantities, not only for the main meals, but even the smallest things such as drinks, candies and snacks. Then with the help of a calorie chart add up the numbers. Many people say "I don't know how I gain weight. I don't eat very much". I bet they are ready for a big surprise. It is incredible how all those little things we munch during the day add up to a large number of calories.
After the shock, the realization will come that something needs to be done. First it is important to understand what a regular portion looks like. 3 oz meat: is approximately the size of a deck of cards or a bar of soap (when was the last time you saw a steak of that size?); 3 oz fish: the size of a checkbook; 1 oz cheese: the size of matchbox; one medium potato: the size of a computer mouse; 1 cup pasta: the size of two eggs.
When eating out choose the small or medium sizes instead of the large ones. Ask for half of the meal to be packed to go. Share your portion with a friend. Don't eat the bread and butter before the meal. For your home don't buy a lot of food, but buy single serving packages. If you snack don't eat from the bag, but place a few chips or crackers on a dish. Cut in the amount of sauces, mayonnaise and cream cheese, and use low calories types. If you are a big eater fill yourself with a large quantity of vegetables and eventually fresh fruit.
In conclusion: Everyone that tries to keep weight under control knows how difficult it is. The first step is to be inventive in ways to reduce the sizes of the food portions.
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