Could bad credit payday loans be the answer consumers with low bank accounts have been looking for? Is there any harm in using these services? Aren't they better than using credit cards or going hungry?
Have you seen the commercials? Cute characters promise financial prosperity. Happy, professional individuals appear to regularly visit their corner pay day loan shop as proudly as cashing a check at the bank. Customers at the grocery store all recommend pay day loans as the easy solution for a lack of funds.
WHY USE A PAY DAY LOAN?
Some individuals reason that paying a bill with borrowed money is better than receiving bad credit marks because of not paying the bill. This is understandable. However, some financial institutions are willing to make the occasional exception if contacted about the situation. Or there may be a small fee, but not a credit report made.
Using it for groceries or other items? Consider the true cost before making a decision. Compare the cost of using a pay day (or cash advance) loan to the fees charged for taking a cash advance on your own credit card. Can family help? Often those who are forced to use pay day loans are not able to repay the
loan by the next pay check and that can lead to a cycle of debt and stress.
WHAT IS THE COST?
Several sources, including a consumer report by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) and the CFA (Consumer Federation of America) state that usual the usual APR is between 350 - 650% with some
as high as 780%.
A loan of $100 ranges in cost between $15 - $30. If the loan is not repaid by the pay date then it can be renewed with another fee due at each renewal. A loan of $100 can cost $60 in fees after 3 renewals.
WHO BENEFITS?
Based on the warnings issued by federal and consumer organizations it is clear that using pay day loans or cash advances from these businesses can often lead to more debt and problems. Some sites were reported to automatically roll over the loan and only withdraw the renewal fee on the pay date. Other sites surveyed by the CFA required customers to agree in contract to not participate in class action suits or to file for bankruptcy.
For those who are having debt problems it is recommended to seek no- or low-cost credit counseling from a local non-profit organization. These organizations can help with reducing current interest charges and lowering monthly payments. If the problem is budget, you should look to a financial planner who can help
you to manage the money you do have and avoid using credit at all. (Jeff Schuman)
Friday, February 10, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Baby Shower Decorations
When decoration for a baby shower, there are a few key aspects that should be considered:
1) Will your baby shower adhere to a theme?
Visit our baby shower theme for ideas about selecting a theme. If you are using a theme, then it is good to be consistent. People are most often impressed when decorating follows a selected theme. However, note that it doesn't have to be as specific as just rubber ducks. You can use baby items as a general theme and mix it up if desired.
2) Plates, cups and napkins.
If you are serving food, like most baby showers do, then baby themed tableware is often appropriate. If possible, try to make sure that the plates, cups, and napkins all match. Some places also have baby themed table cloths that are great for showers.
3) Confetti, banners, and streamers
The most common banners and streamers are "It's a Boy or Girl" streamers and can be attached around the walls. These decorations are usually very affordable and an easy way to decorate. Confetti can come in shapes like rocking horses, ducks, or bears. It usually takes more time to clean up confetti, but it may be worth it for some parties.
4) Yard signs
Yard signs, particularly the popular stork yard sign, is a good way to announce a new baby and also let your neighbors know about your baby shower. Another benefit is that guests will be able to easily locate the house that the shower is being held at.
5) Centerpieces and placecard holders
A baby shower cake is the most common centerpiece for a shower. Other ideas include floral arrangements, baskets, and bouquets.
Themed placecard holders are commonly available for purchase online. You can also make your own by purchasing a regular placecard holder and attaching a clip-on stuffed bear for example. Flower shops often carry such items.
Decorating can be a challenging, but fun task and carefully selected decorations can really set the atmosphere for your baby shower party. (Criss White)
1) Will your baby shower adhere to a theme?
Visit our baby shower theme for ideas about selecting a theme. If you are using a theme, then it is good to be consistent. People are most often impressed when decorating follows a selected theme. However, note that it doesn't have to be as specific as just rubber ducks. You can use baby items as a general theme and mix it up if desired.
2) Plates, cups and napkins.
If you are serving food, like most baby showers do, then baby themed tableware is often appropriate. If possible, try to make sure that the plates, cups, and napkins all match. Some places also have baby themed table cloths that are great for showers.
