Many shoppers love to take advantage of the sales that take place around the various holidays. Yet in most cases it is the time right after the holiday when you will benefit from the most savings. One exception to this rule is the Black Friday that occurs the day after Thanksgiving. It is considered to be the biggest shopping day of the year. You can definitely benefit from tremendous savings but you have to be willing to fight the crowds and get up very early to get the best deals.
Jewelry is commonly on sale the weeks before Valentine’s Day. This is because many men buy their wives and girlfriends beautiful bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and engagement rings during this period of time to surprise them on Valentine’s Day. In the weeks after Valentine’s Day though you can save at least 30% on the same items. Now, I am not recommending that you delay giving your sweetheart their Valentine’s Day gift late to save money. But you can benefit from such sales by getting quality jewelry at a bargain price to give on a birthday, at Christmas, or for any other occasion.
Easter clothing isn’t the cheapest thing to purchase, and the larger your family is the more expensive it will be. Yet right after Easter all of those pretty dresses and little pant suits are very cheap. You can buy them to use for other occasions throughout the year. They make good clothes to wear to Church and weddings without costing you a fortune. You can also purchase them for the following year to save you plenty of money.
From the day after Thanksgiving that we talked about through Christmas Eve, shoppers are in a frenzy getting the perfect Christmas gifts for those on their list. It can be stressful and it can cost you a fortune. Many people are willing to pay more for gifts this time of year because it is a necessity and they really are more interested in getting their shopping done. That is until the credit card bills start rolling in!
To help reduce the amount of money you spend on Christmas gifts, try shopping for them all year long when you find sales. How many times have you seen something on sale and said to yourself that would be the perfect gift for a specific person? Take advantage of these opportunities and store all of the items you pick up in one location. This way you always know where to find them. Using this method you can give wonderful gifts to those on your lists without spending more than you have to.
Don’t forget to take advantage of those great sales the day after Christmas as well. This is another opportunity to pickup gift items that you don’t want to pass up. You can even buy items for yourself without feeling guilty. Those perfume gift sets will be at least 50% less the day after Christmas. I buy a couple of them in my favorite fragrances so I don’t have to buy perfume throughout the year.
You can take the expense out of shopping if you take advantage of holiday sales. If you plan in advance you will find that the actual sells after the holiday has passed are much better than the sales prior to it. If you enjoy shopping as much as I do then you will be very happy to find out how much money you can save on items you will eventually need to purchase anyway.
Friday, December 31, 2010
How to lease a new car?
Whether you lease a car to get into the latest models or have better purchasing
flexibility, getting a good deal is always bound to give you a lift. Use
these guidelines to help you spot one:
Check incentives: be on the look-out for factory –subsidized lease deals.
Car manufacturers realise that consumers who lease vehicles from them are
more likely to be repeat customers than those who simply purchase vehicles.
Through their leasing companies, they adjust the residual value and offer
low financing charge. Other auto-manufacturers are also starting to give
incentives on leasing, called leasing subventions. They offer these
subsidies to put slow-selling models on the street, saving you even more
money.
Set up a competitive: bidding environment to get the lowest price. If you
already have an idea in mind of the make, model and trim level of your
desired car, attempt to calculate your own lease payment before you go
shopping to avoid paying through the roof. Check online comparison tools or
use a lease calculator to check your lease payment based on purchase price.
This gives you greater negotiation leverage as you solicit quotes from
various leasing companies.
Make sure you know all the fees involved at the beginning of your lease:
you may have to pay fees for licenses, registration and title. Other fees
include acquisition fees, freight fees and local or state taxes. At
lease-end, you may have to pay a disposition fee and charges for extra
mileage and any excess wear. Be aware that some of these fees – like
acquisition and disposition fees – are negotiable.
Know your mileage needs: almost all leases limit the number of miles per
year by imposing typically 10 to 20 cents per excess mile over 15,000 miles
a year. If you are the kind of high-commuter who puts 40,000 miles a year
on his car, then you might end up running thousands of dollars in hefty
penalties at the end of your lease. Be smart and negotiate a higher-mileage
limit or pad you excess miles at the beginning of your lease to avoid
robber tax rates for excess miles.
Almost all leases limit the number of miles per year by imposing fees
typically 10 to 20 cents per mile over 15,000 miles per year. If you are
the kind of high-commuter who puts a lot miles on his car, then these costs
can add up quickly. Negotiate
Include GAP coverage: make sure your lease includes GAP coverage. This
covers you in the event of the vehicle getting wrecked, stolen or totalled.
Without GAP insurance, you leave yourself wide open to thousands of dollars
in leased obligations. Check if the GAP coverage is included so you don’t
pay it twice.
flexibility, getting a good deal is always bound to give you a lift. Use
these guidelines to help you spot one:
Check incentives: be on the look-out for factory –subsidized lease deals.
Car manufacturers realise that consumers who lease vehicles from them are
more likely to be repeat customers than those who simply purchase vehicles.
Through their leasing companies, they adjust the residual value and offer
low financing charge. Other auto-manufacturers are also starting to give
incentives on leasing, called leasing subventions. They offer these
subsidies to put slow-selling models on the street, saving you even more
money.
Set up a competitive: bidding environment to get the lowest price. If you
already have an idea in mind of the make, model and trim level of your
desired car, attempt to calculate your own lease payment before you go
shopping to avoid paying through the roof. Check online comparison tools or
use a lease calculator to check your lease payment based on purchase price.
This gives you greater negotiation leverage as you solicit quotes from
various leasing companies.
Make sure you know all the fees involved at the beginning of your lease:
you may have to pay fees for licenses, registration and title. Other fees
include acquisition fees, freight fees and local or state taxes. At
lease-end, you may have to pay a disposition fee and charges for extra
mileage and any excess wear. Be aware that some of these fees – like
acquisition and disposition fees – are negotiable.
Know your mileage needs: almost all leases limit the number of miles per
year by imposing typically 10 to 20 cents per excess mile over 15,000 miles
a year. If you are the kind of high-commuter who puts 40,000 miles a year
on his car, then you might end up running thousands of dollars in hefty
penalties at the end of your lease. Be smart and negotiate a higher-mileage
limit or pad you excess miles at the beginning of your lease to avoid
robber tax rates for excess miles.
Almost all leases limit the number of miles per year by imposing fees
typically 10 to 20 cents per mile over 15,000 miles per year. If you are
the kind of high-commuter who puts a lot miles on his car, then these costs
can add up quickly. Negotiate
Include GAP coverage: make sure your lease includes GAP coverage. This
covers you in the event of the vehicle getting wrecked, stolen or totalled.
Without GAP insurance, you leave yourself wide open to thousands of dollars
in leased obligations. Check if the GAP coverage is included so you don’t
pay it twice.
How to get out of a lease before your contract expires
When your lease is up, you can simply turn in the keys and lease another
car or buy a new one. But how about getting out before the lease ends?
Maybe you can’t afford the sky-high payments on that silky Jaguar JX V6
model anymore or you’ve just had a baby and you need a larger and more
spacious vehicle?
Unfortunately getting out of a lease is not as easy as getting in! A
leasing contract is difficult and expensive to terminate early. Simply
turning in the keys and walking away from a lease can result in stiff
penalties. You credit could be ruined and you could even get sued for
breach of contract.
It’s not all doom and gloom though. Actually, there is a number of
options available to you.
You can sell the car yourself and pay off the bank. This can be cost
effective if the market value of the car is close to the buy-out number.
Do not hesitate to exercise this option even at a loss if it happens to be
lower than the termination fee.
Your best option, though, is to transfer your lease for someone who would
“assume it” and take it off your hands. There is a whole set of potential
buyers looking for short-term leases without all the hassle and extra
costs. Check with family and friends or use the services of lease-
assumption websites, like swapalease.com, to list your car. Make sure you
check the credit worthiness of the new lessee and provide the car in good
condition.
car or buy a new one. But how about getting out before the lease ends?
Maybe you can’t afford the sky-high payments on that silky Jaguar JX V6
model anymore or you’ve just had a baby and you need a larger and more
spacious vehicle?
Unfortunately getting out of a lease is not as easy as getting in! A
leasing contract is difficult and expensive to terminate early. Simply
turning in the keys and walking away from a lease can result in stiff
penalties. You credit could be ruined and you could even get sued for
breach of contract.
It’s not all doom and gloom though. Actually, there is a number of
options available to you.
You can sell the car yourself and pay off the bank. This can be cost
effective if the market value of the car is close to the buy-out number.
Do not hesitate to exercise this option even at a loss if it happens to be
lower than the termination fee.
Your best option, though, is to transfer your lease for someone who would
“assume it” and take it off your hands. There is a whole set of potential
buyers looking for short-term leases without all the hassle and extra
costs. Check with family and friends or use the services of lease-
assumption websites, like swapalease.com, to list your car. Make sure you
check the credit worthiness of the new lessee and provide the car in good
condition.
How to calculate your lease payment
Understanding how to calculate your monthly lease payment makes it easier
for you to make an informed decision. Yet, most of us shy away from the
“complicated” math on our lease contract, leaving it up to the dealer to
do the payment formula.
Actually, it’s not that difficult! Once you understand all the figures
involved in calculating your monthly payments, everything else falls into
place. These key figures are:
MSRP (short for Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price): This is the list
price of the vehicle or the window sticker price.
Money Factor: This determines the interest rate on your lease. Insist on
your dealer to disclose this rate before entering into a lease.
Lease Term: The number of months the dealer rents the vehicle.
Residual Value: The value of the vehicle at the end of the lease. Again,
you can get this figure from the dealer.
Now, let us calculate a sample lease payment based on a vehicle with an
MSRP (sticker price) value of $25,000 and a money factor of 0.0034 (this is
usually quoted as 3.4%). The scheduled-lease is over 3 years and the
estimated residual percentage is 55%.
The first step is to calculate the residual value of the car. You multiply
the MSRP by the residual percentage:
$20,000 X .55 = $11,000.
The car will be worth $13,750 at the end of the lease, so you'll be using:
$20,000 – $11,000 = $9,000
This amount of $9,000 will be used over a 36 month lease period giving us a
monthly payment of:
$9,000 / 36 = $250.
This is the first part of the monthly payment, called the monthly
depreciation charge.
The second part of the monthly payment, called the money factor payment,
factors the interest charge. It is calculated by adding the MSRP figure to
the residual value and multiplying this by the money factor:
($20,000 + $11,000) * 0.0034 = $105.4
Finally, we get the approximate monthly payment by adding the two figures
together:
$250 + $105.4 = $355.4
To recapitulate, the sample formula looks like this:
1- Monthly Depreciation Charge:
MSRP X Depreciation Percentage = Residual Value
MSRP – Residual Value = Depreciation over lease term
Depreciation over lease term / lease term (number of months in the lease) =
monthly depreciation charge
2- Monthly factor money charge
(MSRP + Residual value) X Money factor = money factor payment
3- Sample Monthly Payment:
depreciation charge + money factor payment = monthly payment
Keep in mind that this is a simplified calculation that does not take into
account taxes, fees, rebates or any other incentives. The calculation gives
you a ballpark figure or a rough idea of what your lease payments for the
vehicle in question should be.
for you to make an informed decision. Yet, most of us shy away from the
“complicated” math on our lease contract, leaving it up to the dealer to
do the payment formula.
Actually, it’s not that difficult! Once you understand all the figures
involved in calculating your monthly payments, everything else falls into
place. These key figures are:
MSRP (short for Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price): This is the list
price of the vehicle or the window sticker price.
Money Factor: This determines the interest rate on your lease. Insist on
your dealer to disclose this rate before entering into a lease.
Lease Term: The number of months the dealer rents the vehicle.
Residual Value: The value of the vehicle at the end of the lease. Again,
you can get this figure from the dealer.
Now, let us calculate a sample lease payment based on a vehicle with an
MSRP (sticker price) value of $25,000 and a money factor of 0.0034 (this is
usually quoted as 3.4%). The scheduled-lease is over 3 years and the
estimated residual percentage is 55%.
The first step is to calculate the residual value of the car. You multiply
the MSRP by the residual percentage:
$20,000 X .55 = $11,000.
The car will be worth $13,750 at the end of the lease, so you'll be using:
$20,000 – $11,000 = $9,000
This amount of $9,000 will be used over a 36 month lease period giving us a
monthly payment of:
$9,000 / 36 = $250.
This is the first part of the monthly payment, called the monthly
depreciation charge.
The second part of the monthly payment, called the money factor payment,
factors the interest charge. It is calculated by adding the MSRP figure to
the residual value and multiplying this by the money factor:
($20,000 + $11,000) * 0.0034 = $105.4
Finally, we get the approximate monthly payment by adding the two figures
together:
$250 + $105.4 = $355.4
To recapitulate, the sample formula looks like this:
1- Monthly Depreciation Charge:
MSRP X Depreciation Percentage = Residual Value
MSRP – Residual Value = Depreciation over lease term
Depreciation over lease term / lease term (number of months in the lease) =
monthly depreciation charge
2- Monthly factor money charge
(MSRP + Residual value) X Money factor = money factor payment
3- Sample Monthly Payment:
depreciation charge + money factor payment = monthly payment
Keep in mind that this is a simplified calculation that does not take into
account taxes, fees, rebates or any other incentives. The calculation gives
you a ballpark figure or a rough idea of what your lease payments for the
vehicle in question should be.
Finding a Bargain on a New Vehicle
We have all heard that depressing statement that a new vehicle depreciates in value the second you pull away from the dealership. I used to think that was an exaggeration until my friend got into a wreck in her Dodge Durango a week after she purchased it. The insurance wouldn’t give her enough to cover buying a new one even though she was not at fault in the accident. She had to get an attorney and eventually she was able to get a new vehicle to replace it, but not without quite a circus taking place around the issue for a couple of months.
Buying a new vehicle is one expense that you have to consider very carefully. Those monthly payments can sure take a chunk out of your disposable income. You also have to consider the cost of license plates, insurance, gas, and regular maintenance on the vehicle. To help you find the very best bargains on the new vehicle of your choice you will want to conduct some research before you start negotiations with the salesman.
There are a variety of ways to find out the book value on a particular vehicle. You can go to www.NADA.com or www.KellyBlueBook.com. You can get a very detailed price by listing the make of the vehicle, the various accessories it offers, and the mileage. This information will help you find the lowest price you can expect to purchase that vehicle for.
Next, take a close look at your credit report so you know exactly what interest rate you can expect on a new vehicle. This way you don’t waste your time haggling with the sales. See what they offer you for a price and financing before you bring your information into play. If they match or beat it then great. If they want to give you higher price or interest rate, present your researched information. If they won’t sell you the vehicle for that price with that interest rate then go somewhere else.
October is a very good time of year to start considering the purchase of a new vehicle. This is because they want to start clearing out vehicles on the lot to make room for the next year’s models that will soon be arriving. Since many vehicle dealerships don’t see much in the way of sales over winter due to the cold and the holiday season, they are more likely to present you with the deal of the century to make the sell.
If you see other sales around the holidays they may be a good time to save money as well. The key to making sure it is a bargain is to make sure the cost hasn’t been inflated or your interest rated jacked up a percent or two to cover the promotional cost of the vehicle. Too many people get caught up in what they see on the windshield of a vehicle rather than looking at the big picture.
New vehicles often end up with a scratch or a dent in them soon after you buy them. While this can be very upsetting you really can’t do much about it. Someone leaving their shopping cart in the parking lot of the store can result in the wind running it into your vehicle. You can find great deals of new vehicles that have some body damage such as small scratches and even hail damage from a recent storm. In most cases you will save several times what it costs you to repair the damage.
