When NOT to Get a Short Term Loan

Contrary to what you may have heard, short term loans are not soul-sucking financial monsters sent forth from the evil banking industry to drain your bank account and wreck your credit score. However, they’re not exactly angels of mercy sent to save you from a harrowing financial nightmare, either.

Forget everything you’ve ever learned about short term loans. Forget those ill-lit “Payday Advance” shops on the street corner. Forget the sob stories of your friends who used short term loans for anything from paying for a medical miracle treatment to a way of financing their latest yacht. Erase it all from your mind and approach the idea with a clean slate, free from judgment and ridicule, and decide anew after examining the true-blue facts.

Use the Right Financial Tool for the Right Financial Situation

Short term loans are a tool, just like a hammer or a screwdriver. You wouldn’t use a sledgehammer to hang a wall painting, and you wouldn’t use a hammer to take out that wall between your kitchen and your living room, now would you?

Short term loans are your sledgehammer: they’re not good for everyday occurrences, but there are still occasions where you’ll find yourself headed down to the hardware store to buy one. Before we learn about short term loans, however, we’ve got to address a few misconceptions about debt.

A Few Words on Debt…

Debt is a part of adulthood.

We’ll leave it up to you to decide whether it’s an unfortunate byproduct of modern society or a way of taking control of your personal finances. However you stand, debt is a necessary – if unfortunate – part of life. You’ll need to accrue debt when buying a house or a car, paying for your student loans, etc. In fact, you accrue (and pay off, hopefully) debt every time you use your credit card. However, accruing debt is a bit like walking on a balance beam: lean too far in either direction and you’ll fall.

If you’re using your credit cards to pay off your monthly expenses like rent or food costs, you’re not doing what financial experts call “living within your means.” You need to be using your income to take care of your regular expenses like food, water, and shelter. However, if you’re too scared to get a credit card even though you have a steady monthly income, you’ll have a hard time earning credit.

The main trick to managing debt is a simple principle: don’t write checks you can’t cash. Don’t give yourself monthly payments you can’t afford. If you can’t guarantee you can pay off that TV next month, don’t buy it. If you can’t guarantee you can pay your mortgage every month, don’t buy the house.

Take a Look at Your Debt’s Interest Rate

There are two main types of debt: high-interest and low-interest. Low-interest debt is generally your run-of-the-mill debt that most people have like a mortgage and federal student loans. It’s not exactly a pleasant thing to have, but it’s certainly better than high-interest debt.

High-interest debt is the debt found on your credit cards and – generally speaking – on your short term loans. This is the debt that you don’t want hanging over your head for a long period of time. It’s okay to accrue high-interest debt as long as you have a stable plan to pay it off.

When NOT to Get a Short Term Loan

Short term loans are not for every financial crisis you have. They’re like the glass box on the wall that says “Break in case of emergency.” In other words, you should only use them when absolutely necessary. Here’s when you shouldn’t get a short-term loan:

  1. To buy something you don’t need. It’s easy to crucify people who use short-term loans to buy things like fancy big-screen televisions or to put in an in-ground pool. However, you could just as easily use a short-term loan to finance something that doesn’t seem extravagant to you: an extra addition for a baby or a more fuel-efficient car.

However, you can keep saving for the addition by putting a bassinet in your room for the first few months. Though your gas bills are more costly, you know you can live with them; you can’t afford an entire new car, however.

  1. To purchase something you don’t have a plan for paying off. It doesn’t matter what you’re buying. You need a plan to pay back this loan or you’ll end up drowning in debt. Sit down with your budget and start slashing. Cut your morning coffee. Cut your bi-weekly movie trips. Cut your restaurant expenditures. You need a way to come up with those monthly payments or you’ll be writing a proverbial check that your bank account can’t cash.

When You SHOULD Get a Short Term Loan

  1. You’re facing a medical emergency in your family. This is a serious situation; you need the money and you need it now. You or your family’s health is at stake. If you don’t have the savings to cover it, you need to get a short term loan to pay the bills. Just know that you’ll be forced to severely cut your spending in the future.
  2. You need the money in order to make money. If your car breaks down and you don’t live in an area with public transportation, you’ll need to get your car fixed as soon as possible. If your glasses break and you’re an accountant, you need new glasses to start crunching numbers again. These are things you need to make an income; they’re considered a “necessity” so you can keep paying for your rent, electricity, food, etc.
  3. A family member is in financial trouble. If you’re absolutely positive you can pay off the debt and they’re unable to get a loan, you can save them from a financial crisis with a short term loan.

