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Picture Perfect: 5 Tips for Ebay item Photos

When it comes to selling items online, one of the most important components to enticing buyers are great photos. Eager new sellers often make costly mistakes like using cluttered backgrounds or not taking a moment or two to clean their camera lens. Taking great eBay photos is easy when you know a few simple tricks: Follow these five steps to eBay photo success and you're sure to start racking up bidders and buyers in no time.

Always keep your photo subjects narrowed to the item being sold. While it may seem like a good idea to snap that rare soup bowl next to a full place setting, the presence of extra items will confuse the buyer, and can even lead to an after-sale dispute in some cases. If the object is large or bulky and cannot be moved away from other items, be sure to crop the photo in an editor before posting, and make a special note of what is and isn't for sale in your description.

A white background is the best choice for item photos, with the exception of white items or small, expensive objects like jewelry or coins. Using a colored background can take focus away from the item being sold, as well as make the item look odd, worn or discolored from reflections. Don't have a professional photo backdrop? Place two pieces of printer paper at a right angle to create a makeshift backdrop. Printer paper can also be taped to a wall beside a table or a box to obtain the same effect.

Clean your camera lens thoroughly. Whether you're using a traditional digital camera or cell phone camera, a smudged or oily lens can ruin an otherwise perfect shot. Investing a dollar or two in a good microfiber lens cloth is a good idea; lens cloths are typically sold at opticians and camera retailers.

When photographing an item, be sure to take several shots for the best results. Remember, your photos will be the only visual interaction your buyer will have with the item, so it's important to be thorough - in addition, taking lots of pictures will allow you to select the best of the bunch. Try to take at least four photos - front, back, side(s) and a close up of any maker's marks or important details. The more expensive an item, the more pictures are appropriate - while an embroidered pillow would only need four images at most, a diamond ring should be closer to 8 or 10.

Use a photo editor before placing the photos online. Image files are often much larger than they need to be, and take a long time to upload and view. Using an editor like Microsoft Photo Editor will allow you to crop, auto-correct (balance the color of the image) and reduce the size of your image to a more manageable one. Setting image size in the 300-500 pixel range will allow for fast uploading while still remaining clear and legible to your buyers. 

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How To Stretch Your Grocery Budget As Far As Possible

The money you spend on food can be of the larger expenditures in your personal or family budget. Food and grocery prices always seem to be going up and your income may not be following the same upward path. However, there are ways to shop smart for food and groceries that will get you the same goods or more for less money. The key to stretching your grocery budget is using the following strategies and sticking to them in order to maximize your savings.

The first step to stretching out your food budget is to eliminate or cut down the amount of money you spend eating out. Restaurants have to pay for overhead as well as turn a profit and these costs are passed on to you, the consumer. An occasional meal out will not break the bank but making it a habit can be very costly.

Another useful tip for stretching out your grocery budget is something most people would recommend- using coupons. However, there are ways to use coupons that are more effective than others. If you find a great coupon or discount on a product you will use regularly, like dishwashing soap or toilet paper it is best to stock up while the price is low- ensuring continued savings on that product even while it is no longer on sale. If you invest in a large freezer or purchase an extra one you can also use this technique with perishable goods like frozen meats or vegetables.

Many people also lose money by falling into the trap of thinking that name brands make a difference. In some cases, due to personal preferences and tastes this may be true. The difference between Coca-Cola versus Safeway Select Cola is one good example of this. Other brand name products, such as over the counter medicines or cleaning supplies are often literally identical in ingredients to the name brands. For example, if you compare store brand diphenhydramine and brand name Benadryl allergy medication you will see that both contain the same amount of active ingredients and tablets yet the brand name Benadryl costs two to three times as much as the store brand. This money is simply being thrown away for a name on the box. A good rule of thumb is to check the back of the box or label to see if the active ingredients are the same and if they contain the same amount. If the products is identical, purchase the cheaper one regardless of the brand.

Saving money on your grocery bill isn’t hard and is a great way to free up extra cash for the fun things in life, or to be able to put some money away for a rainy day. If you use these techniques you will not need to sacrifice quality or convenience while at the same time saving a boatload of cash. Give these tips a shot and enjoy the extra cash in your wallet.

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How Car Loan Refinancing Can Save You Money Each Month

You may be paying a rather sizable amount of money to your car lender every month. A car loan payment is generally one of the larger monthly expenses in most car owners' budgets, and this is a payment that you may be obligated to pay for several years. Over the course of these years, however, that monthly payment may become burdensome on your budget. The good news is that car loan refinancing can result in a lower monthly auto loan payment. The simple effort of refinancing your auto loan today can provide you with a significantly lower auto loan payment that may be easier for you to manage. So how exactly can refinancing your car loan save you money?

Lower Loan Balance

Regardless of whether you have been paying on your current auto loan for a few months or several years, your current loan balance is lower than the original loan amount you financed. If you refinance your auto loan today, your new monthly loan payment will be based on the amount of money you currently owe rather than the original loan balance. Further, this lower financed amount may be extended across a greater number of months. Consider, for example, if you originally financed a $20,000 loan amount over 48 months, and your term currently has 36 months remaining. Today, however, you may only owe $16,000. You can finance the $16,000 owed on the loan over 48 months. This extends the repayment of the current amount owed over a longer period of time. The result is lower monthly payments. You can use an online loan calculator to determine how much money you may save by refinancing your current balance owed.

Improved Credit Scores

If you applied for your existing car loan months or years ago when you had a lower credit rating, you may have taken steps to improve your credit rating over time. By simply making monthly payments on time, reducing loan balances over time and avoiding late payments, collections accounts and more, your credit score may have gradually improved. The interest rate you qualify for is affected by your credit scores. If your credit scores have improved over time, you may now qualify for a lower interest rate than you did when you initially applied for your auto loan.