To motivate customers to make a purchase of a new vehicle instead of just looking many dealerships offer incentives like 0% financing and cash back. Make sure you find out all the details of such promotions as they may be a good way to save money or they may cost you more in the long run. Take the time to calculate all the possible scenarios so that you get the bargain you were after with your new vehicle purchase.
Buying a new vehicle is one expense that you have to consider very carefully. Those monthly payments can sure take a chunk out of your disposable income. You also have to consider the cost of license plates, insurance, gas, and regular maintenance on the vehicle. To help you find the very best bargains on the new vehicle of your choice you will want to conduct some research before you start negotiations with the salesman.
There are a variety of ways to find out the book value on a particular vehicle. You can go to www.NADA.com or www.KellyBlueBook.com. You can get a very detailed price by listing the make of the vehicle, the various accessories it offers, and the mileage. This information will help you find the lowest price you can expect to purchase that vehicle for.
Next, take a close look at your credit report so you know exactly what interest rate you can expect on a new vehicle. This way you don’t waste your time haggling with the sales. See what they offer you for a price and financing before you bring your information into play. If they match or beat it then great. If they want to give you higher price or interest rate, present your researched information. If they won’t sell you the vehicle for that price with that interest rate then go somewhere else.
October is a very good time of year to start considering the purchase of a new vehicle. This is because they want to start clearing out vehicles on the lot to make room for the next year’s models that will soon be arriving. Since many vehicle dealerships don’t see much in the way of sales over winter due to the cold and the holiday season, they are more likely to present you with the deal of the century to make the sell.
If you see other sales around the holidays they may be a good time to save money as well. The key to making sure it is a bargain is to make sure the cost hasn’t been inflated or your interest rated jacked up a percent or two to cover the promotional cost of the vehicle. Too many people get caught up in what they see on the windshield of a vehicle rather than looking at the big picture.
New vehicles often end up with a scratch or a dent in them soon after you buy them. While this can be very upsetting you really can’t do much about it. Someone leaving their shopping cart in the parking lot of the store can result in the wind running it into your vehicle. You can find great deals of new vehicles that have some body damage such as small scratches and even hail damage from a recent storm. In most cases you will save several times what it costs you to repair the damage.
To motivate customers to make a purchase of a new vehicle instead of just looking many dealerships offer incentives like 0% financing and cash back. Make sure you find out all the details of such promotions as they may be a good way to save money or they may cost you more in the long run. Take the time to calculate all the possible scenarios so that you get the bargain you were after with your new vehicle purchase.
Guaranteed College Nursing Scholarship
If you're on your way to college, you might be confused with the many courses being offered. Choosing one can give you a headache, but if you already know what particular career you want to pursue after college, you will not have much difficulty.
Observe the trends in the job market. The medical field hires a lot of competent people every year, and the demand for medical professionals is still increasing at present. Even those who already have a career are looking for ways to join this particular field.
Nurses are badly needed. The demand for nursing graduates is growing. Health agencies and other services are looking for highly trained and qualified nurses. That is probably why many students are attracted to this field.
The primary problem that most students encounter before they go to college, especially with a nursing course, is funding. Though this field is very much in demand, not all aspiring nursing students are able to graduate because of financial problems.
Public colleges which offer nursing courses can cost you around $14,000 a year; and if you want to attend college in a private university, the cost can reach as high as $30,000 a year. And to think that the tuition fees increase every year. You can just imagine how much it's going to cost you if you want to graduate with a nursing degree.
Nursing is quite an expensive course, and if you don’t have the money, you can't possibly graduate. What a sad ending for an aspiring student, but don’t lose hope yet. There are still ways to pursue your college studies without anymore worrying for your expenses.
Education helps people learn about different things, but it doesn’t end there, it is also a business in itself. If you don’t have enough money, you can't get the best education possible. If you don’t have money, that is not a problem. If you want to finish a course in nursing, you must be aware that it entails a lot of coursework. So if you are a working student, you will surely have difficulty in keeping up with your job and the coursework. What you need is a college scholarship to fully concentrate in your education.
First and foremost, you must contact nursing associations in your locality, your state's nursing board, and the American Nurses Association (ANA). Check the website of ANA on the net because they can provide you with the necessary information you will need for a nursing scholarship and grants. All it takes is a little research.
Federal government funds certain nursing scholarships, as well as private entities. Schools, agencies, and corporations offer nursing scholarships for individual students.
You will need all indispensable information from certain people like the college of nursing department head. He/she can provide you with scholarship/grant applications. Or you can also contact the person in authority who provides scholarship/grants to nursing students.
You're quite lucky if you have parents who can fund your way to college, but if you're one of the less fortunate ones, you definitely need some form of assistance. Stand up and make a move, don’t just sit there and wait for someone to offer you a scholarship of some sort. Chances are it wouldn’t come looking for you.
If you are quite confident that you can maintain a scholarship, apply for one. It never hurts to try.
Observe the trends in the job market. The medical field hires a lot of competent people every year, and the demand for medical professionals is still increasing at present. Even those who already have a career are looking for ways to join this particular field.
Nurses are badly needed. The demand for nursing graduates is growing. Health agencies and other services are looking for highly trained and qualified nurses. That is probably why many students are attracted to this field.
The primary problem that most students encounter before they go to college, especially with a nursing course, is funding. Though this field is very much in demand, not all aspiring nursing students are able to graduate because of financial problems.
Public colleges which offer nursing courses can cost you around $14,000 a year; and if you want to attend college in a private university, the cost can reach as high as $30,000 a year. And to think that the tuition fees increase every year. You can just imagine how much it's going to cost you if you want to graduate with a nursing degree.
Nursing is quite an expensive course, and if you don’t have the money, you can't possibly graduate. What a sad ending for an aspiring student, but don’t lose hope yet. There are still ways to pursue your college studies without anymore worrying for your expenses.
Education helps people learn about different things, but it doesn’t end there, it is also a business in itself. If you don’t have enough money, you can't get the best education possible. If you don’t have money, that is not a problem. If you want to finish a course in nursing, you must be aware that it entails a lot of coursework. So if you are a working student, you will surely have difficulty in keeping up with your job and the coursework. What you need is a college scholarship to fully concentrate in your education.
First and foremost, you must contact nursing associations in your locality, your state's nursing board, and the American Nurses Association (ANA). Check the website of ANA on the net because they can provide you with the necessary information you will need for a nursing scholarship and grants. All it takes is a little research.
Federal government funds certain nursing scholarships, as well as private entities. Schools, agencies, and corporations offer nursing scholarships for individual students.
You will need all indispensable information from certain people like the college of nursing department head. He/she can provide you with scholarship/grant applications. Or you can also contact the person in authority who provides scholarship/grants to nursing students.
You're quite lucky if you have parents who can fund your way to college, but if you're one of the less fortunate ones, you definitely need some form of assistance. Stand up and make a move, don’t just sit there and wait for someone to offer you a scholarship of some sort. Chances are it wouldn’t come looking for you.
If you are quite confident that you can maintain a scholarship, apply for one. It never hurts to try.
How to Apply for a Scholarship: College Freshman’s Recipe
When we speak of college scholarship application, the burden is always on the parents. Since they have the responsibility over the education of their children and they know what will be good for them, parents apply personally for the college scholarship of their children.
What if we turn the tide? From primary to secondary education, your parents accepted the responsibility. But you are old enough to take care of a simple college scholarship application. It takes some courage, self-confidence, and some excellent academic records to apply for a college scholarship. Keep in mind that is you who will utilize the financial aid that comes with the scholarship and not your parents. Thus, applying for a college scholarship is now your business, and you can do it with less supervision from your parents.
The procedure for college scholarship application is similar when you apply for college. You need to learn every scholarship opportunity available and make a list of potential prospects that you think will fit your personal needs. Once through with the list, you need to create an application letter and state your achievements (good high school scholastic records and recommendation letters from your high school director and teachers) and you are now on your way on getting into college for less, if not for free.
The above-mentioned procedure is the most common way of getting a college scholarship. However, the chances of success lies in you, and you need to exert more effort to assure yourself of a financial aid when you go to college. To increase your chances, here are some pointers that you can consider:
• You should start as early as your high school years. There are many college scholarships that open during your senior high school year. In addition, these financial aid programs are only open in a specific period of time. Once the application closes, you have to wait for another year before you can file for your application. Starting early will give you better chances of getting the best financial aid available.
• Give importance to the scholarship requirements. Keep in mind that among all available scholarships, there are only few that will fit your qualifications. Read the eligibility standards of the college scholarship that you want to apply. If you found out that the financial aid does not fit with the qualifications that you have, search for another. Do not insist yourself on scholarships where your chances of success is minute.
• Do not forget to complete the requirements asked by the college scholarship. Prepare the documents that are commonly asked by the scholarship grantee to its applicants.
• Your application letter will be your “speaking alter-ego” to the sponsor of the college scholarship you have applied for. Thus, you need to create an application letter that will convince the sponsor that you honestly need the financial aid and you deserve to get one, state honest information in your application. Never include false information especially if your purpose is just to “flatter” the sponsor with your achievements.
After you followed the aforementioned recipe, you are now ready to submit your application to the scholarship screening committee. Be prepared for other requirements (such as interviews and examinations) that will determine if you are eligible to receive a college scholarship.
Follow the aforementioned college freshman’s recipe when you apply for a college scholarship. And best of all, do not forget to pray that the sponsor would consider you eligible for the college scholarship. Good luck!
What if we turn the tide? From primary to secondary education, your parents accepted the responsibility. But you are old enough to take care of a simple college scholarship application. It takes some courage, self-confidence, and some excellent academic records to apply for a college scholarship. Keep in mind that is you who will utilize the financial aid that comes with the scholarship and not your parents. Thus, applying for a college scholarship is now your business, and you can do it with less supervision from your parents.
The procedure for college scholarship application is similar when you apply for college. You need to learn every scholarship opportunity available and make a list of potential prospects that you think will fit your personal needs. Once through with the list, you need to create an application letter and state your achievements (good high school scholastic records and recommendation letters from your high school director and teachers) and you are now on your way on getting into college for less, if not for free.
The above-mentioned procedure is the most common way of getting a college scholarship. However, the chances of success lies in you, and you need to exert more effort to assure yourself of a financial aid when you go to college. To increase your chances, here are some pointers that you can consider:
• You should start as early as your high school years. There are many college scholarships that open during your senior high school year. In addition, these financial aid programs are only open in a specific period of time. Once the application closes, you have to wait for another year before you can file for your application. Starting early will give you better chances of getting the best financial aid available.
• Give importance to the scholarship requirements. Keep in mind that among all available scholarships, there are only few that will fit your qualifications. Read the eligibility standards of the college scholarship that you want to apply. If you found out that the financial aid does not fit with the qualifications that you have, search for another. Do not insist yourself on scholarships where your chances of success is minute.
• Do not forget to complete the requirements asked by the college scholarship. Prepare the documents that are commonly asked by the scholarship grantee to its applicants.
• Your application letter will be your “speaking alter-ego” to the sponsor of the college scholarship you have applied for. Thus, you need to create an application letter that will convince the sponsor that you honestly need the financial aid and you deserve to get one, state honest information in your application. Never include false information especially if your purpose is just to “flatter” the sponsor with your achievements.
After you followed the aforementioned recipe, you are now ready to submit your application to the scholarship screening committee. Be prepared for other requirements (such as interviews and examinations) that will determine if you are eligible to receive a college scholarship.
Follow the aforementioned college freshman’s recipe when you apply for a college scholarship. And best of all, do not forget to pray that the sponsor would consider you eligible for the college scholarship. Good luck!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Save Money with Online Auctions
I love to shop, it really doesn’t matter what the item is. I enjoy clothes, shoes, art, most anything you can imagine shopping for. Yet I do have to pay attention to how much I spend because all those small purchases do add up over time. I have found I can buy twice as much stuff that I want if I shop at the various online auction sites. Trust me, you can find some great bargains on both new and used items. The two most popular online auction sites are Yahoo! Auctions and eBay.
There are literally thousands of products to choose from so you will likely find anything you are looking for. I enjoy finding things that the stores no longer carry but that I know are great products. Once you time in a specific item into the search box you will get a listing of all the products available. You can view them by the auctions that are ending first, the lowest price, the highest price, whatever you want.
Before you can place any bids on these online auction sites, you will need to set up an account. This is a simple process that will take you about 15 minutes. You will need to provide your personal information including your name and address. You will also set up a user ID and password for your account.
To get the very best deals from these online auctions, you really want to do your homework before you place a bid on any item. Take a look at the reputation of the seller. You will be able to see the number of items they have sold as well as feedback from the people the sold it to. Take a look at what these people have to say. You want to make sure the seller seems honest with what they are listing and they ship timely.
Make sure you find out about the cost of shipping the item to you before you bid on it as well. Some individuals place the cost very low but then they charge an outrageous fee for shipping. This is because the cost they have to pay the auction site for their listing is based on the price they open the bidding at. If the auction you are looking at doesn’t give the shipping cost I strongly recommend you email the seller and get an answer before you bid on the item.
Most sellers on these online auction sites are pretty straight forward in regards to what they are selling. There are a few who aren’t though so you really need to take the time to read the entire listing from top to bottom before you place a bid. For example, I know a person who thought they were bidding on an iPod on one of these auctions and they were disappointed when they got an off brand. Yet when I took a look at the listing they purchased it from that information was clearly stated in the description, she just didn’t read it all.
Not only can you get great bargains from online auctions, it is fun to look around and see what people have to offer as well. To help ensure you get the items you want for a price that fits your budget decide what your maximum bid will be on a given item. Enter that amount when you place your bid. This way you don’t have to keep going back to see if someone outbid you. Don’t get caught up in a bid war with someone though because you might end up paying more than the item is worth just because you don’t want to get beat! By setting your limit in the beginning you won’t have to worry about it. Should you get outbid on something there is likely many more of it on the various pages of listings on these online auction sites.
There are literally thousands of products to choose from so you will likely find anything you are looking for. I enjoy finding things that the stores no longer carry but that I know are great products. Once you time in a specific item into the search box you will get a listing of all the products available. You can view them by the auctions that are ending first, the lowest price, the highest price, whatever you want.
Before you can place any bids on these online auction sites, you will need to set up an account. This is a simple process that will take you about 15 minutes. You will need to provide your personal information including your name and address. You will also set up a user ID and password for your account.
To get the very best deals from these online auctions, you really want to do your homework before you place a bid on any item. Take a look at the reputation of the seller. You will be able to see the number of items they have sold as well as feedback from the people the sold it to. Take a look at what these people have to say. You want to make sure the seller seems honest with what they are listing and they ship timely.
Make sure you find out about the cost of shipping the item to you before you bid on it as well. Some individuals place the cost very low but then they charge an outrageous fee for shipping. This is because the cost they have to pay the auction site for their listing is based on the price they open the bidding at. If the auction you are looking at doesn’t give the shipping cost I strongly recommend you email the seller and get an answer before you bid on the item.
Most sellers on these online auction sites are pretty straight forward in regards to what they are selling. There are a few who aren’t though so you really need to take the time to read the entire listing from top to bottom before you place a bid. For example, I know a person who thought they were bidding on an iPod on one of these auctions and they were disappointed when they got an off brand. Yet when I took a look at the listing they purchased it from that information was clearly stated in the description, she just didn’t read it all.