The Most Important Thing to Remember When Considering a Short Term Loan…

…is that you need a plan for paying off your debt. What expenses can you cut? What will you sacrifice? Make these commitments before you commit to a short term loan.

Six Things Every Guy Should Know Before Popping the Question

Now that you’ve decided to take the plunge and pop the biggest question of your life, it’s time to stop for a second and make sure all your bases are covered. Before following through with your decision, review this list to make sure you are completely prepared to get down on one knee.

1. Be Sure of Her Answer First

If you don’t have a clue about whether the answer will be yes or no, you shouldn’t propose yet. This can be an expensive and embarrassing mistake. Casually bring up the idea of marriage and children at an appropriate time or pay attention to what she has to say about other people’s marriages. Most women don’t have a problem letting you know when they’re ready for a lifelong commitment.

2. Choose the Perfect Ring

Because this ring will serve as the symbol of your love and commitment–and she’ll want to show it off to friends and family–choosing the right engagement ring is crucial. If you don’t already know what she likes, spend some time window shopping together. For a truly impressive ring that fits your budget, get creative with your shopping venues. Many people find beautiful engagement rings on eBay.

3. Plan the Proposal

Before you go any further, know how you will propose. This is a story your bride will be telling your grandchildren. Spend a few minutes and put some effort into coming up with a creative way that will make that story worth telling.

4. Be Prepared for Anything

Because an engagement ring can be a big investment, it’s great to know you’re prepared for anything. With a great insurance policy or a rider on your home-owner’s or renter’s policy, you’ll never have to worry about:

  • Your best man losing the ring
  • A thief breaking in and stealing the ring
  • Your bride dropping the ring down the drain
  • Either one of you tossing the ring into the ocean during a spat (It could happen!)

5. Keep it on the Down Low

Face it: Everyone has a friend with a big mouth. To make sure you surprise your bride-to-be, keep your plans a complete secret or know who you can trust.

6. Decide How You’ll Celebrate and Tell Everyone

After she says yes, you’ll both want to tell everyone and throw an engagement party. Allow her to tell her best girlfriends, her parents, and her sisters in her own time, but take some of the pressure off her by deciding on the perfect way to celebrate with your bigger circle of friends and family. Of course, you should double check to make sure she agrees with your ideas before carrying out your party plans.
Being prepared before popping the question is the best way to make sure everything goes smoothly. How will you propose?

The 5 Worst Driving Habits


It is unfortunate to consider how many bad driving habits one has performed. After all, it would be hard to imagine someone who has never gone over the speed limit, or done something to undermine their awareness for a bit. Take the time to re-evaluate how you fare with the following habits, which can be extremely dangerous – for you, others, and your wallet.

     1.  Texting

Talking on the phone while driving is bad enough – which we will group here – but texting is extremely dangerous. According to a 2009 experiment with “Car and Driver” editor Eddie Alterman, it is more dangerous than driving drunk. Reading or sending a text message adds another layer of distraction on the cell phone still, resulting in a scary combination.

     2.  Drunk Driving

There is good reason why so much has been directed against drunk driving. It costs people their lives, and is certainly one of the worst driving habits. Apart from physical danger, a DUI can remain on your record for 10 years in some states, giving long-term impact on your record for auto insurance, and with the law.

     3.  Speeding

The laws of physics are simple: thus, when you drive faster, you as well as your car are unable to react as well. Add in some rain, snow, black ice, a noisy passenger, or another car speeding, and this becomes more life-threatening. The impact of a crash is accelerated at higher speeds as well. Obey speed limits to keep the roads safe.

     4.  Lack of a Seat Belt

Putting on a seat belt should be the first thing you do when you get into a car, something that is second nature to you. Seat belts and airbags save lives, and it is important to put on your seat belt. You should also ensure that children are properly secured in the automobile as well.

