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Picking The Right Hair Dryer For Your Budget

Not sure which dryer to pick? We spoke with JC from Shop Hair Dryers in order to figure out the best buys depending on your budget.

High End

If you’re looking for the best of the best in terms of performance and features consider the T3, Elchim or Supersolano. Many of these dryers are often used by professionals in high-end salons globally. What these appliances offer include innovative and aesthetic design, long lasting motors and the latest technology. For example, the T3 dryer has been proven to be healthier for hair versus drying. Elchim dryers are designed in Italy and offer extremely high temperatures which make them ideal for those with very thick and long hair.

Mid Range

Don’t want to spend a whole bunch and want to spend a reasonable amount of overdoing it? These days you can get a super high quality professional dryer that’s reasonably priced with Babyliss. One of the brand’s most popular dryers is the Babyliss Pro TT Tourmaline 3000 which offers 1900 watts of power for salon style blowouts at home.

Affordable

Looking for a hair dryer that won’t leave you broke? Today’s affordable dryers offer a host of features also found in more expensive models such as tourmaline technology. For something that is more at the low to mid price range check out Hot Tools; these dryers offer high performance despite their more reasonable prices.

If you are looking for something super budget-friendly take a look at Revlon dryers; these are super affordable while offering tourmaline technology for shiny and frizz-free hair.

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Picking The Right Laser Hair Removal Machine For Your Skin

The at home laser hair trend is taking over; getting rid of unsightly hairs at home is a lot more convenient and affordable than spending thousands of dollars at the dermatologists office. But do these laser removal machines really work? And how do you find the right one for your skin? We spoke with JC, beauty editor at Best Beauty Ratings in order to find out all the details.

If you have light to medium skin tone just about any machine will work for you. The most advanced machine on the market right now is the Tria 4x. It uses a diode laser to zap hair permanently. JC says “I’m not going to lie, it does sting a bit. I feels like a rubber band is snapping at you. I wouldn’t call it super painful but is rather uncomfortable. Let’s face it; it’s laser hair removal. Not a massage”.

Those with darker skin, blonde hair, red hair or grey hair may want to try out Me Smooth from Tanda. The Tria lasers will not work for you. The Me Smooth utilizes advanced technology in order to “read” your skin and adjusts the power accordingly.

On a budget? Find My Home Laser recommends the Silk’n Flash & Go as an affordable at home IPL solution that will leave you smooth and hairless without breaking the bank.

Resources : http://www.findmyhomelaser.com/laser-hair-removal-machines/

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Return For A College Degree At 14-15%

If you were wondering if a college degree is really worth it, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York released a study which shows the rate of return for a Bachelor's degree to be around 14-15 percent.

The results show that those without a degree are faring significantly poorer in the job market. Student loan debt is just around $25k on average while the lifetime earnings of a graduate generally surpasses a non graduate by as much as half a million dollars. Keep in mind that these are only averages; there are always exceptions in every case. Of course law and medical students will end up accruing significant more debt while there will be a few enterprising individuals without degrees who end up becoming millionaires.

Statistics show that individuals with a four-year degree earn about 75% more than high school graduates. Individuals with associate degrees earn approximately $325,000. Want a degree with the high return on your investment? Majors in mathematics, computer science ( example: Trident University College of Information Systems) and engineering offer the highest starting salaries. Liberal arts and teaching programs tend to offer lower salaries.

These findings show that a four-year degree is worth the investment for the majority of students despite the slower job market and student loans debt accumulation. When looking at earnings over a lifetime college grads and up on top when it comes to money.

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Why You Should Smear Vitamin C All Over Your Face

Plenty of beauty products claim to be the best thing since sliced bread but the truth is that many are just hype and nothing else. However, vitamin C has been proven in scientific studies to increase the skin’s protection against sun damage, reduce hyperpigmentation and minimize wrinkles. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should jump on the vitamin C serum bandwagon

5. It’s backed up by science such as this study here. How many skin care products are backed up by science? Not many we guess.