Lower Interest Rate

The interest rates available on used car loans today are highly competitive. Even if your credit scores have not changed much since you applied for your current car loan, refinancing an auto loan today may still yield a lower interest rate than what your current loan has in place. Economic conditions have resulted in lower interest rates, and you can put these lower rates to use to enjoy savings on your monthly auto loan payment.

The fact is that most people will be able to lower their monthly auto loan payment by refinancing their car loan today. You can learn more about the savings that you may qualify for by using a car loan calculator. However, you should also contact a car lender directly for a specific quote. By exploring the options available in more detail, you can learn how much money you can save by refinancing your auto loan today.

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The Pros and Cons of Using Videos on your Blog

Blogging is a great way to inform your main base of customers about all of the new developments that are taking place within your company. You can use a blog to show people what new products you have in the works, what sales are coming up, and why they should buy the items that you have to sell. These can be very informative, giving you a chance to reach more people and to show them the value of your company's goods and services. 

There are many ways to update a blog. You can write articles that provide raw information. You can provide links to actual product descriptions or your online store. One thing that is becoming more and more popular is the use of videos. To decide if this is right for your company, you should review the pros and cons that are listed below. 

Pros

1. First of all, videos provide information in a way that is very easy for a potential customer to digest. A lot of information can be given to the person in a short amount of time, and they do not have to do any work to get it. The less work that you make the person do, the more likely they are to view the information that you are providing. 

2. You also need to consider the fact that videos are entertaining. You can make them humorous or innovative. In the same way that a television commercial can be memorable and influential, the videos on your blog can really connect with viewers. 

3. Finally, you should think about how daunting a large block of text can be. Some people will not want to read all of the information that you have written down, even if it is good information that they would find useful. A video can contain the same data without being intimidating. 

Cons

1. To start with, videos can slow down the website. Those who already have a slow Internet connection may not be able to watch them at all. If the video has to buffer frequently, the viewer will leave the site without watching it. 

2. Furthermore, you need to remember that the video may provide less data. If you are spending a large portion of the video attempting to use humor to attract the attention of the viewers, you will not be able to present as many facts and figures that relate to the product. 

3. The last thing to think about is how different systems may not support the type of video file that you upload. Older computers may have become outdated, at least as far as software is concerned. Text can be viewed by everyone, regardless of the age of the computer. 

In the end, you need to sit down and consider all of these factors before you make a decision about how you want to upload content to your blog. You may find that videos give you the ability to do things that you cannot do with text, opening up new markets and drawing in new customers. You may also find that they push some of your viewers away if those viewers have old computers or slow Internet connections. The best thing to do is to find a healthy balance for your blog. You should use videos, photographs, and text to connect with as many people as possible. 

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Profiles of Five Powerful Conference Speakers

Why do people go to conferences? They go there to learn something new, to network with people who are pursuing similar goals. What do people look for in a conference speaker? Most likely these conference attendees hope to gain insights in their field of interest. Professionals in the corporate world may seek specific information on technology and business development. Writers may seek to perfect their craft and have their work published. Beyond learning from the expertise of the conference speaker, the audience also expects to be inspired. There is a fire that is waiting to be ignited with fresh spark and fresh fuel.

Christian motivational speakers can be powerful conference speakers because they deliver their messages with a compelling passion. Their own lifework projects a clear vision and a deep sense of purpose. The qualifications of a Christian motivational speaker are reflected in how he has carried out his mission and prevailed in the face of challenging circumstances. For the proven Christian motivational speakers, their purpose-driven life and faith-empowered work add to the authenticity of what they communicate to the audience.

Who are these truly effective Christian motivational speakers? Check out the following profiles of five powerful conference speakers. Each of them has inspired thousands.

One outstanding example of a powerfully motivating conference speaker is Bill Wilson of Brooklyn, New York, founder of Metro Ministries International. Bill came from a broken home. At age thirteen he was abandoned by his mother at a street corner where he waited for her for three days. Through the help of a Christian stranger, he found the God who loved him. His own suffering and salvation forged a deep passion in him to share Jesus’ love with every needy child he could find. Through the work of Metro Ministries, Bill Wilson and many like him have been serving the poorest and most-neglected children in the ghettos of US and around the world. Even with a husky voice, this long-haired Christian motivational speaker will move you to tears and motivate you to action. For his story, read his book titled “Whose Child Is This?”

Christian motivational speakers like Joni Eareckson Tada and Nick Vujicic are champions in causes for the people with disabilities. They are living examples of how dignified and joyful life can be when God’s love and hope fills the lives of those with imperfect physical human bodies. A diving accident turned a sports-loving 17-year old Joni into a quadriplegic. Yet her life has been transformed from the point of having suicidal thoughts to the path of singing praises and serving the handicapped. Wheels for the World is a ministry of Joni and Friends. Joni’s quotes can be found online. Her conference speaking topics cover diverse themes about life.

Nick Vujicic was born as a baby without limbs. Even his own father who was a pastor had a hard time accepting his physical condition in the beginning. But his parents nurtured him with love, and set him free to learn skate-boarding, diving, and soccer playing. Though armless and legless, the joy on Nick’s face radiates like the sunshine. Unafraid and dramatic, Nick Vujicic is a young Christian motivational speaker who performs incredible acts on his speaking table. This conference speaker has been invited to speak to audiences in the US and in many foreign countries, including parliament meetings and talk shows. His bio can be found on the web site: No Limbs, No Limits.

Tony Evans is a seasoned conference speaker who offers urban alternatives for the church of diversity. Serving as the Senior Pastor of the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and the head of the Urban Alternative mission, his sermons are consistently biblical and his illustrations always practical. In fact his penetrating insights and sense of humor tend to keep the listeners at the edge of their seats. As a Christian motivational speaker at Bible conferences and crusades, Tony Evans delivers messages that change lives and communities in profound ways.