     5.  Tailgating

Can’t follow the two-second rule? If this is the case – speaking of decreased reaction time – you might not be able to stop in time. Give yourself adequate space when you drive. The only tailgating you should do is at a sports event.
The list could go on, certainly not forgetting the broad area of distracted driving, road rage, and much more. Don’t undermine the safety of anyone on the road. This can threaten lives as well as have repercussions on finances and premiums. Pay attention to the road and safe driving habits.

The Art of Multitasking

You have a million things to do, but can never seem to get yourself organized enough to do everything efficiently. If this sounds like you, you may want to acquaint yourself with the art of multitasking.
Multitasking is a delicate art that requires a lot of organizing and balance. If you are not a naturally organized person, you may want a little help.
It’s no secret that day to day life can get hectic. Managing school and work can require a delicate balance that can sometimes get out of control. To keeps things running smoothly in your life, here are some ways to multitask more effectively.

Become a Scheduling Maniac

Okay, so maybe not a maniac, but at least fanatical. If you need to multitask effectively, then up-to-date scheduling should form a large part of your daily processes. Schedules help you to stay in control by telling you:

  • what you have to do each day
  • at what time it needs to be done
  • how long it will take
  • who will be involved.

Successful business people have long known the benefits of scheduling. If you are a busy mum or student, then you too can reap the benefits of such an effective time keeping and organizing method. It will give you a very quick picture of your tasks so you can decide the level of importance of each one.

Don’t Get Overwhelmed With the Big Picture

Many small tasks are involved in completing a bigger task, and many of these small tasks will need to be completed with your fantastic multitasking skills. Focus on what you have to do in the now, and break things down into manageable tasks. Only break down tasks as small as they need to go. If you break them down too far, you may inadvertently be giving yourself added pressure.
Decide what can be done together, and then stick to it. Remember, do the most important first!

Practice Multitasking Mise en Place

In cooking, all of the ingredients are prepared beforehand to make cooking easier. In multitasking, a similar practice should be adhered to for the best results.

Before you begin each day, prep your work area (or yourself) so that you will not have to stop what you are doing because you need to find something. If you are going to be at a desk all day working on a business project or a school assignment, have everything you think you will need close by. Without this, your multitasking groove may be interrupted and you might lose focus.

Multitasking can be challenging. However, with a few simple ideas it can become easy as pie!
What are some ways you tackle multitasking?

Android Cell Phone FAQ: Put Your Fears to Rest

With the ubiquitous Apple ad campaign for the iPhone — from billboards to cabs to subway terminals, and other public spaces — you would think the computing giant is running away with the cell phone market, as well as taken over the world. Not true.

It turns out Apple’s smartphone operating system, iOS, and the iPhone, have a very worthy opponent: Android. So, if you own a prepaid blackberry or you’re an Android user suffering from an inferiority complex because of all the Apple propaganda, it’s time to put your fears to rest. You will see that the Android army is much bigger and better equipped than you think.

No one will EVER beat Apple in the smartphone market, right?

Wrong. In 2010, Androids made up 33% of the smartphone market, compared to 22% by iPhone. From 2009 to 2010, Android’s share of the smartphone market increased by 16% while Apple only experienced a 4% bump. Over the past two years, activations of Android phones have increased up to 100,000 a day. If this were a candy market, Android would be a chocolate bar and the iPhone, black licorice.

Are Android phones cool enough for hipsters?

Definitely. Androids are perfect for young, tech-savvy professionals living in the city, who love to drink PBR in a can and wear trucker caps, better known as hipsters. In fact, people under the age of 34 make up 60% of Android users. Past your mid-30s it’s time to stop being a hipster, well, at least stop wearing skinny jeans.

Can a business tycoon use an Android?

Yes. More Android owners use their devices for other things than playing games. Consider 37% of users spend the majority of their time on email and 21% on games. Compare that to iPhone users who drop seven times more money on games.

Plus, there are numerous Android business apps available that can do everything from build spreadsheets to manage projects and make monetary transactions.

Can Android users help save the economy?