3) Confetti, banners, and streamers
The most common banners and streamers are "It's a Boy or Girl" streamers and can be attached around the walls. These decorations are usually very affordable and an easy way to decorate. Confetti can come in shapes like rocking horses, ducks, or bears. It usually takes more time to clean up confetti, but it may be worth it for some parties.
4) Yard signs
Yard signs, particularly the popular stork yard sign, is a good way to announce a new baby and also let your neighbors know about your baby shower. Another benefit is that guests will be able to easily locate the house that the shower is being held at.
5) Centerpieces and placecard holders
A baby shower cake is the most common centerpiece for a shower. Other ideas include floral arrangements, baskets, and bouquets.
Themed placecard holders are commonly available for purchase online. You can also make your own by purchasing a regular placecard holder and attaching a clip-on stuffed bear for example. Flower shops often carry such items.
Decorating can be a challenging, but fun task and carefully selected decorations can really set the atmosphere for your baby shower party. (Criss White)
Friday, January 20, 2012
Persevere And Fly!
I had the opportunity to recently visit the Outer Banks of North Carolina. One of our stops was at The Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills.
The Wrights, Wilbur and Orville, were the first to design and build a flying aircraft that could be *controlled* while in the air. No one up to this point had used the three control factors; roll, pitch, and yaw. These three dimensions make it possible to fly from place to place. The aerospace business depends on this simple but brilliant idea. So do spacecraft and submarines.
This changed the way we view our world. Seen from above, distances shrink and the horizon stretches. The world seems grander, more vast and three-dimensional. Open to endless possibilities.
We talk about the perseverance needed to make our niche on the internet today. Just think of Wilbur and Orville. Their accomplishment certainly didn't happen overnight!
Wilbur and Orville were 12 and 8 years of age, respectively, when their father brought home a simple toy rubber band-powered helicopter made in France. They were so intrigued by the concept and playing with it, it broke! Immediately, they began building copies.
They were hooked on aviation!
In 1900, as young men, having built their first glider, they decided to try it out at Kitty Hawk on Kill Devil Hills. It provided consistent stiff winds, and the somewhat cushioning effects of sand and water. That first flight was unsuccessful, but it didn't deter them.
After several more tries, on December 17, 1903, with a much improved bi-plane, they risked their lives and threw caution to the wind. They ended up flying the world's first powered airplane.
(Beginning at 10:35 a.m. that day, Orville flew it about 120 feet in about 12 seconds. About 12:00 p.m., Wilbur flew it 852 feet in 59 seconds)!
Johnny Moore, one of five men who helped them that morning drag the contraption across the frozen sand for positioning, ran to the village of Kitty Hawk crying, "They done it! They done it! Damned if they ain't flew."
The birth of aviation!
At this time, Wilbur was 36 and Orville 32. Roughly 24 years had passed since their father gave them that toy!
I got to thinking as we walked around the monument (with 40 mph steady winds and pelting sand adding to the mood!) of how they never gave up. The exhilaration they must have felt when they realized they'd done it! Their perseverance had paid off.
If you have a dream, work at it. If it doesn't turn out as expected the first time, don't give up! Try again! Who wants to live and say somewhere down the road, "if only" or "what if?" Stick to what you want to accomplish. Don't ever give up! (Mary Holzrichter)
The Wrights, Wilbur and Orville, were the first to design and build a flying aircraft that could be *controlled* while in the air. No one up to this point had used the three control factors; roll, pitch, and yaw. These three dimensions make it possible to fly from place to place. The aerospace business depends on this simple but brilliant idea. So do spacecraft and submarines.
This changed the way we view our world. Seen from above, distances shrink and the horizon stretches. The world seems grander, more vast and three-dimensional. Open to endless possibilities.
We talk about the perseverance needed to make our niche on the internet today. Just think of Wilbur and Orville. Their accomplishment certainly didn't happen overnight!
Wilbur and Orville were 12 and 8 years of age, respectively, when their father brought home a simple toy rubber band-powered helicopter made in France. They were so intrigued by the concept and playing with it, it broke! Immediately, they began building copies.