Not only can you get great bargains from online auctions, it is fun to look around and see what people have to offer as well. To help ensure you get the items you want for a price that fits your budget decide what your maximum bid will be on a given item. Enter that amount when you place your bid. This way you don’t have to keep going back to see if someone outbid you. Don’t get caught up in a bid war with someone though because you might end up paying more than the item is worth just because you don’t want to get beat! By setting your limit in the beginning you won’t have to worry about it. Should you get outbid on something there is likely many more of it on the various pages of listings on these online auction sites.
How and Why You Should Find Kitchen Remodeling Ideas Online
Are you a homeowner who wishes that there were something different about your kitchen? Although most homeowners love their homes, including their kitchens, it is relatively easy to get bored of something, especially a room that you visit multiple times a day. If you are looking for a change, particularly with your kitchen, you may want to think about remodeling your kitchen. A kitchen remodeling project may be just what you and your kitchen needs.
Kitchen remodeling; sounds fun doesn’t it? If the idea of remodeling your kitchen sounds exciting, there is a chance that you may want to get started right away. Of course, you can start remodeling your kitchen whenever you want, but first you must develop a plan. That plan should not only include what particular parts of your kitchen you would like changed, but also how you want them changed. For instance, if you are making the decision to replace your old kitchen cabinets and countertops with new ones, you need to choose a new set. In fact, you must choose a new set before you start your project; otherwise, you could be left with a mess. The only problem is that many homeowners, just like you, have a difficult time determining exactly what they want.
If you have decided that you would like to have your kitchen remodeled, but you don’t exactly know to the full extent how yet, you may want to seek assistance. If you are looking for professional assistance, you may want to think about acquiring the services of a professional decorator. Professional decorators are individuals who have not only had training, but they also have experience in the art of decorating. A professional decorator could not only advise you to replace your kitchen floor, but they could also offer you suggestions on what your flooring replacement should be. The only problem with this is that professional decorators charge money for their services; therefore, if you are looking to remodel your kitchen on a budget, you may find hiring the services of a professional decorator difficult or even impossible; however, there is an alternative.
If you are looking for kitchen remodeling ideas, such as the latest trends in kitchen countertops and so on, you are advised to use the internet. Perhaps, what is best about the internet is that it is free and the information is about the same as the information that a professional decorator would have provided with you. In addition to being free, the internet is quick and easy to use. This means that you don’t have to wait until you get paid or wait until an appointment becomes available; you could easily familiarize yourself with the latest trends is kitchen remodeling, whenever you want.
Perhaps, the best way to use the internet is to perform a standard internet search. The internet search used should depend on what you are looking for. For instance, if you are looking for kitchen countertop ideas, performing a search with the words kitchen countertops may be best. You may be diverted to a website that offers free kitchen decorating or remodeling ideas, but you will likely be directed to an online website that sells kitchen countertops. These types of online websites are most commonly the websites of online home improvement stores. Professional home improvement stores will not just show you their products, but they will likely have online picture displays, just like the displays that you can find in most stores. These picture displays may help to give you remodeling ideas, such as which kitchen countertops would look good in your kitchen and which ones would not.
If you do not want to shop or examine kitchen remodeling products and designs ideas online, you could also visit one or more of your local home improvement stores. Most large home improvement stores sell the products, supplies, and materials that are the most popular; therefore, even if you are looking to have a trendy kitchen, you could get remodeling and decorating ideas by visiting your local home improvement store, but as previously mentioned, the internet is a lot easier and a lot quicker way.
Kitchen remodeling; sounds fun doesn’t it? If the idea of remodeling your kitchen sounds exciting, there is a chance that you may want to get started right away. Of course, you can start remodeling your kitchen whenever you want, but first you must develop a plan. That plan should not only include what particular parts of your kitchen you would like changed, but also how you want them changed. For instance, if you are making the decision to replace your old kitchen cabinets and countertops with new ones, you need to choose a new set. In fact, you must choose a new set before you start your project; otherwise, you could be left with a mess. The only problem is that many homeowners, just like you, have a difficult time determining exactly what they want.
If you have decided that you would like to have your kitchen remodeled, but you don’t exactly know to the full extent how yet, you may want to seek assistance. If you are looking for professional assistance, you may want to think about acquiring the services of a professional decorator. Professional decorators are individuals who have not only had training, but they also have experience in the art of decorating. A professional decorator could not only advise you to replace your kitchen floor, but they could also offer you suggestions on what your flooring replacement should be. The only problem with this is that professional decorators charge money for their services; therefore, if you are looking to remodel your kitchen on a budget, you may find hiring the services of a professional decorator difficult or even impossible; however, there is an alternative.
If you are looking for kitchen remodeling ideas, such as the latest trends in kitchen countertops and so on, you are advised to use the internet. Perhaps, what is best about the internet is that it is free and the information is about the same as the information that a professional decorator would have provided with you. In addition to being free, the internet is quick and easy to use. This means that you don’t have to wait until you get paid or wait until an appointment becomes available; you could easily familiarize yourself with the latest trends is kitchen remodeling, whenever you want.
Perhaps, the best way to use the internet is to perform a standard internet search. The internet search used should depend on what you are looking for. For instance, if you are looking for kitchen countertop ideas, performing a search with the words kitchen countertops may be best. You may be diverted to a website that offers free kitchen decorating or remodeling ideas, but you will likely be directed to an online website that sells kitchen countertops. These types of online websites are most commonly the websites of online home improvement stores. Professional home improvement stores will not just show you their products, but they will likely have online picture displays, just like the displays that you can find in most stores. These picture displays may help to give you remodeling ideas, such as which kitchen countertops would look good in your kitchen and which ones would not.
If you do not want to shop or examine kitchen remodeling products and designs ideas online, you could also visit one or more of your local home improvement stores. Most large home improvement stores sell the products, supplies, and materials that are the most popular; therefore, even if you are looking to have a trendy kitchen, you could get remodeling and decorating ideas by visiting your local home improvement store, but as previously mentioned, the internet is a lot easier and a lot quicker way.
Buying What You Need to Remodel Your Kitchen
Have you recently decided to remodel your kitchen? If so, have you decide what you would like to get done? Whether you are only interested in changing your kitchen cabinets or if you want to remodel every inch of your kitchen, you will need supplies. The supplies that you need will all depend on the type of remodeling that you plan on doing. Despite the fact that your kitchen remodeling supplies will vary, you can commonly purchase them all from the same place.
As previously mentioned, the type of kitchen remodeling you plan on doing will have an impact on which supplies you will need. For example, if you are planning on replacing your kitchen cabinets, you will need to find new cabinets to install. The same can be said for kitchen flooring, lighting, and countertops. If you need to purchase a fairly large number of kitchen remodeling supplies, say if you are planning on remodeling all or the majority of your kitchen, you may want to shop at one of your local home improvement stores. Most home improvement stores have a fairly large selection of home remodeling supplies and materials, including laminate countertops, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, light fixtures, and cabinets. Purchasing all of your remodeling supplies at once will help to save you time.
Although it may be a good idea to shop at one of your local home improvement stores, you may not want to. If this is the case, you should examine the internet and what it has to offer. There are a number of online retailers that would be willing to deliver their kitchen remodeling supplies directly to your door. In addition to traditional retailers, you can also find other individuals and companies who specialize in producing quality, customized products, such as kitchen cabinets. Whether you can’t find what you are looking for locally or if you want to have something, such as your kitchen cabinets, custom designed, you are advised to look online. A simple internet search should return the results that you were looking for.
When it comes to home improvement projects, it is important that you get the items or materials that you need, such as floor tiles or light fixtures, but you cannot complete a home improvement project without the right tools. If you do have some home improvement experience, there is a good chance that you may already have most of the tools that you need. If you need additional tools or if you don’t have any at all, you will need to purchase yourself some. The tools that you need will all depend on the remodeling that you are doing, that is why it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with project instructions, as well as the tools that are needed before you get started. If you are purchasing your remodeling materials from a home improvement store, it may be a good idea to save yourself an extra trip and buy your tools at the same time.
As the one in charge of remodeling, you can shop for materials, supplies, and tools wherever you want to. Despite the fact that you have complete control over your kitchen remodeling project, as well as what is or isn’t being used, you may want to take the time to compare the prices of everything that you need to buy. As long as you get the tools and materials that you need, it really shouldn’t matter, but why pay more money than you need to?
As previously mentioned, the type of kitchen remodeling you plan on doing will have an impact on which supplies you will need. For example, if you are planning on replacing your kitchen cabinets, you will need to find new cabinets to install. The same can be said for kitchen flooring, lighting, and countertops. If you need to purchase a fairly large number of kitchen remodeling supplies, say if you are planning on remodeling all or the majority of your kitchen, you may want to shop at one of your local home improvement stores. Most home improvement stores have a fairly large selection of home remodeling supplies and materials, including laminate countertops, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, light fixtures, and cabinets. Purchasing all of your remodeling supplies at once will help to save you time.
Although it may be a good idea to shop at one of your local home improvement stores, you may not want to. If this is the case, you should examine the internet and what it has to offer. There are a number of online retailers that would be willing to deliver their kitchen remodeling supplies directly to your door. In addition to traditional retailers, you can also find other individuals and companies who specialize in producing quality, customized products, such as kitchen cabinets. Whether you can’t find what you are looking for locally or if you want to have something, such as your kitchen cabinets, custom designed, you are advised to look online. A simple internet search should return the results that you were looking for.
When it comes to home improvement projects, it is important that you get the items or materials that you need, such as floor tiles or light fixtures, but you cannot complete a home improvement project without the right tools. If you do have some home improvement experience, there is a good chance that you may already have most of the tools that you need. If you need additional tools or if you don’t have any at all, you will need to purchase yourself some. The tools that you need will all depend on the remodeling that you are doing, that is why it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with project instructions, as well as the tools that are needed before you get started. If you are purchasing your remodeling materials from a home improvement store, it may be a good idea to save yourself an extra trip and buy your tools at the same time.
As the one in charge of remodeling, you can shop for materials, supplies, and tools wherever you want to. Despite the fact that you have complete control over your kitchen remodeling project, as well as what is or isn’t being used, you may want to take the time to compare the prices of everything that you need to buy. As long as you get the tools and materials that you need, it really shouldn’t matter, but why pay more money than you need to?
Find Great Bargains at Pawn Shops
At one time or another most of us have experienced wanting to purchase something but it just wasn’t in our budget to do so. In most cases these items weren’t necessities but luxuries we definitely would have loved to own. One place to find great bargains on the items you want without spending a fortune is your local pawn shops.
A pawn shop is a place where individuals can take their items and exchange them for cash. They have a set period of time that the items will be kept. They have to repay the amount they got for the items along with a percentage that varies by state and local regulations.
If an individual takes their items to a pawn shop and doesn’t return to pick them up by that deadline, then the owner of the pawnshop has the legal right to sell the items to the public. Since the items in any given pawnshop will vary at any given time, you will want to frequent them often.
Some of the more common items found in any pawn shop include guns, televisions, VCR’s, DVD players, video game consoles and games, furniture, cameras, tools, stereos, jewelry, and music. If you are looking for a specific item you can let the owner of the pawn shop know. Most of them are kind enough to give you a call should that particular item fall into their hands for resale.
The majority of items found in a pawn shop are in very good condition. Most of the individuals who take their items into a pawn shop are desperate for money so they trade in items they generally would have been using for the cash they need. While many people do return to pick up their items, there is a high percent that just don’t have the money to do so. Others have no intention from the moment they step into the pawn shop to return to pick up the items they brought in.
Pawn shop owners have a legal obligation to get information from individuals who bring items in. This is to verify who they are and to track them down should the items they brought in be stolen goods. For the most part you won’t have any trouble with the items you purchase from a pawn shop. Many of them also ask for the name and contact information of anyone who buys items just in case any issues do arise.
Should you be interested in purchasing a firearm from a pawn shop you need to be prepared to complete the same paperwork and process as you would to purchase a new gun. Most states have a mandatory waiting period for purchasing guns, and any pawn shop that sells them has to follow the same rules.
Regardless of what you are looking for, don’t forget to take a look at what is for sale at your local pawn shops. You will be amazed at the bargains you find there. Most of them have a very good selection of items that changes frequently. You will also save plenty of money buying these items over the retail cost of them. You do need to carefully inspect all items though because I don’t know of any pawn shops that offer any kind of warranty of the items they sell.
A pawn shop is a place where individuals can take their items and exchange them for cash. They have a set period of time that the items will be kept. They have to repay the amount they got for the items along with a percentage that varies by state and local regulations.
If an individual takes their items to a pawn shop and doesn’t return to pick them up by that deadline, then the owner of the pawnshop has the legal right to sell the items to the public. Since the items in any given pawnshop will vary at any given time, you will want to frequent them often.
Some of the more common items found in any pawn shop include guns, televisions, VCR’s, DVD players, video game consoles and games, furniture, cameras, tools, stereos, jewelry, and music. If you are looking for a specific item you can let the owner of the pawn shop know. Most of them are kind enough to give you a call should that particular item fall into their hands for resale.
The majority of items found in a pawn shop are in very good condition. Most of the individuals who take their items into a pawn shop are desperate for money so they trade in items they generally would have been using for the cash they need. While many people do return to pick up their items, there is a high percent that just don’t have the money to do so. Others have no intention from the moment they step into the pawn shop to return to pick up the items they brought in.
Pawn shop owners have a legal obligation to get information from individuals who bring items in. This is to verify who they are and to track them down should the items they brought in be stolen goods. For the most part you won’t have any trouble with the items you purchase from a pawn shop. Many of them also ask for the name and contact information of anyone who buys items just in case any issues do arise.
Should you be interested in purchasing a firearm from a pawn shop you need to be prepared to complete the same paperwork and process as you would to purchase a new gun. Most states have a mandatory waiting period for purchasing guns, and any pawn shop that sells them has to follow the same rules.
Regardless of what you are looking for, don’t forget to take a look at what is for sale at your local pawn shops. You will be amazed at the bargains you find there. Most of them have a very good selection of items that changes frequently. You will also save plenty of money buying these items over the retail cost of them. You do need to carefully inspect all items though because I don’t know of any pawn shops that offer any kind of warranty of the items they sell.
Benefits of leasing
Despite aggressive low-interest financing, cash-back offers and other
purchasing incentives offered by leading auto-makers to buyers, leasing
numbers keep increasing steadily over the years. Leasing is not only an
attractive financial proposition to most auto-consumers, but also a
lifestyle and preference choice.
Benefit Number 1: Keeping up with the latest trends
Leasing is sometimes more of a personal and lifestyle choice than a
financial one. Many people are not comfortable with the idea of owning a
vehicle over a long period of time. They’d rather keep up with the latest
trends of the industry and drive the latest models every two to three
years.
Leasing a car gives you the convenience of having the latest technology
and safety innovation, such as an electronic stability system, DVD
entertainment systems and advanced stereo equipment. If you are willing to
forego ownership for the latest set of wheels, than leasing is your best
option.
Benefit Number 2: Purchasing Flexibility
Leasing also offers purchasing flexibility: it allows you to defer the
purchasing decision while using the car. You don’t have to haggle with your
mechanic over repair expenses, deal with hefty maintenance bills or worry
about a depreciating asset. Provided you can keep the vehicle in good
condition and stay within the contracted mileage allowance, you’re
effectively getting a test drive for the length of your lease.
At the end of your lease, you can purchase the vehicle or simply turn in
the keys and walk away. No questions asked.