Sure. Android users are good spenders, who can help pump money into the economy. For one, each month Android users are twice as likely to make a purchase or payment on their smartphones as owners of other devices. In addition, Android owners are active consumers, clicking on ads 81% more than their iPhone counterparts.

Just how manly are Android users?

 Very; 73% of people that own an Android smartphone are male. Meanwhile, males make up 57% of iPhone users. While reports that women find men who own iPhones more attractive have been overblown, owning a smartphone still can’t compare to owning a dog.

Isn’t Android another corporate tool for world domination?

No way. Unlike other devices that run on technology from Apple or Microsoft, Android is the only open source operating system used on major smartphone devices. That means, its 12 million lines of code is available for all to see, in significant contrast to other proprietary systems that keep all their information well guarded, likely hidden in a deep mountain cave shared by Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Satan.

So is there only one phone, like iPhone, that features Android technology?

Not at all. You can find Android on 7 of the 10 best-selling smartphones in the world. For those keeping score in the battle against Apple, that’s 7 to 1. And it doesn’t stop there. Android also operates on numerous devices including TVs, e-readers, netbooks, and tablet computers.

Are there enough Android apps to satisfy an app-addict?

Always. In the past two years, the Android Market increased the number of its apps from 16,000 to 70,000. Since its release, there have been more than 1 billion apps downloaded. That should keep any user on an app high.

Did most Android users sign up because the phone was a Christmas gift from their grandmother?

Of course not. Nearly 10% of Android users were actually once iPhone users. Meanwhile, over half of Android users chose an Android device as their very first smartphone. And a whopping 100% of people that received an Android smartphone for Christmas from their grandmother said they have a cool grandmother.

Is it true that Android is only big in Germany like David Hasselhoff?

 False. While nothing will reach the heights of popularity like David Hasselhoff in Germany, the Android is pretty big in the U.S. with 66% of its users residing there. China comes in second; followed by numerous countries in Europe, including Germany.

Conclusion

Are you still fearful? These answers should help alleviate any concerns current and potential recruits to the Android army have about Android’s place in the world of smartphones.

As it turns out, Android is doing quite well with its bad self, making a name in a plethora of electronic devices. Like in a game of Risk, Android is growing around the globe and will continue to do so for years.

7 Cool Things Your Smartphone Can Do

Smartphones are almost everything geeks have ever dreamed of. The phrase, “there’s an app for that” is symbolic. True geeks dream of solving every conceivable problem. Having an app for that simply means that a particular problem has been solved. Let’s take a look at some solutions available on smartphones today.

1. Need a Level?

Eliminating the need for a long piece of metal with tubes of liquid at either end, smartphones offer the ability to determine the slope of virtually anything. That’s a lot more convenient than digging through a toolbox in the garage to find an old school level!

2. Locate Yourself

Know where you are, but not where you’re headed? Know where you’re headed, but not where you are? Either situation is simply handled by the GPS inside a smartphone, which can direct you where you’re going or tell you where you are in a moment.

3. Remote Control

Don’t wonder where you put the remote ever again; whip your phone out of our pocket and control the TV with it instead. Want to bug your pals or play practical jokes? Sync up to their TV and change channels on their set when you visit. They’ll never figure it out.

4. Portable Jukebox

With speakers that play music externally, your smartphone need not only be listened to as a personal music player with headphones. Jam out to your favorite tunes with your buddies wherever you find yourselves — hiking, hanging around in the garage, or even on the sidewalk as you wait for another pal to arrive.

5. Keep in Touch

Snapping pictures on one’s phone has been common for a decade. What’s new is the ability to share the picture you just snapped with all of your Facebook friends by sending it directly from your phone to your FB account. That’s a lot cooler than having to wait until you get home and plug your camera in with a wire.

6. Help Control Your Finances

If you’re smart enough to use a prepaid credit card to keep from overspending, you’re aware how easy it is to lose track of how much you’ve spent in the whirlwind of life. Get text alerts with the Reach card and never worry about running short of funds on a date again!

7. Blog from the Field

If you run a blog, chances are you’re interested in posting new stuff frequently. Why wait until you’re at your desktop or laptop computer? With a smartphone, you can blog while you wait at the airport or even provide updates from a chef’s kitchen or during waiting times at an amusement park. In short, any time you’d otherwise be standing around unoccupied can now be blogging time.