With a unique perspective on heaven, Don Piper is a Christian motivational speaker for conferences and retreats. His New York Times Bestseller “90 Minutes in Heaven” tells a true story of his experience with death and life. As a conference speaker, Don Piper brings special encouragement to people recovering from serious injuries, who may be living with physical or emotional pain. Don’s faith has been tested severely, yet it endures in strength. This Christian conference speaker is a living testimony of the miraculous power of God and the mystery of His eternal wisdom.

The profiles of these five powerful conference speakers offer a glimpse of the characteristics shared by effective Christian motivational speakers. With a little research, many qualified Christian motivational speakers can be sourced to fill the needs of conferences and events planned by local groups, professional associations, and the faith community.   

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Should Your Mobile Website Be Different From Your Traditional Website?

When you develop your mobile website, you have three options. You can have an exact duplicate of your traditional website, or you can opt to have a completely different website. The third option is to have a duplicate of your traditional website with just a few minor changes. Should your mobile website be different from your traditional website? The answer to this question depends on a few different factors.

When deciding how your mobile website should be designed you have to think about how mobile users will interact with your website, and how easy or how hard that interaction may be for them. In some cases, you do not need a completely different design. You may just be able to make a few adjustments to your existing design.

Other website owners actually do need a completely different design because their traditional website is simply too complex for a mobile device user. Some traditional websites are simplified enough so that no changes need to be made at all for a mobile version of that website.

The questions that you must determine the answers to include:

Does your traditional website load fast enough for mobile devices as it currently is?

Is the site easy to interact with on a mobile device?

How does the site look in outdoor lighting?

How does the site appear on a significantly smaller screen?

Will the mobile device user need to scroll horizontally to see the entire webpage?

When it comes to mobile websites, less is definitely more. The site needs to be pleasing to the eye, but it does not need to contain all of the content that is found on your traditional website. In most cases, it is best to cut the content down to the essentials. You should also make sure that any images that are included on your mobile website are compressed so that they load fast.

It is important to keep contact information and your call to action. You may want to add additional information as well, such as directions to your place of business. Think carefully about what your site visitors will be looking for when they access your site from their mobile device. Most visitors who are using mobile devices are not just surfing – they are looking for something very specific, and it is up to you to determine what it is that these users are seeking on your mobile website.

It is also important to maintain your brand from a visual standpoint on the mobile version of your website. You may need to make numerous changes, but you should avoid developing a mobile website that looks too different from your traditional website. When possible, stick to your color scheme, and of course make sure that you are using the same logo on your mobile website that you use on your traditional website. If the site looks entirely different from your traditional website, some visitors may question whether they have arrived at the correct site.

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The Role of Willpower in Getting the Abs That You Want

Many self-help books often motivate its readers by saying that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. This claim has been tested in getting that dream job, aiming for a promotion, or succeeding in a diet plan.

The explosion of different diet plans being introduced among people who want to achieve a certain weight is proof that there is a chance that these plans do not work for everyone. However, the fault does not lie solely on how effective the plan is. The dieter plays a big role in the success of losing the desired weight.

The attitude of the person is an essential factor in determining the success of achieving the goal. This is also true among health buffs who would like to achieve what is commonly known as six-pack abs. The quest for this ideal figure has become popular since more people are now enrolling in fitness programs and getting into all sorts of diet plans.

While there are specific food items involved in achieving a desired body figure, those alone cannot do the trick. This is where willpower comes in. This involves the ability of the person to deny immediate pleasure in order to achieve something more valuable in the long run. The same can be said in mustering all of a person’s ability to hold off finishing that one slice of chocolate cake in favor of getting admirable abs.

Some people think that willpower is just something that can be decided on at one time. Contrary to that belief, it takes a lot of determination and motivation to be able to develop strong willpower. Being able to stop an urge for a chocolate bar can really be a challenge.

Things do not happen overnight. This principle is the same when it comes to willpower. Being able to suppress that craving does not just happen overnight. It takes small but major steps to reach that level of strong willpower.

It is important to set a clear goal; a goal that is specific and realistic. Deciding that a person wants washboard six-pack abs does not stop there. A time period must also be set to encourage a sense of urgency and that time must be dependent on the current condition of the person’s body. A person who has a flabby stomach and is overweight must realize that getting admirable abs will not happen in a short time. A sound mindset helps in achieving this goal.

In addition to setting a clear goal, it is also vital that steps to achieving six-pack abs must be done gradually. Crash dieting does not help and will leave a person more unhealthy than before. Changes in diet and exercise regimen can be done on a weekly basis. This allows the person to build up on his or her willpower.

When building a person’s willpower, there are several attitudes that need to be developed. The first among these is the desire for the person to learn. By learning, it means being able to understand what it takes to really achieve the kind of abs that he or she desires and the work that it takes to reach that goal. Knowing the kinds of food that should be taken to achieve that figure is essential and must be taken to heart. In addition, the ultimate test of learning is in the application. Sticking to what the person learned and enduring the deprivations of certain foods not only exercises the person’s physical health but also mental health when persevering to achieve a goal.

Moreover, a person must be willing to go to great lengths to achieve six-pack abs. This means enduring the time when he or she is not allowed to eat certain foods that might deter the road to perfect abs. Physical exercise plays a big role in reaching this goal and knowing what kinds of physical exercise to do is extremely important. The discipline to follow these physical exercises at a designated time instills a level of responsibility that dieters must develop as well.

Attaining willpower that will push a person to achieve the goal to have six-pack abs must also be reinforced by maintaining focus. IT is important not to let your guard down when you are being pushed to eat certain foods that will ruin your strict diet. In the same way, you cannot reduce the amount of time you exercise just to accommodate other activities that might deter you from reaching your goal.