4. Your skin is the first thing people see. Gorgeous skin can make you appear more interesting. It’s a shallow world we live in…. Vitamin C makes your skin as smooth as butter…

3. Youth is prized in today’s society. Not sure why since I wasn’t nearly as smart, bitchy and streetwise when I was 18 as I was now but for some reason guys just love the young ones….

2. We want “the glow”. The “dewy look”. JLO has all of us beat by a mile. 3. The Sun. It’s evil. It radiates harmful UVA rays which damage skin. Sure that tan may look hot now but not in 20 years when you’ll look like a leathery butt pad. Seriously. Skinceuticals CE Ferulic is the only product proven to provide skin with 8x the protection. Sometimes you gotta roll out the big guns.

1. Cause I like to take care of myself. I’m vain. I only got one face and it’s gonna be a moneymaker damn it. So don’t be afraid to smear this stuff all over your face… or even bath in it. Here are some of the best vitamin c serums on the market. And may you look young forever and glow like you’ve never glowed before. 

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Mortgage Predictions For 2015

A new year means new beginnings and we can expect to see some positive changes for the real estate market in the coming year. Experts predict more available inventory in the market which means lower prices. It also means that those looking for a home aren't as fast to latch on to a deal as in past years. We may also see a higher influx of foreign investors due to economic instability in their own countries. As a result we can expect to see more British and Chinese investors sizing up residential and commercial assets in the States.

We can also expect fewer investors putting money into the market and more home buyers partly due to the slower home value growth. There are also more jobs currently available compared to several years ago which means that consumers will have more buying power. The number one obstacle for home buyers is the large down payment (20% in most cases) and credit score requirements. Despite these hurdles many young Americans still cite buying a home as life goal and it's still very much a piece of the American Dream.

By the end of 2015 we'll also see more milennials starting families and buying a house. Milennials will be make up the majority of homeowners. We''ll also see more baby boomers down sizing and moving to smaller homes or apartments to be closer to their families. In addition we may also see lending requirements getting less strict as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are in the process of making it easier to qualify for a home.

Pre Approval letters may be coming back. Home Loan Pre-Approval Guide reports that a competitive housing market may lead to more buyers applying for a pre-approval in order to increase their clout during the negotiations process.

Resources : Best Rate USA

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Making College More Affordable

College costs is a main concerns for most parents and students. Classes can be expensive and tuition at a university can cost tens of thousands of dollars every year. With proper planning it is possible to reduce the overall cost. One of the main reasons why costs are high is because many students aren't graduating on time. Less than half are getting a Bachelor's in four years. We are seeing some taking 5 or even 6 years to obtain a Bachelor's degree.

One of the ways to ensure that you graduate in four years is to make sure that you know what you want to major in from the start. Changing majors will often delay a four year graduation because you may need to take specific courses for a major. Consult with your school counselor and do your own research in order to explore your interests along with career viability for the field you are interested. Research salaries, the job market and perhaps even intern in order to get a better idea of what it's like to work a specific job.

Another way to reduce college costs is to take advanced placement classes in high school for subjects like Math, English and Science. These classes don't come with any additional costs at the high school level except for AP exam fees which are minimal compared to college cost and are accepted at many schools such as Trident University. You want to obtain as many credits as you can while in high school in order to avoid ta king them in college. This will speed up the graduation process. College doesn't have to be expensive; picking the right major from the start and taking AP classes go a long way in reducing some of the costs.

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College Degree Taking Longer Than 4 Years For Many

Complete College America has released the results of a study which shows that the majority of college studies don't graduate college in 4 years as expected. Just 19% of studies who attend a public for year college obtain their Bachelor's in 4 years. The number is slightly higher at state universities where 36% of students graduate on time. Statistics show that only half of students attending a public college graduate in time.

Reasons for the graduation delay include not being able to register for the required classes which may lead to having to wait until the next semester. Some are unable to transfer credits when they change schools while others have to take remediation classes causing more delay. In addition some students don't take enough classes per semester in order to graduate on time. The problem is evident at community colleges where only five percent obtain an associate degree in just 2 years.