As the unusual becomes normal, the term geek is becoming harder to quantify. It’s hard not to appreciate a smartphone that seems as if it can do everything. Has a smartphone revolutionized your life?

Staying Organized with Technological Advancements

Google Calendar

Image by HRC via Flickr

There are many ways that technology can help individuals stay organized. Whether in a business sense or simply for personal use at home, gadgets can help to eliminate clutter and reduce how much a person must rely on paper documents to stay on top of appointments and other events.

The Google Calendar is very useful for anyone with a Google account, as it allows for updating from anywhere with Internet access. Many individuals choose to sync the calendar items with their Smartphones in order to keep track of things while on the go. Another great tool is iGoogle, which allows users to customize their Google home page to feature news and updates on subjects about which they are interested in learning. This saves time because users won’t have to visit multiple sites to get the latest information. Craft enthusiasts can create online scrapbooks instead of paper scrapbooks that will take up space and clutter the home.

Even small business owners and employees can use technology to keep track of products and services. Instead of keeping lengthy logs of every item that comes into the warehouse or store, there are tracking devices that can quickly scan products, log them into the database, and be done. This eliminates the need for boxes of paperwork to keep track of items. It also helps to save time for employees who can perform a simple search with a few clicks, instead of having to hunt through logs.

When trying to get a home or office organized, turn to technology to help. Backing up files is smart, and it can be much simpler than trying to keep paper trails.

Get the MOST From Your HD: Tips & Warnings

High definition (HD) is all the rage nowadays. In fact, if you don’t have HD you certainly must be living under a rock . . . or in the Middle Ages . . . or without a TV. If you are one who has yet to embrace the HD revolution, now is the time.

You probably have a lot of questions running through your mind: How do I set it up? How do I optimize HD? Who is the best direct tv provider? No worries! All of your questions are about to be answered. If you follow these tips, you’ll never experience a friend stopping-by, asking why you don’t have HD (when you actually do, but it’s misconfigured).

Setting up HD

Image Credit: farm3.static.flickr.com/2689/4033645889_38dfe4a4ae.jpg

It’s now time to set up your new HD TV. This includes much more than mounting it to the wall and making sure the TV fits in with your decorating style (or lack thereof). This is your new HD TV and you want to make sure you are getting the best picture, all the time. Here are some tips for getting set up correctly:

  1. Where will you place your TV? The most important step is to mount your TV where you’ll get the optimal viewing pleasure. If you place your TV above your fireplace, you may end up with a cramped neck every time you sit down to watch your favorite show. It’s recommended to sit closer, rather than farther from your TV. For example, a 42-inch, 1080p TV should be 4 to 6 feet from your seating arrangements. Much closer than you may have realized. A viewing angle of about 40 degrees should be about perfect.
  2. Keep your TV eye level. If you put your TV on a stand or mount it to the wall, it makes no difference. Your screen should be eye level, with no interference from a light source, such as a light fixture or a window.
  3. Get a surge protector. But not just any surge protector. You’ll need a good AV surge protector. This will keep your TV safe from voltage spikes, lightening, or any other power surges.

Optimizing HD

You’re all set up and now it’s time to make the most out of your TV time. You’ll want to make sure you have optimized your HD TVto get you the best picture.

  1. Choose the aspect to ratio different. A standard-definition TV uses a 4:3 ratio. Your HD TV has a 16:9 ratio. Choose to “pillarbox” the image at an unaltered 4:3 image ratio. This will give you a nice viewing experience in standard definition and will give you the “wow” factor in HD.
  2. Set up your DVD player. Your DVD player is likely set to your old TV — to a 4:3 ratio. You need to reprogram your DVD to play in a 16:9 ratio. Press the “setup” button on your remote control and then look for the output option. This is where you’ll set the new ratio. If you have an HD DVD player or a BluRay, go ahead and eliminate this step.
  3. Label your inputs/outputs. An HD TV has a lot of inputs and output connections. If you label these inputs and outputs, you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration down the road. For example, you can label one option “DVD player” instead of leaving it as “AV 4.
  4. Program all of your remotes. If you have multiple remotes, you’ll want to program them so you know which remote goes with which device. If you’re really smart, you’ll invest in a universal remote that will get rid of all the extra remotes.