Keeping a sound mind and body helps to get the highly coveted abs that you want. Being able to maintain a certain diet and exercise regimen takes a lot of determination to reach that end goal. Even if you falter somewhere in the middle of the whole program, strong willpower will keep you motivated and determined.

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Real Life Advice for Improving your Credit

When people have bad credit it can drastically affect their lives. It is not only challenging to get a loan, but landlords won’t consider them and they will be harassed by collection agencies. The cure to improving your credit is to pay off all your debt and pay all future bills on time. However, if you don’t have the means to do this, you can still improve your credit. Here is some advice on how to improve your credit if you are on a fixed income.

Don’t apply for credit. The first thing credit counsellors will tell you is not to apply for credit. Applying for credit signifies that you need money and you aren’t able to balance your finances. However, this is most important if you are applying for loans, such as a personal loan, mortgage or car loan. If you don’t have a credit card you need to get one. Applying for a card will put a minor ding on your credit score, but it is worth the end result. The more credit you prove you can manage, the better the credit bureau will see you. If your credit is so bad that you don’t qualify for a credit card, get a secured card. This means that you pay a small amount, usually between $50 and $300, and the credit card company will give you a card. If your credit is quite poor, you may pay $300 and get a credit card with a limit of $300. This means the funds are guaranteed to the lenders and they aren’t taking a risk on you. However if you pay your bills on time and don’t rack your card the card will help you a lot. It shows the credit bureau that you have credit and you are able to manage it. This is significant in improving your credit.

Only use your credit card for emergencies. This piece of advice is often spouted by parents who want to teach their children not to get in debt. However, if you aren’t using your credit card, you aren’t building credit. The key is to use your card but never spend more than one-third of the available balance. For example, if you have a limit of $300, you’ll never spend more than $100 on the card. This shows the credit bureau that you use your card and you have it under control. Always pay your minimum balance on time. Ideally, you’ll pay your entire balance off each month to save on interest but if that isn’t possible, pay the minimum and your credit won’t be dinged.

Pay off all your debt. Of course, this is great advice, especially for people who have regular income with a little extra for debt payment. Eventually you will have to pay off all your debt but it isn’t as clear-cut as writing out a cheque for the full balance. Start by talking to your debt collectors. You may be surprised at what they are willing to negotiate. You may be able to freeze your interest while you pay off your debt or even have the entire debt lowered if you negotiate a payment plan. It also doesn’t hurt to ask the collector to update your account to reflect “paid as agreed and up-to-date.” Even if the debt isn’t paid off it shows that you are paying your bills and getting out of debt. Remember that the debt will stay on your credit bureau for six years regardless of how fast you pay it off. If you pay it off quickly, then the record will show as “paid” from that date. This is ideal. But, if you are making payments, then you are making payments. Only make the amount that is manageable for your income and don’t get into further debt trying to catch up on an old account.

Tips

Boost your credit rating by increasing your available credit limit. Once you have improved your credit, you may qualify for regular credit cards. If you want to increase your rating before you qualify for mainstream cards, you can increase your secured card limit by adding more funds. For example, if you want a limit of $500, you can pay the $200 difference to a card with a $300 limit. Once you have an available credit limit of at least $3,000 you will see your credit score go up significantly as long as you are paying your minimum and following the one-third rule. However, even if you only increase your credit in small increments, you’ll see an impact on your credit score.

You can put a note on your credit score of up to 100 words that will explain something on your file. For example, if you had a bad time two years ago you could briefly explain the situation and have it on your record. This won’t increase your credit score, but lenders will see it and it may make them be more open to working with you.

Improving your credit takes time. Only do as much as you can within your current budget. It is more important that you keep your current debt in good standing than to pay off old debts. After six years, all old debts are erased from your credit history regardless of their status. 

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How Refinancing a Car Loan Can Save You Money

Many people have been looking for ways to save money in their budget each month. Some have made an effort to reduce spending on their groceries and entertainment expenses, and others have made energy-saving improvements to lower utility bills. These are just a few of the common ways that people across the country have found savings in their budget. However, monitoring your spending on groceries, utilities and entertainment requires regular effort. There is one way that you can save money on your budget each and every month with greater ease. By refinancing your car loan, you can reduce your monthly auto loan payment to save money regularly.

How This Saves You Money

If you have made more than a few payments on your existing car loan today, you may be able to qualify for savings on your monthly loan payment by refinancing your loan. Your loan payment is calculated based in large part on the amount of the original loan as well as the loan term. When you refinance your loan today, you are financing a reduced amount of money. This is because you have already paid down your loan balance with the payments you have been making on your loan. In addition to financing a smaller amount of money on your loan, you can extend the period of time required to pay the loan balance off. This will result in additional savings on the monthly payment.

Will You Qualify For a Lower Payment?

Refinancing your auto loan may sound like a great plan, but you may not be sure that you will qualify for a lower monthly payment. The fact is that car lenders will work with people with great credit scores as well as those with lower credit scores. The interest rate on your car loan will be based in part on your credit rating. Those with a lower credit rating will receive a higher interest rate on a car loan. However, your credit rating may now be the same or improved over what it was when you applied for your original loan. This may allow you to qualify for a similar or improved interest rate over what you have now. Keep in mind that interest rates change over time, so it may be possible to qualify for a lower interest rate even if your credit rating has not improved.

How Much Can You Save?

The amount of money you can save each month through auto loan refinancing will vary from person to person. Factors such as your credit rating, the amount owed on your vehicle, your current monthly payment and more will all play a role in how much money you save by refinancing. You can estimate your new monthly car loan payments by using a car loan calculator online. However, you should also take time to get a full, customized quote from a direct car lender.