One of the main disadvantages of staying longer in school is the added cost. Experts say that it can cost more than $15k for every year of extra at a two-year public college and $22k extra at a four year university. Experts agree that the best way to make college more affordable is to make sure that students graduate in time.

Resources : http://www.trident.edu/

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The VA Cash Out Refinance

The VA Cash Out Refinance allows home owners who are eligible veterans to receive access to their home equity in cash and use it for paying off their kids college tuition, home improvement projects or paying off credit cards and other debts. Up to 100 percent of the home's value can be guaranteed by the VA.

Hone buyers who opt for a VA Home loan generally receive many benfits including limited closing costs, private mortgage insurance waiving, flexible payment plans and in some cases no down payment. In addition the VA may also assist the homeowner financially in case of financial difficulties.

Before considering a VA Cash out refinance it may be a good idea to calculate the funding fees which can be up to 3.5% and will be applied to the loan amount. Other options include a conventional cash out loan if the are sufficient funds in the home's equity. Applicants are generally asked to submit a Certificate of Eligibility.

Resources: http://www.loandepot.com/LoanOptions/VA/CashOutRefinance

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A Closer Look At The 2015 Honda Accord

The 2015 Honda Accord is an affordable midsize car that has been a staple and best seller for decades worldwide. Pricing for the base model starts in the $21k range while the upper level trims with the bells and whistles will cost more. Mileage for the LX model stands at 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the freeway. Buyers can select from the 4-door sedan version or the sporty 2-door coupe. Trim levels available include the LX, Sport, EX-L and Touring. The base model is equipped with a 2.4 Liter V4 engine. The base model is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Despite the affordable price range, the Accord offers a high quality interior build incorporating quality materials and an aesthetic design. The Accord has enough space to seat five adults with the rear seats being one of the most spacious in its class. Standard features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth compatibility, USB inputs plus a stereo and infotainment system. For an additional cost you can add in Pandora radio, a moonroof, navigation system and upgraded stereo system.

Honda engineers have included a large selection of safety features such as driver and passenger air bags, 4-wheel disc brakes, child safety locks, ESC, Brake assist and traction control. Overall the 2015 Honda Accord offers excellent fuel economy and performance for the price.

Resources:

http://www.kellygrimsley.com/

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Rates Continue To Lower Through December

Rates continued to keep steady for the fourth week in a row with an average of 3.89 percent for a 30 year fixed home loan. In conjunction U.S treasury bonds, which go hand in hand with rates, fell to all time lows. The average rate for jumbo loans of more than $417,000 increased one percentage point to 4.10%. The average rate of a VA loan is .375% than all conventional loans with an average of 4.12% during October. Despite rates being the lowest since 2012 not as many families are refinancing as one would expect. One of the biggest hurdles for home purchases is the lack of sufficient funds for the hefty own payment and inability to meet stricter lending requirements.

Experts predict the lower rates to last well into early next year giving those who do qualify the opportunity to obtain a low interest loan. Despite the lower rates refinancing activity has also not increased significantly. According to the Mortgage Banker's Association refinancing dropped from 63% to 61%. Analysts suggest that refinancing may be a solid option for those who have an adjustable rate mortgage and want to lock in a low rate before it increases in the next few years.

Resources: http://www.loandepot.com

[jcaoxuan]

2015 Mustang Convertibles Available For Christmas

The 2015 Mustang convertible with be available at dealers nationwide just in time for the season of giving. It may seem odd to release a convertible in the winter months where most of the country is deep in snow but there are those on the west coast who are still enjoying warm weather even in December. In addition the Mustang's come equipped with various driving settings including a snow mode which makes it easier to drive through snow and slippery road conditions.

Consumers get to choose from the base V6 3.7 liter engine, a 2.3 liter Ecoboost turbo or a V8 5.0 engine. Features that come with the 2015 model include launch control which allows for a flawless takeoff and a new “line clock” which allows the driver to get the rears going.