Best HD Providers

 

Image Credit: farm4.static.flickr.com/3481/4002309085_a1e78bc16d.jpg

Now that you know how to set HD up and get the most out of it, it’s time to choose a provider. There are many HD providers that can get you up and going, but you want to make sure you choose a provider who will get you the features you want — at a price you can afford.

DirecTV:

DirecTV is probably one of the best known names out there when it comes to quality TV service. When you choose Direct TV for HD services you’ll get:

  • The best picture; in fact, crystal clear picture
  • 1080p HD picture — known as BluRay format plus 1080 movies
  • Cinema quality and video store selection, without leaving the comfort of your home.
  • FREE HD Service when you choose CHOICE XTRA, CHOICE ULTIMATE, or PREMIER packages.
  • 160 full-time HD channels

Some of the channels DirecTV offers are:

  • Food Network
  • NFL Network
  • HGTV
  • TLC
  • TNT
  • FX
  • HBO
  • And many, many more

DISH Network

Here you have another company offering quality HD services. With DISH Network, you can expect:

  • HD free for life, with certain packages
  • Brilliant color
  • Unprecedented details
  • Best HD content
  • The ability to watch one show, while recording another
  • Pause, record, and playback live TV

Some of the channels from DISH Network are:

  • Animal Planet
  • ESPN HD
  • Cartoon Network
  • Bravo
  • USA
  • Travel Channel
  • And many, many more

It’s Time for HD 

 

For a true TV experience, it’s time to invest in an HD TV. You can have access to better picture quality, making it seem like you are at the movies when you are at home in your pajamas. There will be no more squinting to see your screen and you can finally watch TV the way it was meant to be seen.

Staying Within a Budget

Budget and Spending

Image via Wikipedia

Members of the lower class, middle class, and upper class can probably better relate to one another during a struggling economy. Even individuals who had high-paying careers a few years ago may be struggling to make ends meet, after budget cuts at work or even being laid off from a big company.

Creating and sticking to a budget is a must in order to pay for the necessities and not have to live paycheck to paycheck every month. Some people may think budgeting is a negative way to manage money, but it will actually help them to realize where there money is going every month. The first step is to sit down with a few months worth of bank and credit card statements. Figuring out how much money must go toward living expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, groceries, utilities, and car payments is a must in figuring out how much is left.

After this has been determined, setting reasonable limits is step two. If at all possible, budget some money to be saved from every paycheck. This puts dollars into a fund for emergencies or unexpected expenses that may arise, and prevents the stress of wondering how these expenses will be covered.

Step three is to stick to the budget! It may seem easy at first, but those who enjoy a lavish lifestyle and are more materialistic may have a hard time not shopping. However, just keep remembering the feelings of financial strain and stress involved with not having enough money to pay the bills, and hopefully budgeting and saving for the future will become second nature.

Keep the Relationship Strong

The good news is that strengthening a relationship doesn’t require great amounts of sacrifice, money or – to some extent time – although it may require a little of all or some of these qualities.

The overall goal in strengthening a relationship is to reinforce to your partner that they are the most important thing in your life – not just the most important person, but supreme above all other pursuits you might undertake or enjoy. If you are able to secure this emotion on a regular basis, you are on the right track to keeping your relationship happy and healthy.

 

Square Dance Group

Image via Wikipedia

The first bit of advice is to remember your feelings during your initial time of courtship. You were automatically motivated to please the other person. In fact your sole reward during this time was to be with your partner and that was completely satisfying to you.  Keep that attitude alive as the days and weeks begin to accumulate. Over time, of course, the auto response mechanism that kicked into gear at the beginning will won’t work so automatically. You will have to exert some effort to remember and to respond as you did when you were dating.

The second bit of advice is to find activities you enjoy doing together. Though watching television technically counts, it isn’t as effective as a pursuit which requires interaction. Corny perhaps, much more powerful are those couples who go square dancing together, or play cards. I would suggest taking classes as a couple – learn a new language or how to program a computer. It doesn’t matter as long as you both enjoy it and you do it together.