Almost everyone who has a car loan in place today will be able to find savings in their monthly payment by refinancing their can loan. You can talk to a direct car lender today to learn more about the savings that are available to you.  

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Craigslist: Safety Tips for Selling Your Stuff

Is it safe to sell your personal items on Craigslist? It is if you follow some safety guidelines to protect yourself. Otherwise, it can be tempting to push all caution aside as you entertain a flood of offers from potential buyers. The thought of making some quick cash may cloud your better judgment. That kind of thinking is an invitation to trouble because a lot of scammers hang out on Craigslist and they're looking for you. 

Here are four important safety tips to remember when you want to sell your stuff online:

1.   Local sales are recommended. Why? With a local sale, you don't have to worry about items getting broken in the mail. Do you really want to deal with frustrating item returns and refunds? The advantage of a local sale is that the item will be transported in your car to deliver to the buyer. You'll have the item in your possession at all times so there's no opportunity for a buyer to claim it arrived in pieces. 

2.   It's important for you to meet the buyer in a public place. This one tip alone could save your life in case your buyer is a fake. Pick a grocery store parking lot where there's a lot of light and pedestrians. Always keep in mind that you don't know your buyer. He or she may sound nice in an email or over the phone, but a lot of unsuspecting crime victims fall prey because the crook sounded nice during initial communications. Meeting in a public place and bringing a friend with you is very smart. A crook will be less tempted to rob or harm you if you arrive with someone.

3.   Another good tip is to let a friend or family member know where, when, and what time you plan to meet with the potential buyer. Ask the buyer for a first and last name, if possible. Also, ask for a description of what he or she looks like and the type of car you should look for. It will sound like you're asking for this information so you can find the buyer in the parking lot. The buyer's description, type of car, and email address are all important details you should give to a trusted person before you meet with a buyer you don't know. You'll feel a lot better when you know this information is readily available to someone you trust if something goes wrong during the sale.

4.   Your Craigslist advertisement should say that you'll only accept cash for your item. Make sure you verify this payment method when you talk with the potential buyer. Remind him or her that you need the exact amount of cash and you will not be able to give them change. Personal checks can bounce and a scammer may think you're naive and will accept whatever form of payment he or she shows up with. If the buyer ignores your request and shows up with a personal check, walk away. You are in charge of the deal.    

As much as you want to trust people, turn on the news and you'll see that violent crime is rampant. Always trust your gut instincts. If you're talking with the buyer in person and something doesn't feel right, make an excuse and leave quickly. You may have saved your life. All of us are potential crime victims. Craigslist is a popular network for buying and selling online, but it's always best to use caution when dealing with strangers.

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Developing a Budget for an Irregular Income

Many people have a hard time budgeting when they are on a fixed income. But one advantage of a fixed income is knowing what to expect. With an irregular income, it may be harder to predict what is coming. Sometimes business is good, and sometimes the money just doesn’t come. While you could simply alternate states of financial euphoria and panic, it may be better to stick to a regular budget that will support both situations. Without a budget in place, many people wind up turning to short term financing situations, such as payday loans or other business loans. They also may skip payments or even get behind on important bills such as rent leading to fees, extra interest, and a blow to their overall credit worthiness.

Most people have a varied set of bills. Some of these are top priority fixed bills, such as the rent or mortgage payment, car payment, and utilities. Others are more flexible, such as credit card payment and money for food and clothes. Whether you have an irregular income or a fixed income it is good to make a list of all financial obligations. The most stringent should be at the top of the list with things like buying new clothes or entertainment money being at the lower end of the scale. By doing this you can determine how much it will take to cover basic needs, secondary needs, and extras.

For those barely making ends meet, it may be necessary to devote nearly 100% of their budget towards their basic needs. However, most people should be able to develop a budget that calls for a different ratio that allows for more flexibility and occasional extras. A good goal to shoot for is 50% on basics, 30% on secondary needs, and 20% on extras.

The longer you have been living off an irregular income, the easier it will be able to determine a good ratio when it comes to budgeting your money. If possible, look at your typical monthly income over the last year. If your income has not been irregular for that long go back as far as you can. Take your full year income and divide it by 12 to get your average monthly income. If there’s fewer months divide by the number of months. Once you have your average income figured, try and base your budget on a figure at least 10% less than your expected income. If you have a limited amount of months to reference, you may want to make your budget as much as 20% less if you can to allow a margin for error in case your income does not reach the levels you expect. This is the amount you should set aside for your bills.

If your average income is $2000 per month, ideally, your budget should fit into $1800. There will likely be months that you make more than this, and it can be very tempting to splurge on a treat or even pay off a credit card. While this is a great thing to do on a fixed income, when you get an occasional opportunity for overtime, on a truly irregular income you want to exercise caution. Instead, put the extra money in a savings account or a low risk money market account. That way, if there is a slow month where your income is much lower, you’ll have money of your own to draw from rather than relying on short term loans just to make ends meet. Work on building your savings to a typical month of income. If you manage to save even more, you can consider investment products that will make additional interest, or add extra money to a retirement account.

Developing and sticking to a budget takes time, discipline, and at times a good deal of tweaking, especially with an irregular income. But by giving yourself a better view of where you stand financially, you’re more likely to stay more calm and productive overall.

[stayentertainedcom-blog]

How to Make a Hip Hop Beat

Attempting to make a hip hop beat from scratch may seem difficult and intimidating to many. Though with the right software, sounds, and a little creativity making a hip hop beat can be fun and easy. Follow this article to quickly make a hip hop beat that you can be proud to let everyone hear!

Tools and Material Needed:

•Computer withMusic Production Software

•WAV or MP3Sounds (Drums, Horns, etc)

What Is A Beat?

A beat, or “instrumental”, is any song you hear minus the vocals. It's the music the band plays that the singer sings over, or the music the DJ plays that the rapper raps over.