They were hooked on aviation!
In 1900, as young men, having built their first glider, they decided to try it out at Kitty Hawk on Kill Devil Hills. It provided consistent stiff winds, and the somewhat cushioning effects of sand and water. That first flight was unsuccessful, but it didn't deter them.
After several more tries, on December 17, 1903, with a much improved bi-plane, they risked their lives and threw caution to the wind. They ended up flying the world's first powered airplane.
(Beginning at 10:35 a.m. that day, Orville flew it about 120 feet in about 12 seconds. About 12:00 p.m., Wilbur flew it 852 feet in 59 seconds)!
Johnny Moore, one of five men who helped them that morning drag the contraption across the frozen sand for positioning, ran to the village of Kitty Hawk crying, "They done it! They done it! Damned if they ain't flew."
The birth of aviation!
At this time, Wilbur was 36 and Orville 32. Roughly 24 years had passed since their father gave them that toy!
I got to thinking as we walked around the monument (with 40 mph steady winds and pelting sand adding to the mood!) of how they never gave up. The exhilaration they must have felt when they realized they'd done it! Their perseverance had paid off.
If you have a dream, work at it. If it doesn't turn out as expected the first time, don't give up! Try again! Who wants to live and say somewhere down the road, "if only" or "what if?" Stick to what you want to accomplish. Don't ever give up! (Mary Holzrichter)
Sunday, January 15, 2012
15 Top Blog Marketing Tips
1. Place all your feeds on the following website and the directories listed on this page - http://www.rss-feeds-directory.com/blog_lists.html
2. For fast inclusion into yahoo, get yourself a "my yahoo" page - http://my.yahoo.com/ and place your rss feed on that page.
3. Have a link which allows other people to put your rss feed on their own "my yahoo" page. See "my yahoo" for details.
4. For fast inclusion to msn, also open a "my msn" account and add your rss feed to that page.
5. Place your blog on all the major search engines - http://www.thewebtrafficco.com/search_engine.html
6. Join this site and add your blog (free) - http://www.BlogExplosion.com
7. Ping your blog after every post at - http://pingomatic.com/
8. Place a "blogroll" on your blog using - www.blogrolling.com
9. Make a blog post at least every day or less. Why? - http://www.feedforall.com/why-use-rss.htm If you don't think you can write enough content on a daily basis, there are many free articles out there you can use.
10. Invite other editors/writers or webmasters to write on your blog as co-editors. Make sure you allow them to include their "resource box" at the bottom of each post and set up an "about our editors" page.
11. Place a link and description to your blog on all your websites, out going emails and any autoresponder courses you have set up.
12. Announce your blog at forums you currently use/participate in.
13. Place informative responses in the "comments" box of other highly trafficked blogs in your field of business.
14. Once you have 10 to 15 posts on your blog, announce it with a press release.
15. Download this free rss marketing ebook by top Rss expert, ‘Rok Hrastnik’ - http://www.rss-feeds-directory.com/rss_the_business_case.zip. (Chris Taylor)
2. For fast inclusion into yahoo, get yourself a "my yahoo" page - http://my.yahoo.com/ and place your rss feed on that page.
3. Have a link which allows other people to put your rss feed on their own "my yahoo" page. See "my yahoo" for details.
4. For fast inclusion to msn, also open a "my msn" account and add your rss feed to that page.
5. Place your blog on all the major search engines - http://www.thewebtrafficco.com/search_engine.html
6. Join this site and add your blog (free) - http://www.BlogExplosion.com
7. Ping your blog after every post at - http://pingomatic.com/
8. Place a "blogroll" on your blog using - www.blogrolling.com
9. Make a blog post at least every day or less. Why? - http://www.feedforall.com/why-use-rss.htm If you don't think you can write enough content on a daily basis, there are many free articles out there you can use.
10. Invite other editors/writers or webmasters to write on your blog as co-editors. Make sure you allow them to include their "resource box" at the bottom of each post and set up an "about our editors" page.