Benefit Number 3: Cash Flow
Leasing offers many short-term benefits. It reduces your initial cash
outlay as you do not have to pay the large down payment required for car
ownership. You only pay for the depreciation on the car - only the part you
will use during your lease, not the entire vehicle. This results in lower
monthly payments and frees even more cash. This cash can be put to use more
intelligently elsewhere than the questionable investment of owning a
depreciating asset. If you are self-employed or use your car for your job,
then you can write off your leasing payment as a business expense.
Benefit Number 4: Negotiating Leverage
Although it may seem a little unorthodox in this industry, almost
everything about leasing is negotiable. If you know all the fees involved,
you can lower your monthly payments, negotiate the purchase price of the
vehicle at the end of the lease and contract additional miles on top of
your mileage limit. You can also do some shopping around and compare deals
from different auto-insurers to get the cheapest GAP insurance for your
lease.
purchasing incentives offered by leading auto-makers to buyers, leasing
numbers keep increasing steadily over the years. Leasing is not only an
attractive financial proposition to most auto-consumers, but also a
lifestyle and preference choice.
Benefit Number 1: Keeping up with the latest trends
Leasing is sometimes more of a personal and lifestyle choice than a
financial one. Many people are not comfortable with the idea of owning a
vehicle over a long period of time. They’d rather keep up with the latest
trends of the industry and drive the latest models every two to three
years.
Leasing a car gives you the convenience of having the latest technology
and safety innovation, such as an electronic stability system, DVD
entertainment systems and advanced stereo equipment. If you are willing to
forego ownership for the latest set of wheels, than leasing is your best
option.
Benefit Number 2: Purchasing Flexibility
Leasing also offers purchasing flexibility: it allows you to defer the
purchasing decision while using the car. You don’t have to haggle with your
mechanic over repair expenses, deal with hefty maintenance bills or worry
about a depreciating asset. Provided you can keep the vehicle in good
condition and stay within the contracted mileage allowance, you’re
effectively getting a test drive for the length of your lease.
At the end of your lease, you can purchase the vehicle or simply turn in
the keys and walk away. No questions asked.
Benefit Number 3: Cash Flow
Leasing offers many short-term benefits. It reduces your initial cash
outlay as you do not have to pay the large down payment required for car
ownership. You only pay for the depreciation on the car - only the part you
will use during your lease, not the entire vehicle. This results in lower
monthly payments and frees even more cash. This cash can be put to use more
intelligently elsewhere than the questionable investment of owning a
depreciating asset. If you are self-employed or use your car for your job,
then you can write off your leasing payment as a business expense.
Benefit Number 4: Negotiating Leverage
Although it may seem a little unorthodox in this industry, almost
everything about leasing is negotiable. If you know all the fees involved,
you can lower your monthly payments, negotiate the purchase price of the
vehicle at the end of the lease and contract additional miles on top of
your mileage limit. You can also do some shopping around and compare deals
from different auto-insurers to get the cheapest GAP insurance for your
lease.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Making Chunk Candles
Chunk candles add a great alternative to the standard pillar candle of yesterday. These colorful candles add a vibrancy and life to them. Looking at chunk candles, they appear to be very difficult to make. However, just the opposite is true. In fact, many candle makers claim they are easier to make than basic pillar candles. This is because pillar candles have to be perfectly smooth. If they aren’t, it is easy to see the visual defect. Such blemishes aren’t visible in chunk candles. While chunk candles aren’t recommended as a beginner project, they can be made once you know the basics of the candle making process.
There are two phases to making chunk candles. To make the process easier, it is recommended that you keep the two separate. Attempts to cut corners often result in chunk candles that are of poor quality and don’t burn well. The first phase of the project is making the chunks. The second is the process of turning those chunks into gorgeous candles. Some individuals choose to purchase pre-cut chunks at craft stores or online.
To make your candles their prettiest, select colors that compliment each other. To start making the color chunks, spray a cookie sheet with a non-stick cooking spray. You only want a thin film on the cooking sheet. After the wax you are using has completely melted, add a color to it as well as any fragrance you want. Pour the mix onto the cookies sheet. Fill the sheet to the level you want the depth of your candle chunks to be.
Keep an eye on the cooling color chunks. Once it is the consistency of cookie dough you will want to use a sharp utility knife to cut it into chunks. Allow the chunks to continue cooling. If you are making several colors of chunks you can mix them together or leave them separate. Some people choose to let the colors mix together on their own while others like to create a design by adding the amount of each color they want.
Using the same molds that are used for pillar candles, insert your candle wick through the bottom of the candle mold. Fill the mold loosely with color chunks. You can put one color on the bottom with another color on top or even layers of three colors. You can also use only one color. The choice is all yours. Do not stack as many chunks as you can in the mold or the candle won’t form properly. Just toss them in and let them lay where they end up.
You are now ready to pour the melted wax over the color chunks. It is recommended that you do leave the melted wax colorless, but some people choose to add a light color to tint it and add a uniqueness to their chunk candles. As the candle cools, the chunks will adhere to together with the hot wax. Once the molds cool the chunk candles should slide out with ease.
Making chunk candles is really quite simple if you have the basic candle making concepts under your belt. These candles add flare to any dรฉcor as well as make great gifts. They are a bit more time consuming to make since you will be making your color chunks, but well worth the results. Remember that you can purchase color chunks to save you time. That is a great option for someone who plans to make large quantities of chunk candles.
For those who want to get even more creative, consider using embeds on the sides. You can place them in the candle molds first. They will stay in place once you put the chunks in the mold. You can adjust the embeds as needed prior to adding the hot wax to the mold. There are excellent books available on the various patterns and embeds you can add to make specific chunk candles. There are also great pictures and step by step instructions available on the internet.
There are two phases to making chunk candles. To make the process easier, it is recommended that you keep the two separate. Attempts to cut corners often result in chunk candles that are of poor quality and don’t burn well. The first phase of the project is making the chunks. The second is the process of turning those chunks into gorgeous candles. Some individuals choose to purchase pre-cut chunks at craft stores or online.
To make your candles their prettiest, select colors that compliment each other. To start making the color chunks, spray a cookie sheet with a non-stick cooking spray. You only want a thin film on the cooking sheet. After the wax you are using has completely melted, add a color to it as well as any fragrance you want. Pour the mix onto the cookies sheet. Fill the sheet to the level you want the depth of your candle chunks to be.
Keep an eye on the cooling color chunks. Once it is the consistency of cookie dough you will want to use a sharp utility knife to cut it into chunks. Allow the chunks to continue cooling. If you are making several colors of chunks you can mix them together or leave them separate. Some people choose to let the colors mix together on their own while others like to create a design by adding the amount of each color they want.
Using the same molds that are used for pillar candles, insert your candle wick through the bottom of the candle mold. Fill the mold loosely with color chunks. You can put one color on the bottom with another color on top or even layers of three colors. You can also use only one color. The choice is all yours. Do not stack as many chunks as you can in the mold or the candle won’t form properly. Just toss them in and let them lay where they end up.
You are now ready to pour the melted wax over the color chunks. It is recommended that you do leave the melted wax colorless, but some people choose to add a light color to tint it and add a uniqueness to their chunk candles. As the candle cools, the chunks will adhere to together with the hot wax. Once the molds cool the chunk candles should slide out with ease.
Making chunk candles is really quite simple if you have the basic candle making concepts under your belt. These candles add flare to any dรฉcor as well as make great gifts. They are a bit more time consuming to make since you will be making your color chunks, but well worth the results. Remember that you can purchase color chunks to save you time. That is a great option for someone who plans to make large quantities of chunk candles.
For those who want to get even more creative, consider using embeds on the sides. You can place them in the candle molds first. They will stay in place once you put the chunks in the mold. You can adjust the embeds as needed prior to adding the hot wax to the mold. There are excellent books available on the various patterns and embeds you can add to make specific chunk candles. There are also great pictures and step by step instructions available on the internet.
Auto Sound Systems for the Budget Minded
Despite popular belief, it is quite possible to get a great quality auto sound system even if you are operating on a limited budget. I completely understand your skeptical glances and the comments and grumbles that being on a budget means different things to different people. I can tell you without a doubt that you can get a really nice sound system for your car, truck, or SUV even if your budget is less then $300.
There are several things you can do as a savvy consumer that will help drive the price of the wonderful sound you seek to a bare minimum if you use a few tips, tricks, and techniques, in order to do so. First of all, the competition in this market is fairly fierce. As a result of that you will find that prices tend to be pretty competitive from one shop to another and that your best bargains are usually going to be found online. Search around online and find the absolute best bargain you can find on the auto sound system of your dreams.
Once you've found the lowest online price, get on the phone with local retailers. Many local stores understand the need to compete on a much larger scale. As a result they are often willing to match prices and even through in perks such as installation or freebie upgrades in order to sweeten the deal. Once you've gotten a few upgrades from local markets, continue calling around and let them compete with one another for your business. Take into account the value of the freebies and upgrades to you. If you really have no use for the bobble head hula girl then skip that offer and go for the one that offers an upgrade on speakers or an extended warranty thrown in for free. Make sure that the upgrades are really worth something to you. Also consider the value of the upgrade verses the price and go with the best bargain.
Another truth when it comes to purchasing an auto sound system is that you do not have to buy the 'best known' or biggest name brand in order to get a great sound and excellent quality. Spend your money where it matters most to you. Sometimes you are paying for nothing more than the name attached to a product. I'm a huge fan of Bose. I love the sound and have yet to find a product that can offer the quality of sound at a lower price. That does not mean I would not jump at the chance to buy an untried brand if the sound in the display equaled the quality of sound I can get with a Bose sound system. In fact, I have held onto an SUV for 10 years because I'm not ready to give up my sound system and my truck still runs. A Bose system is not a budget investment, but you can find bargains that are similar and sound wonderful. In other words, don't become a name brand snob if you don't have to.
In reality, there are many discount dealers you can find both online and off that will be more than happy to hook you up with a great set of sound for your car, truck, or SUV at a really great price. It simply takes a little leg and phone work on occasion to find them.
There are several things you can do as a savvy consumer that will help drive the price of the wonderful sound you seek to a bare minimum if you use a few tips, tricks, and techniques, in order to do so. First of all, the competition in this market is fairly fierce. As a result of that you will find that prices tend to be pretty competitive from one shop to another and that your best bargains are usually going to be found online. Search around online and find the absolute best bargain you can find on the auto sound system of your dreams.
Once you've found the lowest online price, get on the phone with local retailers. Many local stores understand the need to compete on a much larger scale. As a result they are often willing to match prices and even through in perks such as installation or freebie upgrades in order to sweeten the deal. Once you've gotten a few upgrades from local markets, continue calling around and let them compete with one another for your business. Take into account the value of the freebies and upgrades to you. If you really have no use for the bobble head hula girl then skip that offer and go for the one that offers an upgrade on speakers or an extended warranty thrown in for free. Make sure that the upgrades are really worth something to you. Also consider the value of the upgrade verses the price and go with the best bargain.
Another truth when it comes to purchasing an auto sound system is that you do not have to buy the 'best known' or biggest name brand in order to get a great sound and excellent quality. Spend your money where it matters most to you. Sometimes you are paying for nothing more than the name attached to a product. I'm a huge fan of Bose. I love the sound and have yet to find a product that can offer the quality of sound at a lower price. That does not mean I would not jump at the chance to buy an untried brand if the sound in the display equaled the quality of sound I can get with a Bose sound system. In fact, I have held onto an SUV for 10 years because I'm not ready to give up my sound system and my truck still runs. A Bose system is not a budget investment, but you can find bargains that are similar and sound wonderful. In other words, don't become a name brand snob if you don't have to.
In reality, there are many discount dealers you can find both online and off that will be more than happy to hook you up with a great set of sound for your car, truck, or SUV at a really great price. It simply takes a little leg and phone work on occasion to find them.
Alternative Energy for the Home
The trend toward homes that are powered by alternative energy sources, ranging from wind turbines and solar collection cells to hydrogen fuel cells and biomass gases, is one that needs to continue into the 21st century and beyond. We have great need of becoming more energy independent, and not having to rely on the supplying of fossil fuels from unstable nations who are often hostile to us and our interests. But even beyond this factor, we as individuals need to get “off the grid” and also stop having to be so reliant on government-lobbying giant oil corporations who, while they are not really involved in any covert conspiracy, nevertheless have a stranglehold on people when it comes to heating their homes (and if not through oil, then heat usually supplied by grid-driven electricity, another stranglehold).
As Remi Wilkinson, Senior Analyst with Carbon Free, puts it, inevitably, the growth of distributed generation will lead to the restructuring of the retail electricity market and the generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. The power providers may have to diversify their business to make up for revenues lost through household energy microgeneration. She is referring to the conclusions by a group of UK analysts, herself included among them, who call themselves Carbon Free. Carbon Free has been studying the ever-growing trend toward alternative energy-using homes in England and the West. This trend is being driven by ever-more government recommendation and sometimes backing of alternative energy research and development, the rising cost of oil and other fossil fuels, concern about environmental degradation, and desires to be energy independent. Carbon Free concludes that, assuming traditional energy prices remain at their current level or rise, microgeneration (meeting all of one's home's energy needs by installing alternative energy technology such as solar panels or wind turbines) will become to home energy supply what the Internet became to home communications and data gathering, and eventually this will have deep effects on the businesses of the existing energy supply companies.
Carbon Free's analyses also show that energy companies themselves have jumped in on the game and seek to leverage microgeneration to their own advantage for opening up new markets for themselves. Carbon Free cites the example of electricity companies (in the UK) reporting that they are seriously researching and developing ideas for new geothermal energy facilities, as these companies see geothermal energy production as a highly profitable wave of the future. Another conclusion of Carbon Free is that solar energy hot water heating technology is an efficient technology for reducing home water heating costs in the long run, although it is initially quite expensive to install. However, solar power is not yet cost-effective for corporations, as they require too much in the way of specialized plumbing to implement solar energy hot water heating. Lastly, Carbon Free tells us that installing wind turbines is an efficient way of reducing home electricity costs, while also being more independent. However, again this is initially a very expensive thing to have installed, and companies would do well to begin slashing their prices on these devices or they could find themselves losing market share.
As Remi Wilkinson, Senior Analyst with Carbon Free, puts it, inevitably, the growth of distributed generation will lead to the restructuring of the retail electricity market and the generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. The power providers may have to diversify their business to make up for revenues lost through household energy microgeneration. She is referring to the conclusions by a group of UK analysts, herself included among them, who call themselves Carbon Free. Carbon Free has been studying the ever-growing trend toward alternative energy-using homes in England and the West. This trend is being driven by ever-more government recommendation and sometimes backing of alternative energy research and development, the rising cost of oil and other fossil fuels, concern about environmental degradation, and desires to be energy independent. Carbon Free concludes that, assuming traditional energy prices remain at their current level or rise, microgeneration (meeting all of one's home's energy needs by installing alternative energy technology such as solar panels or wind turbines) will become to home energy supply what the Internet became to home communications and data gathering, and eventually this will have deep effects on the businesses of the existing energy supply companies.
Carbon Free's analyses also show that energy companies themselves have jumped in on the game and seek to leverage microgeneration to their own advantage for opening up new markets for themselves. Carbon Free cites the example of electricity companies (in the UK) reporting that they are seriously researching and developing ideas for new geothermal energy facilities, as these companies see geothermal energy production as a highly profitable wave of the future. Another conclusion of Carbon Free is that solar energy hot water heating technology is an efficient technology for reducing home water heating costs in the long run, although it is initially quite expensive to install. However, solar power is not yet cost-effective for corporations, as they require too much in the way of specialized plumbing to implement solar energy hot water heating. Lastly, Carbon Free tells us that installing wind turbines is an efficient way of reducing home electricity costs, while also being more independent. However, again this is initially a very expensive thing to have installed, and companies would do well to begin slashing their prices on these devices or they could find themselves losing market share.