Understanding The Software

Using Music Production Software such as Sony's “Acid Music Studio” or Image Line's “FL Studio” you can arrange sounds into patterns to create rhythm, melody, and the supporting drum beat. Some programs have more bells and whistles than others, but all that really matters is how comfortable you are with the program you choose. You can pick the most expensive program on the market with hundreds of features but the end result may not be any better than if you used a free program downloaded from the internet. Many software companies such as Sony and Image Line allow you to download a trial version of their software before buying it. Try different programs until you find one that feels easiest to use.

Understanding The Instruments

Instruments can be most simply broken down into 3 categories:

Lows refer to low range frequency instruments such bass guitar and bass drums.

Mids refer to mid range frequency instruments such as strings, horns, lead or rhythm guitar, and piano.

Highs refer to high range frequency instruments such as high hats and cymbal crashes.

Starting out you can find sounds online to download for free. Search for “free sound loops” or “free sound packs.” Once you've had more practice creating beats you may want to purchase “Sound CD's” that contain many different high quality sounds.

Creating Your Beat

Most hip hop beats are anywhere from 70 to 101 beats per minute (abbreviated BPM). No matter what Music Production Program you choose you'll be able to set the BPM.

To start, find a bass loop that you like. Put it into your software and play it back. Next you'll want to pick out a drum loop that compliments the bass loop you've already picked. Put that into your software and play the bass and drums back together. If that sounds good move on to a mid range instrument like a guitar or piano. Try different instruments until you find one that sounds good with the bass and drums you've already picked out.

Once you have bass, drums, and a mid range instrument you could be done if you wanted to. How much depth you want to add to the beat is up to you. You can add multiple instruments and sound effects throughout the song, or keep it simple. When you take the vocals out of some of the most popular songs on the radio today you'd be amazed at how simple some of the beats are.

Understanding Song Structure

The structure of a song, called the “arrangement”, can vary greatly from song to song. Here are definitions for the different parts of songs.

Intro – The intro has all elements of the beat in it. It should grab the listeners attention and give them a clue to what song is about to start playing.

Verses – The verses are where the vocalist tells the story of the song. You'll want to silence some of your instruments throughout the verses so the vocals can be heard clearly. Sometimes only the bass and drums play throughout the verses.

Chorus – The chorus is sometimes called the hook. It is the part of the song that will be repeated over and over. It should be the most catchy part of the song and should have all instruments in it.

Bridge – Thebridge is an alternative chorus. It breaks up the monotony of the song and keeps the listeners attention.

Exit -The exit can be as simple or creative as you want it to be. You could switch up the beat and have a dramatic exit or simply let the beat fade out slowly.

When creating beats for others to sing or rap over use a standard arrangement for all your beats. The vocalist or producer using your beat can rearrange it if necessary to fit the needs of their particular song.

A standard arrangement is as follows:

Intro – 4 bars

Verse 1 – 16 bars

Chorus – 8 bars

Verse 2 – 16 bars

Chorus – 8 Bars

Verse 3 – 16 Bars

Bridge – 8 bars

Exit – 4 bars

At this point you should have a bass line, drums, and at least one supporting instrument playing together in a standard arrangement. This is your basic beat. You can add other instruments or sound effects as you choose.

A good practice after you get the basics down is to get away from the music for 20 minutes or so and let your ears rest. When you go back and listen to your beat again your ears will be fresh and you may be inspired to add more elements to your beat.

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How to Lose Weight for a Sports Weigh-In

Combat sports are cut into weight classes because large fighters have an advantage over smaller opponents. This leads to the practice of cutting weight -- fighting at a weight below what's natural for your body to fight against smaller people. Losing weight for a sport weigh-in takes place in three separate stages: maintaining your weight at a reasonable level, last-minute weight loss to lose the final few pounds, and eating immediately before competition to ensure the best possible performance.

Maintenance

Eat a calorie-restricted diet that shaves about 500 calories per day off of your usual menu. This will help you lose about 1 pound per week. If this isn't fast enough to get you within 5 pounds of your goal weight by a week before the match, seriously consider competing at a different weight. More extreme weight loss hurts your performance in the short term and your body in the long term.

Maintain the training regimen you use for your sport. Don't exercise to lose weight at this stage. It risks overtraining, which can hurt your performance and growth as an athlete.

Check your weight once per week, preferably on the same day each week and at the same time. Weigh in before practice instead of after, because water weight you lost through sweat can give you a false low reading. Adjust your diet to accommodate if you're losing weight faster or slower than about 1 pound per week.

Cutting Weight

Eat minimally during the week before your match. You won't be worried about the calories in the food at this time scale. Instead, you're looking at how much the food will physically weigh in your body. Focus on lean meats, whole grains and fruit for your diet. These deliver high amounts of calories and nutrition with relatively low weight for their value.

Minimize your water intake starting 48 hours before your match. Sip a mouthful of water each hour for safety, but drink no more. Water weight will represent the bulk of your weight loss as you approach weigh-in, so take in only what you need to stay healthy.

Run for periods of 30 to 60 minutes while wearing heavy clothing in a warm area. This will stimulate you to sweat out water weight. Towel off and weigh in at the end of each period. Do this for a maximum of three sessions per day.

Stop losing water weight when you are 1/2 to one pound under your competition weight. Weigh in holding food until you reach your goal weight with food weight in your hand. You can eat and drink that much before weigh-in.

Recovery Eating

Sip water or a sports drink one mouthful at a time to rehydrate. Don't gulp your drink because you run the risk of vomiting.

Eat light foods with high energy, such as whole grain pasta, lean meats and fruit. These will give you energy to recover immediately and lasting energy to help you during competition.

Chew your food completely and swallow before taking another bite. Like with your drink, taking it in too quickly risks a belly ache at best, and throwing up at worst.