11. Place a link and description to your blog on all your websites, out going emails and any autoresponder courses you have set up.
12. Announce your blog at forums you currently use/participate in.
13. Place informative responses in the "comments" box of other highly trafficked blogs in your field of business.
14. Once you have 10 to 15 posts on your blog, announce it with a press release.
15. Download this free rss marketing ebook by top Rss expert, ‘Rok Hrastnik’ - http://www.rss-feeds-directory.com/rss_the_business_case.zip. (Chris Taylor)
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
7 Money Saving Tips to Decrease Home Business Expenses
We all know that running a home business is highly satisfying, and at times downright liberating! No clock to punch, no dress code, and best of all, no boss to answer to. But there are also many facets of business ownership that entrepreneurs must stay on top of. One of those is keeping the expense to income ratio in balance. Below are seven painless ways to do just that.
1.To save on costly ink cartridges, print in draft mode, unless the printout is for a client or will be reproduced.
2.After spending your hard earned money on those ink cartridges, turn them into a free ream of paper! Many office supply stores offer a free ream of copy paper when you recycle a used ink cartridge at their store. Ask your local office supply store if they offer this service to their customers.
3.Make that free paper last twice as long. How many times have you printed something without spell checking it first? Use the back of those misprints for making lists and jotting down ideas. Another way to keep paper use down is to utilize the annoying sheets that often print out last with just a small ad or footer on them. Turn them over and print on the blank side.
4.Apply for a cash back/rewards credit card. Using one credit card for all of your business purchases simplifies bookkeeping and makes categorizing expenses at tax time a lot easier. Why not earn rewards such as airline miles or restaurant gift certificates, or even better- cash, on purchases you have to make anyway? Just be sure to fully read the fine print concerning interest charges and late fees. Or pay off the balance each month and avoid both!
5.Compare prices on internet service providers. Some companies offer a discount when internet access is bundled with cable or phone service. If you are really happy with your current ISP, call and ask if they are offering any promotions that you can take advantage of.
6.Network with other home business owners and offer to barter goods or services. If you own a gift basket business, assemble baskets featuring a direct sales consultant’s products, and customers are purchasing from both of you at once. A bookkeeper can trade services with a web page designer. The possibilities are endless. You just have to ask.
7.For low cost advertising, contact organizations holding charity auctions or raffles. You supply the prize, whether it’s jewelry or web hosting, and in return you receive exposure for your business and pleasure in donating to a worthy cause. (Paige Pate Hall)
1.To save on costly ink cartridges, print in draft mode, unless the printout is for a client or will be reproduced.
2.After spending your hard earned money on those ink cartridges, turn them into a free ream of paper! Many office supply stores offer a free ream of copy paper when you recycle a used ink cartridge at their store. Ask your local office supply store if they offer this service to their customers.
3.Make that free paper last twice as long. How many times have you printed something without spell checking it first? Use the back of those misprints for making lists and jotting down ideas. Another way to keep paper use down is to utilize the annoying sheets that often print out last with just a small ad or footer on them. Turn them over and print on the blank side.
4.Apply for a cash back/rewards credit card. Using one credit card for all of your business purchases simplifies bookkeeping and makes categorizing expenses at tax time a lot easier. Why not earn rewards such as airline miles or restaurant gift certificates, or even better- cash, on purchases you have to make anyway? Just be sure to fully read the fine print concerning interest charges and late fees. Or pay off the balance each month and avoid both!
5.Compare prices on internet service providers. Some companies offer a discount when internet access is bundled with cable or phone service. If you are really happy with your current ISP, call and ask if they are offering any promotions that you can take advantage of.
6.Network with other home business owners and offer to barter goods or services. If you own a gift basket business, assemble baskets featuring a direct sales consultant’s products, and customers are purchasing from both of you at once. A bookkeeper can trade services with a web page designer. The possibilities are endless. You just have to ask.
7.For low cost advertising, contact organizations holding charity auctions or raffles. You supply the prize, whether it’s jewelry or web hosting, and in return you receive exposure for your business and pleasure in donating to a worthy cause. (Paige Pate Hall)
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