Attorney Services Referral In A Click
Everybody needs help sometimes, and it pays to have attorney services referral when the need arises. But getting one is not at all easy. Most of these types of legal services referrals are groups or clubs of well-known attorneys who wish to provide free consultations or services. Some have qualifications or requirements to be met before one becomes a member or earn referral.
Some becomes eligible for the services because they are beneficiaries of a particular group’s goal or mission. And still some may also receive these services because they were former members or they are dependents of previous members.
Once you become a member or beneficiary of an attorney services referral, you can benefit from a long line of legal services net of fees or discounted of professional fees. Now, this is a very good feat since most attorney services fees are just too high and unreasonable. Among the very many consolation and appearance services provided, which basically depends on the attorney’s referral services, are as follows:
? Consultations varying in numbers of sessions and length. These free or discounted consultations may or may not have limitations with regards to legal subjects. Participations are usually counted annually. And you may want your name to be included and counted, surely.
? Follow-up consultations may or may not be billed as deemed by the attorney supervising the consultation as well as the rules and regulations of the group he is representing.
? After using free consultations, an attorney services referral has ‘core areas’ wherein you might have discount rates as well. These core areas may be one or all of the following:
a.) Real estate matters. These may or may not be limited in the purchase or sale of a particular property, general land or property dispute, zoning troubles, and problems in proper land use.
b.) Wills and estates. Assistance in will preparations, estate planning, representation of an executor or administrator for a particular estate, and proceedings that involves guardianship.
c.) Domestic relations. Appearances or representation during arraignments or proper proceedings for annulment, separation, and divorce. The same for claim of alimony, custody, guardianship, adoption, child support, paternity, and even changing of names.
d.) Consumer Protection. Representation in proceedings of garnishments and attachments. This also provides the same for disputes in credits or financing companies and defective merchandise or its retailers.
e.) Traffic Violations. Service provided in this area is usually to defend petty to grave violations of land transportation like operating under the influence of liquor, reckless driving, loss of license, or jail sentence.
f.) Sometimes business related matters are also included in these core areas.
Attorney services referral are only provided by high profiled attorneys in the legal world. These are people practicing legal services without limitations in accordance to time. The service are usually given in exchange of an hourly fee so when given the referral service, it is a privilege of the recipient.
Though it might look unimportant for law abiding citizens, it is still a precautionary measure against anything that may happen untowardly. Who knows when the need for it may arise? It is therefore a great thing to take advantage of this. There are important qualifications and requirements that must be met before you will be granted with one though; that are why once you are provided, consume it conservatively.
Some becomes eligible for the services because they are beneficiaries of a particular group’s goal or mission. And still some may also receive these services because they were former members or they are dependents of previous members.
Once you become a member or beneficiary of an attorney services referral, you can benefit from a long line of legal services net of fees or discounted of professional fees. Now, this is a very good feat since most attorney services fees are just too high and unreasonable. Among the very many consolation and appearance services provided, which basically depends on the attorney’s referral services, are as follows:
? Consultations varying in numbers of sessions and length. These free or discounted consultations may or may not have limitations with regards to legal subjects. Participations are usually counted annually. And you may want your name to be included and counted, surely.
? Follow-up consultations may or may not be billed as deemed by the attorney supervising the consultation as well as the rules and regulations of the group he is representing.
? After using free consultations, an attorney services referral has ‘core areas’ wherein you might have discount rates as well. These core areas may be one or all of the following:
a.) Real estate matters. These may or may not be limited in the purchase or sale of a particular property, general land or property dispute, zoning troubles, and problems in proper land use.
b.) Wills and estates. Assistance in will preparations, estate planning, representation of an executor or administrator for a particular estate, and proceedings that involves guardianship.
c.) Domestic relations. Appearances or representation during arraignments or proper proceedings for annulment, separation, and divorce. The same for claim of alimony, custody, guardianship, adoption, child support, paternity, and even changing of names.
d.) Consumer Protection. Representation in proceedings of garnishments and attachments. This also provides the same for disputes in credits or financing companies and defective merchandise or its retailers.
e.) Traffic Violations. Service provided in this area is usually to defend petty to grave violations of land transportation like operating under the influence of liquor, reckless driving, loss of license, or jail sentence.
f.) Sometimes business related matters are also included in these core areas.
Attorney services referral are only provided by high profiled attorneys in the legal world. These are people practicing legal services without limitations in accordance to time. The service are usually given in exchange of an hourly fee so when given the referral service, it is a privilege of the recipient.
Though it might look unimportant for law abiding citizens, it is still a precautionary measure against anything that may happen untowardly. Who knows when the need for it may arise? It is therefore a great thing to take advantage of this. There are important qualifications and requirements that must be met before you will be granted with one though; that are why once you are provided, consume it conservatively.
Save Money when you Purchase Refurbished Products
Most of use enjoy being able to buy the items we need as well as enjoy some luxury items now and then. The cost of many items though makes it difficult to budget for them if you don’t want to simply run out and charge up your credit cards every time you want or need something.
One of the best ways to get what you want or need is to take a close look at refurbished items, also referred to as reconditioned, that are for sale. These items offer you the same name brand and the same quality but they are sold for less. This is because the item has been returned because it did not work properly. Yet it has been looked at and repaired so it is just as good a purchasing a new one. Many refurbished products come with a warranty as well but several of them are purchased in an “as is” condition. Make sure you ask about this before you make the purchase.
Some individuals avoid refurbished products because they fear they won’t work well for them. They figure since the product has already proven to be defective one it surely will again. This is very rarely the case as refurbished products are examined by those trained to repair them. Once the problem is identified the work hard to correct it. Before the product is resold it is thoroughly tested.
Some items that get refurbished are more common than others. Generally all of the various types of electronic products out there can be refurbished. Vacuum cleaners and computers are two of the most popular. Why pay for a new computer or a new vacuum when you can get the same model with the same features for less then ½ of the price just by purchasing one that has been refurbished?
iPods are popular items many of us would like to have but not everyone is able to pay a couple hundred dollars for one from a retailer. Buying a refurbished iPod can be done for less than $100 and it will work for you just the same as one you buy off the shelf in the box. Other big ticket items where you can save a great deal of money is on television sets and home theatre systems or stereos.
Most people don’t realize it, but the computers, cameras, and other products that are opened up and placed on display in stores are often sold as refurbished items rather than new ones. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the product it has just been handled by many people and it likely won’t have the original packaging. You can ask the store manager about getting the store model at the refurbished price. They can contact you once the display period has ended.
Buying refurbished electronic products is an opportunity to save money over buying them new. To get the best bargain for your money, make sure you take the time to research the product you are interested in. If the reviews show that many of them have problems operating correctly you really don’t want to make that purchase. However, if the product has a good review then you can reasonably expect what you purchase to last you a very long time.
Try to find refurbished items that offer you the option to return them to the store if you have any problems with them. You should also look for items that offer you a warranty with the product at no charge. Too many refurbished items only come with an extended warranty period that you have to pay for in addition to the cost of the item.
To find out where to pick up a refurbished product that you are looking for, contact the various retailers that sell it in their stores. You can also take a look around on the internet to get some great information. Make sure you only purchase refurbished items from reputable retailers though as you don’t want to be disappointed with your purchase.
One of the best ways to get what you want or need is to take a close look at refurbished items, also referred to as reconditioned, that are for sale. These items offer you the same name brand and the same quality but they are sold for less. This is because the item has been returned because it did not work properly. Yet it has been looked at and repaired so it is just as good a purchasing a new one. Many refurbished products come with a warranty as well but several of them are purchased in an “as is” condition. Make sure you ask about this before you make the purchase.
Some individuals avoid refurbished products because they fear they won’t work well for them. They figure since the product has already proven to be defective one it surely will again. This is very rarely the case as refurbished products are examined by those trained to repair them. Once the problem is identified the work hard to correct it. Before the product is resold it is thoroughly tested.
Some items that get refurbished are more common than others. Generally all of the various types of electronic products out there can be refurbished. Vacuum cleaners and computers are two of the most popular. Why pay for a new computer or a new vacuum when you can get the same model with the same features for less then ½ of the price just by purchasing one that has been refurbished?
iPods are popular items many of us would like to have but not everyone is able to pay a couple hundred dollars for one from a retailer. Buying a refurbished iPod can be done for less than $100 and it will work for you just the same as one you buy off the shelf in the box. Other big ticket items where you can save a great deal of money is on television sets and home theatre systems or stereos.
Most people don’t realize it, but the computers, cameras, and other products that are opened up and placed on display in stores are often sold as refurbished items rather than new ones. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the product it has just been handled by many people and it likely won’t have the original packaging. You can ask the store manager about getting the store model at the refurbished price. They can contact you once the display period has ended.
Buying refurbished electronic products is an opportunity to save money over buying them new. To get the best bargain for your money, make sure you take the time to research the product you are interested in. If the reviews show that many of them have problems operating correctly you really don’t want to make that purchase. However, if the product has a good review then you can reasonably expect what you purchase to last you a very long time.
Try to find refurbished items that offer you the option to return them to the store if you have any problems with them. You should also look for items that offer you a warranty with the product at no charge. Too many refurbished items only come with an extended warranty period that you have to pay for in addition to the cost of the item.
To find out where to pick up a refurbished product that you are looking for, contact the various retailers that sell it in their stores. You can also take a look around on the internet to get some great information. Make sure you only purchase refurbished items from reputable retailers though as you don’t want to be disappointed with your purchase.
How to avoid extra costs at the end of your lease
$250 to dispose of your vehicle, $1000 for extra miles you put on the clock
and $200 to replace the light bulb and the worn tyres—lease agents
constantly nickel-and-dime consumers when their lease runs out.
Here’s a rundown of what can trigger those fees, and some steps to take in
self-defense.
Disposition fee: leasing companies charge you if you choose not to buy the
vehicle at the end of your lease. This fee is set as compensation for the
expenses of selling, or otherwise disposing of the vehicle. It typically
includes administrative charges; the dealer’s cost to prepare the car for
resale and any other penalties. Make sure this fee is stated clearly in the
contract and is agreeable by you before signing on the dotted line. At
lease-end, you are left in no position to negotiate as the dealer can apply
your refundable security deposit towards this fee.
Excess mileage charges: Almost all leasing companies will charge a premium
for each mile over the agreed upon mileage stated in your contract. This
penalty can be as high as 25 cents per mile and can add up quickly. To
avoid the risk of running thousands of dollars in excess mileage penalties
at the end of your lease, always check the “per mile” charges in your
contract and be realistic about your mileage before you sign any contract.
If you think the limit is unrealistic given your commutation needs, then
negotiate with the dealer to get a higher mileage or contract for
additional miles.
Excess tear-and-wear charges: Another potential cost at the end of the
lease is any incidental damage done to the car during the lease. This is
deemed any excessive damage done to the normal tear and wear of the vehicle.
Notice the use of the terms “deemed”, “excessive” and “normal”. There is no
standard formula to define what’s “excessive” and “normal” and it’s up to
the leasing company to assess – or deem – the damage and determine what
they are going to charge. This leaves you at the mercy of unscrupulous
leasing agents who set stringent tear-and-wear standards. Make sure you
read the description of these standards, understand them and agree to them.
If your leased vehicle is damaged prior to the end of the lease, you may
find it cheaper to repair the damage yourself than pay the excessive charges
of the leasing agent. In the event of a dispute over the charges at the end
of your lease, get an independent third party to do a professional appraisal
detailing the amount required to repair any damaged parts or the amount by
which tear-and-wear reduces the value of the vehicle.
and $200 to replace the light bulb and the worn tyres—lease agents
constantly nickel-and-dime consumers when their lease runs out.
Here’s a rundown of what can trigger those fees, and some steps to take in
self-defense.
Disposition fee: leasing companies charge you if you choose not to buy the
vehicle at the end of your lease. This fee is set as compensation for the
expenses of selling, or otherwise disposing of the vehicle. It typically
includes administrative charges; the dealer’s cost to prepare the car for
resale and any other penalties. Make sure this fee is stated clearly in the
contract and is agreeable by you before signing on the dotted line. At
lease-end, you are left in no position to negotiate as the dealer can apply
your refundable security deposit towards this fee.
Excess mileage charges: Almost all leasing companies will charge a premium
for each mile over the agreed upon mileage stated in your contract. This
penalty can be as high as 25 cents per mile and can add up quickly. To
avoid the risk of running thousands of dollars in excess mileage penalties
at the end of your lease, always check the “per mile” charges in your
contract and be realistic about your mileage before you sign any contract.
If you think the limit is unrealistic given your commutation needs, then
negotiate with the dealer to get a higher mileage or contract for
additional miles.
Excess tear-and-wear charges: Another potential cost at the end of the
lease is any incidental damage done to the car during the lease. This is
deemed any excessive damage done to the normal tear and wear of the vehicle.
Notice the use of the terms “deemed”, “excessive” and “normal”. There is no
standard formula to define what’s “excessive” and “normal” and it’s up to
the leasing company to assess – or deem – the damage and determine what
they are going to charge. This leaves you at the mercy of unscrupulous
leasing agents who set stringent tear-and-wear standards. Make sure you
read the description of these standards, understand them and agree to them.
If your leased vehicle is damaged prior to the end of the lease, you may
find it cheaper to repair the damage yourself than pay the excessive charges
of the leasing agent. In the event of a dispute over the charges at the end
of your lease, get an independent third party to do a professional appraisal
detailing the amount required to repair any damaged parts or the amount by
which tear-and-wear reduces the value of the vehicle.
BACKYARD POND BUILDING
Backyard Masterpiece
Backyard ponds are once thought to be owned by only
the wealthy and filthy rich individuals. That was
then. Now, backyard ponds can be built by even the
simplest homeowners. These can liven things up and can
be a good conversation starter for guests and
visitors. It will not only provide a beautiful and
visually appealing backyard but a relaxing one as
well.
From cozy and small to rich and lush, back yard water gardens can range from almost any design you want.
Just a little background about building a back yard
pond and the right materials is enough to create your
own private oasis.
Step one. Decide where your pond will be situated.
Look for an area in your yard where there are little
trees. Falling leaves are a big no-no to your pond
since it can make maintenance an everyday job. Place
your pond in an area reached by the warmth of the sun.
Aquatic plants need the sun to grow. However, stay
away from too much heat since this can cause some
plants such as lilies to die.
Another advice is to place your pond in a high area.
This can prevent runoff water to accumulate and
overflow your pond causing murkiness and further
maintenance.
Step two. Lay out the area of your pond.
If you want to design your pond to the size you want
it to, trace the perimeter of the pond using a
bendable material like a garden hose. If you are
satisfied by the size and shape of your pond, mark the
area using a spray paint or any marker.
Step three. Use a pond liner.
Pond liners are used to prevent water from the pond,
fishes, aquatic plants, and other pond contents to
escape the pond. In the same way, it also prevents
non-pond materials to enter and cause dirt or excess
nutrients to the pond. Pond liners range from
pre-formed liners to PVC liners. If you are willing to
spend the extra cash, using cement will also be
applicable.
Pre-formed liners are usually utilized by small ponds.
These can be bought at pond supply outlets and can be
easily installed after digging the pond. However, if
you want to create the design and size you want, PVC
liners would work best. These are usually used for
large and complex ponds. Other types of liners are
available. It is best to ask for advice from your
local pond contractor about this stuff.
Step four. Dig your pond.