Warning

This kind of weight loss, though common in fight sports, puts you at risk for complications of dehydration including dizziness, irritability, organ failure and even death. Never cut weight without the consistent supervision of your doctor or medical trainer.

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How to Budget an Economic Vacation Trip

Everyone loves to travel. Taking a vacation trip is an annual ritual for some folks. However, for most people, planning a dream vacation may be just that, a dream. Finding a way to make traveling projects a reality is not easy. Learning to budget orderly and efficiently might be the only solution.

Before getting swamped by the countless details of a vacation trip, potential travelers should set realistic goals. No amount of saving or budget strategies will suffice if individuals attempt to cover too much ground or are not committed to pay the opportunity cost. In economics, opportunity cost refers to the second choice consumers sacrifice in order to acquire their favorite choice.

Specific steps to budget a vacation trip:

Decide on the most convenient destination. For example, if travelers know that because of a work related trip they will be in Belgium during the Spring, that would be the perfect opportunity to ask the boss for vacation time and take a detour to Paris. Choosing a location does not mean settling for less or compromising your dream destination. It only means waiting for opportunities to take advantage of circumstances.

Determine the exact time availability. Many travelers overbook themselves with vacation activities that go beyond their real schedule availability. If vacationers know that they have ten days off, they should plan for seven, knowing that the first and last days are for travelling, and that at least one day should be put aside for possible delays, fatigue, illness, or an extension of a particular activity.

Learn about attraction choices. Most destinations offer an incredible number of entertainment choices, ranging from the traditional to the innovative. Picking priorities is not always simple. Nowadays, the web offers ample opportunity to find out facts about places or activities never heard of before. Nevertheless, thrifty travelers ought to observe their time availability and financial disposition before choosing the best places to visit. The decision must take in consideration personal tastes, fun potential, and costs.

Calculate expenses. Once the where and when have been established, it is time for the how. Aspiring travelers must think about two basic human needs: sleeping and eating. Many inexpensive lodging and eating alternatives can be found in the web. Since little time is actually spent at the hotel, travelers should avoid using a large portion of their budget in lodging. Learning how to commute using the public system can also save a lot of money.

Pack light. A nice vacation trip, especially with the family, should not become a perilous adventure. Dressing light does not mean going minimalist. Yet, when packing, travelers should prioritize comfort and simplicity, leaving at home sophisticated clothes. Souvenir purchasing must also be kept to a minimum.

Creating a budget could be reduced to a simple piece of paper on which hopeful travelers annotate specific costs like: airfare (if required), land transportation (private or public), hotel, meals, attractions, souvenirs (if desired), and other miscellaneous expenses.

Budget travelers must also resort to lots of common sense. For example, why waste money on buying toothpaste abroad, instead of packing a tube for the trip? Why book a motel on a one-day destination when an overnight train may serve as a moving bedroom? Why spend money on laundry when old underwear can be disposed of on the run? Why hire a costly tour guide, when a free map and public transportation will do?

An affordable trip requires not only a well thought out and drafted budget, but also discipline. Establishing priorities and sticking to them is a must. Calculating a budget for a trip does not mean discarding flexibility or improvisation. Traveling economically does not mean abiding by suffocating and meticulously schedules. Budget traveling only means investing the time in making sure resources are allocated in such a way that they stretch to the maximum, while providing the best experience to travelers.

[stayentertainedcom-blog]

How To Sell Your Home Using a Free Classified Ad

If you are selling your own home, you have two options: use a realtor or do it yourself. Although the majority of people choose to sell their home through a real estate agent, a few brave souls will decide to sell their home by themselves. If you are one of them, keep reading for some useful tips on selling your home through a classified advertisement.

What are the advantages of selling a home on your own, without the assistance of a realtor? The most obvious benefit is cost. Most realtors charge anywhere from 3-6% of the purchase price. You will save that cost if you decide to sell on your own. The other advantage is that you have more control over your marketing. You decide where to place your advertising and what the ads will say.

When deciding to place a classified ad for your home, the first decision will be where to place the ad. Where you place your ad will depend on where you live and what free placements are available. The mostly widely known platform is Craigslist, where a person can sell anything and everything. Depending on the country, Kijiji or E-bay Classifieds might also be available. All of these sites can be accessed online and it is not necessary to speak to anyone from their organization.

Go to the site and look for the icon for posting your own ad. The software will ask you where you want to place your advertisement and search for the real estate section. You can then place your ad under that section and it should be up and running within minutes.

Here are five tips for making the most of your free classified real estate ad:

Give the Important Information. This includes the number of bedrooms, the square footage, age of the home and location.

Always List a Price. People expect to see a price listed and won't respond unless you have one. A price gives them somewhere to start when doing negotiations. A listed price also lets them know if your home is within their range.

Make it Sound Enticing. Make your home sound enticing by helping the reader imagine themselves living there. If the house is in the country, talk about the sound of the birds flying by. If it's a downtown condo, talk about being able to access the best shopping areas in town. Sell the experience of living in the home, not just the physical characteristics of the place.

Upload Good Pictures. Take the best pictures you can of your home and upload those pictures to the site. Be aware that this process can be slow but it is definitely worth it! Use the maximum number of pictures allowed and try to get a variety in your shots. If you can, put up at least one of the exterior and one of the interior of your property.

Make It Easy to Contact You. Give more than one phone number, as well as your e-mail address. People trying to buy real estate don't want to wait too long, once they have decided to buy. If they can't get a hold of you right away, they might not bother doing so again. So give out all the numbers you have, including all cell phones and be sure to answer your phone or respond to you e-mail!

Selling your property on your own can be challenging and advertising is a must. These five helpful tips will go a long way in the marketing of your home to potential buyers.  