Interior features rear parking sensors, bluetooth compatibility, a rearview camera to assist with reversing, USB ports and Ford's control system. Buyers can also opt for additional features such as a navigation system, rear parking sensors, collision warning and an upgraded premium sound system.

Resources: http://towneford.com/

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The Pros And Cons of Attending An Online College

More people are taking online classes than ever before but is it the right choice for you? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of taking classes online.

The flexibility of an online program makes it a lot more easier for someone who may have a full plate on their hands. Finances are another big win; you won't have to pay for dorm costs or even textbooks since lessons will be provided in an online format.

One of the main advantage of online classes is that you don't have to commute. All you need is access to a pc or laptop and an internet connection. This cuts out gasoline costs and expenses from wear and tear on your vehicle. Online classes are generally more manageable by adults who may have been in the work force for awhile and have full-time jobs and or families.

One of the main disadvantages of online earning is the missing face to face social interaction with others. For many students college isn't just about learning but also a time for social growth and meeting new friends. However, it may be possible for you to to collaborate with fellow students during projects. If you find it hard to make friends outside of the traditional college setting you can try volunteering or participating with activities in your local community.

Taking online classes also means that you have to be more accountable of your own time. It's easy to fall behind if you are a procrastinator. Learning at your own pace requires you to be a self-starter and push yourself since no one else will be there to do it.

Resources: http://www.trident.edu/

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Social Media Tips For Realtors

Canvassing door to door and cold calls are still effective in 2014 but the internet is changing the business landscape forever. Social media especially is a powerful tool that real estate agents can use in order to drum up exposure for their business. You can increase the chances of being seen by a potential buyer or seller by setting up accounts at Google Plus, Facebook and setting up a blog.

Set up a Google Plus page for your business and add photos and the relevant business information. Make sure your profile is complete and link from your Plus page to your website if you have one. Post regularly; things you can post about include recent listings, sales, and activities and events in your locality. Many of your customers will be from your local area and posting about your city will show that you are involved in the community. Use hashtags when making posts since this will make it easier for others to find your posts.

Set up a business page at Facebook. Make sure that you add a business page and not a personal one since it will offer additional enhancements such as the ability to set up contests and check your statistics. Post relevant news, links to relevant real estate articles, recent listings, just about anything you want.

Last but not least add a blog to your website (if you don't have a website setting that up should be a number one priority. This is also a platform for you to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in the field. Add content to your site or blog that offers value to prospective clients. For example, Best Rate USA has a page on their site explaining the differences between various mortgage offerings. This can be quite useful to a prospective home buyer that isn't familiar with real estate terminology.

Social media is an excellent way to represent your brand and let the community know about your services. Don't get left behind and establish your presence across all the major platforms in order to maximize business exposure.

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A Closer Look At College Debt

College debt is generally the norm for most graduates. However the amount of debt can vary significantly depending on the major and other factors. The Hamilton project has released a calculator that breaks down the details.

The results show that students with majors in engineering, computer engineering and nursing are paying 6 percent or less of their total earnings in their sixth year on student loan. On the other hand students who major in drama, music and religion are paying more than 10% of their total earnings to student loan repayment in the sixth year. The correlation is most likely attributed to the higher income earned by students in fields such as engineering or computer science.

The study also shows that earnings for every student rise significantly within the first 5 years of employment with the average being as much as 65%. Some majors that don't pay well right out of college surprising lead to high increases in the first 5 years including nutrition and fine arts.

Most students end up with approximately $26k in debt. The study shows that some students end up devoting as much as 25% of their income on debt repayment during the first five years of employment when their salary are at their lowest. The current administration is working on implementing legislation focused on income based repayment giving new graduates some economic relief.

Resources : http://www.trident.edu/

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Skills Employers Want From College Grads

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) conducted a study which asked managers which skills they deemed the most important in college graduates applying for their first “career job”. Here are some of the results.