Dig your pond according to the width and depth that
your prefer. Place rocks on the edges of the pond
liner and fill in spaces with gravel. Do this part
diligently and carefully. Camouflage the area with
stones, pebbles, or plants.
Step five. Assemble the equipment.
Place the filters, lighting, and water supply. Make
sure that these will all function well. Connect them
to the electrical supply and place them in locations
that will suit them best. Do not forget to make a
drainage system for the pond.
Step six. Just add water.
Now is the time to fill the pond with water. Observe
if there is any leaking. Clean out the area first and
then add clean water for your pond. Place the plants
in their rightful places in order to create a
beautiful appearance. Let the plants settle for at
least a week and then it is appropriate to add the
fishes. Add fish one at a time. Fill the pond with
just the right amount of fish. Consider the size of
the pond and your fish. Make sure they are compatible.
And now, sit back and relax. Give yourself a pat on
the back for a job well done!
Backyard ponds are once thought to be owned by only
the wealthy and filthy rich individuals. That was
then. Now, backyard ponds can be built by even the
simplest homeowners. These can liven things up and can
be a good conversation starter for guests and
visitors. It will not only provide a beautiful and
visually appealing backyard but a relaxing one as
well.
From cozy and small to rich and lush, back yard water gardens can range from almost any design you want.
Just a little background about building a back yard
pond and the right materials is enough to create your
own private oasis.
Step one. Decide where your pond will be situated.
Look for an area in your yard where there are little
trees. Falling leaves are a big no-no to your pond
since it can make maintenance an everyday job. Place
your pond in an area reached by the warmth of the sun.
Aquatic plants need the sun to grow. However, stay
away from too much heat since this can cause some
plants such as lilies to die.
Another advice is to place your pond in a high area.
This can prevent runoff water to accumulate and
overflow your pond causing murkiness and further
maintenance.
Step two. Lay out the area of your pond.
If you want to design your pond to the size you want
it to, trace the perimeter of the pond using a
bendable material like a garden hose. If you are
satisfied by the size and shape of your pond, mark the
area using a spray paint or any marker.
Step three. Use a pond liner.
Pond liners are used to prevent water from the pond,
fishes, aquatic plants, and other pond contents to
escape the pond. In the same way, it also prevents
non-pond materials to enter and cause dirt or excess
nutrients to the pond. Pond liners range from
pre-formed liners to PVC liners. If you are willing to
spend the extra cash, using cement will also be
applicable.
Pre-formed liners are usually utilized by small ponds.
These can be bought at pond supply outlets and can be
easily installed after digging the pond. However, if
you want to create the design and size you want, PVC
liners would work best. These are usually used for
large and complex ponds. Other types of liners are
available. It is best to ask for advice from your
local pond contractor about this stuff.
Step four. Dig your pond.
Dig your pond according to the width and depth that
your prefer. Place rocks on the edges of the pond
liner and fill in spaces with gravel. Do this part
diligently and carefully. Camouflage the area with
stones, pebbles, or plants.
Step five. Assemble the equipment.
Place the filters, lighting, and water supply. Make
sure that these will all function well. Connect them
to the electrical supply and place them in locations
that will suit them best. Do not forget to make a
drainage system for the pond.
Step six. Just add water.
Now is the time to fill the pond with water. Observe
if there is any leaking. Clean out the area first and
then add clean water for your pond. Place the plants
in their rightful places in order to create a
beautiful appearance. Let the plants settle for at
least a week and then it is appropriate to add the
fishes. Add fish one at a time. Fill the pond with
just the right amount of fish. Consider the size of
the pond and your fish. Make sure they are compatible.
And now, sit back and relax. Give yourself a pat on
the back for a job well done!
Find Great Items at a Low Price by Going to Yard and Garage Sales
The saying that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure is one that we all find to be very true at one time or another. Many people clear out their unwanted items and then have a yard or garage sale. This is a great place to find items you want and need at bargain prices.
If you don’t like the price on any given item at these sales you can ask them to lower it. Negotiating the selling price is a common practice for yard and garage sales. Should the seller not be willing to lower the price you can always ask them to take down your phone number and call you if the item doesn’t sale for the price they want. You will find most people are willing to lower the price rather than risk the item having to be carried back inside or stored if it doesn’t sale at the end of the day.
When it comes to yard and garage sales, you will find you have the best luck if you start out early in the morning. Take the time to read through the ads in your local newspaper. It can be fun to map our a route of yard and garage sales you want to hit with a friend or even as a way to spend some time by yourself. This strategy will prevent you from constantly back tracking.
The items you will find at a yard or garage sale will vary but some common items include clothing, furniture, baby items, kitchen item, art, tools, toys, bikes, and even vehicles. If you are looking for something in particular then search out ads that have those specific items.
Since babies outgrow clothes and items like car seats and basinets quickly they are often in excellent shape. Career clothes are very expensive and you can find a wonderful selection of quality work clothes for both men and women at yard and garage sales. I have come across ladies business suites that still had the tags on them! The down side to purchasing clothing at yard and garage sales is that you can’t try them on first to make sure they fit. However, I figure if I am picking up a $60 skirt and blazer set for $2.50 I will take my chances!
If you are looking for furniture then target the ads that describe and estate sale or a moving sale. In most cases they will be trying to sell all they can to prevent having to pack it up and move it with them or pay to place it into storage. You can generally even get them to assist you with loading the items you purchase or delivering them if you can negotiate the right deal. In most cases if you pay for an item the seller will be happy to allow you to come back later to pick it up if you need to.
Clothing, household items, jewelry, and baby items are often expensive you pay retail price for them. You can get a great bargain if you get up early and go to yard and garage sales. Make sure you head out early and you have single bills and plenty of change. Then go have sun seeking the items you are after. If you are like me, there will be plenty that catches your eye that you decide you want just because you can’t pass up the great price for it.
If you don’t like the price on any given item at these sales you can ask them to lower it. Negotiating the selling price is a common practice for yard and garage sales. Should the seller not be willing to lower the price you can always ask them to take down your phone number and call you if the item doesn’t sale for the price they want. You will find most people are willing to lower the price rather than risk the item having to be carried back inside or stored if it doesn’t sale at the end of the day.
When it comes to yard and garage sales, you will find you have the best luck if you start out early in the morning. Take the time to read through the ads in your local newspaper. It can be fun to map our a route of yard and garage sales you want to hit with a friend or even as a way to spend some time by yourself. This strategy will prevent you from constantly back tracking.
The items you will find at a yard or garage sale will vary but some common items include clothing, furniture, baby items, kitchen item, art, tools, toys, bikes, and even vehicles. If you are looking for something in particular then search out ads that have those specific items.
Since babies outgrow clothes and items like car seats and basinets quickly they are often in excellent shape. Career clothes are very expensive and you can find a wonderful selection of quality work clothes for both men and women at yard and garage sales. I have come across ladies business suites that still had the tags on them! The down side to purchasing clothing at yard and garage sales is that you can’t try them on first to make sure they fit. However, I figure if I am picking up a $60 skirt and blazer set for $2.50 I will take my chances!
If you are looking for furniture then target the ads that describe and estate sale or a moving sale. In most cases they will be trying to sell all they can to prevent having to pack it up and move it with them or pay to place it into storage. You can generally even get them to assist you with loading the items you purchase or delivering them if you can negotiate the right deal. In most cases if you pay for an item the seller will be happy to allow you to come back later to pick it up if you need to.
Clothing, household items, jewelry, and baby items are often expensive you pay retail price for them. You can get a great bargain if you get up early and go to yard and garage sales. Make sure you head out early and you have single bills and plenty of change. Then go have sun seeking the items you are after. If you are like me, there will be plenty that catches your eye that you decide you want just because you can’t pass up the great price for it.
Auto Leasing Scams
Car-leasing has been lauded as a more attractive alternative to buying,
offering in the process the flexibility to drive a new car for less. The
reality, however, is that leasing is an option that is fraught with many
pitfalls for the average customer. Leasing regulation does not require as
much disclosure as buying a vehicle. This has given rise to many leasing
scams that trick the customer into believing they are into a good deal
when, in effect, all he is getting is a rough deal on the dealer’s terms.
Here we look at some of these common scams and how to avoid them
Artificially low interest rates:
Some dealers quote a lower interest rate when in reality it’s much
higher. They do this by either purposefully quoting the money factor as
the interest rate or calculating the loan without amortizing some closing
fees, like the security deposit, into the loan lease. Take the money
factor for example: this is typically expressed as a four decimal digit,
something like 0.004. Some dealers quote this as a 4% interest rate when
in fact you need to multiply it by 24 to get a rough idea of the interest
rate on your loan. In this example, the interest rate is a much higher 9.6%
than the “quoted” rate of 4%.
Make sure you crunch the numbers and understand the formula they use to
calculate their interest rate. Look out for any fees not factored into the
calculation. If you are not satisfied, do not enter into the lease
agreement.
Terminate your lease early for a low penalty
This is an all-time leasing scam. You ask your dealer how much you will pay
if you want to terminate your lease and he tells you: “You want to get out
early? Sure thing, you only pay an early termination fee of $300”. What he
is quoting is only the small administrative penalty of early termination,
there is a much stiffer penalty called early termination fee and this runs
into thousands of dollars.
Do not confuse the early termination administrative penalty with the
termination fee. Read the small print carefully and know exactly how much
you will get charged should you terminate your lease before its scheduled
end.
Pay for an extended warranty you don’t need
This is another shell game to inflate the dealer’s profit at your expense.
The dealer slides an extended-warranty into the deal whilst it’s already
factored into the monthly payments, or he tricks you into buying a 36-month
warranty on a 24-month lease.
You do not have to pay extra money for a warranty already built into your
payments or for one that goes well beyond your lease term.
They might slip an extended warranty in. Don’t be fooled, the warranty is
already factored in.
No security deposit
Any dealer who advertises a $0 security deposit is not telling you the
whole story. A security deposit is always factored in the lease under the
provision for disposition fees.
offering in the process the flexibility to drive a new car for less. The
reality, however, is that leasing is an option that is fraught with many
pitfalls for the average customer. Leasing regulation does not require as
much disclosure as buying a vehicle. This has given rise to many leasing
scams that trick the customer into believing they are into a good deal
when, in effect, all he is getting is a rough deal on the dealer’s terms.
Here we look at some of these common scams and how to avoid them
Artificially low interest rates:
Some dealers quote a lower interest rate when in reality it’s much
higher. They do this by either purposefully quoting the money factor as
the interest rate or calculating the loan without amortizing some closing
fees, like the security deposit, into the loan lease. Take the money
factor for example: this is typically expressed as a four decimal digit,
something like 0.004. Some dealers quote this as a 4% interest rate when
in fact you need to multiply it by 24 to get a rough idea of the interest
rate on your loan. In this example, the interest rate is a much higher 9.6%
than the “quoted” rate of 4%.
Make sure you crunch the numbers and understand the formula they use to
calculate their interest rate. Look out for any fees not factored into the
calculation. If you are not satisfied, do not enter into the lease
agreement.
Terminate your lease early for a low penalty
This is an all-time leasing scam. You ask your dealer how much you will pay
if you want to terminate your lease and he tells you: “You want to get out
early? Sure thing, you only pay an early termination fee of $300”. What he
is quoting is only the small administrative penalty of early termination,
there is a much stiffer penalty called early termination fee and this runs
into thousands of dollars.
Do not confuse the early termination administrative penalty with the
termination fee. Read the small print carefully and know exactly how much
you will get charged should you terminate your lease before its scheduled
end.
Pay for an extended warranty you don’t need
This is another shell game to inflate the dealer’s profit at your expense.
The dealer slides an extended-warranty into the deal whilst it’s already
factored into the monthly payments, or he tricks you into buying a 36-month
warranty on a 24-month lease.
You do not have to pay extra money for a warranty already built into your
payments or for one that goes well beyond your lease term.
They might slip an extended warranty in. Don’t be fooled, the warranty is
already factored in.
No security deposit
Any dealer who advertises a $0 security deposit is not telling you the
whole story. A security deposit is always factored in the lease under the
provision for disposition fees.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Join A Community To Advertise Your Blog
Something that you will find, especially if you join
something like LiveJournal or GreatestJournal, is that
users just like you have created communities for
people with common interests.
There are communities for just about any subject, and
if you find that there isn’t a community for the
subject you can create one. This is a great place to
advertise your blog.
The nice thing about communities is that there isn’t
any limit as to how many communities that you can
join.
For example, say that you love blogging about books,
horseback riding, and skiing in Tahoe. All you have to
do is look through the communities for ones that have
those interests and join them.
As long as you post something related to the topic to
the chosen community, people will see you and perhaps
they will check out your personal blog.
Something to remember is that you don’t want to write
a post tht is one sentence long in order to get people
to go to your blog. They will want to know that what
you write is interesting and is something worth
reading.
Joining communities can be a great way to advertise
your blog and drive traffic to it. If you are
referring to something that you posted about on your
blog, you can use a link back to your entry in your
post.
As with posting comments on someone else’s blog, you d
on’t want people to think that you joined a community
simply to get traffic to your blog. Otherwise, people
won’t visit your blog and you may get banned from the
community as well.
something like LiveJournal or GreatestJournal, is that
users just like you have created communities for
people with common interests.
There are communities for just about any subject, and
if you find that there isn’t a community for the
subject you can create one. This is a great place to
advertise your blog.
The nice thing about communities is that there isn’t
any limit as to how many communities that you can
join.
For example, say that you love blogging about books,
horseback riding, and skiing in Tahoe. All you have to
do is look through the communities for ones that have
those interests and join them.
As long as you post something related to the topic to
the chosen community, people will see you and perhaps
they will check out your personal blog.
Something to remember is that you don’t want to write
a post tht is one sentence long in order to get people
to go to your blog. They will want to know that what
you write is interesting and is something worth
reading.
Joining communities can be a great way to advertise
your blog and drive traffic to it. If you are
referring to something that you posted about on your
blog, you can use a link back to your entry in your
post.
As with posting comments on someone else’s blog, you d
on’t want people to think that you joined a community
simply to get traffic to your blog. Otherwise, people
won’t visit your blog and you may get banned from the
community as well.
Blogging Directories - Great Advertising Venues
If you want to have more people visit your blog, there
are plenty of blog directories on the Internet that
you can submit your blog to so that people will come
and visit it. Most blog directories are listed by the
topics that the blogs that are submited cover.
Blog Catalog is a free blog directory that offers
categories such as career and jobs, writing, Iraq, and
many others. It has features such as featured blogs
and other things to offer those who submit their blogs
there.
Another great place to add your blog is
blog-drectory.org. Not only do they have an an
extensive list of categories with sub categories, you
can get your blog reviewed. For the most popular
blogs, it shows the amount of hits that blogs have and
if they have any reviews. As well as listing by
category, the blogs are also listed by location.
There are other blog directories on the Internet -
these are only a ouple of them. But blog directories
are a great place to advertise your blog and to make
new friends. You never know what you will find when
you browsing through the directory, and you may just
find out information that you never knew. Some of the
blog directories offer chat features as well, so that
you can meet other people easily.
As you can see, blog directories are a great place to
get your blog noticed and bring people to read your
blog and look at your pictures.
are plenty of blog directories on the Internet that
you can submit your blog to so that people will come
and visit it. Most blog directories are listed by the
topics that the blogs that are submited cover.
Blog Catalog is a free blog directory that offers
categories such as career and jobs, writing, Iraq, and
many others. It has features such as featured blogs
and other things to offer those who submit their blogs
there.