[stayentertainedcom-blog]

How To Find A Job After College

The job market in the United States is at one of the lowest points in recent memory. While a college degree used to be seen as an automatic ticket to a middle class life due to recent economic developments finding a job after college is harder than it has been in any time in the past fifty years. Many college graduates have no idea where to begin and lack the skills necessary for obtaining reasonable employment once they have finished school. The following guide will list some effective strategies for finding a job after college.

The first and most important step to getting a job after college is a good resume. The vast majority of employers will want a clean and concise list of your previous experience and achievements in order to vet you as a job candidate. Creating a good resume is essential to securing a position in a company or firm. You should create a “master” resume which will have the bare essentials of what you have accomplished. This includes your educational and technical credentials as well as any long term work experience you have. Special skills, such as being bilingual or having specific knowledge about a subject or system should be added or removed depending on the position you are applying for. For example, when applying for a position as a social worker you may want to let your potential employer know that you are bilingual, however this skill may not be as relevant to a computer engineering firm. You also want to make absolutely sure there are no spelling or grammar errors on your resume, in this job market any mistake can get you thrown out of the pool of potential applicants.

Another important strategy to use when trying to find a job after college is taking advantage of any connections you may have made in college or in any other facet of your life, through family, friends, etc. Professors you studied under may have job opportunities or may be able to get you interviews or meetings that you may not have had access to otherwise. The same goes for any family or friends who you may have an in with. Social capital is very valuable and using your connections can go a long way to helping you find gainful employment.

The hockey legend Wayne Gretzsky once said “you miss 100 percent of the shots you never take”. While he was talking about taking shots on goal in the sport of hockey this logic also applies to your job hunt. You will never be hired for a position for which you did not apply so make sure to take your job hunt seriously and send out as many resumes and attend as many interviews as you possibly can. The more you put yourself in these situations the more likely it is that you will be able to find a job straight out of college.

Many job seekers find jobs by moving to areas that are in need of workers. If you happen to live in an area that has low unemployment you are lucky. If not, you should always consider relocating to an area where your skills may be in higher demand. This may mean moving to a different city within your state, it may mean commuting, it could even mean moving across the country. The point is if you want to maximize your chances of getting hired you may have to take drastic action to do so. Moving can be hard but it beats being unemployed.

If you put in the work and are willing to use these strategies you should not have a problem finding entry level work out of college. Once you get your in at a particular company and some experience in your field finding employment will become much easier and possibly more lucrative. Just remember to keep trying and do not be afraid to use different methods to achieve your goal of getting a job after college.

[stayentertainedcom-blog]

How to Come Out of Retirement and Write a CV

Retirement is a goal that many people aspire to accomplish after many years of hard work. Yet for those who have already retired, going back to work may have never been a goal they had in mind. These are difficult economic times and some retirees have no other option but to rejoin the work force. This might seem easier said then done for some. 

  When sitting down to write a CV, you may ask yourself "what can a former retiree bring to the table?" The answer is simpler than you may think. This article will explain how to write a CV, providing four steps to make it as easy as possible. Most importantly, it'll encourage those coming out of retirement that they have so much more to offer.

Step One: The Differences Between a CV and a Resume

  Like a resume, you have to include your full name, address, zip code, number, and email. However, the similarities between a resume and CV end there. Also, if you don't have an email, it's important that you create one. Many companies will prefer an email with your CV attached to it.

  A CV, short for Curriculum Vitae, is longer than a resume. A typical CV is two or more pages in most instances. Keep in mind that length is not the determining factor in a successful CV. You should include as much relevant information as possible but don't make it overwhelming.

Step Two: Your Profile and Objective

  When you begin to write your CV, it's always important to begin with your profile and objective. Basically, it's a summary of who you are, what you're capable of, and what your goal is. If you're coming out of retirement, this is one of the most important aspects of your CV. 

  You need to convince an employer to look over the rest of your CV. Highlight your knowledge and professionalism. Make sure they know that no matter what age you are, you are a competent and skilled individual who can take on all challenges and demands. 

Step Three: Education and Achievements 

  In terms of education, you must include any college or university that you have attended. List your degrees and minors. It is important to include all relevant courses that you took. You should include the title of your thesis as well. If you have published any written works, they should be included as well.

  Achievements are important to note depending on the job. If you're applying for a teaching position for example, include any scholarships or grants. Listing any awards you have earned can make a big difference as well.  As a former retiree, you have the advantage of showing an employer everything that you have accomplished over the years.     

Step Four: Job Experience    

  It is unnecessary to regret leaving your old job. In fact, your past employment can still help you out. By listing your previous positions, you are showing your potential employer how much experience you really have. Be specific by including the position, where it was, and for how many years. 

  A description should follow every position. Providing a description will save an employer from doing any additional research. You'll need to have references available for each position because most jobs will ask for them.

  Other things that you should consider including are extracurricular activities, memberships, and related job experiences. Use your own discretion when considering what is important but every detail may prove to be helpful.

 Where do you go from here? 

   Half the battle is now over. You may have thought that this was going to be as difficult as writing your first resume. Yet another difference is that unlike a resume, this is a document highlighting an accomplished individual. The purpose of a CV is to show that not only have you done it all, but that you can do so much more. 

  Upon emailing this, the rest is out of your hands. The best you can do is be patient and wait. If they contact you for a possible interview then congratulations. Your CV was so impressive that it got noticed. The rest is up to you. If you still have all the confidence you used to write your CV, then nothing can stop you.

  If you don't hear back then don't worry. This is why you have a CV now. The next job you apply for could be the one that accepts you. Send your CV out to over a hundred similar jobs if you have to. Again, it's all about having confidence at this point.

  No matter how old you are or how long you've been retired, it's never too late to rejoin the work force. You could have the same chance as everyone else in getting a new job but with a good CV, your chances are greater.