One of the most desired skill by employees is the ability to work in a team. Projects in the work place are often team based which means you will need to be able to work well with others and be able to contribute to a project. This is where good social skills come into play.

The ability to prioritize work is also high on the list. Young professionals can expect a demanding workload and it's important to prioritize the most crucial projects first. This is where time management tools and making “to do lists can be helpful. Most job applicants have already homed their time management skills in college by taking numerous classes and studying for exams.

Communication is another highly prized skill. This means knowing how to professionally conduct oneself in e-mail, corporate social media and during face to face exchanges. It may also mean being able to present an idea or convince others of the viability of a concept.

Proficiency with computer programs is also a skill employers look for. This means at the very least being able to use Microsoft Office programs such as Word and Excel,being able to create presentation with Power Point and spreadsheets with Excel.

What this means for students is that it's important to stress their marketable qualities when applying for a job. For example, if the employer wants computer skills and you attended online classes at a college (such as http://www.trident.edu/) mention that in your cover letter.

If you run your own blog or developed some cool apps let them know if it's applicable. Emphasize your team work skills by mentioning any team projects that you were a part of during college. If you were a team leader at any point that would be a bonus. In today's competitive marketplace it's more important than ever to play up your strengths and tailor your cover letter for different jobs.

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Mortgage Rates For A 30 Year Fixed Loan Stay Under 4%

Towards the end of the fourth week of October rates for 30-year fixed home loans remain at 3.85 percent. This marks almost 30 days of rates holding steady below the four percent mark. Rates for 15-year fixed mortgages are even lower at just 3%. Many home buyers have been in contact with their brokers in an attempt to refinance.

The 15-year mortgage has been popular with those chosen to refinance and is holding steady at 3.08%. Take a look at today's mortgage rates at Best Rate USA. Individuals who refinance from a 30-year to a shorter 15-year loan can save a significant amount of money in the long run. If you do decide to refinance make sure that the savings outweigh the closing costs and fees associated with the process. Talk to your lender and find out which fees are covered by them if any.

Despite the lower rates the number of people who are able to take advantage of these rates are not as substantial as one might think. For one many home owners already took advantage when rates hit all time lows a few years ago. In addition lending requirements are still strict which means that some may not be able qualify due to a lower credit score.

The job market may have more of an impact on activity in the real estate market when it comes to buying than just low rates. For one, the job market hasn't fully recovered yet with many Americans working part-time or not at all. Inflation has increased the cost of living while the cost of housing has increased by as much as five percent in addition to strict lending requirements when it comes to FICO scores and proof of steady employment. In addition many college graduates are postponing home ownership.

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Graduates With Bachelor Degrees Have More Job Options Than Ever Before

Bachelor degrees have more job options than ever before; jobs haven't been in such an abundance since ten years ago. Experts predict that jobs will increase by 16% for new graduates. One of the reasons for the influx of jobs is due to the fact that more baby boomers are retiring. Job turnover is another factor; some workers are leaving their current jobs for other positions.

Job sectors with the highest number of growth includes information services which saw an increase in 51% in new jobs. Other industries with a high number of growth include finance and insurance with 31% growth, government with a 24% increase, manufacturing (17%) and nonprofits (16%).

Hiring is expected to increase for almost every type of degree except for students with Master's degrees which is expected to remain constant. However, students with MBA degrees are in high demand in the marketplace with an increase of more than 38%. With more colleges offering online MBA degree programs such as Trident University students will have more options when it comes to graduate degree programs.

The jobs which are expected to be the most lucrative with high starting salaries include petroleum engineering, computer engineering, software developing and physician's assistant. STEM jobs are still in high demand. Approximately 38% of all high skill jobs will require a degree in math, science or engineering and are among the most lucrative. Areas with the most job growth are Texas, Los Angeles, Washington, Chicago and Boston. Jobs with the highest rate of growth are in relative rare fields such as interpreting and genetic counseling.