Another great place to add your blog is
blog-drectory.org. Not only do they have an an
extensive list of categories with sub categories, you
can get your blog reviewed. For the most popular
blogs, it shows the amount of hits that blogs have and
if they have any reviews. As well as listing by
category, the blogs are also listed by location.
There are other blog directories on the Internet -
these are only a ouple of them. But blog directories
are a great place to advertise your blog and to make
new friends. You never know what you will find when
you browsing through the directory, and you may just
find out information that you never knew. Some of the
blog directories offer chat features as well, so that
you can meet other people easily.
As you can see, blog directories are a great place to
get your blog noticed and bring people to read your
blog and look at your pictures.
Save Money when you Purchase items Online
These days the concept of online shopping is something most of us with computers are used to. Not only does it offer you the convenience of shopping from the comfort of your home, you can do it at any hour of the day. If you take the time to compare the prices of what you find in the retail stores or catalogs to what you find online, you can generally find the product for less including shipping.
The downside to this is that you don’t get the instant gratification of taking the item with you the moment you purchase it. Yet for the amount of money you can save when you shop online it is worth waiting for a few days until it arrives at your doorstep. You will also save money in another way if you take the time to read the various reviews about the products you want to purchase. These reviews are written from actual consumers who have used the product. It is definitely worth checking into the quality of a product from the consumer’s point of view rather than just focusing on the advertising you see for that product.
If you have a fast internet connection, it really doesn’t take too long to visit various sites that sell the item you are interested in. It is a good idea to keep paper and pens close to your computer. You can easily compose a chart listing the name of the site, the cost of the product, the cost of shipping, warranty/return information, and the length of time it will take for you to receive the item. This way you can quickly look back over the information you have and make a selection that will save you the most money.
There are even some websites that allow you to compare the same item by several different retailers, so most of the footwork is taken care of for you. Look for sales and promotions that may be sent to you by e-mail for a particular product or website. If you frequently make purchases from the same websites it is worth it to sign up for their newsletters and promotions.
You want to make sure any online site you are considering making a purchase from is secure. This will help prevent your information from being accessed by hackers or other individuals. With the issue of identity theft being on the rise it is good to take every precaution. It is very simple to find out if a site is secure or not. The address that shows up in your browser for any given webpage will start with http. If there is an “s” after that then the site is secure. If the “s” is missing then you do not want to make your purchase from that site. It is just too risky.
When you get to the checkout portion of the website pay close attention for any boxes that offer you the chance to enter a promotion code. Having this code could help you get a discount on your purchase and save you even more money. Many websites have a promotion code that offers free shipping. You can get the promotion code from exploring the internet or you can contact the site by phone or e-mail. Tell them you are willing to make a purchase if they will share the promotion information with you. Trust me, they aren’t going tell you no!
You are likely to find thousands of sites online that offer the item you want, so take the time to find the right product offered by a reputable website that is secure. Since there is so much competition out there you will find buyers have the upper hand. You can likely find what you want for less than retailers offer it even with the cost of shipping it to you. This is because they have to compete with so many other sites and because they don’t have the same overhead expenses as brick and mortar retailers.
The downside to this is that you don’t get the instant gratification of taking the item with you the moment you purchase it. Yet for the amount of money you can save when you shop online it is worth waiting for a few days until it arrives at your doorstep. You will also save money in another way if you take the time to read the various reviews about the products you want to purchase. These reviews are written from actual consumers who have used the product. It is definitely worth checking into the quality of a product from the consumer’s point of view rather than just focusing on the advertising you see for that product.
If you have a fast internet connection, it really doesn’t take too long to visit various sites that sell the item you are interested in. It is a good idea to keep paper and pens close to your computer. You can easily compose a chart listing the name of the site, the cost of the product, the cost of shipping, warranty/return information, and the length of time it will take for you to receive the item. This way you can quickly look back over the information you have and make a selection that will save you the most money.
There are even some websites that allow you to compare the same item by several different retailers, so most of the footwork is taken care of for you. Look for sales and promotions that may be sent to you by e-mail for a particular product or website. If you frequently make purchases from the same websites it is worth it to sign up for their newsletters and promotions.
You want to make sure any online site you are considering making a purchase from is secure. This will help prevent your information from being accessed by hackers or other individuals. With the issue of identity theft being on the rise it is good to take every precaution. It is very simple to find out if a site is secure or not. The address that shows up in your browser for any given webpage will start with http. If there is an “s” after that then the site is secure. If the “s” is missing then you do not want to make your purchase from that site. It is just too risky.
When you get to the checkout portion of the website pay close attention for any boxes that offer you the chance to enter a promotion code. Having this code could help you get a discount on your purchase and save you even more money. Many websites have a promotion code that offers free shipping. You can get the promotion code from exploring the internet or you can contact the site by phone or e-mail. Tell them you are willing to make a purchase if they will share the promotion information with you. Trust me, they aren’t going tell you no!
You are likely to find thousands of sites online that offer the item you want, so take the time to find the right product offered by a reputable website that is secure. Since there is so much competition out there you will find buyers have the upper hand. You can likely find what you want for less than retailers offer it even with the cost of shipping it to you. This is because they have to compete with so many other sites and because they don’t have the same overhead expenses as brick and mortar retailers.
BACKYARD FISH PONDS: A HOW TO
Aesthetics
Recently, one of the most popular backyard designs is
adding a water pond or a fish pond to the yard. These
projects, however, can only be achieved in sprawling
and huge yards that has walkways and large areas.
But if you are really certain to have your own fish
pond and yet you do not have a large back yard, there
are design ideas that can be incorporated to hopefully
place your pond in it without having to take up too
much space and dominate your yard.
Let your pond serve as the focal point of your back
yard. Place it in the middle or in one corner of the
yard if you have a small space. Make it appealing to
the people walking around the house.
Location
If you wish to place it in the corner part of the
yard, raise the pond a little higher so that the fish
will seem as a surprise to the visitors. But if you
want to place it in the center, it is best if you
place the pond at ground level or a little above it.
Fish Types
Make sure that the fish you put inside are colorful
and lively to attract attention. Watching the fishes
swim around everyday can also serve to be therapeutic.
But if you want to maintain a small pond, do not place
large fishes such as the Japanese Koi. They may not
live long in this kind of environment and they are
also extremely expensive. Goldfish are compatible with
the size of your pond, however, their longevity might
not be a guaranteed in an outdoor pond.
Maintenance
Think how much you really want an outdoor pond and how
you can maintain and build it depending on your
preferences. You might find that maintaining an indoor
aquarium is difficult enough, how much more an outdoor
pond.
Consider the climate of your place. Water ponds and
fish ponds are most applicable in tropical weather
because of the advantage of the sun all year round.
Some aquatic plants need to be exposed to the sun to
grow. The plants and fishes may die if you let them
stay in the pond during winter time. it is best to
transfer them to an indoor tank if the weather is not
applicable.
A fish pond in your own backyard only tells an
individual how much energy, time, and money you are
willing to devote to the beautification of your
backyard. It does not matter how large or how small it
is, it just goes to show that you appreciate beautiful
things. You will not only impress a lot of people but
yourself as well. A back yard fish pond brings a
luxurious and relaxing feeling to the place.
In order to make your fish pond more appealing,
decorate its surroundings. Landscaping the place will
attract frogs and birds which can add to the overall
natural feeling. If you cannot afford landscaping
projects, hanging plants and flowering bushes will do.
This will produce a great ambiance to your visitors
and guests.
Having a fish pond is not a go-get-it-and-have-it
project. You have to maintain and preserve its beauty
time and again. Make sure to add water to it
periodically. It is also important that you get rid of
fallen leaves as this will cause decay and unpleasant
appearance.
Lastly, consult your local pond professionals before
building a pond yourself. Do not hesitate to ask
questions as this will benefit the inhabitants of the
pond.
Recently, one of the most popular backyard designs is
adding a water pond or a fish pond to the yard. These
projects, however, can only be achieved in sprawling
and huge yards that has walkways and large areas.
But if you are really certain to have your own fish
pond and yet you do not have a large back yard, there
are design ideas that can be incorporated to hopefully
place your pond in it without having to take up too
much space and dominate your yard.
Let your pond serve as the focal point of your back
yard. Place it in the middle or in one corner of the
yard if you have a small space. Make it appealing to
the people walking around the house.
Location
If you wish to place it in the corner part of the
yard, raise the pond a little higher so that the fish
will seem as a surprise to the visitors. But if you
want to place it in the center, it is best if you
place the pond at ground level or a little above it.
Fish Types
Make sure that the fish you put inside are colorful
and lively to attract attention. Watching the fishes
swim around everyday can also serve to be therapeutic.
But if you want to maintain a small pond, do not place
large fishes such as the Japanese Koi. They may not
live long in this kind of environment and they are
also extremely expensive. Goldfish are compatible with
the size of your pond, however, their longevity might
not be a guaranteed in an outdoor pond.
Maintenance
Think how much you really want an outdoor pond and how
you can maintain and build it depending on your
preferences. You might find that maintaining an indoor
aquarium is difficult enough, how much more an outdoor
pond.
Consider the climate of your place. Water ponds and
fish ponds are most applicable in tropical weather
because of the advantage of the sun all year round.
Some aquatic plants need to be exposed to the sun to
grow. The plants and fishes may die if you let them
stay in the pond during winter time. it is best to
transfer them to an indoor tank if the weather is not
applicable.
A fish pond in your own backyard only tells an
individual how much energy, time, and money you are
willing to devote to the beautification of your
backyard. It does not matter how large or how small it
is, it just goes to show that you appreciate beautiful
things. You will not only impress a lot of people but
yourself as well. A back yard fish pond brings a
luxurious and relaxing feeling to the place.
In order to make your fish pond more appealing,
decorate its surroundings. Landscaping the place will
attract frogs and birds which can add to the overall
natural feeling. If you cannot afford landscaping
projects, hanging plants and flowering bushes will do.
This will produce a great ambiance to your visitors
and guests.
Having a fish pond is not a go-get-it-and-have-it
project. You have to maintain and preserve its beauty
time and again. Make sure to add water to it
periodically. It is also important that you get rid of
fallen leaves as this will cause decay and unpleasant
appearance.
Lastly, consult your local pond professionals before
building a pond yourself. Do not hesitate to ask
questions as this will benefit the inhabitants of the
pond.
A BACKYARD FISH POND
Water gardens and backyard ponds are for butterflies,
frogs, birds, fish, you, and the whole family. These
ponds may be small, may even be no larger than 3 to 4
feet in diameter. These may be built in patio
containers and barrels. Drawing wildlife in your
backyard may be done by adding water gardens and
ponds. These will not only provide enjoyment and
interest but also a natural and relaxing environment
as well.
A fish pond in your backyard may become the focal
point of your backyard conversation. So spice it up
with this tips and techniques.
Where to Put Up a Backyard Pond
Place your fish pond in a place where you can best
view it from, whether from a deck or the patio. Make
it coincide with the natural surroundings. Do not
place the pond where the sun can overheat it. Nestle
it in a shaded place but not under the trees.
Landscaping
It is best to slightly elevate the soil surrounding
the pond so that excess water will not enter into it.
Plan the drainage system of the pond, making sure that
it draws the water away from your house.
Landscaping the surroundings around your pond will
provide a natural dwelling place for birds and frogs
that need water and land. Make sure that electricity
is available if you plan to use lights, filters, or a
water re-circulating device.
Do not place the pond under the trees to avoid fallen
leaves into the pond. This technique will also provide
less maintenance to the pond. Expose the pond to
sufficient sunlight only since some aquatic plats grow
well in full sun and others do not.
Using Pond Liners
Pond liners are used to keep water from leaking into
the soil. It is almost always necessary for ponds even
if it they are situated in clay soils. Pond liners
come in different shapes and sizes. They even include
built in waterfalls or any design based on your
preferences. They are durable and convenient.
Consider a polyvinyl chloride liner (PVC liner) in
building larger ponds. In determining the size of the
PVC, you have to know the maximum length, width, and
depth of the pond. After which, multiply the maximum
depth by 3. Add the answer to the width and the
length. Now you have enough PVC to securely hold down
the pond edges.
Pond liners come in different thickness as well. The
thicker the pond liner, the more resistant it is to
punctures. Cement may be considered an optional pool
liner. However, it requires more expertise to install
and it may cost more than the regular plastic pond
liner.
However, considering that many ponds are quite small,
other plastics may be used. It may be cheaper but many
may break down easily once prolonged exposure to
ultraviolet light happens. Some plastics also may
prove to be toxic to fish.
Pond Installation
Time your pond building when the ground is not overly
wet or frozen. Dig the hole according to the right
depth and place (and secure) the pond liner. Then
landscape the pond surroundings. Remove any rocks from
the surrounding area. Add water, plants, and a pump.
Let the pond sit for a few days before adding plants
and fish. Let the plants settle for at least one week
before placing the fish.
Then sit back and enjoy your backyard fish pond!
frogs, birds, fish, you, and the whole family. These
ponds may be small, may even be no larger than 3 to 4
feet in diameter. These may be built in patio
containers and barrels. Drawing wildlife in your
backyard may be done by adding water gardens and
ponds. These will not only provide enjoyment and
interest but also a natural and relaxing environment
as well.
A fish pond in your backyard may become the focal
point of your backyard conversation. So spice it up
with this tips and techniques.
Where to Put Up a Backyard Pond
Place your fish pond in a place where you can best
view it from, whether from a deck or the patio. Make
it coincide with the natural surroundings. Do not
place the pond where the sun can overheat it. Nestle
it in a shaded place but not under the trees.
Landscaping
It is best to slightly elevate the soil surrounding
the pond so that excess water will not enter into it.
Plan the drainage system of the pond, making sure that
it draws the water away from your house.
Landscaping the surroundings around your pond will
provide a natural dwelling place for birds and frogs
that need water and land. Make sure that electricity
is available if you plan to use lights, filters, or a
water re-circulating device.
Do not place the pond under the trees to avoid fallen
leaves into the pond. This technique will also provide
less maintenance to the pond. Expose the pond to
sufficient sunlight only since some aquatic plats grow
well in full sun and others do not.
Using Pond Liners
Pond liners are used to keep water from leaking into
the soil. It is almost always necessary for ponds even
if it they are situated in clay soils. Pond liners
come in different shapes and sizes. They even include
built in waterfalls or any design based on your
preferences. They are durable and convenient.
Consider a polyvinyl chloride liner (PVC liner) in
building larger ponds. In determining the size of the
PVC, you have to know the maximum length, width, and
depth of the pond. After which, multiply the maximum
depth by 3. Add the answer to the width and the
length. Now you have enough PVC to securely hold down
the pond edges.
Pond liners come in different thickness as well. The
thicker the pond liner, the more resistant it is to
punctures. Cement may be considered an optional pool
liner. However, it requires more expertise to install
and it may cost more than the regular plastic pond
liner.
However, considering that many ponds are quite small,
other plastics may be used. It may be cheaper but many
may break down easily once prolonged exposure to
ultraviolet light happens. Some plastics also may
prove to be toxic to fish.
Pond Installation
Time your pond building when the ground is not overly
wet or frozen. Dig the hole according to the right
depth and place (and secure) the pond liner. Then
landscape the pond surroundings. Remove any rocks from
the surrounding area. Add water, plants, and a pump.
Let the pond sit for a few days before adding plants
and fish. Let the plants settle for at least one week
before placing the fish.
Then sit back and enjoy your backyard fish pond!
Don’t Pass up the Value of using Coupons
Most retailers understand the amount of competition they have out there, especially in larger towns. To help encourage customers to remain loyal to them they accept coupons for various products. One of the best uses of coupons is for purchasing grocery items you already use. Look for stores that offer you double or triple the face value of the coupon. Some stores only offer double and triple coupon values on specific days of the week so make sure you take advantage of them if at all possible. You will be amazed at how quickly this type of coupon system can help you slash your grocery bill.
It is very important that you make sure the store isn’t inflating the prices on their items though because if they do you won’t save much with the coupons. Don’t be tempted to use a bunch of coupons in items you don’t normally use though or your grocery bill may end up increasing!
You can get coupons from magazines and newspaper ads. Pay close attention the to the expiration dates on them as well. If you have access to the internet go to the sites for the products you use. Many of them offer coupons that they will mail to you or that you can print at home. If these sites offer an opt in list for you to get promotions and coupons by e-mail then take advantage of it.
Some retail stores that welcome coupons offer a counter where you can take your unwanted coupons for other people to use. At the same time you are welcome to pick up various coupons others have left to make your own purchases. There are great coupon organizers that you can use like a mini filing system. You can categorize the coupons by the listed areas as well as create some of your own categories. This will reduce the amount of time you spent going through them while you are shopping.
Many retailers are more than willing to honor the coupons for a competitor so that you will purchase the item from them instead of the other store. The best way to approach this issue is to take the coupon into the store with you. Ask to speak to a manager and explain that you really want to make the purchase from them but that the other store offers a much better price. In most cases they will at least match the price of the competition. Other retailers will even beat the price to encourage you to remain a loyal customer of theirs.
Any time you plan to visit a museum, amusement park, or other activity check to see if there are coupons offered anywhere. Many times you will find buy 1 get 1 free coupons for such outings and that can be a great savings for your trip. You can usually find this out by looking online or calling the chamber of commerce in the area of the event. Online auctions like Yahoo! Auctions and eBay offer you plenty of opportunities to take advantage of discount coupons that others are selling as well.
Restaurants often offer discount coupons to get people to come in and eat. You do need to pay close attention to the details of the coupon though. Many of them will have specific days of the week they can be used. Some of them also have a set time frame where they can’t be used after 4 pm or something similar.
If you take the time to seek out coupons for items you will already spend money on then you can get the rewards of spending less while still getting all the things your family needs. You may think it is silly using a $.75 cent coupon here or a $2.00 coupon there but it will really start to add up over time. When you consider the amount of money you spent on groceries, eating out, and entertainment for a whole year those coupons really start to sound good!
It is very important that you make sure the store isn’t inflating the prices on their items though because if they do you won’t save much with the coupons. Don’t be tempted to use a bunch of coupons in items you don’t normally use though or your grocery bill may end up increasing!
You can get coupons from magazines and newspaper ads. Pay close attention the to the expiration dates on them as well. If you have access to the internet go to the sites for the products you use. Many of them offer coupons that they will mail to you or that you can print at home. If these sites offer an opt in list for you to get promotions and coupons by e-mail then take advantage of it.
Some retail stores that welcome coupons offer a counter where you can take your unwanted coupons for other people to use. At the same time you are welcome to pick up various coupons others have left to make your own purchases. There are great coupon organizers that you can use like a mini filing system. You can categorize the coupons by the listed areas as well as create some of your own categories. This will reduce the amount of time you spent going through them while you are shopping.
Many retailers are more than willing to honor the coupons for a competitor so that you will purchase the item from them instead of the other store. The best way to approach this issue is to take the coupon into the store with you. Ask to speak to a manager and explain that you really want to make the purchase from them but that the other store offers a much better price. In most cases they will at least match the price of the competition. Other retailers will even beat the price to encourage you to remain a loyal customer of theirs.
Any time you plan to visit a museum, amusement park, or other activity check to see if there are coupons offered anywhere. Many times you will find buy 1 get 1 free coupons for such outings and that can be a great savings for your trip. You can usually find this out by looking online or calling the chamber of commerce in the area of the event. Online auctions like Yahoo! Auctions and eBay offer you plenty of opportunities to take advantage of discount coupons that others are selling as well.
Restaurants often offer discount coupons to get people to come in and eat. You do need to pay close attention to the details of the coupon though. Many of them will have specific days of the week they can be used. Some of them also have a set time frame where they can’t be used after 4 pm or something similar.
If you take the time to seek out coupons for items you will already spend money on then you can get the rewards of spending less while still getting all the things your family needs. You may think it is silly using a $.75 cent coupon here or a $2.00 coupon there but it will really start to add up over time. When you consider the amount of money you spent on groceries, eating out, and entertainment for a whole year those coupons really start to sound good!
Auto Insurance and Leasing
When leasing a car, it’s easier to stick with the same company for your
auto insurance. What you don’t know, however, is that you may end up
paying too much for your coverage and it’s better to look elsewhere for
lower rates.
When you lease, the vehicle that you will drive belongs to the leasing
company. They want to make sure that their investment is covered in the
event the vehicle gets damaged, totalled or stolen. They typically want
to get covered for the difference between what your auto-insurer pays and
your outstanding leasing obligations at the time of the accident or
damage. This is called GAP, short for Guaranteed Auto Protection, and is
usually included in the leasing contract.
If your leasing company is called BMW Financial Services, Chrysler
Financial or any other finance division of an automaker, then chances are
your GAP insurance will be offered by the same lease company.
You are under no obligation to accept GAP insurance included as part of
your lease agreement. Why pay an insurance premium if you could get the
same coverage for a lower price?
Invest some time shopping by comparing quotes from other insurance
companies, including your existing one. Ask for discounts that you already
qualify for and adjust your coverage accordingly
auto insurance. What you don’t know, however, is that you may end up
paying too much for your coverage and it’s better to look elsewhere for
lower rates.
When you lease, the vehicle that you will drive belongs to the leasing
company. They want to make sure that their investment is covered in the
event the vehicle gets damaged, totalled or stolen. They typically want
to get covered for the difference between what your auto-insurer pays and
your outstanding leasing obligations at the time of the accident or
damage. This is called GAP, short for Guaranteed Auto Protection, and is
usually included in the leasing contract.
If your leasing company is called BMW Financial Services, Chrysler
Financial or any other finance division of an automaker, then chances are
your GAP insurance will be offered by the same lease company.
You are under no obligation to accept GAP insurance included as part of
your lease agreement. Why pay an insurance premium if you could get the
same coverage for a lower price?
Invest some time shopping by comparing quotes from other insurance
companies, including your existing one. Ask for discounts that you already
qualify for and adjust your coverage accordingly
Monday, December 27, 2010
A Bright Future for Solar Energy: An Alternative Energy Source
I was first introduced to solar energy in the movie, Race the Sun with James Belushi and Halley Berry in the lead. It was a story about low- income and under achieving Hawaiian students encouraged by their teacher to join the Solar Car race. In the movie, a car shaped like a cockroach and covered with solar panels used the sun’s rays as an alternative energy source to run the car.
Solar energy is the light and the heat from the sun. Solar energy is free and its supplies are unlimited. There are n air and water pollution caused about by using solar energy. But there is still some impacts on the environment although indirect.
Photovoltaic cells used to convert sunlight into electricity uses silicon and also produce some waste materials. There are also large solar thermal farms and these farms can also be harmful to the environment and desert ecosystems if not properly managed.
Solar energy can be used on different aspects. Solar energy can be used in agriculture. Greenhouses (which is entirely different from greenhouse gas) convert solar light to heat to be maximized in enhancing the growth of plants and crops. Greenhouses has been around since the Roman times and modern greenhouses were built in Europe in 16th century. Greenhouses are still an important part of horticulture nowadays,
Daylight systems are also being used to maximize the energy released by the sun. It is used to provide interior illumination replacing the artificial lighting. Daylight systems include sawtooth roofs, light shelf, skylights, and light tube. Daylight systems when they are properly implemented can reduce lighting-related energy consumption by 25 percent.
Solar energy can also be developed into solar thermal technologies which can be used for water heating, space heating, space cooling and process heat generation. Solar energy can also be used to distil water and make saline or brackish water potable or drinkable.
The solar water disinfection or SODIS involves exposing water-filled plastic polyethylene terephthalate or PET bottles. This process takes a long time, since the exposure time varies on the weather conditions. It requires a minimum of six hours to two days during days with overcast conditions. Currently, there are two million people in developing centuries use SODIS for their daily drinking water needs.
Also sunlight can be converted into electricity using photovoltaics or PV. PV has been mainly used to power small and medium-sized things like a calculator powered by a single solar cell. There are homes powered by photovoltaics. Using solar energy for water and space heating is the most widely use application of solar energy. While ventilation and solar air heating is also growing in popularity.
There are three main ways in using solar energy. The main way of using and converting solar energy is by using the solar cells. Solar cells convert light directly into electricity. Solar cells are also called photovoltaic or photoelectric cells.
Meanwhile, solar furnaces use a huge array of mirrors to concentrate on the Sun’s energy into a small space and produced very high temperatures. Solar furnaces are also called “solar cookers”. A solar cooker can be used in hot countries to cook food.
With all the benefits if using solar energy, there is still a downside for this alternative energy source. It does not work during night time. The cost of setting up solar stations is expensive, but the benefit of using solar energy when accumulated is so much more.
Solar energy is the light and the heat from the sun. Solar energy is free and its supplies are unlimited. There are n air and water pollution caused about by using solar energy. But there is still some impacts on the environment although indirect.
Photovoltaic cells used to convert sunlight into electricity uses silicon and also produce some waste materials. There are also large solar thermal farms and these farms can also be harmful to the environment and desert ecosystems if not properly managed.
Solar energy can be used on different aspects. Solar energy can be used in agriculture. Greenhouses (which is entirely different from greenhouse gas) convert solar light to heat to be maximized in enhancing the growth of plants and crops. Greenhouses has been around since the Roman times and modern greenhouses were built in Europe in 16th century. Greenhouses are still an important part of horticulture nowadays,
Daylight systems are also being used to maximize the energy released by the sun. It is used to provide interior illumination replacing the artificial lighting. Daylight systems include sawtooth roofs, light shelf, skylights, and light tube. Daylight systems when they are properly implemented can reduce lighting-related energy consumption by 25 percent.
Solar energy can also be developed into solar thermal technologies which can be used for water heating, space heating, space cooling and process heat generation. Solar energy can also be used to distil water and make saline or brackish water potable or drinkable.
The solar water disinfection or SODIS involves exposing water-filled plastic polyethylene terephthalate or PET bottles. This process takes a long time, since the exposure time varies on the weather conditions. It requires a minimum of six hours to two days during days with overcast conditions. Currently, there are two million people in developing centuries use SODIS for their daily drinking water needs.
Also sunlight can be converted into electricity using photovoltaics or PV. PV has been mainly used to power small and medium-sized things like a calculator powered by a single solar cell. There are homes powered by photovoltaics. Using solar energy for water and space heating is the most widely use application of solar energy. While ventilation and solar air heating is also growing in popularity.
There are three main ways in using solar energy. The main way of using and converting solar energy is by using the solar cells. Solar cells convert light directly into electricity. Solar cells are also called photovoltaic or photoelectric cells.
Meanwhile, solar furnaces use a huge array of mirrors to concentrate on the Sun’s energy into a small space and produced very high temperatures. Solar furnaces are also called “solar cookers”. A solar cooker can be used in hot countries to cook food.
With all the benefits if using solar energy, there is still a downside for this alternative energy source. It does not work during night time. The cost of setting up solar stations is expensive, but the benefit of using solar energy when accumulated is so much more.
Adopting Anger Management Skills that Work
There are many, many positive techniques and skills related to anger management. Since anger management seems to affect so many people in society, it is imperative to design and create techniques, teach skills, provide counseling and provide appropriate care and support. Since anger issues affect individuals from childhood to adulthood, obviously it is necessary to teach anger management skills that work for every age group. For the person who is dealing daily with anger problems, it is important to learn skills that will be effective in coping.
One skill that tends to help people deal with negative emotions is acupressure. This technique used as an anger management skill is achieved by tapping or rubbing the body. Using this skill, briskly massaging the body when feeling tense and upset, causes an individual's energy to move around their body which results in relaxation. An anger management skill or techniques known as the Emotional Freedom Technique of EFT can be combined with acupressure to fight against negative emotions. EFT works to balance the brain hemispheres to help an individual admit to their problem and find forgiveness. This anger management skill would be very beneficial in helping a person release feelings of anger and relax.
Adopting positive anger management skills might involve keeping a journal. When an individual writes about the situations which upset them, it helps to get the negative thoughts and emotions out of their head. By journaling about feelings and emotions, a person is able to rid their minds of unhealthy thinking and put them on paper. This anger management activity would provide specific details and perhaps triggers which usually set the individual off. Being able to read and review reactions to situations, a person might be capable of making changes in their behavior.
When considering anger management skills, there's one which is quite easy to adopt. Removing themselves from a threatening situation might eliminate the problem. If a person realizes they have difficulties controlling their temper, they might consider staying away from situations which may cause heated arguments. If a person has a regular pattern of lashing out during specific conversations, they ought to avoid those incidents. Some people who have anger issues seem to go looking for a reason to get upset. If aiming to adopt anger management skills, these people should attempt to change this way of thinking. Instead of going to the problem, they ought to run from the problem.
Adopting anger management skills that work is definitely an essential step when striving to cope with feelings of rage and anger. There are many suggestions and recommendations offered on Internet sites related to anger management skills. It would certainly help to visit these sites and read the information and advice. It is unreasonable to think that a person will use all of the anger management skills suggested. However finding one that works may mean trying each of them at least once. When an individual is attempting to gain control and eliminate the negative feelings normally dictating their life, exploring anger management skills is necessary to find a technique or skill which works for them.
One skill that tends to help people deal with negative emotions is acupressure. This technique used as an anger management skill is achieved by tapping or rubbing the body. Using this skill, briskly massaging the body when feeling tense and upset, causes an individual's energy to move around their body which results in relaxation. An anger management skill or techniques known as the Emotional Freedom Technique of EFT can be combined with acupressure to fight against negative emotions. EFT works to balance the brain hemispheres to help an individual admit to their problem and find forgiveness. This anger management skill would be very beneficial in helping a person release feelings of anger and relax.
Adopting positive anger management skills might involve keeping a journal. When an individual writes about the situations which upset them, it helps to get the negative thoughts and emotions out of their head. By journaling about feelings and emotions, a person is able to rid their minds of unhealthy thinking and put them on paper. This anger management activity would provide specific details and perhaps triggers which usually set the individual off. Being able to read and review reactions to situations, a person might be capable of making changes in their behavior.
When considering anger management skills, there's one which is quite easy to adopt. Removing themselves from a threatening situation might eliminate the problem. If a person realizes they have difficulties controlling their temper, they might consider staying away from situations which may cause heated arguments. If a person has a regular pattern of lashing out during specific conversations, they ought to avoid those incidents. Some people who have anger issues seem to go looking for a reason to get upset. If aiming to adopt anger management skills, these people should attempt to change this way of thinking. Instead of going to the problem, they ought to run from the problem.
Adopting anger management skills that work is definitely an essential step when striving to cope with feelings of rage and anger. There are many suggestions and recommendations offered on Internet sites related to anger management skills. It would certainly help to visit these sites and read the information and advice. It is unreasonable to think that a person will use all of the anger management skills suggested. However finding one that works may mean trying each of them at least once. When an individual is attempting to gain control and eliminate the negative feelings normally dictating their life, exploring anger management skills is necessary to find a technique or skill which works for them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)